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 expected to fly and fight alongside USAF aircraft. 

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 said it would be looking to offer its capabilities in “advanced propulsion and drivetrain systems.
  

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.

For review:
1. US Completes Gaza Pier, which will be emplaced in near future.
Delay is due to high winds and seas.
2. IDF conducting "Limited" Ground Operation in Eastern Rafah. Ground operation follows over 100 airstrikes by the Israeli Air Force.
3. Israel Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) denies sabotaging the latest round of talks between Israel and Hamas.
4.  From ABC: 3 x Unnamed US Officials tell ABC News that the White House Security Council has delayed the delivery of ammunition to Israel.
5. French Foreign Ministry denies a deployment of French Troops to fight in the Russia-Ukraine War.
6. US State Department claims Russia is pursuing a space-deployed, anti- satellite nuclear weapon.
7. Rheinmetall: Prototype 155mm Munition with 100k Range to be sent to Ukraine. 
8. USMC operationally deploys the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) to Balikatan 2024 Exercise in the Philippines. via the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49). 
 

For review:
1. US and Russian Forces co-located on same base in Niger, as US forces plan drawdown.
2. US construction of Gaza temporary humanitarian pier, part of the Joint Logistics Over-the Shore capability (JLTOS), is 50% complete. Once fully operational, the pier will facilitate the delivery of roughly 150 truckloads of aid per day.
3. No Israel - Hamas Hostage Deal Yet. Negotiations continue. 
4. Germany latest assistance package to Ukraine includes the Skynex Air Defense System- plus 10 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, medium-range missiles, a surveillance radar, and tank transporter tractors.
5. USMC Air Defense & counter Drone Efforts:
- Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC).
- Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS).
- Light MADIS.
6. US Navy Sailors and Marines injured during amphibious training off Jacksonville, Florida coast.
7. Settled F-35 lawsuit between Lockheed Martin and Subcontractor Howmet Aerospace involved titanium supply.  Case was formally dismissed on 02 April 2024. 
8.  USAF Creates Modernization Command. 

For review:
1. Israel Intelligence Agencies (Mossad, Shin Bet, & IDF Intelligence Chief) release unified public report- first since 07 October. 
2. French President (Emmanuel Macron) Discusses French Troops to Ukraine (Again).
3. Ukraine Strikes Russian Troop Concentration with ATACMS.
4.  US Army New M2A4EI Bradley Variant.  New Variant equipped with Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS).
5. USMC selects Kongsberg RT20 Remote Turret for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle - 30 mm Cannon (ACV-30) Variant. 
6. USMC Commandant (General Eric Smith) & US Navy Chief of Naval Operations (Admiral Lisa Franchetti)- sign letter directing study into requirements and certification of amphibious ships. 
7. Secretary of US Navy (Carlos Del Toro) testifies before House Armed Service Committee regarding FY25 Budget. 
Discusses Amphibious ship production, pauses, and required number.
8. Pakistan Navy Hangor II Submarines (8), launched at Chinese shipyard. 

For review:
1.  Israel Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu): Rafah Operation With or Without Hostage Deal.
2. Israel to Retire Patriot ADA Systems- in service since 1991.
3. International Court of Justice: No action against Germany for arms sales to Israel.
4. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) transit Suez Canal from Red Sea to Mediterranean Sea. Carrier deployed on 13 October 2023 to Red Sea. Expected replacement carrier will be the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
5. Russia displays captured M1 Tank in Moscow. Tank captured from combat operations near the city of Avdiivka.
6. Russia Says it Shot Down 6 x ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System).
7. USAF MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter breaches Nunn-McCurdy Act.
Helicopter purpose is to patrol USAF Nuclear Missile Silos.
8. USMC Force Design concept learning from Houthi anti-ship tactics in the Red Sea. 

For review:
1. Israel Awaiting Hamas Response to Truce Deal.
2. US Continues Work on Gaza Pier. 
The Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system is estimated to be operational in early May.
3. Russia continues to make gains along Eastern Ukraine front.
Ukrainian Army Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi acknowledged Ukraine’s overall situation had deteriorated.
“The situation at the front has escalated. Trying to seize the strategic initiative and break through the front line, the enemy has concentrated its main efforts in several directions, creating a significant advantage in forces and in means."
4. Latest Australia Security Package to Ukraine worth $100 million.
Includes: $50 million for short-range air defense systems; $30 million for drones; & $15 million for high priority equipment such as combat helmets, rigid hull inflatable boats, boots, fire masks and generators.
5. According to statement by the UK Defense Minister (Grant Shapps), Italy has provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow Long-Range Missiles. 
"It’s the UK, France and Italy positioning those weapons for use, particularly in Crimea. These weapons are making a very significant difference.” 
6. From Spanish Defense Minister (Margarita Robles): Madrid "to provide a set of long-range Patriot anti-aircraft interceptor missiles (to Ukraine)." 
7. US Army Fixed-Wing High Accuracy Detection & Exploitation System (HADES) effort progressing.  Army has selected the fixed-wing platform: Bombardier Global 6500 jet, Army will hold competition and select vendor to integrate government furnished sensor package(s) onto the jet.  The Army will field 14 x HADES Aircraft by 2035. 
8. USAF Selects Sierra Nevada to Develop E-4B Successor, in program worth $13 billion.

For review:
1. Israel to Hamas: Make Hostage Deal or Rafah Operation.
2.  Latest US Security Package to Ukraine is Record $6 billion. Includes additional Patriot interceptors,  HIMARS munitions, cannon artillery munitions (152mm & 155mm), UAS, and UAS Components, among other materiel.
3. AP Report: Ukraine removes US M1A1 Abrams tanks from front line duty due to drone and UAV threat. 5/31 tanks have been destroyed since arriving in September 2023.
4. France and Germany officially sign agreement on Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). 
French Defense Minister (Sebastien Lecornu): “the future of the tank and not the tank of the future” had been “at the heart” of the negotiations “because we both need the same tank by 2040.”
5. German Defense Minister (Boris Pistorius): Russia is producing weapons and equipment beyond the need of frontline duty in Ukraine. 
UK Intelligence Report: Russia has the industrial capacity to produce at least 1,200 tank per year.
6. Sweden to increase defense spending to 2.6% GDP by 2030.  Proposal to create 3 x Mech Infantry Brigades, 1 x Infantry Brigade, & 1 x Infantry Regiment. 
7. What is the Army Aviation Strategy after the Future Recon Attack Aircraft (FARA) Program cancellation?
8. US Army continues development of Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) program. 
First Unit Equipped planned for 2026.
9. Sikorsky plans to compete in the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) effort.  Also in the mix:- Bell & Leonardo (teaming) and Airbus.

For review:
1. Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine is worth $1 billion. Includes Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, air defense interceptors, artillery rounds (155mm & 105mm), armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons. 
2. US quietly shipped the long-range variant Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine in March 2024.  Range up to 300 kilometers.
3.  IDF Ready for Rafah Operation.  No timeline given. IDF ready at moment it receives approval.  Pre-positioning Brigades in support of operation.
4. Latest on the US Gaza Pier Effort. 
US Official: Gaza militants attack with mortars “marshalling yard area for humanitarian assistance that will soon be delivered by sea."  The attack does not delay efforts for the maritime corridor, and effort is still on schedule to begin initial operations in early May, the military official said.
5. US Army to Restructure Aviation Brigades.
6. US Army moving forward with CH-47 Chinook modernization. Army anticipates full rate production contract for CH-47 Block II aircraft in late 2025.
7. Textron Bell to deliver Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), V-280 Valor, to US Army in 2026. 
First Unit Equipped planned for 2031. 

For review:
1. IDF restructures Tank Battalions.
2. Iran claims the the latest variant of the Bavar-373 Long-Range Air Defense Systems can defeat Stealth Aircraft. The systems employs the Sayyad-4B as the missile interceptor.
3. Germany to deliver the 4th IRIS-T SLM (Medium-Range) Air Defense System to Ukraine later this month.
4. Netherlands to invest $224 million in Ukraine Air Defense initiatives.
Netherlands Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren: “Air defense equipment and artillery ammunition are desperately needed in Ukraine. The situation threatens to become critical.” 
5. Spain to procure a fifth NASAMS from Kongsberg in a $438 million deal.
NASAMS = National Advanced Surface to Air Missile Systems.
6. Lockheed Martin announces partnership with Spanish Firm (Grupo Oesia), to enable potential production of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) components in Spain. 
7. UK to Increase Defense Spending to 2.5% GDP by 2030.
8. China's new H-20 Stealth Bomber to be unveiled soon.  Reportedly, the H-20 is similar to the USAF B-21 Raider Bomber. 
9. US Army Mobile Protected Firepower - M10 Booker - has been delivered for testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
10. The new Marine One Helicopter (VH-92 Patriot), scorches the White House South Lawn's  landing/pick-up zone. The V-92 is restricted from moving the President from this location.  The older, VH-3D Sea King helicopter still performs this duty.

For review:
1. 19 April- Iran backed Armed Group base struck south of Baghdad. US and Israel deny involvement.
2.   Follow-Up Report: Iran S-300 Radar System Damaged from 19 Apr Strike.
3. In address to Israel- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to strike Hamas- "with additional painful blows" - hinting at Rafah Operation.
4. US to Withdraw from Niger Drone Base. The base- in the city of Agadez- was used for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations.
5. Russia increases presence in Eastern Libya.
6. Russian forces receive latest tranche of SU-35S warplanes from Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (United Aircraft Corporation). 
7. Poland to join German-led European Sky Shield Initiative. 
Initiative's objective: Improve the interoperability of air defense systems and streamline joint procurement of capacities across the continent.
8. US House Passes Military Aid Bills. Next step- US Senate.
Ukraine: $48 billion.
Israel: $14 billion.
Indo-Pacific: $4 billion.

For review:
1. Missile Strike on Air Defense Radar Site inside Iran. Reported location is town of Isfahan- 75 miles south of the Natanz nuclear enrichment complex.
2. After second meeting, US & Israel Still Apart on Rafah Operation. Third meeting planned.
3.  Breaking Defense article (Agnes Helou)- lays out Iran's Air Defense Long-Range, Medium-Range, & Short-Range capabilities.
4. Ukraine Reports Downing a Russian supersonic TU-22M "Backfire" Bomber.
5. General Atomics pitches Gray Eagle Short Take-off & Landing (STOL) combat drone as potential solution for the Army's now cancelled Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Program.  Still in development, the Gray Eagle STOL has the capability to carry a maximum payload of 16 Hellfire missiles
6. Pre-Decisional: The Army Names Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) Stations.
1st MDTF: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. (Indo-PACOM)
2d MDTF: Germany with some subordinate battalions at Fort Drum, NY. (EUCOM)
3d MDTF: Hawaii with some subordinate battalions at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. (Indo-PACOM)
4th MDTF: Fort Carson, CO. (Indo-PACOM)
5th MDTF: Fort Liberty, NC. (Global Response?)

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.

For review:
1. Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Israel appreciates advice and suggestions (from Allies), nevertheless- Israel will make our own decisions."
2.  IDF Strikes Hezbollah Air Defense Site in Northeast Lebanon.
3. US CENTCOM X:
16 Apr-CENTCOM Forces engaged two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen.
4. US Secretary of Navy tells Senate Appropriations Committee that the Navy has fired over $1 billion in munitions during Middle East operations. These munitions include
SM-2s, SM-3s, and SM-6s (SM = Standard Missile).
5. US Navy Ship (USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo) returns to port in Jacksonville, Florida after catching fire enroute to Mediterranean Sea- in support of mission to build a temporary pier- to allow Humanitarian Aid into Gaza.
6. Czech Republic plan to provide 155mm artillery munitions to Ukraine continues progress. Czech government reports that it has secured 500,00 rounds, with first deliveries to Ukraine in June 24.
7. Lithuania & Rheinmetall Partner to Build 155mm Munition Plant.
8. Argentina Finalizes Purchase of 24 x F-16 Fighters from Denmark.
9. Lawmakers from Connecticut question Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky possible layoffs (400) due to the cancellation of the US Army Future Assault Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) Program.
10.  US Army to procure more Enhanced Night Vision Goggle- Binocular (ENVG-Bs) from L3 Harris in contract worth $256 million.
 

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
13-14 Apr: CENTCOM & EUCOM Forces engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen.
2. Israel Discusses Response to Iranian Attack & IDF Provides Target Options.
3. US CENTCOM & EUCOM Air, Ground, & Naval Assets assist Israel in repelling Iranian attack.
4. US Navy Guided-Missile Destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) & USS Carney (DDG-64) intercept Iranian ballistic missiles with SM 3s (Standard Missile) - first time these munitions have been used in combat.
5. Israeli F-35I Adir Fighters targeted at Nevatim Air Base in Southern Israel during Iranian strike.  No reported damage to warplanes.
6. Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrsky, says the front-line situation is “deteriorating” along the frontier of the Eastern part of the country. Russian forces are moving toward the town of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region. 
7. Russia reportedly creates new Corps-sized "Operational Strategic Group" named Sever (North in Russian) for operations in Ukraine.
This unit will join five other Strategic Groups- Center, South, West, & Dnipro. 
8. Germany to send Patriot Air Defense Artillery System to Ukraine.
9. US Missile Defense Agency Selects Next Generation ICBM Interceptor (Lockheed Martin).
10. US Army deploys the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) to Philippines (from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA). Unit is equipped with the Mid-Range Capability Launcher that employs the SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles. 
Mid-Range Capability fills ranges between the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) (500 kilometers) and the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) (2,776 kilometers). 

For review:
1. Navy Special Operations Forces from the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized a commercial vessel (container ship MSC Aries) with ties to Israel, near the Strait of Hormuz.
2. Iran Attacks Israel with Missiles & Drones. Retaliation for Damascus strike in early April.
3. Russian President (Vladimir Putin) comments on upcoming round of Peace talks in Switzerland- without Russian invitation or attendance. 
Quote from Russian President: "Moreover, they think there is nothing for us to do there, but at the same time they say that’s it’s impossible to decide anything without us. It would have been funny if it weren’t so sad.”
4. US European Combatant (EUCOM) Commander (General Christopher Cavoli): Ukraine is outgunned. For every artillery shell (round) it fires, Russia returns five.
5. Germany to send 20 x Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine. 
The German 2024 Budget allows for $8.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine.
6. UK Navy to have Direct Energy Weapons by 2027.
7. US EUCOM Unfunded Priority List is $141 million. 
Main priority is US Air Force’s base defense network, allowing it “to detect and identify cruise missiles, large, and small unmanned aerial systems, and other incoming attacks.”
8. US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Unfunded Priority List is $500 million.
Main priority is $219 million to “support a layered base defense configuration” involving a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), interceptors, radars and other “short-range air defense equipment to counter” small- to medium-sized drones.
9.  Lockheed Martin says that their Hypersonic Missile (Mako) is ready now.  
Lockheed’s Senior Program Manager: this is a multi-mission, highly capable system, highly survivable, affordable, so you’re going to hold many targets at risk with one weapons system that’s ready now.” 

1. US CENTCOM X:
09 Apr- US transfers an Infantry Brigade's worth of seized arms and ammunition to Ukraine. It includes over 5,000 x AK-47s, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s- and over 500,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
09 Apr- USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Gulf of Aden.
10 Apr- CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
10 Apr- CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed eight UAVs in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
2. Israel Defense Minister (Yoav Gallant): IDF Ready to Respond Any Scenario.
Israel has been on high alert amid Iranian officials’ promises of revenge for a Damascus airstrike.
3. US believes a major Iranian attack on Israel is imminent and could happen in the coming days. Iran could launch strikes involving high-precision missiles and drones targeting military and government sites in Israel (Bloomberg).
4. Greece Prepared to Transfer 32 x F-16C/D Fighters to Ukraine- and possibly 24 x Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 warplanes as well.
5. Russia is developing more lethal ammunition based on its study of NATO combat vehicles captured in Ukraine.
6. Serbia to Procure 12 x Rafale Warplanes from France.
7. Update on key USAF Modernization programs: B-21 Raider Bomber & LGM-35A Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)- (replacement for the LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM).
8. Follow-up on previous story about factors contributing to the US Navy's Columbia-Class Submarine (District of Columbia - SSBN-826) delivery schedule.

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
06 Apr- CENTCOM Forces destroyed one mobile surface-to air missile system in Houthi controlled territory of Yemen. CENTCOM Forces also shot down one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the Red Sea. 
08 Apr- CENTCOM Forces destroyed an air defense system with two missiles ready to launch, a ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, and one unmanned aerial system.
2. Leaders of Egypt (President El-Sissi), France (President Macron), and Jordan (King Abdullah) call for cease fire, release of hostages, and increase in humanitarian aid in a Washington Post OpEd.
3. IDF Departs Gaza - Leaves One Brigade. 
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: "the point of withdrawing troops from the Strip was to prepare for the expected offensive in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah."
4. IDF Creates New UAV Squadron. 
Purpose: Carry out tasks of intelligence gathering, recording aerial footage, and strikes in cooperation with the ground forces in ground operations. 
5. Poland creates Drone Component and plans to incorporate UAVs at all levels.
6. Canada to Increase Defense Spending. Increase still short of the 2% GDP encouraged by NATO.
7. US Navy & USMC Study. 
Purpose: "Study amphibious warship readiness and how the services can get ahead of ship maintenance challenges."
8. AUKUS Members ok for Japan to join as Pillar II Tech partner.
Pillar II tech partner "covers a collection of new defense technologies, as opposed to the nuclear-submarine portion of the security agreement."
 

For review
1. US Navy Report Identifies Ship Building Delays. Columbia-Class Submarine (12-16 month delay) and Constellation-Class Frigate (36 month delay) Programs are listed.
2. Iran Army Chief of Staff (General Mohammad Reza Zahedi) promises "maximum damage" in revenge for Damascus strike.
3. IDF destroys three Hamas tunnels- one of which entered hundreds of meter inside Israel.
4. Israel Opposition Leader (Yair Lapid) visits Washington to meet with US Senior Officials- Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and Senate Majority Leader. 
5. IDF Creates Mountain Brigade. Unit will operate in the Northern Border Area and fall under the 210th Division.
6. Ukraine Official- F-16 Fighter Jets no longer relevant for 2024 operations against Russia.
7. Poland and Italy not affected by F-35 deliveries. Poland to continue fighter purchases.
8. Norway to Double Defense Spending by 2036- from $8.75 billion in 2024 to over $17 billion in 2036. 
9. UVision (Hero 120) and SAIC join to increase production of Hero-120 Loitering Munition systems.

For review:

1. US CENTCOM X:
03 Apr- , USS Gravely (DDG 107) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) and two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen towards USS Gravely in the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. Additionally, CENTCOM Forces destroyed a mobile surface-to-air missile system in Houthi controlled territory.
04 Apr- CENTCOM Forces destroyed one anti-ship missile (ASM) in a Houthi-controlled territory of Yemen. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
2. Israel Readies for Possible Iranian Response to Damascus Strike.
3. US White House threatens change in support unless Israel changes approach to war against Hamas in Gaza. No details on what those changes might be.
4. Russia (Sergei Shoigu) - France (Sebastien Lecornu) Defense Ministers have phone call- first in almost two years.
5. During visit to India, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discussed a possibility that Russia - Ukraine negotiations could be in the future.
6. US State Department Official, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kurt Campbell:
“We have assessed over the course of the last couple of months that Russia has almost completely reconstituted militarily.”
7.  Denmark Government relieves Chief of Defense due to unreported readiness problems with Frigate Iver Huitfeldt during Red Sea combat deployment. 
8. Germany to "overhaul" military command structure. Will combine two separate command centers into one operational command. In addition, Cyber & Information Domain will become a fourth arm of German defense- joining Army, Navy, & Air Force.
9. Estonia to purchase 12 x Caesar Mobile Artillery (155mm). Will be fielded to Artillery formation in the 1st Division. 

For review:
1. Army Fields Next Gen Squad Rifles & Automatic Rifles to 1-506 Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101 ABN Division (Fort Campbell, KY).
2. Strike in Damascus Kills 2 x IRGC Generals.
3. US and Israel continue to disagree on Rafah Operation.
4. Germany orders new 22 x Panzerhaubitze 2000 (155mm) from Rheinmetall in deal worth $145 million. First systems to arrive in mid-2025.
5.  French manufacturer KNDS Nexter says that Caesar Mobile 155mm Howitzers have greater survival rate in Ukraine than other self-propelled or towed systems. 
6. Guam Air & Missile Defense effort to have own Joint Program Executive Office- JPEO Guam Defense Systems. US Army's Rapid Capabilities & Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), will take lead.
7.  US Army requests and receives (from Congress) the ability to have multi-year contracts on Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and Patriot Advanced Capability - 3 (PAC-3) munitions. 
8. F-35A variant can now fly in lightning /thunderstorms after four year ban due to safety problem (now solved).

For review:
1. 1000 ton lift-capacity derrick barge Chesapeake- supporting Key Bridge salvage (Baltimore, Maryland)- linked to the Hughes Glomar Explorer CIA operation to recover Soviet submarine (K-129 sunk in 1968).
2. US Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff (General Charles Brown) discusses Alternatives to IDF Rafah Ground Operation. They are: Secure Gaza border with Egypt with technological advances to prevent the smuggling of weapons through the Philadelphi Corridor, the isolation of the city of Rafah and the launch of targeted raids, and the establishment of a joint control room to coordinate on the targeted operations.
3. US Arms Package to Israel includes 1,800 x MK-84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 x MK-82 500-pound bombs, &  25 x F-35s.
4.  Ukraine Top General Oleksandr Syrsky conducts interview- discusses munition shortages and consequences on military operations.
5. France & Denmark to deliver more Caesar 155mms (78) to Ukraine.
6. European Union to fund increased production of MBDA Enforcer shoulder-launched missile system.
7. With the addition of Sweden and Finland to NATO- US Army to study new Army Pre-positioned Stock locations in Europe. Current location are in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, and Belgium.
8. Argentina to buy 24 x surplus F-16s from Denmark in deal reportedly worth $320 million.
9. US Army continues Directed Energy air defense weapons development.
10. BAE develops vehicle top plate for the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV). This allows the placement of various turrets on the vehicle. Examples: Counter-UAS model, 30mm gun model, and turreted 120mm mortar model.
 

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
27 Mar- US CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed four long-range unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen. 
28 Mar- US CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed four long-range unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen. (2d Day in a row).
2. Lebanon News Outlet via Times of Israel: Per Egyptian sources- IDF will conduct Rafah operation in April or May.
3. US Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff (GEN Charles Brown) on military aid to Israel- "Although we’ve been supporting them with capability, they’ve not received everything they’ve asked for.  Some of that is because they’ve asked for stuff that we either don’t have the capacity to provide or not willing to provide, not right now ."
4. Pakistan Day Parade in Islamabad (23 Mar) displays military hardware including VT-4 Main Battle Tank and the HQ-9/P Surface-to-air missile.
5. Potential Ukraine F-16 Basing in NATO Countries "Legitimate Target" (Russian President Vladimir Putin).
6. UK to Conduct Future Force Design Review. There are three core elements of the review:  How Britain fights future conflicts; Any potential restructuring of the armed force; and Other “capability choices.”
7.  France's Defense Minister (Sebastien Lecornu) motivates the French Defense Industry. "Expects some effort from industrialists."
8. Is US Army Towed Artillery Dying? 
AFC Commander (GEN James Rainey): “I personally believe that we have witnessed the end of the effectiveness of towed artillery: The future is not bright for towed artillery.”
(is that yes?)
9.   US Army & Navy will Conduct Hypersonic Missile Test this Spring.

 

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 rectangle.
9. US Navy announces the future Virginia-Class Submarine (SSN-813) will be named after the city of Atlanta, Georgia.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro: "Today, it is my honor and privilege to name the next Virginia-class submarine, SSN-813, USS Atlanta.”

For review:
1. US announces that Israel is in compliance with new National Security Memorandum that assures all aid recipients act in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights laws. Announcement comes the same day as the UNSC Resolution 2728 Vote.
2. US Sec Def to Discuss Rafah Operation Alternatives with Israel Def Minister.
3. Canada House of Commons votes to pause exports of defense equipment to Israel.  Defence Minister Bill Blair told reporters that the issuing of export permits for military shipments to Israel has been temporarily put on hold. 
4. Pakistan employing "intel gathering ship" purchased from China in 2023. China is reported to instrumental in helping the Pakistan Navy modernize.
5. Lithuania Aid Package to Ukraine Worth $217 Million. Distribution will occur between 2024 through 2026. Includes ammunition, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-drone equipment, and training and logistics support.
6. Saab to build new ground weapons and missile manufacturing facility in the US. Six unnamed locations are under consideration. Ground breaking in 2024 and production in 2026.
7.  Bradley Fighting Vehicles to receive the Elbit Iron Fist Light Decoupled Active Protection System.
8. US Army creates the new All Domain Sensing Cross Functional Team (CFT) at Redstone, Alabama. 
Will be created from the former Assured Positioning Navigation & Timing (APNT) CFT. 

For review:
1. US Security Council passes Resolution 2728- demanding an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and "the urgent need to expand the flow" of aid into Gaza. There were 14 votes in favor with the US abstaining. Ramadan ends o/a 09 April.
2. After UN Security Council Resolution passes, Israel cancels delegation to US for Rafah ground offensive discussions.
3. US CENTCOM X:
23 Mar- USS Carney (DDG 64), engaged six Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) over the southern Red Sea. Five crashed into the Red Sea, and one flew inland into Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
4. On 24 Mar, Houthi Rebels Engage Chinese Ship (M/V Huang Pu) in Red Sea. No casualties reported. Vessel continued voyage. Experts say likely a mistake.
5. Spain to provide 19 x Leopard 2 A4 tanks to Ukraine. Spain previously provided 6 x Leopards in 2023.
6. Estonia to provide a $22 million aid package to Ukraine. Package includes 155mm artillery munitions, anti-tank weapons, sniper rifles, and small-caliber ammunition.
7. UK developing sub-launched nuclear warhead to replace the Trident system. Program in parallel with US efforts.
8.  US Navy FY25 Unfunded Priority list worth $2.2 billion. Includes improvements to the submarine industrial base, Standard Missile-2s, MK-48 torpedoes, and other materiel.
9. US Army to build Next Generation Squad Weapon ammunition plant (6.8mm) at Independence City, Missouri.

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
21 Mar- Coalition aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched by Iranian backed Houthi terrorists. Additionally, coalition forces successfully engaged and destroyed two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists.
22 Mar- US CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense. During this timeframe, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired four anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. Additionally, CENTCOM forces conducted self-defense strikes against three Houthi underground storage facilities in Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen.
2. US Navy incorporating lessons learned from Red Sea operations into technology and training.
3. Russia-China-Algeria Veto US Sponsored UNSC Resolution. Guyana Abstains.
Draft Resolution called for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, facilitating “essential” aid delivery and supporting ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas militants to create a sustainable end to the hostilities, tied to the release of hostages.
4. Morocco to Procure US Javelin Missile Systems (612), in a deal worth $260 million.
5. Armor Not Dead: Germany & France Move Forward with Main Ground Combat System. System will replace Germany’s Leopard tanks and France’s Leclerc fleet sometime in the 2040s.  Future system will incorporate level of innovation regarding connectivity, electronic warfare, drone integration, armor and self-defensive measures.
6. Armor Not Dead: Ukraine Defense Contact Group's Armor Coalition (led by Germany & Poland) officially launches on 26 March. Other partners include Italy, UK, and Sweden. One of eight capability coalitions. The other 7 are: Drone, Air Force, Artillery, Ground-based Air Defense, De-mining, Maritime Security, and Information Technology. 
7. Armor Not Dead: Australia Defense Industry achieves $660 million export deal featuring over 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carriers. Vehicle are made in Queensland under Rheinmetall Australia. 
8.  US Congress Finally Passes FY24 Defense Bill. President to sign today?
9. US Army and US CENTCOM FY25 Unfunded Priority List.

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
18 Mar- CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed seven anti-ship missiles, three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and three weapons storage containers in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense.
19 Mar- Coalition aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned aerial vehicle and CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel, both launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. 
20 Mar- US imposed sanctions on procurement networks based in Iran, Türkiye, Oman, and Germany that have acquired goods for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization, Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company, and other U.S.-sanctioned entities that are part of Iran’s military-industrial base.  
2. Work continues at Fort Eustis, Virginia on the causeway bound for the Gaza Humanitarian Support Mission (conducted by the US Army 7th Transportation Brigade).
3. IDF Rafah Operation Preparations Will Take Time (Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu).
4. Bahrain to Procure 50 x US M1Tanks in a $2.2 billion deal.
5. Czech-Led Artillery Munition Purchase Plan Making Progress , Several countries already pledging funds: Germany, France, Portugal, Sweden, Canada, Norway, and Netherlands.
6. US Indo-PACOM FY24 Unfunded Priority list is $11 billion. Priorities include Regional Infrastructure, Space-based capabilities, Long-Range munitions, and Guam Missile Defense.
7. Tranche 1 of the Pentagon's Replicator (All-Domain Uncrewed/Unmanned Autonomous System(s)) has at least 1 x Army submission (Switchblade 600?) and 1 x Navy- Uncrewed Surface Vessel.

For review:
1. Israel targets Hamas senior leaders in precision strike operations. Israel sends negotiating team to Doha. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits Israel- meets with Prime Minister.
2. Russia-China-Iran Conduct Naval Drills in Gulf of Oman.
3. EU Plan to Increase Artillery Munition Production.
4. USAF Hypersonic Efforts.
5. US Army FY25 Budget discusses new Air Defense effort: 
the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS).
Description: MDACS will provide the Joint Force with defense of fixed and semi-fixed sites against cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft systems while significantly increasing magazine depth and reducing cost-per-engagement. 

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X
16 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthis launched two unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. US CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed one UAV and the other is presumed to have crashed into the Red Sea. 
16 Mar- US CENTCOM Forces destroyed five unmanned surface vessels and
one UAV in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense.
2. ABC Report via Times of Israel: Complaints of slowdown of military materiel (155mm & 120mm munitions) from US to Israel. US says there is no change to current policy. 
3. NATO Annual Report (2023).
4. Netherlands Selects Naval Group (France) to Build 4 x New Submarines. 
Vessel names already decided:  Orka (Orca), Zwaardvis (Swordfish), Barracuda and Tijgerhaai (Tiger Shark).
5. UK Army sends the 1st Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team (1 DRS BCT) to participate in Project Convergence 2024.
6. US Navy FY25 Budget— $203.9 billion for the US Navy and $53.7 billion for USMC. 
 

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
14 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden and two additional ASBMs towards the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported to U.S. or coalition ships. Additionally, United States Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed nine anti-ship missiles and two unmanned aerial vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. 
15 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
2. Israel - Hamas Negotiations Continue While IDF Rafah Plan Set. Talks to continue in Qatar.
3. Leaders of Germany, France and Poland meet in Berlin to discuss Ukraine support. 
4. UK to Procure CH-47 Extended Range Chinooks.
5. UK Defense Minister Plane Jammed Flying near Kaliningrad.
6.  USMC FY25 Budget Request.
7. USMC Medium Landing Ship (LSM) (once called the Light Amphibious Warship),  makes the FY25 Budget Books.  Ship designed to fill the gap in capability between the Navy’s large, multipurpose amphibious warfare class ships and smaller landing vessels. Ship will deploy tailored logistics, select power projection and support strike capabilities via the embarked Marine Littoral Regiment.  

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
12 Mar- U.S. Army Vessels (USAV SP4 James A. Loux (LSV-6), USAV Monterrey (LCU30), USAV Matamoros (LCU26), and USAV Wilson Warf (LCU11) from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), departed Joint Base Langley-Eustis en-route to the E. Mediterranean to establish a roll-on, roll-off dock capability that allows ship to shore humanitarian assistance to Gaza. 
12 Mar-  Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea. The missile did not impact the vessel and there were no injuries or damage reported. United States Central Command and a coalition vessel successfully engaged and destroyed two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. 
2. IDF reports over 4,000 targets struck during the war in the north (Lebanon) against Hezbollah.
3. US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine Worth $300M. Includes artillery ammunition (105mm & 155mm), Stinger missiles, Anti-tank munitions, and other materiel.
4. US Army and Lockheed Martin test the Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile at White Sands, NM.  Range reported to be over 150k (nearly doubled from 70k).
5. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program achieves Milestone C (yay).
6. FY2025 USAF Budget Request from Breaking Defense (Michael Marrow).
 
 

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
11 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of into the Red Sea toward merchant vessel Pinocchio, a Singaporean-owned, Liberian-flagged ship. The missiles did not impact the vessel and there were no injuries or damage reported. 
Also on 11 Mar, United States Central Command conducted six self-defense strikes destroying an unmanned underwater vessel and 18 anti-ship missiles in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. 
2. Politico Report: Unnamed US Officials say that President could establish conditions of US military support to Israel- in regards to potential Rafah operation.
3. France to Collaborate with Ukraine for Arms Production in areas of drone and land equipment sectors.
4. UAE Tests the Infantry Squad Vehicle. Test included 2 x day sustainment/recovery evaluation and over 2,000 kilometers of operation over varied terrain.
5. A report published by the Association of the US Army (AUSA) argues that Army should invest more in its wet-gap crossing capabilities to prepare for its role in future conflict.
6. US Army FY25 Budget Request is $185.9 Billion. Nice rundown by Ashley Roque (Breaking Defense).

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
09 Mar- U.S. and Coalition forces downed a total of at least 28 uncrewed aerial vehicles between 1600-2030 (local time). 
U.S. Army Vessel (USAV) General Frank S. Besson (LSV-1) from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, departed Joint Base Langley-Eustis en route to the Eastern Mediterranean less than 36 hours after President Biden announced the U.S. would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea. Besson, a logistics support vessel, is carrying the first equipment to establish a temporary pier to deliver vital humanitarian supplies.
2. US Army 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) will construct Joint-Logistics Over the Shore pier. The JLOTS military purpose: It allows a heavy force to be moved from ship to shore without the benefit of a modern deepwater port. 
3. When Ramadan arriving (10 Mar) and no Hostage deal- will IDF begin operations in Rafah.
4. Strong potential for (future) IDF incursion into Southern Lebanon against Hezbollah.
5.  UK to Provide Large Numbers of First Person View Drones & Loitering Munitions to Ukraine.
6. V-22 Osprey Fleet flying again (08 Mar).
7. F-35A (variants) are now nuclear-capable fighters.

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.

 
 

For review- (shorter episodes planned for next two weeks)
1. US CENTCOM X:
06 Mar- At approximately 11:30 a.m. (local time) an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen toward M/V True Confidence, a Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned bulk carrier, while transiting the Gulf of Aden. The missile struck the vessel, and the multinational crew reports three
fatalities, at least four injuries, of which three are in critical condition, and significant damage to the ship.
07 Mar- Central Command Forces and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Northern Gaza to provide essential relief to civilians in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict. 
07 Mar- CENTCOM Forces conducted self-defense strikes against four mobile Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) and one Houthi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Additionally, CENTCOM Forces shot down three UAVs launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Gulf of Aden. 
2. President Biden says that the US will Build a Pier (temporary) for Gaza Humanitarian Support .
3. China 2024 Defense Budget increases 7.2%. 2024 budget is $236.1 billion.
4. China to develop a 4th Aircraft Carrier.
5. US Navy Chief of Naval Operations (Admiral Lisa Franchetti) is committed to the requirement of 31 Amphibious Ships. 
6. US Army defends change of Aviation Strategy as a result of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA).
7. US Army (Army Futures Command) to announce a "Deep Sensing" Cross-Functional Team. Time frame and location unknown. 
 

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
04 Mar- Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired 2 x anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen into the Gulf of Aden at M/V MSC SKY II, a Liberian-flagged, Swiss-owned container vessel. One of the missiles impacted the vessel causing damage. Initial reports indicate there were no injuries; the ship did not request assistance and continued on its way. At 8 p.m. (local), CENTCOM Forces conducted self-defense strikes against 2 x anti-ship cruise missiles. 
2. Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations Continue as Ramadan gets closer.
3. Sudan rejects Iran’s bid for Red Sea naval base.
4. Iran Weapons at Doha (Qatar) Trade Show- include air defense systems, Naval Vessel Mock-ups, and rifles and machine guns.
5. Netherlands plans to order 4 x new air-defense frigates to replace current fleet (worth $3.8 billion).
6. Poland continues defense modernization. Signed deal for the US Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System- which will integrate with the Wisla (Patriot) & Narew Air Defense programs. In addition, will purchase 286 x light armored recon vehicles.
7. Canada & Germany Procure Boeing P-8 Poseidon Aircraft- Canada (14); Germany (3).
8. Thailand Air Force Modernization includes new Fighters, Air Defense Systems, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
9. US Army tests Next Generation Squad Weapon- XM7 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle- plus the XM157 Fire Control (Optic)- at the Cold Regions Test Center (Fort Greeley, Alaska). 

For review:
1. Pentagon will Lift V-22 Osprey Grounding Next Week.
2. Army National Guard Grounds all Helicopters following fatal AH-64 Crash in Mississippi. 
3. US CENTCOM X:
29 Feb- between 1800-1915 hours (local), CENTCOM Forces conducted 2 x self-defense strikes against 6 x mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea. Earlier, at approximately 1710 (local), CENTCOM Forces shot down 1 x unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the southern Red Sea in self-defense. 
 4. US Army Sends DE-MSHORAD to CENTCOM AOR. In early Feb, US Army sent 4 x DE-MSHORAD to CENTCOM for testing.
The Directed Energy Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (DE-MSHORAD) integrates a 50-kilowatt laser onto a Stryker Combat Vehicle to down Group 1-3 (type) aerial drones, plus incoming rockets, artillery and mortars. 
5. Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations Falter.
6. US blocks UN Security Council resolution blaming Israel for deaths during Gaza aid incident. The text of the draft resolution was not available.
7. European nations source hundreds of thousands artillery rounds for donation to Ukraine.
8.  Netherlands orders 9 x DITA Self-propelled 155mm Howitzers from Czech Republic for donation to Ukraine. DITA rate of fire is six rounds per minute, reducing to five rounds per minute during prolonged firing. The system basic load 40 x rounds and can displace in 45 seconds.
9.  Pressure mounts on Germany ( and Chancellor Olaf Scholz) to provide Taurus long-range precision missiles to Ukraine.
10. From Canada Defense Minster (Bill Blair): 
Canada is open to sending a limited number of troops to Ukraine. 
Canadian troops will not take part in combat operations, but will train Ukrainian soldiers (far from the front-lines).

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
27 Feb- Between 2150 & 2255 (local), US aircraft and a Coalition warship shot down 5 x Iranian-backed Houthi one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the Red Sea. 
2. Israel and Hamas continue Hostage-Prisoner negotiations as Ramadan gets closer (10 Mar).
3.  Ukraine Considers Inviting Russia to Peace Summit in Switzerland .
4. France Considers Sending Troops to Ukraine? US, Italy, UK, and Germany say no. Spain, Czech Republic, and Poland also against the idea.
5. Ukraine Ambassador (Vasyl Myroshnychenko) visits Australia.  Makes appeal for Australia's unused MRH-90 Taipan Helicopters and aging M1 Tanks.
6.  Australia to dispose MRH-90 Taipan Helicopter fleet by removing and selling valuable parts- then burying remaining airframes. Controversy ensures at this disposal plan due to conflicts with other option of donating the helicopters to Ukraine for wartime CASEVAC missions.  
7. Digging deeper into the above story.  Article from Asia-Defence Reporter (Kym Bergmann) that accuses the Australia Army and Government of not wanting to provide the MRH-90 Taipan fleet to Ukraine- " to stop anyone else (Ukraine) from using them.  In their minds (Government of Australia & Army), the fate of Ukraine is far less important than covering up for their own incompetence and mismanagement (of not properly employing the Taipan fleet)." 
8. Australian Navy to more than double surface fleet- from 11 to 26 warships.
Future surface fleet will feature 9 x Tier 1 destroyers and frigates, 11 x Tier 2 frigates, and 6 x optionally manned vessels.
9. Singapore’ Air Force to buy 8 x F-35A Fighters- adding to the 12 F-35Bs already on order.  Singapore will become the 4th Nation to have both F-35 A & B variants- joining US, Japan, & Italy.
10. US Army new Force Structure released. 
Snapshot:
Reductions in Brigade Combat Team Engineer Battalions, Cavalry Squadrons, and Heavy Weapons Companies. 
Additions in Multi-Domain Task Forces (2); Indirect Fore Protection Capability Battalions, and Counter-UAS Batteries.
Read Defense News Article (Jen Judson) for full rundown. 
Or read the Whitepaper:
https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2024/02/27/091989c9/army-white-paper-army-force-structure-transformation.pdf


 

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
26 Feb- CENTCOM Forces destroyed 3 x unmanned surface vessels (USV), 2 x mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), and 1 x one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in self-defense. 
2. From Department of Defense statement (24 Feb): 
US and UK, with support from allied nations, struck 18 Houthi targets on 24 Feb.
Supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand, the strikes focused on 8 x locations in Yemen that held underground weapons storage facilities, drone systems, air defense systems, and missile storage facilities.
3. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with American TV (CBS Face the Nation).  
Money quote: "A lot of things that we were told by the best of friends initially turned out to not be true-  they said you can’t enter the ground war without having enormous complications, they said you can’t enter Gaza City, you can’t go into the tunnels, it will be a terrible bloodbath.’ All that turned out to be not true."
4. Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: Israel would increase its strikes on Hezbollah in response to its daily attacks on northern Israel, including amid a potential temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
5. Reportedly (Jerusalem Post)- Post Israel-Hamas War-  Palestinian Technocratic Officials could take over (Palestinian) government management during an initial transitional phase until elections can be held at a later time.
6. Nice report on the Iron Sting- a 120mm Precision Mortar system (Mounted)- used by the IDF in combat.
7. Hungary Ratifies Sweden NATO Membership. Sweden becomes the 32d NATO Member state. (AT4s and Carl Gs for everyone!)
8. Russia-Ukraine War at Year 2: 155mm production, NATO Member GDP, Russia War Economy, & US support.
9. Canada's Defense Minister Bill Blair:  I’ve entered into the memorandum of understanding with the Czech Republic, with respect to perhaps acquiring munitions that they currently have in their possession that will enable us to … make them available more rapidly to Ukraine as we ramp up our own production.
In addition- Canada will send 800 x SkyRanger R70 Drones to Ukraine worth $70.3 million. 
10. US Department of Defense Inspector General: The US Defense Department (US Army) provided Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles, M1 Abrams Tanks, and Patriots Air Defense Systems to Ukraine, without a sustainment plan (for the future).

For review:
US CENTCOM X:
18 Feb- Iran-backed Houthi terrorists attacked the M/V Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier. The attack caused significant damage to the ship, which caused an 18-mile oil slick. 
22 Feb- US aircraft and a coalition warship shot down 6 x Iranian-backed Houthi one-way attack (OWA) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Red Sea. Later, Houthis rebels fired 2 x anti-ship ballistic missiles from southern Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. The missiles impacted MV Islander a Palau-flagged, U.K.-owned, cargo carrier causing one minor injury and damage. The ship is continuing its voyage.
22 Feb- CENTCOM Forces conducted self-defense strikes against 4 x Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and 2 x mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. On 
23 Feb- CENTCOM Forces shot down 3 x Houthi one-way attack UAV near several commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. There was no damage to any ships. 
23 Feb- CENTCOM Forces destroyed 7 x Iranian-backed Houthi mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea. 
2. Post-Gaza War plan put forward by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Plan includes IDF freedom to provide security inside Gaza and the establishment of a security buffer zone.
3. IDF Prepares for War in North (Lebanon) against Hezbollah.
4. Russia-Ukraine War entering third year. Braking Defense publishes list of articles- by Domain. We cover the Land Domain in this episode.
5. Hungary Orders More Gripen Warplanes from Saab (Sweden). Hungary's government could approve Sweden's NATO membership bid as soon as Monday, 26 Feb.
6.  US Army Maneuver- Short Range Air Defense (MSHORAD) system requirement preparing for Joint-level approval.
7. USMC Force Design Opinion Piece (Defense Post), by Gary Anderson.
Mr. Anderson served as the Chief of Plans (G-5) of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Force responsible for the Indo-Pacific area.
The title of the Opinion Piece is "How to Ruin the Marine Corps". 

For review:
1. CENTCOM X:
- 20 Feb: At 0030 (local), USS Laboon (DDG 58) identified a one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) headed in its direction. The USS Laboon shot down the ASCM. 
- 21 Feb: Between 1200 and 1845 (local), CENTCOM Forces conducted 4 x
self-defense strikes against 7 x mobile Houthi Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles and
1 x mobile Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile launcher that were prepared to launch
towards the Red Sea. 
2. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary concerning downed US MQ-9 Drone: 
“On February 19, a US MQ-9 was downed or went down off the coast of Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, in the Red Sea. Initial indications are that it was shot down by a Houthi surface-to-air missile."
3. The UN Security Council met again in emergency session in New York on Gaza Tuesday, where the United States vetoed a resolution put forward on behalf of Arab States by Algeria demanding “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties”. UK abstains. 13 other Council members vote in support.
4. Syrian State media reports two killed during airstrike in Damascus neighborhood.
5. Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz: Israel was prepared to launch offensive in Rafah (during Ramadan) if a hostage deal is not reached by the time the Muslim holy month starts around 10 March.
6. Unidentified problem with a British Trident II D5 unarmed missile launch (21 Feb), from Royal Navy HMS Vanguard Submarine.
7.  Turkey's indigenous 5th Gen Fighter (KAAN) makes first flight. Flight lasted 13 minutes with an altitude of 8,000 feet and speed of 230 knots. 
8. Indian Army releases tender for new towed 155mm howitzer. 
Desired characteristics: 
- No heavier than 15 tons.
- Fire existing 155mm rounds to a distance of 40-plus kilometers.
- Minimum service life of 20 years.
- Barrel life of 1,500 equivalent full charges.
9. Latest  second interceptor competition news for the US Army's  Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) effort.

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
- 17 Feb: CENTCOM Forces conducted five self-defense strikes against 3 x  mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, 1 x unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and 1 x  unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in October 2023.
2. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: Hamas has no leadership on the ground in Gaza.  Yahya Sinwar has reportedly been out of contact with the terror group’s leadership abroad since the end of January 2024. 
3. Israeli Cabinet Rejects International Diktats Pushing Palestinian Statehood. 
An accord, should it be reached, will only come through direct negotiations between the sides, without preconditions.
4. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Munich Security Conference: 
"Virtually every Arab country now genuinely wants to integrate Israel into the region to normalize relations… to provide security commitments and assurances so that Israel can feel more safe."
5.  Finland's newly elected head of state (Alexander Stubb), wants China to play a significant role in to peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
6. European Coalition Intends to Deliver 1 Million Drones to Ukraine. This Coalition is led by Latvia and the UK. UK will fund$250 million toward the effort and Latvia will invest $10.8 million.
7. Russian defense industry think tank (Center for Analysis of Strategies & Technologies) has increased the reward for a captured Milrem THeMIS Unmanned Ground Robotic Vehicle operating in Ukraine. Reward is $22k. The robotic vehicle is being used for de-mining operations and cargo transport.
8. At the Munich Security Conference, Prime Minister (Mette Frederiksen) announces that Denmark will deliver all the artillery rounds from its stockpiles to Ukraine. 
Amount not specified.
9.  Turkey and Greece will join the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), bringing the total number of participating nations to 21. The ESSI aims to streamline procurement of air defense capabilities across Europe- focusing on interoperability.

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
- 14 Feb: CENTCOM Forces conducted four self-defense strikes against 7 x mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), 3 x  mobile unmanned aerial vehicles(UAV), and 1 x explosive unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen,.
- 15 Feb: US Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr (WPC 1147), forward deployed to CENTCOM AOR, seized advanced conventional weapons and other lethal aid originating in Iran and bound to Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen from a vessel in the Arabian Sea on Jan. 28. 
- 15 Feb: At approximately 1630 local time, an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. The missile was headed toward MV Lycavitos, a Barbados-flagged, UK-owned and operated bulk carrier. The ship reported no injuries but very minor damage, and continued its voyage.
-15 Feb:  Between the hours of 1510 & 2000 local time, CENTCOM Forces conducted two self-defense strike against 3 x mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. 
2. Strikes in Iran target major gas pipelines. Strike on chemical factory outside Tehran also reported. There has been no comment from Israel.
3. President Biden expresses hope for stopping (impending) IDF ground operation in Rafah during hostage release negotiations.
4. IDF has advanced plan for ground operation in Rafah. Awaiting approval from National Civilian Authorities.
5. Ukraine signs defense agreements with Germany & France. 
Germany to provide 1.1 billion-euro ($1.2 billion) package of military aid, including 36 x howitzers, 120,000 x rounds of artillery ammunition & 2 x air-defense systems.
6. US House of Representatives fail to advance (or address) Senate-approved defense funding bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. 
7. Ukraine Army faces difficulties in Avdiivka. Russian forces reportedly surround town on three sides.
8. Armor Not Dead: Greece Considers Upgrading Leopard I Tank Fleet (500 tanks). Prospective improvements include: introduction of a stronger engine and reinforced suspension; new fire control system; modernized turret; digital open architecture allowing adaption of systems such as an anti-drone weapon station, and the integration of loitering munitions.
9. US Army Javelin System: The Light Weight Command Launch Unit (LW-CLU) and the new G-model missile (to be designated the FGM-148G) continue modernization improvement efforts, despite delays.
10. US Army will upgrade Bradley Fighting Vehicles with Elbit Systems Iron Fist Active Protective System.  1,242 vehicles- assigned to 9 x  Armored Brigade Combat Teams- will receive the upgrade, during the 8-year effort.
11. North Korea test launches new surface-to-sea missile (Padasuri-6) into the Sea of Japan. The missile will enter service with the North Korean Navy. 

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

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.

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

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

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