First Titan IV Space Booster Launches

March 8, 1991

The first Martin Marietta Titan IV heavy-lift space booster to be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., lifts off. The booster carries a classified payload.

In Wake of Venezuela, Nonkinetic Effects ‘at the Forefront of Everything We Do’: Official

Jan. 29, 2026

While many details remain classified, top officials are starting to share more about how cyber and electronic warfare played a pivotal role in the raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.

Air Force Orders No-Notice Readiness Inspections to Hold Commanders to Account

Jan. 29, 2026

Air Force senior leaders may have recently cut back on the number of required annual inspections, but they are now requiring units to undergo separate, surprise readiness inspections that will hold commanders accountable for their outfit’s combat readiness, acting Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus…

Defense Primes ‘Committed to the Dividend’ but Pledge More Production

Jan. 29, 2026

Following the Trump administration’s call for defense companies to prioritize investments in production capacity and technology development over shareholder payouts, some of the Pentagon’s largest prime contractors say they’re attempting to strike a balance between the government’s needs and investor demands.

Rotor Wash Knocked Down and Killed a Spectator at Kadena Event: Report

Jan. 28, 2026

Poor event planning and staffing contributed to a fatal mishap last April at Kadena Air Base, Japan, when rotor wash from an HH-60W helicopter knocked over a Japanese teacher from a Department of Defense Education Activity school attending a public aerial demonstration, according to an Air Force investigation.

Air Force B-1 Bombers, F-15 Fighters Tapped for Super Bowl Flyover

Jan. 28, 2026

U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers and F-15C Strike Eagle fighters will join Navy combat aircraft in a flyover of Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 to help commemorate America’s 250 birthday celebration.

Space Force Launches Ninth GPS III Satellite amid Push for Resilient PNT

Jan. 28, 2026

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched a GPS III spacecraft on Jan. 27, the ninth of 10 planned GPS III spacecraft to reach orbit. The GPS III satellites bring increased accuracy and anti-jam capabilities to the GPS constellation, which now numbers 32satellites.

New Defense Strategy Prioritizes Western Hemisphere. Where Does that Leave the Pacific?

Jan. 27, 2026

The Pentagon released its new National Defense Strategy late Jan. 23, emphasizing a new commitment to the Western Hemisphere. But while that focus garnered most of the headlines, the strategy’s subtle shifts on China raise questions about how the Trump administration aims to leverage U.S. military power in the Indo-Pacific.

Boeing Takes First KC-46 Charge Since 2024

Jan. 27, 2026

Boeing announced a new $565 million charge on its contract for the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, its first loss on the program since 2024. In a Jan. 27 earnings call, company leaders said the charge is due to cost growth on the 767 airliner, which is the basis for the tanker,…

Contract to Expand B-21 Production Coming by March

Jan. 27, 2026

Northrop Grumman expects to strike a deal with the Air Force to accelerate B-21 bomber production by the end of March, CEO Kathy Warden said Jan. 27.

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