Research Team - Washington Institute For Defence & Security

11 Apr 22

Slovakia confirmed that Patriot and S-300 air defense systems are on their way to Ukraine.

According to Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad, the US will deploy a Patriot air defense system in his nation next week. The declaration came only days after Slovakia, at Ukraine’s request, handed its Soviet-era S-300 air defense system. Nad earlier stated that his nation is prepared to deliver its S-300 to Ukraine on the condition […]

10 Apr 22

Washington Institute: US should not reward UAE and KSA in Yemen.

The United States’ assistance to the Saudi-led coalition might lead to complicity in war crimes.  Yemen’s lengthy conflict has killed almost a quarter of a million people, either directly or indirectly, as a result of insufficient food, health care, and infrastructure. It has featured unlawful attack after unlawful assault, with civilian objects targeted by the warring […]

08 Apr 22

WIDS Security Bulletin – March 2022

Washington Institute for Defense and Security Security Bulletin – March 2022 United States & Europe: Kyiv, Ukraine: On March 16th, Ukrainian forces launched a counter-offensive to retake the region surrounding Kyiv. This offensive has retaken several towns in the area, pushing Russian forces back and straining their logistics. Washington, DC: The Biden administration […]

05 Apr 22

The US Army is preparing a call for prototype designs of optionally manned combat vehicles.

According to service officials in charge of the effort, the US Army will approach industry for prototype designs for its Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle successor when it issues a final call for bids in June. Much of what the Army is looking for in the upcoming detailed design phase for the optionally manned fighting vehicle, […]

05 Apr 22

Europeans assess the scope of Ukraine’s security guarantees.

According to a senior European Union official, European states are likely to debate their role in security assurances that may be provided to Ukraine as part of a prospective peace settlement following Russia’s more violent onslaught on the country. The remarks come after negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators last week raised the issue of […]

29 Mar 22

Event: Central Asia in Russian Security Architecture

29 Mar 22

Turkish Aerospace is working on a supersonic target drone.

A Turkish state-controlled corporation claims to have built a supersonic target drone that is now being tested in flight. According to a promotional pamphlet from Turkish Aerospace Industries, the supersonic drone is part of the SIMSEK High Speed Target Drone Project. TAI has also created algorithms and payloads as part of the effort. The drone, […]

29 Mar 22

The Space Force needs a 40% budget increase in order to improve space-based missile warning.

The U.S. Space Force’s $24.5 billion funding proposal for fiscal 2023 is a 40% increase over last year, driven by the Department of Defense’s need to expand its space-based missile warning and tracking system. During an embargoed media conference on March 25, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall informed reporters that the Space Force’s $7 billion […]

29 Mar 22

The Air Force wants more money to develop hypersonic weapons

The Air Force’s fiscal 2023 budget request includes further funding for hypersonic weapons development, replenishing guided munitions supplies, purchasing ship-killing missiles and air-launched cruise missiles, and further developing a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile. The budget request, issued by the Biden administration on Monday, wants to raise spending on hypersonic prototyping from almost $509 million approved […]

29 Mar 22

In the fighter replacement competition, Canada selects the F-35.

According to government insiders, the Canadian government has chosen Lockheed Martin’s F-35 as the preferred offering in its competition to purchase a new fighter plane. Canada intends to purchase 88 new fighter planes to replace its CF-18s. The government has set aside around CA$19 billion (US $15 billion) for the acquisition. According to Procurement Minister […]