On March 19th, the IDF acknowledged the breach of Israel's missile air defense by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, marking the first admission of such an incident. A cruise missile, likely from the Red Sea direction, landed north of Eilat on Sunday, prompting concerns over the vulnerability of Israel's defense systems. While the IDF didn't directly name the Houthis, the group has previously attempted to target Israel with ballistic missiles. Previous missile attempts were thwarted by Israel's Arrow missile defense systems. Unlike a drone incursion from Syria, this cruise missile posed a more significant threat, though it landed in an uninhabited area. The IDF is investigating why the missile wasn't intercepted, speculating that its trajectory may have surprised air defense operators. Israel's David Sling system is designed to counter such cruise missiles but hasn't been utilized in Eilat previously, highlighting a potential gap in defense readiness.

On March 19th, North Korea announced the successful testing of a solid-fuel engine for its new intermediate-range hypersonic missile, a move seen as progress toward developing a potent weapon capable of targeting distant U.S. locations. Kim Jong Un's pledge to modernize North Korea's arsenal aims to counter perceived U.S. hostility and possibly leverage for diplomatic concessions. Kim supervised the ground test, emphasizing the strategic importance of the missile alongside intercontinental ballistic missiles. These missiles, primarily aimed at U.S. territories like Guam, could be adjusted to target closer areas, including U.S. military bases in Japan. North Korea's pursuit of solid-propellant weapons aims to enhance launch concealment and overcome missile defense systems. While hypersonic capabilities are sought, consistency in maintaining desired speeds during tests remains uncertain. Recent missile launches by North Korea prompt regional concerns, leading to increased military exercises among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. Analysts anticipate further missile tests ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

On March 25th, Raytheon conducted a successful live-fire test of its Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), showcasing its ability to detect and engage a sophisticated target. Military officials from seven countries observed as the radar tracked a high-speed cruise missile surrogate, transmitting data to guide a Patriot missile interception. Raytheon's Tom Laliberty emphasized the radar's capability to address evolving global threats, noting its performance against realistic scenarios. The LTAMDS, powered by Gallium Nitride, is designed to counter advanced threats like manned and unmanned aircraft and hypersonic weapons, with a 360-degree coverage using three antennas. Last year, the radar achieved developmental milestones and underwent testing against simulated and real-world threats. Further testing is planned, with fielding expected later in the year. The LTAMDS represents a significant advancement in air and missile defense, offering enhanced capabilities to address next-generation threats effectively.

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