Missile Defense Mondays   MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS June 11th - June 17th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On June 11th, the Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Groups commenced the Valiant Shield 2024 exercise with partner nations in the South China Sea and Philippine Sea. This biennial exercise aims to enhance integration between U.S. and allied forces, featuring joint field training to improve interoperability and lethality. Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk highlighted the exercise’s role in demonstrating the full spectrum of capabilities for global peace and stability. In the Philippine Sea, the USS Ronald Reagan, along with several U.S. Navy ships and aircraft, joined forces with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force vessels, including the newly commissioned submarine JS Jingei, for a formation sailing and flyover. This multinational effort also involved aircraft from the U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Meanwhile, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, accompanied by other U.S. Navy ships and allied vessels from France and Canada, conducted a transit in the South China Sea, supporting Valiant Shield 2024. These exercises underline the commitment to regional security and preparedness. However, tensions in the region were evident as the Netherlands Defence Ministry accused Chinese aircraft of harassing a Royal Netherlands Navy helicopter operating from the frigate HNLMS Tromp in the East China Sea. The incident, involving Chinese warplanes circling the frigate and approaching its helicopter, occurred while Tromp was monitoring North Korea for UN maritime sanctions violations. On June 12th, it was announced that The Netherlands is set to deliver its first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this summer, following an initial delivery from Denmark, according to Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren. She announced that these deliveries will establish a continuous supply to bolster the Ukrainian Air Force. Ollongren highlighted the collaborative nature of this effort between the Netherlands and Denmark. Although the immediate impact of the F-16s may be limited, they are expected to significantly strengthen Ukraine's air capabilities over time. "These jets will enhance the Ukrainian Air Force progressively, potentially achieving air superiority in the future," Ollongren stated, urging realistic expectations regarding the timeline for seeing substantial effects. This move follows NATO's decision last year to transfer F-16s and train Ukrainian pilots. Ukraine has been pushing for faster and more extensive training efforts to expedite the enhancement of its air defense capabilities. On June 12th, A convoy of Russian Navy ships, featuring a nuclear-powered submarine, arrived in Havana, Cuba, demonstrating strengthened ties between the two Cold War allies. The fleet includes the modern frigate Admiral Gorshkov, the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, a rescue tug, and an oil tanker. The Gorshkov marked its entry into Havana harbor with a 21-gun salute, reciprocated by Cuban cannon fire. This significant show of force marks the largest Russian naval presence in Cuba in many years. The convoy is on a five-day official visit, during which Cuban citizens will be allowed to tour the Gorshkov. The presence of these ships, including the advanced Kazan, underscores the deepening military cooperation between Russia and Cuba amid rising global tensions. In preparation for this visit, the Russian ships conducted drills in the Atlantic, practicing high-precision missile attacks. The U.S. Navy, along with Canadian forces, monitored these exercises closely, deploying ships and reconnaissance aircraft to track the movements of the Russian fleet. Despite the heightened activity, U.S. officials have emphasized that the Russian presence poses no threat and is part of routine maritime operations. Cuba also confirmed that none of the visiting Russian ships are armed with nuclear weapons and stated that such visits are a longstanding practice with friendly nations. This naval visit comes at a particularly tense time, following recent U.S. decisions allowing Ukraine to use American weapons in strikes within Russia, further intensifying U.S.-Russia relations. The event also highlights Cuba's increasing reliance on Russian support amid its severe economic crisis. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Mr. James "Pepe" Lopez Mr. James ”Pepe” Lopez is Chief, Plans and Programs Branch at USAFE Integrated Air and Missile Defense Division (A5M), HQ USAFE/AFAFRICA, Ramstein AB, Germany. Mr. Lopez is responsible for providing guidance and advice to USAFE headquarters, USEUCOM and its service components related to Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD),and provides COMUSAFE-AFAFRICA, senior leaders and staff guidance on counter-air (CA) defense strategic planning, defense design, air base defense, as well as direction and guidance related to requirements, functional implementation and readiness, and provides Air Force military rated aviator expertise. Also serves as the USAFE focal point and executive agency for IAMD, as well as a senior air defense technical advisor and program analyst executing, managing, planning, organizing, and implementing appropriate policies, regulations, directives, programs, doctrine, and procedures to enable the execution, establishment, and maintenance of USEUCOM and major command (MAJCOM) assigned IAMD programs Mr. Lopez expertly guided Command Capabilities Based Assessment cross functional team from across the command, identifying 14 key point/area defense capability gaps. This document has become the baseline document for future development of capabilities and systems acquisition. Mr. Lopez spearheaded development of the Command Air Base Air Defense Concept of Operations. This groundbreaking document has been utilized in whole or part by NATO AIR COMMMAND, USAF Air Combat Command, and others in development of their own concepts. Mr. Lopez demonstrated superb leadership and advocacy chairing Air and Missile Defense working groups through three Weapons and Tactics Conferences (WEPTAC), to include 1st ever NATO WEPTAC. His tireless efforts led to USAF endorsement of a Tactics Improvement Program (TIP) for force wide development for Air Base Air Defense Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. Omnipresent through all Air and Missile Defense initiatives throughout the command. Division lead for allied sensor sharing/visibility and cooperation with our host nations and allies to defend our bases, his dedication and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2024 European Missile Defender of the Year NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS U.S. to Send Another Patriot Missile Battery to Ukraine - New York Times - 06/11/2024 Norway doubles up on missile defense as Russia flexes its semi-ballistic arsenal - The Barents Observer - 06/11/2024 Guam's acting governor seeks more time to review missile test plan - Stars and Stripes - 06/11/2024 Rafael's C-Dome Performs First Combat Interception - Naval News - 06/12/2024 Taiwan building 4 missile bases to strengthen coastal defense - Taiwan News - 06/17/2024 AIR DEFENSE NEWS Zelenskyy says Ukraine needs air defenses, aid for energy system - VOA - 06/11/2024 Ukraine's ATACMS 'Degrading Russian Air Defenses' ahead of F-16 Arrival - Newsweek - 06/13/2024 Australia demonstrates 'hard kill' with first directed energy weapon, Fractl - Army Technology - 06/17/2024 THREAT NEWS Hezbollah rains rockets on Israel after strike kills commander - Economic Times - 06/12/2024 SPACE NEWS Missile Defense Agency satellites track first hypersonic launch - satnews - 06/15/2024 Stay Connected: MDAA | 515 King Street Suite 330 | Alexandria, VA 22314 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice