The US on Monday confirmed that Iran conducted a medium-range ballistic missile test east of Tehran, a violation of a UN resolution barring such launches. The launch of a Khorramshahr medium-range missile occurred at a known test location near the city of Semnan, which is about 140 miles east of Tehran, FOX News reported on Monday. The missile flew about 600 miles before exploding. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said during a briefing that the President is aware that Iran fired a missile and “we’re looking into the exact nature of it.” The UN adopted a resolution in July 2015 barring Iran from conducting such tests. A US official told Reuters Iran had conducted another Khorramshahr test in July 2016.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.