MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS August 8th - 14th, 2023 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On Monday, August 8, it was reported that the Pentagon needs a new way to coordinate and advocate for “missile defeat”—the ability to take out enemy missiles and launchers before launch—to reduce the requirement on active missile defenses, and U.S. Space Command should be in charge, the U.S. Army’s top missile defense official says. While there is extensive focus on missile defense—the ability to detect, track and kill a long-range missile from launch—there is much less coordination on what is done “left of launch,” says Lt. Gen. Daniel Karbler, commander of Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). There needs to be a singular official in charge of how to deny, disrupt or destroy an enemy’s capability before launch, he said. Also on Monday, it was reported that using advanced digital design methods, the two teams competing to develop the Missile Defense Agency’s Next-Generation Interceptor are nearing a key milestone by the end of the year: a preliminary design review for the all-up round. The agency chose two teams – Northrop Grumman working with Raytheon Technologies, an RTX company, and Lockheed Martin with Aerojet Rocketdyne – to design a replacement for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system’s Ground-Based Interceptors. The contracts for both teams are worth $1.6 billion in total. On Tuesday, August 9, Germany said that it had offered to extend the deployment of its Patriot missile defense systems in Poland, likely until the end of the year. Berlin sent three Patriot units to eastern Poland in January after a deadly blast struck a Polish village in late 2022, believed to be from a stray Ukrainian air defense missile. The deployment of the advanced US-made systems was originally meant to be for a maximum of six months, as Berlin seeks to ensure its own weapons stocks are not depleted. But the defense ministry said in a statement that it had offered to allow Poland to keep the systems “over the summer, probably until the end of the year.” Also on Tuesday, it was reported the U.S. Missile Defense Agency is planning a first flight test of some elements that will make up the air and missile defense architecture of Guam in December 2024, the agency’s acting director said Aug. 9 at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium. The test will involve the Navy’s Aegis weapon system deployed to Guam and the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor, Rear Adm. Doug Williams said. He is serving as the acting director while the nominated director, Maj. Gen. Heath Collins, awaits Senate confirmation. Williams is the agency’s director of testing. The first wave of defenses designed to counter complex missile threats against Guam will include radars, launchers, interceptors, and a command-and-control system to be placed on the island next year, according to previous agency lead Vice Adm. Jon Hill. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS "Give 'em Hell Alabama" We celebrated and highlighted our Missile Defense Champion community in Huntsville Alabama for the 21st time on August 9, 2023, at our annual kickoff Breakfast of Champions at the Army Space and Missile Defense Conference in Sweet Home Alabama. This is a tradition that has evolved and adapted to beat and win against the evolving growing missile threats to our Nation and the Western world. Click here to read more. “The 2023 Indo-Pacific Missile Defenders of the Year” "This is about deterring those guys from fighting us. It’s about peace in this world. It’s about word championship to retain the world order that we live in. It’s so cool because it’s just, this is the defense that’s going to do this, 100%. And we’re going to do everything we can to fight for it. And people are becoming aware, the population of this country is going to support you. It’s exciting. You are the top edge of the game..." 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 First Sergeant John M O'Connor  1SG John M. O’Connor enlisted in the United States Army on 19 March 2002 where he was awarded the MOS of 14S Avenger Crew Member (later become the MOS 14P). His first duty assignment was with D/3-4 ADAR, 82ND ABN DIV; Fort Bragg, NC., where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq. Upon return from deployment, he was assigned to Stinger PLT, CSC, 173rd ABN BDE; Vicenza, IT., where he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom III (Combined Joint Task Force Bayonet); in Afghanistan. His next duty assignment was with A/5-5 ADAR, 11th ADA BDE; Fort Lewis (JBLM), WA, as a C-RAM Crewmember, and deployed to Iraq (OIF/OND). Upon return to JBLM, he was selected to assist with the creation of the Army’s first C-RAM School with D/2-6 ADAR, 6TH Air Defense Brigade, Fort Sill, OK. 1SG O’Connor was assigned as a Platoon Sergeant with C/2-44 ADAR, 108th ADA BDE; Fort Campbell, KY., where he revived the battalions Avenger Program by conducting JRTC rotations. He was later selected for promotion to Master Sergeant in 2019 and was assigned as the First Sergeant for the 13th Missile Defense Battery, 10TH AAMDC, in Israel. After a successful year of uninterrupted operations, he served as the First Sergeant for A/5-4 ADAR; 10TH AAMDC, Ansbach DE. 1SG O’Connor is nominated for DOY award because he exemplifies servant leadership. He also made it his mission to increase the cohesiveness and morale of the headquarters, spearheading several initiatives to bring leaders and Soldiers together outside the work setting. He serves his subordinates as a standard bearer. His battery was the most well trained SHORAD unit in the EUCOM Theater, expertly performing in several Avenger Exercises, M-SHORAD fielding and training, and rapid deployment to NATO’s eastern flank. 1SG O’Connor served his superiors by always accomplishing the mission. He remained a consummate professional, able to speak eloquently to senior leaders in order to influence the decision-making process. As 10th AAMDC, HHB First Sergeant, 1st Sergeant O’Connor served an abundance of field grade officers and continued to maintain standards and discipline within his ranks. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2022 U.S. Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony. NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS US Army plans to grow Patriot missile defense force - Defense News - 08/08/2023 US Army splits testing phase of future missile defense radar - Defense News - 08/09/2023 Ukraine Gets Patriot Air Defense Boost From Germany - Newsweek - 08/10/2023 THREAT NEWS Ukraine accuses Russia of targeting rescue workers with consecutive missile strikes - AP News - 08/08/2023 Iran Developing Supersonic Cruise Missiles - Iran Front Page - 08/09/2023 OTHER NEWS Pentagon’s counter-drone office to demo swarm destruction in 2024 - Defense News - 08/08/2023 U.S. Navy sends guided-missile submarine to Middle East - Reuters - 08/08/2023 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!