SpaceX rocket explodes at Texas test facility

SpaceX rocket explodes at Texas test facility

"...A SpaceX rocket exploded Friday during a test flight in McGregor, Texas, after an anomaly was detected in the vehicle, the company said...."

Reference: www.usatoday.com .

Lockheed Martin earns $124 million contract for THAAD spare parts and support

Lockheed Martin earns $124 million contract for THAAD spare parts and support

"...The expected completion date is Aug. 7, 2017. Fiscal 2014 procurement funds are being obligated at time of award. The contract was a sole-source acquisition and one offer was received. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity...."

Reference: www.magnoliareporter.com .

Redstone Arsenal remote weapon station test of Javelin missile

Javelin missile tested at Redstone from remote weapon station

"...The Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture recently fired a Javelin missile from a remote weapon station integrated onto a wheeled vehicle at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama...."
Reference: www.waaytv.com .

Israel uses the Iron Dome system only against rockets headed toward populated areas

How Iron Dome blocks rockets from Gaza, protects Israelis

"...More than 250 rockets have been fired out of Gaza toward Israel in that time, the IDF said. Israel uses the Iron Dome system only against rockets headed toward populated areas. If one appears to be headed for an empty field, the dome does not activate...."

Reference: www.cnn.com .

Modification to a Previous Presolicitation Notice - A-- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT W9113M-09-0001-2014 FOR NEW AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR SPACE AND MISSILE DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY

Modification to a Previous Presolicitation Notice - A-- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT W9113M-09-0001-2014 FOR NEW AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR SPACE AND MISSILE DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY

"...The SMDC announces interest in receiving research, development, and technology maturation white papers/proposals with technical, management, and cost consideration. White papers/proposals submitted should include new ideas for advanced and innovative concepts as well as prototype hardware and software for current and emerging space and missile defense science and technology. The SMDC conducts space, directed energy, missile defense, cruise missile defense and related technology research and development for the Army, Missile Defense Agency, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, Office of the Secretary of Defense High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office, and other defense-related government agencies. Furthermore, SMDC plans and executes missile defense test and evaluation programs and related analysis and is interested in pursuing opportunities for technical cooperation and partnerships with academia, industry, and international organizations. 3. Invitation to Submit Proposals The SMDC is interested in receiving white papers/proposals for the basic and applied research efforts described under this BAA. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to make any award or to pay for any response preparation costs. The cost of proposal preparation for response to a BAA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resultant contract or any other contract;..."

Reference: insurancenewsnet.com .

Long-range ballistic missile hit by kill-vehicle in Sunday missile test

Missile Defense Test Deemed a Success

"...kill-vehicle launched Sunday from the Lompoc base successfully struck a long-range ballistic missile launched from the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific as part of an ongoing missile defense program..."

Reference: www.independent.com .

Ground-based interceptor will try to hit target weapon launched from Kwajalein Atoll this month

Major Missile Defense Test Planned for Vandenberg Air Force Base This Month

"... At the hearing, however, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, referred to the test as being June 22. Officials won’t confirm the test date until the Air Force has issued notices to aviators and mariners..."

Reference: www.noozhawk.com .

Missile Defense Contracts Awarded to Miltec, Lockheed Martin

Miltec, Lockheed Martin land missile defense contracts

"...Miltec Corp. of Huntsville was awarded a $44 million contract for labor, materiel and research and development on the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon - Technology Demonstration for Space and Missile Defense Command. The contract covers work through June 2019 and will take place in Huntsville...."

Reference: www.al.com .

The strategic ground is shifting: US needs to enhance missile defense to counter North Korean threat

Missile Defense and the North Korean Nuclear Threat

"...many in Washington and Seoul to believe that the DPRK is planning to conduct its fourth nuclear test and/or another long-range missile test to enhance the credibility of its nuclear deterrent. But while public attention is once again on the idea of a North Korean nuclear-tipped ICBM that could threaten the continental United States, the strategic ground is shifting...."

Reference: thediplomat.com .

Russian jet loaded with missiles pulls dangerous fly-by aimed at U.S. aircraft

'Dangerous' Russian jet fly-by was 'straight out of a movie'

"...U.S. Air Force RC-135U aircraft flying on a routine mission over the Sea of Okhotsk was intercepted by a Russian Su-27 Flanker aircraft. The Russian aircraft turned and "showed its belly" to the U.S. crew so they could see it was armed with missiles..."
Reference: www.cnn.com .

Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Project Office, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon serves with Habitat for Humanity in Huntsville

Air/missile defense team puts back into community

"...On April 26, several members, friends and family of the Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Project Office partnered with their counterparts from Northrop Grumman and Raytheon to serve at the Habitat for Humanity in Huntsville...."

Reference: www.theredstonerocket.com .

