POPULARITY
Operation Midnight Hammer through the eyes of the F-16 Wild Weasel pilots who flew it. This is the firsthand account of the 55th Fighter Squadron and the 20th Fighter Wing. These are the pilots who fly Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, known as SEAD, the crews who went in first to suppress Iranian air defenses, and the ground support teams who made the mission possible. Part two covers the mission planning and the thoughts of the pilots and other squadron members when they thought of the upcoming mission to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. Recorded between December 2025 and January 2026, this series preserves the experiences of the people who were there, in their own words. This is Part 2 of a 3-part series. Have a story? https://theafterburnpodcast.com/contact/ Commonly used Acronyms: https://www.lowdownnews.us/p/operation-midnight-hammer Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Prep with AFOQT Wingman https://afoqtwingman.com/Code: AFTERBURN for 10% off
This episode was designed for video. Watch this episode for text and graphical explanations: https://youtu.be/EDnLrP_45fk Operation Midnight Hammer through the eyes of the F-16 Wild Weasel pilots who flew it. This is the firsthand account of the 55th Fighter Squadron and the 20th Fighter Wing. These are the pilots who fly Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, known as SEAD, the crews who went in first to suppress Iranian air defenses, and the ground support teams who made the mission possible. Part One covers Operation Rough Rider, the air campaign over Yemen in the spring of 2025 that put these pilots into combat months before Iran. What they learned there is the reason they were ready for what came next. Recorded between December 2025 and January 2026, this series preserves the experiences of the people who were there, in their own words. This is Part 1 of a 3-part series. Commonly used Acronyms: https://www.lowdownnews.us/p/operation-midnight-hammer The full one-on-one interview episodes are coming soon to @afterburnpodcast Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Prep with AFOQT Wingman https://afoqtwingman.com/Code: AFTERBURN for 10% off
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: • First up—Ukraine brings the war to Moscow in dramatic fashion. A massive drone attack struck multiple targets across the Russian capital, including a key oil refinery, as new reports suggest Russia's air defenses may be burning through interceptor missiles at an unsustainable rate. • Later in the show—Xi Jinping launches a sweeping new purge inside the Communist Party, punishing nearly one million officials as he tightens his grip on power. • Plus—new reporting reveals the U.S. military prepared a plan to send ground troops into Iran to seize Tehran's enriched uranium stockpile before President Trump reportedly put the operation on hold. • In today's Back of the Brief—Toronto police say a network of hired gunmen may be behind a string of attacks targeting synagogues, Jewish institutions, and even the U.S. Consulate. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Tax Relief Advocates: End your tax nightmare today by visiting us online at https://TRA.com or call 800-583-6515 DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/PDB and use promo code PDB at checkout. Fabletics: Get 70–80% off everything when you sign up as a new Fabletics VIP at https://Fabletics.com/pdb ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Three Indian sailors are dead after U.S. forces struck a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first reported fatalities tied to Washington's blockade of Iran. We'll explain what happened, why India is demanding answers, and how the incident could complicate one of America's most important strategic relationships. Ukraine may have found a cheaper way to defend its skies. We'll look at a new homegrown interceptor missile that costs less than a quarter of a Patriot round and could help Kyiv counter Russian missile attacks at a fraction of the cost. Five months after the fall of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela is rapidly dismantling the symbols of his rule. We'll examine how the former dictator is being erased from public life and what it says about the country's post-Maduro future. In today's Back of the Brief, the House rejects a last-minute effort to extend a controversial surveillance authority, putting the future of a key U.S. intelligence tool in doubt. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief HomeServe: Protect your home systems from expensive repairs with https://HomeServe.com/dailybrief and get 50% off your first year of coverage. Tax Relief Advocates: End your tax nightmare today by visiting us online at https://TRA.comor call 800-583-6515 Chapter: Compare every medicare plan call 915-671-5252 today! Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact https://Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking the U.S. for more air defense capabilities as Russia ramps up missile attacks.
Anatol Lieven discusses the resignation of Latvia's Prime Minister following air defense failures. Ukrainian drones targeting Russia have been transiting Baltic airspace, leading to Russian threats of retaliation. Lieven explores the risk of unintended escalation between NATO and Russia amidst suspicions of Baltic-Ukrainian cooperation regarding these drone flight paths. (1/16)
2026-05-14 | UPDATES #202 | Putin used the ceasefire to stockpile. He used the days after his tinpot dictator parade to probe Ukrainian airspace with decoy drones, and last night he struck. We said he would and explained why he would. Putin is a rational psychopath who can't bear to make concessions, or be perceived as in the debt of others, allies and partners, but especially not enemies. He knows that his pathetic so-called victory parade only happened because of concessions made by Ukraine, and that drives him insane. His elites and Z-Patriots understand this too. But lashing out, he is seeking to change the agenda, shift the optics, but he is also sending a message to his ‘elites' – I can still inflict pain, fear and violence. I am still the strongman you believed me to be – I have no moral or political restraints – so don't try anything. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: UNITED24 Media — "Russia Launches Record 1,600-Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine" (14 May 2026) NPR / AP — "Russia hits Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles, killing 1 and injuring 31" (14 May 2026) Kyiv Post — "Kyiv Under Massive Russian Attack as Missiles and Drones Target Capital" (14 May 2026) Kyiv Independent — "Ukraine war latest: Ukraine targets 3 major Russian energy facilities overnight" (13-14 May 2026)ABC News / AP — "Russia hits Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles, injuring at least 4" (14 May 2026) Kyiv Post / ISW — "ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, Map and Update, May 13, 2026" (13 May 2026) New Geopolitics Research Network — Mykhailo Samus, "Complexity and Layering: How Ukraine's Air Defence Must Operate" (15 November 2025) New Geopolitics Research Network — Mykhailo Samus, "Ukraine's 'Small Air Defense' Revolution — and Why America Should Be Paying Attention" (11 March 2026) CEPA — "Ukraine's Air Defenses — World Class, and Improving" (April 2026) UNITED24 Media — "How Ukraine Started 2026 with Record Anti-Shahed Drone Production and a New Era in Air Defense" (9 January 2026) Defense News — "Novel interceptor drones bend air-defense economics in Ukraine's favor" (5 March 2026) Army Recognition — "Ukraine unveils new Stash air defense system armed with Hellfire missiles during Russian drone attack" (May 2026)Think Tank Journal — "The World War of Drones: How Ukraine Is Redefining Defense Technology" (30 April 2026) ----------
For review:1. The White House asserts to US Congress in a letter that hostilities with Iran have “terminated” despite the continued presence of US armed forces in the region.The message from President Donald Trump effectively skirts a May 1 legal deadline to gain approval from members of Congress to continue the war with Iran. 2. Axios Report: The Pentagon estimates Iran has lost $4.8 billion in oil revenue due to the US Navy's blockade of its ports.3. US President Donald Trump on Friday said he was dissatisfied with a new ceasefire offer from Tehran and confirmed he had been briefed on ways to “blast the hell out of them” if no deal were reached.4. Any shippers paying tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, including charitable donations to organizations such as the Iranian Red Crescent Society, are at risk of punitive sanctions, the US Treasury warned on Friday.5. Israel is on heightened alert, ramping up preparations for a possible return to fighting with Iran, amid indications that US President Donald Trump may be nearing a decision on renewed military action, Israeli television reported Thursday.6. Iran's supreme leader purportedly said Thursday that the only place Americans belong in the Persian Gulf is “at the bottom of its waters” and that a “new chapter” was being written in the region's history.7. Israel dispatched a version of the Iron Beam laser-based air defense system to the United Arab Emirates during the recent fighting with Iran to help protect the Gulf nation from missile and drone attacks, according to a report on Thursday, in a significant step for the defense ties between the two countries.8. The US State Department said on Friday it was approving military sales totaling over $8.6 billion to Middle Eastern allies Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.9. The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday.
PREVIEW FOR LATER: Ahmad Sharawi details Iranian attacks in the Gulf targeting energy and civilian infrastructure, particularly in the UAE. Gulf states are rapidly bolstering defenses using Ukrainian air defense systems and knowledge. Despite these efforts, Iran is expected to maintain its strategy of targeting critical infrastructure in future conflict phases.1909 ARABIA
For review:1. The talks in Islamabad stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning following hours of marathon negotiations, even as Iran warned that Washington was making “excessive demands” over the Strait of Hormuz that could undermine Pakistan's peacemaking efforts.2. The US military said on Saturday that it had begun a mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz, with two US warships passing through the key waterway.Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of Central Command, said in a statement: “Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce.”3. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warns that any attempt by military vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz will be met with “a strong response,” saying only non-military vessels would be allowed to pass under specific regulations, the IRGC declares in a statement carried by Iranian media after the US Central Command announced two US Navy warships transited the strategic waterway to clear mines laid by Tehran.4. Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still recovering from severe facial and leg injuries suffered in the airstrike that killed his father at the beginning of the war, three people close to his inner circle told Reuters.5. Israel and Hezbollah traded fire throughout Saturday, with the Israel Defense Forces striking hundreds of targets in Lebanon and the Iran-backed terror group launching dozens of rockets and drones at northern Israel.6. The first in-person meeting in the expected negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will take place on Tuesday in Washington, a US official familiar with the details told The Times of Israel on Friday.7. China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks, according to three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments.8. The Board of Peace does not expect to receive a final approval from Hamas to its disarmament proposal by the Saturday deadline set by the international body overseeing the postwar management of Gaza, three sources familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel.9. Finland has signed a €547 million ($642 million) contract with South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace to procure 112 additional K9 self-propelled howitzers, accelerating its artillery expansion.Finnish authorities announced the government-to-government deal on Thursday, expected to bring its total K9 inventory to over 200 systems, making Finland the second-largest European operator behind Poland.
6. Iranian Threats to Gulf State Infrastructure Guest: Akmed Scharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Iran is threatening "crushing" attacks on Gulf desalination plants and oil fields. Experts analyze the vulnerability of regional air defenses and Iran's strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure to pressure the United States and its allies.,, (6)1810 SHAH OF PERSIA
The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-forty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the BDE Executive Officer Observer-Coach-Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today's guest is the JRTC expert for JRTC for airspace management: CW3 Bryan Hartt, the Air Defense Airspace Management OCT (formerly Brigade Aviation Element) for BC2. This episode examines air defense operations at the brigade and division echelons, emphasizing that effective protection against aerial threats begins with disciplined planning during MDMP—particularly mission analysis. A key theme is that units often fail to properly assess the specific air threat they face, resulting in mismatched capabilities and ineffective employment of available systems. Rather than simply positioning assets, leaders must understand the threat—whether fixed-wing, rotary, or UAS—and resource appropriate countermeasures early, often requiring coordination with division-level assets. The discussion highlights that air defense is not just a system or capability, but a planning problem that must be integrated across the staff, especially within the protection warfighting function. The conversation also explores the realities of operating with limited organic air defense capability at the brigade level, where units often rely on external assets and must prioritize what to protect rather than attempting to cover everything. Integration challenges—such as balancing airspace management with air defense, coordinating with electronic warfare for counter-UAS, and maintaining visibility of distributed ADA assets—are highlighted as common friction points. The episode reinforces the importance of passive air defense measures—camouflage, concealment, dispersion, deception, and emissions control—as essential, immediately available tools that significantly enhance survivability. Ultimately, success at echelon depends on clear prioritization, staff integration, and a realistic understanding of both capabilities and limitations in a contested, multi-domain fight. Part of S13 “Hip Pocket Training” series. For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center. Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format. Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future. “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.
Max and Donatienne discuss recent elections in Slovenia and Denmark, a referendum on judicial reforms in Italy, and Mark Rutte's recent statements on the war in Iran. Then, they turn to a conversation with Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), for a conversation on Europe's place in the world. (00:00) Intro (00:50) Slovenia election (04:40) Denmark election (10:20) Italy judicial reform referendum (15:58) Mark Rutte's Sunday show appearances (22:03) Nathalie Tocci Learn more: Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts Europe Needs an ASAP Program for Air Defense
Episode 5187: American Air Defense Continues In Iran; Updates On Operation Epic Fury
Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com - Marco Rubio's Shocking Revelation on US Munitions (0:00) - Iran's Military Capabilities and US Vulnerabilities (8:08) - