Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Locklear, told Congress that China’s may be able to enforce a Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over South China Sea once reclamation works on islands it occupied there are completed.

By CIA. Cropped and Flags added by Estarapapax. (Central Intelligence Agency.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“It allows them to exert basically greater influence over what’s now a contested area. Expanded land features down there also could eventually lead to the deployment of things such as long-range radars, military, and advanced missile systems,” he said.

Source: Alert 5

By Cpl. Rodion Zabolotniy (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1601355) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Source: Alert 5

Boeing is looking at a new Harpoon Next Generation anti-ship missile that will have its range double from 67 nm to 134 nm.

By USN [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The upgrade – consists of a more fuel-efficient engine, additional fuel, and a smaller 300-pound class warhead – can be retrofitted by existing customers of Harpoon Block II missiles themselves.

Company officials say the kit is expected to be ready in 2018.

Source: Alert 5