On February 7th, the US approved a potential $1.2 billion deal with Poland for radar recon aerostat systems, enhancing Poland's regional surveillance capabilities. The aerostat systems, comprising radars attached to blimps tethered to the ground, will bolster the Polish Armed Forces' ability to monitor airspace, according to Lt. Col. Krzysztof Płatek. Although the exact number of approved systems isn't disclosed, Polish officials indicate it's four. The sale aims to strengthen Poland's defense against air and ground threats, allowing it to contribute more effectively to NATO operations. Primary contractors for the deal include Raytheon Intelligence and Space, ELTA North America, and Avantus Federal LLC. This agreement reflects Poland's heightened defense spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It follows a series of approved deals by the US, including integrated air defense systems, Apache helicopters, and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, totaling billions of dollars, as Poland actively seeks to bolster its military capabilities.

On February 7th, the U.S. conducted two "self-defense strikes" in Yemen against three Houthi mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, thwarting an imminent threat to ships in the Red Sea, announced U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This action follows a series of joint airstrikes with the U.K., totaling 44 targets eliminated, while the Houthis launched 48 attacks on vessels in the region since Nov. 19. CENTCOM identified the missiles as an imminent threat to U.S. Navy and merchant vessels. The strikes aim to protect freedom of navigation and enhance security in international waters. The operations involved support from allies like the U.K., Australia, Canada, and others. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the goal to degrade Houthi capabilities and disrupt their destabilizing attacks, conveying a clear message that such actions will incur consequences until they cease illegal assaults on international shipping.

On February 8th, The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and U.S. Navy conducted Flight Test Other-23 (FTX-23), dubbed Stellar Sisyphus, off the coast of Hawaii. The test comprised two parts, focusing on sensor tracking and communications link capabilities. In the first part, the Aegis Weapon System successfully tracked and discriminated a Medium Range Ballistic Missile target with countermeasures. The second part involved the firing of a Standard Missile – 3 Block IIA (SM-3 Blk IIA), which intercepted the same target, showcasing additional functionality. This complex test demonstrated significant advancements in target discrimination and intercept missions for the Aegis Weapon System. Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, MDA Director, highlighted the collaboration with the Navy to enhance capabilities against evolving threats. USS McCampbell, USS Jack H. Lucas, and other assets participated, collecting crucial tracking data. While interception wasn't required for data collection, the successful hit demonstrated additional reserve capability. The collected data will inform future improvements in tracking and discrimination capabilities.

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