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ADA ONLINE
August 2010
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

UPCOMING EVENT

United States Military Academy (USMA)
Combined Arms Tailgate 2010


WHEN: 18 September 2010

WHERE: United State Military Academy - West Point
(Practice field on the west side of stadium.)

WHAT: Annual tailgate party. This year the Army Knights will host North Texas.
Air Defense Artillery will have a marketing booth and static displays on site.
For more information contact
ADA USMA Representative.

AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY SCHOOL
DIVERSE SUMMER MISSIONS


The summer months are an especially busy time for the Air Defense Artillery (ADA) as with most branches, and this year is no exception. In addition to the annual turn over in commands; representation at Warrior Forge (Fort Lewis, Washington); hosting Cadet Troop Leader Training cadets (ROTC and US Military Academy [USMA]); and participation in the Fires Symposium, we were even busier than usual ensuring an ADA presence by planning and participating in key events such as the 100th Anniversary National Boy Scout Jamboree, the ADA Roundup & Golf Tournament, the Army 10-Miler and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Expo. Although some of the events are complete, several have not yet started with even more on the horizon for the future. Kudos go out to the ADA Force for their superior support!



 WARRIOR FORGE

ADA support team for the 2010 Warrior Forge Summer Camp at Fort Lewis, Washington.

(From L to R) CW4 David V. Jones, Office, Chief of Air Defense Artillery (OCADA), Fort Sill, Oklahoma;  SFC Jamie A. Burns, OCADA; COL Rodney X. McCants, Assistant Commandant, US Army Air Defense Artillery School (USAADASCH), Fort Sill;  LTC James P. Payne, Director, OCADA;  CPT Erin R. Schulten, 5-52 ADA, 11th ADA Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas; CPT Chunka A. Smith, Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS) at South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina;  and Lieutenant Joseph K. Catlaw, 5-5 ADA, 31st ADA Brigade, Fort Lewis, Washington.

Warrior Forge 2010Warrior Forge 2010



NATIONAL BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE
100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010
100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree, A. P. Hill,  Virginia.
A team from the 6th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, supported the 100th anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree from 21 July through 5 August 2010.  By engaging the Scouts with information on weapons systems and personal experiences, they have possibly made an impact on the future members of the ADA Force. Top Row (L to R) Staff Sergeant (SSG)  Harry J. Nelson, 3-6 ADA Fort Sill, Oklahoma; SSG Joey A. Salas, 3-6 ADA; Sergeant First Class (SFC) Marlon V. Miguel, 2-6 ADA; and SFC Richard I. Wilson Jr., 2-6 ADA. Bottom Row (L to R) SSG Mandrill A. Demps, 3-6 ADA; and SSG Christopher A. Taylor, 3-6 ADA.

100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010
100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010
100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010
100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010100th Anniversary of the National Boy Scout Jamboree 2010


CADET TROOP LEADERSHIP TRAINING (CTLT)
(Below, from left to right) Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Scarlett, 6th ADA Brigade, instructs a United States Military Academy (USMA) cadet on the Stinger Troop Proficiency Table Top Trainer. Another USMA cadet receives instructional information on Patriot engagement control operations. Cadet Jacob Bohn (USMA) is receiving a crash course on the Patriot Engagement Control Operations station. SSG Joseph L. Tolentino, 6th ADA Brigade, provides instruction on the Stinger Troop Proficiency Table Top Trainer to an Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet.


CTLT SOCIAL

(Below) Brigadier General Roger F. Mathews, Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School
(USAADASCH), Fort Sill, engages a CTLT cadet in conversation about a his future in the Army
and career opportunities in ADA during the CTLT Social at Fort Sill's Patriot Club on 6 August 2010.

(Below, top left) Sergeants First Class (SFCs) Roberto S. Chavez and Aaron G. Drake along with Chief Warrant Office Four David V. Jones from the Office, Chief of Air Defense Artillery (OCADA), USAADASCH, and 6th ADA Brigade sponsors discuss ADA marketing items. (Below, top right) Lieutenant Colonel James P. Payne, Director of OCADA, discusses his experiences and branch opportunities with visiting CTLT cadets. (Bottom left) Master Sergeant Kevin M. Seeley, OCADA, provides information to CTLT cadets. (Bottom right) SFC Jamie A. Burns assists CTLT Cadets by explaining ADA specific information in the brochures.

A FIRST TO FIRE SOLDIER COMES IN FIRST
Private First Class (PFC) Cody Dodson competed for the title of U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Soldier of the Year. PFC Dodson an exemplary MOS 14J (Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator/Maintainer) Soldier is assigned to a sense and warn platoon in Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On 29 July 2010, while still at Fort Lewis Washington, PFC Dodson was officially notified that he had attained the goal he had worked so hard to achieve -- he was named the FORSCOM Soldier of the Year.
XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS SOLDIER OF THE YEAR

 See April 2010 edition of ADA Online.
Link is at the bottom of this page along with links to past monthly issues.
Northrop Grumman Delivers
First Hardware Developed for Integrated Air Defense System


      
Brigadier General Roger Mathews (left), Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Karen Williams, Vice President of Air and Missile Defense Systems for Northrop Grumman's Information Systems; and Major General "Gino" Dellarocco, Program Executive Officer, Missiles and Space at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, talk about what Northrop's delivery of the first battery engagement operations center for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System will mean to warfighters. The computers for the center are mounted in the shelter on the truck behind them.
(Photo by

OPERATIONS OTHER THAN ADA
Instruction

CAMP SHAHEEN, Afghanistan: 2nd Lieutenant Price Harris, B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, instructs an elite group of Afghan National Army 209th Corps soldiers during a NATO Weapons Fielding T3 (Train the Trainer) Course 8 Aug 2010. The training will enable them to independently instruct Afghan National Army (ANA) Soldiers throughout the northern provinces in Afghanistan on the mechanical fundamentals, familiarity and marksmanship of various NATO weapons. The ANA 209th Corps is replacing their old Soviet-style weapons with six different types of NATO weapons including the M-16 rifle, M240B machine gun, M249 light machine gun, M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the M24 Sniper Weapon System. Harris is currently stationed at Camp Mike Spann, Afghanistan, until June 2011.

(Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Casey Martin, Region Command-North Public Affairs Advisory Team.)


More than half of the original 97 men of Silver City's Battery B, 716th AAA Gun Battalion of the New Mexico National Guard are deceased. Only a handful remain in Grant County. It was 60 years ago on Saturday that the unit was called up to serve on active duty during the Korean War. From left are: Richard P. Lucero, 77; Henry E. Ortiz, 92; Joe Gutierrez, 76; Johnny T. Saenz, 77; Maurice Aragon, 82; Andy Padilla, 80; Byron K. Puleston, 80; and Tommy Ryan, 76. (Photo by Christine Steele/Sun-News)

Silver City Remembers and Honors Its Soldiers
60 Years Later

(Silver City Sun News/14 August 2010)
The men wanted adventure and the Army needed bodies. That's how it was then, in the late 1940s -- though you could hardly call them all men yet, as many were still in high school. World War II was over, and the Korean War hadn't started yet, when many of Silver City, New Mexico's young men decided to join the Army National Guard and were assigned to Battery B, 716th AAA Gun Battalion.


To read their story, click links below.
60 Years Later, Local Men Remember Time in Guard

Original LIFE Magazine article from 60 years ago (page 25).


The men of Silver City's Battery B 716th, AAA Gn Bn (90mm) during an annual IG Inspection conducted May 1955. Bottom row, left to right: Raymond Harris, Andy Padilla, Sammie Chavez, Ward Shoemaker, Col. Pinther (IG) Maj. Maroney (Adv.), Capt. Phillip Andrews, Byron K. Puleston. Top row, left to right: Rudy Padilla, Bert McCoy, Ruben Ramirez, Tommy Ryan, George Jameson, Robert Gillespie, Manual Rico, Santiago Rios, Maurice Aragon, Richard Vicor, Albert Grady, Oscar Salars.
(Photo courtesy of Tommy Ryan)


The men of Silver City's 200th Battery B 716th, a National Guard Unit called up to serve during the Korean War, 60 years ago this weekend. It was the second time Silver City's National Guard Unit was called to action - the first being 10 years before during World War II. Those men ended up going on to serve in the Philippines and many didn't return. Those who did were survivors of the brutal forced march that came to be known as the Bataan Death March. Perhaps because of this, Silver City's Battery B 716th was spared going to war again. The unit trained at Fort Bliss in El Paso for about a year before being sent to Canada with Army Field Forces to test new radar systems designed for cold weather. They were discharged in August 1952.
(Photo Courtesy of Tommy Ryan)

   


From left to right (Guidon) SSG Nancy A. Wingo, (first row) SSG Sarah L. Aldrich, SGT Scott R. Pavy, SSG Raymond L. Glenn, SGT Jose M. Rivera, SGT James R. Davis (second row) SSG Jesse J. Juristo, SSG Steven G. Whiteside, SSG Brandon J. Mounce, SSG Robert J. Fortune, SGT Robert S. Ray, SSG Desmon A. Harvey, SGT Brad L. Blevins (third row-Instructors) SSG Michelle M. Chartier, SSG Joshua A. Vance, SFC Robert S. Thomas, SFC Scott R. McAlister, Mr. Christopher L. Haag.
(Photo by SFC Jesus M. Gonzalez, B/3-6 ADA)

Patriot Master Gunner Class 03-10
By Staff Sergeant Brandon J. Mounce

On Friday, 20 August 2010, at the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, 13 military occupational specialty (MOS) Air Defenders were recognized as graduates of the largest Patriot Master Gunner (PMG) class in the history of the course. This very demanding course began with the largest enrollment (18) of students, but the grueling course load and taxing demands took its toll. The Guest Speaker for the graduation was Command Sergeant Major Gary W. Coleman, the current 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Air and Missile Defense), 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Command sergeant Major from Fort Hood, Texas.

Staff Sergeant Steven G. Whiteside, an  MOS 14T (Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer) Soldier from C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (C/3-6 ADA), Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was selected as the Honor Graduate for excellence and achievement.

Staff Sergeant Robert J. Fortune an MOS 14E
(Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer) Soldier assigned to HHB-A/3-6 ADA, Fort Sill and Staff Sergeant Jesse J. Juristo a 14E Soldier assigned to HHB/4-5 ADA, Fort Hood, Texas, shared the distinction of the Commandant’s List Awardees.  The Patriot Master Gunner  Leadership Award for PMG Class #003-10 was presented to Sergeant Brad L. Blevins a 14E Soldier assigned to HHB/1-1 ADA in Okinawa, Japan.

About the author: Staff Sergeant (P) Brandon J. Mounce is an MOS 14E, serving as an Instructor/Writer assigned to B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. SSG Mounce is also a graduate of this class.

HELLFIGHTERS STEP UP TO ASSIST
WITH AFGHAN TRAINING

(Article by 1LT Will Andrews with photos by SPC Francis M. Markley.)

Members of Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 44th  Air Defense Artillery Regiment (C/2-44 ADA), the "Strike Fear" Battalion are operating in a non-standard ADA mission in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan.

(To read the article and view more photos click on the link in the title above.)


Above:  Staff Sergeant Keith E. Pleva, C/2-44 ADA, instructs an Afghan National Civil Order Patrol
student on the proper handling and aiming of an AK-47.

Above:  Sergeant Preston M. Durham, C/2-44 ADA, presents a certificate of appreciation to the
Instructor of the Cycle during a graduation ceremony for the Afghan National Civil Order Patrol Basic Phase.
AIR DEFENDER BECOMES FIRES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
CHIEF OF STAFF
AT FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA


On Tuesday, 17 August 2010 a special Reveille Ceremony was conducted at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to welcome the new Fires Center of Excellence (FCoE) Chief of Staff Colonel Daniel L. Karbler. Colonel Karbler is no stranger to Fort Sill or the FCoE and is making the short move a little closer to the flagpole from his previous position as Commander of the 31st Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Brigade. Brigadier General Ross E. Ridge, Commandant of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School (Fort Sill) officially welcomed the new Chief of Staff. Colonel Karbler is one of the first ADA Officers to be appointed to a position on the FCoE Commanding General's command staff.



   

2010 ADA ONLINE ARCHIVES
January 2010 July 2010
February 2010 August 2010
March 2010 September 2010
April 2010 October 2010
May 2010 November 2010
June 2010 December 2010

2009 ADA ONLINE ARCHIVES
March 2009 August 2009 (Partial Issue)
April 2009 September 2009 - No Issue
May 2009 October 2009 - No Issue
June 2009 November 2009 - No Issue
July 2009 December 2009 - No Issue

ADA TODAY
Links to Air and Missile Defense Articles From News Media Websites.


Thursday, 19 August 2010

Combat Brigades in Iraq Under Different Name
(Marine Corps Times)
While the “last full U.S. combat brigade” left Iraq today, just under 50,000 soldiers from specially trained heavy, infantry and Stryker brigades will stay in Iraq, as well as two combat aviation brigades. Today, of the seven Advise and Assist Brigades in Iraq, four are from the 3rd Infantry Division, based at Fort Stewart, Ga. The 1st Heavy Brigade of the 1st Armored Division, based at Fort Bliss, and the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, Colo., are also serving as Advise and Assist Brigades.

Northrop, MDA Test Missile System

(UPI.com)
The BMDS element models engaged in PA09 included the Space-Based Infrared System; Patriot Advanced Capability; Terminal High Altitude Area Defense; Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense; Ground-based Midcourse Defense; and Command, Control, Battle Management, Communications.


Missile Defense Leaders: 'Layered' Programs, Cooperation with Allies Essential to Meet Evolving Threats
(al.com - Blog)
Lieutenant General Patrick O'Reilly, director of the Missile Defense Agency, would have been happier if he'd gotten less sleep Tuesday night. Before giving an overview of latest U.S. missile defense strategy at the 13th annual Space and Missile Defense Conference, O'Reilly told how the failure of a COTS - that's commercial off-the-shelf - piece of equipment Tuesday delayed another test of an airborne laser designed to shoot down enemy ballistic missiles. But he described how work on other programs, such as the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system - currently the nation's only operational defense against limited ballistic missile attack - and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles is proceeding according to the Ballistic Missile Defense Review and guidance issued by the president earlier this year.


Kill Vehicle In Two-Stage
Missile Test

(OfficialWire - Press Release)
A Raytheon Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle performed a successful fly out during a test of the Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse Defense System. The EKV met all test objectives and gathered critical data on kill vehicle performance, the company said.

Lockheed Martin Opens Battle Management Test Facility at Huntsville
(al.com)
Lockheed Martin opened its Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) battle management and test facility here (Huntsville) Wednesday, in what Retired Major General John Holly, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Vice President of Missile Defense Systems, called a "team effort with industry, government, customers and our community." Germany, Italy and the United States have teamed up to produce the system scheduled to replace the Patriot and Hawk systems in Germany, the Nike Hercules in Italy and the Patriot in the U.S.

Space and Missile Defense Conference Largest Yet; Speakers Outline Rising Threat Around World
(The Huntsville Times - al.com - Blog)
"Air and missile defense forces will remain in high demand to defend the homeland, to protect our forces, coalition partners and allies, and to deter would-be aggressors," said Major General Richard Formica, keynote speaker for Tuesday's luncheon. His most recent duty was as commanding general of the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan, and he has been selected for promotion and to become commander of the Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command on Redstone Arsenal.


Northrop Grumman Gets $90M in Missile Defense Work
(BusinessWeek)
Northrop Grumman received a $90 million order from the US Missile Defense Agency to develop sensor technology used in missile defense.

Wednesday, 18 August 2010

HOLMES: Ignoring Arms-Control History Carries a Cost
(Washington Times)
Those following the debate over the New START treaty inked by Presidents Obama and Medvedev in April know that both governments dispute what it means. Russia says it'll impose real restrictions on U.S. missile defenses. U.S. officials brush off those claims. The dispute centers on language in the preamble linking strategic offensive and defensive weapons and claiming such linkage "will become more important as strategic nuclear arms are reduced.


New Missile Launch System SLAMRAAM Introduced in Huntsville
(WAFF)
A new launch system prototype was introduced by local missile defense agencies in Huntsville on Wednesday. The advanced Air and Missile Defense system will provide soldiers with added protection from a variety of threats out in the field.


Bolton's “Eight Days” Highlight Obama's Iranian Failure
(Heritage.org - Blog)
Deploy missile defenses to defend Israel and other US allies from Iranian missile attacks. Hold more frequent missile defense exercises with Israel and ...

'SLAMRAAM' Is Army's New Short-Range Air Defense Weapon
(WHNT)
The Surfaced-Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (SLAMRAAM) system unveiled Wednesday at the Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville, is a truck that combines a missile launcher with other advanced technologies. It's the Army's future short-range air defense weapon.

Where's our Money?
(Veterans Today Network)
Among the weapon systems that the Pentagon refuses to let go of is missile defense. Worse, it's trying to institutionalize the system as part of NATO's ...

Northrop Grumman Delivers First Battery Engagement Operations Center for Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System
(defpro)
Northrop Grumman Corporation has delivered the first battery engagement operations center for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) to the U.S. Army.

MDA Director Says Layers Key to Missile Defense...
(defpro)
The key to a successful missile defense strategy is layers, the director of the Missile Defense Agency said yesterday. “Different missiles systems [are needed] so that if one fails or one can be tricked, you have a completely different missile system going after the second shot,” Army Lieutenant General Patrick O’Reilly said. It’s “very challenging to get through two systems.”

Defense Considers Fewer Sole-Source Contracts
(FederalNewsRadio.com)
The Missile Defense Agency considers boosting competition for multi-billion dollar contracts. GovExec reports the agency is reviewing $37-billion dollars in
missile defense programs, to decide whether to open the contracts to competitive bids. In the past, the agency has often used sole-source contracts for its big programs. The news comes after Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced plans to cut more than $100 billion dollars from the Pentagon Budget.

Kill Vehicle in Two-Stage Missile Test
(UPI.com)
A Raytheon Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle performed a successful flyout during a test of the Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse ...

Partners To Review Meads Direction In October
(Aviation Week)
International partners funding the Lockheed Martin-led Medium Extended Air Defense System (Meads) are expected to meet in October to determine the fate of the effort just as Pentagon cost estimators plan to complete a sweeping study of the price of the air and missile defense system, according to Major General Genaro Dellarocco, program executive officer of missiles and space for the U.S. Army.

U.S. Missile Defense Agency Awards Northrop Grumman $90 Million Task Order for Enhanced Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications
(MarketWatch - Press Release)
In September 2009, President Obama approved the PAA for missile defense in Europe. The approach is based on an assessment of new threats and a commitment to deploy technology that is proven, cost-effective and adaptable to an ever-changing security environment.

Army Receives Northrop System
(UPI.com)
When fully developed, the IBCS battery engagement operations center will enable an Army air defense battery to establish common battle command of air defense assets that are fully integrated with other Army and joint IAMD systems.


THAAD Interceptor Fault Holds Up Production Deal
(Global Security Newswire)
Lockheed Martin Corp. will not receive a contract to produce Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense interceptors unless the firm within 30 days proves it has fixed a defective switch for preventing unintended firings of the antimissile weapon. The faulty component was noted during qualification trials of the interceptor.

The Threat of Nuclear Weapons
(Heritage.org)
Today, the US needs a new strategy, a positive vision that combines verifiable arms control, missile defense, a modernized arsenal, and responsible ...

Royal Navy's Sea Viper Downs Target
(UPI.com)
The Sea Viper missile defense system has tested successfully during British Royal Navy operational sea trials in the Mediterranean.

Army Accepts First Air Defense Battery Operations Center
(Defense Systems)
The Army has accepted delivery of the first mobile battery engagement operations center for integrated air and missile defense from Northrop Grumman. The operations center when fully developed will enable an Army air defense battery to communicate with other Army and joint air and missile defense assets, the company said.


U.S. Delays Anti-Missile Laser Test for Third Time
(Reuters)
A high-profile test of a missile-destroying laser aboard a converted Boeing Co 747 aircraft has been postponed for a third time because of a technical glitch, the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency said.

Tuesday, 17 August 2010

IAF Sets New Wartime
Airspace Code

(Jerusalem Post)
The study was conducted by the IAF together with its Air Defense Division, which is responsible for operating missile defense systems such as the Arrow,
the Patriot and the soon-to-be deployed Iron Dome, which will be used to shoot down short-range rockets like the Katyushas that are the backbone of Hamas’s and Hizbullah’s missile arsenals.

Defense Jobs Face Shift From Wartime Footing
(Orlando Sentinel)
More than one-third of the programs are tied to its Melbourne and Palm Bay operations, including satellite communications, missile-defense radios and ...


Monday, 16 August 2010

Russia's Most Recent Muscle Flexing

(Examiner.com)
Russia continues to flex its muscles in Georgia’s breakaway region known as Abkhazia. Georgia reported last week that the Russians had taken an “extremely dangerous provocative step” according to the Georgian foreign ministry by deploying the S-300 missile defense system. The S-300 is Russia’s most sophisticated missile defense system. It has been delaying deploying this system to Iran.


Major U.S.-Saudi Arms Deal to Bolster Riyadh Against Iran
(The Cutting Edge)
The United Arab Emirates plan to purchase the very advanced Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) surface-to-air missiles, from the United States, and just this week Kuwait announced its plans for a $900 million upgrade to its U.S.-supplied Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.


Raytheon Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle Plays Key Role in Latest Missile Defense
(PR Newswire - Press Release)
A Raytheon Company Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) demonstrated successful two-stage flyout on 6 June 2010 during the latest test of the Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. "Once again, Raytheon radars demonstrated exceptional performance in this critical test of U.S. missile defense capability," said Karen Kalil-Brown, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems vice president of National & Theater Security Programs.

Missile Defense Conference Roars into Huntsville
(al.com - Blog)
The annual Space and Missile Defense Conference & Exhibition displays Huntsville’s life blood this week at the Von Braun Center. Visitors may need to use some state-of-the-art missile guidance systems to get around and, in fact, some of the ongoing construction has made the nearly-40 year-old facility look like it's been the target for missile tests.


What Would an Israeli Attack on Iran Make Better
(Washington Post - Blog)
Incidentally, missile defense should be a key component of our strategy to combat Iran's nuclear program. If we can use technology to render their weapons ...


John Kerry: Approving the New START Treaty Keeps America Safe
(U.S. News & World Report)
Some have argued that the treaty will undercut our nuclear deterrent, even though the general currently responsible for commanding it argues precisely the opposite. Others have claimed that the treaty will restrict our missile defenses, even though the man in charge of the Missile Defense Agency, Lt. Gen. Patrick O'Reilly, testified, "I do not see any limitation on my ability to develop missile defenses."


China Ups Military Edge Over Taiwan, Pentagon Says
(Reuters UK)
China is expanding its military edge over Taiwan, increasing the lethality of its short-range ballistic missiles while raising the risk of "misunderstanding and miscalculation," the Pentagon said on Monday.


The Re-Hollowing of the Military
(Commentary Magazine.com)
No one can say how our decline as a nuclear behemoth will affect the dynamic of our long-term dealings with China and Russia, especially when they have learned that we are prepared to throw away our greatest advantage in the nuclear sweepstakes—our missile defense—at the stroke of a treaty pen, while rogue nations like North Korea and Iran are allowed to continue their nuclear- and ballistic-missile programs unchecked.


Decision Time for Israel on Bombing Iran?
(FrontPage Magazine)
The Iranians are claiming that they have acquired four S-300 air defense systems that would complicate an Israeli strike, a move obviously meant to coincide ...


IAF Sets New Wartime Airspace Code
(Jerusalem Post)
The study was conducted by the IAF together with its Air Defense Division, which is responsible for operating missile defense systems such as the Arrow,
the Patriot and the soon-to-be deployed Iron Dome, which will be used to shoot down short-range rockets like the Katyushas that are the backbone of Hamas’s and Hizbullah’s missile arsenals.

Sunday, 15 August 2010

Soldier from Palm Bay Teaching Polish About Missile Defense

(Florida Today)
Joshua Prouty is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialist with Army Europe's Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. He is nearing the end of a 30-day deployment, part of a rotational training program designed to familiarize Polish forces on the U.S. air defense system.


Netanyahu's Warning
(Washington Post)
Israel's military, which has stressed offense as a solution to the nation's lack of strategic depth, now stresses missile defense.


Russia's S-300 Deployment in Abkhazia Aims Beyond Georgia
(Xinhua)
Russian officials have lined up to justify their country's deployment of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, defending the move as necessary for the air defense in Abkhazia and the other rebellious Georgian republic of South Ossetia, both recognized by Russia as independent states following a five-day war between Georgia and Russia in August 2008.


Petraeus: War Strategy ‘Fundamentally Sound’
(The Washington Post)
General David H. Petraeus says the U.S. strategy to win the nearly nine-year-old war in Afghanistan is “fundamentally sound.” In a wide-ranging, hour-long interview with The Washington Post, he said he sees incipient signs of progress in parts of the volatile south, in new initiatives to create community defense forces and in nascent steps to reintegrate low-level insurgents who want to stop fighting.


Saturday, 14 August 2010


Defense Spending Cuts Decried as Severe, But They're Meant to Stave Off Worse

(Fort Worth Star Telegram)
Savings: $10 billion to $12 billion over 10 years Curtail missile defense development and deployment spending. Defense Secretary Robert Gates believes that the U.S. government is hurtling toward a financial train wreck, and he's trying to minimize the damage to the Pentagon and the armed forces by taking steps to trim military spending.


Russian Air Force Chief Confirms S-300 Deployment in Abkhazia
(Georgiandaily)
In fact, the S-300's were deployed almost two years before, in November 2008, when Abkhazia became part of Russia's joint air defense system.


Senator Stevens, A Tremendous Loss to Missile Defense
(PR-USA.net - Press Release)
Riki Ellison, Chairman and Founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), has released a statement on the death of Senator Ted Stevens yesterday caused by a plane accident up in Alaska. Ellison knew Senator Stevens who was a strong advocate for missile defense.


Rise and Shine: Atlas 5 Rocket Successfully Soars at Dawn
(Spaceflight Now)
A sophisticated satellite was launched into space today to improve the preeminent path of communications between the president, military commanders and troops on the battlefield, ensuring a survivable line of contact even in hellish scenarios of nuclear warfare.


Analysis: NATO, Russia
Improve Ties

(The Associated Press)
In the planning stages is a combined anti-missile defense system that would protect all participating nations. U.S. Adm. James Stavridis, the supreme NATO commander in Europe, told The Associated Press that he would travel to Russia in the fall to discuss missile defense, Afghanistan, counter-proliferation, counterterrorism, and counter-narcotics, among other efforts.


Weapons Sales to Gulf Reach $60 Billion
(Jerusalem Post)
Another deal, announced over the past week, is the possible sale of the latest Patriot missile defense system to Kuwait for $900 million. A
nnounced over the past week, is the possible sale of the latest Patriot missile defense system to Kuwait for $900 million. The proposed deal would include the sale of 209 missiles.


Heritage v. Hartung on
New START

(Huffington Post - Blog)
In his most recent piece, James Carafano takes me to task for opposing the development of a massive missile defense system aimed at rendering Russia's
nuclear deterrent useless.

Announcement by Russia Regarding the Deployment of Air Defense Missiles in Abkhazia and South Ossetia
(France Diplomatie -
Press Release)
We have noted with concern the announcement regarding the deployment of air defense missiles in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
This deployment is unlikely to contribute to the stabilization of the region.

Defense Depends on Strong Rocket Program, Rep. Rob Bishop Says
(Deseret News)
A missile launched from North Korea or Iran likely doesn't have the capability of reaching the United States. But one from Venezuela could, says Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah. And for him, knowing that the Iranian and Venezuelan governments have been working together for years means a missile threat could be a lot closer to home.

NATO Slow To Deploy
Trainers To Afghanistan

(NPR)
A few weeks ago, hundreds of artillery troops and air defense artillery soldiers from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, started heading over to Afghanistan. They weren't part of the so-called surge in combat troops. Instead, Defense Secretary Robert Gates signed orders for them to work as trainers because European nations were too slow in helping out.


Thursday, 12 August 2010


Northrop Grumman Delivers First Hardware Developed for Integrated Air Defense System
(The Huntsville Times)
On Wednesday, Northrop Grumman rolled out a prototype Army air defense battery engagement operations center - the first piece of hardware the company has developed under contract for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS). Getting IBCS in the hands of soldiers is our "number one priority," said Brig. Gen. Roger Mathews, commandant of the Army's Air Defense Artillery Center at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. "So today is a big day."


Pentagon Plans Advanced Patriot Missile Sale to Kuwait
(Reuters)
The Obama administration told Congress on Wednesday it planned to sell Kuwait the latest production version of Raytheon Co's Patriot interceptor missile amid concerns over Iran's growing missile capabilities. Kuwait seeks as many as 209 MIM-104E Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-T (GEM-T) interceptors valued at up to $900 million, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to lawmakers.


Russia Announces Deployment Of Air Defense Missile In Abkhazia
(All Headline News-AHN)
Georgian Foreign Ministry vehemently protested against the deployment and described it as an extremely dangerous and provocative move. The ministry also claimed that the development would not only threaten the Black Sea region but also the whole European security and expressed their inability to understand the purpose of Russian action.

Clinton Sees GOP Backing
for START Treaty

(NPR)
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is central to the Obama administration's reset of relations with Moscow and its overall nuclear strategy, but the ratification process has been an uphill battle. Clinton is making a final push.


News Digest: U.S. Plans to Sell Patriot Missiles to Kuwait
(Daily Gleaner)

The United States is planning to sell more than 200 Patriot missiles worth some $900 million to Kuwait as part of its long-term effort to build up anti-missile systems in the Gulf.


China Urges Closer Military
Ties with Australia

(San Jose Mercury News)
A leading Chinese general urged closer ties with Australia's military on Monday, amid a continuing freeze on Beijing's contacts with the Pentagon.


Kratos to Exhibit at Space and Missile Defense Conference
(MarketWatch - Press Release)
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a leading National Security Solutions provider, will be exhibiting at the Thirteenth Annual Space and Missile Defense (SMD) Conference & Exhibition, August 16-19, 2010 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The theme for this year's conference and exhibition is "Enabling Regional Warfighters." The conference brings together government, industry, and academia leaders throughout the country to discuss global issues concerning today's space and missile defense community.


Pentagon Plans Patriot
Sale to Kuwait

(UPI.com)

The Pentagon has informed the U.S. Congress of a possible sale of Raytheon's MIM-104E Patriot missiles to Kuwait. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.


Boeing to Showcase Technology, Partnerships at Space and Missile Defense Conference
(LogisticsWeek)
Boeing will highlight its commitment to customers and its partnerships with Alabama’s aerospace industry during the 13th annual Space and Missile Defense Conference and Exhibition in Huntsville. One of the efforts that Boeing will highlight at the conference is the recently announced Boeing and Northrop Grumman team that is pursuing the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Development and Sustainment Contract.

Travels with Gates: Ship Visit Highlights Obama Missile Defense Plan
(Stars and Stripes - Blog)
Last fall, Obama’s national security team scrapped the Bush-era missile defense plan for Europe. The old plan was based on using large, ground based interceptor missiles, or GBIs, designed to take down similarly large incoming ballistic missiles.



Saturday & Sunday
7 & 8 August 2010


Friday, 6 August 2010

War Film Documents Grim Afghan Reality for Troops

(Associated Press)
An award-winning documentary about the war in Afghanistan is refocusing attention from the generals leading the war to the soldiers on the front lines.

Israel Matches Spending To New Technologies
(Aviation Week)

The speed with which Israel’s administration can respond to new threats and the changing definitions of war and victory is triggering new concerns. The “Iron Dome” is a new lower-level system to defend against short-range ballistic missiles and long-range rockets, while “David’s Sling” is an associated medium-altitude system that protects sites from medium-range ballistic missiles. They are tied into a comprehensive air and missile defense system that includes Arrow 2/3, and advanced versions of the Patriot missile.


US Missile Defense Radar Station: Homeless but Searching
(AOL News)
The so-called X-band radar ground station is supposed to enable the first phase of the administration's new missile defense shield over southern Europe and …


Russia Plans Major Defense Budget Upgrade
(UPI.com)
Under the proposed budget the Russian air force's Air Defense Troops will continue to receive Pantsir S-400 short range air defense missile systems while ...


Unique Exercise to Test US-Russia Hijack Response
(The Associated Press)
The U.S. and Russia, which have more bluster than cooperation in their often-contentious history, will have their jet fighters take turns pursuing a civilian plane across the Pacific next week in a first-of-its-kind exercise to test their response to a potential international hijacking.


Chinese Military Exercises Remind US of Need to Be Ready for High
(Heritage.org)
Earlier this week, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) inaugurated “Vanguard-2010,” a series of air defense exercises involving a variety of units from the PLA Air Force (PLAAF), but also the PLA Navy (PLAN).


Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Team Up in Bid for Big Missile
(The Huntsville Times - al.com
)
Lockheed Martin
is partnering with Raytheon to up the ante in a bid for the Missile Defense Agency's lucrative development, sustainment and training contract for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense anti-ballistic missile system.


