The Mach 3 SR-71 Blackbird: The Undisputed King of Spy Planes

The Mach 3 SR-71 Blackbird: The Undisputed King of Spy Planes

PUBLISHED on August 16, 2025, 11:30 AM EDT – Key Points and Summary: There was no superior replacement for the SR-71 at its retirement, and a reconnaissance satellite couldn’t cover all the scenarios the Blackbird did. Instead, it was that jet’s high costs that ultimately forced it into permanent retirement—but not before American lawmakers forced the U.S. Air Force to pull a few back into service. The SR-71 Blackbird Was Not Retired Because of …