219: IRGC Struck in Syria + Multiple Rockets & Ballistic Missiles Target US Base in in Iraq + UK Tests Direct Energy Weapon + USAF Sentinel ICBM Program Exceeds Cost Projections + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X (Twitter) 20 January- multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most missiles were intercepted by the base’s air defense systems while others impacted on the base. Damage assessments are ongoing.
2. 1. US CENTCOM X (Twitter) 19/20 January- US CENTCOM Forces destroy Houthi Anti-ship missiles aimed at the Southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
3. President Biden acknowledges that US strikes have not deterred Houthi forces and that more US strikes will occur.
4. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence Chief in Syria and his Deputy are killed during a precision air strike in Damascus. Other IRGC members also killed- ranks unknown.
5. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells President Biden that he has not ruled out the creation of a Palestinian State- however, Israel must maintain security control (a vital condition).
6. UK tests Direct Energy weapon in Northwest Scotland.
7. Pakistan's Air Force claims that it possesses hypersonic missile capability.
8. Defense News Opinion Article on US failure to develop a threat hypersonic missile defense capability (against China).
9. USAF Sentinel ICBM Program Exceeds Cost Projections. Projected cost (2020 dollars) $118 million per missile; new projected cost- $168 million per missiles (37% increase).
10. US Army activates a second Mid-Range Capability (also known as Strategic Mid-Range Fires System) battery in the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA). Battery will employ Tomahawk and SM-6 Missiles- with ranges between 300 miles (Precision Strike Missile) and 1,750 miles (Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon).