Missile Defense News   MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS August 13th - August 19th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On August 16th, The U.S. and Australia are exploring the possibility of jointly producing hypersonic missiles, according to a U.S. lawmaker. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to strengthen defense ties and address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Hypersonic missiles are advanced weapons capable of traveling at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, making them difficult to intercept. This potential partnership reflects the growing concern over the military capabilities of nations like China and Russia in the region. On August 19th, U.S. and South Korean troops participated in joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea, which are taking place despite North Korea's strong opposition. These drills are aimed at enhancing the readiness and interoperability of the two countries' forces in response to potential threats from North Korea. The exercises involve a series of simulated and real-world operations, underscoring the U.S. commitment to defending South Korea. North Korea has condemned these drills, viewing them as a rehearsal for invasion, and has responded with aggressive rhetoric. On August 19th, Germany delivered a new IRIS-T SLS air defense system, along with additional military aid, to Ukraine. The package includes 14,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition, 10 naval drones, and other equipment. This is the third IRIS-T SLS battery delivered to Ukraine, and the aid is part of Germany's broader support for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Germany has also supplied four medium-range IRIS-T SLM systems and various other military assets. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK SPC Austin Hatcher  SPC Hatcher is currently assigned as a Forward Area Air Defense Air Battle Management Operations Center Operator (FAAD AO) for HHB, 1-174th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Battalion. Ever the team player, SPC Hatcher has voluntarily covered numerous shifts for other FAAD AOs that have had to leave for family emergencies and other emergent matters. SPC Hatcher is a member of Team 1 in the Joint Air Defense Operations Center (JADOC) and was the only team to pass through the culminative training event (CTE) with flawless execution, 100% engagement validation. Since the Transfer of Authority in July 2023, SPC Hatcher and Team 1 continues to exceed expectations having conducted hundreds of perfect validation prosecution engagements on live air and simulated training targets to include Dull Spear and Falcon Virgo. SPC Hatcher was also a member of the JADOC floor team that has been part of two real world activities. SPC Hatcher began his military service in March of 2020, and attended basic training and advanced individual training in Fort Sill, OK, to become an Air Defense Battle Management Systems Operator. He has received multiple awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Ohio Basic Combat Training Ribbon. SPC Hatcher lives in Cincinnati, OH where he attends the University of Cincinnati pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2024 NCR Missile Defender of the Year NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Polish, U.S., Industries Sign Contract to Manufacture 48 Patriot Launchers in Poland - Defense Mirror - 08/13/2024 US approves $5b Patriot missile sale to Germany - Gulf News - 08/16/2024 AIR DEFENSE NEWS Ukraine downs 30 drones overnight, infrastructure facility hit in Sumy - The Kyiv Independent - 08/13/2024 Stormer: The UK's short-range air defence system proving itself in Ukraine - Ibfbs Forces News - 08/15/2024 THREAT NEWS Iran Unveils Indigenous Long-Range Drone, Advanced Defense Systems at Russian Military Forum - Iran's Metropolises News Agency - 08/13/2024 MDAA IN THE NEWS US Navy's newest air-to-air missile could tilt balance in South China Sea - Reuters - 08/14/2024 OTHER NEWS Britain says Ukraine can use donated weapons inside Russia - The Economic Times - 08/15/2024 Australia, US look to joint production of hypersonic missile, US lawmaker says - Reuters - 08/16/2024  Stay Connected: MDAA | 515 King Street Suite 330 | Alexandria, VA 22314 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice