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223: IDF Advanced Tunnel Tactics + Denmark Sends Air Defense Frigate to Red Sea + Czech Republic Joins F-35 Club + US-Japan to Collaborate on Manned -Unmanned Air Teaming Effort + More Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US Soldiers (3) killed in Drone strike at base in Jordan. Soldiers assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion.
2. In wake of deadly drone attack, US CENTCOM to analyze counter-UAS needs and procedures at bases within the Area of Responsibility.
3. Syrian state media reports Iranian advisers killed in strike near Damascus. Iranian Ambassador to Syria denies Iranian casualties.
4. IDF develops advanced subterranean tactics in Southern Gaza against Khan Younis Hamas battalions.
5. Denmark sends Air Defense Frigate (Iver Huitfeldt) to the Red Sea to protect international shipping. Vessel will join the US-led Prosperity Guardian.
6. Czech Republic signs deal to purchase 24 F-35 Fighters, becoming the 18th nation to employ the 5th Generation warplanes. First aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2031. Full Operational Capability in 2035. Deal is worth $5.6 billion.
7. North Korea (reportedly) launched 2 x cruise missiles (Pulhwasal 3-31) from submarine into the Sea of Japan.
8. US and Japan will partner on the future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The CCA will operate with manned platforms during electronic warfare, suppression of air defenses, and other missions (lethal).

222: IDF Ground Operations Update + Turkey's F-16 Deal Approved + Greece to purchase F-35s + USMC V-22 Osprey Update + More Jan 27, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Russian report: Russian Il-76 Transport Plane shot down carrying 65 Prisoners of War set for exchange. Associated Press outlet and US government cannot confirm.
2. Report; UK and Germany in discussion for long-range missile transfer: UK Storm Shadows to Ukraine -in return- Germany provides Taurus missiles to the UK.
3. Skynex air defense battery (Rheinmetall Italia) goes to Ukraine- a second battery due in March 2024.
4. US Central Command (CENTCOM) X:
26 Jan: USS Carney (DDG 64) shoots down 1 x anti-ship ballistic missile, fired by Iran-backed Houthi militants, in the Gulf of Aden.
26 Jan: Iran-backed Houthi militants strike Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda, with anti-ship ballistic missile . All crew safe. Fire in a cargo tank has been put out. Ship was now sailing towards a safe harbor.
27 Jan: U.S. Central Command Forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea.
5. US, Australia, Canada, UK, Italy, Netherlands, and Finland pause funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) due to employee ties to the 07 October 2023 massacre in Israel.
6. Large numbers of Palestinian citizens evacuate Southern Gaza during IDF Offensive in Western Khan Younis.
7. Turkey's F-16 Deal Approved & Greece to purchase F-35s. Deals tied to Sweden's NATO membership.
8. German Consortium to develop Short and Very Short Range Air Defense System. Three companies are: Rheinmetall (35mm Gun); Diehl (IRIS-T SLM Guided Missile) , and Hensoldt (Sensor). Contract worth $1.3 billion.
9. US Army starts competition for a second interceptor for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc2). Down-select planned for FY27.
10. USMC Assistant Commandant ( and Acting Commandant), provides update on V-22 Osprey grounding.

221: No Deal on Latest Hostage Negotiations Israel - Hamas + Armor Not Dead: Lithuania to Procure 1 x Battalion of Leopard 2 Tanks + Ukraine Defense Contact Group Establishes Armor & Drone Capability Coalitions + More Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X: 24 Jan 2024; US CENTCOM Forces strike Kataib Hezbollah (KH) capabilities in Iraq. Targets included KH headquarters, storage and training locations for rocket, missile, and one-way attack UAV capabilities.
2. US and Iraq discussing future of US Military presence in the country. Currently, the US has 2,500 Troops in Iraq as part of the anti-ISIS coalition.
3. US CENTCOM X: 24 Jan 2024; Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the U.S.-flagged/ owned/operated container ship M/V Maersk Detroit (Gulf of Aden). One missile impacted in the sea. The two other missiles were successfully engaged and shot down by the USS Gravely (DDG 107). No reported injuries/damage to the vessel.
4. No Deal on Latest Hostage Negotiations between Israel & Hamas. Egypt and Qatar are brokering these negotiations.
5. Ukraine Defense Contact Group #19 Establishes Armor & Drone Coalitions. Poland will lead the Armor Coalition. Latvia will lead the Drone Coalition. These latest 2 coalitions are added to existing capability coalitions: Air Force; Artillery; Maritime Security; Ground-Based Air Defense; De-mining; & Information Technology.
(That's 8 x capability coalitions- by my count)
6. From the Armor Not Dead Files: Lithuania to Procure 1 x Battalion of Leopard 2 Tanks from Germany.
(roughly 58 Tanks for a pure Armor Battalion- my guess)
7. Romania will increase Defense Spending in 2024. Planned 2 x major contacts for land systems: 1. Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles (298 x new vehicles); and 2. Tracked Artillery Systems- (54 x self-propelled 155mm).
8. North Korea fires several cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea- increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

220: US/UK Strike Houthis with Tomahawk Missiles and Warplanes + IDF: Fierce Fighting in S. Gaza + USAF B21 Raider in Low-Rate Production + Armor Not Dead: UK Shows Challenger 3 MBT Prototype + More Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Sad Story: US Navy identified two Navy Seals lost at sea following a boarding mission on 11 January 2024.
2. US and UK strikes Houthi Rebels in Yemen with Tomahawk Missiles and Warplanes (F/A 18E/F Super Hornets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and UK Royal Air Force Typhoon jets). Tomahawks fired from Guided Missile Cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), and Guided Missile Destroyers USS Mason (DDG-87) & USS Gravely (DDG-107).
3. IDF reports fierce fighting in Southern Gaza. Four Units from the 98th Division in action: Commando Brigade, Paratroop Brigade, Givati Brigade, & 7th Brigade.
4. Israel reportedly offers proposal for (up to two-month) pause in Gaza fighting for return of all hostages. Release of Palestinian prisoners is also reported to part of the proposal.
5. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (Dr. William La Plante) directs USAF B-21 Raider bomber to begin Low-Rate Production.
6. From the Armor Not Dead Files: UK Shows Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank Prototype. Upgrades from Challenger 2 include: 120mm smoothbore gun; Digitized Turret; Trophy Active Protection System (APS); & Modular Armor System.
7. UK Army Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) news. British Army has received 2 x prototypes which are undergoing trials.
(Artec- Rheinmetall Landsysteme-Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) joint venture makes Boxer MIV)
8. France Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announces Artillery for Ukraine framework that will focus on sending 78 x Caesar Mobile 155mm artillery systems plus other materiel (including 155mm munitions). Other systems include: ground-to-air defense, armored vehicles, air forces (platforms), and maritime security.
9. South Korea leads the way. South Korean military establishes the Drone Operations Command that consolidates drone (offensive) and counter-drone (defensive) operations and training. This Joint Command is led by Major General (Army).

219: IRGC Struck in Syria + Multiple Rockets & Ballistic Missiles Target US Base in in Iraq + UK Tests Direct Energy Weapon + USAF Sentinel ICBM Program Exceeds Cost Projections + More Jan 20, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X (Twitter) 20 January- multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most missiles were intercepted by the base’s air defense systems while others impacted on the base. Damage assessments are ongoing.
2. 1. US CENTCOM X (Twitter) 19/20 January- US CENTCOM Forces destroy Houthi Anti-ship missiles aimed at the Southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
3. President Biden acknowledges that US strikes have not deterred Houthi forces and that more US strikes will occur.
4. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence Chief in Syria and his Deputy are killed during a precision air strike in Damascus. Other IRGC members also killed- ranks unknown.
5. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells President Biden that he has not ruled out the creation of a Palestinian State- however, Israel must maintain security control (a vital condition).
6. UK tests Direct Energy weapon in Northwest Scotland.
7. Pakistan's Air Force claims that it possesses hypersonic missile capability.
8. Defense News Opinion Article on US failure to develop a threat hypersonic missile defense capability (against China).
9. USAF Sentinel ICBM Program Exceeds Cost Projections. Projected cost (2020 dollars) $118 million per missile; new projected cost- $168 million per missiles (37% increase).
10. US Army activates a second Mid-Range Capability (also known as Strategic Mid-Range Fires System) battery in the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA). Battery will employ Tomahawk and SM-6 Missiles- with ranges between 300 miles (Precision Strike Missile) and 1,750 miles (Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon).

218: US to Designate Houthis as Specifically Designated Global Terrorists + France to Provide Scalp Missiles to Ukraine + USMC Developing Medium-Range Air Defense Capability + Spain Purchasing 120mm & 155mm Munitions + More Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X (Twitter); 17 Jan: one-way attack UAS, launched from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen, struck M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden (Marshall Islands flagged, U.S. owned/operated bulk carrier ship). No injuries and some damage reported. Vessel is seaworthy and continuing underway.
2. Statement from US National Security Advisor (Jake Sullivan): US to Designate Houthis as Specifically Designated Global Terrorists (effective 30 days from 17 Jan 2024).
3. US CENTCOM reports that US Navy Forces operating from the USS Lewis B. Puller, seized Iranian materiel bound for the Houthis in Yemen. Items seized include propulsion, guidance, and warheads for Houthi medium range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), as well as air defense associated components. 2 US Navy Seals lost at sea during this operation on 11 Jan 2024.
4. Israel Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) reportedly rejects proposal from US Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) that would normalize Israel's relations with Saudi Arabia- in return for Palestinian statehood. Report is from three unnamed senior US officials.
5. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi say war in the North (with Lebanon) in increasing. The IDF goal in Lebanon — is (to set conditions), for the return of Israeli residents to communities in the north,.
6. France to supply Ukraine with Scalp-EG cruise missiles (French President Emmanuel Macron).
7. Spain Purchasing 120mm Mortars & 155mm Artillery Munitions.
(Destination Ukraine?)
8. Belarus to develop doctrine concerning the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, stationed in the country.
9. USMC Developing Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC).
First Unit Equipped will be the 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (Hawaii), in 2025.

217: IDF Prepares Ground Forces for Long War + Iran Strikes Targets in Northern Iraq/Syria + UK Pledges $3.2 billion to Ukraine in '24 + North Korea Claims Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Launch + More Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X (Twitter): 14 Jan- US Fighter shoots down anti-ship cruise fired from Houthi-Controlled Yemen. No injuries or damages reported.
2. US CENTCOM X (Twitter): 15 Jan- Iran backed Houthi Rebels fired and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle- Marshall Islands-flagged/US owned and operated container ship. The ship reported no injuries or significant damage and continue journey. Later US Forces detected an anti-ship missile, fired toward Southern Red Sea shipping lanes. The missile failed in flight, and impacted on land in Yemen. No damage or injuries reported.
3. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Strikes Targets in Northern Iraq/Syria. Statement from IRGC: "Ballistic missiles were used to destroy espionage centers and gatherings of anti-Iranian terrorist groups in the region."
4. IDF Prepares Ground Forces for Long War. Rotates the 36th Division back to Israel for Rest/Relaxation, followed by training for future operations. 3 x Divisions continue operations in Gaza Strip: 162d Division in Northern Gaza; 99th Division in Central Gaza; and 98th Division in Southern Gaza.
5. UK Pledges $3.2 billion to Ukraine in 2024. Aid will include funding for drones, artillery ammunition, long-range missiles, air defense and maritime security.
6. Belgium turret and firing system defense company, John Cockerill, to purchase French defense vehicle manufacturer, Arquus. John Cockerill spokesman says "the planned acquisition will be “transformative” for the European defense industry in the area of light tanks".
7. Russian Fighter SU-75 will receive new distorting paint scheme, designed to divert vision away from aircraft contour.
8. North Korea Claims Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Launch, (14 Jan 2024).
9. US Navy Aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), deployed this week from San Diego, California to the Indo-Pacific Theater.
10. US Navy still committed to developing Direct Energy (laser) weapons for future Frigates and Destroyers.
11. US Secretary of the Navy directs comprehensive shipbuilding review. Interim progress review is due in 90 days (*o/a 01 March 2024- my guess).
12. USMC continues testing the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). More testing, system verification, and Initial Operational Evaluation(s) are due before fielding. First Unit Equipped is scheduled to be the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion.

216: US Strikes Houthi Rebels in Yemen (2d in two days) + Possible IDF Ground Operation along Philadelphi Corridor + France Orders 42 Rafale Fighters + NDAA '24 Directs USMC Force Design 2030 Independent Evaluation + More Jan 13, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. 3 x US Foreign Military Sales: 1. Kosovo: Javelin Missiles with Light-weight Command Launched units worth $75 million; 2. Egypt: 28-meter Patrol Craft kits worth $129 million; & 3. Light Tactical Vehicle Chassis and Fleet build (AM General), worth $200 million.
2. US Strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen with Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles fired by US Navy Destroyer Carney (DDG-64).
3. Israel informs Egypt of Possible IDF Ground Operation along Philadelphi Corridor. Philadelphi Corridor is the 12k (8 mile) border between Egypt & Gaza Strip.
4. France orders 42 x new Rafale Fighters (Dassault Aviation) in the Standard 4 configuration. Delivery will be between 2027 and 2032. Deal is worth $5.5 billion.
5. French Navy Vice Admiral Emmanuel Slaars defends use of expensive intercept missiles (Aster 15) to down drones in the Red Sea (fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen). These missiles were fired from the French Frigate, Languedoc.
6. Spanish 120mm Alakran Mortar System integrated on Indian Army Armored Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV). The Alakran system can also employ an 81mm mortar system.
7. Australian Army trains Officers (with the Australian Navy), in support of the Littoral Manoeuvre Program. 18 months of training will prepare Army Officers for employment of Landing Craft, Medium Vessels (ready in 2027) and Landing Craft, Heavy Vessels (ready in 2028).
8. Defense Post Editorial by Gary Anderson (former G-5, Chief of Plans, USMC Expeditionary Force) concerning the NDAA 2024 Directive for the USMC to conduct an Independent Evaluation of the Force Design 2030 Concept.

215: US & UK Strike Houthi Targets in Yemen + Israel Prime Minister: No Displacement of Gaza Population + India's New Assault Rifle (7.62mm) + US Navy to Upgrade Destroyers + More Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US and UK repel complex Houthi attack in Red Sea. Combination of F/A18 Warplanes from the USS Eisenhower (CVN-69), US Navy Destroyers, and a UK Naval Vessel (HMS Diamond) downed incoming UAVs and missiles.
2. US & UK Strike Houthi Targets in Yemen. Targets include UAV, Ballistic & Cruise Missile, Coastal Radar, and Air Surveillance capabilities.
3. UN Security Council passes Resolution to demand end to Houthi Rebel attacks on commercial shipping. Russia , Algeria, China, and Mozambique Abstain.
4. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posts video on social media. Main point is that "Israel has no intention of displacing Gaza population".
5. Based upon intelligence, the IDF reports that Hamas used more than 6,000 tons of concrete and 1,800 tons of steel to build tunnel complexes underneath the Gaza Strip.
6. Lockheed Marin delivers first two (2) of fourteen (14) F16 Block 70 Fighters to Slovakia. 14 order aircraft deal is worth $1.8 billion (December 2018). Deliveries will run through 2025.
7. South Korea to begin production of indigenous fighter (KF-21 Combat Jet). The Contract is with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Once operational, these fighters will replace the F4 Phantom and F5 Tiger fleets.
8. India's New Assault Rifle (7.62mm). Called "Ugram", has range of 500 meters and weighs 8.8lbs.
9. US Navy to Upgrade Flight IIA Destroyers. Will begin with four: USS Pickney (DDG-91); USS James E. Williams (DDG-95); USS Chung Hoon (DDG-93); and USS Halsey (DDG-97). Upgrades include new Aegis Combat System, Air & Missile Defense Radar, and Electronic Warfare (EW) system.
10. US Navy seeks proposal for the Landing Ship Medium Program. Contract award is set for FY2025.
11. Germany's High-Tech Defense Industry reacts to Ukraine War and Supply Chain shadows from COVID-19.

214: IDF Strikes High-Value Targets in Syria & Lebanon + Germany lifts hold on Eurofighter Typhoon sale to Saudi Arabia + China sanctions 5 US Defense Companies + More Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Pentagon Press Secretary MG Patrick Ryder, explains US Secretary of Defense's hospitalization and timeline of notification to key leaders in the administration.
2. US CENTCOM X (Twitter) Post: 06 Jan 2023, USS Laboon (DDG-59) shoots down UAV launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen.
3. IDF strikes central figure in Syria responsible for cross-border rocket attacks.
4. Commander of Hezbollah Radwan Force killed in Lebanon strike.
5. Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, interview in Wall Street Journal: "The world needs to understand. This (war) is different".
6. IDF: Iran plays key role in Hamas (guided) missile production. Underground manufacturing facility discovered in Gaza.
7. Germany lifts hold on Eurofighter Typhoon sale to Saudi Arabia. Despite lifted hold, no deal in place yet.
8. Indonesia pauses procurement of (12) Mirage 2000-5 Fighters from Qatar, due to budget constraints.
9. Taiwan to spend $329 million on repair parts for fleet (54) of operational Mirage 2000-5 Fighters.
10. China sanctions 5 US Defense Companies: BAE Systems Land & Armaments; AeroVironment; Viasat; Alliant Techsystems Operation; & Data Link Solutions.
11. US Navy Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine (USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826)); departs Newport News, VA for Quonset Point, RI for continued build. Lead boat in the Columbia-class nuclear ballistic submarine program- will replace the Ohio-class.

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