THIS WEEK IN MISSILE DEFENSE

December 7 - December 13, 2019

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

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On Saturday, North Korea conducted a “very important test” at its long-range rocket launch site – Sohae Satellite Launching Ground – in the northwest where it has performed banned satellite launches and missile engine tests in recent years. There is wide speculation that it involved a new engine for either a space launch vehicle or a long-range missile.

Also on Saturday, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper discussed issues ranging from the budget and National Defense Strategy to global Defense Department activities at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California. He said, “We continue to add more partners to global efforts to deter aggression, such as the international maritime security construct in the Strait of Hormuz and the more nascent integrated air and missile defense effort to protect critical infrastructure in the Middle East.

On Sunday, the South Korean Defense Ministry reported it plans to take over land in the Lotte Skyhill Country Club’s golf course in Seongju County – located some 300 kilometers south of Seoul – to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. The U.S. may send THAAD to South Korea in June over China’s objections.

On Monday, U.S. lawmakers announced an agreement on a $738-billion bill setting policy for the Department of Defense, including new measures for competing with China and Russia, the creation of President Donald Trump’s long desired Space Force, and family leave for federal workers. It also calls for sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of a Russian missile defense system and a tough response to North Korea’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

On Thursday, the U.S. Army conducted a successful intercept test with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS). The test was executed by the IAMD Project Office and soldiers of the 3-6 Air and Missile Defense Test Detachment. Preliminary findings indicate that the planned test flight objectives were achieved, and targets were successfully intercepted.

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MDAA ALERTS

Prelude to Madness

North Korea conducted a solid fuel rocket engine test demonstration on Saturday, which could set a 2020 timeline for a North Korean ICBM test, validating new capabilities for increased reliability to strike the United States of America with a nuclear weapon. North Korean synchronicity with the demand of the United States...

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MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES

Patriot Missile Defense System

The Patriot missile defense system is a ground-based, mobile missile defense interceptor deployed by the United States and many other nations. The Patriot system detects, tracks, and engages UAVs, cruise missiles, and short-range or tactical ballistic missiles. Patriot missile systems have been tested in combat operations in...

Learn more about the Patriot

Republic of Korea

The Republic of Korea has hosted missile defense systems since the United States stationed the 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery in the ROK in 1994 in response to North Korea’s threats to suspend the armistice on the Korean Peninsula. In 2006, the Republic of Korea announced it would create its own...

Learn more about South Korea

Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS)

Developed by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Army, the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) is a command-and-control (C2) capability that integrates air and missile defense systems to eliminate stovepipes and allow warfighters to use any sensor or weapons..

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MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK

First Lieutenant Thu Pham

1st Lt Pham is a Staff Instructor for the 460th Operations Support Squadron at Buckley AFB, Colorado. She is currently responsible for the planning and execution of Mission Qualification Training for Mission Management Operators of the Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS). As an Instructor, 1st Lt Pham trained over five-hundred hours, consisting of both simulator and classroom academics, ensuring Combat Mission Readiness for over 50 operators. Additionally, Lt Pham has streamlined the Instructor Qualification Course and increased the efficiency of the certification process by over one hundred percent, producing over 25 instructors. 1st Lt Pham developed and executed the SBIRS software upgrade training for over 300 operators to secure an efficient command and control transition for a $369K test event. As a Mission Management Operator, 1st Lt Pham drove over 1.3K hours of satellite sensor tasking and enabled 131 missile warning reports to six Combatant Commands, including surveillance for adversary intercontinental ballistic missile launches and Troops in Contact. 1st Lt Pham demonstrated herself as a visionary officer by pioneering the 460th Space Wing's first-ever Restricted Area Fitness Facility, procuring over $20K in a ten-month long project to increase the quality of life for over 560 personnel. 1st Lt Pham earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Oregon State University and commissioned through Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2016. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.