On February 26th, the 'David's Sling' Aerial Defense System intercepted a surface-to-air missile (SAM) launched by Hezbollah in Lebanon targeting an Israeli Air Force UAV. The missile was aimed at a Hermes 450 drone, triggering alarms in the Alon Tavor area in northern Israel. No injuries were reported, but a subsequent missile launch caused the drone to fall inside Lebanese territory. Israeli forces destroyed the fallen drone. Shrapnel from interception landed near a synagogue in Kfar Tavor. The incident occurred above the Alon Tavor industrial area in the Jezreel Valley, 92 kilometers from the Israeli border. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced plans to intensify attacks on Hezbollah in response to increased rocket and missile fire. Gallant emphasized the goal of pushing Hezbollah back through either diplomatic means or force.
On February 28th, South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pledged to address North Korea's arms transfers to Russia, which are believed to be supplying munitions and missiles for use in Ukraine. They expressed concerns over these illegal transfers, emphasizing the threat to global peace and stability. Shin revealed that North Korea has sent thousands of containers of munitions to Russia since July 2023 in exchange for necessities. The US and its allies condemned this arms deal, violating UN resolutions. Both sides condemned North Korea's recent missile tests and vowed to maintain a strong defense posture. The Pentagon highlighted discussions on shared defense priorities in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific, along with plans to enhance trilateral security cooperation with Japan. The US reaffirmed its commitment to South Korea's defense and stressed the importance of broader regional cooperation.
On February 29th, the Polish Ministry of National Defence has finalized a $2.5 billion agreement with the U.S. government to procure the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). This system aims to coordinate Poland’s air and missile defense weapons, including Patriot missile launchers for the Wisla medium-range air defense program and the Narew short-range equivalent, which utilizes MBDA’s Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM). The contract covers deliveries from 2024 to 2031, providing systems for six Wisla batteries and 23 Narew batteries. Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed the contract on Feb. 29, expressing Poland’s commitment to becoming the second country, after the United States, to possess this integrated command system. The agreement follows Poland's recent parliamentary election, signaling continuity in defense procurement plans despite a change in government. Northrop Grumman actively promoted the IBCS program during the government transition, and with the deal finalized, Poland is set to adhere to its established defense procurement schedule for the Wisla and Narew programs.
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