MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS

July 11th - July 17th, 2023

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

On Tuesday, July 11, it was publicly announced that The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) and Joint Region Marianas are deploying a THAAD Remote Launch package consisting of one THAAD launcher along with one patriot launcher, and associated personnel and equipment to Rota and at Tinian. This operation will allow the 94th AAMDC to gather valuable data and inform future deployments of Remote Launch packages throughout the theater. THAAD/Patriot Remote Launch is a recently developed capability that allows remote launchers to operate while geographically separated from its Tactical Fire Control Center and radar array. This expands the 94th AAMDC area of defense and allows commanders greater flexibility in deploying the system.

On Thursday, July 13, Millennium Space Systems reported it had completed a program design review (PDR) for a U.S. Space Force missile tracking satellite in just four months, the company announced Wednesday. The satellite is for Space Systems Command’s Missile Track Custody (MTC) program. The MTC program is pursuing small satellites in Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) for missile warning. Millennium Space Systems first received a SSC award for the program last year. The manufacturer based the spacecraft off its flight-proven Altair-spacecraft. Millennium Space Systems is on contract for MTC space vehicle one, with options for two additional satellites. The company expects those options to be exercised, in addition to a contract for space vehicles four through six in the fourth quarter of this year.

Also on Thursday, The White House released remarks by President Biden on supporting Ukraine, defending democratic values, and taking action to address global challenges in Vilnius, Lithuania. Biden shared his optimism and his hope for the future of NATO: "Today, our Alliance remains a xxxxxx of global security and stability as it’s been for more than seven decades. NATO is stronger, more energized, and, yes, more united than ever in its history. Indeed, more vital to our shared future."

On Sunday, July 16, The Japanese defense ministry announced that Japan, the United States and South Korea carried out a trilateral missile defense exercise in the Sea of Japan. The drills included Aegis-equipped destroyers, one each from Japan's maritime Self-Defense Force, the US Navy and the South Korean Navy. The destroyers are capable of chasing ballistic missiles. The trilateral exercise was the first aimed at responding to a ballistic missile since April. The three countries confirmed steps on sharing information about a missile that has been launched.The defense ministry believes the ICBM-level missile the North launched on Wednesday was a new type using solid fuel, which enables quicker launches compared to liquid fuel. The ministry said the latest exercise promotes trilateral cooperation at a time when the security situation surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe, and shows the three countries' commitment to protect international order, based on the rule of law.

Click here to read all of this week's headlines.

MDAA ALERTS

The Capital of Lithuania and home to the NATO 2023 Summit Vilnius

What we do or not do will Define the World

"NATO has been traveling to an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) for 30 years, but the Alliance has yet to reach its destination. In recent years the awakening to the realities of the threats posed by Russia has manifested itself noticeably, as the Alliance has clearly gained the courage, intelligence, and heart to recognize the tremendous importance of IAMD. This has resulted in the Alliance committing resources, developing capabilities, delegating increased authorities, and pursuing unprecedented levels of integration among and across member nations..."

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

Captain Ryan Hairston

CPT Hairston is a native of Clarksville, Virginia. He enlisted in 2012 as an Officer Candidate and attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2016, CPT Hairston accepted a position as a Sensor Operator in HHB, 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely, AK. During his tenure as a Sensor Operator, CPT Hairston was recognized as a 2019 Missile Defender of the Year. In early 2020 CPT Hairston was moved to the Battalion Plans Officer position prior to assuming Command of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery in July 2020. While in Command, CPT Hairston successfully maintained certifications as both a Deputy and Senior Tactical Director to augment the GMD mission as required. Upon completion of Command CPT Hairston was assigned to the newly formed 49th MDB Missile Defense Operations section as the Deputy Team Chief for the 49th Missile Defense Battalion. He is tasked with ensuring training and evaluation continuity between the Battalion and 100th Missile Defense Brigade, as well as verifying the proficiency of Fire Direction Center Operators in day-to-day, and crisis-in-combat tasks in accordance with guidance set by Space and Missile Defense Command and USNORTHCOM. CPT Hairston has overseen Battalion level evaluations, crew and individual training events, designed replacement operator gunnery programs, and augmented the 100th BDE MDOPS team as needed, as well as provided warfighter support in the testing and development of advanced software designed to support the GMD mission. While serving as the MDOPS Deputy Team Chief, CPT Hairston has maintained certifications in multiple Fire Direction Center positions and assumed the real-world mission across these roles to ensure the integrity of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion’s no-fail mission. CPT Hairston’s prior assignments include: Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Fort Greely, AK; Plans Officer, 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Fort Greely, AK; S6 OIC, 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Fort Greely, AK; Sensor Operator, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 49th Missile Defense Battalion, Fort Greely, AK; Platoon Leader, A Company. He holds a Baccalaureate degree in Sociology from Lenoir Rhyne University and is completing a Master of Science of Leadership and Management. CPT Hairston is married to his exceptional wife Miranda, with whom he shares four children: Wylder (6), Woodrow (2), Ella (1), and Isla (1).

Click here to view all the awardees from the 2022 Alaska Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony.

NEWS HEADLINES

MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS

94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command to Conduct THAAD/PatriotTraining Exercise on Tinian and Rota - Office of Governor Arnold I. Palacios - 07/11/2023

Millenium Space Systems Completes Design Review for Missile Warning Satellite - Defense Daily - 07/13/2023

Japan, US, S.Korea conduct drill assuming ballistic missile launch - NHK World - Japan - 07/16/2023

US deploys guided-missile destroyer to Middle East after Iran threats - Alarabiya - 07/17/2023

UK to Invest Over $1 Billion in Hypersonic Strike Capability - The Defense Post - 07/17/23

THREAT NEWS

US Navy plane flies through Taiwan Strait, China carries out more drills - Reuters - 07/13/2023

OTHER NEWS

B-52 Stratofortresses return to Indo-Pacific for BTF Missions - Air Force - 07/12/2023

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