National Defense: As NATO celebrates the operability of its first land-based Aegis Ashore missile defense system in Romania, nations around the globe are seeking their own missile defenses. Countries in Europe, the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are considering lower-tier air and missile defense capabilities to protect themselves against rising threats from Russia, Iran and… read more
The Garden Island: Three Kauai legislators said they support the possibility of converting the island’s missile testing facility into a defense system. Reps. Dee Morikawa (D-16) and James Tokioka (D-15) said they are in favor of potentially turning the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands into a missile defense system to protect against threats, such… read more
Scout.com The Navy is building and testing a fleet of upgraded DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers with a series of next-generation technologies — including an ability to detect and destroy incoming enemy anti-ship cruise missiles at farther ranges from beyond the horizon. The new fire-control system, called Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air, or… read more
WLOX: Former NFL player and Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance Chairman and Founder Riki Ellison spoke to coast leaders at Friday morning’s Breakfast of Champions at Ingalls. The MDAA is a non-profit organization launched in 2002 for the purpose of driving the deployment, development and evolution of missile defense. Friday in Pascagoula, Ellison stressed the importance of… read more
Army News Service: Ramstein Air Base, Germany — Sgt. Joseph Frey, an air defense battle management system operator with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, was chosen to represent the U.S. as the European Missile Defender of the Year. The award is given to NATO service members that have made significant contributions to… read more
Honolulu Star Advertiser: U.S. Rep. Mark Takai said Thursday that the Defense Department has to be “more proactive” in looking at possibly operating the Aegis Ashore missile site on Kauai not just for testing, but also to protect Hawaii from ballistic missile threats. Takai, a Hawaii Democrat, said he also wants to get a missile-discriminating… read more
Honolulu Star Advertiser: In the face of increasing North Korean ballistic missile threats, the Pentagon is studying beefing up Hawaii’s defenses by switching an “Aegis Ashore” missile system and launcher on Kauai from testing to operational mode and adding radars to track incoming missiles, a missile defense expert said. Riki Ellison, chairman of the nonprofit… read more
Al Jazeera America: LIHUE, Hawaii — When 2016 began with North Korea declaring its fourth nuclear test was a hydrogen bomb, the U.S. military had already tested a land-based Aegis Ashore missile defense system in Hawaii — Lockheed Martin’s version of the short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile defense (BMD) system used on Aegis Navy destroyers.… read more
dvids: YOKOSUKA, Japan – Eight individuals were recognized as Missile Defenders of the Year for integrated air and missile defense excellence, Feb. 12, during a ceremony held in the Officers’ Club of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance recognized the awardees for their representation of the best in leadership and personal… read more
Honolulu Star Advertiser: North Korea’s long-range ballistic missile test “marks a tipping point” and justification for greater U.S. defenses, with proposals for round-the-clock missile shoot-down capability on Kauai, a long-range radar in Hawaii, and increased deployment time for the Sea-Based X-Band Radar, the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance said. Saturday’s launch “proved out validation of development… read more