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409: Israeli PM Visits Washington D.C. + Ukrainian President Denies Receiving $177 Billion in American Aid + Saudi Arabia Increases Defense Spending in 2025 + German Army to Develop 120mm Turreted Mortar + More Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. Israeli PM Visits Washington D.C.

2. Major General Eyal Zamir to be the new Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff. Major General Zamir’s background in the armored corps is unique for a Israeli Chief of Staff.

3. New Iranian Ballistic Missile (Etemad) can reach Israel with a 1,700 kilometer range.

4. Saudi Arabia Increases Defense Spending in 2025. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has allocated $78 billion for defense spending in 2025, up from $75.8 billion spent in 2024.

5. Ukrainian President Denies Receiving $177 Billion in American Aid. In an interview with the AP: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy noted during an interview that he does not know where $100 billion of the $177 billion that the US has given to Ukraine.

6. US President Trump wants Ukrainian Rare Earth Materials as condition for continued American support to Ukraine. President Donald Trump: “We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earth and other things.”

7. German Army to Develop 120mm Turreted Mortar. Germany and Patria have signed a research and development agreement for the Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) NEMO mortar and mortar command & control variants for the German Armed Forces.

8. Estonia receives the first six of twelve Caesar mobile 155mm howitzers. The newly-established 3rd self-propelled artillery battalion operating under the command of the Estonian Division will be assigned the 155 mm truck cannons.

9. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth travels to Fort Bliss, Texas and meets with US Troops operating on the Southern Border. Secretary Hegseth will also likely announce a further 400 to 500 troops heading to the area. Members of the 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum in New York, will travel to Texas this week to set up a separate headquarters to command the military’s expanded role at the U.S.-Mexico border.

408: Three Israeli Hostages Released After 484 Days of Hamas Captivity + Iran Threatens War in Region if Nuclear Sites Attacked + US Wants Ukraine Presidential Elections Possibly This Year + US Army Mobile 155mm Artillery Effort in 2025 + More Feb 01, 2025

Show notes

For review:

1. From DoD Release: US AFRICOM conducts airstrikes against ISIS operatives in the Golis Mountains of Somalia.

2. Three Israeli Hostages Released After 484 Days of Hamas Captivity.

3. Iran Threatens War in Region if Nuclear Sites Attacked.

4. US Wants Ukraine Presidential Elections Possibly This Year. Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, told Reuters that presidential and parliamentary elections, suspended since the all-out war began, "need to be done." He argued that most democratic nations hold elections during wartime and that doing so would strengthen Ukraine’s democracy.

5. Russia declines to comment of status of N. Korean Troops operating in the Kursk Region.

6. Denmark supports the Ukraine war effort by spending military aid funding on locally-made materiel, instead of foreign equipment. Buying local gets weapons to the front faster and at lower cost, and facilitates training and maintenance.

7. US Army Mobile 155mm Artillery Effort in 2025. The Army is planning to pick an unspecified number of companies to proceed and award Phase I contracts around the July to September timeframe. Those vendors will then participate in additional “competitive evaluation testing” that will run through fiscal 2026.

8. US President Trump directs building of the Iron Dome Missiles Defense Shield for America.

407: US Army Black Hawk Collides with Passenger Jet Near Reagan National Airport + Iran Unveils Long Range / Endurance Drone + Sweden's Latest Military Aid Package to Ukraine Worth $1.2 Billion + More Jan 30, 2025

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For review:
1. US Army Black Hawk Collides with Passenger Jet Near Reagan National Airport.
The two aircraft crashed as the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, with 64 people aboard, was approaching the runway flying over the Potomac River. The Black Hawk was on a training flight from Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir.
There were no survivors found.
2. Eight Hostages released from Gaza after 482 days in captivity- 3 Israelis & 5 Thai citizens.
3. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visits Hamas leaders in Qatar.
4. Iran Unveils Long-Range & Long-Endurance Drone- Shahed-149.
5. Sweden's Latest Military Aid Package to Ukraine Worth $1.2 Billion.
Sweden will also provide financing for priority needs such as artillery, long-range strike capabilities, and drones.
6. Netherlands to procure 22 x Skyranger Mobile Air Defense Systems protect the maneuver battalions of its medium and heavy infantry brigades.
The Skyranger’s Oerlikon 30 mm revolver cannon has a firing rate of around 1,200 rounds per minute, and can fire programmable airburst munitions.

406: Three Israeli and Five Thai Hostages Set for Release on Thursday + US Navy MQ-25 Unmanned Tankers to Operate From Carriers in 2026 + USAF F-35A Crash in Alaska - Pilot Safely Ejected + More Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

For review:
1. Three Israeli and Five Thai Hostages Set for Release on Thursday.
In exchange for the three hostages to be freed on Thursday, Israel will free 110 Palestinian security prisoners.
2. In Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa is appointed President to lead the transitional phase.
After cancelling the country's constitution passed in 2012 under the Assad regime, Mr. al-Sharaa will be authorized to form a temporary legislative council until a new constitution is drafted.
3. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin trade insults while war continues on. (Neither ready to commit to peace negotiations).
4. Denmark to invest $2 billion to strengthen Arctic defense capabilities.
Copenhagen said the spending pledge covers the purchase of three Arctic naval vessels capable of carrying helicopters and drones; two long-range drones with the “ability to conduct surveillance over large areas at great distances;” and increased situational awareness through additional satellite “capacity.”
5. Poland continues high-level modernization by signing a $745 million contract to purchase 200 x Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles – Extended Range missiles. The missiles- to be used on Poland’s fleet of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters- are scheduled to be delivered between 2029 and 2035.
6. US Navy MQ-25 Unmanned Tankers to Operate From Aircraft Carriers in 2026.
7. USAF F-35A Crash in Alaska - Pilot Safely Ejected.
The stealth fighter exploded on impact and is likely a total loss.
8. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revokes the security clearance and removes the security detail of Retired General Mark Milley - former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In addition, a second portrait of General Milley (Retired) was removed- one that marked his service as a former Army Chief of Staff.
(This is the 2d portrait of him removed from the Pentagon. The first portrait- one that marked his service as a CJCS- was removed hours after President Donald Trump was inaugurated on 20 January 2025.)

405: Hamas to Release Three Hostages on Thursday + Syria Seizes Shipment of Weapons Bound for Hezbollah + President Trump Directs US Forces to Reinforce Southern Border + More Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

1. After broken agreement & negotiations, Hamas to Release Three Hostages on Thursday- Gazans can begin moving north tomorrow.
Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office says Israel reached an agreement with Hamas after “strong and determined negotiations,” and reiterates that it will “not tolerate any violation of the agreement.”
2. US President Trump to end delivery hold on 2,000 pound bombs to Israel.
President Trump said to reporters aboard Air Force One, “We released them (the bombs). We released them today. And they’ll have them. They paid for them and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time. They’ve been in storage.”
3. Syria Seizes Shipment of Weapons Bound for Hezbollah.
The shipment was heading to Hezbollah via smuggling routes on the Lebanon-Syria border, in the area of the border city of Sarghaya. Images showed several assault rifles, RPG launchers, and ammunition.
4. Italy’s Leonardo and Turkish drone maker Baykar are discussing a team-up which could see Leonardo’s electronics and radar mounted on Baykar’s TB2 drones.
5. Trump Administration looking into future support for Ukraine war effort.
6. President Trump Directs US Forces to Reinforce Southern Border.
There are already roughly 2,500 military personnel along the border supporting the US Customs and Border Protection mission- & today’s announcement brings the total up to around 4,000 troops deployed. Other assets, such as drones, are also under consideration to be sent to the border.

404: Second Set of Israeli Hostages Released - Four Female IDF Soldiers Free After 477 Days in Captivity + Pete Hegseth Confirmed as US SECDEF + UK Manufactured Boxer Combat Vehicle + More Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

For review:.
1. Pete Hegseth Confirmed as US SECDEF.
2. Second Set of Israeli Hostages Released - Four Female IDF Soldiers Free After 477 Days in Captivity.
3. IDF to continue presence in S. Lebanon.
A ceasefire signed in late November, stipulated that Israeli forces should withdraw as Hezbollah's weapons and fighters are removed from the south and the Lebanese army deploys. The deal set a 60-day period which ends on Sunday. Israel said on Friday the terms had not been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, meaning Israeli troops would stay beyond Sunday.
4. Houthi Rebels release 153 conflict-related prisoners for humanitarian reasons.
5. Ukraine and Russia exchange bodies of Soldiers Killed in Action.
Friday’s repatriation is at least the fifth involving 500 or more Ukrainian bodies since October.
6. Ukraine President Zelenskyy said any peace deal with Russia would require at least 200,000 European peacekeepers to oversee it.
7. UK Manufactured Boxer Combat Vehicle.
Variants on order from the UK include infantry carrier, specialist carrier, command post carrier and an ambulance type.
The local build of Boxer is the first time the UK has manufactured an armoured vehicle since the Terrier armoured engineering vehicle.

403: IDF Chief of Staff to Resign in March + Sweden Deploys Mechanized Infantry Battalion to Latvia + Latest Update on US Army IVAS Program + More Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

For review:
1. IDF Chief of Staff to Resign in March.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and the head of the IDF Southern Command (Major General Yaron Finkelman) said they would both be resigning over their roles in the failures that led to the Hamas 07 October onslaught.
2. Iranian Vice President for Strategic Affairs (Mohammad Zarif) discusses conflict with Israel while at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
3. US President Donald Trump's first call with a foreign leader is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
4. Houthi terrorist group finally releases the crew of the merchant vessel M/V Galaxy Leader. In an Executive Order, new US President Trump declares the Houthi group a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
5. During Russian Security Council videotaped meeting, Russian President Putin open to peace talks with US only if "root causes" of the conflict are addressed.
6. Sweden Deploys Mechanized Infantry Battalion to Latvia.
The six month deployment consists of 600 Soldiers, CV90 armored vehicles, and Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
7. Latest Update on US Army IVAS Program.
IVAS = Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS).

402: Israel Releases 90 Palestinian Prisoners As Part of Ceasefire Deal + UK and Ukraine Sign 100-Year Partnership Agreement + Ukraine To Reassign Air Force Personnel to Infantry Formations + More Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

For review:
1. Israel Releases 90 Palestinian Prisoners As Part of Ceasefire Deal.
2. Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th American president at the US Capitol in Washington (2d Term).
3. Portrait of former Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff (General Mark Milley) taken down, hours after President Trump's swearing in. Whereabouts unknown.
4. UK and Ukraine Sign 100-Year Partnership Agreement.
Under the deal, the UK has committed to providing Ukraine with at least £3 billion ($3.7 billion) in military aid each year up until 2030-31, with a promise of additional support as needed.
5. Ukraine To Reassign Air Force Personnel to Infantry Service.
However, there were no plans to transfer essential Air Force aviation [maintenance] personnel—those who service and repair aircraft—to infantry roles.
6. Polish General Officer removed from position after anti-tank mines were found in Ikea furniture warehouse.
7. Lithuania will increase defense spending 5 to 6 percent of GDP.
Lithuania’s State Defence Council, met and agreed on the new 2026-2030 spending plan today, according to public broadcaster Lithuanian Radio and Television.
8. Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth clears Senate Armed Service Committee vote. Hegseth’s nomination is set for the Senate floor later this week, where it is expected to pass along party lines. (Republicans hold the majority).

401: Hostage Deal Begins - Three Israeli Hostages Released After 471 Days of Captivity in Gaza + Iran State TV Shows Secret Underground Naval Missile Base + First US Navy Destroyer Fitted with Hypersonic Missile Tubes + More Jan 19, 2025

Show notes

For review:
1. Hostage Deal Begins - Three Hostages Released After 471 Days of Captivity in Gaza.
The first three hostages freed under the deal were civilians Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Romi Gonen was abducted from the Supernova music festival, while Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were taken from their homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
2. Syrian leader (Ahmed Al-Sharaa) pushes for Israel to leave buffer zone between the two countries.
“Israel’s advance in the region was due to the presence of Iranian militias and Hezbollah. After the liberation of Damascus, I believe that they have no presence at all. There are pretexts that Israel is using today to advance into the Syrian regions, into the buffer zone,” said Sharaa.
3. Iran State TV Shows Secret Underground Naval Missile Base.
State television said the base was built at a depth of 500 meters, somewhere in the Gulf, showed tunnels with long rows of what it said were a new version of Taregh-class radar-evading speedboats which can launch cruise missiles, and said that some of the vessels were “capable of destroying US warships and destroyers.”
4. One and a half mile-long airstrip being built on Yemen's Abd al-Kuri island.
Abd al-Kuri is part of the Socotra Archipelago, separated from Africa by only 60 miles and from Yemen by some 250 miles.
5. Norway and France to increase defense cooperation.
Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram Gram welcomed his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu for talks in Oslo on Thursday, followed by meetings with the French and Norwegian defense industries, the government said in a statement.
6. First US Navy Destroyer Fitted with Hypersonic Missile Tubes.
USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) is back in the water after the installation of four missile tubes that will eventually carry the Conventional Prompt Strike weapon.
The tubes that will field three missiles a piece- for a total of up to 12 hypersonic missiles.

400: Israeli Cabinet to Vote on Hostage & Ceasefire Deal - That Will Begin on Sunday + Russia & Iran Sign Strategic Partnership Treaty + Armor Not Dead: Slovakia to Procure New Battle Tanks + More Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

For review:
1. Israel Cabinet to Vote on Hostage & Ceasefire Deal - Set to Begin on Sunday.
The deal is currently scheduled to take effect on Sunday at 12:15 p.m. Unconfirmed reports in Hebrew media said the release of the first three female hostages was expected at 4 p.m. that day.
2. Palestinian Authority President (Mahmoud Abbas) said on Friday that the PA is ready to assume “full responsibility” in post-war Gaza, in his first statement since the Gaza ceasefire deal was announced.
3. Russia & Iran Sign Strategic Partnership Treaty.
The agreement- “covers all spheres, including defense, counter-terrorism, energy, finance, transport, industry, agriculture, culture, science and engineering,” according to Russian news agency TASS.
4. Armor Not Dead: Slovakia Ready to Procure New Battle Tanks.
Two Options listed (CV-90120 & Leopard 2):
The CV-90120 would compete against new Leopard 2A8 tanks from German manufacturer KNDS or used 2A4s, an older Leopard variant that would be modernized.
5. India's Prime Minister Modi launches new Submarine, Frigate, and Destroyer from State-run shipyard in Mumbai.
6. US Navy's Senior Requirements Officer for Surface Warfare (Rear Admiral Willian Daly)- skeptical about developing the Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle (LUSV).
“The Large USV has a great purpose, but it has it has walked that path towards exquisite, expensive [and] unpalatable,” Rear Admiral Daly said. “I’m skeptical about that landing in the fleet.”
7. President-elect Donald Trump nominates Troy Meink as the next Secretary of the Air Force.
Mr. Meink began his career as a KC-135 tanker navigator in 1988. He went on to hold a variety of roles across the Air Force’s space enterprise, serving as a chief technical advisor to the Air Force Research Laboratory and later the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for space. If confirmed, Meink will lead both the Air Force and the Space Force

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