MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS March 3 - March 9, 2020 THE WEEK IN BRIEF Click Here to Watch The Missile Defense Mondays Video On Wednesday, it was announced the 10th biannual Juniper Cobra exercise between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the United States European Command (EUCOM) was suspended over fears of the spreading Coronavirus. The exercise would have simulated a scenario in which American forces are deployed in Israel to work with the IDF’s air-defense force, including simulations of the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 defense systems, and an advanced version of the Iron Dome. On Thursday, while addressing the House Armed Services Committee, General John Murray, Commander of the Army Futures Command, announced that the Israeli Iron Dome is not compatible with the future IBCS command and control system. The Army decided to purchase two batteries last year after Congress mandated the Army deploy an interim cruise missile defense capability by Fiscal Year 2020. General Murray cited interoperability, cyber security, and other challenges and said, “so what we ended up having is two stand-alone batteries that will be very capable, but they cannot be integrated.” On Monday, North Korea fired at least three large caliber rockets from its KN-25 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) into the East Sea. The launches were part of a second artillery strike drill exercise in a week. The large caliber rockets reached a max apogee of 50 km and travelled a max of 200km. Monday’s launches are likely intended to reduce the interval time between launches ahead of an operational deployment, according to multiple experts and military sources. Click here to read all of the headlines from the week. MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES Iron Dome Israel’s current short-range anti-rocket, artillery and mortars system – Iron Dome – was independently developed by Israeli companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and IAI, before Raytheon joined the development process for the Tamir interceptor missiles in 2014, a condition of US funding.  Learn more about Iron Dome. Dong Feng-26 (DF-26) The DF-26 is a solid-fueled intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of 3,000-4,000km. It is road-mobile, consists of two stages, and is designed for surface-to-surface operations. However, the missile reportedly has capabilities as an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM)... Learn more about the DF-26. National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) Also known as the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is designed for mid-range air defense and can be deployed to engage aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and UAVs. Learn more about NASAMS. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Lieutenant Colonel John Ferko Lt Col Ferko served as the Chief, Standardization and Evaluations; Senior Missile and Space Domain Chief Evaluator; and Delta Crew, Missile and Space Domain Chief assigned to the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Current Operations Center at Peterson AFB, Colorado. As Chief, Standardization and Evaluations, he led a seven person joint and bi-national branch responsible for the certification of 252 watch standers across 16 crew positions. As Delta Crew, Missile and Space Domain Chief he leads a domain that characterizes missile events and relays to national authorities Commander, NORAD and USNORTHCOM missile attack assessments and is a key component of the USNORTHCOM Mobile Consolidated Command Center mission. Additionally, he monitors the system integrity of the $1.8B strategic and theater missile warning systems, assuring continuous warning coverage and notification to national and military senior leaders. Lt Col Ferko entered active duty in the Air Force in February 1992 as an enlisted Aircraft Control and Warning Radar Technician. In May 1995, he graduated from Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and assigned as a Transportation Officer at Minot AFB, North Dakota. In January 2000, he cross-trained into the Space Operations career field and completed his first space assignment at the 12th Space Warning Squadron at Thule AB, Greenland. Lt Col Ferko has served in a variety of positions in missile operations, missile defense, and missile warning at Minot AFB, Cheyenne Mountain AFS, and is currently on his second tour at Headquarters, NORAD and USNORTHCOM. Lt Col Ferko has three adult children: John, Jr; Katrina; and James, who is a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Lt Col Ferko’s awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Achievement medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Force Achievement medal. Click here to view the nominees and winners from the 2019 NORAD & USNORTHCOM Missile Warning and Defender of the Year. NEWS MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Juniper Cobra Missile Defense drill canceled over coronavirus – 3/5/20 - The Jerusalem Post Army looks to ease burden on missile defense soldiers – 3/5/20 – The Army Times Next-Generation Interceptor request for proposals delayed but ‘imminent’ – 3/5/20 – Defense News Iron Dome Doesn’t Work for Army: Gen. Murray – 3/6/20 – Breaking Defense DoD Officials Describe Layered Missile Defense Progress – 3/6/20 – DoD News The US Navy’s top officer declares support for basing 6 destroyers in Spain – 3/6/20 – Defense News Top SMDC officer uses drone-zapping lasers, says missile defense remains top focus – 3/9/20 – U.S. Army Newest destroyer at BIW will boost Navy’s ballistic missile defense – 3/9/20 – Portland Press Herald THREAT NEWS N. Korea fires 3 unidentified projectiles toward East Sea: JCS – 3/9/20 – Yonhap News Agency How China is rapidly expanding its missile arsenal – 3/9/20 – The Economic Times Stay Connected: ‌ ‌ ‌ 515 King Street, Suite 330, Alexandria, VA 22314 Unsubscribe [email protected] About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!