Military Watch Magazine

U.S. Army Activates New Guam Air Defence Battalion as China and North Korea Bolster Missile Forces

The U.S. Army has activated a new air defence battalion on Guam to strengthen protection of the strategically critical territory, which continues to play a central role in facilitating planned offensives into East Asia. The 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defence Artillery Regiment, was formally at Andersen Air Force Base, assuming responsibilities previously handled by Task Force Talon. The transition marks a shift towards establishing a permanent air and missile defence presence on the island. Task Force Talon began its rotational mission in 2013, initially focusing on defending Guam against potential North Korean ballistic missile attacks. The rapid expansion of both China and North Korea’s missile forces have broadened the mission’s scope considerably.