MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS October 10th - October 16th, 2023 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On Tuesday, October 10th, Lockheed Martin was chosen by the US Army to develop two 300kW laser countermeasure prototypes as part of the High Energy Laser (HEL) project. The HEL project is one of the directed energy weapon (DEW) concepts under the Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability program. DEW systems, like the HEL, offer a rapid, precise response to a variety of threats, reducing logistical demands and collateral damage. The project will complement other defense components to safeguard stationary and partially stationary sites against rockets, artillery, mortars, unmanned aerial systems, and aircraft. The US Army plans to field up to four operational 300kW-class IFPC-HEL prototypes integrated into tactical military vehicles by 2024. Lockheed Martin's vice president of Mission Systems & Weapons, Rick Cordaro, highlighted the significance of the contract, emphasizing the years of program evolution and collaboration with the Army. Lockheed Martin previously achieved a significant milestone in 2019 when it was selected by the US Department of Defense to develop a 300kW-class spectral beam combined high-energy laser, and in August 2022, they delivered a 300kW-class laser weapon system for the DoD’s High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative. On Saturday, October 14th, The Pentagon confirmed it is sending a second aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean near Israel to deter Iran and Hezbollah from getting involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This deployment complements the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group already in the region and serves as a clear demonstration of the U.S.'s commitment to Israel's defense and a deterrent signal to potential adversaries, including Hezbollah. One significant aspect of this move is deterring Hezbollah from utilizing its massive missile stockpile, which has been a concern in the region. The Eisenhower strike group, including the USS Eisenhower, the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), and the guided missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG-58), USS Mason (DDG-87), and USS Gravely (DDG-107), brings with it advanced missile defense capabilities. These capabilities are crucial in enhancing regional security and deterring potential missile threats. On Monday, October 16th, The lead ship of the KDX III Batch II program, ROKS Jeongjo the Great was reported to be undergoing sea-trials. The Jeongjo the Great Aegis destroyer is almost fully armed with Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), though the homegrown KVLS-II vertical launch system is still under development. The South Korean program calls for three Aegis destroyers to be built, with the lead ship scheduled for delivery to the ROK Navy in November 2024. The 'Jeongjo the Great' class Aegis destroyers are equipped with ballistic missile defense capabilities and feature the latest Aegis combat system, Baseline 9.C2 'KII'. The vessels can strike surface targets from stand-off distances using the KVLS-II system, currently under development. The combat system is integrated with local systems, enhancing detection and tracking capabilities. The hull-mounted sonar hardware is significantly larger, and the vessels feature newly developed variable depth sonar and multi-function towed array systems. These advancements signify significant progress in South Korea's naval capabilities. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA Alerts When Deterrence Fails " Deterrence has stood as the bedrock principle of global security for well over a century. The Cold War persisted for decades, primarily driven by the threat of mutually assured destruction..."  Click here to read more. This is a Watershed Moment for Israel and the World " Israel and every homeland have to have defensive capabilities. I would say all layers, but even the greatest country in intelligence maybe in the world got surprised..."  Click here to read more. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Sergeant Kohlman Adler ​ Sergeant Kohlman M. Adler is a Space and Missile Warning Technician in the Space Watch Cell, Space Forces - Indo-Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Sgt Adler is a part of a seven- member team responsible for providing 24/7/365 theater missile warning support to the U.S. Indo- Pacific Command Commander. Sgt Adler is also responsible for ensuring Space Domain Awareness, Personnel Recovery actions, and dynamic targeting space support throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Sgt Adler entered the Air Force in 2016 from Miles City, MT. He completed enlisted undergraduate space training in March 2017, and since then has held a variety of positions. In his previous position, Sgt Adler was a staff instructor for the 460th Operations Support Squadron and responsible for all initial and upgrade training for Space Based Infrared System operations at Buckley AFB, CO. In his previous duties, he was as a Crew Chief for 11th Space Warning Squadron in which he analyzed and reported missile warning data. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 Indo-Pacific Missile Defenders of the Year  NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS NATO Allies Advance Europe-Wide Air Defense Plan in Response to Russia - Newsweek - 10/11/2023 Lockheed Martin provides in-flight target updates for interceptor missiles - Army Technology - 10/12/2023 Israel is preparing to deploy laser missile defences - The Telegraph - 10/16/2023 THREAT NEWS Signal: Iran and Hezbollah declare support for Hamas against Israel - Airforce Technology - 10/10/2023 N. Korea 'on pace' to field enough nuclear-tipped ICBMs to break U.S. missile defense: congressional report - Yonhap News Agency - 10/13/2023 Philippines demands China halt "dangerous and offensive" actions in S.C. Sea - Reuters - 10/16/2023 OTHER NEWS Kongsberg sending counter-drone network to Ukraine, pitching it to US - Defense News - 10/10/2023 Facing air and missile threats from all sides, the Army’s LTAMDS 360° radar sees all - Breaking Defense - 10/11/2023 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!