Houthi Red Sea strikes kill first sailors, as ballistic missile threat proliferates
The range showed by Houthi missiles holds US bases at risk, and both China and Russia are watching closely to see what happens, experts say.
The deterrence problem: America took its eye off Iran with Indo-Pacific pivot, ex-CENTCOM chief says
As the US and Israel contend with multiple Iranian proxy groups in the Middle East, Joseph Votel told Breaking Defense the US must “hold [Iran] accountable.”
Strikes in Yemen may be first for US, UK but not designed to escalate conflict: Analysts
Bryden Spurling, senior research leader for defence and security at RAND, said that there "was clearly reluctance [on the part of Washington and London] to strike the Houthis despite the threat they pose to one of the world’s most important waterways."
Navy to seek industry help on countering ‘cross-domain’ drone attacks
US Navy warships in the Red Sea have been fending off numerous aerial drones since arriving on station last year.
To deter Houthi strikes in Red Sea, US must turn from defense to offense
Two senior commanders of US naval forces in the Middle East as well as an expert from JINSA argue the US must hit Houthi targets in Yemen to deter that group and other Iran-backed forces from widening the current conflict.
Israel sends new, advanced Sa’ar 6 warship to Red Sea
The ship enters a hostile area where drones and missiles fired by the Houthi group in Yemen have targeted commercial vessels and southern Israeli city.
Analysis: Houthi targeting of Israel suggests new, longer-range missile in play
In a technical analysis, Ralph Savelsberg suggests the armed Yemeni group is likely firing a variant of an Iranian missile toward far off targets.
In first, Israel’s Arrow 2 air defense system intercepts ballistic missile near Red Sea: IDF
The Arrow 2 system is the highest layer of Jerusalem's air defense array, which also includes the Iron Dome.
Pentagon says it is transferring arms, ammo seized from Iran to Ukraine
The move comes as any further Ukraine aid on Capitol Hill is snarled by yesterday's votes to remove Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House.
Now that Italy has lifted its arms embargo aimed at Saudi Arabia, could defense deals follow?
The Italian government cited changed conditions on the ground in Yemen as its reason to lift the years-long block.
CJCS Dunford Talks Turkey, Iran, Afghan Troop Numbers & Daesh
Breaking Defense contributor James Kitfield spoke with Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during Dunford’s swing through Japan, Singapore, Australia, Wake Island, and Hawaii. BD readers know that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis promised Sen. John McCain yesterday that America would get a new Afghan strategy by mid-July. In this second part of Kitfield’s interview, […]
Congress Must Act On Huge Saudi Arms Sales
Congress should use its considerable power under U.S. law to compel Trump administration officials to answer a basic question about the $110 billion package of arms sales to Saudi Arabia: Does it serve the U.S. national security interest at this specific time? If the answer is no, then Congress should oppose it. While many may […]
‘I Go Where I Please:’ Unshackle Navy To Reply To Iran
One of America’s first naval heroes, Commodore Stephen Decatur, was challenged by an Algerian admiral in 1815. Decatur’s reply is now enshrined in international law for ships sailing the seven seas: “I go where I please.” This ethos came to define the mission of the U.S. Navy – ensuring the high seas are free and […]
State’s New Armed Drone Policy Confuses Ends With Means
The intent behind the State Department’s new international policy for armed drones is admirable in principle but the declaration’s hoped-for real-world effect will fall short for three reasons. First, the combat effects of drones can be achieved through a variety of military means. Second, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (as the Air Force calls them) are tools whose use is guided by policy […]
Block U.S. Arms Sales to Stop Indiscriminate Bombing in Yemen
Last week, a bipartisan quarter of senators — Rand Paul, Chris Murphy, Al Franken, and Mike Lee — introduced a joint resolution to block the $1.15 billion sale of Abrams tanks and other major defense articles to Saudi Arabia in light of concerns about the kingdom’s actions in Yemen. In the House, more than 60 representatives signed […]