In mid-June, Russia test fired a Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Plesetsk spaceport in the country’s northwest. The Kedr is planned to replace the RS-24 Yars ICBM around 2030. The Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (MITT) currently oversees its design and development. Related Links: Russia successfully test-launches latest ICBM — source, TASS
On June 30, Switzerland selected to purchase the Patriot air defense system for its air defense modernization effort. To satisfy its BODLUV 2020 air defense requirement, Switzerland had previously evaluated the United States’ Patriot and the Eurosam-built SAMP/T surface-to-air systems. The U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of up to five Patriot batteries to...
On June 28, India successfully flight tested the Agni-P, a new medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) “with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km.” According to India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Agni-P is a canister-launched system weighing significantly less than the Agni-III. A DRDO official further stated that the Agni-P system featured...
On June 24, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of up to 12 AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II antiship missiles and 24 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air missiles to the Philippines. The total cost of the Harpoon and Sidewinder missile sales are estimated to be $120 million and $42.4 million, respectively. Related Links: The Philippines...
On June 18, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration plans to withdraw U.S. missile defenses deployed in the Middle East. The withdrawal includes eight Patriot systems from countries including Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The United States also plans to withdraw a THAAD battery from Saudi Arabia. The United States previously...
On June 9, CSIS Senior Associate Dr. Rob Soofer testified before the U.S. Senate Armed Services, Strategic Forces Subcommittee on missile defense strategy, policies, and programs. He was accompanied by Vice Admiral Jon Hill, Lieutenant General Daniel Karbler, General Glen VanHerck, Ms. Leonor Tomero, and Mr. Ankit Panda.
On May 10, Hamas and its allies began launching rocket salvos against Israel after clashes over Israeli land seizures in East Jerusalem and wider Palestinian displacement. Militants in Gaza launched 3,000 rockets toward Israel, half of which were likely to fall in populated areas. Israeli authorities have claimed that its Iron Dome rocket defense system...
In April 2021, Sweden took delivery of its first Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors. The U.S. State Department approved the up to $3.2 billion PAC-3 sale to Sweden in February 2018. Related Links: Sweden To Receive First Delivery Of World’s Most Advanced Air Defense Missile, Lockheed MartinSweden locked in to buy...
On May 5, the U.S. Air Force aborted a planned LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch. According to Air Force Global Strike Command, “the missile computer detected a fault in the sequence of checks it does prior to launching. Upon detection of this fault, it shut itself down.” The failed test comes...
On April 28, France successfully test fired an M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). According to France’s Ministry of Defense, the unarmed flight validated the missile’s performance under operational conditions. France first tested the M51 missile in 2006 and inducted it to its nuclear force in 2010. In 2018, France completed mid-life upgrades to ballistic missile...
