Missile Defense Mondays   MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS September 17th - September 23rd, 2024 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On September 17, 2024, hundreds of handheld pagers exploded across Lebanon, and parts of Syria, in a coordinated attack, injuring over 2,700 people and killing at least eight, including Hezbollah members. The explosions, which also injured the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, are suspected to have been carried out remotely, with Lebanese and Hezbollah officials blaming Israel, though Israel has not commented. The attack took place amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, exacerbating the already volatile situation in the region. The explosions appear to have targeted a new brand of pagers used by Hezbollah, causing them to heat up and detonate. Hospitals across Lebanon, especially in Hezbollah-dominated regions, were overwhelmed with casualties, prompting calls for blood donations. The Lebanese Health Ministry issued warnings for people to avoid pagers and wireless devices. This attack further escalates the ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, which have already displaced tens of thousands and caused numerous casualties on both sides. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently supervised tests of two missile types, part of a continued effort to bolster both nuclear and conventional military capabilities. The tests involved the Hwasongpho-11-Da-4.5 ballistic missile, carrying a dummy "super-large conventional warhead," and an improved "strategic" cruise missile, which suggests nuclear capability. These actions are viewed as North Korea’s way of responding to what it perceives as escalating threats from the U.S. and South Korea. Kim emphasized the importance of developing an "overwhelming offensive capability" to deter external enemies. These missile tests are part of a broader series of military demonstrations aimed at showcasing North Korea’s advancements in weapons technology, both to enhance its defense and to strengthen its position in future negotiations with the U.S. The tests follow growing concerns about North Korea's uranium enrichment efforts, which signal the country's intention to expand its nuclear arsenal. North Korea's weapons programs continue to be a source of regional and international tension Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is set to open a new missile production plant in Virginia. This facility will manufacture Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM), key systems used by the U.S. Navy and Air Force. The NSM is an anti-ship missile, while the JSM is designed for use on the F-35 fighter jet for missions such as land attacks and anti-surface warfare. The new plant will provide increased production capacity, sustainment, and technology upgrades for these missiles, addressing rising global demand fueled by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Kongsberg's investment of over $100 million into the Virginia site is expected to create more than 180 jobs. The facility will also help the company meet potential multiyear procurement contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, further solidifying its footprint in the U.S. defense industry. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK SGT Derek Sortor  SGT Derek Sortor is currently assigned as the Team Chief for Avenger Team 10, 3rd Squad, Shooter Battery, 1st Platoon, 1-174 Air Defense Artillery Regiment. SGT Sortor’s knowledge and expertise in his role has directly magnified the success of his team during pre-mobilization training, the unit’s Culminating Training Event & Crew Validation, and overall mission readiness & success here in the National Capital Region (NCR). Team 10 achieved “Top Gun” performances during the live fire exercise at CTE and again during the mission’s first Falcon Virgo event. SGT Sortor enlisted into the Ohio Army National Guard in June of 2017. He completed basic and AIT training as a 14S (avenger crewmember) and then was assigned to Charlie Battery, 1-174 ADA BN, to where he will return after completion of this mission. SGT Sortor has graduated the Army’s Basic Leader Course and has completed Distributed Leader Course II. SGT Sortor has been activated in 2018-19 as part of European Deterrence Initiative; was activated under State Active Duty in support of the COVID Hospital mission in 2021-22; and activated for the current 2023-24 Operation Noble Eagle mission in the NCR. His military awards and medals include: 1- Army Achievement Medal; 1- National Defense Service Medal; 1- Armed Forces Service Medal; 1- Army Service Ribbon; 1- Ohio Faithful Service Ribbon; 1- Ohio Special Service Ribbon; and 2- Ohio Award of Merit Ribbons. SGT Sortor works as a computer salesman in the civilian realm and has completed roughly three-fourths of his electrical engineering degree. In his spare time, SGT Sortor enjoys video gaming and playing paintball. He resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2024 NCR Missile Defender of the Year NEWS HEADLINES MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Raytheon, Northrop Test Solid Rocket Motor for Hypersonic Systems - The Defense Post - 09/17/2024 Lockheed Unveils ‘Extreme Range’ Variant of JASSM Cruise Missile - The Defense Post - 09/17/2024 AIR DEFENSE NEWS NATO Members Call for Response to Stray Russian Drones - The Defense Post - 09/19/2024 ‘Dual-use’ case: Russian attack drone maker evades Western scrutiny - Defense News - 09/23/2024 THREAT NEWS NORAD Reports Russian Maritime Patrol Aircraft Near Alaska as Russian, Chinese Naval Exercises Continue - USNI News - 09/16/2024 Japan says Chinese carrier entered its contiguous waters for first time - VOA News - 09/18/2024 Threat From China Increasing, Air Force Official Says - U.S. Department of Defense - 09/16/2024 OTHER NEWS US Considers Sending AGM-154 Glide Weapon for Ukraine’s F-16s - The Defense Post - 09/23/2024 US Navy Unveils ‘Project 33’ to Prepare for Conflict With China in 2027 - The Defense Post - 09/20/2024 US close to sending $567 million in immediate security aid to Taiwan - Defense News - 09/20/2024  Stay Connected: MDAA | 515 King Street Suite 330 | Alexandria, VA 22314 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice