MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS February 13th - February 19th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On February 13th, Ukraine alleged that Russia deployed a new hypersonic cruise missile, the 3M22 Zircon, in a Feb. 7 attack, potentially challenging Ukraine's air defenses. Fragments analyzed by Kyiv's Scientific Research Institute indicate Zircon's use. American officials are assessing but cannot confirm the claim. Sidharth Kaushal from RUSI urges caution, noting absence of Zircon-tested warships in the Black Sea. Despite Ukraine's effective air defenses, Russia's recent attacks feature diverse missiles and drones. Zircon, if proven effective, could surpass defenses like the Patriot system. Putin claims Zircon's unmatched capabilities. Although rapidly developed, Zircon's combat debut from an untested platform raises questions. Russia's silence on Zircon's use contrasts with previous missile disclosures. The impact of Zircon on Ukraine's battlefield remains uncertain, given past successes against Russia's advanced weapons. Questions persist regarding Zircon's performance and Russia's capacity to deploy it effectively amid competing priorities. On February 14th, Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) and US intelligence revealed Russia's advancement in developing a nuclear anti-satellite system for space deployment, sparking concerns among lawmakers. While the threat isn't immediate and the system remains under development, its potential implications are significant. The exact nature of the threat—whether nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed—is still unclear. Hans Kristensen underscores the risk to US nuclear command and control satellites. Though Russia's pursuit aligns with its previous counterspace efforts, such a system's launch would breach the Outer Space Treaty. Republican Rep. Mike Turner's public disclosure of the intelligence prompted controversy, with subsequent attempts to downplay alarm. Lawmakers push for declassification to address the threat effectively. Meanwhile, political tensions affect discussions on a stalled aid package for Ukraine, with some speculating Turner's briefing aims to bolster support for Ukraine. Despite limited details, Russia's history of pursuing space-based anti-satellite capabilities heightens concerns over potential destabilization in space security. On the night of February 14th, The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA) are launched six satellites into low-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. This includes two satellites for MDA's Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) and four SDA Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer satellites of its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carried out the launch as part of the National Security Space Launch program. Lt. Gen. Heath Collins of MDA emphasized the significance of HBTSS in advancing missile warning and defense capabilities. The collaboration between MDA and SDA enhances missile defense by providing early detection of hypersonic, ballistic, and advanced threats. The launch marks a pivotal phase in missile tracking and defense development, with extensive testing planned over the next two years to ensure satellite integration and functionality with the Missile Defense System and other mission areas. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS Disruption "Yesterday, the United States of America disrupted Chinese invincibility of its undefeatable Hyper Sonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) that are uncontested in near space. In unified collaboration..." Click here to read more. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Sgt Robert Hanlon Sgt Robert Hanlon’s outstanding leadership and technical acumen were critical to mission success in the Missile Domain and JOC operations. His benchmark system knowledge was instrumental to processing and assessing over 1,000 distinct missile launches between Ukraine & Russia, synchronizing the efforts of 5 key agencies and bolstering Sr Ldr decision making against global threats. His insights were crucial to the successful integration of a $4.5M ITW/AA network upgrade, enhancing Missile Warning site picture for 6 GO/FOs to execute the Cmd’s ‘No-Fail’ mission set. Furthermore, Sgt Hanlon’s unparalleled weapon system mastery was utilized to provide over 300 hours of high fidelity hands-on instruction across two Missile Domain positions resulting in 9x “Q1” evaluation ratings. Additionally, he processed 23 space launches, integrating data feeds to provide multi-domain awareness in an increasingly dynamic operating environment. Sgt Hanlon seamlessly managed and deconflicted 255 system mnx actions, delivering mission assurance in support of Homeland defense operations. Always striving for professional development, he aced 4x space courses including Space 200 and the sought-after Artemis course, featuring 80 hrs of rigorous space and missile system training. A prolific volunteer, he dedicated 200+ hours towards base and community involvement, most recently organizing a successful ‘Back to School Bash’ that provided needed school supplies for Fort Carson children. Finally, he was nominated and trained as a Cmd Sentinel, serving as the first line of defense to aid and support his peers through personal issues, ensuring personnel resiliency and quality of life. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 NORAD and NORTHCOM Missile Defenders of the Year  NEWS HEADLINES MDAA IN THE NEWS Ukraine Claims Russia Used New Hypersonic Missile for First Time - The New York Times - 02/13/2024 Russia used an advanced hypersonic missile for the first time in recent strike, Ukraine claims - CNN - 02/13/2024 MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Cost and Value in Air and Missile Defense Intercepts - CSIS - 02/13/2024 Germany Says Turkey and Greece to Join Missile-Defense Plan - Bloomberg - 02/15/2024 Report to Congress on Defense Department Directed Energy Weapons - USNI News - 02/15/2024 THREAT NEWS North Korea fires several cruise missiles in fifth barrage of 2024 - The Japan Times - 02/14/2024 CENTCOM reports US Coast Guard seizure of Iranian weapons shipment intended for Houthis - Janes - 02/16/2024 U.S. Says It Struck 5 Houthi Targets in Yemen, Including an Underwater Drone - The New York Times - 02/18/2024 OTHER NEWS Ukraine Using Thousands Of Networked Microphones To Track Russian Drones - The Warzone - 02/12/2024 Canadian NATO troops in Latvia get air-defense, anti-tank upgrades - Defense News - 02/15/2024 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!