# Missile Defense
Latest news and articles about Missile Defense
Total: 54 articles found

Optics and Ordnance: Presidential Inspection of Taiwan Drills Marred by Technical Glitches
President Lai Ching-te's recent inspection of a military drill faced public ridicule after a 'target destroyed' command resulted in no missile launch. The technical failure has sparked a debate over the actual readiness of Taiwan's defense forces amidst rising cross-strait tensions.

China’s Hypersonic Sword: DF-17 Salvo Drills Signal New Era of Regional Deterrence
China has showcased advanced live-fire exercises involving the DF-17 hypersonic missile, demonstrating high operational maturity and multi-vehicle salvo capabilities. The drill signals a significant enhancement in the PLA’s ability to overwhelm regional missile defenses and underscores a shift in the strategic balance of power.

Closing the Umbrella: The PLA Army Asserts Air Sovereignty with the HQ-16F
The PLA Ground Force's successful test of the HQ-16F missile system grants it independent medium-to-long-range anti-missile capabilities for the first time. This shift reduces the Army's reliance on the Air Force for protection and enhances the survivability of ground formations in high-intensity conflicts.

Cracks in the Shield: Iran’s Missile Success in Jordan Signals a Shift in Middle Eastern Deterrence
Recent Iranian missile strikes on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan have exposed significant vulnerabilities in the U.S. Patriot and THAAD defense systems. By successfully neutralizing critical TPY-2 radar units and utilizing maneuvering warhead technology, Tehran has demonstrated an ability to penetrate high-value air defenses in the region.

Jordan's Aerial Shield: Intercepting Iranian Volleys and the High Cost of Sovereignty
Jordanian forces intercepted 20 Iranian missiles over the Zarqa Governorate on June 11, 2026, successfully preventing damage to local infrastructure. The event highlights Jordan's firm stance on protecting its airspace sovereignty amid escalating regional hostilities involving Tehran.

The Calculus of Constraint: Tehran’s Tactical De-escalation Amid Rising Stakes
Following a significant missile exchange on June 8, 2026, Iran has abruptly declared an end to its military operations against Israel. This strategic pause, influenced by US mediation, aims to prevent an all-out war that could threaten the survival of Iran's supreme leadership.

Stretching the Shield: Israel Intercepts Houthi Missile as Regional Tensions Reach a Fever Pitch
The IDF successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, prompting a declaration of full combat readiness across all military sectors. The incident highlights the persistent threat posed by Houthi long-range capabilities and Israel's ongoing efforts to maintain deterrence through high-tech defense and strategic signaling.

A Terminal Dispute: Tehran and Washington Clash Over Kuwait Airport Blast
Iran and the United States are trading accusations following damage to a terminal at Kuwait International Airport. Tehran claims a malfunctioning U.S. Patriot missile caused the damage, while Washington has issued an official denial, heightening regional tensions.

Gulf Escalation: U.S. Neutralizes Iranian Missile Barrage and Strikes Back at Qeshm Island
U.S. forces successfully intercepted a wide-scale Iranian missile and drone attack targeting civilian shipping and regional neighbors. In response, CENTCOM conducted a defensive strike on an Iranian control station on Qeshm Island while vehemently denying Iranian claims of a successful hit on the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters.

Trump’s 'Golden Dome': The Pentagon’s Strategic Pivot to Mass-Produced Laser Warfare
The Pentagon is shifting its laser weapon program from R&D to mass production, targeting a 2028 combat-ready demonstration as part of the 'Golden Dome' defense initiative. Supported by a tripled budget of $452 million, the move aims to provide a cost-effective, high-capacity alternative to traditional missile defense systems.

The Depletion Dilemma: Why US Precision Power Failed to Neutralize Iran’s Underground Arsenal
Recent intelligence evaluations reveal that Iran has successfully restored nearly 90% of its underground missile infrastructure and 70% of its inventory following US strikes. The failure of high-cost precision munitions to achieve permanent degradation has highlighted a growing depletion of the US strategic arsenal and the effectiveness of Iranian saturation tactics.

Japan’s Defense Renaissance: Machinery Orders Triple as Tokyo Pivots to Counter Regional Threats
Japan’s defense machinery orders have tripled over the last five years, reaching 2.69 trillion yen in FY2025 and making up nearly half of all government machinery procurement. This surge, led by investments in missiles and aircraft, highlights Japan’s strategic pivot toward a more aggressive deterrent posture in the Indo-Pacific.