Missile Defense Mondays   MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS May 21st - May 28th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On May 20th, Naval News reported that Lockheed Martin successfully launched a PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) from a Vertical Launch System (VLS) for the first time. Conducted at the White Sands Missile Range in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, the test showcased the PAC-3 MSE’s ability to intercept a cruise missile target. This milestone confirms the missile's compatibility with VLS platforms, enhancing its deployment options across various domains. During the test, the PAC-3 MSE was launched from the VLS, engaged, and successfully intercepted the cruise missile target, proving its operational flexibility. This achievement aligns with Lockheed Martin’s ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt defense systems to meet evolving security challenges. The successful demonstration paves the way for future deployments of PAC-3 MSE missiles on VLS-equipped platforms, offering enhanced protection for naval forces. Lockheed Martin's test of the PAC-3 MSE from a VLS marks a significant advancement in missile defense technology, showcasing enhanced deployment flexibility and reinforcing the company’s commitment to meeting the dynamic security needs of modern military forces. On May 22nd, the United States and Gulf nations, motivated by mounting concerns regarding Iran's ballistic missile capabilities met to discuss missile defense. Held against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, the meeting aimed to bolster integrated missile defense systems and early warning mechanisms. Attended by defense officials from the US and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), discussions revolved around enhancing coordination and collaboration to confront evolving security threats effectively. A key focus of the meeting was to fortify early warning systems, vital for detecting and intercepting incoming missile threats promptly. Participants deliberated on potential upgrades to existing missile defense systems, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement to stay ahead of emerging challenges. Additionally, the deployment of additional sensors was proposed to enhance the detection capabilities of the integrated defense network, thereby providing a more comprehensive defense posture against missile threats. Collaboration emerged as a central theme throughout the discussions, with participants highlighting the significance of information-sharing and joint efforts in tackling shared security concerns. Strengthening the US-GCC partnership was underscored as crucial for maintaining stability in the Middle East amidst growing regional tensions. On May 27th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Spain with an aim at rallying support from European allies amidst escalating tensions with Russia. Zelenskyy's primary objective was to foster a unified stance against Russian aggression, particularly in light of the significant military buildup observed along the Ukraine-Russia border. His visit to Spain coincided with a crucial NATO summit in Brussels, where discussions centered on strategies to counter Russian threats in the region. Throughout his visit, Zelenskyy engaged in high-level meetings with key Spanish officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI. These meetings served as platforms for Zelenskyy to advocate for continued international pressure on Russia to de-escalate the situation and respect Ukraine's sovereignty. Spain, like other European Union members, has unequivocally condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian government and its people. Zelenskyy's visit offered an opportunity to reaffirm this support and coordinate efforts to address the evolving security landscape in Eastern Europe. Zelenskyy's visit also symbolized Ukraine's proactive approach in seeking international support to counter Russian aggression and safeguard its territorial integrity. By rallying European allies and engaging in diplomatic dialogue, Ukraine aimed to bolster its position on the global stage and mitigate the risk of further escalation in the region. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS White Sands to Seaways and Highways As Chinese Ships mass in the Taiwan Strait and as the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held meetings with their Defense Working Groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defense... Read more MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK OR – 7 Gediminas Juozapaitis Fire Control Operator of NASAMS Battery serving in the only Air Defence Battalion in Lithuania. Gediminas joined the Air Defence Battalion in 2008 as a Giraffe MKIV Surveillance Radar Operator. During his service, Gediminas performed combat duties in surveillance and protection of the airspace over Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. He also served in the Short Range Air Defence System (SHORAD) RBS - 70 platoon, as part of the Quick Reaction Force. Gediminas was selected as the first NASAMS Battery Fire Control Centre Operator in 2019 and is considered as one of the pioneers of the NASAMS Battery in Lithuania. During two major events, NATO SUMMIT and 3SI meetings, he performed the duties of Senior Operator for the protection of Vilnius airspace. As Gediminas has experience with both surveillance radars and SHORAD systems, he was entrusted to operate not only NASAMS but also RBS-70 and Giraffe MKIV systems in a joint interoperability during the meetings. During his service, Gediminas participated in international exercises with NATO allies such as Tobruq Legacy, Ramstein Legacy, Spartan Warrior, Joint Project Optic Windmill, Joint Silver Arrow and etc. Gediminas was also sent not only to career and specialist courses in Lithuania, but also abroad: the NASAMS Tactical Level Course in Norway, the Electronic Warfare Course in Estonia and the L-16 Course in Germany. Gediminas has been awarded the Lithuanian Armed Forces Medal three times for his outstanding service. In his spare time, Gediminas enjoys woodwork. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2024 European Missile Defender of the Year NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Germany’s Ukraine air defense initiative falls flat - Politico - 05/22/2024 PH Army to secure naval, air bases under new defense concept - Philippine News Agency - 05/23/2024 Korea Completes Development of L-SAM - Business Korea - 05/27/2024 The Netherlands spearheads initiative to jointly deliver Patriot system for Ukraine, calls on other European nations to contribute - Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands - 05/28/2024 AIR DEFENSE NEWS Evolving drone and missile threats prompting Tokyo to rethink air defense - The Japan Times - 05/26/2024 Macron, Scholz Plan Joint Push to Boost European Air Defense - Bloomberg - 05/27/2024 US lawmakers vow to bolster Taiwan's defense with bipartisan visit days after China's 'punishment' military drills - CNN - 05/27/2024 THREAT NEWS Russia's fearsome S-400 air-defense system isn't quite living up to the hype in Ukraine - Business Insider - 05/21/2024 China says military drills encircling Taiwan designed to test its ability to 'seize power' - CNN - 05/24/2024 OTHER NEWS Destroyer USS Carney Returns Home After Seven-Month Deployment, 51 Houthi Engagements - USNI News - 05/20/2024 Iran May Unwittingly Boost Turkish Drone And American Missile Sales - Forbes - 05/23/2024 Stay Connected: MDAA | 515 King Street Suite 330 | Alexandria, VA 22314 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice