Missile Defense Mondays   MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS September 10th - September 16th, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF Iran has sent close-range ballistic missiles to Russia, potentially for use against Ukraine within weeks, according to the Pentagon. The Fath 360 missiles, with a range of up to 75 miles, could help Russia conserve its long-range arsenal. The U.S. Treasury indicated a contract for "hundreds" of these missiles was signed last year. In return, Russia is reportedly sharing nuclear and space technology with Iran. This development has raised concerns about escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Ukraine to discuss easing restrictions on long-range Western weapons use against Russia. President Zelensky has requested weapons with more firepower. The Kremlin warned of a strong response if restrictions are lifted. The US is evaluating the potential of providing long-range weapons like the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine. The visit reflects ongoing debates over military aid to Ukraine amid concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia. North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, marking its first significant test since July. This act follows a pattern of missile launches around North Korea's foundation day and comes amid increasing tensions with South Korea and reported military ties with Russia. The launches, detected by South Korea and condemned by Japan, have raised concerns of potential exports to Russia and further escalations in regional security dynamics. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS We Mark this Day in Time Dear Members and Friends, We mark this day in time, we remember the suffering, the vulnerability, the death, the horrific Read more 2024 USC SHIELD-4 OPENING Dear Members and Friends, We opened our 4th SHIELD program with the University of Southern California in partnership and collaboration Read more MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK SSG Joshua Patch  SSG Joshua Patch is currently assigned as the NCOIC of Avenger Team 10, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 1st Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment. His team was nominated for the MDAA award by his Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant. Team 10 has consistently hovered at, or around, the top teams within the Platoon for this mission. SSG Patch is credited for this success. His dedication to duty, leadership attributes, and technical competence of the Avenger System has bolstered the team’s readiness for his team during Exercise America Shield, the unit’s pre-deployment Culminating Training Event (CTE), and throughout the NCR mission. His team achieved “Top Gun” performances during the live fire exercise at CTE and again during the mission’s first Falcon Virgo event. SSG Patch enlisted in the Army in April 2009 and has been assigned to the 3-4 ADA BN; 108th Airborne Division; and both Alpha and Bravo Battery, 1-174 ADA BN. Upon completion of this mission, he will be assigned to HHB Battery, 1-174 ADA BN. SSG Patch has graduated the Army’s Basic Leader Course and has completed Distributed Leader Course II. He has also completed airborne and unit armorer training. This is his third mission in the NCR in support of Operation Noble Eagle; with his previous missions being in 2014-15 and 2018-19. SSG Patch was also involved in Operation Anaconda (Poland) in 2016 and was amongst the first US Soldiers to fire a live missile in Europe since WWII. His military medals and awards include: 1- Army Commendation Medal; 1- Army Achievement Medal; 3- Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; 1- National Defense Service Medal; 1- Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device; 1- Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon; 1- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; 2- Ohio Faithful Service Ribbon; and 3- Ohio Award of Merit Ribbon. SSG Patch’s civilian occupation is as a supervisor for customer service at Spectrum. He enjoys working out, running, and spending time with his family in his spare time. SSG Patch resides with his wife, Rachel, and three children (ages 15, 8, and 3) in Kettering, Ohio. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2024 NCR Missile Defender of the Year NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Lithuania Pledges $11M for Ukraine Long-Range Weapon Development - The Defense Post - 09/13/2024 UAE’s EDGE Group Joins Brazilian Anti-Ship Missile Development - The Defense Post - 09/12/2024 Anduril unveils modular, high-production Barracuda cruise missiles - Defense News - 09/12/2024 AIR DEFENSE NEWS Turkey advances plan for a national air-defense shield - Defense News - 09/11/2024 Ukraine’s fire-dropping drones can find, shock Russian troops: experts - Defense News - 09/10/2024 THREAT NEWS US Warns of ‘Consequences’ if Iran Sends Missiles to Russia - The Defense Post - 09/10/2024 North Korea’s Kim vows to make his nuclear force ready for combat with US - AP News - 09/10/2024 SPACE NEWS US Air Force Launches Space Vehicle Laboratory Construction in New Mexico - The Defense Post - 09/11/2024 OTHER NEWS Pentagon readies for 6G, the next of wave of wireless network tech - Defense News - 09/13/2024 US clears F-35 sale to Romania, bolstering NATO’s eastern flank - Defense News - 9/13/2024  Stay Connected: MDAA | 515 King Street Suite 330 | Alexandria, VA 22314 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice