On January 22nd, the U.S. Navy, now in control of the Aegis Ashore missile defense system in Poland, initiated maintenance and upgrades after overcoming construction delays. The Aegis Ashore system, initially operational in Romania since 2016, faced challenges in reaching full capability at the Redzikowo, Poland site. Despite struggles, the Navy officially accepted the system on Dec 15, 2023, with the transfer to NATO anticipated in spring or summer of this year. The current maintenance and upgrades, expected to take four months, include enhancements to the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services and the Global Positioning Navigation and Timing System. Delays have led to increased costs, with the Missile Defense Agency requesting an additional $96 million in FY2021 to maintain the Aegis weapon system at the site. The Aegis Ashore system in Poland is part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach for regional missile defense against threats from Iran.

On January 25th, North Korea announced the testing of a new cruise missile system, the Pulhwasal-3-31, capable of launching nuclear warheads, amid escalating tensions with South Korea and its allies. The state media claimed the system is in development, and the test posed no threat to neighbors. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff noted a shorter trajectory, suggesting refinement of existing systems. This marks North Korea's second launch this year, following an experimental missile test. Analysts speculate a potential missile shortage, linking it to materials being sent to Russia for possible use against Ukraine, though both nations deny collaboration. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has increased threats against the US, South Korea, and Japan, condemning joint military exercises as "invasion rehearsals" and making nuclear strike threats.

On January 28th, three US Army soldiers were killed and over 30 service members were injured in a drone attack on a US outpost in Jordan near the Syrian border. The attack, attributed to Iran-backed militants, marks the first time US troops have been killed by enemy fire in the Middle East since the Gaza war began. President Joe Biden vowed to hold those responsible accountable, blaming radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. Iran denied involvement, stating accusations were "baseless." The attack raises tensions in the region, with calls from some US politicians for stronger action against Iran. The incident occurred at Tower 22, part of a US mission advising and assisting Jordan. The situation follows multiple attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. The US has conducted retaliatory actions against Iran-backed groups in the region. Talks about the future of the US military presence in Iraq are expected soon.

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