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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.

213: US Strikes Terror Leader in Iraq + Israel Defense Minister Post-War Gaza Plan + B1 Bomber Crashes in South Dakota: Crew Ejects Safely + BAE to Restart M777 155mm (Towed) Production + More Jan 06, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. US Strikes Terror Leader in Iraq (self-defense strike).
2. Analysis of assassination strike of Hamas Deputy in Beirut by Zoran Kusovac (Al Jazeera).
3. Israel Defense Minister Post-War Gaza Plan. Four "pillars": 1. Israel will coordinate and plan oversight in civil governance; 2. Multi-national task force will run civil affairs and economic rehabilitation; 3. Egypt (and Israel) will be responsible for civilian border crossing into Gaza; & 4. Administrative governing mechanisms will be maintained by Palestinians.
4. Indian Navy repsonds to pirate hijacking of commercial vessel in the Arabian Sea (off Somali coast).
5. B1 Bomber Crashes during attempted landing at Ellsworth Air Force Base (South Dakota): Crew Ejects Safely.
6. BAE Systems to Restart M777 155mm Artillery (Towed) Production. There are 1,250 M777 in service with: US, Canada, Australia, India, and Ukraine. (Interesting that UK Army does not employ the M777)
7. Pakistan Air Force to procure Chinese FC-31 Gyrfalcon fighters (Shenyang).
8. Finland to procure 40 (additional) Patria 6 x 6 armored vehicles- as option to previous contract.
9. New South Korean light-armed helicopter program (Korean Aerospace Industries) will feature GPS/communications anti-jamming solution.

212: New Stage for IDF Ground Operations? + USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) returning to Norfolk + US Navy to test Hypersonic Missile Launcher for Destroyer + Record High German Arms Exports in '23 + NATO Alliance Contracts for Patriot Missiles + More Jan 04, 2024

Show notes

For review:
1. Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah warns Israel against war after the killing of Hamas #2 political leader (Salah al-Arouri) in Beirut. Israel has not spoken about the strike but is preparing for any scenario.
2. Israel shifting to a new stage in Hamas ground operations. Will new stage include raids and precision strikes based upon intelligence?
3. Joint Statement from 13 nations condemning Houthi attacks against commercial shipping in Red Sea. Countries are: US, UK, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Singapore.
4. USS Carrier, Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is heading to home port (Norfolk, VA), after 244 days of deployment and 2 x extensions by the US Secretary of Defense.
5. US Navy to test Hypersonic Missile Launcher for Zumwalt Destroyer.
6. US Army awards Bombardier Defense to provide 1 x Global 6500 aircraft for prototype airframe for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program (ISR). Aircraft delivery date is 01 October 24.
7. Record High German Arms Exports in 2023. Top countries (no particular order): Ukraine; Israel; Norway; Hungary; UK; US; Poland; France; South Korea; and Cyprus.
8. Germany delivers weapons package to Ukraine. Includes: 3 x Gepard Air Defense Systems; 155mm artillery ammunition; Mine Clearance vehicles, Reconnaissance Drones; plus other materiel.
9. NATO Alliance Contracts for Patriot Missiles. Missile production facility will be set-up in Germany.
10. Turkey blocks UK minesweeper vessel loans to Ukraine from entering Black Sea- as per 1936 Montreux Convention Treaty.

211: US Navy Helicopters from USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Sink Houthi Boats in the Red Sea + Ukraine Counteroffensive Analysis (Washington Post & Kyiv Post Articles - December '23) Dec 31, 2023

Show notes

For Review- last episode of 2023:
1. From CENTCOM X (Twitter) post: US Navy Helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), Sink Houthi Boats in the Red Sea.
2. Ukraine counteroffensive analysis from Washington Post article (December 2023.
3. Kyiv Post summary of Washington Post counteroffensive analysis (December 2023).
4. Happy New Year.

210: US Foreign Military Sale to Israel (155mm Ammunition) + IDF Ground Operation Update + Pakistan Tests New Long Range Precision Strike Missile (Fatah-2) + North Korean Modernization Goals for '24 + More Dec 31, 2023

Show notes

1. US Foreign Military Sale to Israel (155mm Artillery Ammunition) is worth $147.5 million.
2. US Central Command (US CENTCOM) releases 2 x statements via X (Twitter) announcing US Navy Destroyers downing Houthi drone and ballistic missiles over Red Sea. US Navy Destroyers are: USS Mason (DDG-87); 1 x drone; 1 x anti-ship ballistic missile & USS Gravely (DDG-107); 2 x anti-ship ballistic missiles.
3. Breaking Defense Op-Ed on Operation Prosperity Guardian written by 2 x V. Admirals (Retired)- Mark Fox & John Miller- both with CENTCOM experience.
4. Strikes in Syria target Iran proxies.
5. IDF Ground Operations Update in Gaza Strip.
6. Pakistan Tests New Long Range Precision Strike Missile (Fatah-2).
7. US Army organizational restructure coming in 2024.
8. Latest USAF B21 Raider news.
9. North Korea Defense Modernization Goals for 2024 include strengthening nuclear and missile forces; building unmanned drone fleet; expanding the submarine fleet; and developing electronic warfare capabilities.

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