On July 7, Yemen’s Houthi rebels unveiled a new ballistic missile and new images of three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at a military exhibition in Sana’a, Yemen. The winged ballistic missile is designated the “Quds-1” and the three UAVs are named the “Samad-1,” “Samad-3,” and “Qasef.” Related Links: Revealing New Weapons at Martyr Al-Sammad Exhibition...
On July 1, the Swedish Armed Forces announced their plan to deploy an updated surface-to-air missile defense system on the island of Gotland amid heightened tensions with Russia. The new system will replace the mobile anti-aircraft guns the military previously used. Sweden has been bolstering its armed forces in the Baltic Sea region since Moscow’s...
On June 30, Russia began production of its new S-500 surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov, the S-500 will be delivered to troops in the next few years. Previously, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that the systems would be delivered in 2020. Reports note that the S-500 system...
On June 30, a Syrian antiair missile failed to hit its target and fell along a mountainside near Nicosia in northern Cyprus. The projectile was fired by Syrian air defenses forces as Israeli aircraft targeted Syrian, Hezbollah, and Iranian military positions, with that operation reportedly resulting in 16 people killed and 21 wounded. The Syrian...
On June 27, the Russian Defense Ministry ordered a new delivery of 9M728 (SSC-7) cruise missiles for its Iskander-M launchers. According to reports, the Defense Ministry signed a contract to deliver 9M728 missiles at the sidelines of the ongoing Army-2019 forum. The 9M728 cruise missile has a claimed range of 490 km. Related Links: Russia’s...
On June 22, the U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118). The Flight IIA Aegis ship honors the late Hawaiian senator and World War II veteran. Senator Inouye is the only senator to receive the Medal of Freedom and the Medal of Honor. The Inouye is the USN’s 68th...
On June 20, the United States 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command engaged in an air defense exercise over the Black Sea alongside Romanian forces in Capu Midia, Romania. Known as Saber Guardian, the exercise integrated Patriot, Stinger, and Hawk missile systems from the United States to test allied interoperability and improve readiness to shoot...
On June 12, the U.S. Air Force successfully conducted the first test of the AGM-183A Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) on a B-52H bomber at Edwards Air Force Base in California. According to USAF, this initial test employed a “sensor-only” prototype and was used to collect data on drag and vibration impacts both on...
On June 4, the U.S. Navy announced its plans to rotate four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers currently forward deployed in Rota, Spain. The USS Donald Cook (DDG-75), USS Ross (DDG-71), USS Porter (DDG-78), and USS Carney (DDG-64) will likely be replaced with Aegis ships featuring the newer Baseline 9 combat system. The Navy also plans to relocate...
In early June, the U.S. Air Force conducted air and missile defense drills alongside multiple allies at Aviano Air Base in Italy and other locations in Europe. Known as Astral Knight 2019, the exercise integrated airmen, soldiers, and sailors from the United States, Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia to train and test allied interoperability. Terminal High...
