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ADA ONLINE
February 2010

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Tedd J. Pritchard (outgoing CSM), Colonel James (Jimmy) H. Jenkins (Commander), and Sergeant Major Jesse D. Santos (incoming CSM) all of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas, prepare for the "Change of Responsibility Ceremony" at the Phantom Warrior Center on 25 January 2010.
(Photo by Private First Class Maria Asenbrener, 69th ADA Brigade.)  
~ WELCOME BACK TO ADA ONLINE ~
We look forward to publicly recognizing great ADA units and Soldiers
and are anxious to publish your submissions!

Submit Articles and Photos / Contact ADA Online
   

National Guard Honors Morgan
(Ohio)High School Principal
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey D. Schultz, and Command Sergeant Major Bryan Hardesty from the 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery (McConnelsville) presents Principal Anita Eldridge with a certificate of appreciation for her support of the unit.

Lieutenant General (Retired) CJ LeVan
The Passing of a Visionary

 
The Army has lost an Air Defense Artillery (ADA) icon with the passing of Lieutenant General (Retired) CJ LeVan on 19 January 2010. General LeVan served as the Commanding General of the US Army Air Defense School, Center and Fort Bliss and as the Chief of ADA from 1973 through 1976. He was a veteran of World War II, and both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

When interviewed by this writer in February 1993 for a tribute to past Chiefs of ADA, General LeVan offered the following words of advice, which he hoped were also words of wisdom, “Learn the tools of your trade! Air Defenders must be competent in the overall Army operational doctrine and tactics as well as those of the branch, and must also possess sufficient technical understanding of ADA’s increasingly complex weapon systems to maintain and fight them successfully.”

When questioned about his most memorable accomplishments, he responded, “Commanding the US Army Air Defense Artillery School and Fort Bliss was undoubtedly the high point of my more than 36-year career. To be associated with these superb Air Defense Soldiers, influence their military education, and to further the development of new weapon systems for the branch were all extremely rewarding.”

General LeVan retired from active duty in 1978; however, his contributions to the Army, ADA and the Nation did not stop there. He went on to become the president and owner of ARES Corporation, which provided scientific and engineering support to the Departments of Defense and Energy.

An Air Defense legend, General LeVan was recognized by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) at a February 2004 “Pioneer” induction ceremony for his long and distinguished career in missile defense and in tribute for his many notable achievements in facilitating the development of multiple air defense weapons systems. His portrait now hangs in a place of honor in the Pioneer Conference Room, SMDC – Colorado Springs Headquarters.

The ADA community offers their deepest condolences to his wife Mary Ann and their family as we post this tribute to LTG (Retired) CJ LeVan a true visionary in missile defense.


(Article by Kathleen M. Doyle, Editor, ADA Online)


Note: For more information on this incredible Soldier look for next weeks' Fort Sill Canoneer and the future "Legacy" article being produced by David Christensen, ADA Historian.

 
   
   
   
   

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ADA TODAY
Updated Links to Air and Missile Defense Articles From News Media Website


Wednesday
3 February 2010

US Seeks Calm as China Fumes
(Reuters)
The Pentagon's 2010 Ballistic Missile Defense Review Report to Congress, published on Monday, said the United States was concerned and closely monitoring China's missile buildup and increasingly advanced capabilities in the Pacific region.


FORSCOM Recognizes 69th ADA Culinary Team for Excellence in Food Service
(DVIDS)
A team of hard-charging food service Soldiers from Fort Hood's (Texas) 69th ADA Brigade is certainly no exception to excellence when it comes ...
A team of hard-charging food service Soldiers from Fort Hood's own 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade brought “excellence” to the table, when it comes to serving food during the 42nd annual Armywide Phillip A. Connelly Competition for Excellence in Food Service.

US Missile Push in Persian Gulf is Labeled 'Iran-Phobia'
(Dallas Morning News)
Iran responded angrily Tuesday to US moves to expand land- and sea-based missile defense systems in and around the Persian Gulf.

Ex-POW in Iraq War Recalls Nightmares, Depression
(Washington Post)
Shoshana Johnson survived as an Iraqi prisoner of war for 22 days, but life wasn't so easy when she came home, either. In a new book out this week, the 37-year-old single mother describes her ordeal and mental health problems related to her captivity.

Done with Iran
(WatertownDailyTimes.com/Opinion)

 
Arab allies in the region have bought Patriot anti-missile batteries and air- and missile-defense radars. As one senior U.S. official told the Wall Street Journal, "President Ahmadinejad has been the best recruiting officer for U.S. Central Command in the Gulf region."

Heritage Foundation Film About Missile Defense Set to Screen in Massachusetts
(The Cypress Times)
In 33 minutes or less, American life as we know it could be forever altered. That's the time it would take a ballistic missile from North Korea or any other foreign foe to strike New York, Los Angeles, Boston or another major U.S. city.

Lockheed Martin Names Mathew Joyce Vice President and Program Manager for Ground-Based Midcourse Defense
(PR Newswire - Press Release)
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company announced today that it has named Mathew "Mat" J. Joyce vice president and program manager for Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD).  “Mat brings a proven track record in leading outstanding missile defense and strategic weapon system programs," said retired Major Gen. John W. Holly, vice president, Missile Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. Joyce contributes extraordinary expertise in all aspects of development, production, testing, and operations and sustainment as we prepare to bid for the Missile Defense Agency's GMD Development and Sustainment Contract.


Tuesday
2 February 2010


US Seeks Calm as China Fumes
(Reuters)
The Pentagon's 2010 Ballistic Missile Defense Review Report to Congress, published on Monday, said the United States was concerned and closely monitoring China's missile buildup and increasingly advanced capabilities in the Pacific region.

China Warns Obama
Over Dalai Lama

(Aljazeera.net)
China has warned President Barack Obama, not to meet the Dalai Lama, saying any meeting with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader could further harm already-strained relations between the two countries. This comes amid a growing row over recently announced sales of US arms to Taiwan. The government (China) has not said what sanctions it might impose to penalize the companies involved in building arms for Taiwan, but the roster of potential targets is predominantly American defense contractors, including Boeing (Harpoon Block II Missiles), Lockheed Martin (263 PAC-3 air defense missiles) and Raytheon (Patriot Air and Missile Defense System).

Missile Interceptor Fails
in Mock Attack

(BioPrepWatch.com)
A malfunction in radar caused a U.S. attempt to shoot down a missile mimicking an Iranian attack to fail, the Defense Department announced. The Pentagon released a review of ballistic missile defense on Monday, which revealed that Iran had developed and acquired ballistic missiles that had the capability to strike targets from the Middle East to Eastern Europe. This was the first time that a test of the United States' long-range defense against a simulated Iranian attack has been performed, though similar tests have been done involving North Korean missiles.

Russian Arms Exports: Camouflage for an ailing Defense Industry?
(The Faster Times)
Global demand for Russia’s defense products in select areas such as air-defense systems indicates that the Russian defense industry still exudes life. Former Soviet arms clients such as Algeria, Syria and Vietnam have been tapped, new clients in Malaysia and Venezuela have been cultivated, and the Kremlin has shrewdly used the implied delivery of its S-300 air-defense system to Iran to try and pry more money for the same platform out of the Saudis.

Chairman's Corner: Breaking Down the Budget
(DoD Live -- Blog)
This week, Secretary Gates and I (Admiral Mullen) announced the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and the President’s FY2011 Defense budget submission, both of which build upon the reform effort of last year and represent as comprehensive a look at the state of our military as I have seen in my more than forty years of service
.

Iran Blasts US Defensive
Missiles Plan for Gulf

(AP/Bartlesville Live)
Iran is dismissing U.S. moves to increase the defensive missiles system in Gulf Arab countries against potential strikes by Tehran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Tuesday that Iran considers the U.S. plan "inefficient."


Four Combat Brigades to
Stay in Europe

(Stars and Stripes)
The brigades will remain in Europe pending a DoD review of NATO’s Strategic Concept and an accompanying assessment of its European defense posture network, the QDR states. The QDR also called for the deployment of a revised US missile defense system in Europe and an enhanced naval presence in the region.

Just for Fun:  Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and Defense Spending Cuts
(The Motley Fool)
Believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, magical unicorns, and leprechauns with pots o' gold? If so, then you probably also … well, at least are open to the possibility that President Obama has his heart set on gutting the U.S. defense budget. Problem is, just like the mythical creatures listed above, the threat to defense spending is a total myth.

 Ducommun to Support
Patriot Program

(UPI.com)
US defense contractor Raytheon has selected Ducommun to support the Patriot Air and Missile Defense program with its electromechanical technologies.

Defense Chief Continues Push to 'Rebalance' US Military Forces
(GovExec.com)
"I have made defending against near-term regional threats a top priority of our missile defense programs and plans,” Gates said in the review. The BMDR said the nation is protected against "limited ICBM attack" and should be safe against the emerging threat from Iran and North Korea "for the foreseeable future."

Iranian Lawmaker Scorns US Missile Defense Deployments
(Global Security News/NTI)
Iran's top lawmaker accused the United States today of seeking to tighten its military grip on the Middle East by bolstering missile defenses in neighboring states, the Associated Press reported. One Iranian analyst warned, though, that the U.S. missile defense deployments could increase the likelihood of aggression by Tehran against other Middle Eastern nations.

 MDA Budget Continues Aegis, THAAD Focus
(Aviation Week)
MDA’s main focus remains on blocking threats from short- and medium-range ballistic missiles through the PAA implementation in Europe. Accordingly, the Fiscal 2011 request includes $859 million for the purchase of Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries. Another $1.6 billion is set aside for the Aegis ship-based defense system, including research and development and testing.


Iran Criticizes US Missile Deployments in Gulf
(Reuters)
Iran accused the United States on Tuesday of seeking to stoke "Iran phobia" in the Middle East by deploying missile defense systems in the Gulf.


Monday
1 February 2010


Giant Seagoing Golf Ball Fingered as Culprit
(The Register-Science)
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has announced a failed test of its controversial Ground-based Midcourse Defense interceptor. The agency blamed the test failure on problems with the Sea Based X-Band radar, well known for its resemblance to an enormous golf ball mounted on an oil rig.


Missile Defense Test Flops as US Unveils New Strategy
(Wired News)
Over the weekend, the Missile Defense Agency released news of another failed intercept test. And no, the interceptor didn’t fail to lift off or fly off course. This time it was the tracking radar, a Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) radar, that wasn’t up to scratch.

US Fails to Hit Missile Mimicking Iranian Strike
(Reuters)
The botched $150 million test over the Pacific Ocean coincided with a Pentagon report that Iran had expanded its ballistic missile capabilities and posed a "significant" threat to U.S. and allied forces in the Middle East region.

Obama Announces $548.9-Billion Defense Budget for Fiscal Year 2011
(Xinhua)
The defense budget is expected to provide capital for the government’s reconfigured ballistic missile defense strategy, called the Phased Adaptive Approach. "It will feature incremental deployments of increasingly capable sea- and land-based missile interceptors and a range of sensors in Europe to defend against growing ballistic missile dangers," said the bill.

The Gutless Missile Defense Policy
(Washington Times/Opinion -- Michael R. Turner)

In sharp contrast to the previous administration, the President Barack Obama made sweeping changes to the previous administration’s national missile defense portfolio, slashing the MDA budget, reducing the number of missile interceptors in Alaska (intended to protect the U.S. homeland), cut nearly all investments in future capabilities, and dramatically changed missile defense plans for Europe. Yet it appears the new administration is now quietly shifting its missile defense policy.

Too Big To Fail?
(Slate)
President Obama has proposed the largest defense budget since World War II. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is requesting another $10 billion on missile defense (a billion more than last year).


Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT), Don't Hold Your Breath
(Slate)
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, made history when he told the Senate Armed Services Committee that not only does the President support the repeal of the DADT policy but that Mullen himself supports the repeal as well. "For me, personally, it comes down to integrity—theirs as individuals and ours as an institution," said Mullen.

FACTBOX-Pentagon Spending on Major Weapons Programs
(Reuters)
The Pentagon also would spend $9.9 billion on ballistic missile defense programs, up from $9.2 billion. The funding includes $1.56 billion for Lockheed's Aegis missile defense system, $1.3 billion for the company's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile system and $1.3 billion on a ground-based midcourse defense program run by Boeing.

Missile Defense Review Links Strategy to Threats

(DoD/Armed Forces Press Service)
The Ballistic Missile Defense Review released today aligns U.S. missile defense posture with near-term regional missile threats, and sustains the ability to defend the homeland against limited long-range missile attack.


Missile Defense Deployments Ramped-Up Around Iran
(Global Security Newswire/NTI)
The additional missiles defenses included “eight Patriot missile batteries, two in each of four countries,” said U.S. Central Commander General David Petraeus. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to accept missile defense equipment, according to military officials; Israel and Saudi Arabia already possessed defensive systems of a similar nature. Patriot systems would be used against short-range missiles.


LYONS: Halt START Negotiations
(Washington Times)

China for years has strongly opposed U.S. missile-defense initiatives as well as weapons in space. In China's cynical quest for power, it recently demonstrated its own missile-defense capability along with an anti-satellite-intercept capability.

US Defies Chinese Communists
(AllGov)
Twenty-one years ago the United States and Taiwan agreed to the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which states that the US will supply Taiwan with arms to defend itself against a attack from mainland China. On January 29, 2010, the United States approved a $6.4 billion sale of military defense equipment to Taiwan that included Black Hawk helicopters and Patriot Missiles. The move is comparable to former President George W. Bush’s arms sale to Taiwan in 2008, featuring Apache helicopters and Patriot PAC-III anti-missile missiles.


Sunday
31 January 2010


U.S. Boosts Persian Gulf Missile Defense
(New York/Seattle Times)
The Obama administration is accelerating the deployment of new defenses against possible Iranian missile attacks in the Persian Gulf, placing special ships off the Iranian coast and anti-missile systems in at least four Arab countries, administration and military officials said.


U.S. Beefs Up Defenses
Near Iran

(Los Angeles Times)
New anti-missile systems are being set up in Persian Gulf countries, including early-warning radar and missile batteries. Washington emphasizes that the measures are intended to be defensive.


America Expediting Deployment of Missile Defense System Against Iran
(Yeshiva World News)
America is expediting the deployment of missile defense systems in the region along with maintaining a naval presence in response to fears that stepped-up sanctions against Iran may lead to an attack against Israel.


The US Undermines the Security of China, Says Beijing
(News Trends -- Blog)
The United States, considering a new arms sale to Taiwan, “impair the national security of China and its efforts for peaceful reunification,” lamented the foreign minister, Yang Jiechi, reported Sunday the Xinhua news agency.


US-POLITICS Summary
(Washington Post/Reuters)
The United States has expanded land- and sea-based missile defense systems in and around the Gulf to counter what it sees as Iran's growing missile threat, U.S. officials said.


US Expanding Missile
Defenses in Gulf

(Reuters)
General David Petraeus, who as head of U.S. Central Command is responsible for military operations across the Middle East, said this month that the United States has stationed eight Patriot missile batteries in four Gulf countries, which he did not identify.


Test Missile Misses Its Pacific Target
(Washington Post)
The Air Force says a missile-intercept test failed when a long-range missile launched from California missed a target missile launched from a Pacific island because of radar problems.


Waging Unhelpful War Against Contractors
(Washington Examiner)
At times it seems the White House is intent on fighting another war -- one in which the perceived enemy is America's defense industries. Leading the apparent offensive is Defense Secretary Robert Gates. When the West Wing switched from right-wing to left-wing, Gates quickly seemed to discover that one of the great non-state threats facing America was the companies that provided the Pentagon goods, services and materials.


US Deploys More Missile Defense Units To Persian Gulf - Report
(Wall Street Journal)
The US is sending more missile defense assets to countries around the Persian Gulf to counter what is seen as a growing threat from Iran.


Iran's Defiance Spurs U.S. and Gulf Allies to Boost Defenses
(Wall Street Journal)
Moves, which include upgrades, new purchases of American-made Patriot anti-missile batteries and the addition of advanced air- and missile-defense radars, illustrate both growing concern with the Iranian moves and a new willingness by Arab allies in the region to more publicly tie their defenses to the U.S.

Saturday
30 January 2010

China Suspends US Military Visits After Taiwan Arms Deal
(CNN International)
China's Defense Ministry said the decision to halt visits between the Chinese and U.S. armed forces was made "in consideration of the serious harm and impacts on Sino-U.S. military relations" brought about by the arms deal.

US Beefing Up Missile Defenses in Persian Gulf
(Washington Post/AP)
The United States has quietly increased the capability of land-based Patriot defensive missiles in several Gulf Arab nations.


China Responds Angrily
 (MiamiHerald.com/Politics AP)
China curtailed military exchanges with the United States on Saturday and threatened to sanction U.S. firms in retaliation for proposed American weapon sales to Taiwan.


Open Communication With the People of Japan Important
(Stars and Stripes)
"All the land-based missile defense assets that are here are Army, and so every time North Korea shoots a missile over Japan that’s a hot topic," said Maj. Jim Crawford, USARJ spokesman. "Japan is one of our greatest allies when it comes to missile defense and a lot of people don’t know that in Japan."

Russia, Libya Sign $1.8 Billion Arms Deal
(Voice of America)
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says Moscow has agreed to sell Libya weapons in a $1.8 billion deal. Russia's Interfax News Agency quoted a "military diplomatic source" as saying Libya was ready to buy about 20 fighter planes from Moscow, as well as air defense systems and several dozen tanks.

U.S. Speeding Up Arms Sales, Defenses with Gulf Allies
(Washington Post)
"We're developing a truly regional defensive capability, with missile systems, air defense and a hardening up of critical infrastructure," said the Obama administration official, who is involved in strategic planning with Gulf States and who spoke on the condition of anonymity.


Senate Should Uphold Reagan's Vision on Arms Control
(Heritage.org -- Blog)
Ronald Reagan’s long-term vision of a world without nuclear weapons presupposed a robust missile defense—the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)—that would render offensive nuclear weapons directed at the U.S. obsolete.


Putin on Libyan and Russian Arms Deal
(Reuters)
"Only yesterday we signed a contract worth 1.3 billion euros," Putin said, according to RIA Novosti. Although he did not specify which weapons Libya intended to purchase, he made it clear it was not limited to small arms.


Friday
29 January 2010


Secretary Clinton Warns China to Stay the Course on Iran Nuclear Sanctions
(Los Angeles Times)
In Paris, the U.S. Secretary of State tells Beijing to think about the longer-term consequences even though it may seem 'counterproductive' to sanction a country from which it gets key resources.


US Approves $6 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan
(New York Times)
The arms package announced Friday is primarily defensive, and includes 114 Patriot missiles worth $2.82 billion.


Despite Rift, Obama Keeps Israel Armed
(UPI.com)

An Israeli air and missile attack, most likely a series of strikes since the Israeli air force does not have the ability to knock out key targets with one blow, would invite Iranian retaliation and probably ignite conflict around the region.


Working Together Isn't Working
(RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty)
For all the talk of “reset” and “shared interests” and the like, cooperation between the United States and Russia is just not going anywhere. One area often mentioned as potentially fruitful for cooperation is missile defense ...


US Willing To Work With
Russia on BMD

(DefenseNews.com -- Subscription)
Hillary Clinton  represented Washington’s willingness to work with Moscow on plans to field a ballistic missile defense system in the Eastern Mediterranean in a speech delivered to a packed hall at the Ecole Militaire staff college in Paris.


Army Selects Kratos Unit for Task Order
(UPI.com)
The US Army has awarded a task order to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to provide its modeling services to support US missile defense applications.


General Explains NORTHCOM's Collaborative Missions

(DoD Live -- Blog)
One of U.S. Air Force General Victor E. Renuart, Jr.’s (Commander, NORAD/NORTHCOM) jobs is ensuring air sovereignty and air defense of the airspace of both Canada and the United States.


Clinton to Work with Russia on European Security
(Reuters)
Clinton reassured Washington’s European allies that a new US plan for Europe-based missile defense was no threat to Moscow's interests.


Thursday
28 January 2010


Kennebunkport Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Bribes
(Seacoast Online.com/  Associated Press)
A Maine defense contractor who bribed officials at the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville, Ala., has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Missile Defense Test Scheduled
(Santa Barbara Edhat.com)
The 30th Space Wing and Missile Defense Agency are scheduled to conduct a test of the ground-based interceptor system on January 31st.

SECTION IV: STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS
(DefenseNews.com -- Subscription)
The U.S. will seek out opportunities to work with Moscow on emerging issues, such as the future of the Arctic and the need for effective missile defense architectures designed to protect the region from external threats. At the same time, the United States will continue to engage with Russia's neighbors as fully independent and sovereign states.


Inside the Ring
(Washington Times)
The latest U.S. arms package for Taiwan
includes 60 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, air defense communications equipment and additional Patriot PAC-3 missile defenses, according to congressional and administration officials who said an announcement on the package is imminent.

Russian Arms Exports Hit Record in 2009
(DefenseNews.com -- Subscription)
The global financial crunch didn't stop Russian defense exports from hitting a record $7.4 billion in 2009, and the prospects remain bright for the next few years.

Huge Defense Planning Document Leaks; What Does It Mean for the Budget?
(The Washington Independent)
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said, repeatedly that he’s sick of buying stuff for every conceivable challenge, no matter how hypothetical. How
might this pan out for air defense systems?

Wednesday
27 January 2010

Patriot Games
(Russia Profile.org)

As the United States last week agreed to station Patriot missiles in Poland only 100 kilometers from Russian soil. The international community braced for a return to hostile U.S.-Russian relations. But apart from some initial tough talking, the arrangement has elicited an uncharacteristically indifferent reaction from Russia. Is this a triumph for warmer relations, or is the Kremlin still formulating its reaction?


Finland Contracts Saab
for RBS-70

(UPI.com)
Sweden-based Saab announced it has been selected by Finland to deliver an order of its Robotsystem 70 (RBS 70), a short-range man-portable laser guided missile system, to the Finnish army.


Forecast International: Gulf Region Remains the Nucleus of Middle East Defense Growth

(Defence Professionals - defpro.news)

 
The defense-spending binge by the Middle East and the GCC members has been fueled by their quest to close the strategic gap between themselves and regional rival Iran by acquiring superior military hardware and technologies. Defense investment in the Middle East is not confined to the GCC countries alone. Major defense programs in the Israeli pipeline include the final development and implementation of five air-defense missile-interceptor systems that constitutes the bulk of the Israeli C-RAM (counter-rocket, artillery and mortar) program.

Arms Treaty with US Could be Ready in Weeks: Russia
(Reuters)
Talks on a landmark treaty to cut Cold War nuclear arsenals are nearly complete, U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev agreed in a telephone call on Wednesday. One issue still being discussed was telemetry -- the remote monitoring of missiles in launch and flight -- a potential deal-breaker because the U.S. Senate is unlikely to ratify a pact encompassing missile defense.


Missile-Defense Test Scheduled for Vandenberg AFB

(Lompoc Record)

A missile-defense system test set for Sunday will gauge how the system reacts to an Iran-like attack. The test, involves a target weapon set to take off from the Kwajalein Atoll, followed about 20 minutes later by a ground-based interceptor launched from an underground silo on north Vandenberg. Lieutenant General Patrick O’Reilly, Director, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), said during an interview with Reuters that the scenario would involve “a class of long-range missile technology we might expect in the future from a country like Iran, as well as from a country like North Korea.”


