On April 15, Russia test fired a ground-based, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile. U.S. officials did not say where the weapon was aimed but it does not appear that the test missile struck a satellite. The weapon employed was likely the PL-19 “Nudol,” which Russia has tested since 2014 and last flew in November 2019. The Nudol...
On April 13, the U.S. State Department approved a potential $92 million sale of AGM-84L Harpoon air-launched missiles to India. The deal comprises 10 Harpoon missiles and associated parts, training equipment, and other program support. The missiles are planned to equip India’s P-8I aircraft. Related Links: India – AGM-84L Harpoon Air-Launched Block II Missiles, Defense...
Between December 3-April 5, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported eight Houthi missile attacks. Below is a summary of these and related events. April 5 Houthi forces launched a ballistic missile targeting the Safer Oil Pipeline pumping station in Sirwah, located in Yemen’s Ma’rib governorate. The missile flew 200 km before failing and falling...
On February 16, the U.S. Navy successfully test fired an unarmed Trident II (D5LE) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) off the coast of San Diego, California. The test quickly follows an earlier Trident II launch on February 12. According to the Navy, the test “validated performance expectations of the life-extended Trident II” and “gathered additional data...
On February 9, Iran unveiled a new tactical ballistic missile designated the Raad-500 (“Thunder”). Iranian state media claims the missile is constructed with lightweight composite materials, weighing half of the preceding Fateh-110 system. The missile is additionally thought to feature a range of 500 km and an accuracy of 30 m CEP. Related Links: Iran...
On February 9, Iran unsuccessfully launched a Simorgh rocket carrying a “Zafar 1” communications satellite. According to Iranian Defense Ministry spokesman Ahmad Hosseini, “Stage-1 and stage-2 motors of the carrier functioned properly and the satellite was successfully detached from its carrier, but at the end of its path it did not reach the required speed...
On February 3, a Greek government official announced that Athens planned to deploy Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia. The plan, which involved the United States, United Kingdom, and France, was reportedly in the works since October 2019. The Patriot missiles will be deployed to protect Saudi oil facilities. “The deployment contributes to energy security, promotes...
On January 18, Houthi militants in Yemen fired several ballistic missiles targeting a military camp in Marib, killing at least 111 Yemeni soldiers and injuring around 100 others. The missile hit al-Estiqbal camp as the pro-Coalition forces gathered for evening prayers. The strike marks one of the highest casualty missile attacks to date. Related Links:...
On January 7, Iran fired at least 16 ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. military and coalition personnel. The salvo launch — which reportedly involved the Qiam and Fateh-313 missiles — targeted Iraq’s Ain al-Assad airbase and a Special Operations facility in Erbil. According to a U.S. officials, 11 missiles struck Ain...
On December 29, a ballistic missile struck a Security Belt Forces military parade in al-Dhalea in southern Yemen, killing 10 and injuring at least 21 people. Security Belt Forces officials blame Houthi rebels for the attack. Related Links: Missile Strikes Military Parade in Yemen, Killing at Least 10, New York TimesYemen: Houthis blamed for attack...
