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229: IDF Captures Footage of Hamas Leader in Tunnel + Netherlands Court Halts F-35 Parts to Israel + Iran Fires Ballistic Missile from New Ship + US Navy C-2A Greyhounds Fill V-22 Osprey Gap + More Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X: 12 Feb- Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired two missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Bab al-Mandeb. Both missiles were launched toward MV Star Iris, a Greek-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel transiting the Red Sea. The ship reports being seaworthy with minor damage and no injuries to the crew.
2. IDF airs footage of Hamas leader (Yahya Sinwar) in Gaza tunnel. Footage is reportedly from 10 October 2024.
3. Jordan Kin Abdullah II visits with US President Joe Biden at the White House. The Jordanian King criticized Hamas’s 7 October onslaught in southern Israel, declaring that the massacre should be unacceptable to all Muslims. He also called for a “lasting” ceasefire and immediately to start working to create a political horizon that leads to a just and comprehensive peace, based on the pre-1967 lines.
4. Talks involving the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar on a hostage release deal ended without a breakthrough on 13 Feb 2024. The Israeli delegation was led by Mossad head David Barnea and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar. They met with US CIA director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Egyptian officials for talks on a truce framework.
5. Netherlands Court Halts F-35 Parts to Israel (routed through Woensdrecht Air Base warehouse and distribution center.
6. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired a ballistic missile from its new Shahid Mahdavi warship. The ship is a converted cargo vessel- 240 meters in length- and able to reportedly carry missiles and air defense munitions.
7. Ukraine's new Chief of Armed Forces General Syrskyi, reveal top priorities- emphasizing the well being of Soldiers.
Quote: "The life and health of servicemen have always been and are the main value of the Ukrainian Army”.
8. The Air Force still isn’t sure when it might resume flying the CV-22 Osprey. Air Force investigators are continuing to probe the deadly crash off the coast of Japan on 29 Nov 2023.
9. US Navy C-2A Greyhounds Fill V-22 Osprey Gap. The last remaining US Navy Greyhound squadron (VRC Squadron 40- Norfolk Virginia- with 15 aircraft) is supporting deployed aircraft carriers in US 5th and 7th Fleets.
10. , Lockheed announced it successfully fired 8 x Spike Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) rounds from AH-64E Apache V6 at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona- in support of the US Army's Long-Range Precision Munition (LRPM) effort.
11. US Army orders 600 x Coyote 2C kinetic drone interceptors from a rapid acquisition authority contract worth $75 million.

228: IDF Rescues 2 Hostages in Rafah + German Navy Sends Air Defense Frigate to Mediterranean + Ukraine's New Commander in Chief + Op-Ed (Breaking Defense) on US Army Cancelling Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft + More Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US Central Command (CENTCOM) X:
- 09 Feb- CENTCOM Forces conducted self-defense strikes against two mobile unmanned surface vessels (USV), four mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, and one mobile land attack cruise missile (LACM) that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
- 10 Feb- CENTCOM Forces conducted self-defense strikes against two unmanned surface vessels (USV) and three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) north of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.
- 11 Feb- USAF deployed Airmen participate in a Rapid Airfield Damage Repair exercise at an undisclosed location within US CENTCOM AOR.
2. German Navy Sends Air Defense Frigate to Mediterranean. The Air Defense Frigate Hessen's final destination could be the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden, once receiving mandates from the German Government and the EU.
3. Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc says International Military Operations in the Red Sa cannot guarantee commercial shipping in the region.
4. IDF night time raid rescues two hostages in Rafah. The operation was carried out by the IDF, Shin Bet and the National Counter-Terrorism Unit.
5. IDF air strike kill senior Hamas security officials in Rafah. IDF finds Hamas Data Center underneath UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) complex.
6. Senior Israeli Security Officials communicating with Egyptian counterparts ahead of looming Rafah operations. Israeli Officials told their Egyptian contacts that Israel would not make any unilateral moves and that they would work in coordination with Cairo.
7. Background on Colonel General Oleksandr Syrsky- General Zaluzhny's replacement as Commander in Chief of Ukraine Armed Forces.
8. From Kiev Post: Five Challenges Facing Colonel General Syrsky as new Commander in Chief of Ukraine Armed Forces: 1. Foreign Aid; 2. Mobilization: 3. Defense Lines; 4. Ukraine Airspace (and Airspace Defense); & 5. Filling General Zaluzhny's shoes.
9. Op-Ed (Breaking Defense) on US Army Cancelling Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Program- by retired Major General John Ferrari.
(spoiler alert- he is ok with it.)
10. US Senate passes $95.34 billion aid package for Ukraine ($61 billion), Israel ($14 billion), and Taiwan ($4.83 billion). Next step- package moves to US House of Representatives.

227: IDF Preparing for Operations in Rafah + US Army Kills Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft Program + Ukraine President Replaces Senior Armed Forces General + Saudi Arabia Procures South Korean Air Defense Systems + More Feb 10, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. USMC identifies five crewmembers killed in CH-53E Super Stallion crash. The helicopter crashed over Pine Valley, California (about 50 miles east of San Diego).
2. US drone strike in Baghdad kills high-ranking militia leader (Abu Baqir Al-Saadi), commander in charge of Kataib Hezbollah’s operations in Syria.
Al-Saadi was linked to attacks on American troops in the region.
3. IDF Preparing for Operations in Rafah.
Statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office: "It is impossible to achieve the war goal of eliminating Hamas and leave four Hamas battalions in Rafah."
4. Saudi Arabia Procures 10 x KM-SAM Block II Medium-Range Surface to Air Missile Systems from South Korea (LIG Nex 1 & Hanwha Aerospace) in a deal worth $3.2 billion.
5. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Replaces Senior Armed Forces General. General Valerii Zaluzhnyi will be replaced by Сolonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who is currently leading Ukraine's Ground Forces.
6. Baltic nations Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to build an anti-mobility defensive line across their collective borders in a $65 million effort. The line will have an estimated 600 bunkers, with emplacements beginning in 2025. The bunkers will protect against artillery and mortar strikes and can house up to 10 Soldiers.
7. US Army Kills Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA)Program.- a once signature effort under the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team.
The Army will use freed funding for further investments in Black Hawk helicopters, CH-47F Block II Chinooks, the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program and research & development efforts for unmanned aerial reconnaissance capabilities.

226: Estonia Provides $88 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine + Netherlands Increases F16 Fighter Commitment to Ukraine + Armor Not Dead: Netherlands Wants a Tank Battalion + Part of AUKUS - Australian Sailors Aboard US Submarine Tender + More Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
06 Feb: Iranian-Backed Houthi Terrorists conduct Multiple Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile Attacks in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden .
05 Feb: US CENTCOM Forces conducted a strike in self-defense against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV).
04 Feb: US CENTCOM Forces conducted strike in self-defense against a Houthi land attack cruise missile. CENTCOM Forces struck 4 x anti-ship cruise missiles- which were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
2. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry rejects US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby’s suggestion that Riyadh is prepared to normalize relations with Israel, before a ceasefire in Gaza and without progress toward Palestinian statehood.
3. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations says Tehran is sending weapons, training and empowering Palestinian groups but denies any influence on Houthis in Yemen.
4. US Foreign Military Sales to Netherlands:
- 386 x Hellfire Air-to-Ground Missiles ($150 million).
- 120 x Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range ($908 million).
5. Netherlands to increase number of f-16 Fighters to Ukraine to 24. Netherlands will cease operating F-16s in October 2024, and begin operating F-35s.
6. Armor Not Dead: Netherlands Wants a Tank Battalion - but needs to secure funding for this effort.
7. Should the European Union establish an Army? Some members countries say the proposal is unrealistic and unnecessary.
8. Estonia Provides $88 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine. Package includes: Javelin anti-tank missiles, machine guns, assorted vehicles, vessels, and diving equipment.
9. Part of AUKUS - Royal Australian Sailors Aboard US Submarine Tender. 37 Officers and Enlisted Sailors will embed on the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39), located in Guam, for up to five months. Purpose: Integrate with US Sailors and build knowledge, skills and experience in how the US Navy conducts nuclear-powered submarine maintenance.
10. US Army exploring ways to modernize operational units with new equipment. This effort includes learning what equipment those units will need and how they receive it, under the Regionally Aligned Readiness and Modernization Model (ReARMM).

