On September 2, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command test launched an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The missile traveled approximately 6,760 km to its target in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. The USAF last test fired the Minuteman III in August 2020. Related Links: Unarmed Minuteman III test...
On August 12, Hungary finalized a $1 billion acquisition deal to buy U.S.-made air defenses. The acquisition consists of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sale (DCS). The FMS component includes 60 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) interceptors, valued at $230 million and approved by the U.S. State Department in May 2020....
On August 12, the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted a joint test of the Arrow missile defense system. Designated Arrow Weapon System Test-18a (AST-18a), the event featured an Arrow 2 interceptor successfully engaging a medium-range ballistic missile target over the Mediterranean Sea. The interceptor was launched from a...
On August 4, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command test launched an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The missile was equipped with three test reentry vehicles and traveled about 6,760 km to its target in the Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. The USAF last test fired the Minuteman III in...
On July 9, the U.S. State Department approved a potential $620 million repair and recertification contract for Taiwan’s Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missiles. The FMS package includes replacing PAC-3 components near expiration, testing and repairs of the current inventory, spare parts for ground support equipment, and logistical support. The PAC-3 uses hit-to-kill technology to intercept...
On June 28, the United States and partner forces interdicted a dhow allegedly carrying Iranian weapons to Yemen. According to U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, who described the seizure during a July 8 press conference, the vessel was interdicted off the Yemen coast carrying 200 RPGs, 21 surface-to-air and land-attack missiles, several antitank missiles,...
In late June, India’s armed forces deployed the Akash quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to eastern Ladakh in Kashmir amid tensions with China. The system was deployed “to prevent any misadventure by the Chinese Air Force fighter jets or the People’s Liberation Army choppers there,” Indian government officials told local media. The Akash is a...
On June 26, U.S. defense contractor Raytheon received a finalized contract for seven AN/TPY-2 radars to Saudi Arabia. The $2.3 billion contract is part of a larger $15 billion foreign military sale of seven Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries and related support, equipment, and services that was approved in October 2017. Related Links:...
Limitations on the Houthi missile arsenal will be a necessary component of any lasting peace.
On June 18, Iran announced that its navy had successfully test fired a new cruise missile in a military exercise designated “Ramadan Martyrs.” The test missile was launched from the northern Indian Ocean and reportedly struck a target 280 km away. Related Links: Iran Tests New Naval Missiles in Indian Ocean Exercise, Tasnim News AgencyIran...
