THIS WEEK IN MISSILE DEFENSE

August 17 - August 23, 2019

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

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Last Friday, reports indicated U.S. officials are expecting Iran to launch a rocket in the near future. Iran plans for the rocket to launch a satellite into orbit. Iran claims that the launch is for peaceful purposes, but space-launch vehicles utilize the same technology needed for an intercontinental ballistic missile.

On Tuesday, it was reported that four Russian based nuclear monitoring stations that monitor radioactive particles in the atmosphere have mysteriously gone quiet after an August 8 explosion at a Russian missile testing facility. U.S. officials believe the deadly explosion was caused during a test of the Russian Burevestnik nuclear propelled cruise missile, which NATO has designated the code name of "Skyfall."

On Wednesday, the Department of Defense decided to terminate the current Boeing contract to develop the Redesigned Kill Vehicle (RKV) for the Ground- Based Interceptors (GBIs). The RKV would have replaced the current Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV). The Missile Defense Agency had issued a stop work order on the contract in May due to the “failure of certain critical components.” DoD ultimately determined that the technical design problems were so significant as to be either insurmountable or cost-prohibitive to correct. The Pentagon plans to move forward with a contract competition to design a new, next-generation interceptor.

Also on Wednesday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone. U.S. Central Command said it was aware of claims that an American MQ-9 Reaper drone had been shot down over Yemen but declined to elaborate. In June, the U.S. previously said an MQ-9 was shot down by the Houthis.

On Thursday, the United States formally withdrew its offer for Turkey to purchase a Patriot missile system in retaliation for Turkey's receipt of the Russian-made S-400 missile system. In December, the U.S. State Department announced that it had approved the possible sale of a $3.5 billion Patriot missile system to Turkey. The U.S. had previously removed Turkey from the F-35 jet program, preventing Turkey from acquiring 100 fighters it had planned on purchasing.

Click here to read all of the headlines from the week.

MDAA ALERTS

Termination

“First, we will prioritize the defense of the American people above all else. Our review calls for 20 new ground based interceptors at Fort Greely, Alaska and new radars and sensors to immediately detect foreign missiles launched against our great nation. We are committed to establishing...

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MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES

Ground-Based Midcourse Defense

The Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System provides the capability to engage and destroy limited intermediate...

Learn more about GMD

Turkey

Turkey is a key NATO member located at the gateway between Europe and the Middle East. The country borders two failed states–Iraq and Syria–and subsequently is under constant threat from the residual effects of regional conflict.

Learn more about Turkey

Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The MQ-9 Reaper is the ninth system to be produced in the U.S. Air Force’s series of remotely controlled, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Learn more about the Reaper UAV

MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK

First Lieutenant Justus Neumann

1LT Neumann is the Deputy Tactical Director for Bravo Crew in the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Ft. Greeley, Alaska. 1LT Neumann was charged with one of the most demanding positions while working on Bravo Crew. His ability to prioritize tasks while managing the crew to ensure success greatly contributed to Bravo Crew earning the honor of Top Crew. 1LT Neumann is a native of Hamden, Connecticut. He enlisted in 2011 as an Officer Candidate and went to Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Upon graduating BCT, he was assigned to the 1/169th (LDR) OCS in Niantic, Connecticut. 1LT Neumann commissioned in 2013 through the Connecticut Army National Officer Candidate School (OCS) as a Military Police Officer. In 2015, 1LT Neumann accepted a position as a Platoon Leader in Alpha Company, 49th Missile Defense Battalion. In 2018, he transitioned to Higher Headquarters Battery (HHB), 49th Missile Defense Battalion where he is assigned as the Deputy Tactical Director for Bravo Crew. 1LT Neumann's military education include Introduction to Space, Ground-based Midcourse Defense Qualifications Course, Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) Evaluator/Trainer Course, Military Police Captains Career Course, Special Reaction Team, Inter-service Nonlethal Individual Weapons Instructor Course, Anti-Terrorism Basic Officer Course, Cold Weather Leaders Course, Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) Instructor Course, and Military Police Basic Officer Leaders Course. He holds a Baccalaureate degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. 1LT Neumann's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. He also is awarded the Basic Army Space Badge and the German Armed Forces Badge (Silver).