MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS October 17th - October 23rd, 2023 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On Wednesday, October 18, AP reported that two drones targeted the al Asad airbase in western Iraq used by U.S. forces, and another drone hit a northern Iraqi base. All three drones were intercepted; two were destroyed, and one was damaged, resulting in minor injuries among coalition forces at the western base, according to U.S. Central Command. These attacks were claimed by the Iranian-backed militia group, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which threatened further actions against the "American occupation." This situation occurs amid escalating regional tension and concerns of a broader conflict following the recent Hamas-Israel war. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have expressed intentions to target U.S. facilities due to American support for Israel. In the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, an intercepted drone crashed near the village of Batas. Furthermore, Iran-aligned groups in Iraq have announced the formation of a "joint operations room" to support Hamas in its conflict with Israel. While Iraqi groups allied with Iran and Hamas may not immediately open a new front in the ongoing war, they remain prepared to respond if the conflict escalates or continues. Throughout the week there have been additional drone and missile attacks against US forces in the region. On Thursday, October 19, President Biden addressed the nation on the issues of Ukraine, Israel, and the need for additional funding for defense - including missile defense. Within the $106 Billion supplemental which the administration is sending to Congress is $1.2 Billion for directed-energy upgrades to Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. After the massive barrage on October 7th, and in subsequent missile attacks from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other groups it has become clear that the Iron Dome can be overwhelmed by the mass of an incoming attack at times. These funds are meant to accelerate and support the already on-going development of a direct-energy compliment to the kinetic defenses of the Iron Dome, with the aim of creating a system more resilient in the fact of massive wave attacks from adversaries. On Saturday, October 21, it was reported that the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense had submitted plans to deploy indigenous Sky Bow-III missiles to counter PLAAF warplanes at 12 new military bases due to increased intrusions into its Air Defense Identification Zone. According to Liberty Times, this move is driven by the need to confront China's threat and bolster missile production. The Sky Bow-III is designed to tackle medium- and long-range aerial threats, functioning independently or in groups. It is part of the Tien Kung/Sky Bow series of surface-to-air missiles, with successful testing against various targets. The deployment aligns with Taiwan's focus on enhancing its defense capabilities in the face of growing tensions with China. As stated by the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense, "The continuous military harassment by the Communist military can easily lead to a sharp increase in tensions and worsen regional security." These plans also included preparations to construct six new military bases with air and missile defense systems between 2022 and 2025. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA Alerts The World Needs Missile Defense and We Need it Now! "Last night President Joseph Biden delivered an Oval Office Address on security aid to Israel and Ukraine after the USS Carney destroyer intercepted..." Click here to read more. 2023 NORAD / NORTHCOM Missile Defender of the Year " You’re world champions, and it’s so fitting that we’re here in Colorado, the Rocky mountains, where true grit of America comes from. The cowboys, the pioneers..."  Click here to read more. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Lieutenant Greg McBride ​Lieutenant Greg McBride, a native of Mesa, Arizona, enlisted in the Navy on January 2004 as an Fire Controlman. He served as an enlisted Sailor until he was selected for the LDO program and commissioned on September 2017. For his first tour he served as a SPY technician onboard USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) from 2005- 2010. Following his first sea tour he went to Great Lakes where he served as a Naval Military Training Instructor from 2010-2013 where he was able to attain his Master Training Specialist. After he completed his shore tour he attended AWS school in Dahlgren, Virginia. Once he completed that course he went on to serve onboard the USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) from 2014-2017 as the Combat Systems Maintenance Material Assistant, Anti-Terrorism Training Supervisor, and additionally as the Boarding Officer for the VBSS team. LT McBride completed his first officer tour onboard USS PORTER (DDG-78) as the System Test Officer from 2017-2021. He participated in numerous exercises such as Flag Officer Sea Training, Joint Warrior, Atlas Handshake, Sea Breeze, a SAG that operated in the Barents Sea for the first time in over 30 years and other evolutions and operations within the SIXTHFLEET Area of Responsibility. He has completed 6 BMD Patrols in support of Forward Deployed Naval Forces Europe. In September 2021, LT McBride began his tour as System Test Officer onboard USS SHILOH (CG 67). He currently resides with his wife, Alicia, two sons Beric and Roric in Yokosuka, Japan. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (four awards). Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 Indo-Pacific Missile Defenders of the Year  NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE ADVOCACY ALLIANCE IN THE NEWS University of Arizona collaborates with missile advocacy group, students to learn more about near space - KOLD News 13 - 10/19/2023 MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Germany To Site Arrow 3 Missile Battery Near Berlin - Aviation Week - 10/17/2023 US to send two Iron Dome systems back to Israel - Reuters - 10/19/2023 US Navy destroyer in Red Sea shoots down cruise missiles potentially headed toward Israel - ABC News - 10/20/2023 THREAT NEWS US has provided Ukraine long-range ATACMS missiles - CNN - 10/18/2023 New Pentagon report details China’s growing nuclear arsenal, possible new missile effort - Breaking Defense - 10/19/2023 Pakistan test-fires Ababeel nuclear missile - Defense News - 10/21/2023 OTHER NEWS Space Force plans next MEO missile tracking satellite awards by early 2025 - Breaking Defense - 10/20/2023 NATO to adopt first-ever counter-drone doctrine for member nations - C4ISRNET - 10/20/2023 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!