On Monday, it was reported that a rocket landed in the perimeter of Baghdad International Airport. No casualties were reported and the attack is the first on the airport since May 6, when three Katyusha rockets struck a nearby military sector. The U.S has accused Iran-backed militias of carrying out these attacks in the past.
On Wednesday, two formations of Russian bombers were intercepted by F-22's upon entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone early in the morning. The first formation, comprising two Tu-95 bombers with Su-35 fighter escort, came within 20 nautical miles of Alaska. NORAD said both formations remained in international airspace at all times and highlighted the event as a demonstration of NORAD's "readiness and capability to defend the homeland."
On Thursday, it was reported that Lockheed Martin secured a $1.04B contract modification for supporting guided air and missile defense systems for the U.S and foreign allies. The contract covers through October 31, 2024 and includes planning, technical, management, incidental, testing, and manufacturing services for the Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3).
Also on Thursday, it was reported U.S. intelligence had identified four to six newly assembled North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and their transporter erector launchers (TELs) in South Pyeongan Province. The TELs with ICBMs were seen being tested late last month, which could be potential preparations for a test launch or use in an upcoming military parade.
On Friday, a Chinese Army Yun-8 transport aircraft crossed the unofficial airspace median line into Taiwan. The incursion came after Taiwan test-fired two missiles off the eastern coast of Taitung on Thursday night, part of the self-ruled island's program to bolster its defenses against China.
Also on Friday, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act, a $740.5 billion defense policy bill for Fiscal Year 2021. Included in the bill was the Pacific Deterrence Initiative with $1.4 billion in initial funding for items like the Homeland Defense Radar for Hawaii.
On Monday, the Defense Ministry of Japan announced that it suspended the deployment of Aegis Ashore missile defense systems, citing costs and technical problems. The Defense Ministry had been planning to install two of the systems, one in Akita Prefecture and the other in Yamaguchi, where the deployments were also facing strong opposition from local residents.
Also on Monday, Japan reported it would finalize the deployment of Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missile defense system to four military bases by June. The current Patriot PAC-3 batteries deployed have a maximum firing range of 70 km, while the new version has an extended range of up to 100 km.
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