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333: Israel - Hamas Hostage Deal Remote + Germany to Provide 155mm Howitzers to Ukraine + Poland Offered Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinooks + More Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Israel - Hamas Hostage Deal Remote.
The chances of a phased hostage-ceasefire agreement being achieved on the basis of Israel’s May proposal are “close to zero” and there is “very broad pessimism” among the Israeli negotiators.
2. Germany to Provide 155mm Howitzers to Ukraine.
Germany will deliver a batch of 12 x Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, the Defense Minister announced. 6 x howitzers will be delivered by the end of this year and the rest next year.
3. UK to provide 650 x Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine as part of a 162-million-pound ($212 million) contract.
4. EU spends too much money on US defense items.
A report on European Union Defense Competitiveness says that from mid 2022 to mid-2023, the 27-Member Nation contracted 63% of their defense orders with US suppliers.
5. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency- Foreign Military Sale:
The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy two hundred forty-six (246) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles. The estimated total program cost is $691 million.
6. Poland offered Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinooks.
Boeing announced today at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) that it has formally offered the heavy-lift helicopter to Poland.
7. Norwegian Army to upgrade Sniper rifle capability with the American Barrett M107A1. The M107A1 is capable of delivering precision and rapid fire on targets up to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) away.
8. Two USAF F-35As land on highways during exercise in Finland.
The F-35s, which were from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in England, carried out the landings on the Hosio Highway Strip in Ranua, Finland.

332: Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Visits Gaza Border + IDF Infantry Brigade Prepares for Combat in North + Latest US Security Assistance to Ukraine + FY25 Defense Budget Update + More Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Visits Gaza Border.
Egypt’s army chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa made a surprise visit on Thursday to the country’s border with the Gaza Strip to inspect the security situation.
2. IDF Infantry Brigade Prepares for Combat in North.
The IDF’s Yiftah Brigade carried out a drill over the past week simulating fighting in Lebanon. The drill included fighting and maneuvering in complex terrain, advancing along a “mountainous route,” and using firepower in various scenarios.
3. Latest US Security Assistance to Ukraine.
The package has an estimated value of $250 million, and will provide Ukraine with capabilities that include: air defense missiles; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons.
4. US denies claims that donated long-range missiles to Ukraine, such as ATACMs, will be effective at targets deep inside Russia.
5. Netherlands to procure Spike LR2 anti-tank missile systems (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems).
6. Germany military to employ first IRIS-T SLM air defense system.
The system delivered on Wednesday marked the first of six IRIS-T SLMs to be delivered to the Bundeswehr.
7. FY25 US Defense Budget Update.
8. US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) update.
The Army is aiming for one more major test of the LRHW by the end of 2024 in order to decide whether to field it to the first unit next year, Doug Bush, the service’s acquisition chief, said Thursday.

331: Israel PM - IDF Potentially Off Philadelphi Corridor in Phase 2 but Not Without Security Arrangements + Slovakia to Procure Barak MX Air Defense Systems + US Army IVAS Update + More Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Israel PM - IDF Potentially Off Philadelphi Corridor in Phase 2 but Not Without Security Arrangements.
PM Netanyahu: “The conditions that we shall have for a permanent ceasefire must include a situation where the Philadelphi Corridor cannot be perforated.”
2. Slovakia to Procure Barak MX Air Defense Systems.
The Slovak government has approved the purchase 6 x Barak MX air defense systems for an estimated €554 million ($615 million).
3. China & Russia present at Egypt International Airshow.
China and Russia are using the first-ever Egypt International Airshow to show off their military hardware for sale, in an attempt to cement their presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
4. USAF conducting "deep-dive scrub" of Sentinel ICBM program requirements.
The Air Force is now going “line by line” through Sentinel’s requirements to look for places to bring its costs down. The Pentagon originally expected to spend $77.7 billion on Sentinel, but the Pentagon said even a “reasonably modified” restructure would still probably cost $140.9 billion, or 81% more than the original estimate.
5. USMC to test Stern Landing Vessel (LSV) to help determine and inform requirements for the Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program. The “foreign collaborative” tests would take place around Australia over the next several years in conjunction with the Australian Army.
6. US Army IVAS Update.

330: Israeli PM Makes Case for Maintaining IDF Presence on Philadelphi Corridor + UN Security Council Extends Peacekeeping Mandate in Lebanon + UK's Symbolic Sanction of Arms to Israel + More Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US White House reports that new Hostage Deal has Israel mvoing off populated areas of the Philadelphi Corridor.
White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby: “The deal itself, including the bridging proposal that we started working with… includes the removal of Israeli Defense Forces from all densely populated areas… in phase one… and that includes those areas along and adjacent to that corridor. That’s the proposal that Israel had agreed to.”
2. Israeli PM Makes Case for Maintaining IDF Presence on Philadelphi Corridor.
Speaking with reporters during a press conference in Jerusalem, PM Netanyahu insisted that the 14-kilometer strip of land is essential for Israel to achieve its war aims and that retaining control there is “central” and determines Israel’s very future.
3. UN Security Council Extends Peacekeeping Mandate in Lebanon.
Resolution 2749, adopted by the Security Council on Wednesday, extends UNIFIL’s nearly two-decade long mission of keeping peace between Israel and Lebanon through Aug. 31, 2025.
4. UK's Symbolic Sanction of Arms to Israel.
On Monday the UK’s new government announced it would suspend exports of 30 items out of a total of 350 current arms licenses.
5. USAF plans procurement of at least 56 MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopters.
The Air Force previously sought 80 airframes, but the FY25 budget reduced the procurement number.

329: IDF Recovers Bodies of Six Hostages Murdered by Hamas + Ukraine President Fires Senior Air Force Commander + Lithuania to Modernize Soldier Weapons & Equipment + More Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. According to final investigation report, the helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in May 2024, was caused by bad weather.
The main cause of the helicopter crash was the “complex climatic and atmospheric conditions of the region in the spring.”
2. IDF Recovers Bodies of Six Hostages Murdered by Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the ongoing failure to reach a ceasefire deal that would have secured their release while they were still alive.
3. Ukraine President Fires Senior Air Force Commander.
The Air Force Senior Officer was removed on Friday, four days after an F-16 warplane crashed during a Russian bombardment, killing the pilot.
4. F-35Bs assigned to Italian aircraft carriers reach Initial Operating Capability (IOC).
The F-35B fighter fleet achieved IOC four months ahead of schedule, and comprised a total of 2,600 flight hours and over 2,700 maintenance interventions.
5. Lithuania to Modernize Soldier Weapons & Equipment.
The Lithuanian government plans an investment of up to $1.33billion to equip its soldiers with modern weapons and equipment over the next decade.
The amount will be spent for the purchase of FN MINIMI 7.62 MK3 light machine guns, night vision devices, and laser sights.
6. Latvia's Ministry of Defense opens a new military facility that will support the NATO Multinational Brigade.
The $7.7 million facility incorporates armored vehicle storage and sustainment facilities to house allied tanks and other platforms.
7. US Army conducting study to gain lessons-learned ffrom the Gaza JLOTS pier deployment.
The mission's Senior Commander called the mission "the biggest organizational leadership challenge” he had ever experienced.

328: Israeli Security Cabinet Supports Remaining on Philadelphi Corridor + Qatar & Turkey Joint Air Force Squadron + UK New Medium Helicopter Program Has Only 1 x Bidder + More Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

For review.
1. USAID Report on Gaza Pier- available at USNI News.
2. Israeli Security Cabinet Supports Remaining on Philadelphi Corridor.
Israel's security cabinet voted Thursday to back Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position in favor of maintaining IDF presence along the Gaza-Egypt border as part of any potential ceasefire and hostage release deal.
3. Qatar & Turkey Joint Air Force Squadron revealed on X by the Commander of the Turkish Air Force.
While the exact number and type of aircraft employed by the squadron were not publicized, a photo showed Turkish F-16s as well as Qatari Rafales and Eurofighter Typhoons.
4. Serbia to procure 12 x Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation to replace its MiG-29 fleet.
5. UK New Medium Helicopter Program Has Only 1 x Bidder - Leonardo Helicopters UK. Airbus and Lockheed Martin have both decided to withdraw from the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program ahead of a deadline.
6. US Army continues increasing the production of 155mm artillery munitions.
7. US Army awards Javelin Joint Venture partners Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the largest single year contract in program history- $1.3 billion.
8. After Fixed-wing ISR Program (High Accuracy Detection & Exploitation System) contract award to Sierra Nevada- and barring any protest from former competitors- the US Army expects that work on first HADES plane will be completed by the end of 2025, with an operational assessment in 2026.

327: IDF Says 80% Tunnels Destroyed on Philadelphi Corridor - Rafah Brigade Collapsed + Poland Preparing to Receive F-35s + Thailand Leans Toward Saab's Gripen E/F Warplanes + More Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Among Hostage Negotiations, Israel PM faces tough decisions on status of Philadelphi Corridor.
2. IDF Says 80% Tunnels Destroyed on Philadelphi Corridor - Rafah Brigade Collapsed.
3. Israel & Hamas likely to agree to humanitarian truce for child polio vaccinations.
Unnamed Egyptian sources as expecting a truce to kick off within days, lasting through daylight hours for 3-5 days, excluding places in the Strip where the IDF is operating.
4. Russia reportedly facing challenges with SU-57 warplane production.
A new production plant has been opened aimed at scaling up the sluggish delivery tempo of these fifth-generation stealth warplanes.
5. Poland Preparing to Receive F-35s.
The first aircraft will then be delivered in-country in the 2026 timeframe, according to Lockheed Martin.
6. Thailand Leans Toward Saab's Gripen E/F Warplanes.
According to a statement posted to the Thai Air Force’s Facebook page, the Gripen has been identified as the “most suitable” option for modernizing its fleet.
7. US Army procuring 6 x Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System (EAGLS)- counter UAS/Drone system. These systems will be fielded to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility.
8. Retired USMC Officer's website discusses and shares Warfighting Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) among the Infantry enterprise- with recent focus on operations in Ukraine.

326: US SEC DEF - 2 x US Carriers to Remain in CENTCOM AOR + North Korea Demonstrates Loitering Munitions that Curiously Resemble Israeli Design + Chinese Y-9 Aircraft Violates Japanese Airspace + More Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

For review.
1. Hezbollah attacks Northern Israel with missiles and drones in retaliation for strike on senior commander.
2. US SEC DEF: 2 x US Carriers to Remain in CENTCOM AOR.
With the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), there will now be 2 x aircraft carriers and their warships available for US Central Command.
3. US Israel - Hamas Hostage Negotiations.
A US official says that the hostage talks held in Cairo the past several days have been “constructive.”
Notably, US officials appear to be the only party in the talks who sound hopeful about their trajectory.
4. Norway and NAMMO collaborate to increase 155mm munition production domestically and in Ukraine. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Store: “This government has taken several measures to increase the production of artillery ammunition in Norway. At the same time, we see that it is important to strengthen the Ukrainians’ ability to produce modern artillery ammunition in Ukraine."
5. Turkey opens the world’s largest submarine floating dock with 3,000-ton lifting capacity. The dock is expected to be used as submarine maintenance and overhaul floating facility.
6. North Korea Demonstrates Loitering Munitions that Curiously Resemble Israeli Design. Experts said the drones in the images released by state media looked similar to the Israeli-made “HAROP” suicide drone and Israeli “HERO 30.”
7. Chinese Y-9 Aircraft Violates Japanese Airspace.
According to Japanese officials. a Chinese Y-9 electronic intelligence aircraft carried out a two-minute violation of the airspace over Japan’s territorial waters at the Danjo Islands in the East China Sea on Monday.
8. Hanwha (South Korea) opens new Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle production plant in Geelong, Victoria (Australia).
The facility will also support the manufacturing of Huntsman AS9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles. Following its opening, the site is expected to support 2,100 jobs,

325: Israel & Hamas Negotiations Continue - No Deal Yet + Indian PM Visits Kiev - Encourages Dialogue + Germany to Station Combat Brigade in Lithuania by End of Decade + More Aug 24, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Israel & Hamas Negotiations Continue - No Deal Yet. Philadelphi Corridor still a sticking point.
Egypt-based Alghad TV reported Saturday, citing citing an unnamed informed source, that Israel had notified Cairo it was prepared to withdraw under a deal from five security points out of eight discussed along the Philadelphi Corridor. There was no other confirmation of the report.
2. Latest US Assistance Package to Ukraine is worth $125 million.
Included in this package are air defense capabilities; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons.
3. Indian PM Visits Kiev - Encourages Dialogue.
India's Narendra Modi urged President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday to sit down for talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine and offered to help bring peace as the two leaders met in wartime Kyiv.
4. The Croatian Ministry of Defense has announced plans to acquire High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, for the country’s armed forces.
5. Germany to Station Combat Brigade in Lithuania by End of Decade.
Lithuania and Germany agreed in December 2023- to station 4,800 military and 200 civilian German personnel at the Rūdninkai Training Area in the country’s southeast.
6. Taiwan increase annual defense spending to 2.45% GDP. Objective is to attain 3% GDP in the future.
7. US Army awards Fixed-Wing ISR contract to Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC).
Under the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program, SNC will now be charged with integrating sensing technologies aboard the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. SNC will largely carry out HADES work at the company’s facilities in Hagerstown, Md.

324: US Carrier Abraham Lincoln Arrives in CENTCOM AOR + IDF Recovers Bodies of Six Hostages in Khan Younis + Australia and Kongsberg to Build Joint & Naval Strike Missiles in New South Wales + More Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US Carrier Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Arrives in the Middle East according US Central Command. The Lincoln is set to relieve USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), which has been operating in the Middle East since June.
2. IDF Recovers Bodies of Six Hostage in Khan Younis.
3. Israel - Hamas Negotiations losing momentum.
4. Ukraine Kursk operation strengthens hand for potential Peace Talks. Russia not in the mood.
5. Germany lays out Ukraine war materiel for the remainder of 2024, and 2025.
Includes air defense systems, dozens of armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition.
6. Australia and Kongsberg to Build Joint & Naval Strike Missiles in New South Wales.
7. New Radar system (AN/TPY-6) heads to Guam in support of the strategic island's Air and Missile Defense Architecture.
8. Missile Defense Agency says the Long-Range Discriminator Radar (LRDR) to undergo further testing in 2025.
Built by Lockheed Martin, LRDR was fielded at Clear Space Force Station in central Alaska in late 2021, though the radar has not yet been operationally accepted by the US Space Force.

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