On March 11th, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) requested $10.4 billion for fiscal year 2025, marking a decrease from previous years. Notably, the agency did not provide a public briefing on its budget request, but highlighted investments in homeland defense and protection for Guam from air and missile threats in the Pacific. Key allocations include $2.7 billion for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) development and Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system upgrades. The NGI development involves two competing teams aiming to replace current interceptors. Additionally, $1.2 billion is designated for Guam defense, focusing on Aegis systems and infrastructure. MDA plans to spend $1.2 billion on SM-3 Block IIA missiles and enhance Aegis ships' capability. Funding for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system sees a slight increase. Other initiatives include development of the Glide Phase Interceptor, Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor, and AN/TPY-2 radar. The budget also allocates resources for command and control systems and major tests to assess defense capabilities.

On March 12th, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) reported conducting six defense strikes and firing 18 anti-ship missiles in Yemen in response to Houthi rebels firing two anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea. The Houthi missiles targeted the merchant vessel Pinocchio, but no damage or injuries were reported. In retaliation, CENTCOM conducted self-defense strikes destroying Houthi-controlled weaponry perceived as an imminent threat to merchant and Navy vessels in the region. The strikes aim to safeguard freedom of navigation and enhance security in international waters. Initially framed as pressure tactics against Israel, Houthi attacks persist despite ships avoiding the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The U.S. and coalition forces have intercepted numerous Houthi missiles, yet the rebel attacks persist unabated. This escalation underscores ongoing tensions and security challenges in the region.

On March 18th, North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters, marking its first known missile testing in about a month. The launches coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Seoul for a democracy summit. Japan reported three missile launches, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida denouncing North Korea's actions as threats to regional peace. South Korea also detected several suspected short-range ballistic launches. Observers noted the missiles' targeting of South Korean facilities. The U.S. State Department condemned the launches, reaffirming its commitment to defending South Korea and Japan. North Korea's recent missile tests follow a pattern of heightened tensions and military activities. Despite North Korea's push for nuclear-capable missiles, experts doubt its readiness for a full-scale attack given the superior strength of U.S. and South Korean forces. Concerns persist over North Korea's aggressive stance, particularly since leader Kim Jong Un's January speech signaling a shift towards militarization and hostility towards South Korea.

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