NATO’s current approach to air and missile defense prioritizes domestic politics and economic interests over allied cooperation and interoperability. The allies can do more to integrate their air defenses into a stronger, collective architecture.
The Iran-Israel air conflict presents an unprecedented success story for air and missile defense and highlights the use of these defenses to save lives, protect property, and reduce pressures on policymakers.
Small drones present a serious threat on the modern battlefield. This report examines the threat, the various kinetic and non-kinetic defenses available to defeat them, and how the U.S. Department of Defense has approached this air defense mission across the joint force.
On February 9, the U.S. Air Force successfully test launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in southern California. The missile flew roughly 6,800 km before splashing near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.
On February 27, North Korea test fired an unknown short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). The missile was launched from Sunan, located near the capital of Pyongyang, and ranged around 300 km and reached an altitude of 620 km. This launch marks the eighth of its kind this year, with the most recent test taking place on...
On February 23, South Korea test fired its indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM), designed primarily to intercept ballistic missiles. The state-run Agency for Defense Development oversaw the launch at a testing site in Taean, located 150 km southwest of Seoul. South Korea plans to deploy L-SAM by 2026 as a mid-capability between its PAC-3 and...
On February 21, Israel completed the first series of live-fire tests of its C-Dome air defense system. According to the Israel Defense Force, the tests “simulated a number of advanced threats including rocket fire, cruise missiles & UAVs, which the ‘C-Dome’ is designed to successfully intercept.” The C-Dome is a naval version of Israel’s Iron...
On February 7, the U.S. State Department approved a potential Patriot refurbishment package to Taiwan. The deal is estimated to cost $100 million and includes “engineering services support, designed to sustain, maintain, and improve” the Patriot air defense systems already based in Taiwan.
On January 30, North Korea test fired a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). The missile reportedly ranged 800 km and reached an altitude of 2,000 km before splashing down in the sea east of the country. North Korea first tested the Hwasong-12, also known as the KN-17, in May 2017. This marks the fourth Hwasong-12...
On January 5, North Korea test fired a ballistic missile with a maneuvering reentry vehicle (MaRV). The missile was fired from a road-mobile launcher and ranged about 700 km before splashing into the Sea of Japan. According to North Korea, the “hypersonic missile” made a 120 km “lateral movement” maneuver.
