I - On Defense Podcast

For review:1. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told ministers this week that he will seek cabinet backing for a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip.2. Netherlands & Germany Committed to Send Patriot Systems to Ukraine.3. President Trump threatens high tariffs/secondary sanctions on buyer's of Russian oil (that economically support Russian war effort).4. France Continues Development of Archangel SIGINT Aircraft. The Archangel is based on the Dassault Aviation Falcon 8X and equipped with Thales' new-generation payload CUGE (universal electronic warfare capability).CUGE uses multi-polarization antennas to simultaneously detect and analyze radar and communication signals.5. India has signed an agreement with Elbit Systems to build the Israeli firm's Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) multiple rocket launcher (MRL) in India.The agreement covers the system's production and supply for both domestic and international customers and transfer of technology.6. An F-15E Strike Eagle deployed to Kadena AB (Japan)- landed safely despite a missing landing gear wheel, the Air Force said Monday morning.The wheel was recovered on the flightline at U.S. Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean.  The two airmen flying the fighter were uninjured in the emergency landing, the Air Force said in a statement.7. Breaking Defense Opinion Article by John Venable (Mitchell Institute):Four Reasons to Accelerate F-35 Acquisition Now. 

1. Hamas on Saturday said it would not disarm “as long as the occupation exists,” despite announcement from Arab League, urging the terror group to disarm. 2. The Israel Defense Force defeated Hamas's Beit Hanoun battalion, the IDF declared on Saturday. The majority of the Hamas gunmen in the Beit Hanoun Battalion were either killed during the fighting or fled.3. President Trump Announces Submarine Movements- in response to remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev about the risk of war between the nuclear-armed adversaries.4. Armor Not Dead: Poland to Procure 180 K2 Tanks from S. Korea. Under the plan, the tanks are to be supplied to the Polish Armed Forces between 2026 and 2030. 5.  Russia & China Conduct Naval Drills in Sea of Japan- hosted by the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet. The goal of the annual joint exercise is to exchange experience between the Russian Navy and the PLAN, a Russia Navy release stated. 6. South Korea has completed the initial deployment of the second phase of its Cheongung-II air defense system, an advanced platform capable of intercepting both aircraft and ballistic missiles.The Cheongung-II forms a core part of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, a multi-layered defense architecture designed to counter North Korea's evolving missile threat.7. The Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor or LTAMDS, arrived in Guam earlier this month- as part of the Air and Missile Defense Architecture designed to protect Guam from evolving threats. 8. US Senate Confirms Navy CNO. 

For review:1.Arab League Condemns 7 October Attack; Calls for Hamas to Disarm. Arab and Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey, signed a declaration (New York Declaration) Tuesday condemning for the first time Hamas's onslaught of October 7, 2023, and calling on the Palestinian terror group to release all the hostages it is holding, disarm and end its rule of Gaza.2. Givati Infantry Brigade combat in Northeast Gaza town of Beit Hanoun. 3. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed in an interview with Fox Radio on Thursday that the White House is nearing a critical decision point regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.4. India Rejects F-35 Purchase.5. The first of Japan's Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation fighters will arrive from the United States in early August, according to the country's defense ministry.6. A US Navy pilot is “safe” after their F-35C crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore on Wednesday evening, according to a Navy spokesperson.7. AM General has received a $126.5-million contract to deliver additional M1165A1B3 Humvees, for the US Army. The Pentagon did not disclose the quantity of the latest order.Work on the program will be carried out in South Bend, Indiana, with completion expected by August 2027.8. Senate Appropriators Pass Committee Defense Spending Bill.Senate appropriators passed their $852.5 billion defense spending bill for fiscal 2026 today, adding $21.7 billion to the Pentagon's topline. 

For review:1. Ceasefire Between Thailand & Cambodia. After efforts by Malaysia, the United States, and China to bring both sides to the table, the two countries' leaders agreed during talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia to end hostilities, resume direct communications and create a mechanism to implement the ceasefire.2. Dozens of ministers gathered at a United Nations conference on Monday to urge the international community to work toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The 193-member UN General Assembly decided in September last year that such a conference would be held in 2025. Hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference was postponed in June due to the Israel-Iran war.3. IDF Assessment on Hezbollah Capabilities.In terms of firepower, Israel claims to have destroyed 70-80% of Hezbollah's rocket fire capabilities. The IDF has estimated that Hezbollah possesses several thousand rockets — the vast majority of them short-range projectiles like mortars, and only several hundred long-range ones.4. Turkey has secured a landmark defense export agreement with Indonesia, signing contracts for 48 5th Generation KAAN fighter aircraft. Deliveries of the 48 aircraft will be carried out over a 10-year period.5. Taiwan Receives Second Tranche of US M1 Main Battle Tanks.6. US Army cancels plan to develop the A3 Variant of the M88 Hercules Recovery Vehicle. Instead, the Army will pursue upgrades to the current A2 Variant.  The A3 variant was designed to eliminate the need to use two (A2 Variant) vehicles to raise and move some of the newer and heavier M1 Tanks. 7. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have sent the Pentagon guidance for how lawmakers want to see $150 billion in defense funding from the reconciliation bill spent.

For review:1. IDF Announces Daily 10-Hour Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza. The  pauses will take place from 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. in areas where the IDF is currently not operating with ground troops.2. As a result of stalled negotiations- Hamas is taking additional precautionary measures to undermine potential efforts by Israeli special forces or others to rescue the hostages. For example, Hamas has reinstated a policy to kill hostages if captors believe that Israeli forces are approaching. 3. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday that recognizing a Palestinian state before it is established could be counterproductive.4. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in an interview aired Sunday that while he supports a two-state solution, his country does not plan to “imminently” recognize a Palestinian state.5. Neutral Austria Considers Joining NATO.6. Thailand and Cambodia Clash Over Border Dispute. A long running border disputed started combat actions from both sides on Thursday with jets, tanks and ground troops battling in a rural border region. 7. India's Prime Minister Modi offered $565 million to the Maldives on Friday to bolster its defense forces and infrastructure.8. New construction at a N. Korean missile complex has experts unsure what role the new facility will play in the ecosystem of North Korea's weapons technology. The complex is nestled in a hard-to-access valley between three mountain peaks, secured by checkpoints on the entry roads, and defended by air defense systems. 

For review:1. Iran and E3 Nations (France, Germany, UK) meet in Turkey for nuclear talks.2. A ballistic missile launched at Israel Friday night by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen was intercepted by air defenses, the Israel Defense Forces said.There were no reports of impacts or injuries in the attack.3. Israel and Hamas Hostage & Ceasefire Talks Stall: Will Resume Next Week.4. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday that recognizing Palestinian statehood should be part of a wider plan for lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis, in an apparent split from France, which announced its plan to take the step already in September.5. US $4 Billion Military Financing to Poland.6. Germany and France will “clarify the situation” regarding their Future Combat Air System project by the end of the year. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a joint program between France, Germany, and Spain to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet to replace their existing aircraft. 7. Japanese Patrol Aircraft Spots Chinese Submarine Support Ship Entering Sea of Japan.8. Defense News Opinion Article concerning Taiwanese Exercise Han Kuang 41.This year's joint, multidomain exercise expanded in length from five to 10 days, ran continuously, and included fighting in urban areas.  In addition, the exercise featured several critical US-produced systems, including M1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, M142 HIMARS, Patriot long-range air and missile defense systems, and man-portable Stinger missiles. 

For review:1. Syria's interim government has requested Turkey's support to strengthen its defense capabilities following sectarian violence over the past two weeks.2.  US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack has urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recalibrate his policies and embrace a more inclusive approach after a new round of sectarian bloodshed last week, or risk losing international support.3. Hezbollah has informed Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri that it will not surrender its weapons to the government, contradicting previous indications that the terror group was willing to disarm- even if Israel were to withdraw from the five strategic points it has been holding since a ceasefire between the adversaries came into effect in November.4. Mediators: Hamas Truce Demands Unacceptable. Hamas has demanded that Israel further withdraw toward the Gaza border; end the operations of the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation; and raise the ratio of security prisoners who will be released for each Israeli hostage.5. Russia & Ukraine Agree to Prisoner Swap in Istanbul. An exchange of around 250 Russian and 250 Ukrainian prisoners of war will be completed along the Ukrainian-Belarusian border. The two sides had also agreed “that in the near future an exchange of at least 1,200 more prisoners of war from each side will be carried out.”6. Turkey and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding on the export of Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Turkey is reportedly seeking to buy as many as 40 of the jets.7. Rafael Advanced Systems will supply Spyder short-range air defense systems to Romania for over $2 billion, the Romanian Ministry of Defense announced this week. The Spyder is a mobile air defense system whose components are mounted on combat vehicles, and is built around Python-4 heat-seeking missiles and radar-guided Derby missiles, designed to intercept targets at low altitudes and at a distance of tens of kilometers. 8. Romania and Poland are advancing plans to increase their tracked vehicle fleets.9.  USAF Sentinel ICBM Program Update. 

For review:1. Iran and E3 Nuclear Talks in Istanbul on Friday. Iran, Britain, France and Germany will hold nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday- following warnings by the three European countries that failure to resume negotiations would lead to international sanctions being reimposed on Iran.2. Iran could withhold security commitments if European states invoke a UN mechanism to reimpose international sanctions on the Islamic Republic, a member of Iran's parliamentary national security commission said on Monday. In the past, Iran has used the threat of disrupting maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz as a means to push back against Western pressures on its nuclear program.3. IDF Drone Strike on Houthi Port. Israeli Air Force drones struck Yemen's Houthi-controlled Hodeida port in response to the Iran-backed group's continued attacks on Israel, the IDF said Monday.4. Russia and Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey on Wednesday.5. Australia Delivers First Tranche of M1 Tanks to Ukraine. Australia pledged to give Kyiv 49 Abrams tanks that it recently retired.6. Belgium to increase defense spending to 2% GDP in 2025- will order more F-35s and procure air defense systems.7. The US House passed its $832 billion defense appropriations bill for FY26 in a 221-209 vote on 18 Jul. This version of the FY26 defense budget is not the final word on the topic, as the House bill will have to be reconciled with the Senate's spending bill further down the line. The Senate Appropriations Committee has yet to release its defense spending proposal.

For review:1. Ceasefire in S. Syrian City of Sweida Between Druze & Bedouin.2. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has said elections will be held before the end of the year for the Palestinian National Council, for the first time since 2006.3. Ukraine proposes new round of peace talks with Russia next week.4. New Round of EU Sanctions Against Russian Energy. 5. UK & Germany Sign New Defense Pact.The new bilateral agreement, referred to as the “Kensington Treaty,” was signed on Thursday in London. It includes a broad range of promises, ranging from joint military-industrial exports to facilitating school exchanges between the two countries. It additionally commits the NATO allies to “assist one another, including through military means, in the event of an armed attack on the other.”6. Marine Corps LTG Greg Masiello has taken the reins of the Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) F-35, from its outgoing leader Air Force LTG Mike Schmidt. JPEO F-35 is a global enterprise that has grown to 19 customers internationally. LTG Masiello was nominated for the F-35 post in June and subsequently confirmed by the US Senate. 7. Breaking Defense Opinion Article: Why selling F-35s to Turkey is smart business for US and NATO.In a response to an op-ed previously published on Breaking Defense, Barın Kayaoğlu and Özgür Ekşi argue that Turkey can and should be trusted with F-35s.

For review:1. US Army Mid Range Capability Live-Fire During Talisman Sabre '25.  The U.S. Army hit an at-sea target with a Standard Missile 6 fired from its Typhon missile system as part of the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercise in Australia.The live-fire test is the first time the Army has tested the containerized missile launcher derived from the Navy MK 41 launchers used on warships outside the US.2. IDF Strikes Damascus in Support of Druze Community.3. The U.S. State Department has informed Switzerland of delays in the delivery of Patriot air defense systems due to a decision to prioritize shipments to Ukraine, the Swiss Defense Ministry said on 17 July.4. France and Italy have declined to participate in a new NATO initiative to supply US-made weapons for Ukraine, including air defense systems, financed by European allies. 5. France Departs Last Senegal Posts. France returned Camp Gélie, its largest base in the West African country, and its airfield at Dakar Airport.6. Singapore participates in Australian Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. More than 100 personnel from Singapore will be taking part in the exercise, including from the Special Operations Task Force of the Singaporean army and Republic of Singapore Air Force Special Operations Aviation Task Group crew.7. US to build a fast boat facility on the western coast of Palawan in the Philippines.The new fast boat facility is slated to be operational in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.8. Shipbuilder Austal USA delivered the final Independence-class littoral combat ship to the US Navy on Friday, marking the end of a construction phase that's lasted 15 years. The final ship will be christened as the Pierre, named after the capital of South Dakota.

For review:1. No progress on Israel - Hamas Hostage and Ceasefire negotiations.2. In a meeting in Amman on Sunday with British former prime minister Tony Blair, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas urged Hamas to release the hostages it is holding and hand over its weapons to the PA, stressing that the terror group “will not rule the Gaza Strip” after the war there ends.3. Israeli jets carried out a wave of airstrikes deep inside Lebanon aimed at stopping  an elite Hezbollah unit from regrouping and rebuilding its strength, authorities said Tuesday.The strikes in Lebanon's northeastern Beqaa Valley were aimed at military facilities belonging to the Hezbollah terror group's Radwan force.4. Israel Strikes Syrian Govt Forces in Druze-Majority Sweida- in what Israeli PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz said was meant to protect “the Druze in Syria due to the deep brotherly alliance with our Druze citizens in Israel.”5. Ukraine could secure victory over Russia if international partners supply Kyiv with additional air defense systems and end resistance to long-range strikes inside Russian territory, according to a Major Oleh Shyriaiev, Commander of Ukraine's 225th Separate Assault Battalion.6. France to Spend $74.8 Billion on Defense in 2027. The move would represent a full doubling of the nation's defense spending since 2017.7. US-Australian Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. Countries participating in the drills alongside the US and Australia are Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom with Malaysia and Vietnam as observers. China is expected, as has been the case in past iterations of Talisman Sabre, to deploy a surveillance ship to spy on the sea phases of the exercise.8.  Tropic Lightning Division Now Equipped with HIMARS. This week the US Army's 25th Infantry Division (Schofield Barracks, Hawaii) began the six-week process of replacing eight 105mm and six 155mm howitzers with 16 HIMARS launchers. The Division is not completely shedding towed artillery, as it will retain a single cannon battalion with two batteries of 105mm howitzers and one battery of M777 155mm howitzers.

For review:1. Doha Hostage & Ceasefire Talks Stalled.2. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “confident” he will be able to reach a deal to free hostages held in the Gaza Strip, in an interview with US media aired late Saturday.3. Russian President Putin Supports Zero Enrichment for Iran.4. A Syrian official and an Israeli official are expected to meet in Baku later Saturday on the sidelines of President Ahmed al-Sharaa's current visit to Azerbaijan,.5. Ukrainian security agents have killed a group of Russian spies near Kyiv in another escalation of the secret war between the two countries.It follows the assassination of a top Ukrainian intelligence officer days earlier.6. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un offered Moscow his full support for their war in Ukraine during talks with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, Pyongyang state media said Sunday.7. Japan Protests to Chinese Ambassador Concerning Unsafe Aircraft Incident over E. China Sea.8. A Philippine Coast Guard cutter intercepted a Chinese Navy spy ship within Manila's western exclusive economic zone over the weekend.

For review:1. No significant progress has been made on Hostage and Ceasefire Negotiations between Israel and Hamas.2. Lebanon's President Aoun: Peaceful Relations but No Normalization with Israel.Addressing relations with Israel, President Aoun “distinguished between peace and normalization,” according to a statement by his office.3. US Sec of State Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Meet in Kuala Lumpur. This was their second in-person meeting since Mr. Rubio has become the US Secretary of State. 4. The United States is selling weapons to its NATO allies in Europe so they can provide them to Ukraine as it struggles to fend off a recent escalation in Russia's drone and missile attacks- (President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rubio).5. The US State Department today cleared the potential sale of up to nine HH-60W helicopters to Norway, a deal valued at $2.6 billion.6.  Argentina to Procure US Stryker Infantry Carriers.7. The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved $913.9 billion in defense spending for fiscal 2026.

For review:1. Israeli PM on Hostage & Ceasefire Deal: "Not at any price." Israeli PM Netanyahu: “President Trump and I have a common goal. I want to achieve the release of our hostages. We want to end Hamas rule in Gaza. We want to make sure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel anymore.” 2. Israeli ground troops raided several sites inside Lebanon in recent days, destroying Hezbollah weapon depots and other infrastructure, the Israel Defense Forces said Wednesday.3. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem admitted that the Lebanese terror group drastically underestimated the extent of Israel's surveillance capabilities in the run-up to the pager operation last September.4. Pope Leo told visiting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Wednesday that the Vatican was willing to host Russia - Ukraine peace talks.5. US Lifts Pause on Munition Shipments to Ukraine. Munitions heading into Ukraine include 155mm munitions and precision-guided rockets known as GMLRS. It was not clear if Patriot missiles would be added.6. Denmark considering the purchase of more F-35 Fighters.7. Army - Navy - USAF Unfunded Priority List (Budget).

For review:1. During interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed that Israel attempted to assassinate him.2. IDF Strikes Houthi Ports in Yemen. More than 50 munitions were dropped by IAF fighter jets on the Houthi targets, in response to repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory.3.  Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Sunday his group would not surrender or lay down its weapons in response to Israeli threats, despite pressure from Lebanon's Western-backed government demanding the terror group disarm.4. BBC Report: A senior Hamas commander quoted in a BBC report published Sunday said that the terror group has lost control of around 80 percent of the Gaza Strip and that there is “barely anything left” of its military structure, after 21 months of intense fighting with the Israeli military.5. Israeli PM in Washington DC to Discuss Hostage Negotiations & Regional Issues.President Trump is slated to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for dinner on Monday evening, with Gaza at the top of the agenda along with the recently diminished Iranian nuclear threat and other regional issues.In preparation for the dinner, PM Netanyahu met separately on Monday afternoon with US Envoy Witkoff and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Blair House.6. Wall Street Journal Report: A group of five leading sheikhs in the Palestinian Authority's Hebron district sent a letter to the Israeli government expressing a desire to join the Abraham Accords and to have peace with Israel.The letter expresses the sheikhs' desire to break off from the Palestinian Authority and establish Hebron as an emirate that “recognize[s] the State of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people.”7.  Meeting in Brazil, BRICS Leaders Condemn Military Strikes on Iran.BRICS 11 = Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

For review:1. Israel Sending Team to Qatar for Hostage Talks. However, the Prime Minister's Office cautioned in a statement that Hamas had suggested several amendments to the proposal, which Israel found to be unacceptable.According to a source involved in the mediation efforts, Hamas proposed three amendments to the proposed framework.The source said that Hamas wants the agreement to say that talks on a permanent ceasefire will continue until an agreement is reached; that aid will fully resume through mechanisms backed by the United Nations and other international aid organizations; and that the IDF withdraw to positions it maintained before the collapse of the previous ceasefire in March.2. UK Reestablishes Diplomatic Ties with Syria.3. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began last month. There was no immediate report on any public statement made.  4. President Volodymyr Zelensky described his recent phone call (occurred on 04 July) with US President Donald Trump as "the best conversation in all this time" in an evening address on 05 July.5. Breaking Defense Opinion Article - Titled: S-400s or not, don't give Turkey the F-35.Authored by: Bradley Bowman is senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Sinan Ciddi is a senior fellow at FDD and director of its Turkey Program.6. Japan's Ministry of Defense all-in on Australian Frigate competition. Japan's shipbuilder (Mitsubishi Heavy Industry) is competing against Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to sell Australia 11 x Frigates.. A final decision on the winner is expected by the end of this year. Delivery of the first ship is expected by the end of 2029.7. The US Military is preparing for the difficult challenge of sustaining a possible protracted operation in the Pacific theater, by developing Joint Theater Sustainment Distribution Centers.Universal characteristics:a. Port capability to move surface vessels with large amounts of materiel.b. Storage capacity for classes of supply. c. Airfield/air capability to move materiel and supplies rapidly. 

For review:1.  Syrian state media reported Wednesday that statements on signing a peace deal with Israel were “premature.”2.   The IDF carried out an airstrike Thursday in the Lebanese village of Sil, near Beirut, targeting an operative for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to the IDF, the target was involved in smuggling weapons and advancing terror plots, acting on behalf of the Quds Force, the IRGC's foreign arm.3.  Iran on Wednesday formally suspended its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog- the International Atomic Energy Agency.  Following a parliament vote on the matter last week, the bill was approved by the Guardian Council, a body tasked with vetting legislation, before it received a final ratification from the presidency. 4. Axios Report: US & Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks in Oslo. There is not yet a final date for the talks in the Norwegian capital. Neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly confirmed the meeting.5. Hostage & Ceasefire Efforts Between Israel and Hamas Advancing.6.  US President Trump said on Thursday that a phone call earlier in the day with Russian President Putin resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war in Ukraine. 7. Pentagon Reviews US Military Support to Foreign Countries.  The Trump administration is pausing some weapons shipments to Ukraine, including air defense missiles, following a review of military spending and American support to foreign countries, a senior White House official told CNN. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed off on the review, which the official noted had been underway for months. 8.  The House has passed President Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill,” sending the bill with $150 billion for defense to the President's desk ahead of his 04 July deadline. 

For review:1. Iranian Foreign Minister: Diplomacy Not Off the Table.  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it will take time and assurances from the US before Tehran is ready to re-engage in talks on its nuclear program.2.  US President Donald Trump said Monday he is not holding discussions with Iranian leaders and not offering them anything.3. Israel & Syria Hold Talks on Security Matters.  The neighboring states have been opposing sides of conflict in the Middle East for decades, including from the 1948 War of Independence through the 1982 First Lebanon War. 4.  After months of diplomatic stalling, the Kremlin on June 29 blamed Kyiv and Washington for the lack of progress in peace talks.5. Australia & UK Conduct Freedom of Navigation Patrol Around Spratly Islands.6. USAF plans to use leftover funds from the LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile program to help pay for refurbishing the Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 into a new Presidential transport aircraft. 7.  US Army is considering scrapping General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) management of the three new 155mm artillery production lines in Mesquite, Texas, according to a “show cause” letter obtained by Breaking Defense. 8.  US Senate passed a massive party-line spending package Tuesday ("One Big Beautiful Bill Act"), by a vote of 51-50.  Next, the bill goes back to the House for final consideration. 

For review:1. Israel - Iran War Summary.2. UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says Iran likely will be able to begin to produce enriched uranium “in a matter of months,” despite damage to several nuclear facilities from US and Israeli attacks, CBS News said Saturday.3. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel's operation against Iran has opened up “broad regional possibilities,” while stressing that freedom for hostages was a top priority.4. A ballistic missile launched at Israel by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen was likely intercepted by air defenses on Saturday morning, the Israel Defense Forces said.5. Ukrainian President Zelensky signed a decree to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines. The 1997 treaty, joined by over 160 countries, bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines in efforts to protect civilians from the scattered explosives.6. Japan Tests Type 88 Surface to Ship Missile. The truck-mounted Type 88 guided missile, developed by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have a range of about 100 kilometers (62 miles).9. Latest on development of US Army Multi-Domain Task Forces (5 of them) and new Multi-Domain Commands.

For review:1.  IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has told colleagues that Iran is no longer a nuclear threshold state following the Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear program. While Iran may still maintain parts of its nuclear program, it has been set back by years, LTG Zamir has concluded.2. Iranian Parliament votes to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Bill sent to Iranian President for ratification.3. President Trump prepared to remove sanctions on Iran- changes mind after Iranian Supreme Leader's "blatant and foolish" statement.  In a video statement on Thursday, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the (US) strikes did not "achieve anything significant."4.  Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a circuit of interviews aired Thursday evening that Israel sought to eliminate Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during its 12-day conflict with Iran, but the opportunity never presented itself. 5.  The IDF said Thursday that it had eliminated two Hezbollah operatives in separate airstrikes in southern Lebanon in the span of two hours. 6. Russian President: Moscow Ready for New Round of Direct Talks with Ukraine.7.  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with Politico on 25 June that President Donald Trump will resist European pressure to escalate sanctions on Russia, arguing that doing so could close the door to potential peace negotiations with Moscow. 8. US Army & USAF FY26 Budget Info.9. US Army Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) program.  CAML = autonomous/optionally crewed, highly mobile, air transportable, cross domain fires launcher with the potential to augment or replace existing Army launchers (offensive & defensive). 

For review:1.  In a video statement on Tuesday summing up the war against Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel “achieved a historic victory” that would “abide for generations."“Now, the focus returns to Gaza, to bringing the hostages home and toppling Hamas rule,” he added. 2. IDF: Iran's Nuclear Program Set Back Years.  Israel Defense Forces spokesman Brigadier General Effi Defrin said Wednesday:  "I can say here that the assessment is that we significantly damaged the nuclear program, and I can also say that we set it back by years, I repeat, years.” 3. Iran Foreign Ministry: Nuclear Facilities "Badly Damaged."  Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on Wednesday conceded the Sunday strikes by American B-2 bombers using bunker-buster bombs had been significant. 4.  Iran has, over the last 12 days, arrested more than 700 people accused of ties with Israel, state-linked media reported Wednesday.5.  The United States and Qatar said Wednesday that the ceasefire in Iran has created an opportunity to advance truce-hostage talks they are mediating between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. 6. NATO Agrees to Boost Spending to 5% GDP.  The 5%  GDP figure is a bit of a workaround, with 3.5% for core defense tasks and an additional 1.5% on measures that support defense and security- such as cyber defense. 7.  The United Kingdom announced today it will buy “at least” 12 F-35As and will use the jets to “join NATO's dual capable nuclear mission” in what it called a “major boost” for the alliance's security. 

For review:1.President Trump Announces Ceasefire Agreement between Israel and Iran. There was no immediate Israeli comment on President Trump's announcement.Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later insisted on X that “as of now, there is NO ‘agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” He said, however, that the Islamic Republic would not launch further attacks if Israel immediately ceased strikes.2. Many questions remain after Sunday's strikes, especially about the whereabouts of Iran's sensitive stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent. IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi on Monday demanded access to Iran's nuclear sites, saying the agency needs to “account for” the uranium stockpile.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had “interesting intelligence” on the matter, declining to elaborate.3.  Iran Fires Missiles at US Base in Qatar - No Injuries. The strikes targeted the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, which is used by local forces as well as American, British and other foreign troops. 4. IAF Launches Extensive Strikes in Tehran. Another wave of “extensive” strikes carried out by over 50 IAF fighter jets hit “military headquarters of the Iranian regime, missile production sites, radar systems, and missile storage infrastructure” in the Tehran area, the military said.5. NATO Summit Begins Tomorrow.The NATO summit will be held at The Hague in the Netherlands from June 24-25. 

For review:1. US CJCS: 7 x B2 Bombers Dropped 14 x GBU-57/B MOP Bombs.2. IAEA Chief on Fordo: "Clear Indications of Impacts...Cannot Announce Degree of Damage.3. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Sunday morning of “everlasting consequences” after the American military had carried out an attack” on the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites in Iran.4. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that he would be traveling to Moscow later in the day to hold “serious consultations with the Russian president tomorrow.”5. World Reaction.6. Israeli PM Netanyahu on Iran Campaign: “We won't pursue our actions beyond what is needed to achieve [the goals], but we also won't finish too soon- vowing to avoid entering a war of attrition. When the objectives are achieved, then the operation is complete and the fighting will stop,” he told Israeli reporters.7. The bodies of three slain hostages, Ofra Keidar, Jonathan Samerano, and Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, were recovered in a joint military and Shin Bet operation from the Gaza Strip overnight, the IDF announces.8. Israel's Campaign continues: According to the IDF, some 30 fighter jets carried out bombing missions in four areas of Iran earlier Sunday, targeting missile and drone sites. A second sortie later Sunday involved 20 planes dropping 30 bombs on various sites, including in the capital, Tehran.9. Current and former senior officials in the Israeli security establishment are cited by Ynet's Ronen Bergman as saying the US may ultimately unilaterally declare a ceasefire in Iran.

For review:1. US Strikes Iranian Nuclear Sites at Fordo, Natanz, & Isfahan.2. NY Times Report: Iran Supreme Leader Has Nominated Potential Successors.3. IDF Eliminates Three More IRGC Commanders.

For review:1. On Thursday night, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem offered "all forms of support" to Iran in its fight against Israel and the US.2. On Friday, the Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck several Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon, the IDF says.3.  Iran Launches Another Missile with Cluster Warhead. The apparent targeting of Beersheba with a cluster bomb came after the IDF Home Front Command on Thursday confirmed that Iran had launched at least one ballistic missile carrying a cluster bomb warhead at central Israel.4. Reports from Tehran said that an IDF drone targeted and killed an Iranian nuclear scientist who had been holed up in a safe house. The Israel Defense Forces have not yet commented on the reported strike.5. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said Friday that Israelis must prepare for a “prolonged campaign” against Iran- indicating that a quick end to the campaign was unlikely.6. A meeting between Iran's foreign minister and top European diplomats on Friday yielded hopes of further talks but no indication of any immediate concrete breakthrough. Foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany, as well as the European Union's foreign policy chief (Kaja Kallas)- met with Iran's Foreign Minister (Abbas Araghchi).7. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to boost production of medium- and long-range missiles so no country dares attack Turkey.8.  5 x US Navy Guided Missile Destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea.

For review:1. Iran has appointed a new chief of intelligence at its Revolutionary Guards on Thursday, the official Irna news agency says, after his predecessor was killed in an Israeli strike last week.2. IDF Strikes Heavy Water Reactor at Arak & Khondab.3. The IAEA confirmed Thursday that IDF strikes had hit Iran's partially built Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor and damaged the nearby plant“IAEA has information the Khondab (former Arak) heavy water research reactor, under construction, was hit. It was not operational and contained no nuclear material, so no radiological effects."4. Iranian Missile Hits Hospital in Beersheba.5. Iranian missile barrage on Thursday contained cluster-bomb warhead. The IDF Home Front Command said the missile's warhead split while descending, at an altitude of around 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), spreading around 20 smaller munitions at a radius of around 8 kilometers (5 miles).6. Missile strike on Beersheba Hospital raises temperature on regime-change questions.7. White House Statement (from President Trump): “Based on the fact that there is a chance for substantial negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future — I will make my decision on whether or not to go within the next two weeks.” 8. US Moving Ships and Planes from Vulnerable Sites.9. Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz as a way of hitting back against its enemies, a senior Iranian lawmaker said on Thursday. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and is the primary export route for Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Kuwait.About 20 percent of the world's daily oil consumption — around 18 million barrels — passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is only about 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point.

For review:1. The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain plan to hold nuclear talks with their Iranian counterpart on Friday in Geneva, a German diplomatic source told Reuters.2.  Iran Supreme Leader: US Involvement Will "Result in Irreparable Damage." “Americans should know that any military involvement by the US will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.”3. Iranian media said that Israel briefly hacked state television broadcast on Wednesday. 4. Iran announced Wednesday heavier internet curbs, accusing Israel of misusing the network for military purposes. Critics accused the regime of restricting internet use in order to prevent internal unrest amid the instability caused by the Israeli offensive.5. In a letter to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused Iran of seeking to “annihilate” Israel through its nuclear program, its plan to build thousands of ballistic missiles, and attacks on the Jewish state by its numerous terror proxies in the region.6. The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday issued a public message in Persian calling on Iranians worried about the situation in the country — to consider contacting Mossad.7. The IDF warns residents of the cities of Arak and Khondab in central Iran to evacuate for their safety. A heavy-water reactor is on the outskirts of Khondab.8. “I may do it, I may not do it,” President Donald Trump said in an exchange with reporters at the White House amid growing speculation the US could be on the verge of joining the Israeli offensive. 9. Senior officials in the US are getting ready for a possible strike on Iran in the coming days, Bloomberg News Outlet reports, citing “people familiar with the matter.”Some of the sources say that a strike over the weekend is a possibility.

For review:1. Iran Supreme Leader Defiant : "No mercy." Iran fired a pair of ballistic missile barrages at Israel early Wednesday, as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared “the battle begins” and called to show “no mercy” toward Israelis. 2.  Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issues an evacuation warning for part of Tel Aviv, according to Iranian news agencies. 3.  Iran has prepared missiles and other measures for potential strikes against US forces in the Middle East, (New York Times reports). The Iranian military is planning the possible attacks as a retaliatory measure if American forces join Israel's strikes against Iran, the report says, citing American officials. 4. Iran has been launching smaller salvos of missiles at Israel over the past two days because its capabilities have been degraded by Israeli strikes, the IDF believes. 5.  In an interview with the London-based opposition outlet Iran International on Monday, PM Netanyahu responded to a question on whether eliminating Iran's ruler was on the table, saying, “I'm not gonna get into specific targets because I'm leaving that open.” 6.  IDF Kills Latest Senior General of Iranian Armed Forces.  An airstrike Monday night killed Major General Ali Shadmani, the new head of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, also known as Iran's military emergency command. 7. IAEA Statement: Direct Impacts on Underground Enrichment Halls at Natanz. On Tuesday, the IAEA said on X: “Based on continued analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday's attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz.” 8.  Will US Bunker-Busters Be Used at Fordo?The US GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb: The roughly 30,000 pound (13,600 kilogram) precision-guided bomb is designed to attack deeply buried and hardened bunkers and tunnels, according to the US Air Force. It's believed to be able to penetrate about 200 feet (61 meters) below the surface before exploding. 9.  US President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that he is seeking Iran's “Unconditional Surrender” and that Washington is only holding off on assassinating Islamic Republic Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “for now.” 10.  USS Nimitz (CVN-68) sailed west through the Singapore Strait Monday, bound for the Indian Ocean (and Middle East Region). 

For review:1. Israeli PM on Targeting Iranian Supreme Leader: "We're Doing What We Need to Do." Targeting the Iranian Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) would be a surefire way to “end the conflict” with the Islamic Republic.2. Eight people were killed by Iranian ballistic missiles that slammed into Israeli cities in at least five locations early Monday, and nearly 300 others were injured, as the conflict entered a fourth day.3.  Iran Strikes Oil Refinery in Haifa.4. IDF bombed an Iranian refueling plane at Mashhad Airport in northeast Iran, some 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles) from Israel, marking what it said was the most distant strike since the beginning of the operation.5.  IDF Reports One Third of Iran's Missile Launchers Destroyed.6. Israel bombed Iran's state broadcaster building in Tehran on Monday evening, after issuing a large and unprecedented evacuation warning for one of the capital's most central districts.7. Reuters Report: Tehran had asked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman to press (President) Trump to influence Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire in return for Tehran's flexibility in nuclear negotiations, citing two Iranian and three regional sources.

For review:1.  The UN conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia to work toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians has been postponed French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.  France and Saudi Arabia had been set to host the gathering between June 17-20 in New York. 2. Israel smuggled attack drones into Iran using a variety of means, including trucks, shipping containers, and even suitcases, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the Mossad operation.3.  Israeli PM & President Visit Site of Deadly Missile Strike in Bat Yam.4.  IDF Warns Citizens of Tehran to Evacuate. Widespread Israeli Air Force strikes were reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Sunday afternoon, hours after the IDF issued an unprecedented evacuation warning for Iranian civilians to evacuate areas around weapons factories. 5.  Some Iranians began to flee the capital, Tehran, on Sunday as Israeli airstrikes continued to target military infrastructure and nuclear facilities across the Islamic Republic for a third day. 6.  IDF Strikes Oil Refineries, Fuel Depots, and Gas Fields.7.  Iran has asked Cyprus to convey “some messages” to Israel, the President President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday. However, Iran swiftly denied the claim, with its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei saying Iran did not send any message to Israel via a third country. 8.  US President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 50-minute phone call Saturday to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, the White House and Kremlin confirmed. 

For review:Latest information concerning Israel and Iran.1. Iran cancels talks with US scheduled for Sunday in Oman.2. Update on Iran missile strikes in Israel.3. Israeli Defense Minister (Israel Katz): "Tehran will burn" - if Iran Supreme Leader does not stop missile attacks on Israel's Home Front.4. IDF strikes Iran's energy infrastructure.5. Israeli Official (unnamed): assassination of Supreme Leader "not off limits."  

For review:Roll-up of today's events concerning the Israeli attack on Iran's Nuclear Sites and Iran's reaction.

For review:1. Israel Strikes Iran.

For review:1. Hamas and Abu Shabab Group clash in Gaza. Gaza's Hamas-run police force said Thursday that it killed 12 members of the Abu Shabab militia in Gaza, which said its fighters had killed five Hamas operatives.2. On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas Has New Leader in Gaza (Az al-Din Haddad).3.  US & Iran to Meet Sunday in Oman. A US official told Reuters that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday and discuss Iran's response to the recent American proposal for a nuclear deal. 4. IDF Ready for Strike on Iran Nuclear Sites.  A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday that a “friendly” regional country had alerted Tehran over a potential military strike by Israel. 5.  Russia will establish a dedicated military branch for unmanned systems.6.  US Army Stops M10 Booker Full-Rate Production.  "The Army has 26 Booker production vehicles on hand and the final number of M10 Bookers will be determined once those that are in final stages of completion are accepted by the Army (Army Spokesperson)."7. US Army XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV) program continues moving forward.  American Rheinmetall and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have received the greenlight to continue designing a replacement for the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Each Company will produce seven identical prototypes for testing before the Army selects a winner in 2027 and fielding begins in 2029. 8. USAF Sentinel ICBM program update. Restructuring of the program has left its flight testing schedule up in the air, and a new date for the missile's first flight is now unknown. 

1. After repeated warnings, the activist vessel (Madleen) intercepted by Israeli Navy.  Four activists have been deported (voluntarily), and the remaining eight will appear before an Israeli tribunal- to authorize their deportation.2.  For the first time, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Hamas's October 7 attack on Tuesday, while reiterating his call for the terror group to release the remaining hostages in Gaza.  “What Hamas did in October 2023 in killing and taking civilians hostage is unacceptable and condemnable and Hamas must immediately release all hostages,” Mr. Abbas wrote in a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who this month will co-chair a UN conference aimed at advancing a two-state solution. 3. IAEA Chief Statement on Iran's Claim of Sensitive Documents.  The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (Rafael Mariano Grossi) said Monday that the information Iran claimed it seized regarding Israel's nuclear program “seems to refer” to the country's Soreq Nuclear Research Center. Soreq is a national laboratory for nuclear science established in Israel in 1958, engaged in nuclear science, radiation safety and applied physics. 4. Russia & Ukraine Prisoner Exchange.  Russia and Ukraine held the first stage of a prisoner swap on Monday, both countries confirmed, following an agreement reached during peace talks in Istanbul last week. 5.  The United States will reduce funding allocated for military assistance to Ukraine in its upcoming defense budget, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a congressional hearing on June 10. 6. Two Chinese Carrier Groups Operating in W. Pacific.  Two Chinese aircraft carrier strike groups (CNS Liaoning 16 & CNS Shandong 17) have simultaneously deployed to the Western Pacific – a first for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), Japanese officials said on Tuesday. 7.  FY26 Pentagon Procurement Budget Info. 

For review:1. As of Sunday AM, the activist humanitarian aid vessel (Madleen) is roughly 160 nautical miles from Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Katz said Sunday that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to “prevent the ‘Madelaine' hate flotilla from reaching the shores of Gaza.” 2. Israeli outlet Channel 12 reports that documents found during IDF operations in Gaza show a close effort between Qatar and Hamas to thwart US President Donald Trump's “deal of the century” peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians and efforts for Arab countries to normalize relations with the Jewish state. 3.  The IDF and Shin Bet confirm that the body of Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar was found in a tunnel that ran underneath the European Hospital in southern Gaza's Khan Younis. 4. Iran Claims "Treasure Trove" of Israeli Sensitive Documents.  Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib said the documents were related to Israel's nuclear facilities and its relations with the United States, Europe, and other countries, and to its defensive capabilities. 5. Russian Ministry of Defense claims elements of the 90th Tank Division have reached the border of the town of Dnipropetrovsk (Donetsk Region).  News outlet CNN is unable to verify the battlefield reports, and Ukraine has denied the Russian advance. 6. German Taurus Missiles to Ukraine?  A statement from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on May 26 about long-range strikes inside Russia resurrected a long-held hope in Ukraine — that Berlin is finally about to send Kyiv its Taurus missiles.  (There has so far been no confirmation of actual delivery of Taurus to Ukraine.)7.  Taiwan on Friday condemned Beijing's “provocative” actions after it conducted a "combat readiness patrol" around the island. Taipei's defense ministry said it detected 21 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters and drones, of which 15 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.8.  Chinese FC-31 Warplanes to Pakistan "Within Months".  A Pakistani government source told Janes outlet, that the FC-31 aircraft “will begin arriving within months.” The source did not provide further acquisition details, but it was previously reported that China could supply 30 to 40 jets to Pakistan. 9.  The USMC has received its final MQ-9A Reaper from General Atomics. The USMC currently have three air stations manning the drones, located in Arizona, Hawaii, and North Carolina. 

For review:1. Wall Street Journal Report: Iran Ordered Solid-Fuel Material From China for Missile Production. The Journal report, which cited people familiar with the transaction, said Tehran had ordered enough ammonium perchlorate to potentially manufacture up to 800 missiles. 2. Israel has been arming the Abu Shabab Clan in the Gaza Strip as part of an effort to strengthen opposition to Hamas in the enclave, defense sources confirmed on Thursday.3. The Israeli Navy is expected to block a high-profile activist mission sailing to Gaza to challenge Israel's blockade. Israeli defense officials told The Times of Israel that they are monitoring the boat's route (the Madleen). At its current pace, the Madleen would likely reach the Strip sometime over the weekend.4. Russia Launches Large Drone & Missile Strike Across Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky said Russia had used more than 400 drones and 40 missiles in the overnight attack, making it among the war's largest. 5. Ukrainian President Zelensky intends to hold a meeting with US President Donald Trump during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said on June 6.  The summit is scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta.6. Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania are accelerating efforts to acquire new submarines (Poland) and Attack vessels (Latvia & Lithuania) that will broaden their capabilities suitable for the Baltic Sea's shallow waters.7. Poland's Armament Agency announced today it has halted a procurement process covering the acquisition of 32 S-70 Black Hawk utility helicopters as it looks to reassess equipment priorities in light of Ukraine war developments.8. The Philippines' defense department sealed the order for 12 FA-50 light combat aircraft in a $700 million package with Korea Aerospace Industries.9. President Trump Nominates New SACEUR / EUCOM Commander. LTG Alexus Grynkewich (USAF) is currently the Director of Operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.10. Secretary of the Air Force (Troy Meink) estimates it will cost less than $400 million to modify a luxury aircraft gifted from the Qatari government into President Donald Trump's flying command center. 

For review:1. US Vetoes UNSC Gaza Ceasefire Resolution.  “The United States has been clear we would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” Acting US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea told the council before the vote. 2.  Iran Rejects US Nuclear Deal Proposal.  The supreme leader insisted Iran would not abandon its uranium enrichment program. 3. IDF responds with artillery barrage to rocket fire targeting the Israeli Golan Heights.  A group calling itself the Mohammed Deif Brigades claimed the attack in a post on Telegram.  After the rocket fire, Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that Israel considered “the Syrian president directly responsible for every threat and [rocket] fire toward the State of Israel.” 4. Israeli defense firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will showcase its family of high energy laser weapon systems at the upcoming Paris Air Show. The IDF said that a lower-powered laser interceptor system shot down some 35 Hezbollah drones over northern Israel last year.5. President Trump phone call with Russian President. President Trump said Wednesday that Russian President Putin told him that Moscow would retaliate against Ukraine's drone attack over the weekend, casting doubt that a peace deal to end the war could come soon. 6.  NATO Secretary General: US is Committed to NATO; No Plans to Withdraw Troops.7. Senate Armed Service Committee Defense Reconciliation Bill.

For review:1. Ukrainian negotiators said Russia had again rejected an "unconditional ceasefire - but the two committed to return the bodies of 12,000 Soldiers. The two sides agreed to exchange all sick and heavily wounded prisoners of war, as well those aged under 25.2. During talks in Istanbul, the Russian delegation handed Ukraine a "peace memorandum" with its proposals for a ceasefire, Russian-state media outlet TASS reported on June 2, publishing the alleged document.According to the document, among Russia key demands are the official recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea, as well as the annexation of Ukraine's Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts. Other demands include that Ukraine sticks to its neutral status, abandons its aspirations to join NATO, and an official end to Western arms supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.3.  Iran Readies a "No" Response to US Talks Proposal. “Iran is drafting a negative response to the US proposal, which could be interpreted as a rejection of the US offer,” the senior diplomat, who is close to Iran's negotiating team, told Reuters.The US  proposal for a new nuclear deal was presented to Iran on Saturday by Oman's Foreign Minister (Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi).4. The Israel Defense Forces said Monday it had expanded its ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza over the past day. Palestinian media reported overnight that Israeli ground forces were approaching southern Gaza's Khan Younis.5. UK to Increase Defense Spending to 2.5% GDP by 2027. The UK Prime Minister (Sir Keir Starmer) said the increases represent “the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the end of the Cold War.” 6. The United States is urging Australia to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP.Australia already plans to raise its defense budget to 2.4% of GDP by 2033-34, up from the about 2% it spends now.7.  The Navy awarded a $536 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Service to dismantle, recycle and dispose of the former aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN-65)- a four-year undertaking.  

For review:1. The foreign ministers of Arab countries who had planned to visit the West Bank over the weekend condemned on Saturday Israel's decision to block their trip.  Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had been expected to take part alongside Turkey.2. Ukraine's Drone Strikes on Russian Airfields Target Bombers. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) reported that the 01 June “Spider Web” drone operation caused approximately $7 billion in damages and disabled 34% of cruise missile carriers in key Russian airbases.  More than 40 aircraft are known to have been hit, including the A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22 M3. 3. Russian Missile Strike Targets Ukrainian Training Grounds. A Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian army training area killed at least 12 soldiers and wounded dozens more Sunday, Kyiv said, in a rare admission of its military losses. 4. On Saturday, 31 May, Hamas responded to US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff's latest proposal with amendments and demands, leading the mediator to blast the stance as one that is “totally unacceptable and only takes us backward.” 5. Nuclear Watchdog IAEA Reports Iranian Activity at Non-Declared Sites. Meanwhile, Iran warned Sunday it will retaliate if European powers “exploit” the Report showing it has stepped up production of highly enriched uranium and detailing its past secretive nuclear activities. 6.  Speaking at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Kenya, General Michael E. Langley, head of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), told reporters that China is attempting to “replicate every type of thing” the US military does to build and maintain relationships on the continent. 7.  Speaking to Bloomberg TV at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces (Major General Anil Chauhan) confirmed Pakistan shot down Indian Air Force fighter jets during the clashes in early May.  8.  US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth used a key address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, to assert that while the US doesn't seek war with China, it also will not be pushed out of the “critical” Indo-Pacific theater.  

For review:1. Houthi rebels threaten to target Israeli civilian aircraft after latest IDF strike on Sanaa International Airport.2. Israel to block a delegation of Middle Eastern foreign ministers from making a visit to the West Bank. The foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and Turkey were slated to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Sunday. 3. In April, Saudi Arabia Advised Iran to Negotiate with Washington. Saudi Arabia dispatched Prince Khalid bin Salman to Tehran,  with the warning that it would be better to reach a deal with the US than face the possibility of an Israeli attack if the talks broke down, according to the two Gulf sources. 4. Text of US Envoy Steve Witkoff's Israel - Hamas Ceasefire Proposal.5.  Russia Prepared to Consider Ceasefire if Europe Halts Military Aid.  Russia is prepared to consider a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine, but only if Kyiv stops receiving Western weapons and halts mobilization, Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's envoy to the United Nations, said on May 30, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. 6. President Donald Trump has decided to appoint the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), Reuters reported on May 30, citing unnamed officials.  The leading candidate is reportedly U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, who currently serves as Director for Operations of the Joint Staff. 7.  French President Emmanuel Macron gives keynote speech at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. "Giving in to Russia's demands to annex a significant portion of Ukraine without consequences would deal a blow to American and European credibility that could be felt as far away as the Indo-Pacific." 8.  The United States is not ruling out a reduction in forces deployed to  S. Korea, two senior American defense officials told reporters traveling with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. There are 28,500 U.S. troops deployed to S. Korea as part of the U.S. long-term commitment to help defend Seoul from any attack from N. Korea. 

For review:1.  A senior Israeli official said Monday that a Hostage release and Ceasefire deal with Hamas has been rejected. The proposal- as reported by Lebanese outlet Al-Mayadeen- called for a ceasefire of about 70 days during which 10 living hostages would be released in two phases, modifying the so-called Witkoff outline, which laid out a shorter ceasefire for the release of about 10 living hostages. 2. US Initiative Begins Aid Distribution in Gaza.  The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF),  stated that roughly 8,000 boxes of food have been distributed in the foundation's first two days of operation, with each box feeding 5.5 people for 3.5 days, totaling 462,000 meals. 3. Russia Rejects Next Round of Peace Talks to Occur in Vatican; Perhaps Geneva. It remains unclear when another round of talks will be held. The Russian foreign ministry on Tuesday claimed it was still working on its memorandum of terms. 4. Sweden Security Assistance to Ukraine Worth $501 Million. Part of the measure focuses on targeted areas such as drones, naval operations, demining, and digital systems.  Sweden is also contributing over $105 million to fast-track ammunition procurement, split between Czech- and Estonian-led initiatives. 5.  The British Army intends to adopt a military strategy shifting from reliance on conventional military assets to drones and autonomous systems, The Times reported. The modernized military framework is set to be officially unveiled in the UK's upcoming Strategic Defense Review 2025. 6. New Zealand to spend $2.4 billion on defense in 2025. New Zealand's defense spending is scheduled to reach 2% of GDP by 2032/33. 7.  US Army to Upgrade M270 MLRS Launchers to the A2 Variant. The A2 variant features an improved fire control system, a new 600-horsepower engine, an armored cab, and a new transmission- plus other system components. Work will take place in Texas and Arkansas, with an estimated completion date of December 30, 2030.  

For review:1. Houthis continue missile attacks on Israel. A ballistic missile launched at Israel by the Houthis was successfully intercepted by air defenses, the military said Sunday. It was the third attack in four days, and the fifth since last Sunday.2. IDF Prepares for Ground Offensive in Gaza with 5 Divisions. When the major ground offensive is launched, the Palestinian population will be pushed into three small zones in Gaza. The IDF will then capture the rest of Gaza, clear it of Hamas infrastructure, raze most buildings, and hold it for the foreseeable future. This captured territory will include all of Rafah, Khan Younis, and the towns north of Gaza City.3. US Lifts Economics Sanctions on Syria. US Secretary of State Rubio said the waiver would “facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, and enable a more effective humanitarian response across Syria.”4. Russia & Ukraine Complete Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War. The prisoner exchange took place in three phases carried out over three days and was agreed on during peace talks held in Turkey on May 16.5. US President Trump voiced strong disapproval of Russia's weekend bombardment of Ukraine, telling reporters that he's "not happy with Putin.”The President's comments followed Russia's massive air assault on Ukraine over the weekend, during which more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles were launched from Friday to Sunday.6. In a possible retaliatory action, Russia temporarily stopped the Greek oil tanker Green Admire (that departed from Estonia) in its territorial waters on Sunday following the Estonia's Navy's attempt last week to stop the unflagged and unresponsive Jaguar tanker in the Estonian exclusive economic zone. The vessel Jaguar is suspected to be part of Russia's shadow fleet.7. Switzerland has received the EU's approval to join a multinational military cybersecurity project, the EU's Council announced this week. Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Italy and Luxembourg are already members of the project, in addition to Estonia.8. The US House passed a massive funding package (One Big Beautiful Bill), paving the way for Congress to add $150 billion in defense spending aimed at boosting major Trump administration priorities like Golden Dome.  The measure now moves to the US Senate. 

For review:1.  Updated Info on Strike that Targeted Hamas Leader.  The strike that targeted and possibly eliminated Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar in Gaza earlier this month was made possible when the terror chief made the rare mistake of moving without a defensive “hostage belt” protecting him, according to a Friday report. 2.  Israel will receive a “devastating and decisive response” if it attacks Iran, the IRGC said on Thursday as Tehran vowed to defend its nuclear sites, days after two separate reports suggested Israel was making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. 3.  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that Tehran's discussions with the United States over its nuclear program were “complicated,” as the fifth round of talks concluded in Rome.  Asked about the negotiations, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said “we believe that we are going to succeed” in the talks and in Washington's push for no enrichment. 4. Russia & Ukraine Swap 390 Prisoners; More Expected in Coming Days. Russia will be ready to hand Ukraine a draft document outlining conditions for a long-term peace agreement once a prisoner exchange is completed, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. 5.  A former leading Ukrainian official has been shot dead outside an American school in the Spanish capital Madrid, authorities have confirmed. 6.  German defense firm Rheinmetall and India's Reliance Defence announced a “strategic partnership” on ammunition supplies today after officials from both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).  A future production base in the Watad Industrial Area of Ratnagiri, will become one of the largest in South Asia and hold the capacity to manufacture up to 200,000 artillery shells, 10,000 tons of explosives and 2,000 tons of propellants annually. 7.  General Atomics is in talks to sell Saudi Arabia up to 200 MQ-9 unmanned systems, according to a company spokesperson. The discussions are part of the $142 billion in defense deals announced by President Donald Trump during last week's visit to the Gulf Region.8. USAF Test Launches Minuteman III Missile. Air Force Global Strike Command launched the Minuteman III at 12:01 Pacific time from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It flew about 4,200 miles, at a speed of more than 15,000 miles per hour, to a test site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.  The missile was randomly selected and came from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.9. Article from Military.com: Summary of Transformative changes to the Army. 10. US Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar early this morning as it headed home following an eight-month deployment. The carrier is westbound in the Atlantic Ocean, a Navy official confirmed to USNI News Friday. 11. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will travel to the Shangri-La Dialogue, the largest defense conference in Asia, where he will deliver a speech on the Pentagon's approach to the region under the second Trump administration. The 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue event will take place in Singapore on 30 May–1 June. 

For review:1. US & Iran to Meet Friday in Rome for 5th Round of Talks. 2. Report: Israel Ready to Strike Iran if Nuclear Talks with US Break Down. Israel is getting ready to quickly strike Iran if ongoing talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic over the latter's nuclear program break down, Axios reports, citing a pair of Israeli sources.3. Israel and Turkey have reached an agreement in principle aimed at preventing any unwanted incidents between both countries' militaries operating in Syria, and established a hotline to avert such conflicts, according to media reports on Wednesday. 4.  The Lebanese and Palestinian Authority presidents agreed Wednesday that Palestinian factions won't use Lebanon as a launchpad for any attacks against Israel, and to remove weapons that aren't under the authority of the Lebanese state. 5.  Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs on Ceasefire in Ukraine: Foreign Minister Lavrov rejects the push to "have a truce and then we'll see," claiming that the "root causes" of Russia's war need to be resolved. 6.  NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on May 21 that the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague will focus on the military support for Ukraine to ensure it is in the strongest position possible both during its ongoing defense and in the eventual pursuit of a lasting peace.7.  President Trump on the US Golden Dome Missile Shield: “Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they're launched from space. And we will have the best system ever built.” The President has appointed General Michael Guetlein (Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations) to oversee the effort. 8.  DoD Accepts Qatari 747 Jet: Will Undergo Modification for President's Use. An Air Force spokesperson added that the service is “preparing to award a contract to modify” the plane, but details “related to the contract are classified.” 

For review:1. President Trump Phone Call with Russian President.  President Trump sought to emphasize what he described as an excellent “tone and spirit” shared with the Kremlin leader. President Putin, meanwhile, described the call as “meaningful and frank.” 2.  EU Preparing Sanctions Package. The EU is preparing an important sanctions package against Russia as Moscow continues to refuse a ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a press conference on May 19. 3.  The EU & the UK agreed on a security and defense partnership which they said will allow for closer cooperation in areas such as support for Ukraine, and which may open the door for UK companies to benefit from an EU plan to boost defense-industrial spending. 4. De facto Hamas Leader (Muhammad Sinwar) Killed in Khan Younis Tunnel Strike.  The strikes that reportedly killed Sinwar on Tuesday targeted an underground command compound below the European Hospital where he was believed to have been sheltering. 5.  Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi:  Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States “will lead nowhere” if Washington insists that Tehran drop its uranium enrichment activity to zero. 6.  Raytheon has signed a $1-billion agreement with Qatar to deliver the Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS), making Doha the system's first international customer. The system integrates radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and effectors, such as jamming or kinetic interceptors, to respond to unmanned aerial threats. 7. Upgraded THAAD Radar Tracks Hypersonic Missiles.  Raytheon Spokesman: The new version of AN/TPY-2 has a longer range and can provide targeting coordinates to other missile defense interceptors beyond just the Army's THAAD batteries. The radar can see things twice as far, so (commanders) can make that command and control decision a lot earlier on which effector to use, whether it's an SM series or it's a Patriot, or it's a THAAD.

For review:1. Russia and Ukraine Istanbul Talks Last Under 2 Hours with Large Prisoner Exchange Agreement and Consensus to Meet Again. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the POW swap as a “confidence-building measure” and said the parties had agreed in principle to meet again.2. US President Donald Trump says he will be speaking to Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday about ending the war in Ukraine, saying the call would be about "stopping the 'bloodbath'". The President said the call would take place at 10:00 EST & he would then speak to Ukrainian President Zelensky, and leaders of some NATO countries.3. Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Colonel General Andrey Mordvichev, who led the assault on Mariupol in 2022, as the Commander of the Russian Ground Forces.4. IDF Airstrikes on Houthi Ports. Israeli fighter jets targeted two Houthi-controlled ports in the west of the country, and threatened to kill the terror group's leader (Abdul-Malik al-Houthi), in response to the Iran-backed group's ongoing missile and drone attacks on Israel.5. The Israel Defense Forces announced that it has launched the first stages of a major offensive in the Gaza Strip, dubbed “Gideon's Chariots,” that will seek to “seize strategic areas.” 6.  In Baghdad, Leaders at an Arab League summit demanded increased pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza, and reiterated the 22-nation body's rejection of President Trump's plan to take over the enclave, oust its residents, and rebuild it as a coastal resort.7.  Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday said US President Donald Trump was lying about his intentions for the region, and once again called Israel a “cancerous tumor” that must be uprooted.8. Armor Not Dead: Netherlands Building Tank Battalion. The new battalion, equipped with at least 46 x Leopard 2A8 Tanks, will be based at Bergen-Hohne Training Area (Germany), where the Dutch says there is enough space for realistic training, something that is lacking in the Netherlands.9. The Hungarian Defence Forces has received 3 x Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks and their first Leguan 2HU armored vehicle-launched bridge as part of a contract signed in 2018. The plan will integrate up to 44 x tanks and associated support equipment to modernize the military's ground-based armored firepower. 

For review:1. President Trump on Last Leg of Middle East Visit.2. Despite No President Putin- Russia & Ukraine Delegations Still to Meet on16 May.3. US Army's First Unit Fielded with FLRAA will be 101st Airborne Division.4. US Army High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) aircraft procurement down to 6 systems instead of 12, as originally thought.  Last year, the Sierra Nevada Corporation won an Army contract to integrate a suite of capabilities onto the Bombardier Global 6500 jet under the HADES program. The service wants to have an initial aircraft ready for the force by the end of 2026 or early 2027.5.  USMC Commandant said the Marine Corps is still committed to the JLTV program. “It is our workhorse on the ground tactical vehicle fleet,” General Eric Smith told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Speaking to reporters in Tennessee on Wednesday, Army Vice Chief General James Mingus said the Army's last tranche of JLTVs was purchased in January. 6. US Senate Confirms Troy Meink as Air Force Secretary.

For review:1. Russia - Ukraine Talks in Istanbul Thursday: Will Russian President Attend? In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on 15 May.2. President Trump said he might take a detour during his Mideast trip to visit Turkey for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on 15 May.3.  Calm in Kashmir Border Region as Ceasefire Holds. Indian and Pakistani authorities said Monday there was no firing reported overnight along the heavily militarized region between their countries, the first time in recent days the two nations were not shooting at each other. 4. US-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander Freed from 580 Days in Hamas Captivity. 5. NATO's top military officer (Admiral Giuseppe Dragone - Italy) said he has no indication yet that the United States will withdraw forces committed to the alliance's defense plans and shift them to the Indo-Pacific.6.  NATO must make drastic changes to its electromagnetic warfare (EW) capabilities if the alliance wants to win a future war against Russia.7. President Donald Trump's plan to “temporarily” transform a Boeing 747 originally owned by Qatar's royal family into a new Air Force One plane has come under fire from congressional Democrats. 

For review:1. Ukraine Agrees to Direct Talks with Russia in Istanbul. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he would agree to meet Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump told him immediately to accept Putin's proposal of direct talks.2.  India & Pakistan Ceasefire. India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire Saturday after US-led talks to end the most serious military confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades, but they accused each other of violating the deal just hours later.3. The Indian Navy massed naval forces in the Northern Arabian Sea and sent a carrier battle group, surface combatants, submarines and naval aviation to keep their Pakistani adversaries in a “defensive position,” Indian officials said this week. 4. President Trump Heads to Middle East Region, 13-16 May. US President Donald Trump's meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday is also set to include Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Arabic media reported Sunday.5. Iran and the United States wrapped up nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday with no apparent breakthrough and a public standoff over enrichment, but with both sides confirming plans for future negotiations.6. The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday evening issued an “urgent” evacuation warning to the three Houthi-controlled ports in western Yemen, ahead of potential Israeli strikes.7. Defense News (Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo) Interview with Lithuania Minister of National Defense- Dovilė Šakalienė. 8.  Armor Not Dead: Australia Activates New Tank Squadron. The formal establishment of D Squadron within the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) is a significant milestone for the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, representing the first time in the Corps' history that a regiment has two tank and cavalry squadrons positioned in the same location.

For review:1. Israeli Defense Minister (Israel Katz) warned Iran of consequences for sponsorship of Houthi Rebels. Defense Minster Katz: “I also warn the Iranian leadership that funds, arms and operates the Houthi terror organization… You are directly responsible. What we did to Hezbollah in Beirut, Hamas in Gaza, to Assad in Damascus and the Houthis in Yemen, will also be done to you in Tehran.”  2. IRGC General Threatens to "open the gates of hell" if US & Israel Attack Iran.IRCG Chief Hossein Salami: “I'm issuing a serious warning. If you make one wrong move, we will open up the gates of hell on you. Sit down and stay in your place…we have made extensive preparations.” 3. Russia's Victory Day Parade in Moscow.4.  French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk hit out at leaders and others who attended Moscow's Victory Day parade on Friday.  Mr. Macron and Mr. Tusk were in the French city of Nancy to sign a bilateral treaty, aimed at reinforcing defense and security cooperation between the two countries.5.  Denmark will allocate €830 million ($935 million) to the Ukrainian defense industry in 2025 on behalf of the European Union, using windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to buy Ukraine-made weapons.  Last year's equipment purchases using the Danish model included howitzers, long-range drones, anti-tank and anti-ship missile systems. 6.  Israel and Greece Collaborate on Large Underwater Drone. The "BlueWhale" sails at 7 knots (13 kilometers/8 miles per hour), has a depth range of 300 meters (984 feet), and can support endurance operations for up to four weeks. Applications of the system include acoustic reconnaissance, special force support, and as a conventional submarine wingman. 7.  Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has received its first five OA-1K Skyraider II close air support prop planes.  The program of record covers a total requirement for 75 aircraft, with deliveries slated to run through 2029. However, it is currently only budgeted for 62 aircraft.