MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS February 6th - February 12th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On February 7th, the US approved a potential $1.2 billion deal with Poland for radar recon aerostat systems, enhancing Poland's regional surveillance capabilities. The aerostat systems, comprising radars attached to blimps tethered to the ground, will bolster the Polish Armed Forces' ability to monitor airspace, according to Lt. Col. Krzysztof Płatek. Although the exact number of approved systems isn't disclosed, Polish officials indicate it's four. The sale aims to strengthen Poland's defense against air and ground threats, allowing it to contribute more effectively to NATO operations. Primary contractors for the deal include Raytheon Intelligence and Space, ELTA North America, and Avantus Federal LLC. This agreement reflects Poland's heightened defense spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It follows a series of approved deals by the US, including integrated air defense systems, Apache helicopters, and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, totaling billions of dollars, as Poland actively seeks to bolster its military capabilities. On February 7th, the U.S. conducted two "self-defense strikes" in Yemen against three Houthi mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, thwarting an imminent threat to ships in the Red Sea, announced U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This action follows a series of joint airstrikes with the U.K., totaling 44 targets eliminated, while the Houthis launched 48 attacks on vessels in the region since Nov. 19. CENTCOM identified the missiles as an imminent threat to U.S. Navy and merchant vessels. The strikes aim to protect freedom of navigation and enhance security in international waters. The operations involved support from allies like the U.K., Australia, Canada, and others. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the goal to degrade Houthi capabilities and disrupt their destabilizing attacks, conveying a clear message that such actions will incur consequences until they cease illegal assaults on international shipping. On February 8th, The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and U.S. Navy conducted Flight Test Other-23 (FTX-23), dubbed Stellar Sisyphus, off the coast of Hawaii. The test comprised two parts, focusing on sensor tracking and communications link capabilities. In the first part, the Aegis Weapon System successfully tracked and discriminated a Medium Range Ballistic Missile target with countermeasures. The second part involved the firing of a Standard Missile – 3 Block IIA (SM-3 Blk IIA), which intercepted the same target, showcasing additional functionality. This complex test demonstrated significant advancements in target discrimination and intercept missions for the Aegis Weapon System. Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, MDA Director, highlighted the collaboration with the Navy to enhance capabilities against evolving threats. USS McCampbell, USS Jack H. Lucas, and other assets participated, collecting crucial tracking data. While interception wasn't required for data collection, the successful hit demonstrated additional reserve capability. The collected data will inform future improvements in tracking and discrimination capabilities. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS MDAA Hypersonic Missile Defense Forum "Preceding and following statements of our nation’s military leadership and Canada’s military leadership of defending..." Click here to read more. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious "In today’s combat, posturing and escalation on the oceans around the world, notably the Red Sea and the South China Seas..." Click here to read more. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Mr. Brandon Wood Mr. Brandon Wood advanced identification, validation and resourcing of capabilities needed to mitigate risk and achieve N&NC Homeland Defense mission objectives. His extensive knowledge of the N&NC CDR’s principles of Domain Awareness, Information Dominance, Decision Superiority, and Global Integration coupled with his multi-agency expertise produced compelling aerospace surveillance radar advocacy papers for CDR, ND and DCOM engagements with DND, CAF, Congressional, OSD, Agencies and USAF officials. He conducted daily multi-agency engagements with MDA, DOT, FAA, DOD, and DHS stakeholders on replacement of the obsolete JSS ARSR-4 radars, a $7B program vital to execution of aerospace missions including air and cruise missile defense of the Homelands. He engaged with USAF and FAA radar program offices and federal defense contractors to bring state-of-the-art, scalable radar technology capable of greater detection range, increased sensitivity and more accurate discrimination of advanced missile threats needed for the homeland capability portfolio. Mr. Wood’s keen initiative identified N&NC mission impacts that informed critical senior leader advocacy engagements at GO-FO-SES forums. Noteworthy was his identification of capability and capacity issues impacting N&NC’s cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic defense missions. His leadership, in-depth knowledge and expertise with planning and execution of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System and Joint Strategic Planning System provided foundational analysis for continued advocacy of critical homeland defense capabilities. Currently, he is the N&NC Lead for the Air and Cruise Missile Defense of the Homeland (ACMD-H) Analysis of Alternatives (AOA). Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 NORAD and NORTHCOM Missile Defenders of the Year  NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS New NORTHCOM, NORAD Boss Pledges ‘Relentless’ Homeland Defense - Air and Space Forces Magazine - 02/05/2024 (2nd LD) LIG Nex1 bags US$3.2 bln missile interceptor deal with Saudi Arabia - Yonhap News Agency - 02/06/2024 The homeland is not a sanctuary: The case for more integrated air defenses - Breaking Defense - 02/08/2024 THREAT NEWS US detects Russian aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone - Reuters - 02/06/2024 Kim Jong Un threatens to 'put an end' to South Korea if attacked - UPI - 02/09/2024 OTHER NEWS GEOST to provide Sierra Space missile tracking/fire control payloads for SDA effort - Breaking Defense - 02/08/2024 Norway plans to deliver additional NASAMS air defenses to Ukraine - The Kyiv Independent - 02/09/2024 PACAF welcomes new commander - Pacific Air Forces - 02/09/2024 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!