MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS

March 7th - 13th, 2023

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

On Tuesday, March 7, Robust Ukrainian and Russian air defenses rendered both sides’ aircraft, particularly those used for close air support missions, largely “worthless” in the war between the two countries, according to a top American Air Force general.

About 60 Ukrainian aircraft and 70 Russian aircraft have been downed in the year since Russia launched its invasion, according to commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Africa Gen. James Hecker, a feat accomplished by the two countries’ highly capable air defense systems that have left much of the battlefield airspace off limits.

On Wednesday, March 8, Defense Ministry officials suspect China has been floating balloons over Japan to spy on military radio communication to monitor the movements of the U.S. military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. The ministry had revealed in a Feb. 14 announcement that it “strongly suspects” several flying objects spotted over Japan over the past four years were Chinese surveillance balloons.

On Thursday, March 9, North Korea fired off at least six short-range missiles in what could be the opening salvo in weeks of military displays on both sides of the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, analysts said. Photos released by state-run media on Friday showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending the Hwasong artillery unit’s fire drill on the western front, along with his daughter and military officials.

Also on Thursday, A barrage of more than 80 Russian missiles and a smaller number of exploding drones hit residential buildings and critical infrastructure across Ukraine, killing six people and leaving hundreds of thousands without heat or electricity. The largest such attack in three weeks also put Europe’s largest nuclear plant at risk by knocking it off the power grid for nearly half of the day before it was reconnected. Because nuclear reactors need constant power to run cooling systems to avoid a meltdown, the latest power loss at the Zaporizhzhia plant again raised the specter of a nuclear catastrophe.

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

MDAA ALERTS

United States Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request

"The number one priority of the 2022 National Defense Strategy is “ To Defend the U.S. Homeland, paced to the growing multi-domain threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China.” The Number 2 priority..."

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Putin’s War, A European Tragedy and the Strategic Impact of Air Denial

"In the midst of one of the largest Russian missile barrages into Ukraine and a year after the war, MDAA co-hosted with the Netherlands high-level talks on integrated air missile defense with senior leaders and decision makers...."

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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

Senior Airman Keeana Fielder

SrA Keeana L. Fielder is the Pass and Registration Clerk for the 268th Security Forces Squadron, Clear Space Force Station, Alaska. SrA Fielder enlisted with the Alaska Air National Guard in 2019 where she immediately contributed to mission success and continues to demonstrate devotion and commitment in every role she is assigned to. In Pass and Registration, SrA Fielder displays constant professionalism and is well versed in programs used for the vetting of all visitors and contractors such as Open Fox, Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS), Air Force Justice Information System (AFJIS), and Defense Information System for Security (DISS). SrA Fielder graduated from Basic Training at Lackland AFB in March of 2020 and then Security Forces Technical Training shortly thereafter. Two months after reporting to her first duty station with the 176th Security Forces Squadron in Anchorage SrA Fielder volunteered for a short notice deployment to support Exercise Valiant Shield where she provided security for mission critical assets and was recognized for her professionalism earning “Outstanding Performer.” In October of 2020 SrA Fielder volunteered to support Clear Space Force Station during manning shortages fulfilling the role of installation patrolman and armorer, where she was responsible for safeguarding a protection level 1 (PL1) resources valued at 800 million dollars, along with 600 military and civilian personnel in support of the NORAD Missile Defense and Early Warning Missions. She was recruited to the Clear SFS Honor Guard where her active participation has contributed to seven ceremonies and ensures a legacy of Airmen who promote the mission, protect the standards, perfect the image, and preserve a proud heritage. In addition to all her recognizable military accomplishments, SrA Fielder is dedicated to self-improvement and professional development as she is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from American Military University with an estimated graduation date of 2025. SrA Fielder was selected for the full-time position as the Pass and Registration Clerk due to her numerous accomplishments and has since earned Airman of the Quarter twice and the 268 SFS Outstanding Security Forces Flight Level Airman of the Year for 2021 and Support Staff Airmen of the Year in 2022. Finally, SrA Fielder upholds the Air Force core values, setting high standards for her peers, and continues to foster positive leadership and mentorship skills, showcasing her future capabilities.

Click here to view all the awardees from the 2022 Alaska Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony.