MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS

June 1 - June 7, 2021

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

On Tuesday, it was reported Norway’s KNM Fridtjof Nansen frigate had successfully intercepted a supersonic target for the first time. The test occurred the previous week during the Formidable Shield 21 exercise and the supersonic target was intercepted by an Evolved Sea-Sparrow Missile (ESSM) launched from the KNM Fridtjof Nansen.

On Wednesday, it was reported the Chinese People's Liberation Army has been conducting live-fire exercises that focus on sea-based targets using anti-tank missiles and rocket artillery. These exercises conducted in the Yellow Sea show a shift in focus from naval combat to increasing the preparedness of ground-based forces.

Also on Wednesday, it was reported an updated version of Russia's Mi-28N helicopter is set to have the capability to launch cruise missiles and mini-drones. The helicopters will be able to carry four cruise missiles that have a 62 mile maximum range. Russia has ordered 98 of the Mi-28NM helicopters to be delivered between 2020-2027.

On Monday, the U.S. Navy announced the launch of the first Arleigh Burke class destroyer with the Flight III configuration. The USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) will be equipped with the AN/SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar, which will provide for increased integrated air and missile defense capabilities including greater detection and tracking ranges.

Click here to read all of this week's headlines.

MDAA ALERTS

Leadership

With the contours of missile defense expanding into the domains of space, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. MDAA is expanding its mission through Academia and Innovation. Education and its Diversity of people, thought, and ideas is at the fundamental core of excellence in the world, and we...

Click here to read more.

MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES

Aegis Afloat

Aegis Afloat is the sea-based component of the Missile Defense Agency’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Aegis BMD builds upon the Aegis Weapon System, Standard Missile, and Navy and joint forces’ Command, Control and Communication systems.

Learn more about Aegis Afloat.

Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS)

The Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) is a modern 360-degree, multi-mission sensor with a high degree of cross-functionality, interoperability, and modularity. It is the first sensor designed specifically for operations within the...

Learn more about the LTAMDS.

Raad-500

Unveiled in 2020, the Raad-500, also known as the “Thunder 500”, is an Iranian short range ballistic/tactical missile. Its design was made with the intention of being half as heavy as the Fateh-110 and it has been upgraded with a composite engine from a new generation made for propelling missiles and satellite carriers...

Learn more about the Raad-500.

MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK

Captain Marco Catanese

Capt Catanese is the Chief, Innovation and Analysis at the European Integrated Air and Missile Defense Center. He leads innovation and assessment efforts in support of European Command (EUCOM) and Africa Command (AFRICOM) Integrated Air and Missile Defense enabling future concept exploration and validation. Capt Catanese significantly increased the quality and quantity of assessments conducted, from two to five Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) exercises providing critical information to senior leaders on operational readiness and vulnerabilities related to Aegis, THAAD, Patriot employment and air defense integration. In Astral Knight 20, he led a 10-day assessment to determine how well the U.S. Army Patriot and Polish SA-3 were integrated with the Polish and U.S. Air Force. In Juniper Cobra 20, his IAMD assessment experience was critical in providing key information to the Joint Force Air Component Commander, identifying four gaps in the operational plan. In the European Test Bed (ETB), Capt Catanese led twelve joint organizations to develop a plan to evaluate new defense designs and command and control concepts for Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) of Europe using Aegis and THAAD under U.S. and NATO control. Additionally, he was pivotal in developing a roadmap to evolve ETB from BMD to IAMD, to support new missions and to refocus its role as an experimentation venue. Finally, he finalized a 5-year Missile Defense Agency support agreement worth $3.5M to support test efforts in theater. Capt Catanese attended the University of Portland in Oregon and gained his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2011. His first assignment was an Operations Analyst at Eglin AFB, Florida. Capt Catanese’s second assignment was lead analyst for the Operational Test and Evaluation of multiple space systems and became the Executive officer for the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 4 at Peterson AFB, Colorado. Next, he was a Flight Commander at the 1st Manpower Requirements Squadron, leading a team of 13 analysts developing manpower studies for the Force Support, Squadron Commander’s Support Staff and Air Education and Training Command specific functions. Capt Catanese has deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian in Camp Film City Kosovo where he developed long term plans and determined future force requirements to support the NATO mission.

Click here to view all the awardees from the 2020 U.S. Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony.