MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS January 30th - February 5th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On the night of Tuesday, January 30th, a Houthi-launched cruise missile in the Red Sea came within a mile of a US destroyer, marking the closest proximity to a US warship to date. The USS Gravely successfully shot down the missile using its Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). While typically intercepted at a range of eight miles, the incident highlights the ongoing threat the Houthis pose to US naval assets and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned the "reckless and illegal attacks," attributing them to Iran's support, providing the Houthis with advanced weapons. The incident occurred shortly after three US service members were killed in a drone attack by Iran-backed militants in Jordan. Despite concerns about the Houthi missile's proximity, experts suggest it doesn't necessarily indicate increased sophistication. The US is contemplating responses to recent attacks, considering potential strikes or cyberattacks on certain Iranian or Iran-backed assets. However, officials emphasize the reluctance to escalate into a full-scale war with Iran. Also on January 30th, North Korea conducted its third cruise missile test within a week, firing several missiles into the waters off its west coast, as reported by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The country, not prohibited from testing cruise missiles under UN sanctions, recently launched submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles. Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the Pulhwasal-3-31 missile launch, showcasing North Korea's advancements in military modernization. The tests come amid heightened tensions, with Kim declaring South Korea as the "principal enemy." Japan, South Korea, and the United States have expanded joint military exercises, while Kim shuts down agencies focused on reunification and outreach. The international community closely monitors North Korea's weapon development, including solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable underwater attack drones launched earlier this year. On February 4th, The United States announced plans to launch additional strikes on Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, according to White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. This follows recent attacks on Tehran-aligned factions in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, carried out in response to an attack on U.S. troops in Jordan. The strikes are part of an escalating conflict since October, triggered by Hamas attacking Israel from Gaza. The U.S. and Britain targeted 36 Houthi sites in Yemen after hitting Iran-backed groups. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel to advance talks on hostages and a potential Saudi-Israel deal. Iran, avoiding direct confrontation, denounced the attacks as a violation of international law. The situation involves regional alliances, retaliatory actions, and diplomatic efforts to address the broader conflict. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS The US is failing to quickly field hypersonic missile defense "Our MDAA Board Member RADM (ret.) Mark Montgomery recently released an article in Defense News as listed below..." Click here to read more. SHIELDing Washington DC "Our MDAA collaboration with the University of Southern California to create the SHIELD Executive Program has marked its third year..." Click here to read more. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Mr. Justin Loiseau Mr. Justin Loiseau epitomized timely, predictive, & client-focused support as the team lead & senior analyst of the J22 DPRK team. Mr. Loiseau led a team of four civilian & military members to execute critical analysis to the Commander through 100+ O&I briefings. These resulted in pre-launch warnings for every strategic North Korean launch in 2023 which postured the Command’s Watch & defensive weapons release authorities. He led the analysis of adversary capabilities, allowing the Commander, J31 & the Missile Defense Agency to posture a $53B system to maximize homeland ballistic missile defense. This also shaped future shot-doctrine & a multi-billion dollar missile defense Congressional bid through 2035. Subsequently, he drove early warning of the first North Korean solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile launch allowing weeks of decision space for the Commander & enabling him to posture homeland defense assets. He authored a DIA-USNORTHCOM Executive Update highlighting the expanding North Korean threat to the homeland, informing 1,500 customers & 55 executives at the highest levels of government. This armed the USNORTHCOM & USSTRATCOM Commanders with talking points for multiple Congressional testimonies. Mr. Loiseau led intelligence production viewed by thousands of analysts & informed senior government leaders to include driving policy discussion at the White House. Mr. Loiseau was selected as the J2 representative to discuss evolving threats to the homeland with a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, informing Space & Missile Defense Policy & SECDEF discussions on future Ground-Based Interceptor investments. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 NORAD and NORTHCOM Missile Defenders of the Year  NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Navy destroyer shoots down a Houthi-claimed missile in the Red Sea - Stars and Stripes - 01/31/2024 Missile defense interceptor competition enters critical design phase - Defense News - 01/31/2024 360-degree Guam missile defense system not ready for prime time - KUAM News - 02/05/2024 THREAT NEWS North Korea tests more cruise missiles as leader Kim calls for war readiness - NBC News - 02/02/2024 At least 6 Kurdish fighters are killed in a drone attack on a Syrian base housing US troops - AP News - 02/05/2024 OTHER NEWS Danish air-defense frigate heads to Red Sea as trade is under threat - Defense News - 01/29/2024 Poland to buy Lockheed Martin missile launchers for navy - Reuters - 02/01/2024 The U.S. Navy Has Missile Drama - National Interest - 02/04/2024 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!