Tuesday
26 January 2010


US Prepares New Taiwan Arms Package Despite Beijing Hysterics

(DefenseNews.com --Subscription)
The new package is expected to additional Patriot PAC-3 missile defense systems. Taiwan is facing about 1,400 short-range ballistic missiles from China and plans to deploy the new PAC-3s in the central and southern regions of Taiwan.


North Dakota National Guard Soldiers Back from Afghanistan
(Grand Forks Herald)
About 40 North Dakota National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, based in Grand Forks returned to US soil Tuesday after a year-long deployment assuming the Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment-III (RAID-III) mission. RAID units conduct a high-tech monitoring mission in Afghanistan to protect other operating bases.

Missile Defense Agency Releases Draft GMD Request for Proposals
(Inside Defense - Subscription)
The Missile Defense Agency last week released a draft request for proposals for a contract that will re-open competition for its Ground-based Midcourse Defense program.


Russia Resists Partnering With US on Missile Defense
(NTI-Global Security Newswire)
Russia remains reluctant to partner with the United States on missile defense. "As far as missile defense issues are concerned, we have told the U.S. and NATO that it is necessary to start everything from scratch -- to jointly analyze the origin and types of missile proliferation risks and threats," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters.

Libya In Russia Arms Talks

(RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty)
Libya has moved to restore its reputation after ending its international isolation in recent years and has made efforts to cultivate energy and arms ties with Moscow. "Libya is ready to buy around 20 fighter planes, not less than two divisions of S-300PMU2 air-defense systems, several dozen T-90S tanks from Russia, and also to modernize more than 140 T-72 tanks and other weapons," Interfax news agency reported, citing what it called "a military-diplomatic source.

"Global Insights: Where Is the Post-START Treaty?
(World Politics Review)
For weeks, U.S. and Russian government representatives have stated that they expect a new nuclear arms control treaty to be signed imminently. Nevertheless, the negotiations continue to drag on and it appears the stationing of the Patriot Missile System in Poland did not help.

Providing for the Common Defense: A Call to Restore Funding to US Missile Defense
(Family Security Matters)
 
Since last spring, the White House has cut some $1.4 billion from programs within the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. In doing so, it has terminated a number of promising programs, among them the Airborne Laser, the Multiple Kill Vehicle and Kinetic Energy Interceptor.


Monday
25 January 2010


State of the Union Should Be "State of War" Presidential Address
(Heritage.org)
In troubled times, the world gets more--not less--dangerous. Foreign policy and national security concerns should be front and center in the State of the Union address. In Europe, by canceling proposals for missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic, the Administration undermined relations with both countries and emboldened Russian efforts to expand its influence over Eastern Europe.


The Russia-Georgia Conflict
(The Jamestown Foundation)
The Georgian government plans to undertake no large-scale deployment of forces outside of the country, except for a token force for operations with ISAF in Afghanistan. Given the poor performance of the Georgian air force and the observed weaknesses in the air defense system, priority has been given to improving air defense systems through acquisitions from Ukraine, Poland, and Israel.


Construction Begins on New Radar Lab

(Global Security Newswire - NTI)
Once completed, the new Advanced Radar Detection Laboratory would assess the new Air and Missile Defense Radar and other systems.


United States Woos India Back to the Bush Era
(Asia Times)
The "Gates Mission" in 1990 to defuse a cascading wave of India-Pakistan tensions is the stuff of legends. Historians are still in two minds whether Gates deserves to be credited for having conceivably averted the world's first nuclear war.

a.i. solutions Awarded $209 Million Contract to Provide Support to MDA
(SYS-CON Media - Press Release)
a.i. solutions announced today that it has been awarded a $209 million contract to provide a wide range of design, evaluation and analysis support services to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA).


Taking Stock of the
Drone Surge
(CBS News)
In Afghanistan, unmanned aircraft, for years in short supply and tasked primarily with surveillance missions, have increasingly been used to target suspected militants as part of an aerial surge that has significantly outpaced the highly publicized "surge" of ground forces now underway.