US, Russia To Cooperate In Air-Defense Drill
(RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty)
The United States and Russia are expected as early as today to start a joint air-defense exercise involving a simulated airplane hijacking.


Thursday, 5 August 2010


Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Team Up Again

(WAAY)
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are joining forces once again. The companies announced Thursday they're pursuing the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse Defense Development and Sustainment contract.


Lonely Women Being Scammed By Fake Soldiers
(KTSM News Channel 9)
An on-line scam is targeting lonely women and making U.S. soldiers look bad in the process.


A Senate Summer Reading List
(The Hill -Blog)
“The New START Treaty reduces constraints on the development of the missile defense program in several areas,” Missile Defense Agency Director General Patrick O’Reilly testified.

Israel, Hizballah, and Iran:
Rumors of Another Regional War
(Monthly Review)
Another Israeli "red line" is Hezbollah's acquisition of advanced surface-to-air missiles . . . which would reduce Israel's air superiority over Lebanon.


Iran Announces Acquisition of S-300 Air Defense Systems
(Heritage.org - Blog)
According to Iran’s Fars news agency, Iran has obtained four S-
300PT air-defense missile systems.


Chinese Air defense Forces Battle Rain as Military Drill Continues
(Xinhua)
Chinese air defense forces on Thursday battled rain while continuing a five-day military exercise featuring drills that include the relocation of air defense positions and command posts.


ČR Will Host Missile-Defense Component
(Prague Post)

The Czech Republic will be the site of a key component for the United States' amended European missile-defense system.
"After the US administration changed their concept of a missile-defense system in Europe, there were still negotiations on how allies could participate," Prime Minister Petr Nečas said. "I want to emphasize that it didn't emerge as news, but it is rather a matter of continuous negotiations."


Japan Considers Exporting SM-3 Missiles
(UPI.com)
Raytheon's Standard Missile-3 block 2A system is an advanced version of the SM-3 ... Missile Defense System and is a compliment to the Patriot missile.



Wednesday
4 August 2010


Tuesday
3 August 2010


Monday
2 August 2010


Sunday
1 August 2010




Saturday
31 July 2010




Friday
30 July 2010



Thursday
29 July 2010



Wednesday
28 July 2010

 

Tuesday
27 July 2010



Monday
26 July 2010

Israel, US to Develop New Missile System

(Christian Broadcasting Network)
"For our part, we are working with Israel to upgrade its Patriot Air and Missile Defense System, which was first deployed during the Gulf War, ...

India Conducts Successful Missile Defense Test
(Global Security Newswire)
... at a Prithvi 2 missile that had been modified for the test and launched from Chandipur, according to the Defense Research and Development Organization.


Experimental US Missile Defense Satellites Pass Big Tests
(msnbc.com)
By Stuart Fox A pair of experimental US missile defense satellites has passed a series of vital tests in space, spotting three missile launches and ...
See also:
THAAD Radar Performs Effectively in Missile Defense Test (AZOsensors) and
US Missile Defense Satellites Pass Critical Test (SPACE.com)

NATO Missile Shield to be Ready by Year's End
(Global Security Newswire)
NATO missile defense head Brig. Gen. Alessandro Pera said last week's testing produced "the kind of performance necessary to conduct a theater missile ...


Raytheon Finds Just What it Needs in Huntsville
(The Huntsville Times - al.com - Blog)
"Mike is an icon in the missile defense (industry)." Griffin, who was in Farnborough, England, for the annual international air show, was unavailable for ...


Joint US Korean Exercise Focuses on Anti-Submarine Warfare, Air Defenses
(Voice of America)
"Our intent is to improve defense capabilities in areas such as anti-submarine warfare, air defense and anti-surface warfare," Cloyd said.


Barak Leaves Israel for US After Officials Sign Missile Pact
(BusinessWeek)
The refined Arrow missile will give Israel “the ability to shoot down weapons of mass destruction from outside the atmosphere,” a Defense Ministry statement ...

India Successfully Test-Fires Interceptor Missile
(RTT News)
Monday's successful test is considered a breakthrough in India's quest for developing a full-fledged multi-layer ballistic missile defense system, ...

'Star Wars' Lives
(New York Post)
Next, ideological blinders led the Clinton administration to halve funding for missile defense -- but then President George W. Bush refunded it, ...


US Considering Saudi Arms Sales Valued at Up to $30 Billion
(defpro)
... government-to-government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channel have been largely focused on aviation, anti-missile air defense, and naval platforms.


Navy to Visit Langley to Talk About Bringing Missile Radar Platform to Puget Sound
(Seattle Post Intelligencer)
The Navy and the Missile Defense Agency need a deep-water port to work on their Sea-Based X-Band Radar platform (SBX), currently based in Adak, Alaska, ...


Lockheed Partners with NANA
(Zacks.com)
Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) partnered with NANA Development Corporation to compete for the US Missile Defense Agency's Ground-Based ...