On Tuesday, it was reported the United States deployed Patriot missile defense systems to two military bases in Iraq. One Patriot battery was deployed to the al-Asad base in Anbar province and a second battery was deployed to a base in Irbil. Earlier this year, Iran targeted both bases with short-range ballistic missiles that left more than 100 U.S. troops with brain injuries. Two additional Patriot batteries are also expected to deploy into Iraq from Kuwait.
Also on Tuesday, it was reported the Missile Defense Agency finalized a multi-year production contract for the SM-3 Block IB interceptor. Covering the fiscal years 2019-2023, it is the first multi-year contract for the SM-3 program. It is expected 174 SM-3 Block IB interceptors will be procured in the multi-year contract.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the Russian Navy was expediting test launches of the hypersonic 3M-22 Tsirkon anti-ship missile (ASM) from submarines and surface vessels. Testing on Yasen submarines is expected to begin later this year. The Admiral Gorshkov frigate is expected to conduct 3-4 tests of the Tsirkon this year, with its second overall test firing taking place this month or in May.
On Thursday, it was reported the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command recently submitted to Congress a $20 billion wish list for fiscal years 2021-2026. The wish list included several missile defense items such as a 360 degree persistent and integrated air defense capability for Guam, the homeland defense radar in Hawaii, and a space-based sensor layer.
On Monday, it was reported that at least three rockets had hit near the site of an American oil field service company in southern Iraq, the first to target U.S. energy interests in months. The rockets struck the site of Halliburton in the Burjesia area in the oil-rich Basra province, according to a statement from the Iraqi military.
Click here
to read all of the headlines from the week.
