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Magazine Issue

Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, March 9, 2026

VOL. 295 NO. 45 March 09, 2026
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Funding & Policy

President Donald Trump speakers to military leaders in September 2025 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Defense Department photo.
article

Trump Opens Dialogue With Defense Industry Leaders

Mar 06, 2026
Leaders of seven top defense firms in a meeting with President Donald Trump appeared to reaffirm agreements to increase production of in-demand munitions.
f-35 final assembly
article

Switzerland Eyes European Air Defenses, Settles For Fewer F-35s

Mar 06, 2026
Switzerland is walking away from adding funds to its F-35 budget to preserve the original plan of fielding 36 aircraft, while embarking on an effort to acquire another air defense system.

Daily Briefs

In Brief

Operations

fighter jets
article

Israel Vows More ‘Surprises’ As Operations Focus On Iranian Missiles

Mar 06, 2026
The Israeli military said it would employ further ways to throw Iran off guard as its ops with the U.S. enter a new phase at the end of the first week of fighting.

Programs

Airbus Helicopters
article

Airbus’ Survey Copter Contracted For European Defense Agency Studies

Mar 04, 2026
Survey Copter, has been contracted by the European Defense Agency for a four-year project to develop a multirole hybrid UAS for military missions.
A small UAS flies during a demonstration for the Point Defense Battle Lab at Grand Forces AFB, N.D. Credit: U.S. Air Force
article

USAF Wants Tech To ID, Kill Drones For Base Defense

Mar 06, 2026
The USAF laboratory charged with protecting installations from small uncrewed aircraft systems is out with two new solicitations.
usaf
article

Merlin Labs Completes First Review Of C-130J Autonomy Software

Mar 05, 2026
Merlin Labs announced the completion of a preliminary design review for an autonomy software package for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules on March 5.
helicopter
article

Leonardo Helicopters ‘Thinking’ AW139 Evolution

Mar 03, 2026
Leonardo Helicopters has given his strongest indication yet that the company is working on an evolution of its best-selling AW139 medium-twin rotorcraft.
Sikorsky is targeting a production rate of 12 S-92s per year. Credit: Sikorsky
article

Sikorsky Begins Building Upgraded S-92A+ Helicopters

Mar 06, 2026
Sikorsky has launched production of the first batch of upgraded S-92A+ helicopters as it moves the twin-engine aircraft into a new production phase.
royal navy ships
article

UK Royal Navy Seeks Counter To Air, Surface Drones

Mar 06, 2026
The UK is looking for weapons that can take out both drone boats and UAS in its latest push to rapidly add effectors to handle these growing threats.

The Debrief

– Near Earth Autonomy Caption – Near Earth Autonomy is flying an ex-U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk converted into an RUC-60 uncrewed logistics platform
article

Debrief: Black Hawk Becomes Favored Autonomy Platform

Mar 06, 2026
In the drive to bring innovations to aviation, the Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk is emerging as a leading candidate for upgrades in defense.

Business

Hexcel signage
article

Hexcel Strikes Surprise Deal With Activist; Keating Joins Board

Mar 04, 2026
Hexcel has revealed an agreement with activist investor Vision One whereby the latter gets an immediate seat on its board of directors.
vast
article

Vast Eyes Haven Expansion With $500 Million Financing Infusion

Mar 05, 2026
Commercial space station developer Vast says it has secured $500 million in additional funding to help underpin plans to deploy its Haven orbital outpost.

Technology

hyper
article

U.S. Air Force Plans To Reactivate Unique Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

Mar 02, 2026
The U.S. Air Force has initiated its plan to reactivate a wind tunnel capable of testing hypersonic vehicles and engines.

Fleet Snapshot

Calendar