MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS February 21st - 27th, 2023 THE WEEK IN BRIEF On Wednesday, February 22, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Barry (DDG 52) conducted a trilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in the Sea of Japan, alongside Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Atago-class guided missile destroyer JS Atago (DDG 177), and Republic of Korea Navy destroyer ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG 991). This exercise enhances the interoperability of our collective forces and demonstrates the strength of the trilateral relationship with our Japan and Republic of Korea allies. This trilateral cooperation is reflective of our shared values and resolve against those who challenge regional stability. Also on Wednesday, an air defense missile system was spotted near the site where Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a four-minute patriotic speech in Moscow, according to multiple reports. It appears to be one of a number of such systems indicating the Kremlin has fears of an aerial attack as its invasion of Ukraine drags on. The Russian news site Meduza reported that a Pantsir missile system was installed outside Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, where thousands had gathered — and some had been paid — to hear Putin speak. On Friday, February 24, North Korea launched four strategic cruise missiles as part of a military drill that state media said was designed to demonstrate its ability to conduct a nuclear counterattack. The launches came as the United States and South Korea held a simulated military exercise in Washington, DC, aimed at sharpening their response to North Korean nuclear threats. Also on Friday, with the Ukraine invasion anniversary as a backdrop and a NATO summit coming up this July in Lithuania, the former commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe argued for integrating air defense and missile defense systems and network and enhancing the responsiveness of U.S., NATO, and partner defenses. Speaking at a roundtable discussion of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, a non-profit organization in Alexandria, Va., retired Air Force Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian said Russia’s war in Ukraine offers important lessons for thinking ahead about integrated missile and air defenses. Click here to read all of this week's headlines. MDAA ALERTS The North Korean Threat to Our Nation "This past Saturday, February 18th, in a blatant attempt to capture global attention, North Korea successfully launched its Hwasong-15, a land mobile solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missile with the capability to carry North Korean nuclear weapons. The Hwasong-15 presents a significant threat to the national security of the..." Click here to read more. MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES Ukrainian War Updates Track the number and type of missiles used in the Ukrainian war, the number of casualties, and daily news highlights. Track updates on the conflict in Ukraine. Taiwan Incursion Updates Track the number and type of incursions in the Taiwan Strait, the number of missiles fired, aircraft crossing the ADIZ, and daily news highlights. Track updates on the tensions in the Taiwan Strait. MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK Captain Zachery M. Hollopeter Capt Hollopeter is the Executive Officer for the 3rd Operations Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The 3rd Operations Group provides premier combat-ready aerospace forces to warfighting commanders tasked to defend and protect U.S. interests in the Pacific region and around the world. The group trains, mobilizes, and employs five squadrons comprised of C-17 Globemaster, C-12 Huron, E-3 Sentry, and F-22 Raptor aircraft, providing unmatched air dominance, global mobility, and command and control for Combatant Commanders. Additionally, Capt Hollopeter is assigned to the 962 Airborne Air Control Squadron with more than 1700 hours on the E-3 AWACS. Capt Hollopeter commissioned in 2015 from the University of Notre Dame AFROTC while earning his Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics at Indiana University South Bend. His operational assignments include Instructor Air Surveillance Officer, Instructor Air Battle Manager, and Flight Examiner on the E-3 Sentry. Capt Hollopeter has flown in Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and NOBLE EAGLE. In 2020, Capt Hollopeter was awarded 962 AACS Air Surveillance Officer of the Year in Tinker AFB, OK. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from Indiana University South Bend. Capt Hollopeter is married to his wife Shawna. Click here to view all the awardees from the 2022 Alaska Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony. NEWS HEADLINES MDAA IN THE NEWS Air and Missile Defenses Must Be 'Integrated By Design,' Urges Former USAFE Chief - Air & Space Forces Magazine - 02/24/2023 MISSILE DEFENSE NEWS Edelstein, Elkin meet Zelensky: Israel must give Ukraine defense arm - Israel News - The Jerusalem Post - 02/21/2023 US, South Korea, Japan Hold Joint Drills Amid North Korea Threats - VOA - 02/22/2023 Indo-Israeli joint venture firm to provide service support for India's MRSAM missiles - WION - 02/22/2023 S. Korea accelerates environmental procedure for full-fledged THAAD deployment - Yonhap News Agency - 02/24/2023 india missile technology: India has become self-sufficient, self-reliant in missile technology: Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister - The Economic Times - 02/27/2023 THREAT NEWS Fears, questions about N. Korea's growing nuclear arsenal - AP News - 02/21/2023 How Iran’s Acquisition Of Russian Military Hardware Could Impact The Middle East - Forbes - 02/22/2023 China tests 'Phantom Space Strike' weapon | Watch how it tricks enemy missile systems - Hindustan Times - 02/22/2023 Chinese Jet Fighter Shadows U.S. Aircraft Over South China Sea - WSJ - 02/24/2023 Iran 'likely' to supply Syria with air defense to combat Israeli strikes - The Jerusalem Post - 02/24/2023 OTHER NEWS Russia May Be Running Low on Iranian Drones, Awaits New Supplies - Bloomberg - 02/21/2023 Belarus to make Su-25 attack aircraft as Russia eyes industry takeover -Defense News - 02/21/2023 U.S. releases U-2 spy plane photo of Chinese balloon - The Washington Post - 02/22/2023 U.S. to Expand Troop Presence in Taiwan for Training Against China Threat - WSJ - 02/23/2023 Putin Says Sarmat Nuclear Missile to Be Deployed This Year - The Defense Post - 02/23/2023 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!