MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS May 16th - 22nd, 2023 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On Tuesday, May 16, it was reported that South Korea is set to take part in the Nimble Titan 24, a multinational missile defense exercise to be held in Australia this week. According to the government and military authorities on Monday, about 130 personnel from South Korea, Japan, and 25 other countries as well as four international organizations will attend this year's Nimble Titan exercise hosted by the Australian defense ministry. On Wednesday, May 17, it was reported that Russia's new priority is trying to neutralize Ukraine's "improved" air defense systems after they successfully shot down missiles that President Vladimir Putin had bragged were unbeatable, according to UK intelligence. The UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Wednesday that Russia has prioritized attempts to neutralize Ukraine's improved air defence capabilities after it "achieved the first ever shoot-down of a KILLJOY air-launched ballistic missile." KILLJOY is NATO's term for Russia's advanced Kinzhal missiles, which Russia has previously described as unstoppable. On Thursday, May 18, it was reported that a proposed missile-defense system for Guam may provide the island with absolute protection from missile threats, including hypersonic missiles, but the project is already overdue, according to missile defense experts. Guam’s Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System is expected to deploy in long stages starting in 2027, according to the Missile Defense Agency. But with looming threats from potential adversaries like China and North Korea, that timeline may not suffice, according to Riki Ellison, founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. “We’re not going fast enough,” he told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday. Also on Thursday, Explosions rocked Kyiv early Thursday, as Russia continued a wave of strikes on the Ukrainian capital. An air raid alert remained in place, and residents were urged to stay in shelters. Debris from missiles fell on the city, but no casualties were reported. The Patriot air-defense system damaged in Ukraine on Tuesday by a Russian strike has been fixed and is operational, Deputy Pentagon Spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Thursday. Singh added that the United States provided “some assistance” on the repair of the system, but declined to offer additional detail. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS The Missile Defense "Must Do" List for the FY-24 NDAA "This is our 50th Congressional Roundtable, and it comes at just a great time when Congress today and this week and most likely next week, will come up with their final National Defense Authorization Act and putting forward the missile defense priorities as we see it and we’ll gather probably one of our best teams ever..." Click here to read more. Expanding Our Team "With the continuation of our mission to make our nation and the world safer through the advocacy, development, and deployment of missile defense, we are honored to bring Major General (Ret) Charles “Corky” Corcoran onto our Board of Directors..." Click here to read more. MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES Ukrainian War Updates Track the number and type of missiles used in the Ukrainian war, the number of casualties, and daily news highlights. Track updates on the conflict in Ukraine. Taiwan Incursion Updates Track the number and type of incursions in the Taiwan Strait, the number of missiles fired, aircraft crossing the ADIZ, and daily news highlights. Track updates on the tensions in the Taiwan Strait. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Sergeant First Class Angel Perez SFC Perez joined the Puerto Rico National Guard as a PV1 in January of 2011, where he enlisted as a 31B Military Police Officer. He completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon completion, SFC Perez was assigned to the 770th MP Company in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. In 2013, SFC Perez accepted a position in the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program, as a team member for the 49th Missile Defense Battalion MP GBI Security Company in Fort Greely, AK. While serving as an MP in the GBI Security Company, he assumed many roles within the line unit: Team Member, Team Leader, Entry Control NCOIC, and Sergeant of the Guard for all active security operations. In January 2017, SFC Perez was selected from a broad pool of personnel to attend the Ground Based Missile Defense qualification. Upon the successful completion of the course, he was assigned as the Communications Operator for Bravo Crew, 49th MDB. In 2019 SFC Perez’s knowledge and skill earned him recognition as Missile Defender of the Year as Bravo Crew Communications Operator. In August 2019, he assumed a role of increased responsibility within the FDC as a Weapons Operator for Alpha Crew. During this time, SFC Perez also accepted the additional role of the Missile Defense Operations NCOIC, and yet again performed at the highest level to earn recognition as the 2021 Missile Defender of the Year Weapons Operator. In August 2022, he accepted a promotion to Sergeant First Class and a newly established position with the Command and Control section as the Future Development NCO. He is currently tasked with supporting the technical and tactical defense of the Missile Defense Complex assets and personnel. SGT Perez’s prior assignments include: C-UAS Future Developer NCO, Missile Defense Operations NCOIC, Weapons Operator HHB 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Communications Operator, HHB 49th Missile Defense Battalion Team Leader, A Company, 49th Missile Defense Battalion; Team Member, 770th Military Police Company. He holds a Technical degree as an Emergency Medical Technician and an Associate’s Degree in General Studies. He is currently working towards his Baccalaureate Degree in Criminal Justice. SFC Perez is married to his beautiful wife Ashley and has a daughter, Nyah (age 3) and a son, Rowan (age 2). Click here to view all the awardees from the 2022 Alaska Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony. NEWS HEADLINES MDAA IN THE NEWS US missile defense project on Guam is ‘not going fast enough,’ security experts say - Stars and Stripes - 05/18/2023 Watch Mr. Riki Ellison on Mornings with Patti - NewsTalk K57 Guam - 5/22/23 MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Ukraine says it has repelled 'biggest' missile attack on Kyiv so far - Euro News - 05/16/2023 USAF tests anti-drone swarm energy weapon - Flight Global - 05/17/2023 Italy Delivers SAMP/T Air Defense System to Ukraine - The Defense Post - 05/18/2023 THREAT NEWS Chinese national tried to give ballistic missile production material to Iran: Report - Washington Examiner - 05/16/2023 Defense Minister Stresses Constant Progress in Iran’s Missile Technology - Tashim News Agency - 05/18/2023 OTHER NEWS G7 urged to deter military action against Taiwan - 05/17/2023 Space Force selects Parsons to develop ground system for missile-warning satelllites - Space News - 05/17/2023 Stay Connected: MDAA | 515 King Street, Suite 330, Alexandria, VA 22314 Unsubscribe [email protected] Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!