Missile Defense Mondays   MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS February 20th - February 26th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On February 21st, the US Army announced that it plans to conduct tests of a missile defense command system in conjunction with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon. This system aims to enhance the Army's ability to defend against missile threats by integrating various missile defense assets. The tests will evaluate the interoperability and effectiveness of the command system with THAAD, a critical component of the nation's missile defense architecture. The goal is to strengthen the Army's capabilities in countering evolving missile threats and ensuring the readiness of its defense systems. On February 24th, there were reports about the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) in the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) experimentation during Project Convergence Capstone 4. The initiative aims to enhance interoperability and integration across various military branches and domains. IBCS is being tested in a simulated operational environment to evaluate its capability to connect sensors and shooters from different services. These tests are essential for improving joint command and control capabilities to ensure effective communication and coordination in future military operations On February 24th, NORAD addressed a high-altitude balloon sighting that captured public attention. The sighting, initially raising concerns about potential security threats, prompted NORAD to conduct a comprehensive analysis of radar data and engage in consultations with various agencies to ascertain the nature of the object. NORAD has reached the conclusion that the mysterious object is likely a hobby balloon, rather than posing any significant security risk. This determination has been made based on the object's trajectory, altitude, and behavior, as observed through radar data and corroborated by expert analysis. The clarification provided by NORAD serves to reassure the public and alleviate any apprehensions regarding the sighting. It underscores the importance of accurate identification and assessment of aerial phenomena to prevent unnecessary panic or unwarranted security measures. Moreover, the incident highlights the critical role played by agencies like NORAD in maintaining the safety and security of airspace activities. While the identification of the object as a hobby balloon may come as a relief, the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and readiness in monitoring airspace for potential threats. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS Running UFOs in Utah "Over the weekend, during our Shield presentation by Maj Gen Nicholas “Stalker” Gentile (Deputy Director, NORAD J3), US fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a small high-altitude balloon flying over Utah, re-sparking concerns and raising questions about the..." Click here to read more. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK LTC Colin Fleming LTC Colin Fleming’s outstanding leadership, skill, and ceaseless efforts were critical to USNORTHCOM’s Homeland Ballistic Missile Defense mission. He served as Missile Defense Officer (MDO) for three years responsible for operation and readiness of the Nation’s Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. His significant impact to Homeland Defense is evident across all missile defense lines of effort. He is the most experienced of five MDOs responsible for strategic missile defense of the United States infrastructure and civilian populations. Colin was responsible for providing strategic-level briefings on national level conferences to senior leaders to include government principals, in response to launches of ballistic missiles with the potential to threaten the homeland. He was instrumental in providing MDO specific support to training and certification of numerous general and flag level officers during this period. He is always quick to lend his expertise in the further development of tactics, techniques and procedures integrating new Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) capabilities in support of USNORTHCOM's defense of the homeland mission. He routinely interacts with Joint Staff, Combatant Command, and Missile Defense Agency representatives in the execution of both real world and exercise missile defense operations. Responsible for briefing the USNORTHCOM leadership on the operational status and activities of the GMD system and its supporting elements on behalf of the Division Chief. LTC Fleming’s sustained superior performance reflects great credit upon himself, and is in keeping with the highest standards of USNORTHCOM. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 NORAD and NORTHCOM Missile Defenders of the Year  NEWS HEADLINES MDAA IN THE NEWS Danny De Gracia: We Need To Start Talking About Threats To Hawaii's Security - Honolulu Civil Beat - 02/19/2024 MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Industry feedback to drive cruise missile interceptor competition timeline, Army says - Breaking Defense - 02/20/2024 US lacks long-term sustainment plan for key Ukraine weapons, Pentagon watchdog says - Defense One - 02/21/2024 Houthi rebel attack sets cargo ship ablaze, forces Israel to intercept another attack near Eilat - ABC News - 02/22/2024 AIR DEFENSE NEWS Seven Sukhois In Five Days. Ukraine's Patriot Missile Crews Are Shooting Down Russian Jets Faster Than Ever. - Forbes - 02/21/2024 The US Navy wants rechargeable magazines for lasers to take out drones - Business Insider - 02/21/2024 Foreign firms vie for South Korea's airborne early warning contract - Defense News - 02/22/2024 THREAT NEWS Houthis Shoot Drones, Missiles at American-Owned Bulk Carriers - USNI News - 02/21/2024 Iran sends Russia hundreds of ballistic missiles - Reuters - 02/21/2024 OTHER NEWS Sweden clears final hurdle in bid to join NATO after Hungary approves accession - CNN - 02/26/2024 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!