MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS June 13th - 19th, 2023 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On Tuesday June 13, it was reported that the U.S. will produce more of the Patriot air defense systems that have seen Ukraine intercept Russia's formidable hypersonic missiles, handing over five additional systems to Kyiv by the end of 2024. Raytheon Technologies, the U.S. defense contractor leading the production of Patriot air defense systems, will also increase its yearly output to 12 Patriots, the company's chief executive, Greg Hayes, told The Wall Street Journal in comments published on Sunday. On Thursday, June 15, North Korea sent at least two ballistic missiles into Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in waters off Ishikawa Prefecture on Thursday, the Defense Ministry in Tokyo said, further ramping up tensions after a failed satellite launch last month. Both missiles splashed down some 250 kilometers northwest of Ishikawa’s Hegura Island, traveling about 850 km and 900 km, respectively, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Kimi Onoda told reporters, adding that there had not been any reports of damage to aircraft or ships. Also on Thursday, it was reported that the chair's markup of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sought to boost the appropriation for the Guam missile defense system by $100 million, thus raising the funding proposal from $397 million to $497 million. “This is an effort our office initiated and advocated for since the start of this term, inclusive of our amendment to increase the appropriation for the Guam missile defense by $147 million,” Guam Delegate James Moylan said. On Friday June 16, it was reported that Gen. Glen VanHerck wants to make it crystal clear that the military’s most recent plan laying out warfighting responsibilities in no way changes the missile defense-related roles of his two commands, US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and NORAD — following what he told Breaking Defense was an “incredibly misleading” announcement from US Space Command late last month. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS The Sands of Time "In January 1958, the U.S. Army launched the first successful satellite Explorer 1 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This revolutionary event established the requirement of a much-needed test range to support future aerial, missile, and space experimentation. This week the army celebrates its 248th birthday and continues to break barriers and lead the way in space and missile defense..." 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 Staff Sergeant Michael Santiago SSG Santiago is a native of Yauco, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in 2011 as a Military Police Officer and went to One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon completing OSUT, SSG Santiago was assigned to the 544th MP Company in Ponce, Puerto Rico. In 2015-2016, SSG Santiago deployed to Honduras as an MP providing site security in Soto Cano Air Base. In 2016, SSG Santiago transferred to the Alaska National Guard as a full time AGR soldier with A Company, 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely, Alaska. During his initial tour, he served in many capacities within Alpha Company: Team Member, Team Leader, Platoon Armorer, Entry Control NCOIC, and Sergeant of the Guard for all security operations. At the end of his three year AGR tour, he extended for six additional years in the AKARNG and with the 49th Missile Defense Battalion. In 2020, SSG Santiago transitioned from A Company to 49th HHB to work in the Fire Direction Center (FDC) as a Communications Operator. Here, he has maintained dual certification status as a Weapons and Communications Operator. SSG Santiago’s prior assignments include: Weapons Operator HHB 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Communications Operator, HHB 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Team Leader, A Company 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Team Member 544th Military Police Company. His military education/courses include: Intro to Space, Avenger Crew Member Course, Advance Leader Course, Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Qualification Course, Basic Leader Course, Military Police, Combat Life Saver Course, License Instructor/License Examiner Course. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. He is currently working towards his Baccalaureate Degree in General Studies. His awards and decorations include: Basic Space Badge, Driver and Mechanic badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicles, Army Good Conduct Medal, PR English Proficiency Ribbon, 2 Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officers Proficiency Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2022 Alaska Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony. NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Japan focuses on missile defense in its first space security policy - Nikkei Asia - 06/14/2023 Germany releases funds for Israel's Arrow-3 missiles in planned 4 billion euro deal - Reuters - 06/14/2023 Hypersonic missile interceptor ‘Sky Sonic’ unveiled by Rafael - Airforce Technology - 06/15/2023 THREAT NEWS Navy Commander: IRGC Vessels Equipped with 2,000km-Range Cruise Missiles for First Time - Fars News Agency - 06/13/2023 China holds live-fire drills in East China Sea north of Taiwan - Reuters - 06/13/2023 RAF typhoons intercept Russian Air Force jets flying close to NATO border - Mirror - 06/15/2023 OTHER NEWS 3rd Landing Support Battalion Marines Start Combined Distribution Exercise in South Korea - US Indo-Pacific Command - 06/13/2023 U.S. Navy Increases Procurement Of Naval Weapons - Naval News - 06/14/2023 Seoul salvages part of rocket from North Korea’s failed launch - Al Jazeera - 06/16/2023 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!