225: US & UK Strike Targets in Houthi-controlled Yemen + Hamas Resurfaces in Northern Gaza + India to buy MQ-9B Drones + US Army Procures More M109A7 Self-Propelled 155mm Howitzers + More Feb 04, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
- 03 Feb: US CENTCOM Forces & UK Armed Forces conducted strikes against 36 Houthi targets at 13 locations in Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen. US CENTCOM Forces included F/A18-E/F Super Hornets from the USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) and US Navy Guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG-64) and USS Gravely (DDG-107).
- 04 Feb: UUS CENTCOM Forces conducted a strike in self-defense against a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.
2. US has deterrence problem in dealing with Iran and its' proxy forces in the region - from former US CENTCOM Commander (US Army General (R) Joseph Votel - quoted in Breaking Defense article).
3. Hamas Resurfaces in Northern Gaza after IDF withdraws forces. Chief of the IDF Southern Command - MG. Yaron Finkelman - told troops that the Army will continue to battle Hamas in the area, despite having focused on other locations recently. An Israeli defense source blames the lack of plans for a civilian body to manage affairs in Northern Gaza as a major factor in Hamas being able to move in to refill the power vacuum.
4. Norway orders National Advanced Surface to Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) from Kongsberg in deal worth $134 million. Will replace system donated to Ukraine in 2023.
5. Italy to receive 4 x SAMP/T New-Generation (NG) Air Defense System. SAMP/T NG has a detection range of 350+ kilometers and an intercept range of 150+ kilometers.
6. South Korea continues development of the KF-21 Fighter (Korean Aerospace Industries). The KF-21 is set to replace the F-4 and F-5 fleets. South Korean Air Force plans to have 120 KF-21s by 2032.
7. US Foreign Military Sale: India to buy 31 x MQ-9B Sky-Guardian Drones in $3.9 billion deal.
8. USMC receives the first test vehicle of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm Cannon (ACV-30) variant. USMC ACV variants (BAE & Iveco) will replace the Assault Amphibious Vehicles (in service since 1972).
9. US Army to receive additional M109A7 self-propelled howitzers (155mm) and M992A3 ammunition carriers, with delivery due by 2025 (BAE). Number of units is not disclosed. Deal is valued at $418 million.

224: US Strikes Targets in Syria & Iraq + IDF Ground Operations Update + US Army IVAS News + EU Economic Package for Ukraine + More Feb 03, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US strikes Iran-backed militant targets in Syria and Iraq in response to the attack in Jordan that killed three US Army Soldiers. US CENTCOM Forces struck over 85 targets. B-1 Lancer long-range bombers, flying from the US, took part in the strikes.
2. Israeli Defense Minister (Yoav Gallant) announces Hamas forces in Khan Yunis have been defeated- however, the IDF has not announced full operational control of Southern Gaza.
3. US tries to broker Israel and Saudi Arabia normalization deal (before 2024 US Presidential election).
4. Report (NBC): Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy preparing to relieve General Valerii Zaluzhni as Commander of Ukraine Armed Forces.
5. The European Union (EU) has approved a $54 billion economic aid package for Ukraine. Funding is allocated to support reconstruction and boost immediate economic needs.
6. France spends $21.9 billion on materiel procurement in 2023. Some items include: $5.5 billion on 42 x Rafale Fighters; $378 million on 109 x Next Gen Caesar MKII 155mm Mobile Artillery; $539 million on 420 x Serval multi-role lightweight armored vehicles; and 8 x NH90 Caiman Standard 2 Helicopters for French Special Forces.
7. Australia Defence Force (ADF) to salvage and sell MRH-90 Taipan Helicopter parts from retired fleet. ADF retired the fleet in July 2023 after years of maintenance and reliability issues and a tragic fatal crash (also in July 2023).
8. Latest US Army Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) news.
(Spoiler Alert: There is a Version 1.2 Phase 2 now)

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).

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