On August 20, Iran displayed new ballistic and cruise missiles as part of its National Defense Industry Day. In an announcement to state television, Iranian officials revealed footage of the “Martyr Hajj Qassem,” a solid-fueled ballistic missile named for slain Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. In addition, Iran unveiled a cruise missile named for Abu Mahdi...
On July 28, South Korea’s government announced it had gained approval to produce new solid-propellant space launch vehicles under the conditions of a revised U.S.-Korea missile deal. The bilateral agreement had previously restricted production of solid-propellant space launch rockets over concerns that the technology was applicable to long-range missile development. Under its terms, South Korea...
On July 20, the U.S. Navy took delivery of its first AN/SPY-6 radar array, the successor to the AN/SPY-1 radars currently equipped on Aegis ships and surface facilities. Intended for installation on the upcoming Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the SPY-6 is approximately 30 times more sensitive than legacy radars and is the first Navy...
Track the status of Fiscal Year 2021 missile defense funding as it makes its way through Congress.
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,...
On July 1, Turkey successfully flight tested its first indigenously-produced antiship missile. In a statement, Defense Industries Presidency head Ismail Demir confirmed that the Atmaca missile had successfully struck a target at a range of over 200 km. Under development since 2009, the Atmaca missile is intended to replace Turkey’s aging inventory or U.S.-produced Harpoon...
Improved ODI would go a long way to countering modern missile threats. This report examines its benefits, challenges, and the possible road ahead.
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:...
