MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS March 16 - March 22, 2021 THE WEEK IN BRIEF Click Here to Watch the Missile Defense Mondays Video On Tuesday, it was announced that Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system had completed a series of upgrades and tests to improve its ability to deal with complex threats. The testing of the system involved shooting down several unmanned aerial vehicles and the upgraded system is set to be integrated into Israel’s Air Force and Navy. Also on Tuesday, it was reported that Houthi forces fired drones at the King Khalid airbase in southern Saudi Arabia. The previous day, it was reported that two ballistic missiles fired by Houthi forces had landed in uninhabited border areas in Saudi Arabia. On Friday, it was reported that three Chinese naval vessels, including a large guided-missile destroyer, were spotted in the Strait of Tsushima, north of Japan’s main island. The ships did not enter Japan’s territorial waters but the incident comes after Japan the U.S. raised concerns over China’s actions around the Senkaku Islands. Also on Friday, it was announced that Japan commissioned a new Aegis destroyer, the Haguro. The Haguro is Japan’s eighth Aegis destroyer and is also set to carry the SM-3 Block IIA, an interceptor missile currently under development by Japan and the U.S. On Monday, it was reported that France, Belgium, Japan, and the U.S. have begun a multilateral maritime exercise in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. The Group Arabian Sea Warfare Exercise 21 involves testing the interoperability and capabilities of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare operations. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS An Extraordinary Threat to the United States “In the public parade we saw on the 10th of October, we saw additional capabilities, an additional missile. Now, they’re up to three missiles that we assess could strike our homeland… We always maintain the ability to defend our homeland and, obviously, the right to defend the homeland... Click here to read more. MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES France France is a declared nuclear weapons state and is one of the five states authorized to possess nuclear weapons under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Maintaining a clear policy for an independent deterrent, France withdrew from the NATO integrated command structure in 1961... Learn more about France. SAMP/T Air Defense System SAMP/T is a theater-level air defense system designed for point defense against current and future airborne threats. One of only a handful of European-produced systems that can counter ballistic missiles, SAMP/T is developed by Eurosam and jointly owned by MBDA Missile Systems and Thales... Learn more about the SAMP/T. Dong Feng-31 (CSS-10) The DF-31 is a three-stage, solid-fueled, intercontinental ballistic missile that can be fitted with either a single 1mt warhead or up to three to four MIRV units. Its range can reach up to 8,000km which will empower China with a longer-range striking capability. With a payload of up to 1,750kg, a single nuclear warhead has... Learn more about the Dong Feng-31. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Master Sergeant Tariq Simpson MSgt Simpson is the Site Chief for COBRA DANE Operations, 13th Space Warning Squadron (SWS), Joint-Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska. He is the site lead for COBRA DANE missile defense radar support. MSgt Simpson supervises one Amn towards improving quality of life, logistics, and security on a remote island location. He authorizes radar site access by verifying security clearance, need-to-know and purpose of personnel. MSgt Simpson holds many site program duties to include: COMSEC Responsible Officer, Security Manager, Cybersecurity Liaison, Vehicle Control Officer, and Information Technology Equipment Custodian. He has processed over 94 mission critical cargo shipments for Cobra Dane, worth $7.5 million, secured 8 cryptographic keys for vital missile defense secure mission data, and verified clearances of over 400 personnel accessing a Protection Level 1 national asset. MSgt Simpson leads the sole Information Technology (IT) network sponsoring office by creating and maintaining user accounts for 28 maintenance and operations personnel. He directs upgrade projects by bridging communications with program office, 21st Space Wing, and Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center for critical support at Eareckson Air Station, Alaska. MSgt Simpson is a supreme radar system support logistician and vital to the demanding Missile Defense mission in Alaska. MSgt Simpson’s boundless dedication led to enabling a 30-year service life extension program valued at $350 million, securing coverage for the United States missile defense front line. His eagerness and tireless commitment inspire all those around him to continuously improve the mission, the weapon system, and themselves. MSgt Simpson enlisted from Macon, Georgia in January 2004 and completed the Ground Radio Communications Apprentice course in September 2004. He has 16 years of active service with experience that includes diverse duties within the Radar, Airfield, and Weather Systems (RAWS) career field on both deployable & fixed air traffic control radio communications, radar, and navigational aid systems. Prior to his current position, he was assigned as Quality Assurance (QA) Evaluator 57 Operations Support Squadron (OSS), Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2020 NORAD & USNORTHCOM Missile Warning and Defender of the Year Award Ceremony. NEWS MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Report: Taiwan’s military to build high-altitude missile defense network - 3/16/2021 - UPI.com The New Overmatch: All Domain Operations - 3/16/2021 - Breaking Defense Raytheon Readies LTAMDS Radar For Tests - 3/16/2021 - Breaking Defense In ‘technological leap,’ Iron Dome tackles multiple complex threats at once - 3/16/2021 - The Times of Israel NORAD: Advanced Cruise Missile Threat Requires Better Awareness - 3/17/2021 - Air Force Magazine Air Force F-15Es Train To Launch Cruise Missiles Over The Baltic Sea - 3/18/2021 - The Drive U.S. Space Force Juggles Changes To Missile Warning Portfolio - 3/19/2021 - Aviation Week Network Lower Tier Air And Missile Defense System: The Army’s Future Super Radar - 3/19/2021 - The Drive Japan commissions 8th Aegis destroyer - 3/19/2021 - NHK World News Rep. Kai Kahele Wants New Missile Defense Radar System On Kauai — Not Oahu - 3/22/2021 - Honolulu Civil Beat France and Italy to develop New Generation NG of SAMP/T air defense missile system - 3/22/2021 - Army Recognition Ships of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Enter the Black Sea - 3/22/2021 - U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa / U.S. 6th Fleet Group Arabian Sea Warfare Exercise 21 Underway in the U.S. 5th Fleet From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command - 3/22/2021 - U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / Combined Maritime Forces – U.S. 5th FLEET THREAT NEWS Houthi ballistic missiles land in uninhabited Saudi land, coalition says - 3/16/2021 - Reuters U.S. general says North Korea might flight test new ICBM design ‘in the near future’ - 3/17/2021 - Reuters Iran resolved to pursue ‘high goals’ in missile, defense sectors: Defense chief - 3/18/2021 - Press TV Russia Remains Top Threat to U.S. Homeland, General Says - 3/18/2021 - Bloomberg Russia’s Air Defense Capabilities Boosted by Automated Systems - 3/18/2021 - The Jamestown Foundation China Developing Hypersonic Swarms To Overwhelm Missile Defenses - 3/19/2021 - Forbes Drone strike on Riyadh oil refinery claimed by Houthis causes fire - 3/22/2021 - Reuters What Do We Know About China’s Newest Missiles? - 3/22/2021 - Defense One OTHER NEWS KRAS rolls out first batch of MRSAM missile kits for Indian Army and Air Force - 3/16/2021 - Mint India Quietly Deploys Huge Spy Ship Designed To Track Nuclear Missiles - 3/17/2021 - Forbes Austin hints India’s purchase of Russian missile system could trigger sanctions - 3/22/2021 - Politico Stay Connected: ‌ ‌ ‌ MDAA | 515 King Street, Suite 330, Alexandria, VA 22314 Unsubscribe [email protected] Customer Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!