Alle afleveringen van I - On Defense Podcast – pagina 7 van 12

President Trump: Russia & Ukraine Close to a Deal + Estonia to Achieve Over 5% GDP on Defense Spending + Armor Not Dead: UK Army's Challenger 3 Tank Effort Progressing + US Reconciliation Bill includes $150 Billion for Defense + More

26 april 2025 · 27 min

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1. IDF strikes Hamas command center in Northern Gaza.

2. From interview with Time Magazine: US President Trump said he would not be dragged by Prime Minister Netanyahu into war with Iran, but vowed Washington could instead “be leading the pack” if diplomacy were to fail.

3. President Trump: Russia & Ukraine Close to a Deal.

4. Estonia to Achieve Over 5% GDP on Defense Spending.

5. Spain to Meet NATO Goal of 2% GDP Defense Spending in 2025.

6. Netherlands increases defense budget to 22 billion euros in 2025.

7. Armor Not Dead: UK Army's Challenger 3 Tank effort moving forward. UK Minister for Defence Procurement (Maria Eagle) revealed that “The [Armour Main Battle Tank] programme has now delivered four prototypes, with four more currently in build,” out of the 148 tanks expected. The Challenger 3 MBTs are expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2027, with full operational capability expected by 2030 until 2040.

8. US Reconciliation Bill includes $150 Billion for Defense.

Iran Fortifies Nuclear Sites + Crimea Becomes a Key Issue in Russia-Ukraine Peace + Royal Australian Navy Enlisted Sailors Graduate US Navy Nuclear Power Training Course + More

24 april 2025 · 25 min

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1. Houthi rebels have downed 6 MQ-9 Reaper Drones since 15 March, and 15 Reapers since October 2023. The U.S. Air Force has about 280 Reapers in its inventory, each costing about $28 million, according to the Congressional Research Service.

2. Iran Fortifies Nuclear Sites. Commercial satellite images taken on March 29 showed hardened entrances to (nuclear) complexes beneath Mt. Kolang Gaz La.

3. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday told Hamas to release hostages it is holding in order to eliminate what he said was Israel’s pretext to continue its war in Gaza.

4. Deadly ambush by Hamas on an IDF vehicle operating inside Israeli-held buffer zone, illustrates the terror group is still a dangerous threat.

5. Crimea Becomes a Key Issue in Russia-Ukraine Peace.

6. Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Shandong (17) once again deployed again to the Philippine Sea, marking the second time this month.

7. Royal Australian Navy Enlisted Sailors Graduate US Navy Nuclear Power Training Course. Eight Royal Australian Navy sailors graduated from the six-month course on April 18 and are now qualified to handle the reactors and other associated systems on the nuclear attack boats that Canberra is set to receive under the 2021 AUKUS Agreement.

8. Northrop Grumman reported a $477 million loss on the B-21 Raider bomber in the first quarter of 2025, as higher costs for manufacturing and materials affect the company.

The B-21′s inflation adjusted average procurement unit cost is about $692 million.

The Air Force plans to buy at least 100 B-21s but has left the door open to buying more bombers.

Russian President Putin Open to Bilateral Talks with Ukraine + IDF Ground Operations in Rafah Continue + US & Canada Over the Horizon Radar Effort + More

22 april 2025 · 18 min

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1. Latest US airstrikes target Farwa neighborhood in Sanaa. US Central Command declined to answer questions about the strike.

2. Israeli Air Force conducts drills that simulate Iranian missile attack on IAF bases. IAF bases were targeted in previous Iranian strikes in April and October 2024.

3. IDF Ground Operations in Rafah Continue. The IDF has not only cut off Rafah from Khan Younis overground, but also located two major Hamas tunnels connecting the two cities.

4. IDF experimenting unmanned D9 bulldozers.

5. Russian President Putin Open to Bilateral Talks with Ukraine.

6. US & Canada Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) Effort. The OTHR effort is envisioned as a partnership with Canada to modernize NORAD’s defenses, where original plans would reportedly see the US procure four radar systems and Canada two systems.

7. US Army's Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) achieves Low Rate Initial Production. Raytheon plans producing eight LTAMDS per year- and based on international customers- the company said it wants to ultimately be able to produce 12 radars per year.

US & Iran Meet in Rome + Israel Has not Ruled Out Strike On Iran's Nuclear Sites + Russian President Putin Declares Easter Truce + Japan Installs Rail Gun on Test Ship + More

20 april 2025 · 27 min

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1. US Strikes Houthi Oil Terminal.

The US military said it had destroyed Ras Isa terminal "to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue".

2. WSJ Report: Anti-Houthi militias are planning ground offensive against the terror organization. American officials said the United States is “open to supporting a ground operation by local forces” but “a decision on whether to back the effort hasn’t been made yet.”

3. US & Iran Meet in Rome. A second round of negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program ended Saturday after several hours of talks, Iranian and American officials said.

4. Israel Has not Ruled Out Strike On Iran's Nuclear Sites. Attack plans include a mix of airstrikes and commando operations that vary in severity and could set back Tehran’s ability to weaponize its nuclear program by just months or a year or more, sources said.

5. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: US may move on from trying to secure a Russia - Ukraine peace deal if there is no progress in the coming days.

6. Russian President Putin Declares Easter Truce. “Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to 00:00 from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order that all military actions be stopped for this period,” the Russian President said.

7. Serbian Leaders plan to attended Russian Victory Day Parade in Moscow, despite warnings from EU Foreign Affairs and Security Representative Kaja Kallas. Ms. Kallas: “Any participation in the May 9th parades or celebrations in Moscow will not be taken lightly on the European side".

8. UK Army defeats drone swarms using radio-frequency, direct energy weapon. Radio-frequency directed energy weapon systems can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1 kilometer.

9. Japan Installs Rail Gun on Test Ship.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) released an image of its state-of-the-art …

NYT Report: President Trump Suspended Attack on Iranian Nuclear Sites Planned for May + US Secretary of State Traveling to Paris to Discuss Ukraine & Middle East + Turkey Hosts Black Sea Security Talks in Event of Ceasefire + More

17 april 2025 · 30 min

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1. NYT Report: President Trump Suspended Attack on Iranian Nuclear Sites Planned for May.

2. IDF continues pressure on Hamas during Gaza Strip operations with three Divisions. No deadline for major offensive yet.

3. US Secretary of State Traveling to Paris to Discuss Ukraine & Middle East. Separately, on Thursday, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu will travel to Washington to meet with his counterpart, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

4. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani will discuss efforts to find a possible peace deal (Russia - Ukraine), when they meet in Moscow tomorrow.

5. Turkey Hosts Black Sea Security Talks in Event of Russia - Ukraine Ceasefire.

According to an official statement by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, the meeting includes military representatives from several countries, including Ukraine, France, the United Kingdom and Turkey.

6. Opinion Article via Breaking Defense. In order to defend its' air and sea approaches more effectively, Australia should invest in long-range strike systems via air power- more specifically USAF B-2A Spirit Bombers.

7. Latest on US Space Command Headquarters final location- either Colorado Springs or Huntsville.

President Trump On Iran's Nuclear Ambition: "I'll solve that problem" + New Ukraine Capability Coalition: Electromagnetic Warfare + Armor Not Dead: US M1E3 Tank Variant in 24 - 30 Months + More

15 april 2025 · 24 min

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1. President Trump On Iran's Nuclear Ambition: "I'll solve that problem." US President Donald Trump vowed Monday to “solve” the issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, even if it means taking “very harsh” actions to thwart them.

2. Israel - Hams Hostage Negotiations. The Haaretz daily, citing Palestinian sources involved in the talks, reported that Cairo and Doha are working with the US toward a potential additional stage of the ceasefire-hostage release deal reached in January that would also include talks to end the 18-month war.

3. New Ukraine Capability Coalition: Electromagnetic Warfare. The goals include protection of friendly communication and disruption of the enemy’s, persistent reconnaissance, drone defense, and effectiveness of weapon systems.

4. Ukraine troops provide feedback on German weapons employed in war with Russia.

5. Switzerland plans to buy four or five IRIS-T SLM medium-range air-defense systems from Germany’s Diehl Defence, as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative.

6. Armor Not Dead: US M1E3 Tank Variant in 24 - 30 Months. Desired characteristics for the new variant included making it lighter, better protected and giving it an autoloader.

7. President Trump on April 9 signed into law, a policy aimed at revitalizing the American shipbuilding industry. Navy officials in March 2024 stated the service’s goal is to grow the fleet of battle force ships to 381 over the next 30 years.

US & Iran Talks in Oman: "Productive and Positive" + Germany & UK-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group Pledges $23.8 Billion + US Senate Confirms New Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff + More

13 april 2025 · 24 min

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1. US & Iran Talks in Oman: "Productive and Positive". Both countries agreed to hold a second round next week.

2. Rafah cut-off from rest of Gaza between two IDF Security Corridors. The IDF said Rafah was now surrounded by its forces, with the 36th Division holding the Morag Corridor and the Gaza Division operating in the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border area.

3. US Envoy Steve Witkoff met in St. Petersburg with Russian President Putin for more than 4 hours on Friday. Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev as described the talks as "productive".

4. Former US intelligence official (unnamed) told Reuters that Chinese military officers have been present behind Russian lines with Beijing’s approval to observe and draw tactical lessons from the war.

5. Germany & UK-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group Pledges $23.8 Billion.

6. US Senate Confirms New Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Dan Caine's experience includes numerous roles in the special operations community, director of joint operations and training on the Joint Staff, and — most recently — three years as the CIA’s associate director for military affairs before his retirement in 2024. General Caine is also a former F-16 pilot.

7. US Secretary of Navy John Phelan pledges a focus on shipbuilding and expanding the industrial base.

8. Upcoming US Navy Submarine and Aircraft Carrier efforts are facing delays.

The lead Columbia-class submarine vessel (USS District of Columbia SSBN-826), is 12-18 months behind schedule.

The future aircraft carrier (USS Enterprise CVN-80), is estimated to be 28 months behind schedule, with delivery now anticipated to be in the 2028-29 timeframe.

Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) Arrives in CENTCOM AOR + Israeli and Turkish Delegations Meet in Azerbaijan to Discuss Syria Deconfliction + President Trump's Executive Order Calls for Modernization Review of Programs & Processes + More

11 april 2025 · 25 min

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1. Aircraft Carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) Arrives in CENTCOM AOR. The USS Carl Vinson — which is armed with F-35C stealth warplanes — is now working alongside the USS Harry S. Truman in the region, US Central Command says.

2. The Commander of Iran’s Army Ground Force revealed plans to set up the new unmanned-focused facilities in country's border regions.

3. Israeli and Turkish Delegations Meet in Azerbaijan to Discuss Syria Deconfliction.

4. France and UK Co-lead "Coalition of the Willing" Discussion in Brussels.

5. France to develop tactical (150 kilometer range) rocket artillery system and test by mid-2026.

6. Speaking at SASC Hearing on Thursday, US Forces Korea Commander (Army General Xavier Brunson) supports current US Troop levels on the Korean Peninsula.

7. President Trump's Executive Order Calls for Modernization Review of Programs & Processes.

US DoD: No Plans to Relinquish NATO SACEUR Post + US and Iran Nuclear Talks in Oman + President Trump: $1 Trillion Defense Budget (FY26) + More

9 april 2025 · 25 min

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1. US DoD: No Plans to Relinquish NATO SACEUR Post. The Pentagon does not have plans to relinquish the post of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), said Katherine Thompson, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs.

2. Suspected US airstrikes pounded the area around Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeida on Tuesday night.

3. US and Iran Nuclear Talks in Oman. Negotiations are to be mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and led by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

4. The US military will deploy long-range surveillance drones (Northrup Grumman MQ-4C Triton) in the Japanese region of Okinawa near Taiwan, Tokyo’s defense minister said Tuesday.

5. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth visits Panama- meets with Panama's President José Raúl Mulino. Secretary Hegseth said the U.S. will not allow China or any other country to threaten the (Panama) canal’s operation.

6. NATO Supreme Allied Commander and EUCOM Commander. General Christopher Cavoli (US Army) told US House of Representative lawmakers that current force levels in Europe should remain.

7. President Trump: $1 Trillion Defense Budget (FY26). Defense Secretary Hegseth seemed to confirm that Trump was referring to the fiscal year 2026 request, saying on X, “COMING SOON: the first TRILLION dollar @DeptofDefense budget.”

8. US Navy's F/A XX program could be last manned fighter. US Navy officials would not say when an announcement on F/A-XX would be made, but it could come soon.

Breaking Defense reported last month that Lockheed Martin had been eliminated from the running for F/A-XX, leaving Boeing and Northrop Grumman as the remaining competitors.

US Sends 2d THAAD Battery to Israel + US Army Mobile 155mm Artillery Effort + US Navy Commissions Virginia-class Attack Submarine (USS Iowa SSN-797) + More

7 april 2025 · 20 min

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1. Iran willing to engage in dialogue with US as equals. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian: “The Islamic Republic of Iran wants dialogue on equal footing.”

2. US Sends 2d THAAD Battery to Israel. The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, is an advanced anti-missile system- capable of hitting targets at ranges of 150-200 kilometers (93-124 miles).

3. Norway plans to nearly double its fleet of self-propelled artillery, proposing to buy an additional 24 K9 Thunder howitzers from Hanwha Aerospace (South Korea). The added 155 mm howitzers will equip a new artillery battalion within the planned Finnmark Brigade.

4. India to procure 100 x South Korean Hanwha Aerospace K-9 Vajira-T 155mm SP Howitzers. The contract calls for more than 60 percent of local (India) materials and parts during manufacture of the systems.

5. US Army Mobile 155mm Artillery Effort.

6. US Navy Commissions Virginia-class Attack Submarine (USS Iowa SSN-797).

US CENTCOM Commander Visits Israel + Russian Envoy: "Some (Ukrainian) security guarantees, in some form, may be acceptable" + US Combatant Command Restructure? + More

5 april 2025 · 23 min

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1. US CENTCOM Commander Visits Israel.

General Michael Erik Kurilla, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), held an assessment with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the IDF said Thursday.

2. UK Telegraph Newspaper Report: Iran has reportedly ordered its military personnel to leave Yemen and is pulling back its support for the Houthis amid extensive US airstrikes on the rebel group.

3. Russian Envoy: "Some (Ukrainian) security guarantees, in some form, may be acceptable." Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev held two days of talks with American envoy Steve Witkoff, as part of President Donald Trump’s push for a ceasefire and peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

4. US Combatant Command Restructure? NBC Report: The Defense Department is considering relinquishing the role atop the NATO chain of command, which has always been held by an American four-star, historically by the head of US European Command, since the alliance’s founding.

5. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group sailed through the Malacca Strait on Friday as it makes its way to U.S. Central Command. The PLA Navy’s Shandong CSG sailed back into the South China Sea on Thursday after participating in drills against Taiwan.

6. Japan's Self-Defense Force to develop new long-range, precision-guided missiles to “prevent and eliminate invading troops.”

7. Australian military leaders are scrambling to cobble together fresh air defense capabilities.

US Sends More F-35s to CENTCOM + IDF Creates New Security Corridor in S. Gaza + Finland to Increase Defense Spending to 3% GDP by '29 + US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Test in Dec '25 + More

3 april 2025 · 27 min

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1. US Army identifies the four Dogface Soldiers (3d Infantry Division) who perished during training exercise in Lithuania. All assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, they were identified as: Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez; Staff Sgt. Edvin F. Franco; Pfc. Dante D. Taitano; and Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins.

2. US Sends More F-35s to CENTCOM. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dispatched the extra air wing of F-35 fighters to Jordan.

3. IDF Creates New Security Corridor in S. Gaza. The route, which separates Rafah from Khan Younis to its north, will likely cut off Rafah from the rest of the Strip.

4. Hamas is prepared to release all of the remaining hostages at once in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the ongoing truce talks told The Times of Israel on Wednesday.

5. A top Russian official (Kirill Dmitriev) is in Washington this week for meetings with the Trump administration, as negotiations continue on a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

6. US SECDEF Pete Hegseth skips the latest Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels.

7. Finland to Increase Defense Spending to 3% GDP by '29.

8. Greece will spend 25 billion euros ($27 billion) over the next decade to adapt its military to evolving high-tech warfare technologies. The plan also includes new programs such as next-generation soldier gear equipped with sensors and communication systems, and the development of dedicated satellite capabilities to ensure secure communications.

9. US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Test in Dec '25. The Army is forecasting that the first unit to get the hypersonic capability will begin receiving the rounds at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in the May time frame.

10. The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of 20 F-16 fighters to the Philippines, with an estimated price tag of $5.58 billion.

The approved package, which covers 16 F-16C Block 70/72 jets and four F-16B Bloc…

IDF Prepares Return to Rafah + Russia Launches Submarine Armed with Hypersonic Zircon Missile + Egypt in Talks for S. Korea's FA-50 Light Attack Aircraft + US Army Contracts Lockheed Martin for Precision Strike Missiles + More

1 april 2025 · 21 min

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1. US President Trump threatens Iran with bombing and tariffs over nuclear program. If they (Iran) don’t make a deal, there will be bombing,” President Trump said in a telephone interview. “It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.”

2. In response to US President Trump's threat of bombing and tariffs, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday the US would receive a strong blow if it acts on President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb unless Tehran reaches a new nuclear deal with Washington.

3. IDF Prepares Return to Rafah. The Israel Defense Forces issued an evacuation warning on Monday for Palestinians in the entire Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip, saying the military was “returning to fight with great force to eliminate the capabilities of terror organizations in these areas.”

4. President Trump reportedly "disappointed" in President Putin but thinks the peace negotiations "are making progress, step by step."

5. Russia Launches Submarine Armed with Hypersonic Zircon Missile. The Zircon has a reported range of 500 to 1,000 kilometers, depending on its trajectory.

It can fly at Mach 8, making it nearly impossible to intercept with current air defense systems, according to the US-based Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA).

6. Egypt in Talks for S. Korea's FA-50 Light Attack Aircraft. Egypt's Ambassador to Seoul, stated that discussions between the two countries are progressing positively after months of negotiations for an initial order of 36 aircraft.

7. US Army Contracts LM for Precision Strike Missiles. With an operational range exceeding 499 kilometers (310 miles), a PrSM launch pod is capable of carrying and firing two missiles.

8. The Army's Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor ready for low-rate production.

US Continues Strikes Against Houthis + IDF Strikes S. Lebanon & Beirut in Response to Rocket Fire + Ukraine President Warns - Russia Preparing for Offensive + USMC to Deploy Unmanned Missile System (NMESIS) to Philippine Exercise Balikatan in April + More

30 maart 2025 · 22 min

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1. US Continues Strikes Against Houthis. Suspected U.S. airstrikes pounded Yemen overnight into Saturday, as the American military acknowledged earlier bombing a major military site in the heart of Sanaa controlled by the Houthi rebels.

2. Israel receives Hamas Hostage proposal from mediators and returns counterproposal. The Israeli statement came after media reports on Saturday said Hamas had agreed to an Egyptian proposal to release five living hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire in Gaza

3. IDF Strikes S. Lebanon & Beirut in Response to Rocket Attack.

After the rocket attack, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Friday morning that “the fate of Kiryat Shmona is the same as the fate of Beirut,” in a threat to the Lebanese capital. He said that without peace in Israel’s northern border communities, “there will be no peace in Beirut either.”

4. Ukraine President Warns - Russia Preparing for Offensive. "I can confirm that Putin is trying to get time and is preparing for a spring offensive. We see preparations for this upcoming operation," President Zelensky said on March 27.

5. USMC to Deploy Unmanned Missile System (NMESIS) to Philippine Exercise Balikatan in April. US SECDEF Pete Hegseth pledged anti-ship missile deployments, increased military training and defense industrial base cooperation to the Philippines under steps to “re-establish” deterrence in the Indo-Pacific Region.

6. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) departed San Diego, California for what is expected to be its last deployment. Following the carrier’s deployment, the USS Nimitz is set to shift homeports- from Bremerton, Washington to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, in 2026- ahead of its planned decommissioning.

7. USAF Secretary Nominee drills down on Nuclear Modernization during US SASC hearing.

Iran: US Bases not safe if Americans attack + UK and France to Meet in Ukraine to Discuss "Reassurance Force" + US to Fire Mid-Range Capability Missile System During Upcoming Australian Exercise Talisman Sabre + More

29 maart 2025 · 26 min

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1. Hamas open to negotiate release of small number of Hostages for a truce during Eid al-Fitr holiday period. The Kan public broadcaster acknowledged that it was still unclear what Hamas will ask in return for those it releases, though it did say that the freed hostages would include American-Israeli IDF lone soldier Edan Alexander.

2. Iran: US Bases not safe if Americans attack. Tehran would strike US bases in the region if Washington follows through on its warning of military consequences for Iran in the absence of a new nuclear deal, the speaker of the Iranian parliament said on Friday.

3. White House Releases: Outcomes of the US-Russia & US-Ukraine Expert Discussions on the Black Sea (23-25 March 2025).

4. UK and France to Meet in Ukraine to Discuss "Reassurance Force". Ukrainian, British and French general staff representatives will hold a meeting in Ukraine within a week to discuss the potential deployment of foreign troops to the country, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 28.

5. US Army considers "sunsetting" the afloat Army Preposition Stock (APS) - 3. If Pentagon leaders ultimately sunset the floating APS, the Army is eyeing plans to distribute the equipment sets throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

APS =Sets of equipment, such as all the tanks and wheeled vehicles of an armored brigade combat team, that are strategically prepositioned in climate controlled facilities worldwide.

6. US Army to deploy mature air and missile defense equipment prototypes to selected locations in Europe and Ind-Pacific.

- Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensors, or LTAMDS, to Guam

- Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) platoon with prototype launchers to South Korea

- Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) capability to Europe to modernize a Patriot air defense battalion

7. US to Fire Mid-Range Capability Missile System During Upcoming Australian Exercise Talisman Sabre in mid-July 2025.

US Airstrikes on Houthi Rebels Continue + Iran Open to "Indirect Talks" with US + Australia Receives First Delivery of M142 HIMARS Launchers + US Senate Confirms John Phelan as SECNAV + More

25 maart 2025 · 18 min

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1. US Airstrikes on Houthi Rebels Continue. The Houthis described American airstrikes targeting sites around the city of Saada, a Houthi stronghold, the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, and Marib province, home to oil and gas fields still under the control of allies to Yemen’s exiled central government.

2. IDF strikes over 100 white pickup trucks used by Hamas during the 07 October attack as well as propaganda ceremonies for the release of Israeli Hostages.

3. Iran Open to "Indirect Talks" with US. “The way is open for indirect negotiations,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, dismissing the prospect of direct talks “until there is a change in the other side’s approach toward the Islamic republic.”

4. From Riyadh: Monday's talks between the US and Russia lasted 12 hours. Russian news agencies said a joint statement would be released on Tuesday. Ukrainian and US delegations will meet on Tuesday for talks to follow Russia-US negotiations.

5. Estonia to provide Ukraine with $108.4 million in assistance. The assistance will incorporate unmanned aerial and ground systems, watercraft, medical solutions, and related supply sources from Estonian industry partners. Tallinn has not revealed the timeline of the potential donation, quantities, or other specifics due to security reasons.

6. Switzerland joins the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) Patriot Support Partnership (PATRIOT SP). The initiative aims to enhance security and improve the availability of spare parts for the country’s Patriot ground-based air defense systems. Bern emphasized that the initiative aligns with its neutrality policy, with the option to withdraw from the partnership if any member country becomes involved in an international armed conflict.

7. Australia Receives First Delivery of 142 HIMARS Launchers. The first two of a planned 42 HIMARS launcher vehicles had already arrived from the US, the government said in a statement, describing the system as a “game changer”…

US-Russia-Ukraine Talks Begin in Riyadh + Iran Deploys Missile Systems on Persian Gulf Islands + US Secretary of Defense to Visit Indo-Pacific + More

24 maart 2025 · 21 min

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1. Senior Hamas Political Official killed during IDF Gaza Strike. Ismail Barhoum, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, was killed on Sunday evening in a targeted Israeli airstrike on a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz in a statement hailed the killing of Barhoum, saying he was “the new Hamas prime minister in Gaza, who replaced Issam Da'alis, the previous prime minister who was eliminated a few days ago.”

2. Iran Deploys Missile Systems on Persian Gulf Islands. The weapons were deployed on Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa near the Strait of Hormuz, a globally vital shipping lane.

Naval Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: “We are capable of attacking enemy bases, vessels, and assets in the region. The new systems can completely destroy any target within 600 kilometers (370 miles).”

3. US-Russia-Ukraine Talks Begin in Riyadh. The talks — with American representatives mediating — are expected to iron out details of a possible limited cease-fire in what could be a crucial step toward a full cessation of hostilities in the war.

4. Turkish Defense Firm (Aselsan), claims successful test of mobile laser weapon system designed to track and kill (hard & soft) First Person View Drones. The firm distributed a video showing the system- composed of a laser system, and camera (Thermal)- mounted on a vehicle and eliminating multiple types of drones.

5. Australia procures MK-48 heavy torpedoes in deal worth $125 million. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin and SAIC, the MK-48 is a joint program between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and United States Navy. The weapons can be used and maintained both by nations’ maritime services.

6. US Secretary of Defense to Visit Indo-Pacific- first visiting the Philippines. Secretary Hegseth will be in Manila on March 28-29 to meet his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

7. The U.S. Army will not conduct a live-fire o…

Boeing Wins USAF Next-Gen Air Dominance Fighter (F-47) Contract + US Sec Def Extends USN Carrier USS Harry Truman (CVN-75) in CENTCOM AOR; USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) Enroute + IDF Strikes Airfields in Central Syria + More

22 maart 2025 · 27 min

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1. Boeing Wins USAF Next-Gen Air Dominance Fighter (F-47). Boeing has won the contract to develop the first ever sixth-generation fighter, dubbed the F-47, President Donald Trump announced today. The fighter will be expected to operate with the service’s forthcoming fleet of drone wingmen known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril are in competition for the separate CCA contract.

2. US Sec Def Extends USN Carrier USS Harry Truman (CVN-75) in CENTCOM AOR; USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) Enroute. The Truman will stay in CENTCOM AOR for another month, according to a U.S. official. The Carl Vinson, which was operating in the East China Sea this week, has been tasked to the Middle East region to make for an overlapping two-carrier presence as the Trump administration ramps up its aggression against the Yemen-based Houthis.

3. IDF Strikes Airfields in Central Syria. The IDF confirms carrying out airstrikes on the Palmyra military airport and the nearby T-4 airbase in central Syria. The strikes targeted “remaining strategic military capabilities” at the two sites.

4. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that Israel would annex areas of the Gaza Strip should the terror group Hamas refuse to release the remaining hostages it is still holding. It was unclear if Israel would follow through on its threat to annex parts of Gaza, a move that would likely draw a massive international backlash.

5. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Friday that the Houthis act on their own motivations, after US President Donald Trump said he would hold Tehran accountable for the group’s actions.

6. EU releases joint statement on Ukraine- minus Hungary.

"The European Council reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," leaders wrote in a statement signed off by 26 countries.

7. UK Prime Minister S…

IDF Starts Ground Operations in Gaza + President Trump and President Zelenskyy Phone Call Described as "Very Substantive" + Ukraine Receives Shipment of F-16 Warplanes + More

20 maart 2025 · 18 min

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1. IDF Starts Ground Operations in Gaza. The IDF said Wednesday it had launched “pinpoint” ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip. The IDF said its operations were aimed at expanding the security zone near the border and creating a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.

2. Captured documents from Gaza show that in the years leading up to 07 October attack, Hamas developed a concrete plan to destroy the Jewish state, in full coordination with Hezbollah and Iran.

3. President Trump and President Zelenskyy Phone Call. President Donald Trump has held what he described as a "very good" hour-long phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. President Zelensky described his conversation with President Trump as "positive", "frank", and "very substantive".

4. Ukraine Receives Shipment of F-16 Warplanes. The Ukrainian President stated that several F-16s had arrived but did not reveal the exact number of jets delivered.

5. The Ukrainian Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces claims fielding of a laser (direct energy) anti-aircraft system. Known as the Triton (English), the system was first publicly mentioned in mid-December 2024- and in February 2025, the Commander confirmed that the weapon was operationally deployed.

IDF Aerial Offensive in Gaza + President Trump & Russian President Phone Call + F-35 Joint Program Office Assures Allies that the Warplane Has "No Kill Switch" + More

19 maart 2025 · 21 min

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1. The Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile at Israel from Yemen Tuesday evening, marking the first attack from the Iran-backed group since the ceasefire came into effect in the Gaza Strip two months ago.

2. IDF Aerial Offensive in Gaza. The Israeli PM- Benjamin Netanyahu- said that the military campaign was launched on the recommendation of Israel’s intelligence services and the IDF, and that it was a last resort after weeks of failed efforts to get Hamas to free more hostages.

3. President Trump & Russian President Putin Phone Call.

4. Germany’s parliament on Tuesday voted in favor of amending the constitution to enable significantly increased defense spending. As a result, a new aid package to Ukraine worth €3 billion ($3.28 billion) could be released by Berlin by the end of this week.

5. F-35 Joint Program Office Assures Allies that the Warplane Has "No Kill Switch".

The Pentagon today attempted to reassure its international partners in the F-35 program that there is no “kill switch” on the stealth fighter jet that the US could use to render it ineffective — the latest signal that there are real concerns abroad about American stewardship of the program amid tensions with historical allies.

6. US “near peer” adversaries are “practicing dogfighting” in space to simulate orbital combat in yet another step up their wide-ranging effort to develop capabilities to deny, disrupt, degrade and/or destroy US space capabilities, the Space Force’s second in command warned today (General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations).

And while General Guetlein did not specify which countries five satellites were involved, a Space Force spokesperson later told reporters that the demonstration was Chinese.

US CENTCOM Campaign Against Houthis + IDF Strikes Iranian Proxies in Gaza, S. Lebanon, & S. Syria + President Trump & Russian President to Speak Tuesday About Peace Negotiations + Canada Reconsidering Future F-35 Fighter Purchase + More

18 maart 2025 · 22 min

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1. US CENTCOM Campaign Against Houthis. More airstrikes are planned in the coming days.

USAF LTG Alexus G. Grynkewich, director for operations for the Joint Staff: "US CENTCOM began precision strike operations against the Houthis to restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence. The initial wave of strikes hit over 30 targets at multiple locations, degrading a variety of Houthi capabilities. Included among those targets were terrorist training sites, unmanned aerial vehicle infrastructure, weapons manufacturing capabilities and weapons storage facilities."

2. IDF Strikes Iranian Proxies in Gaza, S. Lebanon, & S. Syria.

3. President Trump & Russian President to Speak Tuesday About Peace Negotiations.

4. BBC Report: Ukranian Soldiers talk about combat actions in Kursk region. The BBC has received extensive accounts from Ukrainian troops, who recount a "catastrophic" withdrawal in the face of heavy fire, and columns of military equipment destroyed and constant attacks from swarms of Russian drones.

5. Sweden will donate 18 Archer artillery units and five Arthur counter-battery radar systems to Ukraine as part of its 18th aid package for Kyiv. The total value of the donations is 3 billion kronor ($296 million), with deliveries of Arthur systems planned to begin this year and Archer systems in 2026.

6. Canada Reconsidering Future F-35 Fighter Purchase. The Canadian military said while it is committed to the first 16 F-35As it’s on contract to buy from American defense giant Lockheed Martin, it is actively re-evaluating the rest of the multi-billion-dollar order.

Ottawa’s reconsideration of the deal could open a door for alternatives like the Saab Gripen Fighter- which was beat out by the F-35 for the competition to replace Canada’s legacy F-18 fleet.

430: NSA Waltz on Ukraine - Russia Negotiations: "Both sides are going to have to make compromises" + B-52 Bomber Flyover Marks Sweden's NATO Anniversary + US Budget CR Passes Senate + More

15 maart 2025 · 20 min

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1. US and Israeli Officials reach out to Sudan, Somalia, & Somaliland to discuss Palestinian resettlement during US proposed Gaza reconstruction plan. Officials from Sudan and Somalia said they had rejected overtures from the US, while officials Somaliland told The AP that they were not aware of any contacts.

2. US President Donald Trump has praised talks held with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the US proposed ceasefire deal with Ukraine as "good and productive". This comes after Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff met in Moscow on Thursday evening.

3. NSA Mike Waltz on Ukraine- Russia Negotiations - "Both sides are going to have to make compromises."

4. B-52 Bomber Flyover Marks Sweden's NATO Anniversary. In addition, the bombers were taking part in a Bomber Task Force mission called Viking Nebula, alongside a pair of Swedish JAS 39 Gripens. The Swedish fighters escorted the B-52s to Vidsel Test Range, where the bombers released GBU-30 joint direct attack munitions. USAF said this was the B-52s’ first live weapons drop in Sweden since the country joined NATO last year.

5. US Budget CR Passes Senate. The Senate approved a funding bill that will keep federal agencies funded until Sept. 30, with a $892.5 billion defense topline that slightly exceeds that of fiscal 2024.

6. The US Senate today confirmed billionaire financier Stephen Feinberg to be the Defense Department’s number two official. Mr. Feinberg’s nomination was cleared in a 59-40 vote this afternoon.

429: Russian President on Ukraine Ceasefire - "We are in favor- but there are nuances" + Interim Syrian President Signs Temporary Constitution + Royal Netherlands Navy Fires Tomahawk Missile from Frigate + More

14 maart 2025 · 16 min

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1. Interim Syrian President Signs Temporary Constitution. The temporary constitution leaves the country under Islamist rule while promising to protect the rights of all Syrians for five years during a transitional phase.

2. A group of around 100 senior figures from among Syria’s Druze are expected to visit the Israeli Golan Heights on Friday, and meet Sheikh Muafak Tarif, spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel.

3. Russian President Putin on Ukraine Ceasefire - "We are in favor- but there are nuances. A ceasefire should lead to "an enduring peace and remove the root causes of this crisis", the Russian President said.

4. Russian forces have recaptured Sudzha, the largest town that Ukraine once occupied in the Kursk Region. Russia’s top general Valery Gerasimov claimed Wednesday that Russian forces had recaptured more than 86% of the Kursk area taken by Ukraine.

5. Defense Ministers from Estonia and Latvia are concerned that even if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a ceasefire deal, the reprieve may only allow Moscow to further consolidate its military and industrial might, and use it again elsewhere.

6. Royal Netherlands Navy Fires Tomahawk Missile from Frigate. The Netherlands’ Ministry of Defence announced that the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804) launched a Tomahawk cruise missile off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia on Tuesday, marking the first time a Dutch warship fired the missile.

7. US Foreign Military Sale to Australia: The US State Department has approved a potential $91.2-million sale of precision-guided munitions to Australia. Canberra will receive 54 x Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems-Alternate Warhead (GMLRS-AW) rounds, along with telemetry kits, engineering services, and related support. Lockheed Martin and Lockheed Martin Australia are the principal contractors.

428: Ukraine Will Agree to a 30 Day Ceasefire with Russia - US to Restart Military Aid and Intel Sharing + Iranian President to President Trump: "Do Whatever the Hell You Want" + Latest US Budget News + More

12 maart 2025 · 18 min

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1. Ukraine Will Agree to a 30 Day Ceasefire with Russia - US to Restart Military Aid and Intel Sharing. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "We'll take this offer now to the Russians. And we hope that they'll say yes, that they'll say yes to peace. The President's objective here is, number one, above everything else, he wants the war to end, and I think today Ukraine has taken a concrete step in that regard. We hope the Russians will reciprocate."

2. Iranian President to President Trump: "Do Whatever the Hell You Want." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tuesday that his country would not negotiate with the United States over its nuclear program while being threatened.

3. Israel and Lebanon agreed on Tuesday to open negotiations to delineate the border between the two countries, the Prime Minister’s Office said. Jerusalem and Beirut negotiated a maritime boundary in 2022 — but the two countries have yet to adopt an official land border.

4. Israeli journalists tour IDF posts atop Mount Hermon, on Syrian side of border. The IDF has established nine military posts inside Syrian territory, including two atop Mount Hermon. Three IDF brigades, under the 210th Bashan Regional Division, are deployed to the area.

5. Latest US Budget News: The Republican-led House voted Tuesday to pass a six-month funding bill that would prevent a government shutdown at the end of the week. The measure now heads to the US Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

427: Iran Supreme Leader Not Interested in Talks with "Bullying" Countries + Russian Forces Advance in Kursk Region + Iran - Russia - China Naval Drills in Indian Ocean + More

10 maart 2025 · 18 min

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1. Iran Supreme Leader Not Interested in Talks with "Bullying" Countries. Iran's Supreme leader has criticized "bullying" countries in an apparent response to US President Donald Trump's letter demanding negotiations over its nuclear program.

2. Israel on Sunday prepared to send a delegation to Doha for further talks on the Gaza truce.

3. Israel’s Energy Minister on Sunday instructed the Israel Electric Corporation to immediately cut off the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip, in an apparent bid to pile pressure on Hamas, where 24 hostages presumed to be alive, and the bodies of 35 more, are still held.

4. Russian Forces Advance in Kursk Region. Russian forces on Sunday recaptured three more settlements in Russia's western Kursk region, the Defence Ministry said (Russian), as part of an operation to evict Ukrainian troops holding chunks of territory seven months after a cross-border incursion.

5. Norway will more than double its aid to Ukraine in 2025 to bring the annual total to $7.8 billion, Prime Minister Jonas Store announced Thursday.

6. France on Friday began handing over military bases in Senegal, as part of a withdrawal of troops from the west African nation where it has had a presence since 1960. The withdrawal follows the departure of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Ivory Coast in recent years.

7. Iran - Russia - China Naval Drills in Indian Ocean. The drills “will begin on Tuesday in the port of Chabahar,” located in southeast Iran on the Gulf of Oman, the Tasnim news agency said, without specifying their duration. Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka will attend as observers.

8. The U.S. military’s classified mini-space shuttle- the X-37B- returned to Earth on Friday after circling the world for 434 days. The space plane blasted into orbit from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in December 2023 on a secret mission. Launched by SpaceX, the X-37B…

426: President Trump Sends Letter to Iran Supreme Leader + US & Ukraine to Discuss Peace in Saudi Arabia + France - Germany - Italy - UK - Support Arab Rebuild Plan for Gaza + More

8 maart 2025 · 19 min

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1. President Trump Sends Letter to Iran Supreme Leader. US President Donald Trump said he wants to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and sent a letter to its leadership this week suggesting talks with the Islamic Republic.

2. New Syrian government consolidating security against Pro-Assad forces in the Alawite Minority. A Syria war monitor reported on Saturday that over 530 civilians from the Alawite minority had been killed in recent days by security forces, as authorities clash with militants loyal to the former government of Bashar al-Assad. The civilian deaths bring the overall toll to 745 people, including 93 members of the new government’s security forces and 120 pro-Assad fighters.

3. France - Germany - Italy - UK - Support Arab Rebuild Plan for Gaza. “The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises – if implemented – swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza,” the ministers said in a joint statement.

4. US & Ukraine to Discuss Peace in Saudi Arabia. From Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: "Next Monday, I have a visit planned to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with the Crown Prince. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X. "Ukraine is most interested in peace."

5. Singapore announced a 12.4% defense budget hike on 03 March, with major new equipment on order. The FY2025 defense budget is slated to reach US $17.4 billion.

6. USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototypes (two variants) receive series designations: General Atomics designation: YFQ-42A; & Anduril designation: YFQ-44A. (Y = Prototype; F = Fighter; & Q = Drone.)

7. US Army selects Textron Ripsaw M3 as promising Robotic Combat Vehicle prototype for development.

425: US Pauses Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine + New IDF Chief of Staff: 2025 - A Year of War + US Unfreezes $95 Million Aid Package to Lebanese Armed Forces + More

6 maart 2025 · 18 min

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1. New IDF Chief of Staff: 2025 - A Year of War. New IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated that 2025 would be “a year of war” with a focus on the Gaza Strip and Iran.

2. US Unfreezes $95 Million Aid Package to Lebanese Armed Forces.

3. US Pauses Intelligence Sharing with Ukraine. Comments from top Trump administration officials suggest the decision is part of the broader negotiations between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, and that intelligence could begin flowing to Ukraine again soon. CIA Director John Ratcliffe called the suspension a “pause".

4. Denmark picked Norwegian ammunition maker Nammo to restart a shuttered ammo plant for production of small- and large-caliber ammunition, the country’s defense ministry said. Nammo will produce 155 mm and 120 mm shells at the Elling plant, as well as 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm caliber cartridges.

5. As development continues, the USAF is fielding inquiries on Foreign Military Sales for new MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter. The MH-139 Fleet is primarily tasked with supporting nuclear security, as well as ferrying VIPs in the Washington, DC-area.

424: Arab Leaders Adopt Egypt's Gaza Reconstruction Plan + Ukraine President Proposes Partial Ceasefire + EU Ready to Spend $843 Billion to Rearm Europe + Lockheed Out of Navy's F/A XX Competition + More

5 maart 2025 · 21 min

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1. Arab Leaders Adopt Egypt's Gaza Reconstruction Plan. The Egyptian plan, called “Early Recovery, Reconstruction, Development of Gaza,” is based on “preserving the rights, dignity and humanity of the Palestinian people, and on the horizon of a two-state solution.”

2. Ukraine President Proposes Partial Ceasefire. Ukraine is proposing to Russia a “truce in the sky” – that is, a halt to mutual long-range drone and missile strikes against civilian infrastructure and, above all, against their respective energy industries.

3. EU Ready to Spend $843 Billion to Rearm Europe. Unveiling the plan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, was blunt, saying, “We are in an era of rearmament. And Europe is ready to massively boost its defense spending.” “This is Europe’s moment, and we must live up to it,” she added.

4. During an address to a Joint session of Congress, President Trump announced the creation of a shipbuilding office in the White House centered on revitalizing the nation’s commercial and naval shipbuilding industry.

5. 20 Additional Missile Silos emplaced at Fort Greely, AK. Boeing has finished building 20 x new silos for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System at Fort Greely, Alaska, growing the number of interceptors that can be emplaced there from 40 to 60.

6. Lockheed Martin Out of Navy's F/A XX Competition- leaving Northrop Grumman and Boeing in the running to replace the F/A-18 and E/A-18 with a new air superiority fighter.

423: US Pauses Military Aid to Ukraine + Egypt Prepares Plan for Gaza Reconstruction + UK & France Want to Lead "Coalition of the Willing" in Ukraine Peace Agreement + More

4 maart 2025 · 18 min

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1. Israel PM thanks US for recent Foreign Military Sales of weapons to "finish the job" against Iran and their terror proxies. On Saturday, US Secretary of State Rubio said he had signed a declaration to expedite around $4 billion in military assistance to Israel, adding that a partial arms embargo imposed under former administration had been reversed.

2. Egypt Prepares Plan for Gaza Reconstruction. Egypt’s vision will be presented at an Arab League summit on Tuesday.

3. US Pauses Military Aid to Ukraine. US President Donald Trump suspended military aid to Ukraine on Monday, a White House official said, sharply escalating pressure on Kyiv to agree to peace negotiations with Russia.

4. UK & France Want to Lead "Coalition of the Willing" in Ukraine Peace Agreement. British Prime Minister Kier Starmer announced the proposal on Sunday during a meeting of 18 European leaders in London.

5. The UK placed an order worth as much as $2 billion with Thales to supply more than 5,000 air defense missiles for Ukraine, the government said.

6. US President Donald Trump’s administration is loosening restrictions on military airstrikes by giving Commanders more autonomy to make lethal decisions, according to a U.S. defense official.

422: President Trump & President Zelensky Oval Office Meeting + US FMS to Israel Worth $3 Billion + Poland Leases AH-64 Apache Helicopters before Full Fleet Delivery + More

1 maart 2025 · 28 min

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1. US Foreign Military Sale to Israel Worth $3 Billion- includes $295 million for Armored D9 Caterpillar bulldozers and related equipment. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.

2. President Trump & President Zelensky Oval Office Meeting. (You have to listen to the whole meeting.)

3. European Leaders react to the President Trump & President Zelensky Oval Office Meeting. Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni, proposed “an immediate summit” between the United States and European allies “to speak frankly about how we intend to face today’s great challenges, starting with Ukraine.”

4. Wall Street Journal Report: Ukraine has enough weapons to sustain fighting until Summer without further US aid.

5. In response to President Donald Trump's "America First" Policy- Germany (and Europe) will increase defense industrial capacity to gain military materiel independence.

6. Poland Leases AH-64 Apache Helicopters before Full Fleet Delivery.

The Polish Ministry of National Defence has signed a $300 million deal to lease 8 x Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters from the United States. The contract comes in anticipation of the deliveries of 96 x AH-64E helicopters Poland ordered in August 2024.

421: IDF Probe on 7 Oct Hamas Attack + US & Russian Diplomats Meet in Istanbul + Poland & Slovakia Collaborate on Defense Materiel + Senate Confirmation Hearings for Top Pentagon Positions + More

28 februari 2025 · 22 min

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1. IDF Probe on 7 Oct Hamas Attack. Israeli reporters were presented with the investigations conducted by the Southern Command, Operations Division, Israeli Air Force, and Israeli Navy.

2. US & Russian Diplomats Meet in Istanbul. A U.S. Embassy official in Ankara confirmed that the Istanbul talks focused on the issues affecting the operation of respective diplomatic missions.

3. South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said that North Korea appears to have sent additional troops to Russia, after its soldiers deployed on the Russian-Ukraine fronts suffered heavy casualties.

4. Poland & Slovakia Collaborate on Defense Materiel. Poland and Slovakia have signed a letter of intent to jointly produce ammunition and cooperate on the procurement of armored vehicles, tank, and air defense weapons.

5. Senate Confirmation Hearings for Top Pentagon Positions.

- John Phelan (President Trump's Nominee for the Secretary of the Navy) testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Mr. Phelan told lawmakers he’d be focused on correcting the course of problematic shipbuilding programs as well as replenishing dwindling munitions stockpiles.

- Stephen Feinberg (President Trump's Nominee for Deputy Defense Secretary) listed shipbuilding, aircraft development, nuclear modernization, cyber defense, hypersonics, counterspace capabilities and counter-drone platforms as key technology “shortages” needed to beat China, which he called the biggest and most challenging threat the United States.

420: Israel & Hamas Agree on Hostage - Prisoner Release as Phase I Closes + US to Field Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon in '25 + US Senate Confirms new SECARMY + More

27 februari 2025 · 24 min

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1. Israel & Hamas Agree on Hostage - Prisoner Release as Phase I of Deal Closes. The first phase of the deal, which includes the ongoing ceasefire, ends on Saturday.

2. French President Macron visits White House- "feasible" to talk about a truce in the war and the start of negotiations for a sustainable peace within weeks.

3. Ukraine President Zelenskyy to visit Washington this week and possible agree on rare earth and mineral deal with US- in exchange for continued US support to Ukraine.

4. Competing resolutions in UN highlight daylight between US and European Leaders.

5. Norway continues aid to Ukraine with $312 million allocation of military equipment support.

6. Latest Estonian military aid package to Ukraine is worth $104 million- including 10,000 rounds of artillery ammunition.

7. US to Field Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon in '25.

8. US Senate Confirms new Army Secretary- confirmed on a 66-28 vote.

419: President Trump Removes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs & Navy CNO + Israeli Forensic Doctor Reports Bibas Family Murdered by Terrorists - Not Killed by Airstrike + Arab Leaders Meet in Riyadh to Discuss Gaza Reconstruction + More

23 februari 2025 · 24 min

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1. Israeli Forensic Doctor Reports Bibas Family Murdered by Terrorists - Not Killed by Airstrike.