Hawaii residents saw mysterious lights in the Tuesday night sky (video)

Lights confirmed as contrails from Kauai missile test

"...The mysterious lights that Hawaii residents saw in the Tuesday night sky was indeed the shifting contrails of the Aegis missile that was being tested on Kauai..."

Reference: www.kitv.com

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Medium Extended Air Defense System Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe subsystem has received full certification

MEADS System certified for identifying friend or foe aircraft

"...The Multifunction Fire Control Radar is a 360-degree X-band, solid-state, phased array radar that provides precision tracking and wideband discrimination and classification capabilities. Both radars provide threat-detection capability against highly maneuverable, low-signature threats, including short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and other air-breathing threats...."

Reference: www.financial-news.co.uk .

SM-3 IIA Builds

Raytheon Eyes Early SM-3 IIA Builds

"...The proposal will include the sale of 22 of the missiles, which are now being developed,..."

Reference: aviationweek.com .

Missile Defense is a good economic partner; Greely Missile-defense Base Could Launch Construction Boom

New Structure at Greely Missile-defense Base Could Launch Construction Boom

"...Work on an $80 million structure at Fort Greely’s missile-defense base is expected to begin by midsummer. But it’ll be mostly design work; military officials say major construction on the project probably won’t get going until next summer. ..."

Reference: kuac.org .

Possible first stage of a KN-08 road-mobile ICBM

North Korea testing engine for possible nuclear missile, say analysts

"...The US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said images of the North's main rocket launch site suggested one "and maybe more" tests of what was probably the first stage of a KN-08 road-mobile ICBM...."

Reference: www.theguardian.com .

Huntsville-made Standard Missile-3 Block IB deployed for the first time aboard Navy ship

Alabama-made Standard-Missile 3 deployed for first time on Navy ship

"..."The SM-3 Block IB's completion of initial operational testing last year set the stage for a rapid deployment to theater," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems. "The SM-3's highly successful test performance gives combatant commanders around the world the confidence they need to counter the growing ballistic missile threat." ..."

Reference: www.al.com .

Two more Aegis-equipped ballistic-missile defense ships headed to Japan by 2017

Hagel: U.S. to Send 2 More Aegis Ships to Japan

"...For reasons a senior defense official said included North Korean provocations, treaty commitments to Japan and U.S. national security interests, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today that the United States will send Japan two more Aegis-equipped ballistic-missile defense ships by 2017...."

Reference: www.defense.gov .

Next intercept test in June

U.S. aims to correct issue behind 2013 failed missile defense test

"...The failed intercept last July involved the earlier version of the Raytheon kill vehicle, which failed to separate from the third stage of the booster rocket. Eventually both versions will be replaced by the new kill vehicle..."

Reference: www.reuters.com .

India test launches long range N-missile from under the sea

India test fires long range N-missile launched from under sea

"...The submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is being readied for deployment on various platforms including the around 6,000-tonne indigenous nuclear submarine INS Arihant which will soon be ready for sea trials, sources said. ..."

Reference: www.business-standard.com .

Fact Checking News Shows On Missile Defense Statements

PunditFact: Fact-checking the Sunday March 23 news shows

"...We can't check what Obama should have done, but we can look at Romney's assertion that Obama nixed a missile defense program in Eastern Europe "as a gift to Russia."..."

Reference: www.tampabay.com .

Help the U.S. Space & Rocket Center build a new public exhibition featuring the Shuttle Training Aircraft used by space shuttle astronauts!

Help the U.S. Space & Rocket Center build a new public exhibition featuring the Shuttle Training Aircraft used by space shuttle astronauts!

"...The U.S. Space & Rocket Center Foundation in Huntsville, Alabama is asking for your help to raise $70,000 to begin installation of a Gulfstream II Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Shuttle Park. The aircraft, which bears the tail number N945NA..."
Reference: Rocket City .

North Korea Launches 10 short-range missiles

North Korea fires 10 short-range missiles: Yonhap

"...North Korea fired 10 short-range missiles into the sea off the east of the Korean peninsula on Sunday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported..."

Reference: www.reuters.com .

MDA Director Vice Adm. James D. Syring Discusses Missile Defense Threats, Capabilities

Missile Defense Agency Director Discusses Threats, Capabilities

Department of Navy Photo

"...Navy Vice Adm. James D. Syring discussed the Missile Defense Agency’s concerns and its interests in improving capability and capacity during Aviation Week’s Defense Technologies and Requirements Conference. “All you have to do is read the press over the last week or so,” he said. “You [can] start to piece together what we’re concerned about, and the threat that is posed by the increasing ballistic missile threat around the world.”..."
Reference: www.defense.gov .

Reinstate the ballistic missile defense program and policy

Republicans: Revisit scrapped missile defense program to help Ukraine

"...Mr. Obama's move away from Bush's program in 2009 was largely perceived as a concession to pressure from Russia to cancel the program, something the U.S. denied. And now, pressure is mounting to return to the system as a way to flex U.S. military might without putting troops on the ground in Eastern Europe...."

Reference: www.cbsnews.com .

Torch Technologies, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. awarded $70,997,405 contract for missile element simulation

MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX: Defense Dept. Contracts for Mar. 4, 2014

Torch Technologies, Inc.

"...Torch Technologies, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. was awarded a $70,997,405 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for missile element simulation which will enhance and maintain the current suite of missile modeling simulation, hardware-in-the-loop and prototype development facilities. Funding and work performance location will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is Feb. 11, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-14-D-0017)...."
Reference: www.huntingtonnews.net .

2015 budget funding also to continue efforts aimed at developing a kill vehicle that could be used on a Standard-Missile-3 ...

Pentagon to upgrade, improve U.S. missile defense system

Missile Defense Agency Photo

"...The fiscal 2015 budget also continues to fund that work, Syring said, noting that the effort was aimed at developing a kill vehicle that could be used on a ground-based interceptor, a Standard-Missile-3 or some future system...."
Reference: www.reuters.com .

Kuwait makes another order for patriot missile-defense systems from Raytheon

Raytheon reports $655 million order for Patriot missile-defense system

"..."Kuwait is part of Patriot's current family of 12 nations that have already selected Patriot as the cornerstone of their air and missile defense strategy. Their decision to further strengthen their defenses with technologically advanced new production fire units reaffirms our strong partnership and their trust in Patriot to protect Kuwait's people and critical infrastructure."..."

Reference: www.bizjournals.com .

Will Missile Defense Be Harmed By DoD Cuts To Navy Cruiser Fleet? Ticonderoga class cruisers are equipped with anti-ballistic missile capability. Are any of these cruisers included?

DoD budget seeks cuts in BAH, commissary, Tricare benefits

"...The big impact on the Navy’s surface fleet will be on cruisers. Half of the Navy’s cruiser fleet — 11 ships — will be “laid up,” meaning they will be taken out of normal deployment rotations and essentially left unmanned...."

Reference: www.militarytimes.com

More Reading: Hagel also discussed a plan to take half the fleet’s 22 Aegis cruisers out of service, laying them up pending the availability of modernization funds.

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USS Donald Cook and other destroyers form the centerpiece of Europe’s Phased Adaptive Approach program

USS Donald Cook prepares for first ballistic missile defense patrol

Photo: U.S. Navy

"...The Cook is the first of four American destroyers to move to Rota over the next two years, each equipped with Aegis radar system and SM-3 missiles capable of intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles. Together the ships will form the centerpiece of Europe’s Phased Adaptive Approach program, a missile shield with radar in Turkey, a command element in Germany, and ground-based interceptors in Romania and Poland. ..."
Reference: www.stripes.com .

Four locations to be studied for possible East Coast missile defense site (Environmental Impact Studies)

Fort Drum among four locations to be studied for East Coast missile defense site

"...The environmental impact study will take two years and will look at how building and operating the facility would affect land and water use, air quality, transportation, and socioeconomic aspects of the community. Sites in Michigan, Ohio and Maine will also undergo studies...."

Reference: www.northcountrypublicradio.org .

Modification to existing Army contract for work on the Patriot Missile for Raytheon

Raytheon lands $108 million contract for work on Patriot Missile

"...modification to an existing Army contract for work on the Patriot Missile. A portion of the work will take place in Huntsville...."

Reference: www.al.com .

Growing strategic missile threat from Iran, Syria, Hezbollah...

Missile defense expert warns of growing strategic threat

"...Israel’s enemies are arming themselves with precision-guided heavy rockets and will inevitably come to possess GPS-guided ballistic missiles, an architect of the Israeli missile defense program warned on Wednesday...."

Reference: www.jpost.com .

Nuclear weapons, missiles and Dennis Rodman

McCain: Rodman is 'Dangerous Idiot' Aiding 'Brutal, Crazy Man'

"..."But the other part of it is very serious, because it props up and helps this incredibly brutal young man. Who, by the way, has nuclear weapons and missiles." ..."

Reference: www.newsmax.com .

...More Missile Defense Contracts Awarded Recently

BAE Wins Share Of $220M Army Missile Defense Contract

"...Exelis Inc., Science Applications International Corp. and Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc. have also been named as awardees..."

Reference: www.law360.com .

Iranian agreement and missile defense

Would an Iran Deal Obviate Missile Defense in Europe?

"...Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the press that implementation of the agreement would make the planned deployment of U.S. SM-3 missile interceptors in Romania and Poland unnecessary...."

Reference: www.brookings.edu .

