On Monday, it was reported that Russia has successfully tested a new anti-ballistic missile defense system at the Sary Shagan test site in Kazakhstan. The system is reportedly designed to intercept sub-orbital launched ballistic missiles before they re-enter the atmosphere.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the Marshal Shaposhnikov modernized frigate of Russia’s Pacific Fleet has completed testing and is now a part of the combat-ready forces. This report comes shortly after it was reported that the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone has seen a record amount of Russian military aircraft activity in the past year.
On Thursday, it was reported that a Russian test of a Kalibr cruise missile failed shortly after launch from a Udaloy class destroyer. The next day, it was reported that the Russian navy had conducted a test-firing the Vulkan supersonic anti-ship cruise missile in the Black Sea.
On Friday, Admiral John C. Aquilino assumed command of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from Admiral Philip S. Davidson. During the ceremony, ADM Aquilino voiced the importance of deterrence and cooperation with U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific.
On Saturday, it was announced that the Long Range Discrimination Radar at Clear Air Force Station in Alaska won’t have its operational flight test for another year. The delay was announced by the Government Accountability Office and is a result of program delays caused by the pandemic.
On Sunday, it was reported that China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group had concluded a series of drills in the South China Sea. The exercise was the PLA Navy’s first in the South China Sea for the Shandong carrier this year and comes amid concerns voiced by the U.S. and the Philippines
Also on Sunday, it was reported that Saudi Arabia’s defense forces had intercepted a ballistic missile and two Houthi explosive drones targeting the city of Najran. This comes a day after Saudi Arabia also intercepted an unspecified hostile air target launched towards the city of Jeddah.
