Lockheed Martin, builder of the F-35B, said its newly declared operational status with the Marine Corps “represents a quantum leap in air dominance capability.” Aside from being the first operational supersonic, stealthy STOVL jet, the F-35B has “the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history, to provide unprecedented lethality and survivability,” and has “ushered in a new era in military aviation.” Engine maker Pratt & Whitney said the on-time IOC declaration is due to “the unyielding commitment and leadership of the marines.” The ability of the F-35B to operate from practically any location represents a “revolutionary capability” for the service, and Pratt said it will continue to work with the marines to prove the “indispensability” of the F-35B “to our nation’s? and allies’ security.”
Pentagon Task Force, FAA to Test Counter-Drone Laser
March 7, 2026
The Pentagon’s counter-drone task force announced it would conduct a high-energy laser test with the Federal Aviation Administration less than a month after the use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border prompted the FAA to shut down the airspace over El Paso, Texas.