Fact or Fiction? Iranian missile-carrying Fotros drone developed

Iran unveils 'biggest missile-equipped drone'

"...the reconnaissance and combat drone Fotros had a range of 2,000km, capable of covering much of the Middle East, including Israel. "The Fotros drone has..."
Reference: www.aljazeera.com .

Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) test

Click above for video

US Tests New Stealthy Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile

"...Lockheed Martin conducted the second successful test of the new Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) it is developing for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. ..."
Reference: thediplomat.com .

MEADS Missile Test: simultaneous targets intercepted and destroyed

Unprecedented Dual Intercept Success For MEADS At White Sands Missile Range

"...The Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) intercepted and destroyed two simultaneous targets attacking from opposite directions during a stressing demonstration of its 360-degree air and missile defense (AMD) capabilities at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The flight test achieved all criteria for success...."

Reference: www.sacbee.com .

Deputy Secretary General attends ballistic missile defense groundbreaking in Romania

Deputy Secretary General attends ballistic missile defence groundbreaking in Romania

"...NATO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Alexander Vershbow on Monday (28 October 2013) participated in a groundbreaking ceremony of the missile defence facility at the Deveselu airbase in southern Romania. “This facility will be an important part of NATO’s overall missile defences in Europe,” said Ambassador Vershbow...."

Reference: www.nato.int .

Russian missile launch image captured by International Space Station

Mystery of the 'ghost cloud' solved: UFO sightings and strange hazes in the sky are traced back to a Russian missile launch

"...‘Saw something launch into space today. Not sure what it was but the cloud it left behind was pretty amazing,’ tweeted Nasa astronaut Mike Hopkins...."

Reference: www.dailymail.co.uk .

Defense Contractors: Capture these lucrative missile warning, missile defense contract worth billions

Air Force missile defense contracts could be worth $2 billion

"...An incredibly lucrative contract to provide missile warning, missile defense and other sensor systems to the United States Air Force may come up for competition for the first time in years..."

Reference: www.wjla.com .

Budget cuts may hurt Advanced Arrow 3 missile defense system

Advanced Arrow 3 missile defense system facing budget cuts

"...The ability to develop and purchase a major long-range missile defense system, meant to thwart long-range Iranian weapons, may be cut back because of financial restraints in the US ..."

Reference: www.timesofisrael.com .

Turkey chooses Chinese FD-2000 missile defense system over U.S. system

U.S. concerned about Turkey's choice of Chinese missile system

"...Some Western defense analysts have said they were surprised by Turkey's decision, having expected the contract to go to Raytheon Co, a U.S. company that builds the Patriot missile, or the Franco/Italian Eurosam SAMP/T...."

Reference: www.reuters.com .

25th successful flight test for the SM-3 program

Watch as a Huntsville-made Standard Missile-3 blasts a target out of the sky (video)

"...The SM-3 took out a target in which the launch time and bearing were not known and was the "most difficult target engaged to date," the Pentagon said in a release...."

Reference: www.al.com .

Radiance Technologies of Huntsville awarded $28 million Missile Defense contract

Huntsville's Radiance Technologies awarded $28 million Missile Defense Command contract

"...The work will be performed in Huntsville. The grant was awarded by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville...."

Reference: www.al.com .

List of possible East Coast missile defense sites

U.S. names possible East Coast missile defense sites, but far from decision

"...Boeing Co manages the Pentagon's existing program to deal with long-range missile threats, while Raytheon Co and Orbital Sciences Corp build the interceptors and rockets. It is not yet known which contractors would be involved in construction of any new site...."

Reference: www.reuters.com .

Missile Defense Test successful intercept

Missile Defense Test Succeeds Against Medium-range Targets

"...The USS Decatur with its Aegis Weapon System detected and tracked the first target with its onboard AN/SPY-1 radar. The Aegis ballistic missile defense weapon system developed a fire control solution, launched a Standard Missile-3 Block IA missile, and successfully intercepted the target...."

Reference: www.defense.gov .

U.S. Military is missile-ready in the Med as congress delays

Israel and U.S. Conduct Missile Test in Mediterranean

"...Israel and the United States tested a new air-defense system on Tuesday morning, launching a missile from deep in the Mediterranean Sea..."

Reference: www.nytimes.com .

Highlights of Missile Defense Achievements by Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Highlights Missile Defense Achievements During Space & Missile Defense Symposium

"...In addition to Fiscal Year 2013 missile and command launch system production for the U.S. Army, the contract marks the first Foreign Military Sale of the PAC-3 Missile to Kuwait. Kuwait is the sixth international customer for the PAC-3 Missile. The contract includes production of 244 hit-to-kill PAC-3 Missiles, 72 launcher modification kits and associated tooling, as well as program management. ..."

Reference: whnt.com .