I - On Defense Podcast - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

243: NATO Annual Report (2023) + Netherlands Selects Naval Group (France) to Build 4 x New Submarines + US Navy FY25 Budget + UK Army Participates in Project Convergence '24 + More Mar 17, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X
16 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthis launched two unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. US CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed one UAV and the other is presumed to have crashed into the Red Sea.
16 Mar- US CENTCOM Forces destroyed five unmanned surface vessels and
one UAV in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense.
2. ABC Report via Times of Israel: Complaints of slowdown of military materiel (155mm & 120mm munitions) from US to Israel. US says there is no change to current policy.
3. NATO Annual Report (2023).
4. Netherlands Selects Naval Group (France) to Build 4 x New Submarines.
Vessel names already decided: Orka (Orca), Zwaardvis (Swordfish), Barracuda and Tijgerhaai (Tiger Shark).
5. UK Army sends the 1st Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team (1 DRS BCT) to participate in Project Convergence 2024.
6. US Navy FY25 Budget— $203.9 billion for the US Navy and $53.7 billion for USMC.

242: Israel - Hamas Negotiations Continue While IDF Rafah Plan Set + UK Defense Minister Plane Jammed Flying near Kaliningrad + UK to Procure CH-47 Extended Range Chinooks + USMC FY25 Budget Request + More Mar 16, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
14 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden and two additional ASBMs towards the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported to U.S. or coalition ships. Additionally, United States Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed nine anti-ship missiles and two unmanned aerial vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
15 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
2. Israel - Hamas Negotiations Continue While IDF Rafah Plan Set. Talks to continue in Qatar.
3. Leaders of Germany, France and Poland meet in Berlin to discuss Ukraine support.
4. UK to Procure CH-47 Extended Range Chinooks.
5. UK Defense Minister Plane Jammed Flying near Kaliningrad.
6. USMC FY25 Budget Request.
7. USMC Medium Landing Ship (LSM) (once called the Light Amphibious Warship), makes the FY25 Budget Books. Ship designed to fill the gap in capability between the Navy’s large, multipurpose amphibious warfare class ships and smaller landing vessels. Ship will deploy tailored logistics, select power projection and support strike capabilities via the embarked Marine Littoral Regiment.

241: US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine Worth $300M + US Army Tests Extended Range MLRS / HIMARS Missile + F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a Program of Record (official) + FY 2025 USAF Budget Request + More Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
12 Mar- U.S. Army Vessels (USAV SP4 James A. Loux (LSV-6), USAV Monterrey (LCU30), USAV Matamoros (LCU26), and USAV Wilson Warf (LCU11) from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), departed Joint Base Langley-Eustis en-route to the E. Mediterranean to establish a roll-on, roll-off dock capability that allows ship to shore humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
12 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea. The missile did not impact the vessel and there were no injuries or damage reported. United States Central Command and a coalition vessel successfully engaged and destroyed two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
2. IDF reports over 4,000 targets struck during the war in the north (Lebanon) against Hezbollah.
3. US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine Worth $300M. Includes artillery ammunition (105mm & 155mm), Stinger missiles, Anti-tank munitions, and other materiel.
4. US Army and Lockheed Martin test the Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile at White Sands, NM. Range reported to be over 150k (nearly doubled from 70k).
5. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program achieves Milestone C (yay).
6. FY2025 USAF Budget Request from Breaking Defense (Michael Marrow).

240: France to Collaborate with Ukraine for Arms Production + UAE Tests the Infantry Squad Vehicle + US Army FY25 Budget Request is $185.9 Billion + More Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
11 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of into the Red Sea toward merchant vessel Pinocchio, a Singaporean-owned, Liberian-flagged ship. The missiles did not impact the vessel and there were no injuries or damage reported.
Also on 11 Mar, United States Central Command conducted six self-defense strikes destroying an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen.
2. Politico Report: Unnamed US Officials say that President could establish conditions of US military support to Israel- in regards to potential Rafah operation.
3. France to Collaborate with Ukraine for Arms Production in areas of drone and land equipment sectors.
4. UAE Tests the Infantry Squad Vehicle. Test included 2 x day sustainment/recovery evaluation and over 2,000 kilometers of operation over varied terrain.
5. A report published by the Association of the US Army (AUSA) argues that Army should invest more in its wet-gap crossing capabilities to prepare for its role in future conflict.
6. US Army FY25 Budget Request is $185.9 Billion. Nice rundown by Ashley Roque (Breaking Defense).

239: F-35A Now Nuclear-Capable Fighter + UK to Provide Large Numbers of First Person View Drones & Loitering Munitions to Ukraine + US Army Transportation Brigade Deploys to Mediterranean + More Mar 10, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
09 Mar- U.S. and Coalition forces downed a total of at least 28 uncrewed aerial vehicles between 1600-2030 (local time).
U.S. Army Vessel (USAV) General Frank S. Besson (LSV-1) from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, departed Joint Base Langley-Eustis en route to the Eastern Mediterranean less than 36 hours after President Biden announced the U.S. would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea. Besson, a logistics support vessel, is carrying the first equipment to establish a temporary pier to deliver vital humanitarian supplies.
2. US Army 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) will construct Joint-Logistics Over the Shore pier. The JLOTS military purpose: It allows a heavy force to be moved from ship to shore without the benefit of a modern deepwater port.
3. When Ramadan arriving (10 Mar) and no Hostage deal- will IDF begin operations in Rafah.
4. Strong potential for (future) IDF incursion into Southern Lebanon against Hezbollah.
5. UK to Provide Large Numbers of First Person View Drones & Loitering Munitions to Ukraine.
6. V-22 Osprey Fleet flying again (08 Mar).
7. F-35A (variants) are now nuclear-capable fighters.

238: US to Build a Temporary Pier for Gaza Humanitarian Support + China to Develop 4th Aircraft Carrier + US Army to Establish Deep-Sensing (Targeting) Cross Functional Team + More Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

For review- (shorter episodes planned for next two weeks)
1. US CENTCOM X:
06 Mar- At approximately 11:30 a.m. (local time) an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen toward M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier, while transiting the Gulf of Aden. The missile struck the vessel, and the multinational crew reports three
fatalities, at least four injuries, of which three are in critical condition, and significant damage to the ship.
07 Mar- Central Command Forces and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Northern Gaza to provide essential relief to civilians in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict.
07 Mar- CENTCOM Forces conducted self-defense strikes against four mobile Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) and one Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Additionally, CENTCOM Forces shot down three UAVs launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden.
2. President Biden says that the US will Build a Pier (temporary) for Gaza Humanitarian Support .
3. China 2024 Defense Budget increases 7.2%. 2024 budget is $236.1 billion.
4. China to develop a 4th Aircraft Carrier.
5. US Navy Chief of Naval Operations (Admiral Lisa Franchetti) is committed to the requirement of 31 Amphibious Ships.
6. US Army defends change of Aviation Strategy as a result of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA).
7. US Army (Army Futures Command) to announce a "Deep Sensing" Cross-Functional Team. Time frame and location unknown.

237: Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations Continue + Netherlands to Develop New Frigates + Iran Weapons Display at Doha (Qatar) Trade Show + Canada & Germany Procure Boeing P-8 Poseidon Aircraft + More Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
04 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired 2 x anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen into the Gulf of Aden at M/V MSC SKY II, a Liberian-flagged, Swiss-owned container vessel. One of the missiles impacted the vessel causing damage. Initial reports indicate there were no injuries; the ship did not request assistance and continued on its way. At 8 p.m. (local), CENTCOM Forces conducted self-defense strikes against 2 x anti-ship cruise missiles.
2. Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations Continue as Ramadan gets closer.
3. Sudan rejects Iran’s bid for Red Sea naval base.
4. Iran Weapons at Doha (Qatar) Trade Show- include air defense systems, Naval Vessel Mock-ups, and rifles and machine guns.
5. Netherlands plans to order 4 x new air-defense frigates to replace current fleet (worth $3.8 billion).
6. Poland continues defense modernization. Signed deal for the US Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System- which will integrate with the Wisla (Patriot) & Narew Air Defense programs. In addition, will purchase 286 x light armored recon vehicles.
7. Canada & Germany Procure Boeing P-8 Poseidon Aircraft- Canada (14); Germany (3).
8. Thailand Air Force Modernization includes new Fighters, Air Defense Systems, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
9. US Army tests Next Generation Squad Weapon- XM7 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle- plus the XM157 Fire Control (Optic)- at the Cold Regions Test Center (Fort Greeley, Alaska).

236: Pentagon will Lift V-22 Osprey Grounding Next Week +Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations Falter + Army National Guard Grounds all Helicopters following AH-64 Crash + US Army Sends DE-MSHORAD to CENTCOM AOR + More Mar 02, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Pentagon will Lift V-22 Osprey Grounding Next Week.
2. Army National Guard Grounds all Helicopters following fatal AH-64 Crash in Mississippi.
3. US CENTCOM X:
29 Feb- between 1800-1915 hours (local), CENTCOM Forces conducted 2 x self-defense strikes against 6 x mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea. Earlier, at approximately 1710 (local), CENTCOM Forces shot down 1 x unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Red Sea in self-defense.
4. US Army Sends DE-MSHORAD to CENTCOM AOR. In early Feb, US Army sent 4 x DE-MSHORAD to CENTCOM for testing.
The Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (DE-MSHORAD) integrates a 50-kilowatt laser onto a Stryker Combat Vehicle to down Group 1-3 (type) aerial drones, plus incoming rockets, artillery and mortars.
5. Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations Falter.
6. US blocks UN Security Council resolution blaming Israel for deaths during Gaza aid incident. The text of the draft resolution was not available.
7. European nations source hundreds of thousands artillery rounds for donation to Ukraine.
8. Netherlands orders 9 x DITA Self-propelled 155mm Howitzers from Czech Republic for donation to Ukraine. DITA rate of fire is six rounds per minute, reducing to five rounds per minute during prolonged firing. The system basic load 40 x rounds and can displace in 45 seconds.
9. Pressure mounts on Germany ( and Chancellor Olaf Scholz) to provide Taurus long-range precision missiles to Ukraine.
10. From Canada Defense Minster (Bill Blair):
Canada is open to sending a limited number of troops to Ukraine.
Canadian troops will not take part in combat operations, but will train Ukrainian soldiers (far from the front-lines).

235: Ukraine Considers Inviting Russia to Peace Summit in Switzerland + France Considers Sending Troops to Ukraine? + Singapore to Procure More F35s + US Army Force Structure Changes + More Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
27 Feb- Between 2150 & 2255 (local), US aircraft and a Coalition warship shot down 5 x Iranian-backed Houthi one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the Red Sea.
2. Israel and Hamas continue Hostage-Prisoner negotiations as Ramadan gets closer (10 Mar).
3. Ukraine Considers Inviting Russia to Peace Summit in Switzerland .
4. France Considers Sending Troops to Ukraine? US, Italy, UK, and Germany say no. Spain, Czech Republic, and Poland also against the idea.
5. Ukraine Ambassador (Vasyl Myroshnychenko) visits Australia. Makes appeal for Australia's unused MRH-90 Taipan Helicopters and aging M1 Tanks.
6. Australia to dispose MRH-90 Taipan Helicopter fleet by removing and selling valuable parts- then burying remaining airframes. Controversy ensures at this disposal plan due to conflicts with other option of donating the helicopters to Ukraine for wartime CASEVAC missions.
7. Digging deeper into the above story. Article from Asia-Defence Reporter (Kym Bergmann) that accuses the Australia Army and Government of not wanting to provide the MRH-90 Taipan fleet to Ukraine- " to stop anyone else (Ukraine) from using them. In their minds (Government of Australia & Army), the fate of Ukraine is far less important than covering up for their own incompetence and mismanagement (of not properly employing the Taipan fleet)."
8. Australian Navy to more than double surface fleet- from 11 to 26 warships.
Future surface fleet will feature 9 x Tier 1 destroyers and frigates, 11 x Tier 2 frigates, and 6 x optionally manned vessels.
9. Singapore’ Air Force to buy 8 x F-35A Fighters- adding to the 12 F-35Bs already on order. Singapore will become the 4th Nation to have both F-35 A & B variants- joining US, Japan, & Italy.
10. US Army new Force Structure released.
Snapshot:
Reductions in Brigade Combat Team Engineer Battalions, Cavalry Squadrons, and Heavy Weapons Companies.
Additions in Multi-Domain Task Forces (2); Indirect Fore Protection Capability Battalions, and Counter-UAS Batteries.
Read Defense News Article (Jen Judson) for full rundown.
Or read the Whitepaper:
https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2024/02/27/091989c9/army-white-paper-army-force-structure-transformation.pdf

234: US-UK Conducted Strikes Against Houthis + IDF Will Continue Strikes in North + Iron Sting 120mm Precision Mortar + Hungary Ratifies Sweden NATO Membership + More Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
26 Feb- CENTCOM Forces destroyed 3 x unmanned surface vessels (USV), 2 x mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), and 1 x one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in self-defense.
2. From Department of Defense statement (24 Feb):
US and UK, with support from allied nations, struck 18 Houthi targets on 24 Feb.
Supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand, the strikes focused on 8 x locations in Yemen that held underground weapons storage facilities, drone systems, air defense systems, and missile storage facilities.
3. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with American TV (CBS Face the Nation).
Money quote: "A lot of things that we were told by the best of friends initially turned out to not be true- they said you can’t enter the ground war without having enormous complications, they said you can’t enter Gaza City, you can’t go into the tunnels, it will be a terrible bloodbath.’ All that turned out to be not true."
4. Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: Israel would increase its strikes on Hezbollah in response to its daily attacks on northern Israel, including amid a potential temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
5. Reportedly (Jerusalem Post)- Post Israel-Hamas War- Palestinian Technocratic Officials could take over (Palestinian) government management during an initial transitional phase until elections can be held at a later time.
6. Nice report on the Iron Sting- a 120mm Precision Mortar system (Mounted)- used by the IDF in combat.
7. Hungary Ratifies Sweden NATO Membership. Sweden becomes the 32d NATO Member state. (AT4s and Carl Gs for everyone!)
8. Russia-Ukraine War at Year 2: 155mm production, NATO Member GDP, Russia War Economy, & US support.
9. Canada's Defense Minister Bill Blair: I’ve entered into the memorandum of understanding with the Czech Republic, with respect to perhaps acquiring munitions that they currently have in their possession that will enable us to … make them available more rapidly to Ukraine as we ramp up our own production.
In addition- Canada will send 800 x SkyRanger R70 Drones to Ukraine worth $70.3 million.
10. US Department of Defense Inspector General: The US Defense Department (US Army) provided Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles, M1 Abrams Tanks, and Patriots Air Defense Systems to Ukraine, without a sustainment plan (for the future).

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

I – On Defense Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected