Missile Defense Mondays   MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS April 9th - April 15th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On April 10th, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba pushed harder to acquire Patriot air defense batteries from Western allies to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian attacks. Despite receiving some Patriots last year, Ukraine needs more to adequately protect against aerial assaults. Kuleba's intensified efforts come as Western aid, particularly from the US, faces obstacles in Congress. He aims to secure seven Patriot systems initially to cover major cities and counter Russia's guided air attacks. However, resistance from some countries persists, prompting Kuleba to publicly express frustration, urging NATO to act swiftly. The urgency is underscored by recent Russian strikes on critical infrastructure. With Soviet-era defenses dwindling, Kuleba emphasizes the need for modern weapons like Patriots. While facing diplomatic challenges, Kuleba's resolve strengthens as threats escalate, exemplified by a recent missile scare in Kyiv. He stressed the need for decisive action to confront the reality of ongoing conflict and ensure Ukraine's security. On April 10th, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. solidified agreements at the White House aimed at enhancing military collaboration. Key points include plans to upgrade the U.S.-Japan military alliance, improve defense communications networks, and integrate air defense capabilities with Australia. Discussions also addressed Japan's potential participation in the AUKUS security pact and strategies to counter China's actions in the South China Sea. Microsoft's investment in Japan's cloud and AI infrastructure and partnerships for AI research were also highlighted. Moreover, joint efforts in space exploration, nuclear fusion, and sustainable aviation fuel were announced. The U.S. pledged support for Philippine maritime patrols and humanitarian efforts, with investments in infrastructure and technology. These agreements underscore a concerted effort to strengthen military cooperation among the nations involved, ensuring regional security and readiness. On April 13th and the morning of April 14th, Iran launched a significant attack on Israel, deploying over 300 drones and missiles, marking its first direct assault from Iranian territory. The majority, over 98%, of these projectiles were intercepted by Israel and its allies, including the United States. Despite the interception efforts, some Iranian ballistic missiles breached the defenses, resulting in casualties and damage to a military base in southern Israel. The attack was in retaliation for an airstrike on Iran's consulate in Syria, which claimed the lives of seven Iranian military officials. Tensions remain heightened, although Iran has declared the cessation of its operation against Israel. In response, Israel conducted a strike on a Hezbollah site in Lebanon. At the United Nations, Iran justified its actions as self-defense, while Israel advocated for sanctions against Iran. President Biden urged caution to Israel, emphasizing that the United States will refrain from engaging in offensive operations against Iran. G7 leaders condemned Iran's actions and called for stability and de-escalation. UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed deep concern, warning of the potential for a wider regional conflict. Middle Eastern governments echoed similar sentiments, urging restraint to avoid exacerbating tensions further. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS The Overall Level of Funding is Inadequate Given Today's Threat Environment "Today, Mr. John Hill, Deputy Assistant Secretary of..."  Read more MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK SGT Nicholas Fitzsenry SGT Nicholas Fitzsenry serves as the Readiness Operations Officer on Charlie Crew 100th Missile Defense Brigade they are recognized as the Ground-based Missile Defense (GMD) Missile Defense Element (MDE) Top Crew for 2023. The Top Crew demonstrated mastery of all GMD Gunnery Tables and Tactics receiving the top scores on Table VIII certifications. Additionally, the crew maintained the highest scores on Army proficiency training including Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and weapons qualifications. As GMD Crewmembers their vigilance performing the GMD Homeland Defense mission provides defense of our Nation from ICBM attacks 24/7 365-days a year. SGT Fitzsenry performs Missile Defense Operation duties; coordinates with multiple echelons and agencies globally to manage the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense systems Operational Capability; makes fix or flight recommendations to the Missile Defense Element Director based on strategic situation to ensure the GMD system can defend against Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Threats; makes recommendations for GMD tactics, techniques, and procedure changes; reports real world situational awareness of maintenance, test, upgrade, and exercise activities to USSTRSTCOM and US NORTHCOM.  Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 NORAD and NORTHCOM Missile Defenders of the Year NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS How companies plan to ramp up production of Patriot missiles - Defense News - 04/09/2024 US military says it destroyed Houthi missile likely targeting a ship in Gulf of Aden - Reuters - 04/09/2024 Switzerland joins European Sky Shield air defense program - TPV World - 04/10/2024 Guam’s missile defenses upgrade a start, not enough - Asia Times - 04/12/2024 U.S. Warships in Eastern Mediterranean Down Iranian Ballistic Missiles - USNI News - 04/14/2024 US military destroyed 80 drones, 6 missiles launched from Iran, Yemen, US Centcom says - Reuters - 04/14/2024 SM-3 Ballistic Missile Interceptor Used for First Time in Combat, Officials Confirm - USNI News - 04/15/2024 AIR DEFENSE NEWS Epirus pitching anti-drone tech to Navy as potential solution for Red Sea - Breaking Defense - 04/10/2024 Powerful laser to be installed on Royal Navy warship by 2027 - Royal Navy - 04/12/2024 THREAT NEWS China sanctions 2 US defense companies and says they support arms sales to Taiwan - AP News - 04/11/2024 OTHER NEWS AI-operated fighter jet will fly Air Force secretary in a test of military’s future drone warplanes - AP News - 04/09/2024 Space Force awards contracts for Victus Haze rapid launch mission - Breaking Defense - 04/11/2024 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!