On Tuesday, October 10th, Lockheed Martin was chosen by the US Army to develop two 300kW laser countermeasure prototypes as part of the High Energy Laser (HEL) project. The HEL project is one of the directed energy weapon (DEW) concepts under the Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability program. DEW systems, like the HEL, offer a rapid, precise response to a variety of threats, reducing logistical demands and collateral damage. The project will complement other defense components to safeguard stationary and partially stationary sites against rockets, artillery, mortars, unmanned aerial systems, and aircraft. The US Army plans to field up to four operational 300kW-class IFPC-HEL prototypes integrated into tactical military vehicles by 2024. Lockheed Martin's vice president of Mission Systems & Weapons, Rick Cordaro, highlighted the significance of the contract, emphasizing the years of program evolution and collaboration with the Army. Lockheed Martin previously achieved a significant milestone in 2019 when it was selected by the US Department of Defense to develop a 300kW-class spectral beam combined high-energy laser, and in August 2022, they delivered a 300kW-class laser weapon system for the DoD’s High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative.

On Saturday, October 14th, The Pentagon confirmed it is sending a second aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean near Israel to deter Iran and Hezbollah from getting involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This deployment complements the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group already in the region and serves as a clear demonstration of the U.S.'s commitment to Israel's defense and a deterrent signal to potential adversaries, including Hezbollah. One significant aspect of this move is deterring Hezbollah from utilizing its massive missile stockpile, which has been a concern in the region. The Eisenhower strike group, including the USS Eisenhower, the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), and the guided missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG-58), USS Mason (DDG-87), and USS Gravely (DDG-107), brings with it advanced missile defense capabilities. These capabilities are crucial in enhancing regional security and deterring potential missile threats.

On Monday, October 16th, The lead ship of the KDX III Batch II program, ROKS Jeongjo the Great was reported to be undergoing sea-trials. The Jeongjo the Great Aegis destroyer is almost fully armed with Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), though the homegrown KVLS-II vertical launch system is still under development. The South Korean program calls for three Aegis destroyers to be built, with the lead ship scheduled for delivery to the ROK Navy in November 2024. The 'Jeongjo the Great' class Aegis destroyers are equipped with ballistic missile defense capabilities and feature the latest Aegis combat system, Baseline 9.C2 'KII'. The vessels can strike surface targets from stand-off distances using the KVLS-II system, currently under development. The combat system is integrated with local systems, enhancing detection and tracking capabilities. The hull-mounted sonar hardware is significantly larger, and the vessels feature newly developed variable depth sonar and multi-function towed array systems. These advancements signify significant progress in South Korea's naval capabilities.

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