Missile Defense Mondays   MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS May 14th - May 20th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On May 13th, The New York Times reported on Ukraine's efforts to bolster its missile defense capabilities amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. Ukraine, having experienced Russian aggression in recent years, aims to fortify its defenses against potential missile strikes. To achieve this, Ukraine is collaborating with various nations, including the United States and European allies, to procure advanced missile defense systems. These systems, such as Patriot missiles are crucial for intercepting incoming missiles and protecting Ukrainian airspace. Additionally, Ukraine is enhancing its indigenous defense industry to develop and produce its own missile defense technologies. However, challenges persist, including financial constraints and the need for continued international support. Furthermore, the article highlights concerns about potential escalation with Russia, as Moscow views Ukraine's bolstered defenses as a threat to its own security interests. Overall, Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its missile defenses reflect its commitment to national security and sovereignty amid geopolitical tensions in the region. On May 14th, Forbes reported on Saudi Arabia's strategic shift towards diversifying its air defense capabilities and boosting domestic defense industries. In response to regional security challenges and the need for self-reliance, Saudi Arabia is expanding its defense procurement beyond traditional suppliers like the United States. The country aims to enhance its air defense systems by investing in a range of advanced technologies and platforms, including missile defense systems, radar networks, and drones. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is prioritizing the development of its domestic defense industry to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and create jobs. This includes partnerships with international defense firms and investments in research and development. By diversifying its defense capabilities and fostering indigenous defense production, Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen its national security and economic resilience. However, challenges such as technology transfer and skill development remain. Overall, Saudi Arabia's efforts reflect a broader trend among Gulf states to bolster their defense capabilities and reduce reliance on external actors in an uncertain geopolitical landscape. On May 15th, the United States and Japan agreed to develop a new interceptor missile system to counter potential threats from hypersonic weapons, particularly from North Korea. Hypersonic weapons travel at extremely high speeds and pose a significant challenge to existing missile defense systems due to their ability to evade detection and interception. In response, Japan aims to enhance its defense capabilities by working with the U.S. to develop advanced interceptors capable of countering hypersonic threats. The collaboration reflects the growing security concerns in the region, especially amid North Korea's continued development of ballistic missiles and other advanced weaponry. The new interceptor system is expected to bolster Japan's defense posture and strengthen its alliance with the U.S. However, challenges such as technological development, cost, and coordination between the two nations remain. Overall, Japan's initiative underscores the importance of adapting missile defense systems to address emerging threats and maintain regional security in the face of evolving military technologies. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS USC SHIELD '24 Graduation MDAA is honored to announce the graduation of USC SHIELD 24 — our third cohort of the Executive Program in Global Space and Deterrence Certificate Program. USC SHIELD is an innovative program, at the right place, at the right time, and for the right reasons developed in partnership with MDAA and the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy and Viterbi School of Engineering. – Read more "A frenzy of emotions" On the Anniversary of Victory Day for World War II in Warsaw, Poland, MDAA hosted with Poland the 2024 European Missile Defender of the Year recognizing and remembering it took people; an alliance of people, a coalition of multiple nations of people led by great leadership and sacrifice across and vertically of great people from privates to generals to citizens from each and every nation - Read more MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Lieutenant Commander Rebekah Fleming LCDR Fleming is a native of Angelica, New York. She graduated from the University of Rochester, where she commissioned from the Naval ROTC program with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in May 2013. She completed her first department head tour as a Weapons Officer aboard USS CARNEY (DDG 64), where she is currently serving as a Combat Systems Officer. CARNY’s success while deployed to the C5F area of operations is no secret due to the efforts of LCDR Rebekah Fleming. She is devoted to the command’s success whether it is downing Houthi Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACM) in the Red Sea, training junior officers, or ably guiding the ship through BMDEX certification. She will continue to develop future teams in the areas of Integrated Air and Missile Defense. As a Tactical Action Officer (TAO) LCDR Fleming had the watch during multiple of CARNEY’s Red Sea engagements. She can claim credit for a total of five UAS/LACM kills utilizing five SM-2s and 24 rounds of HE-MMFF ammunition. Her actions have contributed to the overall safety of shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb Strait while ensuring the safety of CARNEY and her crew. When not TAO, she has selflessly contributed to the fight by serving as the TAO’s right hand for off-ship communications. Feeding the ever-increasing demand for information, she manned chat rooms and VOSIP phones to allow the on-watch TAO to focus on the tactical situation and not be distracted making reports off-ship. These actions further contributed to CARNEY’s 36 total UAS and LACM kills as of 16 Dec. LCDR Fleming was one of the key planners for CARNEY’s SWATT in the Spring 2023. SWATT was combined with a Live Fire with a Purpose event, during which she served as TAO for the successful intercept of a sub-sonic target drone. Little did we know then that she was setting the stage for CARNEY’s future 36 successful engagements in the Red Sea. CARNEY’s success in the Red Sea is well known at this point, but LCDR Fleming’s role in setting the groundwork for that success is only beginning to become known. Now close to three months into deployment, LCDR Fleming is a tireless advocate for continued vigilance and watchstander proficiency. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2023 U.S. Missile Defender of the Year NEWS HEADLINES MDAA IN THE NEWS U.S. Army Warrant Officer Honored as European Missile Defender of the Year in Warsaw - Dvids - 05/19/2024 MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Trump wants an Iron Dome for America. It won’t look like Israel’s - The Hill - 05/14/2024 Admiral: Success of Red Sea Operations Are a Tribute to Sailors, Systems - U.S. Department of Defense - 05/15/2024 US Considers Sending Ukraine Another Patriot Missile Battery - Forbes - 05/14/2024 AIR DEFENSE NEWS S. Korea to stage drills against large-scale aerial attack - The Korea Herald - 05/14/2024 Ukraine Has 25% Of Needed Air Defence: Zelensky To AFP - Barron's - 05/17/2024 British Defense Secretary says Ukraine will receive 100 air defense missiles from London in May - Euromaidan - 05/19/2024 THREAT NEWS Kim Jong Un Making Rocket Launchers in Old Car Factory, Analyst Says - Newsweek - 05/15/2024 OTHER NEWS Europe Wants to Build a Stronger Defense Industry, but Can't Decide How - The New York Times - 05/20/2024 Pakistan Test Fires Fatah-II, Claims It Can Evade Any Missile Defence System - Bharat Shakti - 05/20/2024 Stay Connected: MDAA | 515 King Street Suite 330 | Alexandria, VA 22314 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice