MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS October 3rd - October 9th, 2023 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On Monday, October 3rd, the Air Force awarded Raytheon, a $39 million contract for a prototype software system to bolster air base defenses against aerial threats, including cruise missiles and drones. This system uses AI and machine learning to analyze sensor data like radar, offering effective defense recommendations for missiles and weaponry. The Air Force, alongside the U.S. Army, is increasingly protecting small air bases in the Indopacific from these threats. Raytheon's partnership with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace showcased the adaptability of the command and control software, potentially advancing air defense capabilities. Also on October 3rd, CONR and the South Carolina National Guard's 263rd Army Air Missile Defense Command conducted a significant live-fire test using NASAMS. This emphasized the role of cruise missile defense and integrated air and missile defense systems in homeland security, highlighting the importance of collaboration among experts. The test addressed concerns about the growing cruise missile threat, reinforcing air domain awareness and rapid response capabilities. The 263rd AAMDC played a pivotal role in safeguarding homeland and overseas missions, while NORAD modernized its defense systems. On Friday, October 6th, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of four Patriot Configuration-3+ modernized fire units to Spain, valued at $2.8 billion. This deal includes PAC-3 missiles, launch stations, radar systems, communication equipment, telemetry kits, generators, spare parts, and technical support services. It aims to enhance Spain's missile defense capabilities, support its national defense goals, and strengthen its NATO role amid European tensions. Raytheon and Lockheed Martin will be the prime contractors. Spain chose not to transfer its Patriot missile system in Turkey to Ukraine due to contractual obligations and national defense commitment. The Patriot system is known for countering various threats, including tactical ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. On Saturday, October 7th, Hamas militants launched rockets from Gaza into Israeli towns during a Jewish holiday, causing casualties and abductions. Israel responded with airstrikes and declared war on Hamas. Hamas infiltrated multiple locations outside Gaza, leading to casualties and hostage situations. Over 250 casualties and 1,500 wounded occurred in Israel, with over 232 deaths and 1,700 injuries in Gaza. The situation escalated as Israel considered a ground assault into Gaza, and both sides exchanged rocket fire.  Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA Alerts Chain Reaction " As the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea becomes a hot spot between the Philippines and China, stability and defense in the First and Second Island Chains is an absolute must for deterrence. The United States and its Indo-Pacific Allies and partners in and around the Pacific..." Click here to read more. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK LTC (Ret.) Jan Marinus ​ Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jan Marinus started his career in the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1971. Throughout his 40 years of active duty, he served in a variety of positions all related to Air Defence. Jan Marinus was one of the initial instructors introducing the PATRIOT weapon system into the Dutch armed forces and acted as trainer and mentor for many Air Defence Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers over the years. Being an authority in his area of expertise, Jan was involved in the very first steps the Dutch armed forces made in the area of Missile Defence and he became one of the founding fathers of the Air and Missile Defence exercise Joint Project Optic Windmill. With his tremendous knowledge on Air & Missile defence operations, he helped to develop the exercise, starting in 1996, into the biggest Integrated Air and Missile Defence exercise in Europe, creating an unique environment used to train over the last 25 years generations of Missile Defenders of many NATO nations. Once retired Jan Marinus continued to support the Joint Project Optic Windmill as senior exercise advisor, helping to maintain and improve the quality and relevance of the exercise. Till the day of today at age 70, Jan Marinus always showed great commitment and dedication. Throughout his entire career he was an example for many generations of Dutch Air Defenders and without his constant efforts Joint Project Optic Windmill would not be as successful and relevant as it is today.  Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 European Missile Defenders of the Year  NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS 100th Missile Defense Brigade: Defending America for 20 Years - US National Guard - 09/29/2023 Inaugural Multilateral Air Domain Awareness, Defense Design Workshop enhances regional command, control structure - Pacific Air Forces - 10/04/2023 THREAT NEWS As invasion fears rise, China hones Taiwan blockade strategy - Japan Times - 10/03/2023 China condemns Philippine re-supply mission to disputed atoll - Reuters - 10/05/2023 Russian strike on cafe kills 51, Ukrainian officials say, as Zelenskyy seeks more Western support - AP - 10/05/2023 OTHER NEWS Army Air and Missile Defense CFT welcomes new director - DVIDS - 10/03/2023 Booz Allen nabs $630M integration contract for Space Force missile warning, weather programs - Breaking Defense - 10/04/2023 Putin makes nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile test claim - BBC - 10/06/2023  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!