On Wednesday, January 1st, the Korean Central News Agency reported North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced on the fourth day of the party Plenary Meeting there was no reason to remain unilaterally bound to a 2018 self-declared moratorium of nuclear and ICBM tests. According to the KCNA report, Kim Jong-un further stated the country should actively develop strategic weapons and said the world will soon witness a new strategic weapon North Korea will possess in the near future.
On Wednesday, January 8th, Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles at two air bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. Eleven missiles struck Al Asad Air Base, one struck a military installation near Irbil, and four failed to reach their target. Initially no casualties were reported from the attacks, but it was reported a week later that eleven U.S. troops were medically evacuated from Iraq and treated for concussion symptoms. Iran stated the attack was carried out in retaliation for the U.S. strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.
On Sunday, January 12th, the Israel Ministry of Defense announced it had successfully completed a series of trials for an improved Iron Dome system. The ministry stated the series of tests “simulated future threats,” and Rafael’s VP stated there was “a success rate of 100%.” It was not released when and exactly how many tests were conducted.
On Wednesday, January 15th, it was announced the Missile Defense Agency’s plan for a new Homeland Defense Radar in Hawaii has been delayed. An environmental impact statement was expected to be completed this year but is now expected to be completed in the fall of 2021. The radar was originally expected to begin construction in fiscal year 2021 and an initial operating capability in 2023.
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