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..."

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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.