On Tuesday, it was announced that the U.S. Space Force had successfully launched the fifth Space-Based Infrared System satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The satellite was launched in geosynchronous orbit and is the fifth of six in the infrared tracking system.
Also on Tuesday, it was announced that the USS Curtis Wilbur had sailed through the Taiwan Strait. This comes just a day after the People’s Liberation Army Air Force entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone for the tenth time in May.
On Thursday, it was reported that DARPA is likely to demo only 2 different payloads for its Blackjack program. The payloads are expected to carry, respectively, a communications and geolocation radiofrequency system and an overhead persistent infrared missile warning system.
On Friday, it was reported that Russian state trials of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile are set to begin in June. This comes at the same time as it was reported that India will receive its first deliveries of the S-400 anti-aircraft surface-to-air missile system from Russia later this year.
Also on Friday, it was reported that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force had performed a test of its upgraded HQ-9 air-defense missile system. The exercise involved multiple combat units and attempts to confuse the system, with the system taking down four target drones.
Also on Friday, it was reported that the U.S. Army is in talks with Israel to purchase additional Iron Dome air defense systems. This would add to the two Iron Dome systems that the U.S. Army purchased in 2019 and saw delivered over the past year.
Also on Friday, it was announced that the U.S. Navy has awarded a contract to Fincantieri Marinette Marine to build the future USS Congress (FFG 63). The future USS Congress will be the second Constellation Class Guided Missile Frigate for the U.S. Navy.
On Sunday, it was reported that Romania is set to field the newest version of the U.S. Patriot air and missile defense system. This will make Romania the first country to field the upgraded system and comes amid increased NATO concerns about security in the Black Sea.
