MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS February 1 - 7, 2022 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On Wednesday, February 2, the UAE intercepted three drones entering its airspace, an attack claimed by a little-known Iraqi militia. Analysts believe that if the Iraqi militia's claims are confirmed, it could mean there is an uptick of violence involving Iran-affiliated militias opposing the Saudi-led coalition in the war. On Thursday, February 3, it was reported that Russia is massing nuclear-capable missiles along with 30,000 troops in Belarus, which include Spetsnaz commandos backed by fighter jets, anti-aircraft systems, and tanks. Also on Thursday, the US State Department approved potential sales of fighter jets and air defense systems to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to help stabilize the region and counter Iran. On Sunday, February 6, U.S. Marine General Frank McKenzie arrived in the United Arab Emirates for talks on efforts to bolster the Gulf state's defenses after a series of missile attacks launched by Houthi fighters in Yemen. On Monday, February 7, US officials announced that Russia has assembled at least 70 percent of the military firepower it likely intends to have in place by mid-month to give President Vladimir Putin the option of launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS Remain Vigilant for the U.S. Homeland 2022 is off to a remarkable start. We have seen the largest number and widest variety of missile launches from different nations and non-state actors in recent memory. North Korea has taken clear advantage of a distracted international audience... Click here to read more. Nothing Says Deterrence Like the Forward Positioning of a THAAD Battery It fills the gap, it hits the gap. And what it does, in and above space, it hits the seam below Aegis BMD that hits up in upper space, and it also hits below in the lower atmosphere above Patriot... Click here to read more. MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES Cruise Missiles Cruise missiles, although similar to ballistic missiles in some regards, provide an alternate means to deliver a lethal payload rapidly and accurately to a target. Cruise missiles differ from ballistic missiles in that they fly towards their target at lower altitudes... Learn more about cruise missiles. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) element provides the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) with a globally transportable, rapidly deployable capability to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles inside or just outside the atmosphere... Learn more about THAAD. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeremy Howard CW2 Howard is the Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Command and Control (C2) Systems Integrator for 3rd Battalion, 265th ADA Regiment. From November 2020 to October 2021, CW2 Howard deployed in support of Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) operations within Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Spartan Shield. CW2 Howard was responsible for the SHORAD integration and defense of critical assets within Central Command (CENTCOM) across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). CW2 Howard’s integration efforts enhanced theater-wide Early Warning of one-way attack UAS, improved base defense efforts, developed innovative Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for FIM-92 Stinger interceptors, and enhanced the regional air picture to enable more effective C-UAS engagements. During the height of operations in theater, he directly supported assured protection of three of the top assets on the CENTCOM Prioritized Critical Asset List and was responsible for the Joint Data Network’s coverage of the 120,000 square kilometers airspace over Central and Northern Iraq and Eastern Syria. CW2 Howard continuously improved the operations by leading integration efforts between Army, Marines, and Air Force to ensure readiness against UAS across CENCTOM. CW2 Howard was also instrumental in establishing record times to Full Operational Capability status in KSA and Iraq. He improved the network architecture to enhance situational awareness resulting in early identification of a KAS-04 drone enroute to Camp Bashur and the National Guard’s historic SHORAD engagement of threat aircraft. CW2 Howard was born in Ft. Myers, Florida in October 1983 but currently lives in Saint Augustine, Florida with his wife Melissa Howard. After graduating with a High School Diploma, he entered the Florida Army National Guard in February 2002. He completed an Associate’s Degree in General Studies and a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Florida Gulf Coast University and then a Masters of Health Science in Athletic Training with a Certificate of Leadership and Administration in Athletic Training from the University of St. Augustine. CW2 Howard earned an Educational Doctorate in Health Sciences degree with Specialization in Teaching and Learning through the University of St. Augustine in 2021, completing his dissertation while deployed in CENTCOM. CW2 Howard served as both an Avenger Crewmember and Early Warning Systems Operator during his enlisted career.  Click here to view all the awardees from the 2021 U.S. Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony. MDAA IN THE NEWS A Matter of Speed? Understanding Hypersonic Missile Systems - Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Over the past weeks and months, ‘hypersonic missiles’ have again made headlines in global defence news. On 5 and 11 January, North Korea performed... Click here to read the full story NEWS MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS US military drills with Pacific allies send a message to China, expert says - Stars and Stripes - 2/1/2022 Budget uncertainty ‘throttles’ MDA’s development of a hypersonic missile interceptor - Defense News - 2/3/2022 US’ Only Weapon To Counter China’s Hypersonic Weapons: MDA Chief Reveals Details About Its ‘Super Interceptor Missile’ - The Eurasian Times - 2/4/2022 After Houthi attacks, senior U.S. general in UAE to bolster defenses - Reuters - 2/7/2022 CENTCOM Boss Says There is ‘Rare Opportunity’ to Integrate Air, Missile Defense in Region THREAT NEWS Russia Clears Kalashnikov Group’s Kamikaze Drone for Export - The Defense Post - 2/1/2022 UAE blocks drone attack claimed by obscure Iraqi militia - The Middle East Eye - 2/3/2022 Russia is massing nuclear-capable missiles, 30,000 troops and fighter jets in Belarus, NATO warns amid fears Ukraine invasion could spark refugee crisis with two million people displaced - Daily Mail - 2/3/2022 US Sends Warship, Jets To UAE As Houthis Continue Missile Attacks - The Kashmir Observer - 2/4/2022 Russian S-400 air defence missile systems arrive in Belarus - bneIntelliNews - 2/4/2022 Russian Missile Battalion Confirmed in Belarus - The Kyiv Post - 2/7/2022 Officials: Russia at 70 percent of Ukraine military buildup - The Omaha World Herald - 2/7/2022 OTHER NEWS South Korean presidential candidates spar over need for more THAAD missile defense - Stars and Stripes - 2/4/2022 US okays F-16 sales to Jordan, air defense boosts for Saudi Arabia, UAE - The Times of Israel - 2/4/2022 Stay Connected: ‌ ‌ ‌ MDAA | 515 King Street, Suite 330, Alexandria, VA 22314 Unsubscribe [email protected] Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!