2. Israel to delay freeing of 600 Palestinian Prisoners after humiliating release ceremony of six Israeli Hostages.

3. IDF Warplanes conduct flyover of former top Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's funeral ceremony in Beirut. Defense Minister Israel Katz: “You will specialize in funerals, and we will specialize in victories.”

4. Arab Leaders Meet in Riyadh to Discuss Gaza Reconstruction. The meeting – including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf Arab nations – took place ahead of a larger Arab summit on March 4, Saudi Arabia said. A meeting of Islamic countries is expected to follow, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.

5. Polish President Duda met with President Trump in Washington to discuss Ukraine.

6, US President Trump announced a second meeting for Ukraine negotiations will occur on 25 Feb in Riyadh.

7. UK and French Leaders to visit Washington for Ukraine discussions with President Donald Trump. Mr. Macron, is due at the White House on Monday and Mr. Starmer is set to follow on Thursday.

8. US and Ukraine / EU send competing UN resolutions to General Assembly on 3d year anniversary of the war.

9. President Trump Removes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs & Navy CNO. In addition, the USAF Vice Chief of Staff and the Judge Advocate Generals of the Army, Navy and USAF have reportedly also been removed.

418: Bodies of Four Hostages Returned to Israel include Shiri, Ariel & Kfir Bibas + President Trump & Leader of Ukraine Have War of Words + Australia Monitoring Chinese Warships Off the Continent's East Coast + More

20 februari 2025 · 18 min

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1. Bodies of Four Hostages Returned to Israel include Shiri, Ariel & Kfir Bibas.

2. President Trump & Leader of Ukraine Have War of Words.

President Trump: “Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the US and ‘TRUMP,’ will never be able to settle.”

3. Australia and Papua New Guinea negotiate defense treaty.

4. Australia Monitoring Chinese Warships Off the Continent's East Coast. Three Chinese navy vessels — a frigate, a cruiser and a supply tanker — were spotted last week in waters off mainland Australia.

5. Australian UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters achieve Initial Operating Capability- 15 months after arrival. The IOC achievement follows extensive testing, evaluation, and training, along with the launch of a fleet support and maintenance system. In 2023, Australia signed a deal to procure 40 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters via the US Government foreign military sales program.

417: US & Russia Establish Goals for Cooperation in Riyadh Talks + IRGC General Threatens Israel with Third Missile Attack + IDF Strikes Weapon Sites in Syria + US Tests Unarmed Minuteman III Ballistic Missile + More

19 februari 2025 · 23 min

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1. Hamas to release six Israeli Hostages on Saturday.

2. IDF Strikes Weapon Sites in Syria. The strikes targeted Syrian tanks used to store weapons, according to the IDF.

3. IRGC General Threatens Israel with Third Missile Attack. “The True Promise 3 will be carried out in appropriate time,” said deputy commander-in-chief of the IRGC Brigadier General Ali Fadavi.

4. US & Russia Establish Goals for Cooperation in Riyadh Talks. The two sides agreed broadly to pursue three goals: to restore staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, to create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks, and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.

5. US President Trump said he would not oppose the Europeans if they wanted to send peacekeepers to Ukraine to provide security guarantees in the event of a peace deal. "Having troops over there would be fine, I wouldn't object to it at all," President Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach.

6. Russian defense companies make comeback at the biennial 2025 IDEX Defense Show in Abu Dhabi- United Arab Emirates. The 2025 IDEX setting is noticeably different from the 2023 edition, when Russian companies were not even listed on the show’s official website. One of the top Russian exhibits is the Kalashnikov Group's Kub-2-E strike drone equipped with guided munitions as part of a drone-swarming concept.

7. UK begins competition for new 5.56mm light machine gun. Named “Project TROUBLER,” the initiative seeks to address capability gaps left by the decommissioning of the L110 A2, a 7.2-kilogram (15.8-pound) machine gun. The new weapon must be lighter and more modern than its predecessor, enhancing the mobility and combat effectiveness of Infantry Soldiers.

8. US Navy continues recovery of the EA-18G Growler that crashed in the San Diego Bay last week. The entire recovery operation could take up to two weeks, according to a US Navy news release.

9. US Tests Unarmed Minuteman …

416: IDF will Remain on 5 Strategic Hills in S. Lebanon + US & Russian Officials Meet in Saudi Arabia + Top European Leaders Meet in Paris to Discuss Next Steps in Ukraine + Ukraine President Calls for 200k Soldier European Army + More

18 februari 2025 · 37 min

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1. : IDF will Remain on 5 Strategic Hills in S. Lebanon. The US authorized the IDF to remain in the five points, though it was not clear how long troops would stay there.

2. Lebanon extend ban on flights from Iran. US advised Lebanon that Israel may shoot Iranian planes down. Israel asserts that Tehran was using civilian aircraft to smuggle cash to Beirut to arm the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah.

3. Unconfirmed reports say that Hamas has agreed to allow the Palestinian Authority to lead Gaza after a permanent ceasefire.

4. US & Russian Officials Meet in Saudi Arabia. Senior American and Russian officials will hold talks on improving their ties and negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine.

5. Ukraine President Calls for 200k Soldier European Army.

6. Top European Leaders Meet in Paris to Discuss Next Steps in Ukraine.

6. US Indo-Pacific Combatant Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo say that Chinese military exercises around Taiwan are “not exercises; they are rehearsals” for forced reunification with the mainland.

415: US & Russian Officials to Meet in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Peace in Ukraine + Three Israeli Hostages Released after 498 Days in Captivity + Indonesia to Procure Bayraktar TB3 Drones + More

16 februari 2025 · 27 min

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1. Three Israeli Hostages Released after 498 Days in Captivity. In exchange for the three Hostages, Israel released 369 Palestinian detainees and security prisoners, including 36 terrorists serving life sentences for murder.

2. Per Washington Post report- President Donald Trump and PM Benjamin Netanyahu discussed US support for a potential Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites during the Israeli leader's visit to Washington D.C. last week.

3. IDF strikes a prominent member of Unit 127- the Hezbollah formation in S. Lebanon responsible for aerial drone attack and surveillance flights over Israel.

4. Lebanon arrests 25 for attack on UNIFIL Convoy that wounded two Peacekeepers. UNIFIL = UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

5. From Politico: US & Russian Officials to Meet in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Peace in Ukraine. Representing the US are the National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Steve Witkoff, the president’s Middle East Envoy. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian government and the State Department didn’t respond to a request for comment.

6. On Friday, US Secretary of Defense Hegseth visited Poland where he held talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the country’s defense minister. Secretary Hegseth: "We see Poland as the model ally on the continent, willing to invest not just in their defense, but in our shared defense, and the defense of the continent.”

7. Due to long lead times for Lockheed Martin-made M142 HIMARS, Estonia is considering other long-range fires options for a second tranche order. Rocketsan’s Khan, from Turkey; the Elbit Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS), out of Israel; and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace-made K239 Chunmoo- are said to be in the running for selection.

8. Indonesia to Procure Bayraktar TB3 Drones. Turkish drone maker Baykar will supply Indonesia with 60 Bayraktar TB3 armed drones and nine Akinci surveillance drones, according to Indonesian firm…

414: Israel to Hamas - Ceasefire Continues if 3 Hostages Released Saturday + President Trump Speaks with Russian President - Directs Negotiations to End War + US Sec Def - No NATO Membership for Ukraine + More

14 februari 2025 · 22 min

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1. Israel to Hamas - Ceasefire Continues if 3 Hostages Released Saturday.

2. IDF conducts airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah weapon stores, launchers, and facilities.

3. Iran to unveil and new indigenous, cruise missile in March- with a reported range of 2000 kilometers. Quote from IRGC Rear Admiral Tangsiri: “We now have missiles that can be launched from the depths of the Iranian territory, eliminating the need for coastal launches.”

4. Speaking at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says no NATO Membership for Ukraine. Secretary Hegseth: "the war between Ukraine and Russia must end", that Kyiv joining NATO is unrealistic and that the US will no longer prioritize European and Ukrainian security.

5. President Trump Speaks with Russian President - Directs Negotiations to End War.

6. US President Donald Trump wants to have nuclear arms talks with Russia and China. President Trump: “There’s no reason for us to be building brand new nuclear weapons, we already have so many,” Trump said. “You could destroy the world 50 times over, 100 times over. And here we are building new nuclear weapons, and they’re building nuclear weapons.” The US President continues: “One of the first meetings I want to have is with President Xi of China, President Putin of Russia. And I want to say, ‘Let’s cut our military budget in half.’ And we can do that. And I think we’ll be able to.”

7. Japan to procure Boeing CH-47 Block II Chinooks. Beside the US, Japan will join Germany and the UK as operators of the latest Chinook variant.

8. Two Naval Aviators in good condition after their EA-18G Growler crashes during an attempted landing at the NAS North Island (San Diego, CA).

413: Israel PM Warns Resumption of "Intense Fighting" in Gaza if Hostages Not Released on Saturday + Egypt to Present Plan for Gaza Reconstruction + Belgium Promises to Increase Defense Spending + Germany Selects PULS Rocket Artillery System + More

12 februari 2025 · 30 min

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1. US President Trump suggests that Israel end the ceasefire agreement with Hamas if all remaining Hostages are not freed by Saturday.

2. Israel PM Warns Resumption of "Intense Fighting" in Gaza if Hostages Not Released on Saturday. In preparation, the IDF announced that it is “extensively” bolstering its forces in the Southern Command, and approving battle plans for the Gaza Strip in the event that the ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas collapses.

3. Egypt to Present Plan for Gaza Reconstruction. Egypt plans to “present a comprehensive vision for the reconstruction” of the Gaza Strip that ensures Palestinians remain on their land, the Egyptian foreign ministry says in a statement.

4. Houthi Rebels in Yemen vow to launch attacks on Israel if fighting resumes in Gaza.

5. Belgium Promises to Increase Defense Spending. The government of Prime Minister Bart De Wever plans to set the Belgian defense budget on track to reach current NATO spending targets by 2029 (2% GDP).

6. Germany Selects PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) Rocket Artillery System. For Germany, a key PULS feature is that it can fire rockets of various calibers, ranging from 122mm to 370mm, produced by different manufacturers.

7. Latest US Army update on the IVAS program. IVAS = Integrated Visual Augmentation System. Microsoft is seeking to transfer its entire IVAS contract over to Anduril (10-year - $22 billion contract).

412: IDF Withdraws from Netzarim Corridor IAW Ceasefire Deal + President Trump Reveals Conversations With Russian President About Ending War + EU Defense Spending in '24 Expected be 326 Billion Euros + More

10 februari 2025 · 24 min

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1. IDF Withdraws from Netzarim Corridor After 5th Hostage Release Cycle. According to the ceasefire deal, Israeli forces had to withdraw after the fifth swap was carried out.

2. US President Donald Trump comments on the poor state of appearance of the three Israeli Hostages released on Saturday. President Trump: “They are in really bad shape, they have been treated brutally, horribly. Even the ones that came out earlier, they were in a little bit better shape, but mentally they were treated so badly. Who could take that? “You know, at some point, we’re gonna lose our patience.”

3. IDF continues strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Israeli fighter jets carried out several airstrikes in Lebanon on Sunday evening, including against a tunnel between Lebanon and Syria used by Hezbollah to smuggle arms. Additionally, the Israeli Air Force targeted several Hezbollah sites in other areas of Lebanon, which included weapons and rocket launchers that “posed an immediate threat” to Israel.

4. President Trump Reveals Conversations With Russian President Putin About Ending War in Ukraine. “I’d better not say,” said Trump when asked how many times the two leaders have spoken.

5. European Union Defense Spending in 2024 Expected be 326 Billion Euros.

6. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth pledges to prioritize cutting waster in the Department of Defense. Secretary Hegseth said that in addition to rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, the Pentagon needs to slash hierarchies and layers of bureaucracy that aren’t serving the military. That could also involve a reduction in the number of four-star generals and flag officers, he said. “We won World War II with seven four-star generals. Today we have 44. Do all of those directly contribute to warfighting success? Maybe they do. I don’t know, but it’s worth reviewing to make sure they do.”

411: IDF Warplanes Strike Hezbollah Weapon Depots in Lebanon + Iran Unveils IRGC Navy Drone Carrier + UK to Chair Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels + France Sends Mirage Fighters to Ukraine + More

8 februari 2025 · 25 min

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1. IDF Warplanes Strike Hezbollah Weapon Depots in Lebanon.

2. Three Israeli Hostages set for release on Saturday morning from Gaza Strip. Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners in return.

3. In a speech from Tehran, the Iranian Supreme Leader vows Iran will respond to any threat or violation of the country's security by the US.

4. Iran Unveils IRGC Navy Drone Carrier. According to an IRGC Navy Commander- the drone carrier is capable of carrying several squadrons of unmanned aerial vehicles, launching and landing unmanned fighter jets, deploying various reconnaissance and combat drones, launching and recovering various light and fast combat vessels, as well as carrying and deploying various combat and support helicopters.

5. US Special Envoy to Ukraine & Russia- Keith Kellogg- will participate in the Munich Security Conference from 14-16 February. Though he will speak at the event, Mr. Kellogg denied that he will release the US Peace Proposal to stop the fighting between Russia and Ukraine. Mr. Kellogg: "The person that's going to present the peace plan is the President of the United States, not Keith Kellogg."

6. Russian Army receives first batch of BMP-3 Fighting Vehicles. The BMP-3 is armed with a 100-millimeter gun launcher, a 30-millimeter autocannon, a grenade launcher, machine guns, and an optional remote weapon station with a 57-millimeter autocannon.

7. France Sends Mirage Fighters to Ukraine. Sébastien Lecornu, France’s Armed Forces Minister, said last year that the Mirage 2000 Fighters would be equipped with air-to-ground weapons and new electronic warfare equipment.

8. UK to Chair Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels. United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defense John Healey will chair the event as it gathers for its 26th time next week in Brussels, marking the first time an American defense secretary has not convened the meeting in its three-year history.

9. Dutch military renews focus on the strategic importance of rai…

410: President Trump's Idea Relocates Palestinians During Gaza Reconstruction + US Ongoing Negotiations with Russia & Ukraine + US Navy Tests High-Energy Laser from Destroyer + More

6 februari 2025 · 26 min

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1. President Trump's Idea Relocates Palestinians During Gaza Reconstruction. Asked how many Gazans he intended to relocate, the President said, “All of them.” Asked to clarify whether the White House was shifting away from President Trump’s talk of “permanent” to “temporary” relocation, the WH Press Secretary responded, “The President has made it clear that they need to be temporarily relocated out of Gaza for the rebuilding of this effort as it’s a demolition site right now it’s not a livable place for any human being.”

2. President Trump denies that the US is working in conjunction with Israel to blow Iran into "smithereens".

3. US Ongoing Negotiations with Russia & Ukraine. President Trump described the talks as “very good, very constructive” and hinted at “progress” on the Russia-Ukraine issue—though he did not offer specifics.

4. In 2024, Turkey's defense exports increased 29% from the previous year. Turkey’s biggest defense exporters include drone maker Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries, ASFAT, armored vehicle producer MKE and ARCA.

5. India to increase defense budget by 9.5% during the 2025-2026 period.

6. Philippines to increase defense budget by 12.3% in 2025.

7. US Navy Tests High-Energy Laser from Arleigh Burke Destroyer, USS Preble (DDG-88).

8. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to host first foreign counterpart at the Pentagon- Mr. Richard Marles- the deputy prime minister and defense minister of Australia.

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

4 februari 2025 · 21 min

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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

2 februari 2025 · 24 min

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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

31 januari 2025 · 15 min

Afspelen

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. Lees meer

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

30 januari 2025 · 23 min

Afspelen

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 Jan… Lees meer

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

27 januari 2025 · 16 min

Afspelen

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. Lees meer

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

25 januari 2025 · 18 min

Afspelen

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. Lees meer

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

23 januari 2025 · 25 min

Afspelen

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). Lees meer

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

21 januari 2025 · 22 min

Afspelen

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). Lees meer