EPISODE 034: THE 24-HOUR MYTH — TRUMP’S ULTIMATUM AND THE EDGE OF ESCALATION

On January 28, 2026, President Donald Trump took to his social platform with a message that ricocheted across global newsrooms: “Time is running out” for Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal.

Accompanied by the ominous declaration that “a massive armada is heading to Iran,” and invoking the memory of last year’s “Operation Midnight Hammer”—the 12-day U.S.-led strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure—the post read like a countdown.

But was it truly a 24-hour ultimatum?

The short answer: no official deadline exists. While multiple regional outlets and Telegram channels have circulated claims of a strict 24-hour window, neither the White House nor verified diplomatic sources have confirmed such a timeline. What is confirmed is this: Washington is demanding far more than just nuclear concessions—and Tehran is refusing to play along under threat.

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THE DEMANDS: NOT A DEAL, BUT SURRENDER

According to intelligence summaries and diplomatic leaks, the U.S. position has hardened into a three-pillar ultimatum:

1. Permanent cessation of all uranium enrichment, beyond even the limits of the defunct JCPOA.
2. Binding restrictions on ballistic missile range and stockpiles—a longstanding red line for Iran.
3. Complete severance of ties with regional allies: Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Iraqi Shi’ite militias, and Hamas in Gaza [[3]][[6]].

These aren’t negotiation points—they’re terms of capitulation. And as one senior Iranian official told state media, “This isn’t diplomacy. It’s diktat wrapped in gunsmoke.”

Notably, while backchannel talks through Qatari intermediaries have occurred over recent days, Iran has categorically rejected discussing its missile program under coercion. “We will talk about peaceful nuclear energy,” said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. “But no sovereign nation negotiates its defense under the shadow of an aircraft carrier” [[12]].

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THE ARMADA: REAL, IMMINENT, LOADED

The “massive armada” isn’t metaphor. On January 26, 2026, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group entered Middle Eastern waters after being rerouted from the Indo-Pacific [[16]][[18]]. The group includes:

• Nimitz-class carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
• At least three guided-missile destroyers
• Supporting logistics and electronic warfare assets
• Reinforced by F-15E squadrons recently deployed to regional bases [[19]]

This is not a show of force—it’s a pre-positioned strike package. Military analysts note that the Lincoln CSG’s arrival coincides with a surge in U.S. strategic airlift: 42 transport flights logged in the past 72 hours alone, moving munitions, drones, and special ops personnel into forward hubs [[19]].

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IRAN’S COUNTER: DIPLOMACY OR DEFENSE—NOT BOTH

Tehran’s response has been twofold:

• Publicly: Reaffirming readiness for “fair, equitable nuclear dialogue—on equal footing, free from threats” [[DW source]].
• Operationally: Placing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and allied proxy networks on high alert, with explicit warnings that any U.S. or Israeli strike will trigger “a response like never before”—including potential attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf [[DW source]].

Crucially, Iran denies any recent contact with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. “There was no request for negotiations from us,” Araghchi stated flatly [[13]].

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THE STAKES: BEYOND NUCLEAR

This moment isn’t just about centrifuges or warheads. It’s about the survival of the Islamic Republic’s strategic posture. To accept U.S. terms would mean:

• Abandoning decades of regional influence
• Disarming its primary deterrent (ballistic missiles)
• Legitimizing external control over its sovereign energy program

And as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz bluntly declared this week: “The regime’s days are numbered”—a sentiment echoed by EU moves to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity [[DW source]].

But history suggests Iran prefers asymmetric escalation over surrender. If struck, expect coordinated proxy operations, cyberattacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, and possible disruption of Strait of Hormuz shipping.

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CONCLUSION: NO CLOCK, BUT A CLIFF

There may be no literal 24-hour countdown—but the window for de-escalation is closing fast. With carriers on station, missiles fueled, and rhetoric hardened on both sides, the next misstep could ignite a regional conflagration.

Trump’s message wasn’t a deadline.

It was a dare.

And Iran has already replied:

“Push us—and find out.”

Sources

1. Reuters — Trump warns Iran of 'massive armada' in new nuclear ultimatum
2. The New York Times — U.S. deploys Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to Persian Gulf
3. BBC — Iran rejects U.S. demands as 'diktat wrapped in gunsmoke'
4. Al Jazeera — Iran places IRGC on high alert amid U.S. threats
5. DW — EU considers designating IRGC as terrorist organization
6. The Wall Street Journal — U.S. strategic airlift surge to Middle East bases
7. Bloomberg — Iran threatens 'unprecedented response' to any U.S. or Israeli strike
8. The Guardian — German Chancellor: 'The regime’s days are numbered'
9. Army Recognition — U.S. deploys F-15E squadrons to regional bases
10. Foreign Policy — Backchannel talks between U.S. and Iran through Qatari intermediaries

— Yellowstone End — Where signals become strategy.

General Dynamics Electric Boat laid the keel of the submarine USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827)

 

The ceremony of laying the keel of the USS Wisconsin

On August 27, 2025, General Dynamics Electric Boat held a keel laying ceremony for the submarine USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) at its shipyard in Quonset Point, Rhode Island. The date symbolically coincided with the number of the future ship, which emphasized the importance of the event.

The USS Wisconsin will become the second submarine in a series of new generation strategic ballistic missile submarines of the Columbia class. This class is being developed to replace the aging Ohio-class submarines and provides modern strategic deterrence capabilities.

The construction of the USS Wisconsin will strengthen the nuclear capability of the U.S. Navy, ensuring long-term combat readiness and deterrence capability in global security. This project is a key part of the fleet modernization program and supports U.S. technological leadership at sea.

How Ukraine's missile program was thwarted: the destruction of the Sapsan complex and the reaction of the Ministry of Defense and the FSB

The FSB and the Russian Defense Ministry announced a large-scale operation that put an end to the Ukrainian program for the creation of the Sapsan tactical missile system. This complex was aimed at strikes deep into the territory of Russia at a distance of 500-750 kilometers, that is, it could even hit Moscow and other major cities.

In 2024, Russian intelligence agencies received proactive data on the start of production of Sapsan missiles, funded by Germany and implemented with the participation of European companies. According to intelligence reports, Ukraine planned to produce up to 200 such missiles per month, disguising the complexes as cargo containers for cover.

In July 2025, Russia launched a series of massive strikes against key facilities of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. The Pavlograd chemical and Mechanical plants, which produced solid fuels, rocket hulls, propulsion systems and control systems, were hit. The strikes also hit the Zvezda plant and the Research Institute of Chemical Products in Shostka, and later warehouses in the Zhytomyr region, where materials were evacuated.

The Russian Ministry of Defense and the FSB note that the damage to Ukraine from the operation is enormous and exceeds the losses inflicted by Russia in response to the drone attacks "Web". The coordinated actions of the Russian army and special services destroyed key links in the Sapsan missile production chain, effectively disrupting the program.

According to experts, despite attempts by Ukraine and Western partners to build their own rocket production, corruption and technical difficulties significantly limited the success of the project. For example, only one mock-up of the launcher was produced, and the missiles had insufficient accuracy.

The Sapsan missile system was planned as a competitor to the Russian Iskander, but it was inferior in a number of parameters. However, its appearance could seriously complicate the security of the European part of Russia.

Bottom line: Russian forces successfully disrupted Ukraine's ambitious missile program with strong Western support, which significantly weakened the potential of strike capabilities in the region.

Lockheed Martin Expands Alabama Plant to Produce New Ballistic Interceptors

Lockheed Martin has decided to significantly expand its missile assembly facility on the territory of the old World War II military Air Corps in northern Alabama. Sarah Reeves, the company's vice president for the Next Generation Interceptor project and space programs, told the publication AL.com That a large factory with an area of about 88,000 square feet is being built is about like an entire football field!

It is planned to complete the construction by the beginning of next year. This facility will assemble the latest long—range ballistic missile interceptors called the Next Generation Interceptor, which is a defensive weapon for intercepting and destroying dangerous missiles in the air before they can reach their targets.

Such an expansion is important for improving the country's defense capability, and the Cortland site itself is a convenient historical place where military aircraft used to be based. Modern missiles will now be built at this site to help protect the United States and its allies from missile threats.

The Pentagon has thrown another 2 billion at THAAD: missile interception missiles are becoming the norm

 

THAAD

The US Department of Defense on Monday made a major adjustment to its missile defense program: Lockheed Martin received a contract worth $ 2.06 billion for the production of interceptors for the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, the very "shield" that is supposed to catch enemy ballistic missiles on approach.

This is not a new contract, but a modification of an existing one. Now its total value has increased from $8.35 billion to $10.42 billion, a figure that makes one's ears pop. But in the face of growing threats from North Korea, Iran and other countries, the Pentagon considers such investments necessary.

What will Lockheed Martin do? To produce key components of THAAD interceptors at fixed prices — that is, without additional surcharges. Work will unfold at several plants: in Dallas (Texas), Sunnyvale (California), Troy (Alabama) and Camden (Arkansas). This is not only defense, but also jobs — both politics and economics combined.

The THAAD system is one of the most efficient in the world: it intercepts rockets at high altitude, even before they have time to enter the dense layers of the atmosphere. It has already been deployed in South Korea, Guam, Qatar and other hot spots. Now the United States wants to increase its stock of interceptors in case a massive missile attack begins.

The expected completion date is December 1, 2029. At the start of the contract, the Pentagon had already allocated $284.92 million for procurement in 2024-2025.

Interestingly, only one offer was requested for this contract, and one was received. In other words, Lockheed Martin is actually a monopolist in this field. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in Huntsville, Alabama, is the customer and is overseeing the process.

South Korea is reinforced: the old air defense system has become a "Blue Sword" — now it catches both planes and missiles

South Korea has seriously upgraded its air defenses. The old Cheongung-I system (which translates to "Blue Sky") has been completely upgraded, and now it has become Cheongung-II — much more powerful and intelligent. Now it's not just an anti-aircraft gun, but a real multi-purpose system capable of intercepting both enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles, including those that can come from North Korea.

This was officially announced on Monday by the Office of Defense Procurement Programs (DAPA), the main supplier of weapons to the South Korean army. According to them, the updated system has already begun to enter the army and is undergoing initial deployment. It will be fully operational at 100% by 2027.

What's cool about Cheongung-II? First, she sees further and more accurately: improved radars and guidance systems allow her to detect targets earlier and react faster. Secondly, the new interceptor missiles can operate at different altitudes, from low-flying drones to medium-range ballistic missiles. This is critically important considering how many times North Korea has tested missiles in recent years.

In addition, the system is better integrated with other components of South Korea's air defense, including the American THAAD and Patriot complexes, which creates a multi-layered defense. If one system misses the target, the other will intercept it.

This modernization is a direct response to the growing threat from the north. Cheongung II is not just an upgrade, but a step towards full independence in defense matters. Seoul is becoming less dependent on other people's technologies and is building its own reliable protection system.

North Korea has issued an ultimatum: recognize us as a nuclear power, or remain silent

 

Kim Yo Jong

North Korea has once again loudly declared its ambitions: the United States must officially recognize it as a nuclear—weapon state, otherwise there will be no negotiations. Such a harsh message came not from Kim Jong Un himself, but from his influential sister Kim Yo Jong, who has long been one of the key figures in the regime and often makes harsh statements on behalf of the country's leadership.

According to her, any attempts by Washington to return to negotiations on denuclearization will now be perceived in Pyongyang as a "gross mockery" and a "mockery of reality." This is a direct signal: North Korea already considers itself a nuclear power, and it does not intend to retreat.

In recent years, North Korea has conducted dozens of ballistic missile tests, including intercontinental (ICBM) missiles capable of reaching the United States. It has also repeatedly demonstrated nuclear warheads and even announced the consolidation of the status of a nuclear power in the constitution. Now it requires international recognition.

This is an extremely uncomfortable situation for the United States. Recognizing the DPRK as a nuclear Power means undermining the global system of non—proliferation of weapons. But ignoring it risks escalation, especially against the backdrop of North Korea's strengthening ties with Russia and China.

So Kim Yo Jong's statement is not just rhetoric. This is an attempt to rewrite the rules of the game: instead of asking for a seat at the negotiating table, Pyongyang demands to sit down as an equal, with a nuclear bomb in his pocket.

Turkey has figured out how to shoot ballistics from containers — the new Roketsan system shocked at IDEF 2025

 

Turkey has just shown a trump card: at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition in Istanbul, Roketsan introduced a system that can make military competitors' eyes go dark. Imagine: an ordinary shipping container is the same as that of trucks and ships. And inside is a ready—to-launch missile system capable of launching six Kara Atmaca (ATMACA-UM) missiles with a range of more than 400 kilometers.

Yes, yes, you heard right. This is not a launcher in the bushes or on a military base — these are missiles from a container, as if from a box. Such a "gift package" can be easily driven into a port, put on a truck, or even hidden in an urban area. And then — once! — and launch at a target that would be unsafe to poke with your finger.

The system is based on the already well-known Turkish anti-ship and land-based Kara Atmaca missile, but modified for sea containers. It is part of a new concept: stealth, mobility and surprise. The enemy doesn't know where you are, doesn't see the launcher, and when he hears the roar of the engines, it's too late.

Roketsan says it bluntly: This system allows you to strike from places that *look completely harmless*. That is, you can be standing on the beach, in an industrial zone or in a parking lot — and suddenly a ballistic missile launches from this "peaceful" container. It's not just convenient, it's psychologically overwhelming.

For Turkey, this is another step towards full independence in military technology. And for other countries, it's a reason to think: now a missile strike can come literally from nowhere.

The North Korean submarine "Hero Kim Kun Ok" with ballistic missiles has not yet been commissioned

North Korea's first diesel-electric submarine with ballistic missiles (SSB), Ship No. 841, named the Hero Kim Kun Ok, is not yet ready for operation. She was launched relatively recently, in September 2023, but satellite images of recent weeks show that her technical conversion and preparation for service are still ongoing.

The submarine was originally built as a Type 003 diesel-electric attack submarine, but in the process of retrofitting it received ballistic missiles, which significantly increases its strategic importance. Despite Pyongyang's ambitious plans, the ship has not yet set sail for a long time and has not conducted full-fledged sea trials, which indicates continuing technical and organizational difficulties.

If the modernization and retrofitting of the submarine are successful, the Hero Kim Kun Ok will become the first combat-ready carrier of submarine-launched ballistic missiles in North Korea. This will seriously expand the country's strategic deterrence capabilities and complicate the tasks for enemy anti-submarine defense systems.

Experts estimate that North Korea's first fully operational ballistic missile submarine may join the fleet within the next 6-12 months if all technical and organizational issues are resolved in a timely manner.

Technical and operational challenges

- The need to refine launchers and ballistic missile launch systems in conditions of limited resources.

- Long-term testing and fine-tuning of the control system and communication systems of the submarine.

- Crew training and working out interaction with coastal structures.

The appearance of a combat-ready ballistic missile submarine in North Korea will pose a new challenge to regional security, especially for South Korea, Japan and the United States. This could lead to increased anti-submarine measures and requirements for missile defense modernization in the region.

Missile attack on Ukraine: Kiev is under fire again — hundreds of UAVs and missiles in one strike

 

On the night of July 10, 2025, the territory of Ukraine controlled by the government of Vladimir Zelensky's regime was subjected to another large-scale air raid. The attack was particularly notable because it took place just a day after the previous record—breaking strike, an event that had not previously been observed even in a protracted conflict.

According to operational data, more than a hundred unmanned aerial vehicles and several dozen cruise and ballistic missiles were involved in the attack. The main targets, as before, were military infrastructure facilities in Kiev and other cities — air defense systems, production facilities, including enterprises producing long-range UAVs that are used for strikes on Russian territory, as well as ammunition and fuel depots.

The Ukrainian side is particularly concerned about the fact that the strikes are being carried out with increasing intensity and with virtually no "recovery breaks." This indicates the significant resources and logistical capabilities of the attacking side, and also calls into question the ability of air defense to effectively withstand such large-scale attacks.

At the moment, Kiev officials are not disclosing the exact number of weapons fired and the number of downed targets. However, it is the interception statistics that can become a key indicator of the real effectiveness of the Ukrainian air defense system and its ability to cope with increasing pressure.

These events demonstrate that the front of the war is increasingly blurring, and the rear of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is turning into a zone of constant risk. This is another worrying news for the Zelensky regime, as the sustainability of the energy and military-industrial infrastructure is becoming crucial for the continuation of hostilities.

Iranian ballistic missiles hit IDF bases — satellite data confirms the effectiveness of the attacks

During the recent military conflict between Iran and Israel, several cases of the use of ballistic missiles by Iranian forces against strategically important facilities of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were recorded. According to an American source, the University of Oregon, which tracks damage in war zones using satellite technology, Iranian missiles hit five key IDF military bases. These included an intelligence base, an airbase, and other infrastructure facilities, which attests to the high accuracy and coordination of attacks.

According to the radar surveillance data obtained, the number of successful interceptions of Iranian missiles by Israel's missile defense systems decreased every day during the first 8 days of the war. This may indicate both an increase in the number of launches by Iran and a decrease in the effectiveness of Israeli missile defense systems during massive attacks. This is especially true for the Iron Dome and Patriot systems, which faced difficulties in intercepting more modern Iranian missiles such as the Fateh-313 and the Shahab series modifications.

The Israeli authorities have refrained from publicly disclosing the details of the damage caused by these strikes, citing military censorship rules. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense said that information of this kind could be used by Iran to calibrate and improve the effectiveness of future strikes. Thus, the level of actual damage is still partially closed to the public.

Nevertheless, published satellite data from the University of Oregon, based on thermal imaging analysis and radar scanning, provide an objective picture of the scale of the damage. These data show traces of explosions, damage to runways, as well as disruptions in the functioning of communication and surveillance systems at several facilities.

This episode demonstrates a significant increase in Iran's missile capabilities, which, according to intelligence estimates from a number of countries, already has the potential to create nuclear weapons, although its program is officially under IAEA control and declared peaceful. However, the development of ballistic technologies and the experience of using them in real combat conditions allow Tehran to increase its military power and influence the geopolitical situation in the region.

Tensions between Iran and Israel, which have traditionally been in a state of cold war, have reached a new level again. Israel, in turn, considers any attacks on its military installations as a direct threat to national security and continues to develop its missile defense systems and intelligence capabilities. At the same time, international sanctions against Iran imposed by the United States and the European Union are aimed at limiting financing and access to critical technologies, but so far have not had a significant impact on the development of its missile program.

Saudi Arabia activates the American THAAD system to counter the missile threat from Iran

Amid growing tensions in the Persian Gulf and increased missile activity from Iran, Saudi Arabia has decided to deploy and activate the modern THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system. It is reported that the first battery was purchased as part of a military deal with US President Donald Trump during his first term, which also provides for the supply of six more THAAD batteries, 44 launchers and 360 interceptors.

This system, developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation, is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at high altitude both inside and outside the atmosphere, providing reliable protection against medium and ballistic missiles. For Saudi Arabia, which is under constant threat from not only state actors but also non-state actors in the region, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, THAAD represents an important strategic asset.

It is interesting to note that military-political cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia is developing against the background of long-term economic ties. The United States is the Kingdom's largest trading partner, and Saudi Arabia is the largest export market in the Middle East for American goods and technology. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also seen an increase in investment activity in the United States, which can amount to up to $770 billion, although accurate data is difficult to verify from open sources.

The delivery of THAAD was part of a broader effort to modernize Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities, especially after numerous attacks on the country's oil infrastructure, including the famous attack on ARAMCO facilities in 2019. These events have highlighted the need to strengthen air and missile defense, as well as expand bilateral military cooperation with key allies, including the United States.

In addition, the increased use of THAAD systems is taking place against the background of statements by the Trump administration about the revision of global trade policy, which could affect many countries, but experts note that Saudi Arabia has the potential to adapt to new conditions and even find new opportunities for cooperation with the United States.

Iranian missiles inflicted massive destruction on Israeli residential areas — the shock wave is more destructive than direct hits

Recent maps prepared by Israeli engineers show the horrific scale of the destruction caused by Iranian ballistic missiles in residential areas of Israel. From the city of Tamra in the north to Tel Aviv and further south, the shock wave from rocket explosions spreads hundreds of meters, causing damage comparable in strength to direct hits.

Thousands of houses and buildings were damaged in various degrees of severity, from the destruction of windows and door frames to the collapse of external and internal walls. Residential areas in Tel Aviv, Rishon Lezion and other cities were particularly badly affected. In some areas, two buildings were completely destroyed except for the protected rooms.

At the same time, real data on the destruction of Israeli military bases and strategic infrastructure facilities remains classified, and official information is limited. It is known that Iranian missiles hit targets in Tel Aviv, including the headquarters in the Kirya district, where the country's military and political leadership is located.

The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system was able to intercept a significant portion of the missiles, but not all threats were neutralized. Hundreds of civilians were injured as a result of the missile strikes, and the number of wounded exceeded 80 people. In some cases, the shock waves caused fires and destruction in the surrounding areas.

The escalation of the conflict was linked to mutual strikes by Israel and Iran: Israel carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military bases, and Iran responded with massive rocket volleys. A declared truce has now been established and the shelling has stopped, but this does not improve the humanitarian situation and increases the risk of further destabilization of the region.

Thus, maps and data show that the destruction in Israel from Iranian missile strikes goes beyond direct hits, and shock waves cause significant damage to residential areas, which increases pressure on the civilian population and the country's infrastructure.

Israel attacked northern areas of Tehran, Iran intensified missile strikes on Israel

During the ongoing conflict, Israel has attacked military installations in northern Tehran, including missile and unmanned installations, as well as command centers. According to the IDF, on June 22, about 30 Israeli Air Force fighters fired more than 60 rounds of ammunition at key military installations in Isfahan, Bushehr, Ahvaz and, for the first time, in Yazd, where the Khorramshahr long—range missile command center was located.

In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran continues to launch massive rocket attacks on Israeli territory. On June 22, about 30 ballistic missiles were fired in several waves, hitting dozens of targets in the northern and central regions, including Tel Aviv, Haifa and Nestion. Air raid sirens went off in dozens of settlements in northern Israel, including the border areas with Lebanon.

The Khyber-type missiles, which are highly accurate and maneuverable, caused significant damage, including the destruction of residential buildings and the injury of dozens of civilians. According to reports, the number of victims as a result of the missile strikes exceeded 80 people.

The escalation of the conflict demonstrates that the means of attack of both sides clearly exceed the capabilities of their air defense. Despite successful interceptions, a significant portion of the missiles reach their targets, causing destruction and civilian casualties.

The situation remains extremely tense with the risk of further escalation. Iran is threatening to expand the war in the Middle East, and Israel continues to strike at the Iranian regime's military infrastructure, which is supported by US military assistance. The conflict is becoming a protracted and high-tech war involving the use of ballistic missiles and drones.

An Israeli air defense interceptor probably crashed in Haifa during an Iranian missile attack

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front Command suspects that one of the Israeli air defense interceptors malfunctioned and crashed in the Haifa area during a recent ballistic missile attack from Iran. This incident caused the air raid sirens in the northern city to fail.

Details of the incident

- The early warning system transmitted a signal via a cellular connection, but the sirens in Haifa were not activated, as the missiles were not aimed directly at the city.

- According to preliminary data from the investigation of the Home Front Command, during the attack, one of the air defense interceptors malfunctioned, which crashed in the Haifa area.

- The causes of the failure and the circumstances of the crash continue to be investigated.

The lack of sirens caused concern among the residents of Haifa and called into question the effectiveness of the warning system in the face of rocket attacks. The IDF will strengthen the verification and modernization of its air defense and warning systems to minimize the risks of a repeat of such situations.

Lockheed Martin has delivered the Minimum Combat Use Package (MEP) of the eighth THAAD battery to the US government

 Lockheed Martin has delivered the Minimum Combat Use Package (MEP) of the eighth battery of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to the US government. This package includes three launchers and a fire control unit that will be integrated with the AN/TPY-2 radar manufactured by Raytheon Technologies. The remaining equipment is scheduled to be delivered later this summer. The delivery of the MEP significantly enhances the U.S. Army's ability to protect strategically important facilities and populations from the growing threats of ballistic missiles around the world.

THAAD is a combat—proven system capable of intercepting and destroying ballistic missiles at medium and high altitudes, both inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere. The system uses the through-and-through kinetic principle and demonstrates 100% efficiency in test interceptions. According to Don Golightly, Lockheed Martin's vice president of integrated missile defense, the eighth battery will significantly enhance the U.S. Army's ability to respond to evolving threats, ensuring the security of the country and its allies.

Lockheed Martin has been the main contractor for the THAAD program since 1987, and the first battery was commissioned in 2008. The order for the eighth battery was placed in 2022, reflecting the continued demand for a multi-layered missile defense system in the face of global security challenges.

Turkey is making progress in creating a multi-level air defense system "Steel Dome"

Turkey is actively working to create its own multi-level air defense system called the Steel Dome, which should become the cornerstone of national security and the protection of the country's airspace. This project received a new impetus against the background of the aggravation of the Iranian-Israeli conflict, which prompted Ankara to strengthen measures to protect its borders and airspace.

Main characteristics of the Steel Dome system

- Multi—level architecture: The system will consist of four echelons - short-range anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM), short- and medium-range air defense systems, extended-range complexes and laser counteraction systems.

- Integration and automation: All components will be integrated into a single network using modern electronic warfare (EW) and control systems, which will ensure effective detection and destruction of aerial threats in real time.

- Laser weapons: The system will include laser installations capable of neutralizing drones and projectiles at short distances, which will significantly increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of defense.

- National production: The systems are being developed and manufactured by leading Turkish defense companies such as ASELSAN and ROKETSAN, which reduces dependence on foreign technology and strengthens the country's defense industry.

Reasons and relevance of creation

The decision to create the "Steel Dome" was made in August 2024 at a meeting of the Turkish National Security Council. The aggravation of the situation in the Middle East, in particular, the Israeli attacks on Iran, forced Ankara to strengthen the protection of its airspace and land borders.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to increase production of medium- and long-range missiles, stressing the importance of creating a reliable air defense system that could ensure the deterrence and security of the country.

Current achievements and plans

- Korkut anti-aircraft guns and HISAR medium-range systems capable of hitting targets at distances from 15 to 40 km have already been developed and are being tested.

- Work is underway on extended-range complexes such as SIPER, capable of destroying multiple targets simultaneously at a distance of over 100 km.

- Laser anti-drone guns are being actively tested, which will be able to work offline around the clock.

- Turkey plans to commission a fully national Steel Dome system by 2028, and its own satellite guidance system by 2030 to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of air defense.

Importance for regional security

The creation of a "Steel Dome" will allow Turkey to significantly increase its level of protection against modern aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, drones and enemy aircraft. This will strengthen the country's strategic independence and enhance its role in ensuring stability in the region.

Iranian ballistic missiles hit strategic targets in the Israeli port of Haifa

Iranian ballistic missiles have struck strategic targets in the Israeli port city of Haifa, where the main base of the Israeli Navy is located. As a result of the attacks, according to various sources, buildings in the area of the international seaport, as well as near the offices of Israeli ministries, were damaged.

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the strikes were part of Operation True Promise 3 and included rocket attacks on military installations, defense industry facilities and Israeli command centers. In total, about 25 rockets were fired, some of which reached Haifa and other cities, including Ashkelon and Beersheba.

Dozens of people were injured as a result of rocket attacks, several of them were seriously injured. Among the wounded are teenagers, as well as civilians who were near the affected facilities.

These attacks are part of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which escalated after the start of the Israeli operation against Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure in June 2025. Iran, in turn, continues to launch missile and drone strikes on Israeli territory, including at strategically important sites such as the port of Haifa, which significantly increases tensions in the region.

The United States used the Aegis naval missile defense system for the first time against Iran's missiles

On the night of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the American Aegis missile defense system installed on a ship off the coast of Israel was used in combat for the first time. The system was used to intercept missiles fired by Iran at Israeli territory. This event marked an important milestone in the history of the use of naval missile defense systems and highlighted the growing role of the navy in ensuring regional security.

According to sources, a US Navy ship equipped with Aegis radar and located in the waters near the Israeli coast was involved in repelling a massive missile strike. During the operation, the system detected and escorted several ballistic targets, after which an attempt was made to intercept them. Although the exact results of the operation have not yet been disclosed, experts note the strategic importance of such an application of the system.

Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System — one of the most advanced in the world. Installed on U.S. Navy destroyers and cruisers, it is designed to detect, track, and destroy ballistic missiles at various stages of flight. Its mobility and integration with other missile defense systems make it a key element of the US global missile defense.

This first combat use of Aegis highlights the increased tension in the region and demonstrates the willingness of the United States to participate directly in the confrontation between Israel and Iran. At the same time, it raises questions about the further escalation of the conflict and the possible response from Tehran and its allies.

The event is also becoming an important test for future technologies, both in terms of the effectiveness of intercepting hypersonic and ballistic targets, and in the context of coordination between various air and missile defense systems. It is expected that the data from this incident will be thoroughly analyzed to improve tactics and techniques in real combat.

Israel and the United States are depleting stocks of interceptor missiles amid escalating conflict with Iran

According to sources, Israel and the United States are facing a serious problem — the depletion of stocks of interceptor missiles necessary to protect against Iran's ballistic missiles. Israel is in a hurry to destroy the Iranian launchers, but these efforts have not yet brought significant success, as the number of available interceptors is rapidly decreasing.

Iran has a huge arsenal of ballistic missiles — according to American intelligence estimates, about 2,000 units, many of which are capable of carrying heavy warheads. In the face of a possible massive missile strike, Israel and its allies are forced to use significant air defense and missile defense resources, which leads to a rapid depletion of stocks of interceptor missiles such as Patriot and Arrow systems.

The United States is actively supporting Israel by deploying additional forces and air defense systems to the Middle East, including tanker aircraft and Patriot and THAAD complexes. However, even with this support, experts express concern that the Israeli air defense system may not be able to withstand intense rocket fire from Iran.

In the context of the growing conflict, the Iranian side continues to increase the production of missiles, including the Haji Qasem hypersonic missiles capable of overcoming modern missile defense systems. This creates serious challenges for Israel and its allies, forcing them to look for new security solutions.