MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS

April 23rd - April 29th, 2024

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

On April 23rd, Lockheed Martin officially transferred the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) to the US Missile Defense Agency. Operational in Alaska since 2021, LRDR enhances the Pentagon’s missile defense system against North Korean threats. Following a successful demonstration in Japan, LRDR will undergo assessments before full deployment. Lockheed's VP highlighted its innovative features, combining low and high-frequency radar benefits. LRDR's capabilities include tracking multiple ballistic missiles and distinguishing threats from decoys, utilizing an adaptable architecture. It operates within the Missile Defense Agency’s framework, supporting air defense and space awareness. Lockheed also secured a contract to develop the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), aiming to replace existing defense systems in Alaska and California by 2028. The NGI project, costing up to $17.7 billion, focuses on countering Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern ballistic threats. This transfer underscores Lockheed's commitment to enhancing US missile defense capabilities through advanced radar technology and interceptors.

On April 25th, the US Navy awarded Raytheon a $344 million contract for the development of two Standard Missile variants, SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU, with shared guidance sections to enhance targeting capabilities. These variants will feature new guidance systems and electronics, enabling them to intercept a wider range of threats. Production will take place on the same line in Arizona. Raytheon restarted SM-2 production due to increased demand, with the new variant introducing an active radar system. The development is largely funded by the Pentagon’s Foreign Military Sales program, with initial recipients including the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Misty Holmes, Raytheon’s VP of naval shipboard missiles, highlighted the significance of the enhanced capabilities. The contract covers subcomponent development, with further funding expected for missile qualification and testing later in the year.

On April 26th, the University of Arizona officially released the press release for The Near Space Symposium, hosted by MDAA and the Institute for Near Space Studies, convened representatives from the University of Arizona, US military, and defense industry. The event focused on near space opportunities, defined as 60,000 to 300,000 feet above Earth, for technology development. The Institute, established in 2023, aims to advance near space and hypersonic research and engage in STEM outreach. Discussions at the symposium covered defense technologies, communication advancements, and policy considerations for near space. RADM (ret.) Mark Montgomery emphasized the cost-effectiveness of employing emerging technologies like aerostats for defense. Near space also enhances communication capabilities, particularly for transoceanic communication. The institute plans to expand educational programs, including a leadership development program for middle school students and an engineering certificate program for technical leaders. Partnerships between the university and organizations like MDAA are crucial for capitalizing on the potential of near space technology.

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MDAA ALERTS

Near Space Forum

"Just a great honor to be here. Great honor to be in Tucson. Thank you to the University of Arizona. This is about building cauldrons of excellence. This is about winning big. I want you to dream big, be big, and start a cauldron..."

MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK

MAJ Robert Sheehan

MAJ Sheehan has served as the NCR-IADS Deputy J3 for 4 rotations, and most critically served as a Tactical Director while expertly performing his Deputy J3 duties. He stands first amongst his peers in knowledge and tenacity and inspires those around him to push the envelope and strive for excellence. He is recognized across the Joint Air Defense community as the best at what he does, integrating GBAD into the Air Defense of the NCR. He Works tirelessly across the JADOC USAF and Army staff to ensure all efforts are coordinated, synchronized, and solidified to meet the commander’s intent for GBAD fires in the complex operational environment of the NCR.

He developed and instituted standardized multiple standard operation procedures that are now deemed as the “gold” standard with crew standardization, FALCON VIRGO exercise protocols, and J3 operations functions and procedures. He organized and planned the Operational Readiness exercise inspection and landed Task Force Atlas the highest possible marks from the 263 AAMDC. His impeccable management skills are essential to the Army and Air Force cohesion efforts for JADOC floor crew operations to run seamlessly for every rotation.

MAJ Sheehan has demonstrated superior performance in leadership, technical/tactical skills, and commitment to his community as well as every task force leadership of Air Defense Operations.

MAJ Sheehan earned his commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in 2003. While there, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-2006. He joined the Florida Army National Guard in 2007 as the Executive Officer for Bravo Battery 3d Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery (ADA), and later took command of the Headquarters Battery. He mobilized to Washington D.C. in support of Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) as an ADA Fire Control Officer. In 2011, he returned to 3d Battalion, 265th ADA as the Battalion S4 and mobilized in 2012 to Washington D.C. in support of ONE. In 2015 he served as a Tactical Director for the 164th ADA Brigade and mobilized in support of ONE in 2015 and 2018. In 2019, he deployed to Germany in support of the European Deterrence Initiative with 164th ADA. After redeployment, he mobilized again to D.C. in support of ONE where he currently serves as the Deputy J3.

Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 U.S. Missile Defender of the Year