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Latest Episodes:

283: IDF Destroys 2k Tunnel Adjacent to Rafah Border Crossing + IDF to Build a third F-35 Squadron + Houthi Rebels Fire Solid Fuel Missile + US B-1B Bomber Drops Precision Munition at South Korean Range + More Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Follow-up. More than 70 Israeli defense firms uninvited to Eurosatory Defense Expedition in Paris. Some defense firm executives shrug-off decision as unpleasant but note little effect on the bottom line.
2. IDF Destroys 2k Tunnel Adjacent to Rafah Border Crossing.
3. Israel - Hamas hostage negotiations continue without sign of breakthrough.
4. IDF to Build a third F-35 Squadron. First aircraft deliveries to begin in 2028, with final delivery estimated in 2036 for all 25 warplanes.
5. Houthi Rebels Fire Solid Fuel Missile toward Israeli town of Eilat. No injuries or damage reported. Houthi rebels unveiled a new, solid-fuel missile that resemble one displayed by Iran that Tehran described as hypersonic.
6. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliated news agency (Tasnim), reports that missile technology is at the disposal” of the militias (Houthi).
7. Large Baltic NATO Exercise runs from 07-20 June and will include warships from over 20 nations. BALTOPS 2024 will include antisubmarine warfare, gunnery drills, amphibious operations, mine clearing and medical responses.
8. US B-1B Bomber Drops Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), at South Korean Range.

282: IDF Prepares for Operations on Northern Border + President Biden Will Not Attend Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland + Japan Rail Gun Development + US Army IVAS Update + More Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. IDF Prepares for Operations on Northern Border.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi : “We are approaching the point where a decision will have to be made, and the IDF is prepared and very ready for this decision."
2. President Biden Will Not Attend Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland.
Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will represent the US.
3. Russia considers western military instructors inside Ukraine a legitimate target.
Kremlin spokesman (Dmitry Peskov): "Any instructors who are engaged in training the Ukrainian regime do not have any immunity. It does not matter whether they are French or not."
4. Security package and NATO-member bilateral agreements will be offered to Ukraine during the NATO Summit in July (held in Washington D.C.).
5. Italy preparing to send 9th security assistance package to Ukraine. Package will include a SAMP/T air defense battery.
6. Finland strengthening coastal defense capabilities with mobile artillery procurement.
7. Chinese Defense Minister speaks at the Shangri La Dialogue and drives home disapproval of Taiwan Independence (repeatedly).
8. Japan enters Rail Gun development cooperation agreement with France and Germany.
9. US Army 155mm artillery modernization stirs defense industry opportunities and competition.
10, Latest US Army Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) update.
Microsoft reorganization will "prioritize" work on IVAS.

281: Latest on Israel - Hamas Hostage Release Deal + Ukraine President Appearance at Shangri-La Dialogue + US Army M1E3 Abrams Developments + More Jun 02, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Latest on Israel - Hamas Hostage Release Deal.
2. Israeli Defense companies uninvited to the 2024 Eurosatory Defense Show in Paris, France. More than 70 Israeli companies had been scheduled to participate
3. Ukraine President surprise appearance at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Seeks the support of Asian governments and attendance at the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland later this month.
4. US and other NATO countries authorize Ukraine to conduct limited cross-border strikes into Russia with donated weaponry.
5. Sweden to arm amphibious assault boats with air defense weapons.
6. Sierra Nevada preparing to start development and build of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center aircraft. SNC plans to buy five Boeing 747-8 planes from Korean Air to convert into flying operations centers, with the last scheduled for delivery in September 2025.
7. US Army M1E3 Abrams future developments include an active protection system, reduced weight (from 73 tons to under 60 tons), and autoloader capabilities among other modern features.

280: IDF Controls Philadelphi Corridor + US-UK Strikes Houthi Rebels + Italy to Develop New Armored Fighting Vehicle + F35B Crash in New Mexico + More May 31, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US-UK Strikes Houthi Rebels with airstrikes.
2. IDF Controls Philadelphi Corridor. Along the corridor, IDF said it has located so far some 20 tunnels that cross into Egypt.
3. IDF finish operations in Northern Gaza city of Jabalya. In addition to destroying 12 kilometers of tunnels, the IDF finds the remains of seven hostages taken and killed by Hamas on 7 October.
4. Israel considers development of the M61 Vulcan for counter-drone use.
5. Sweden to provide Ukraine military equipment worth $1.3 billion. Includes 155mm artillery rounds, Medium Range Air-to-Air missiles, and PBV 302 Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
6. Sweden and Austria to procure 12 each, UH-60M Black Hawks helicopters- in a deal worth $900 million & $1.05 billion respectively.
7. Italy to Develop New Armored Fighting Vehicle (Tracked). Italian Army wants a design by December 2024, prototypes between 2027 & 2028, deliveries starting in 2029. The goal is to build 1,050.
8. F35B Crash in New Mexico. Pilot injured.
9. US Defense Secretary (Lloyd Austin) meets with Chinese Defense Minister (Dong Jun) in Singapore.

279: IDF Pushes Tanks into Central Rafah + Report: IDF Using Unmanned M113 APCs + Switzerland to host Ukraine Peace Summit in June + US Gaza Pier Needs Repair + More May 28, 2024

Show notes

For Review:
1. US Gaza Pier Needs Repair. The pier will be pulled from the beach and sent to the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, where U.S. Central Command will repair it.
2. IDF continues investigation into the deadly fire that occurred after a strike on two Hamas commanders in Rafah. IDF suspects that munitions or some other combustible substance caused a secondary explosion and a fire to spread in a complex housing displaced Gazans.
3. IDF Pushes Tanks into Central Rafah. IDF tanks were spotted near Al-Awda mosque, a central Rafah landmark, the witnesses said.
4. Report: IDF Using Unmanned M113 APCs in Rafah ground campaign.
5. Spain and Belgium provide commitments for future military aid to Ukraine.
6. Switzerland to host Ukraine Peace Summit from 15-16 June 2024. Russia not invited.
7. Sweden's Air Force wants long-range missiles and more personnel.
8. Sweden brings increased naval capability to NATO via vast submarine experience and an increased focus on sea bed warfare.

278: Israel - Egypt Cross Border Shooting + Ukraine Senior General Syrsky: France Sending Military Instructors to Ukraine + Sweden Permits Donated Weapons Use in Russia + USAF B-21 Flight + More May 27, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Israel - Egypt Cross Border Shooting results in death of Egyptian Soldier.
Spokesperson for Egypt’s military said it was carrying out an investigation “into the shooting incident in the border area in Rafah, which led to the martyrdom of one of the [security] personnel.”
2. In Rafah, IDF carries out strike that kills two Senior Hamas Commanders. As a result, Israel believes shrapnel from the strike ignited a fuel tank near tents housing Palestinian, causing civilian casualties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Despite our efforts not to hurt them, there was a tragic mishap. We are investigating the incident."
3. Sweden Permits Weapons Use in Russia. Sweden has provided Ukraine Archer self-propelled howitzers (155mm), anti-ship missiles, and anti-tank weapons- as well as ammunition and spare parts.
4. Ukraine Senior General Oleksandr Syrsky: France Sending Military Instructors to Ukraine.
“I have already signed the documents that will allow the first French instructors to visit our training centers soon and get acquainted with their infrastructure and personnel."
5. International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) announces military aid worth $190 million.
Allows procurement of air defense systems and maritime equipment including small boats and loitering munitions.
6. Poland investing $2.5 billion into eastern border (with Belarus) infrastructure project called Shield-East.
7. USAF B-21 Raider continues flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
8. US Army seeking 155mm munitions to achieve 70k range. Munition must be capable of operating in GPS denied environments and compatible with current and future 155mm cannons. Initial Operational Capability is FY30.

277: US Gaza Pier Vessels Disconnect in Stormy Sea + Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine worth $275 Million + Ukraine F-16 Pilots Ready for Combat in Weeks + More May 26, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US Gaza Pier Vessels Disconnect in Stormy Seas.
Four vessels broke free from moorings, and efforts to recover the vessels were underway with assistance from the Israeli Navy.
2. IDF continues Rafah Operation despite ruling from International Criminal Court. Israeli officials said they consider the ICJ order to allow room for some operations in Rafah.
3. US Department of Defense Release from 24 May 2024, concerning SECDEF Health Status.
4. US Department of Defense Release from 24 May 2024:
Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine Worth $275 Million.
Includes, HIMARS munitions, cannon artillery ammunition, and anti-tank weapons, among other materiel.
5. NYT Report via Defense Post: US to consider allowing Ukraine to employ American long-range weapons in Russian territory.
6. Opinion Article by Geoff LaMear via Defense News. Based upon Russian overmatch in personnel, artillery, and combat drones, the author argues that US should encourage Ukraine to begin negotiation with Russia.
6. Ukraine F-16 Pilots Ready for Combat in Weeks.
It is that the first F-16 combat sorties could take place in June or July.
7. Opinion Article by Chan Mo Ku & Jinwan Park via Breaking Defense.
Authors make case for a Quad of Northern Pacific Nations (US, Canada, South Korea, & Japan) to counterbalance Russian and Chinese collaboration (and expansion) in the Arctic Region.

276: Three US Soldiers Sustain Non-Combat Injuries during Gaza Pier Operations + IDF Locates 4 Hostages in Tunnel Shaft Underneath House + China's PLA Drills around Taiwan + HASC Draft NDAA is $883.7 Billion + More May 23, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Three US Soldiers Sustain Non-Combat Injuries during Gaza Pier Operations.
2. Iran claims that Turkey's assistance (via infrared capable drone) did not aid in finding Iranian President's helicopter wreckage site.
Story calls into question the capabilities of Iranian drones and unmanned aircraft systems.
3. Hezbollah fires 30 munitions into Northern Israel (from Lebanon). This occurred after IDF strike that killed senior Hezbollah member responsible for weapons procurement.
4. IDF (Paratroopers and Engineers) Locate 4 Hostages in Tunnel Shaft Underneath House in Jabaliya.
5. Russian forces capture THeMIS robotic vehicle in Ukraine.
The robotic vehicle has a two million ruble bounty ($22,000.00) from a Russian Think Tank (Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies ).
The THeMIS is made by Milrem Robotics and is used for equipment transport and de-mining operations in Ukraine.
6. US House Armed Service Committee (HASC) Draft NDAA is $883.7 billion.
Next step- the Draft NDAA goes to full House for vote.
7. China's Peoples Liberation Army conducts provocative drills around Taiwan.

275: IDF Controls Half of Philadelphi Corridor + Spain Security Package to Ukraine includes Patriot Missiles, Leopard Tanks, & 155mm Munitions + US Navy Successfully Fires Patriot Missile via Aegis System + More May 21, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Follow-up: Iranian President (Ebrahim Raisi) dies in helicopter crash in bad weather and mountainous terrain. Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has named the first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, as interim President. The election for a successor will be held 28 June.
2. IDF Controls Half of Philadelphi Corridor. The IDF has estimated that some 950,000 Palestinians had evacuated the Rafah area, as ground forces operate in East Rafah.
3. Ukrainian President (Volodymyr Zelensky) wants NATO nations to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine from their own airspace.
4. Spain's latest Security Package to Ukraine includes Patriot Missiles, Leopard Tanks, & 155mm Munitions.
5. The Czech-led initiative to procure 122mm & 155mm artillery ammo for Ukraine is progressing.
Deputy Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic: The first 180,000 shells have been contracted and should arrive by June.
6. South Korean Defense Firms sign two large deals in Peru:
- Heavy Hyundai Industries (HHI) for construction of one frigate, two landing craft units, & an offshore patrol vessel. Deal is worth $460 million with delivery in 2029.
- Hyundai Rotem for 30 x White Tiger Armored Vehicles for Peruvian Army.
Deal is worth approximately $60 million.
7. US Navy Successfully Fires Patriot Missile via Aegis System at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
8. US Army signs a $756 million contract with Lockheed Martin to support the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) effort.
Lockheed Martin will provide LRHW Battery equipment, system & software engineering, and logistics support.

274: Iranian President's Helicopter Crashes in Mountainous Region + US Forces Begin Departing Niger + Latest Denmark Assistance to Ukraine worth $813.5 million + More May 19, 2024

Show notes

For Review:
1. Iranian President's (Ebrahim Raisi) Helicopter Crashes in Mountainous Region.
Condition of passengers unknown. Heavy fog and bad weather challenge rescue efforts.
2. Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) rejects normalization with Saudi Arabia at the cost of a two-state solution- (with Hamas in control- marginalized or not).
3. US Forces Begin Departing Niger. All US Forces will depart country by 15 September 2024.
4. Latest Denmark Assistance to Ukraine worth $813.5 million.
5. The European Defense Fund (EDF) to invest $1.3 billion on 54 multinational research and development military projects.
These include: future main battle tanks; new airlift capabilities; counter unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS); and directed energy weapons.
6. MBDA will lead multi-national group for a European Hypersonic Defense Interceptor Study. Project partners include France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Project goal is to develop an endo-atmospheric hypersonic and ballistic missile interceptor by 2035.
7. Rheinmetall to open air defense repair facility in Ukraine.
Facility will serve as a repair base for IRIS-T SL, Skynex 30, and Gepard systems.
8. Germany and Slovakia negotiate to continue operating the KNDS repair hub for German & French manufactured combat vehicles damaged in Ukraine,

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