Space Surveillance Unit Gaining Recognition for Monitoring Iranian Rockets
The 11th Space Warning Squadron (11th SWS) has been at the forefront of missile defense in 2024, demonstrating exceptional performance and resilience in the face of increased global missile activity. Based at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, the squadron has a rich history dating back to Operation Desert Storm, where it provided early warning of Scud missile launches.
In 2024, the 11th SWS faced a daunting challenge, with over 2,700 missile launches worldwide to track and respond to, including unprecedented Iranian missile attacks. Their efforts significantly improved missile warning timeliness by 69 percent[1][2][4].
The squadron's operations were not limited to traditional methods. In April, they were testing a next-generation ground architecture called Future Operation Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE), designed to handle more missile launches rapidly and withstand cyberattacks[2]. This testing was carried out under actual combat conditions, demonstrating the squadron's operational adaptability.
The 11th SWS's contributions were recognised with top honours, being named the U.S. Space Force Unit of the Year for 2024. This inaugural award recognised their dedication and outstanding performance in missile warning and battlespace awareness[1][4]. They excelled amid a 160 percent increase in missile events compared to previous years, providing critical missile warning intelligence to support national defense and warfighter mission needs worldwide.
The squadron operates advanced infrared satellite systems for strategic missile warning, including the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite constellation and the Overhead Persistent Infra-Red Battlespace Awareness Center[1]. Their capabilities in early missile detection and resilient space-based warning systems have made them a vital component in the U.S. missile defense architecture.
The trophy awarded to the 11th Space Warning Squadron is decorated with the Space Force's core values: character, commitment, connection, and courage. Lt. Col. Amanda Manship, the squadron's commander, is preparing for a change of command, while Capt. Abigail Flanner, weapons officer for the 11th SWS, discussed their work under pressure in a recent episode of the Mitchell Institute's Aerospace Advantage podcast[3].
The squadron also evaluates emerging capabilities from Space Systems Command, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of missile defense technology. Notable events in 2024 included alarms being set off at the 11th SWS and 2nd SWS operation centers 300 times due to incoming Iranian missiles in April and October[1].
In conclusion, the 11th Space Warning Squadron's efforts in 2024 have significantly improved the U.S.'s ability to detect and respond to missile threats, making them a crucial player in the nation's missile defense strategy.
[1] https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2618316/us-space-force-unit-of-the-year-award-goes-to-11th-space-warning-squadron/ [2] https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2631118/11th-space-warning-squadron-tests-next-generation-missile-warning-system-under-combat-conditions/ [3] https://www.mitchel institute.org/content/aerospace-advantage-podcast-episode-45-11th-space-warning-squadron-2024-us-space-force-unit-year/ [4] https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2626828/us-space-force-unit-of-the-year-award-goes-to-11th-space-warning-squadron/
- The 11th Space Warning Squadron based at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, played a pivotal role in missile defense in 2024, witnessing a 69 percent improvement in missile warning timeliness amid a surge of over 2,700 global missile launches.
- The squadron's operations in 2024 were not restricted to traditional methods; they tested a next-generation ground architecture called Future Operation Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) during actual combat conditions to handle more missile launches and resist cyberattacks.
- The 11th SWS received the U.S. Space Force Unit of the Year for 2024 due to their exceptional performance in missile warning and battlespace awareness, despite a 160 percent increase in missile events compared to previous years.
- The squadron operates advanced infrared satellite systems, such as the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite constellation, that grant them the ability to provide early warning of strategic missile launches and maintain a resilient space-based warning system.
- The space force's core values—character, commitment, connection, and courage—are reflected on the trophy presented to the 11th Space Warning Squadron for their outstanding work.
- The squadron also remains at the forefront of missile defense technology by evaluating emerging capabilities from Space Systems Command, such as alarms being set off 300 times due to incoming Iranian missiles in April and October.
