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567 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud

1. 401: Hostage Deal Begins - Three Israeli Hostages Released After 471 Days of Captivity in Gaza + Iran State TV Shows Secret Underground Naval Missile Base + First US Navy Destroyer Fitted with Hypersonic Missile Tubes + More

   19 januari 2025 · 21 min

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

2. 400: Israeli Cabinet to Vote on Hostage & Ceasefire Deal - That Will Begin on Sunday + Russia & Iran Sign Strategic Partnership Treaty + Armor Not Dead: Slovakia to Procure New Battle Tanks + More

   17 januari 2025 · 22 min

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

3. 399: Israel - Hamas Ceasefire & Hostage Talks Continue + NATO Secretary General Pitches Increased Spending by Alliance Members + Greece Adds Rafale Fighters to Warplane Arsenal + More

   15 januari 2025 · 25 min

   Afspelen
   For review:
   1. Israel - Hamas Ceasefire & Hostage Talks Continue.
   Key mediator Qatar it had presented both parties with a “final” draft of the agreement. Israel’s Channel 12 news reported Monday that Jerusalem considered it broadly acceptable. CNN cited an Egyptian official as saying the mediating countries — Qatar, Egypt, and the United States — had not yet received a response from Hamas.
   2. NATO Secretary General (Mark Rutte) Wants Commitment for Increased Spending by Alliance Members.
   Reuters reported on Monday that Secretary Rutte is of the view that new military capability targets could require members to commit to “as much as” 3.7 percent GDP.
   3. Greece Adds Rafale Fighters to Warplane Arsenal.
   The latest Rafale delivery supports Greece's goal to operate 200 x aircraft from the 4.5 and 5th generations comprising the F-16 Viper, F-35s, and the Rafales by 2030.
   Greece now operates 24 x Rafale fighters.
   4. USMC awards contract to integrate the Forterra autonomy package on JLTVs in support of the ROGUE Fires Vehicle & NMESIS program.
   NMESIS = Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System.
   5. US Navy Vice Chief of Naval Operations (Admiral Jim Kilby) makes a statement at the annual Surface Navy Association symposium regarding the downing of the F/A-18 by friendly fire, in December 2024.
   6. Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth appears before the Senate Armed Service Committee for confirmation hearing. Lees meer

4. 398: Israel Strikes Targets Amid Hezbollah Threat + Russia Transferring Materiel from Syria to Libya + After GAO Protest Ruling - US Army Restarts Work on Fixed-Wing ISR Program + More

   13 januari 2025 · 18 min

   Afspelen
   For review:
   1. Israel Strikes Targets Amid Hezbollah Threat.
   Israel says that before the strikes, it made the threats known to an international mechanism set up as part of the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but “the threats weren’t addressed.”
   Israel struck several Hezbollah targets, including a rocket launcher, an unspecified military site, and “routes along the Syria-Lebanon border used to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah.”
   2. Governance row between two main Palestinian groups- Hamas and Fatah- plays out in West Bank.
   3. Russia Transferring Materiel from Syria to Libya.
   On December 18- the Wall Street Journal, citing Libyan and American officials, said there had been a transfer of Russian radars and defense systems from Syria to Libya, including S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft batteries.
   4. Russia claims advances in the Donetsk and Kharkiv Regions.
   5. Ukraine claims that it has captured two wounded N. Korean Soldiers in Russia's Kursk Region.
   6. After GAO Protest Ruling - US Army Restarts Work on Fixed-Wing ISR Program.
   7. US Army Launched Effects (LE) program.
   Launched Effects is the Army's term of art for an unmanned segment among its aerial platforms, capable of delivering a wide range of capabilities such as targeting, reconnaissance, surveillance, network extension or kinetic strike. Lees meer

5. 397: Israel Responds to Houthi Drone & Missile Attacks - IDF Strikes Houthi Coastal Ports and Sanaa Powerplant + Iranian Media: Military to Field 1000 Strategic Drones + France's Defense Exports are Second Largest in the World + More

   11 januari 2025 · 22 min

   Afspelen
   For review:
   1. Israel Responds to Houthi Drone & Missile Attacks - IDF Strikes Houthi Coastal Ports and Sanaa Powerplant. The Israel Defense Forces said over 20 IAF aircraft — including fighter jets, refuelers and spy planes — participated in the Israeli strikes.
   2. Iranian Media: Military to Field 1000 Strategic Drones.
   Reportedly the unmanned aerial vehicles to be delivered include Ababil-4 and Ababil 5, which serve multipurpose missions from reconnaissance, patrolling and combat operations.
   3. UK Defense Ministry Release: The Ukraine Defense Contact Group - Drone Capability Coalition (led by UK & Latvia), will deliver 30,000 drones to Ukraine.
   These state-of-the-art, first-person view drones will help Ukraine fight against Russian aggression, allowing Ukraine’s Armed Forces to manoeuvre past Russian air defences to target enemy positions and armoured vehicles.
   4. Serbia looks to countries other than Russia- for defense materiel (France, Israel, & China).
   Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces: "When it comes to weapon deliveries from the Russian Federation, they are currently practically impossible."
   5. France's Defense Exports are Second Largest in the World. In the 2019-2023 period- France was the second-largest arms shipper, after the United States, accounting for 11% of global arms exports, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
   6. Indo-Pacific countries are taking steps to improve their amphibious capabilities (Japan; Philippines; Australia; & India).
   7. An Amphibious Warship Industrial Base Coalition survey says that US Navy multi-ship buys lead to immediate benefits.
   Under multi-ship buys, the Navy and defense shipbuilding industry agree on the prices of multiple ships years in advance and within the same contractual agreement. Lees meer

6. 396: Lebanon's Lawmakers Elect New President + Latest US Security Package to Ukraine Worth $500 Million + Armor Not Dead: Sweden Procures New Leopard Tanks & Upgrades CV90 Combat Vehicles + More

   10 januari 2025 · 22 min

   Afspelen
   For review:
   1. Lebanon's Lawmakers Elect New President.
   Lebanon’s lawmakers elected on Thursday army chief Joseph Aoun as president on Thursday. Under multi-confessional Lebanon’s power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian, as do military chiefs.
   2. Iran's former top General Officer in Syria conducts Q & A session at Tehran mosque.
   Brigadier General Behrouz Esbati provided information and answered questions about operations in Syria and attacks against the US and Israel.
   3. Latest US Security Package to Ukraine Worth $500 Million.
   The package includes missiles for air defense; air-to-ground munitions; and equipment to support Ukraine's use of F-16s.
   4. In Germany, Ukraine's allies meet at the 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group- notable as this is the last meeting with US Secretary of Defense (Lloyd Austin) under the Biden Administration.
   5. Armor Not Dead: Sweden Procures New Leopard Tanks & Upgrades CV90 Combat Vehicles.
   The armor deal covers 44 new Leopards and upgrades for 66 older Leopard 2 tanks. The new tanks are set to begin delivery in 2028, with all units expected to be in service by 2031. In addition, Sweden has approved the renovation of 90 existing CV90 combat vehicles, set to be completed by 2030.
   6. Australia procures 40 x Bushmaster Combat Vehicles for the 2d Long Range Fires Regiment. The new Bushmasters will provide C2 capabilities for the Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) or Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile Increment 2 contract, to be awarded by the end of this year.
   7. US President-elect Trump's nominee for the Secretary of Defense (Pete Hegseth)- goes to Capitol Hill next Tuesday to begin the confirmation hearing process before the Senate Armed Service Committee. Lees meer

7. 395: Iran Conducts Air Defense Drills near Nuclear Site + Germany to Procure PULS Rocket Artillery System + N. Korea Test Launches Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile into Sea of Japan + More

   8 januari 2025 · 19 min

   Afspelen
   For review:
   1. Iran Conducts Air Defense Drills near Nuclear Site.
   Iran’s military has begun drills focusing on air defenses near the Natanz nuclear enrichment plant in the center of the country as part of exercises planned nationwide, state media reported on Tuesday.
   2. US State Department moves $95 million of assistance designated for Egypt and $7.5 million dollars of assistance designated for Israel to Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces, in support of the ceasefire agreement.
   3. Germany to Procure PULS Rocket Artillery System.
   The German armed forces, can spend roughly €65 million, or $68 million USD, on five systems. PULS = Precise and Universal Launching System.
   4. N. Korea Test Launches Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile into Sea of Japan.
   Japan Defense Minister Gen Nakatani: “Further details, including whether the missile was a hypersonic weapon, are still under analysis.”
   5. The Pentagon awarded defense-technology firm Kratos a contract worth up to $1.45 billion in support of Hypersonic Missile development and testing. This effort is led by the Pentagon’s Test Resource Management Center and the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Crane Division.
   6. During a radio interview- President-elect Donald Trump discusses requirements creep as related to the US Navy’s Constellation-class frigate program. Lees meer

8. 394: Iran: Future Attacks by Israel Could Lead to Full War + IDF May Extend 30 Days in S. Lebanon Based On Delayed LAF Deployment + US Army Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon Effort + More

   5 januari 2025 · 18 min

   Afspelen
   For review:
   1. Iran: Future Attacks by Israel Could Lead to Full War.
   Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: “We are fully prepared for the possibility of further Israeli attacks. I hope Israel will refrain from taking such reckless action, as it could lead to a large-scale war.”
   2. IDF May Extend 30 Days in S. Lebanon Based On Delayed LAF Deployment.
   The IDF was gearing up for the possibility that troops would stay beyond the 60-day period (outlined in the ceasefire agreement) as the Lebanese army is currently deploying too slowly to the southern Lebanon area, allowing Hezbollah time to regroup.
   3. Russia vows to retaliate after Ukraine ATACMS strike in Belgorod.
   4. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet with President-elect Donald Trump soon after inauguration.
   5. US Army Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon Effort.
   The Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office “has a requirement to develop and deliver a full Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) Battery no later than Q4FY27 followed by an operational demonstration in FY28.
   A full MDACS battery consists of eight Multi-Domain Artillery Cannons, four Multi-Function Precision Radars, two Multi-Domain Battle Managers, and separately, no less than 144 Hypervelocity Projectiles.” Lees meer

9. 393: IDF Releases Details from September 2024 Commando Raid in Syria + Senegal to Remove Foreign Military Presence in 2025 + Russian Navy Accepts 5th Yasen-class Nuclear Attack Sub + More

   3 januari 2025 · 19 min

   Afspelen
   For review:
   1. Israel to send Team to Qatar for Hostage Negotiations.
   The Prime Minister’s Office said that “Netanyahu authorized a working-level delegation from the Mossad, Shin Bet and IDF to continue negotiations in Doha.”
   2. IDF Releases Details from September 2024 Commando Raid in Syria.
   The raid — dubbed internally by the Israel Defense Forces “Operation Many Ways” — was aimed at destroying an underground facility used by Iranian forces to manufacture precision missiles for Hezbollah in Lebanon and for the Assad regime in Syria.
   3. Senegal to Remove Foreign Military Presence in 2025.
   Senegal's President (Bassirou Dioumaye Faye): “I have instructed the minister for the armed forces to propose a new doctrine for cooperation in defence and security, involving, among other consequences, the end of all foreign military presences in Senegal from 2025.”
   4. Russian Navy Accepts 5th Yasen-class Nuclear Attack Sub.
   The Attack boat Arkhangelsk was turned over to the Russian Navy on Dec. 27 in a ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard on the White Sea just south of the Arctic Circle. The 13,800-ton Yasen-Ms can field the 1,000-mile range 3M-54 Kalibir NK land attack cruise missile, the P-800 Oniks anti-ship missile, and the 3M-22 Zircon hypersonic anti-ship cruise missiles.
   5. China sanctions US Defense companies over arms sales to Taiwan.
   They will be prohibited from import and export activities or making new investments in China, while their senior managers will be banned from entering the country, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday. Lees meer

10. 392: US CENTCOM Forces Strike Houthi Rebel Targets + Israeli Ambassador to UN Gives Last Warning to Houthis + Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine worth $1.25 Billion + More

    31 december 2024 · 18 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. US CENTCOM Forces Strike Houthi Rebel Targets.
    On Dec. 30 and 31, US Navy ships and aircraft targeted a Houthi command and control facility and advanced conventional weapon (ACW) production and storage facilities that included missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
    2. Israeli Ambassador (Danny Danon) to UN Gives Last Warning to Houthis.
    “To the Houthis, perhaps you have not been paying attention to what has happened to the Middle East over the past year. Well, allow me to remind you what has happened to Hamas, to Hezbollah, to Assad, to all those who have attempted to destroy us. Let this be your final warning,” Danon told the UN Security Council.
    3. Latest in Israel - Hamas Hostage Negotiations. Israel & Hamas disagree on number of living Hostages to be released.
    4. Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine worth $1.25 Billion.
    In addition, the US Treasury Department meanwhile announced the disbursement of $3.4 billion in direct budgetary support for Ukraine.
    5. Greece to provide 24 x Sea Sparrow Missiles to Ukraine.
    The missiles are part of a broader defense package for Ukraine, including artillery shells, weaponry, and ammunition.
    6. Russian Foreign Minister (Sergei Lavrov) on President-elect Trump Peace proposal: “Of course, we are not satisfied with the proposals being voiced by representatives of the president-elect to postpone Ukrainian NATO membership for 20 years and to send to Ukraine a peacekeeping contingent of ‘British and European forces,'” Lavrov said.
    7. Turkish Drone Maker Baykar purchases Italian aviation firm Piaggio Aerospace. Lees meer

11. 391: Details Released on the Haniyeh Assassination + IDF Operations from Neztarim Corridor + Finland Seizes Tanker from Undersea Cable Incident + China's Amphib Assault Ship Can Launch & Recover Fighters + More

    29 december 2024 · 19 min

    Afspelen
    For Review:
    1. Details Released on the Haniyeh Assassination.
    2. IDF Operations from Neztarim Corridor.
    3. Finland Seizes Tanker from Undersea Cable Incident.
    4. Finland to increase defense spending to 3.3% GDP by 2032. Currently, Finland spends 2.4% of GDP on defense- well above the NATO mark of 2%.
    5. China's Amphib Assault Ship Can Launch & Recover Fighters. Lees meer

12. 390: Another Round of IDF Strikes on Houthi Targets + Mossad Chief: We Need to Go Head to Head with Iran + Slovakia to Procure Barak Air Defense Systems + Australian Air Force Receives Final Batch of F-35A Warplanes + More

    26 december 2024 · 15 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Another Round of IDF Strikes on Houthi Targets.
    The targets included “infrastructure used by the Houthi terror regime for its military activities” at Sanaa International Airport, and the Hezyaz power plant just outside the Houthi-controlled capital.
    2. Mossad Chief: We Need to Go Head to Head with Iran.
    3. Slovakia to Procure Barak Air Defense Systems.
    4. Report: Russian Naval Vessels departing Syria for Libya. Italy concerned.
    5. Netherlands to procure anti-drone systems to defeat small unmanned aircraft systems.
    6. Australian Air Force Receives Final Batch of F-35A Warplanes. Lees meer

13. 389: Israel Opposition Leader: Target Iran Directly + Philippines Wants to Acquire US Army Mid-Range Fires Capability + US & Japanese V-22 Ospreys Cleared to Fly After Required Inspections + More

    24 december 2024 · 20 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel Opposition Leader: Target Iran Directly.
    Faced with Houthi attacks from Yemen and dangers posed by other Iranian proxies, Israel “must target Iran directly,” opposition politician Benny Gantz declared on Monday. Mr. Gantz stated that “the solution to putting an end to the attacks lies in Tehran.”
    2. US President-elect Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants a meeting to discuss Ukraine conflict soon after his (Trump) return to office.
    3. Italy to procure 24 x Eurofighter Typhoons.
    The new jets will be equipped with advanced avionics and enhanced weapon systems capable of operating Brimstone III and Meteor missiles.
    4. Philippines Wants to Acquire US Army Mid-Range Fires Capability.
    The system is intended to hit targets at ranges between the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) – and the developmental Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system.
    5. US & Japanese V-22 Ospreys Cleared to Fly After Required Inspections. Lees meer

14. 388: Israel Turns Attention Toward Houthis + US Authorizes $571 Million in Military Assistance to Taiwan + US Army Self-Propelled Howitzer (155mm) Modernization + More

    22 december 2024 · 26 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. US Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen.
    2. US Navy F/A 18F Super Hornet Downed by friendly fire over the Red Sea.
    The Super Hornet, assigned to aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), was flying over the Red Sea when guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64) fired upon it, according to the CENTCOM statement. The two pilots ejected safely, and were recovered.
    3. Israel Turns Attention Toward Houthis.
    The Houthis have launched more than 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel in the past year.
    4. US Authorizes $571 Million in Military Assistance to Taiwan.
    The White House said in a brief statement that President Biden had authorized the drawdown "of up to $571.3 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan."
    5. USAF study supports manned-6th Generation fighter- potentially in support of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
    6. US Army Self-Propelled Howitzer (155mm) Modernization. Lees meer

15. 387: Israel Strikes Houthi Ports, Depots, & Power Stations + UK Troops in Ukraine for Training Mission? + Hanwha (S. Korea) Purchases Controlling Stake in Philly Shipyard + More

    20 december 2024 · 27 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel Strikes Houthi Ports, Depots, & Power Stations.
    Fourteen fighter jets, alongside refuelers and spy planes, flew some 2,000 kilometers in the early hours of Thursday morning and dropped over 60 munitions on Houthi “military targets,” the IDF said.
    2. Russian President Putin addresses country during four-hour news conference- with broad range of topics.
    The news conference saw Mr. Putin address a possible end to the war, as he said he is "ready to compromise" in possible talks with US President-elect Donald Trump.
    3. UK Troops in Ukraine for Training Mission?
    UK Forces could be sent to Ukraine to directly train soldiers there, the British defense secretary (John Healey) suggested — as he unveiled a further £225 million worth of weapons and other military gear for Kyiv.
    4. Slovakia to purchase 12 x UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters.
    5. Hanwha (S. Korea) Purchases Controlling Stake in Philly Shipyard.
    6. USAF Secretary (Frank Kendall) has public disagreement with Elon Musk over the future of manned fighter aircraft. Secretary Kendall said Musk’s idea of a drone Air Force that can take the place of the current crewed fleet is still years away from having the necessary technology to work.
    7. Senate Armed Service Committee Chairman (Senator Roger Wicker) to introduce legislation designed to streamline and improve the Department of Defense's Acquisition process. Lees meer

16. 386: IAEA Report: Iran has Enriched Uranium at Military Grade + Armor Not Dead: Lithuania to Procure Leopard 2 Tanks + US Navy & USMC LSM Program Stalled due to Cost + More

    18 december 2024 · 26 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israeli PM visits Mount Hermon on Syrian Side.
    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday that Israeli troops would remain stationed inside Syria for the foreseeable future.
    2. New Syrian Leader (Abu Muhammad al-Julani) speaks with journalists- presents moderate proposals and ideas for new Syrian State.
    Speaking to journalists at the prime ministerial headquarters in Damascus, Julani said rebel factions in Syria would be disbanded, and their fighters placed under the defense ministry. He played down the prospect of a Syria run by Islamic law, and vowed to protect minority rights. He also called for sanctions to be lifted so refugees can return.
    3. International Atomic Energy Agency: Iran has Enriched Uranium at Military Grade.
    According to an IAEA report, Iran has begun dramatically expanding its production of uranium enriched to near-weapons grade levels, collecting enough material for several bombs already.
    4. Top Russian General Killed by Explosive in Moscow.
    Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, Chief of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops, was killed outside an apartment building on along with his assistant.
    5. Armor Not Dead: Lithuania to procure 44 x Leopard 2 Tanks- with the goal is to have the tanks by 2030. The Lithuanian government is calling the procurement, the single largest defense acquisition project in the country’s history.
    6. Portugal to procure 12x A-29N Super Tucano Aircraft in a deal worth $210 million.
    7. US Navy & USMC LSM Program Stalled due to Cost.
    After receiving bids from industry, the Navy canceled the request for proposals for the Landing Ship Medium. While the USMC has pushed for a more affordable ship- built to commercial standards- the Navy’s requirements for improved survivability have increased the cost. Lees meer

17. 385: Israel - Hamas Potential Hostage Deal in Two Weeks + Japan to Purchase T-6 Texan Trainer Aircraft + Australia Test Fires Tomahawk Cruise Missile from Destroyer + More

    16 december 2024 · 19 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel - Hamas Potential Hostage Deal in Two Weeks.
    An unnamed Israeli official told the Israel Hayom daily on Sunday that a ceasefire-hostage deal will likely be completed by Hanukkah, which begins this year on the evening of December 25.
    2. Hezbollah leader (Naim Qassem) acknowledges that the supply route from Iran- through Syria- to Lebanon, has been cut. “Yes, Hezbollah has lost the military supply route through Syria at this stage, but this loss is a detail in the resistance’s work,” Qassem said.
    3. Kurdish-led forces in Syria (allied with the United States), accidently shot down a US MQ-9 Drone on Monday. Troops from the Syrian Democratic Forces were conducting operations when they downed the MQ-9, a U.S. official familiar with the situation confirmed to Defense News.
    4. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to procure more Avante 2200 Corvettes from Spanish-firm Navantia.
    5. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warns European countries to prepare for war with a volatile Russia. Rutte listed a series of recent “hostile actions” by Russia against NATO allies, including cyber-attacks, assassinations, an explosion at a Czech ammunition depot, the jamming of radars in the Baltic region to disrupt air traffic, and the “weaponization” of migrants to destabilize Europe.
    6. Japan to Purchase T-6 Texan Trainer Aircraft.
    The Japanese government has selected the US-built basic trainer aircraft and associated ground equipment for its air force’s pilot training program.
    7. Australia Test Fires Tomahawk Cruise Missile from Destroyer.
    On Tuesday, Australia announced that destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) conducted a successful first firing of an RGM-109E Tomahawk cruise missile off the US West Coast. Lees meer

18. 384: IDF Will Remain on the Syrian Side of Mount Hermon During Winter + Israel - Hamas Negotiations Show Encouraging Signs + Poland Establishes Drone Force + US Army Successful Hypersonic Missile Test + More

    14 december 2024 · 21 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. With lowered air defense threat in Syria, "air road" to Tehran less dangerous to Israeli Air Force. According to the IDF, the IAF destroyed 86% of the former Assad regime’s air defense systems across Syria, totaling 107 separate air defense components and another 47 radars.
    2. IDF Will Remain on the Syrian Side of Mount Hermon During Winter.
    Defense Minister Israel Katz said Friday that he had ordered the military to prepare to stay atop the Syrian side of Mount Hermon during the coming winter months as Israel aims to prevent the border region from falling into the wrong hands following the ouster of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
    3. Israel - Hamas Negotiations Show Encouraging Signs.
    4. US President-elect Trump's national security team is meeting with Biden Administration as negotiations between Ukraine and Russia potentially appear on the horizon. President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has held several conversations with his named successor, Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla.
    5. Trilateral Nations- Japan, UK, and Italy- establish Joint Venture to manage and develop the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
    GCAP aims to replace UK Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-2 combat jets. It is slated for entry to service in 2035.
    6. Poland Establishes Drone Force.
    Starting on 01 January 2025, the Drone Force will comprise aerial, land, naval surface, and underwater unmanned systems.
    7. US Army Successful Hypersonic Missile Test.
    On Thursday evening, Army released two announcements:
    - It successfully tested a conventional hypersonic missile (in partnership with the Navy).
    - It successfully launched a pair of Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1 weapons from a HIMARS launcher. Lees meer

19. 383: In 48 Hours - IDF Destroys 70-80% of Assad Regime's Strategic Weapons + Poland PM: Russia - Ukraine Peace Talks This Winter + Dutch F-35s Intercept Russian Aircraft Near NATO Airspace + More

    12 december 2024 · 26 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. In 48 Hours - IDF Destroys 70-80% of Assad Regime's Strategic Weapons.
    The airstrikes destroyed many long-range projectiles, Scud missiles, cruise missiles, coast-to-sea missiles, air defense missiles, fighter jets, helicopters, radars, tanks, hangars and more.
    2. Poland PM: Russia - Ukraine Peace Talks This Winter.
    Peace talks to end the war in Ukraine could begin this winter, Polish PM Donald Tusk said on Monday before holding talks with Volodymyr Zelensky in Warsaw.
    3. Biden Administration pushes Ukraine to lower the Draft age to 18- to increase manpower for Ukraine's armed forces.
    White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett in a statement said the administration will continue sending Ukraine weaponry but believes “manpower is the most vital need” Ukraine has at the moment.
    4. Dutch F-35s Intercept Russian Aircraft Near NATO Airspace.
    Amsterdam said the Russian systems involved in the first incident were an Antonov An-72 Coaler transport aircraft and a Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer tactical bomber. The second report was received in the afternoon of the same day, this time with an Ilyushin Il-20M spy plane.
    5. US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) reports successful intercept of ballistic missile during Guam test.
    From MDA release: During the “experiment,” the Aegis air defense system used a new AN/TPY-6 radar to track the target and a Vertical Launching System to fire a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA at an incoming, air-launched medium-range ballistic missile flying over the ocean near Andersen Air Force Base (Guam).
    6. Opinion Article from Defense Post (Mark Fulton) concerning artillery lessons- learned from Ukraine.
    Summary:
    As militaries around the world rethink their artillery strategies, the lessons from Ukraine make one thing clear: success lies not in having the most advanced equipment but in striking the right balance between simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability. Lees meer

20. 382: IDF Deploys into Buffer Zone with Syria & Controls Strategic Mount Hermon + IDF Strikes Syrian Military Hardware Following Collapse of Assad Regime + US Strikes ISIS Targets in Syria + More

    10 december 2024 · 18 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. IDF Deploys into Buffer Zone with Syria & Controls Strategic Mount Hermon.
    On Sunday, the IDF captured the Syrian side of strategic Mount Hermon, along with a buffer zone that has existed between the countries since the 1970s. The 235-square-kilometer demilitarized buffer zone was established in the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria, which concluded the Yom Kippur War, and has been manned for decades by UN peacekeepers.
    2. IDF Strikes Syrian Military Hardware Following Collapse of Assad Regime.
    On Sunday, the IAF hit advanced missile storage sites, air defense systems, and planes, helicopters, and tanks that belonged to the Assad regime’s military.
    On Monday, Israeli planes bombed at least three major Syrian army air bases that housed dozens of helicopters and jets.
    3. US Strikes ISIS Targets in Syria.
    US Central Command said that its warplanes conducted “dozens” of airstrikes on more than 75 sites, including known “ISIS leaders, operatives and camps.”
    The attacks used B-52 bombers, F-15 fighters, and A-10 Warthogs.
    4. Russia to provide warplanes to N. Korea in return for troop combat deployment.
    US Indo-PACOM Commander (Admiral Samuel Paparo): Russia has reached an agreement with North Korea to send MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter aircraft to Pyongyang in return for that nation deploying soldiers to help with Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
    5. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes rare comment on troop causalities.
    The Ukrainian President said that some 43,000 Ukrainian Soldiers have been killed and 370,000 injuries had been reported, since the war with Russia began in February 2022.
    6. US Military pauses V-22 Osprey Fleet following near-accident at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
    The pause was recommended last week “out of an abundance of caution” by Vice Admiral Carl Chebi, the head of Naval Air Systems Command. Lees meer

21. 381: Qatar Returns as Mediator Between Israel & Hamas + Amid Fighting in Syria - IDF Reinforces Golan Heights + US Sec of Defense Announces $1 Billion in Security Aid to Ukraine + More

    8 december 2024 · 20 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Qatar Returns as Mediator Between Israel & Hamas.
    Unnamed source confirmed to The Times of Israel that Doha had quietly resumed its role as a mediator at the behest of officials from US President-elect Trump’s transition team.
    2. Syrian rebel forces are closing in on the capital Damascus from the north, east, and south. CNN reported Saturday that the US was increasingly believing that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime could collapse within days.
    3. Amid Fighting in Syria - IDF Reinforces Golan Heights.
    IDF Chief of Staff (Lieutenant General Halevi): “We are very closely following what is happening. The main emphasis is to see the Iranian exit [from Syria]… and the second thing is to see the local elements taking over the area, what they are doing, how they behave, how they are deterred, and [making sure they] don’t get confused and turn in our direction."
    4. US Sec of Defense Announces $1 billion in Security Aid to Ukraine.
    This $988 million package will come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, through which the US buys new equipment for Ukraine rather than shipping kit directly from American stocks.
    5. BAE wins contract worth $2.5 billion to build CV90 Fighting Vehicles for Denmark and Sweden. Denmark has ordered 115 new CV9035 MkIIICs, and Sweden is acquiring 50 new vehicles.
    6. The US House and Senate today released their compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act, with a $895.2 billion topline. Lees meer

22. 380: Egypt Proposals Hostage Deal to Hamas - Israel Open to Discuss + Israel Cautiously Observes Fighting in Syria + Latest US Assistance Package to Ukraine worth $725 Million + More

    6 december 2024 · 28 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Egypt Proposals Hostage Deal to Hamas - Israel Open to Discuss.
    Reportedly, the proposal is not for an end to the war, but an extended ceasefire that will allow the elderly, children, women, ill and badly wounded hostages to be released.
    2. Israel Cautiously Observes Fighting in Syria.
    Statement from IDF: “The IDF will not allow a threat near the Syrian-Israeli border and will act to thwart any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel.”
    3. Argentina and Israel sign accord to increase defense ties.
    The agreement will involve a focus on joint projects “in cyber defense, unmanned aerial vehicles, border protection, satellite communications, and future government-to-government (G2G) contracts in light arms, light munitions, radios, and related equipment.”
    4. Latest US Assistance Package to Ukraine worth $725 Million.
    Package includes air defense capabilities; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons.
    5. Despite recent prospect of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news outlet in an interview published Wednesday that Russia sees "no grounds for negotiations yet."
    6. Australia down-selects two companies for development of general-purpose frigates- in program worth A$10 billion.
    - Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)
    - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
    7. Australian leaning toward development of sovereign produced maritime mobile strike platform based upon Bushmaster system- equipped with two Naval Strike Missiles (StrikeMaster). The StrikeMaster is similar to the USMC- Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), which pairs Naval Strike Missiles with a modified unmanned Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.
    8. President-elect Donald Trump selects Daniel Driscoll as the nominative Secretary of the Army. Mr. Driscoll served in the Army and deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division as a Cavalry Scout platoon leader.
    9. USAF kicks the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) can (Pro… Lees meer

23. 379: Israel Alert for Iranian Weapon Transfers to Hezbollah + NATO Sec General Talks Ukraine Negotiations + US Army Autonomous Precision Strike Missile Variant + GAO Reports Poor Condition of US Navy Amphibious Fleet + More

    4 december 2024 · 26 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel Alert for Iranian Weapon Transfers to Hezbollah.
    The IDF on Monday said it would ensure Iran does not smuggle weapons from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon as the Islamic Republic sends reinforcements to its ally Syrian President Bashar Assad to counter an ongoing rebel assault.
    2. NATO Sec General Talks Ukraine Negotiations.
    NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte: "The front is not moving eastwards. It is slowly moving westwards,” Rutte said. “So we have to make sure that Ukraine gets into a position of strength, and then it should be for the Ukrainian government to decide on the next steps, in terms of opening peace talks and how to conduct them.”
    3. French-German defense form KNDS to get new CEO.
    Formed in 2015, KNDS is a joint venture between France’s Nexter and Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMV), two of Europe’s largest land system manufacturers. The company makes the Leopard 2 main battle tank, Puma infantry fighting vehicle, and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer (155mm).
    4. US Army Autonomous Precision Strike Missile Variant.
    The US Army is developing a fifth Precision Strike Missile (variant), that it could potentially launch from an autonomous launcher to hit targets beyond 1,000 km.
    5. USMC 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (Hawaii) receives over an unspecified amount of Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction Systems (NMESIS).
    In 2021, the Marine Corps identified the procurement of 14 NMESIS batteries, composed of 18 launchers each. These unmanned launchers are equipped with two low-observable Naval Strike Missiles capable of reaching targets 185 kilometers away.
    6. GAO Reports Poor Condition of US Navy Amphibious Fleet.
    Half of the Navy ships the Marine Corps would use to make amphibious assaults are in “poor condition,” and some of the vessels have been unavailable for operational or training use for years at a time, according to a pointed new watchdog report.
    7. Indo-PACOM Combatant Commander (US Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo) concerned of … Lees meer

24. 378: Israel Plans for Northern Border Communities Return + Ukraine President Pushes for NATO Membership of Kyiv-controlled Territory before Peace Negotiations + Lithuania & Poland Invest in 155mm Munition Production + More

    1 december 2024 · 19 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel Plans for Northern Border Communities Return.
    Northern border residents will not be asked to return to their homes until February 1, 2025, despite the ceasefire. At that point, assuming the truce has been held, those who return immediately will receive a grant based on the size of their household.
    2. Over Syria and Iraq, Israeli Air Force forces Iranian aircraft, with suspected arms for Hezbollah, to turnaround.
    3. Ukraine President Pushes for NATO Membership of Kyiv-controlled Territory before Peace Negotiations.
    President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country needed security guarantees from NATO and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia.
    4. From Associated Press: Ukrainian Army faces desertion problems, particularly in front-line combat Brigades.
    5. Lithuania & Poland Invest in 155mm Munition Production.
    - German defense giant Rheinmetall and Lithuania on Friday signed deals to begin construction of a $190-million ammunition plant to make artillery shells.
    - Polish lawmakers have voted to allocate $740 million for investments in ramping up the country’s ammunition production capacities, with a particular focus on much-needed 155mm artillery shells. Lees meer

25. 377: US General to Beirut for Ceasefire Implementation + IDF Continues to Strike Hezbollah Targets in Syria + Hamas Ready for Negotiations with Israel + Russia & China Conduct Joint Bomber Flights Over Sea of Japan + More

    30 november 2024 · 25 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. US General to Beirut for Ceasefire Implementation.
    US CENTCOM announced that Major General Jasper Jeffers, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), would oversee the implementation and monitoring mechanism of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, alongside his co-chair, US Mideast envoy Amos Hochstein.
    2. IDF Continues to Strike Hezbollah Targets in Syria.
    Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck military infrastructure in Syria near border crossings with Lebanon on Saturday, which the IDF said were being “actively” used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons.
    3. Hamas Ready for Negotiations with Israel.
    Hamas is displaying increased flexibility in long-stalled talks for an elusive ceasefire and hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, and may agree to the IDF temporarily remaining on the Philadelphi Corridor.
    4. Hezbollah will cooperate with Lebanese Armed Forces during Ceasefire Agreement with Israel.'
    5. Russia strikes anti-government forces in Syria in response to attack on Aleppo.
    “The Russian air force is carrying out rocket-bomb attacks on the equipment and manpower of illegal armed groups, control points, warehouses and artillery positions of terrorists,” news agencies reported a spokesperson for the defense ministry’s Reconciliation Centre for Syria as saying.
    6. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss military cooperation.
    7. Russia & China Conduct Joint Bomber Flights Over Sea of Japan.
    Statement from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense:
    “According to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, on Nov. 29, the two sides organized and implemented the ninth joint air strategic cruise in the relevant airspace of the Sea of ​​Japan.” Lees meer

26. 376: IDF Strikes Hezbollah in S. Lebanon after Ceasefire Violation + President-elect Trump selects Retired Army General as Ukraine-Russia Envoy + Russian SU-27 Warplanes Intercept B-52H Bombers near Baltic Sea + More

    28 november 2024 · 19 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. IDF Strikes Hezbollah in S. Lebanon after Ceasefire Violation.
    IDF Fighter jets struck a Hezbollah facility, which was used to hold medium-range rockets, after identifying activity there.
    2. Israel warns Syria of allowing weapons transfers from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
    The Israel Defense Forces has said that amid the truce it would continue to act to prevent all weapon deliveries to the Lebanese terror group, including by striking shipments anywhere in Lebanon or Syria.
    3. President-elect Trump selects Retired Army General as Ukraine-Russia Envoy.
    President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Keith Kellogg, a former national security adviser and retired lieutenant general in the US military, to be special envoy to Ukraine and Russia in his second administration.
    4. Russian SU-27 Warplanes Intercept B-52H Bombers near Baltic Sea.
    The B-52s were conducting a training flight when the Russian Su-27 fighters intercepted them near Kaliningrad. A US defense official said the interception was safe and professional, and the B-52s continued with their planned flight.
    5. President-elect Trump selects businessman John Phelan as Nominative Secretary of the Navy.
    If confirmed, Phelan would replace current Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, who is expected to step down ahead of Trump’s inauguration. Lees meer

27. 375: Israel and Hezbollah Ceasefire to Begin at 0400 Local Time + Le Monde Report: France & UK Discuss Support for Ukraine + More

    27 november 2024 · 29 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel and Hezbollah Ceasefire to Begin at 0400 Local Time.
    Israeli PM Netanyahu said there were three reasons for accepting the ceasefire now. “The first is to focus on the Iranian threat, and I won’t elaborate,” he said.
    The second was to allow troops to rest and to replenish weapon stores.
    The third reason, he said, is to delink the northern and southern fronts and isolate Hamas."
    2. Le Monde Report: France & UK Discuss Support for Ukraine.
    3. Top defense leaders from Germany, France, the U.K, Poland, and Italy met in Berlin on Monday to discuss continuing support of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Lees meer

28. 374: Israel Agrees to US-backed Ceasefire in Lebanon (In Principle) + Russian President: Oreshnik Missile in Production + Finland Hosts Largest Ever NATO Artillery Exercise + US to Sign Basing Agreement with Fiji + More

    25 november 2024 · 21 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel Agrees to US-backed Ceasefire in Lebanon (In Principle).
    2. Russian President (Vladimir Putin): Oreshnik Missile in Production.
    The Russian President said that Moscow would carry out more tests of the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in “combat conditions- and the missile will be put into serial production.
    3. Russia equips quad-copter drone with flamethrower payload to counter Ukrainian First Person View (FPV) drones.
    4. US and Allies discuss cooperation between Russia, China, N. Korea, and Iran at the Halifax International Security Forum (Canada).
    5. Finland Hosts NATO Artillery Exercise.
    The 12-day military exercise (Exercise Dynamic Front 25) is considered the alliance’s largest-ever artillery exercise held in Europe, located in the Finnish Northern Lapland. The inaugural exercise in the series involved about 5,000 soldiers from 28 countries.
    6. US to Sign Basing Agreement with Fiji.
    The US is negotiating two separate deals:
    - A status of forces agreement- allowing the stationing of US troops- either permanently or temporarily.
    - an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, or ACSA- that would allow the US to leave stores of military equipment on the island.
    7. Pentagon and Boeing contracts for KC-46A Pegasus & P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
    The Pentagon this week awarded Boeing a pair of separate contracts for 15 x KC-46A Pegasus tankers and 7 x P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, deals that are collectively worth more than $4 billion. Lees meer

29. 373: US Reject ICC Warrants for Israeli PM & Former Defense Minister + Russia Strikes Ukraine with Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile + Romania Commits to Procure F-35A Warplanes + More

    23 november 2024 · 26 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. IDF kills Hezbollah Commander in Syria that participated in the attack on US Forces in Karbala, Iraq in 2007.
    2. US Rejects International Criminal Court (ICC) Warrants for Israeli PM & Former Defense Minister.
    The White House said Thursday that it “fundamentally rejects” the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The warrants effectively bar PM Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant from entering the ICC’s 124 member states. Israel and the US are not members of the court.
    3. IDF continues pushing into Southern Lebanon- searching & clearing a "second line of villages" of Hezbollah weapons and attack positions. In the second line of villages, the IDF is still finding Hezbollah staging grounds, along with fighting positions from which the terror group has launched anti-tank missiles directly at Israeli border communities and military posts along the border.
    4. Russia Strikes Ukraine with Intermediate-Range Missile.
    Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Russia’s missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. The attack struck the Pivdenmash munition plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles (6 1/2 kilometers) southwest of the center of Dnipro.
    5. Sweden to fund long-range missile and drone production inside Ukraine.
    Swedish Defense Minster Pal Jonson: "This will be produced in Ukraine by the Ukrainian defense industry. It will be financed by Sweden. President [Vladimir] Zelenskyy has stated that there is an especially high demand for funding long-range weapons and long-range drones.”
    6. Romania Commits to Procure F-35A Warplanes.
    Romania has formally committed to the acquisition of 32 x Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets afte… Lees meer

30. 372: US Vetoes UNSC Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza + Latest US Security Package to Ukraine worth $275 Million + Turkey's Launch & Recovery of TB3 Drone from Ship + US Army Precision Strike Missile Test + More

    21 november 2024 · 27 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Hamas officials have left Qatar for Turkey, but still maintain their office.
    Turkey confirmed on Monday that Hamas’s key foreign leaders are in Ankara while insisting that it has not opened an office for them.
    2. US Vetoes UN Security Council Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza.
    “A durable end to the war must come with the release of the hostages. These two urgent goals are inextricably linked. This resolution abandoned that necessity, and for that reason, the United States could not support it,” said Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood.
    All other members of the 15-seat council voted in favor of the resolution, which was sponsored by the panel’s 10 non-permanent members: Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
    3. Argentina to leave Southern Lebanon UN Mission- UNIFIL.
    The move by Argentina appeared to represent the first sign of cracks in the unity of the mission, which has been caught in the crossfire as Israel battles against Lebanese terror group Hezbollah.
    4. In reaction to Ukraine's long-range missile strikes into Russian territory with US-made ATACMS missiles, Russia modifies nuclear weapon employment doctrine.
    The new nuclear doctrine allows Moscow to unleash a nuclear response in the event of a “massive” air attack, even if it is only with conventional weapons.
    5. US will send anti-personnel mines to Ukraine.
    US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin: “They’ve asked for these, and so I think it’s a good idea. Rather than advancing with a vanguard of tanks and armored vehicles, Moscow’s troops are now fighting will smaller, more spread out squadrons."
    6. Latest US Security Package to Ukraine worth $275 Million.
    Package includes munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons.
    7. Turkey's Launch & Recovery of TB3 Drone from Ship (TCG Anadolu).
    The flight, conducted at the convergence of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, lasted for 46 minutes before the aircraft suc… Lees meer

31. 371: Report: Hezbollah Accepts US-sponsored Ceasefire Proposal + German Chancellor at G20: No Taurus Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine + Australia - UK - US Partner for Hypersonic Testing + More

    19 november 2024 · 27 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Hamas to leave Qatar for Turkey?
    An Arab Diplomat told the Times of Israel on Sunday that senior members of Hamas’s leadership abroad left Qatar last week for Turkey,
    A Turkish diplomatic source on Monday dismissed reports that Hamas had moved its political office to Turkey, adding that members of the Palestinian terror group only visited the country from time to time.
    2. Report: Hezbollah Accepts US-sponsored Ceasefire Proposal.
    A top Lebanese official told Reuters Monday that Lebanon and Hezbollah have agreed to a US proposal for a ceasefire with Israel, but have some comments on the content. There was no immediate comment from Israel.
    3. German Chancellor at G20: No Taurus Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine.
    The missiles could only be used if "responsibility for targeting" was shared, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, a move he has previously said would risk the perception of direct German participation in the war.
    4. Germany to provide IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine.
    Germany will deliver the sixth planned IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine by the end of this year, German Chancellor Scholz told Ukrainian President Zelenskyy last week.
    5. Sweden joins Germany, Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden to procure 1000 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles- in a contract worth $5.6 billion (US).
    6. US Army & Lockheed Martin to increase Patriot Advanced Capability - 3 (PAC-3) Missile production to 650 units annually. This year, missile production increased by 30 percent, with projections indicating a further 20 percent rise next year.
    7. Australia - UK - US Partner for Hypersonic Testing.
    The agreement falls within the second pillar of the trilateral defense pact known as AUKUS, which is focused on technology sharing and advanced capability development.
    8. Japanese Marines to participate in annual Australian Exercise.
    Japanese troops will become regular participants in the Talisman Sabre starting next year, as well as boost their participation in Exercise Southern… Lees meer

32. 370: Top Hezbollah Spokesman Killed in IDF Airstrike + US: Ukraine Can Employ Long-Range Weapons inside Russia + US Navy: First Columbia-Class Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Combat Ready in 2030 + More

    18 november 2024 · 24 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Qatar suspends its' mediation role between Israel and Hamas. Hamas refrains from appointing a sole successor to the organization- instead choosing to use a 5-member committee approach, until leadership elections in March 2025.
    2. Top Hezbollah Spokesman Killed in IDF Airstrike.
    An Israeli airstrike on a building in a central neighborhood of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Sunday killed the top spokesman (Mohammed Afif) for the Hezbollah terror group.
    3. US: Ukraine Can Employ Long-Range Weapons inside Russia.
    The US Biden administration has allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-made weapons to strike deep into Russia. Ukraine plans to conduct its first long-range attacks in the coming days, the sources said. There was no immediate response from the Kremlin.
    4. Saab (Sweden) awarded four year contract to provide maintenance and training support for the Australian Army's 84mm Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle.
    Canberra procured the Carl Gustaf system in 2018 under a $15.46-million deal, and purchased more in 2023 under $36.8 million dollar contract.
    5. US Navy: First Columbia-Class Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Combat Ready in 2030. The first sub in the class is the USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826).
    6. USAF Next Generation Ejection Seat (NGES) Program under review.
    By the end of the year, the Air Force plans to complete a review of the Next Generation Ejection Seat (NGES) program, whose contract is currently held by Collins Aerospace (who beat out Martin-Baker in 2019). Once the review concludes, the Air Force could still stick with its incumbent acquisition strategy, where Collins is already underway with work on the F-15E- or theoretically- result in some split of work between the two companies. Lees meer

33. 369: During 26 October Strike - Israel Hit Undeclared Iranian Nuclear Site + German Chancellor & Russian President Speak by Phone + US Navy Sub Launched Nuclear Cruise Missile Effort + More

    16 november 2024 · 24 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. During 26 October Strike - Israel Hit Undeclared Iranian Nuclear Site.
    The Israeli strike on Parchin, destroyed sophisticated equipment used to design the explosives that could surround uranium in a nuclear device, significantly damaging Iran’s efforts to resume its nuclear weapons research.
    2. As IDF continues attacks in Beirut and Southern Lebanon, Iran signal support for ceasefire deal. Senior Advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader (Ari Larijani) said Friday- that it (Iran) would support any decision taken by the Lebanese government and Lebanon’s “resistance” in current talks on a ceasefire.
    3. Ukrainian President Zelensky said that the war with Russia will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have done once Donald Trump becomes US president next year.
    4. German Chancellor & Russian President Speak by Phone.
    Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have spoken directly for the first time since 2022. The Kremlin said that despite differences of the two leaders, the dialogue was "extremely positive".
    5. Turkey to (possibly) procure 40 x Eurofighter Typhoon Jets from Germany.
    Turkey's Defense Minister (Yasar Guler) “We will acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Germany had been reluctant for a long time, but with the constructive contributions of our NATO allies Italy, the UK, and Spain, they finally gave a positive response.” The German Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment (to Breaking Defense).
    6. Croatia to procure 6 x Bayraktar TB2 UAVs (Turkey) in deal worth $95 million.
    The six aircraft will be equipped with electro-optical cameras for reconnaissance, an initial set of weapons, and have double radio coverage of the entire territory of Croatia in the stationary and mobile version.
    7. Taiwan receives ATACMS and HIMARS systems from US.
    The systems have been delivered to the 58th Artillery Command of the 10th Army Corps in Taichung.
    8. US Navy Sub Launched Nuclear Cruise Missile Effort.
    The Se… Lees meer

34. 368: International Atomic Energy Agency Chief in Iran + Russia Open to Peace Negotiations Under Pres-Elect Trump Initiation + US Navy & USMC Missile Contract with Kongsberg + US-Canada-Finland Icebreaker Effort + More

    15 november 2024 · 22 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. International Atomic Energy Agency Chief in Iran.
    International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi traveled to Tehran on Wednesday, to negotiate with the country’s top nuclear and political officials, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
    2. Israeli Official (unnamed) denies Washington Post report concerning efforts to secure ceasefire in Lebanon as a "gift" to the incoming Trump administration (in January 2025).
    3. Russia Open to Peace Negotiations Under Pres-Elect Trump Initiation.
    Russia is open to negotiations on an end to the Ukraine war if initiated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, but any talks need to be based on the realities of Russian advances, Moscow's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva (Gennady Gatilov), told reporters on Thursday.
    4. US Navy & USMC Missile Contract with Kongsberg.
    The company will provide its Naval Strike Missile, which is being installed on the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships and Constellation-class frigates, and for the USMC Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS).
    5. Latvia selects the Ascod Infantry Fighting Vehicle (tracked).
    Though the number of vehicles is not disclosed, the estimated worth is $265 million.
    6. Australia down-selects to two vendors for a competition to build 11 x frigates to replace the aging ANZAC-class ships. The two vendors are Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
    7. US-Canada-Finland Icebreaker Effort.
    American, Canadian and Finish officials committed to the joint development, construction and maintenance of polar icebreakers with the signing of the Icebreaker Collaborative Effort (ICE) Pact.
    8. The USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program continues progress.
    Two vendors- Anduril and General Atomics have completed Critical Design Review for their respective offerings: Anduril Fury and General Atomics Gambit.
    The CCA effort aims to initially field roughly 1,000 of the drone wingmen that are expecte… Lees meer

35. 367: Israel's New Submarine + Iran to Increase Defense Budget by 200% + President-Elect Trump Picks New Secretary of Defense + More

    13 november 2024 · 25 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel's New Submarine.
    The Israeli Navy announced on Tuesday the name of its sixth submarines, dubbed “the Dragon”, in a ceremony in Germany with the naval vessel expected to be delivered to Israel later in 2025.
    2. Israeli President Isaac Hertzog presents gift to US President Biden, on what is most likely, the last official visit by a Senior Israeli Official before his term ends in January 2025.
    President Hertzog presented President Biden with a gift, an archaeological finding from the foot of the Temple Mount inscribed with the name “Joseph,” an apparent reference to the Biblical figure.
    3. Iran to Increase Defense Budget by 200%.
    The Iranian government plans to triple its military budget for the upcoming year amid an unprecedented escalation in attacks exchanged with Israel in recent months. Previously, Iran’s military budget was reportedly $10.3 billion, significantly lower than those of regional power such as Saudi Arabia, with approximately $70 billion.
    4. President-Elect Trump Picks New Secretary of Defense and other key National Security Posts.
    - Secretary of Defense: Pete Hegseth
    - National Security Advisor: Mike Walz
    - Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
    - Director of the Central Intelligence Agency: John Ratcliffe
    5. UK, Italy, and Japan continue forward in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) effort.
    Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, RAF Chief of the Air Staff: “GCAP is very deliberately being designed to complement and enhance the capabilities of F-35, not replace it, but we also know that even a force of F-35 and GCAP will need to be augmented by what we call Autonomous Collaborative Platforms [ACPs] to defeat the threats that we see emerging.” (The acquisition of ACPs to sit alongside GCAP and F-35 jets as a way of increasing combat mass and allow crewed platforms to be less vulnerable to attack.)
    6. Italian company Iveco joins Leonardo and Rheinmetall to develop combat vehicles (Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Main Battle Tanks).
    Iveco … Lees meer

36. 366: US Strikes Iranian-backed Groups in Syria + IDF Frontier Construction Along Alpha Line with Syria + US Army to Build Domestic TNT Plant + US SPACECOM HQ Back to Redstone in 2025? + More

    12 november 2024 · 29 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. US & UK strike Houthi targets in in Yemen.
    The Houthi-run Al Masirah television network reported three American and British raids that targeted the capital Sanaa’s southern Al Sabeen district.
    2. US Strikes Iranian-backed Groups in Syria.
    US CENTCOM forces attacked nine targets in two locations in Syria in response to several attacks on US personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours.
    3. IDF Frontier Construction Along Alpha Line with Syria.
    While Israel has not acknowledged the construction, it sent a 71-page letter in June to the UN outlining what it described as “Syrian violations of the Alpha Line and armed presence in the area of separation (that) occur daily.”
    4. Washington Post reported (on Sunday), that President-elect Trump held a phone call with Russian President Putin (on Thursday).
    A Kremlin spokesperson said the reports were "pure fiction", while Trump's team told the BBC that it would not comment on the president-elect's "private calls".
    5. NATO's Joint Capability Group for Maritime Unmanned Systems (JCGMUS) will deliver and test an anti-submarine warfare barrier project demonstrator, at the September 2025 experiment in Portugal. The project involves 12 other countries, including Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the U.S., Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Australia.
    6. Sweden selects Embraer C-390 (Brazil) transport aircraft to replace 6 x C-130Hs. Sweden joins Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands and Portugal as European operators of the C-390 Millennium.
    7. US Army to Build Domestic TNT Plant in Graham, Kentucky.
    “For the first time in decades, America will produce TNT on its own soil, manufacturing the explosive material our military uses for everything from hand grenades to 155mm artillery,” outgoing Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY).
    8. US SPACECOM HQ Back to Redstone in 2025?
    Space watchers say the odds are high that President-elect Donald Trump will redirect US Space Command headquarters t… Lees meer

37. 365: From US Formal Request: Qatar Directs Hamas to Leave Doha + US to Allow American Contractors to Operate in Ukraine + Switzerland Selects RCH 155mm Mobile Artillery System + More

    9 november 2024 · 22 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Newly appointed Israeli Defense Minister (Israel Katz) conducts first phone call with American counterpart- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
    2. From US Formal Request: Qatar Directs Hamas to Leave Doha.
    Qatar told Hamas that it must close its diplomatic office in Doha roughly ten days ago following a request by the US, senior Biden administration officials tell The Times of Israel. Qatar has hosted Hamas officials in Doha since 2012, amid requests from successive US administrations who felt it was important to have a communication channel with the terror group.
    3. US to Allow American Contractors to Operate in Ukraine.
    The Biden administration has lifted a ban on American military contractors deploying to Ukraine to help the country’s military maintain and repair US-provided weapons systems, particularly F16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems.
    4. Saab (Sweden) develops "Autonomous Ocean Core" program.
    Integration of this software enables surface and subsurface watercraft to function autonomously on various maritime missions, such as mine detection and clearance, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and rescue missions in remote locations.
    5. Switzerland Selects RCH 155mm Mobile Artillery System.
    The RCH 155 combines the firepower and the range of the operational PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer with an automated and remotely controlled gun module.
    Increased automation also reduces the crew size to two (driver/operator, commander), which in turn enables a quick “shoot and scoot” capability.
    6. US Navy extends life of 3 x Cruisers and 12 Destroyers.
    - The Cruisers: USS Gettysburg (CG-64), USS Chosin (CG-65), and USS Cape St. George (CG-71) will now remain in service up until fiscal year 2029, rather than 2026.
    - The Arleigh Burke Flight I Guided-Missile Destroyers:
    One Year: USS Carney (DDG-64) and USS Stethem (DDG-63) will receive one-year extensions.
    Three Years: USS Barry (DDG-52) USS The Sullivans (DDG-68)… Lees meer

38. 364: Squadron of F-15 Strike Eagles Arrive in US CENTCOM AOR + Israel to Procure 25 x F-15IA Warplanes from US + US Test Launches Minuteman III ICBM on Election Night + More

    8 november 2024 · 22 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. IDF conducts airstrikes north of the Litani River, targeting rocket launch sites.
    2. Squadron of F-15 Strike Eagles Arrive in US CENTCOM AOR.
    3. Israel to Procure 25 x F-15IA Warplanes from US.
    The Israel Ministry of Defense has signed what it called a “landmark transaction” to acquire 25 more F-15 fighter aircraft in a deal worth $5.2 billion. The warplanes will be delivered beginning in 2031, and it will take around five years for them all to arrive.
    4. Romania to purchase 44 x USMC Amphibious Assault Vehicles from US in deal worth $210 million.
    5. Australian Officials are confident in secure AUKUS deal with new US President Elect Donald Trump. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles: "AUKUS is in the strategic benefit and interest of Australia, the United States and the UK. That’s the fundamental point here.”
    6. US Test Launches Minuteman III ICBM on Election Night.
    The ICBM was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at about 11 p.m. Pacific time. It then flew about 4,200 miles, at roughly 15,000 miles per hour, to a ballistic missile test site in the Marshall Islands’ Kwajalein Atoll. Airmen from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron from Offutt Air Force Base in Nevada launched the missile using an airborne launch control system aboard a Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft. The U.S. has about 400 nuclear-armed Minuteman III missiles based in 450 silos across Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska.
    7. US Army Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) fuselages to be built in Wichita, Kansas. Bell will use an existing facility near Textron Aviation Defense and plans to start work there “in the next several months,” according to a statement.
    8. US Army has successful test (White Sands Missile Range, NM), integrating both the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) and the Raytheon-developed Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar.
    9. USMC Purchases Fire Control System for C… Lees meer

39. 363: Israel PM Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister Gallant + AP Report: N. Korean Troops in Combat with Ukraine Forces + France to Send Loitering Munitions to Ukraine + More

    6 november 2024 · 26 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Lebanon Army conducts probe concerning Israeli Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit raid.
    A Lebanese judicial official said that the probe had found that operatives from the Israeli Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit entered Lebanese waters in a speedboat equipped with radar-jamming devices that evaded detection by Lebanon’s and UNIFIL’s naval radars during the raid in Batroun, south of Tripoli, some 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of Israel’s maritime border with Lebanon.
    2. Israel PM Netanyahu Fires Defense Minister Gallant.
    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday evening, citing a lack of mutual trust during a time of war as his reason for doing so. He (PM Netanyahu) said that the two disagreed on the management of the war, and that Gallant had made statements and taken actions that contradicted cabinet decisions.
    3. AP Report: N. Korean Troops in Combat with Ukraine Forces.
    Ukrainian and North Korean troops engaged in “small-scale” fighting, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov told South Korea’s public broadcaster KBS in an interview.
    4. France to field unmanned naval surface vessel.
    The drone, dubbed Seaquest (needs better name) and measuring approximately 30 feet long and 10 feet wide, and can be equipped with payloads focusing on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting.
    5. France to Send Loitering Munitions to Ukraine.
    The OSKAR (Opportunity Strike Kinetics Aircraft Ruggedized) platform integrates a 2.3 kilogram (5 pound) warhead and can fly for up to 45 minutes. The system is back-packable and is designed to strike fixed targets, light vehicles and personnel.
    6. Netherlands to procure 12 x H225M Caracal helicopters for Special Operations Forces.
    The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced that a new unit, (300 Special Operations Squadron) based in the southern Netherlands, had been formally stood up to support the future rotary fleet.
    7. Possible US Foreign Military Sale to S. Korea for 4 x… Lees meer

40. 362: Hamas Rejects Egyptian Offer for Short-term Ceasefire + Update on Czech Republic Effort to Obtain Cannon Artillery Ammo for Ukraine + US Foreign Military Sale of F-16s to Argentina Worth $941 Million + More

    5 november 2024 · 19 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. IDF Strikes Hezbollah targets in Syria.
    In a rare acknowledgment, the IDF confirmed launching airstrikes in Syria on Monday, targeting what it said were infrastructure and assets of Hezbollah’s intelligence division.
    2. Hamas Rejects Egyptian Offer for Short-term Ceasefire.
    The Egyptian proposal envisioned a 12-day ceasefire during which Hamas would agree to release four hostages and the sides would hold talks about a permanent ceasefire.
    3. Update on Czech Republic Effort to Obtain Cannon Artillery Ammo for Ukraine.
    Seven months into the Czech initiative, problems have surfaced, particularly regarding the concealment of shell imports and verifying their technical reliability.
    4. USAF to send bomber task force to Europe.
    Details about the deployment are scant. USAF declined to say what type of and how many bombers would make up the task force, when they would arrive in Europe, and where they would be stationed. The deployment has been “long-planned,” the USAF said.
    5. Latest variant of the famous Exocet Missiles unveiled.
    Named the SM40, submarine-launched missile is designed to strike heavily protected naval vessels and other strategic targets.
    6. Pakistan to purchase 100 x MRAPs from Thailand.
    Pakistan has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Thai government to procure 100 x First Win Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The First Win system is currently employed across the Malaysian Army, the Indonesian Army, and other UN peacekeeping missions in the Eastern Himalayas.
    7. US Foreign Military Sale of 34 x F-16s to Argentina is Worth $941 Million.
    The package also includes Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, general-purpose bombs, and components for laser-guided weapons. Lees meer

41. 361: Israeli Commando Raid in Northern Lebanon + US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine Worth $425 Million - Includes 200 Stryker Combat Vehicles + India Procures US-Built MQ-9B Drones + More

    3 november 2024 · 26 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. US CENTCOM Release:
    - US Forces assigned to CENTCOM strike ISIS camps in Syria resulting in 35 operatives killed.
    - B-52 Stratofortress Bombers arrive in CENTCOM AOR from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota from the 5th Bomb Wing.
    2. Israeli Commando Raid in Northern Lebanon.
    According Al-Akhbar report, operatives from the Navy’s Shayetet 13 commando unit captured suspected Hezbollah Naval Official, some 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of Israel’s maritime border with Lebanon.
    3. IDF captures Syrian man conducting surveillance for Iran.
    Israeli commandos recently carried out a raid in southern Syria where they captured a Syrian man who was allegedly carrying surveillance operations on the border on behalf of Iran. The raid in Syria was carried by the Egoz commando unit, along with field interrogators of the Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 504.
    4. Iran President (Masoud Pezeshkian) says that a ceasefire between Israel and Iranian allies- "could affect the intensity" of retaliation.
    5. On the border with Lebanon, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu: "with or without an agreement” with Lebanon, restoring security in the north and returning residents to their homes requires pushing Hezbollah north of the Litani River, preventing the terror group from rearming and responding to any activity against Israel.
    6. Axios Report: US tells Iran (through Switzerland), "We won’t be able to hold Israel back, and we won’t be able to make sure that the next attack will be calibrated and targeted as the previous one.”
    7. US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine Worth $425 Million - Includes 200 Stryker Combat Vehicles.
    8. Lithuania provides new military assistance package to Ukraine- including electricity generators, ammunition, and mortar rounds. The Lithuanian Defense Ministry said that the equipment is expected to reach Kyiv this week. Lithuania has already donated 155 mm ammunition, M113 armored personnel carriers, anti-drone systems, and drones this year.
    9. North Korea… Lees meer

42. 360: US Sends B-52s to CENTCOM AOR + Iran Supreme Leader Orders Retaliation Attack on Israel + Ukraine President: "Zero Reaction" Concerning N. Korean Troops in Kursk + More

    2 november 2024 · 23 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. US Sends B-52s to CENTCOM AOR.
    US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is sending additional bomber aircraft and Navy warships to the Middle East to bolster presence in the region, as an aircraft carrier and its warships are preparing to leave.
    2. US and Israeli Officials continue discussions on ceasefire plans in Lebanon.
    A US official told The Times of Israel that US special envoy Amos Hochstein and White House Mideast czar Brett McGurk’s meetings with top Israeli officials in Jerusalem on Thursday were “substantive and constructive."
    3. Iran Supreme Leader Orders Retaliation Attack on Israel.
    Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ordered plans be drawn up by his Supreme National Security Council, after being briefed on the extent of the damage from the Israeli strikes.
    4. Ukraine President: "Zero Reaction" Concerning N. Korean Troops in Kursk.
    Regarding the reaction to the deployment of North Korean troops, Zelensky said, "Putin is checking the reaction of the West ... And I believe that after all these reactions, Putin will decide and increase the contingent ... The reaction that is there today is nothing, it is zero."
    5. Turkey and Indonesia collaborate on Armored Personnel Carrier.
    Manufacturing is set to begin in 2025. Deliveries are expected by the end of 2026, with the timing dictated by the Indonesian Army’s specific needs.
    6. Japan launches amphibious warship planned for Maritime Unit.
    The JS Nihonbare (LCU-4151) is an amphibious vessel that can transport a dozen vehicles or containers at speeds of 15.5 knots.
    7. Taiwan to procure loitering munitions from the US in deal worth $360 million.
    The US State Department approved the sale of 291 x Altius 600M-V and 720 x Switchblade 300 loitering munitions Lees meer

43. 359: Iran Threatens "Painful" Response to Israel + IDF Chief Warns Iran "Not to Pursue Further Attacks" + Armor Not Dead: Croatia to Procure Leopard Tanks & German Leopards Receive Trophy Active Protection System + More

    31 oktober 2024 · 20 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Iran Threatens "Painful" Response to Israel.
    Unnamed Source to CNN: Iran will deliver a “definitive and painful” response to Israel’s recent attack on its territory, likely before the US presidential election on 05 November.
    2. IDF Chief Warns Iran "Not to Pursue Further Attacks."
    Speaking to aircrews at the Ramon Air Base in southern Israel, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said that if Iran “makes the mistake and launches another barrage of missiles at Israel, we will once again know how to reach Iran.”
    3. New Hezbollah Chief (Naim Qassem) threatens Israeli PM.
    “Netanyahu survived this time, but perhaps his time has not yet come,” Qassem said. The pre-recorded speech, delivered from an undisclosed location, was his first address as the terror group’s leader. His appointment was announced on Monday.
    4. Lebanon's PM Najib Mikati hopeful for ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
    “We are doing our best… to have a ceasefire within the coming hours or days,” Mikati said adding that he was “cautiously optimistic.”
    5. US Secretary of Defense (Lloyd Austin) expects N. Korean troops to join combat against Ukraine. Secretary Austin said the administration is working with allies on how to respond to the deployment, though he wouldn’t specify how.
    6. Ukraine to Mobilize 160,000 citizens. On Tuesday, the Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security told Parliament that the army planned to recruit another 160,000 people. An AFP source said the recruitment would take place over three months.
    7. Armor Not Dead: Croatia to Procure Leopard Tanks.
    The government of Croatia has signed a letter of intent with Germany to acquire up to 50 new Leopard 2A8s tanks for the country’s armed forces.
    8. Armor Not Dead: German Leopards Receive Trophy Active Protection System.
    The Trophy system has been integrated on the IDF’s Namer armored personnel carriers, on US M1 Abrams Tanks, and also on the UK's Challenger 3 tanks. Lees meer

44. 358: Israel: Escalation Dominance Against Iran + Israeli PM: Stop the Iran Nuclear Program + NATO Secretary General: N. Korean Troops Deployed to Kursk + More

    29 oktober 2024 · 22 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel: Escalation Dominance Against Iran.
    Israel’s attacks on Saturday crippled Iran’s ability to produce long-range ballistic missiles and rendered crucial energy facilities vulnerable to future attacks by destroying air defense batteries protecting them.
    2. Israeli PM: Stop the Iran Nuclear Program.
    Israel is determined to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, the Prime Minister said Monday at the opening plenum of the Knesset’s winter session.
    3. Head of Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps: Israel had “failed to achieve its ominous goals” with its Saturday strikes on Iranian military sites. The attack was a sign of “miscalculation and helplessness.”
    4. US security Council meets to discuss Israeli strikes on Iran.
    The United Nations Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting Monday to discuss the situation in the Middle East following Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Iran. Council president Switzerland said Iran requested the meeting with the support of Algeria, China and Russia.
    5. Israel to field the Iron Bean air defense system.
    Iron Beam systems will be integrated into the network of Israeli air defense weapons within a year, the Israeli Ministry of Defense said on Monday. Rafael is the main developer of the Iron Beam system, and Elbit supplies the laser cannon for it.
    6. NATO Secretary General: N. Korean Troops Deployed to Kursk.
    “I can confirm that North Korean troops have been sent to Russia and that North Korean military units have been deployed to the Kursk Region,” Secretary General Mark Rutte said in a press briefing.
    7. French & German collaboration on Future Combat Air System (6th Generation Fighter) and Main Combat Ground System (Main Battle Tank) experience delays.
    8. USAF likely to award Northrup Grumman a second, Low Rate Initial Production contract for B-21 Raider Bomber. Lees meer

45. 357: Israel Strikes Military Targets in Iran + Israeli & Egyptian Spy Chiefs Meet to Re-start Hostage Negotiations + Australia Donates 49 x M1A1 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine + More

    26 oktober 2024 · 20 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israel Strikes Military Targets in Iran.
    After reports of explosions near Tehran began to emerge around 2:15 a.m. local time, the Israel Defense Forces released a statement confirming that it was attacking Iran in response to “months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel.”
    2. Israeli & Egyptian Spy Chiefs Meet to Re-start Hostage Talks.
    Mossad chief David Barnea met in Cairo, with newly appointed Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, ahead of the resumption of hostage deal negotiations in Qatar next week.
    3. Latest group of Ukrainian Pilots complete Elementary Flying Training in UK.
    Training in the UK is Phase I out of three, where the pilots flew for about 80 hours on a GROB-115 general aviation aircraft.
    Phase II is advanced flight training from the French Air Force using the Alpha Jet.
    Phase III occurs at the European F-16 Training Center in Romania, where pilots will fly over 80 hours in the F-16 (& another 60 hours in simulator).
    4. Russian President Putin comments on use of N. Korean troops in Russia: "This is our business." President Putin said on Thursday it is up to Moscow how to run its mutual defense clause with Pyongyang. Ukraine's military intelligence service said that the first North Korean units trained in Russia had been deployed in the Kursk region.
    5. Poland's President Andrzej Duda visits S. Korea- rejects sending any new military hardware to Ukraine. "There is no scenario under consideration in which we transfer the weapons that we have acquired … with taxpayers’ money, to anyone.”
    6. Australia Donates 49 x M1A1 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine (17 October).
    This came just weeks after a first batch of new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams replacements arrived in Australia from the U.S. Lees meer

46. 356: IDF Confirms Death of Hezbollah Chief from 04 Oct Strike + Israeli Air Force Prepares For Combat + US Sec Defense: 3000 N. Korean Troops Training in Russia + Australia to Produce 155mm Munitions + More

    24 oktober 2024 · 20 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. IDF Confirms Death of Hezbollah Chief from 04 October Strike.
    Hashem Safieddine, the head of Hezbollah’s executive council, was presumed to be the successor of Hassan Nasrallah following his assassination in late September.
    2. Israeli Air Force prepares for combat over Iran.
    Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday told pilots and air crews at Hatzerim base that “after we strike in Iran, everyone will understand what you did in the preparation and training process.”
    3. US Sec Defense: 3000 N. Korean Troops Training in Russia.
    Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and other U.S. officials announced for the first time Wednesday that North Korean soldiers were in Russia.
    4. US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine is Worth $400 million.
    Package includes: munitions for rocket systems and artillery; mortar systems and rounds; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons.
    5. Estonia tests defensive bunker prototypes.
    One of the bunker prototypes was “made from smaller elements that the military can install themselves,” while the other two were both “one piece” type constructs.
    6. Australia to Produce 155mm Munitions.
    Australian Defense Acquisition Minster Pat Conroy confirmed that the NIOA-Rheinmetall team pitched on the deal, with French firm Thales also competing. However, the minister indicated that there is a third, currently unidentified, competitor as well. Currently, Australia imports its 155mm shells from a South African subsidiary of Rheinmetall.
    7. Australia to procure Raytheon SM-2 & SM-6 missiles, in a deal with the US worth $4.7 Billion. No reported delivery timeline or amount.
    8. USMC F-35B lands on the Japanese Destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184).
    The Kaga underwent several changes to allow for F-35B, the US Marine Corps’ short-take-off-and-vertical-landing variant, to land on the ship, including painting the flight deck with a heat-resistant material, installing lights for nighttime operations and reshaping the flight deck’s bow from a trapezoid to a rec… Lees meer

47. 355: Israeli Politicians: Drone Attack on PM Home - "Big Mistake" + Nordic Countries to Collaborate on Infantry Fighting Vehicle + US Army XM30 Mechanized Infantry Fighting Vehicle Progressing + More

    20 oktober 2024 · 22 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israeli Politicians: Drone Attack on PM Home - "Big Mistake."
    Israeli politicians aimed their rhetoric in Iran’s direction, vowing Tehran would “pay a price” for a drone attack by Tehran’s proxy Hezbollah that struck the Israeli PM's home.
    2. Nordic Countries to Collaborate on future Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
    Major General Lars Lervik, Chief of Staff of the Norwegian Army said that the four nations are “currently investigating” the project, in the hope that it could lower procurement costs and make development and maintenance issues “easier.”
    3. Breaking Defense Interview with Australian Major General Richard Vagg (Head of Land Capability).
    4. AM General Ready for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 production.
    Full production = a maximum of 20,682 vehicles and 9,883 trailers.
    5. US Army XM30 Mechanized Infantry Fighting Vehicle Progressing.
    American Rheinmetall Vehicles and General Dynamics Land Systems were selected (by the Army) in June 2023, to continue into a detailed design phase of the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle. The first vehicles are expected to be fielded in fiscal 2029. Lees meer

48. 354: Hezbollah Drone Strike On Israel PM Home + Axios Report: US-Leaked Online Documents Describe Israel Preparations for Iran Strike + S. Korea National Intel Service Report: 1,500 N. Korean Troops in Russia Receiving Uniforms & Arms + More

    20 oktober 2024 · 25 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Hezbollah Drone Strike On Israel PM Home.
    A drone fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon that exploded in the central seaside town of Caesarea early on Saturday targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private home, his office said. The premier and his wife were not present and no injuries were reported.
    2. Iran United Nations Mission statement concerning drone strike on Israel PM home: “This action was taken by the Lebanese Hezbollah,” the mission says in response to a question about Iran’s role in the attack, according to the official IRNA news agency.
    3. Axios Report: US-Leaked Online Documents Describe Israel Preparations for Iran Strike. The US is investigating a leak of highly classified US intelligence about Israel’s plans for retaliation against Iran, according to three people familiar with the matter. One of the people familiar confirmed the documents’ authenticity.
    4. S. Korea National Intel Service Report: 1,500 N. Korean Troops in Russia Receiving Uniforms & Arms. N. Korea transported its special forces fighters on seven Russian ships earlier in October, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) said in a press release on Friday.
    5. AP Article on Russia's Nuclear Triad and future strategic weapons.
    Like the U.S., Russia has a nuclear triad of ground-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, long-range bombers and ICBM-armed submarines.
    6. United Arab Emirates Brokers Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Exchange.
    Russia & Ukraine carried out a new exchange of prisoners of war on Friday, each side bringing home 95 prisoners in an agreement in which the United Arab Emirates acted as mediator.
    7. Group of 7 Nations (G7) Defense Minsters meet in Naples, Italy to discuss Middle East and Russia-Ukraine, conflict escalations.
    G7 = Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, UK, and US. Lees meer

49. 353: Top Hamas Leader Killed by IDF Tank Fire + US Strikes Houthi Targets with B-2 Bombers + North Korea Destroys Border Road and Rail Lines Connecting to South

    18 oktober 2024 · 17 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Top Hamas Leader Killed by IDF Tank Fire.
    Israel on Thursday night announced that IDF troops had killed Hamas terror chief Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.. A force from the 828th Bislamach Brigade killed Sinwar and the other two terrorists.
    2. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Israeli citizens concerning Sinwar's death.
    PM Netanyahu: "I stand before you today to tell you that Yahya Sinwar has been eliminated. Today, as we promised we would, we settled accounts with him."
    3. US Strikes Houthi Targets with B-2 Bombers.
    US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.”
    4. North Korea Destroys Border Road and Rail Lines Connecting to South.
    In the 2000s, the two Koreas reconnected two pairs of road and rail links across their heavily fortified border.
    In response to the explosions, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said its military fired warning shots within southern sections of the border as it bolstered its readiness and surveillance posture. Lees meer

50. 352: Israel Defense Minister on Iran Strike: Targets Are Clear - It's a Matter of Time + Iranian Foreign Minister: Iran Will Respond + Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine + Armor Not Dead: Netherlands to Build Tank Battalion + More

    17 oktober 2024 · 27 min

    Afspelen
    For review:
    1. Israeli Defense Minister on Iran Strike: Targets Are Clear - It's a Matter of Time.
    Israel has described its general attack plans to the US but has yet to give an update on specific targets- however, “the targets could also change at the 11th hour.”
    2. Iran Foreign Minister: Iran Will Respond.
    Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned UN chief Antonio Guterres that Tehran is ready for a “decisive and regretful” response if Israel attacks his country in retaliation to the ballistic missile attack- from Iran- on Israel (01 October).
    3. Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine worth $425 million.
    Includes: air defense capabilities; air-to-ground weapons; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons.
    4. Ukraine Preside Zelensky outline Victory Plan to Ukrainian Parliament.
    At the heart of the plan is Ukraine’s desire for an invitation to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which would be a precursor to full NATO membership.
    5. Russia captures (second) Ukrainian Leopard 2A6 Tank.
    Germany has provided Ukraine with 18 Leopard tanks of the 2A6 variant, while Portugal has contributed three.
    6. Armor Not Dead: Netherlands to Build Tank Battalion.
    The Netherlands plans to buy 46 x Leopard 2A8 tanks for more than €1 billion- in order to rebuild a heavy armor capacity.
    7. Australia to provide 49 x M1A1 Tanks to Ukraine.
    This donation is possible since the Australian Army has begun receiving the first of its new fleet of 75 x M1A2 Tanks.
    8. 30mm Stryker Double V-Hull A1 Infantry Carrier Vehicles due for fielding in 2025.
    269 x vehicles will be fielded across 3 x Stryker Brigades, with another 20 vehicles slotted for the training base. Lees meer