On February 16, the Venezuelan Navy released footage of its first live-fire missile test since 2013, launching an MBDA Otomat missile at a retired oil tanker. In the test, the missile flew 73 km before striking the target ship. According to Jane’s Defence Weekly, the launch occurred as part of the Venezuelan military exercise “Bolivarian...
On February 23, a Russian defense industry source said Russia has developed a hypersonic air-to-ground missile prototype for its Su-57 aircraft. In an interview, the source confirmed that the missile could fit inside the Su-57’s internal weapons bay, following earlier reports that the weapon would share characteristics with the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile. The Kinzhal was...
On February 24, the Missile Defense Agency confirmed it would conduct an ICBM intercept test with the SM-3 Block IIA missile in the third quarter of 2020. Designated FTM-44, the test will represent the first ICBM-class intercept attempt for the SM-3 Block IIA missile. Co-developed by the United States and Japan, the SM-3 Block IIA...
On February 22, Serbia’s Defense Ministry confirmed it had received delivery of two Pantsir-S1 short-range air defense systems from Russia. In a statement, Serbia’s Defense Ministry announced the successful outcome of the sale, which will include six Pantsir-S1 units in total. Russia and Serbia first publicly announced the Pantsir-S1 deal in late 2019. Related Links:...
On February 18, Pakistan successfully flight tested the Ra’ad-II air-launched cruise missile (ALCM). According to a Pakistani press release, the missile was fired from a Mirage aircraft and struck a ground target. The Ra’ad-II was first publicly displayed in 2017 and possesses a range of 600 km. Related Links: Pakistan conducted successful flight test of...
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, the U.S. Navy seized a shipment of Iranian-produced weapons bound for Yemen. According to a Navy press release, the USS Normandy (CG 60) boarded a dhow in the Arabian Sea, discovering a cache of over 150 antitank guided missiles, three surface-to-air missiles, and a variety of advanced weapons components. The weapons were...
On February 12, the U.S. Navy successfully test fired an unarmed Trident II (D5LE) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) off the coast of San Diego, California. Designated DASO-30, the test demonstrated “the readiness of the SSBN’s strategic weapon system and crew before operational deployment” and marked the 177th successful test of the Trident II weapon system....
On February 10, the U.S. Department of State approved a potential $1.87 billion sale of the NASAMS II integrated air defense system to India. Comprised of 5 AN/MPQ-64FI Sentinel radars and 118 AMRAAM C-7/C-8 missiles, the NASAMS system is intended to defend India’s National Capital Region. The potential sale also includes 135 Stinger surface-to-air missiles....
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...
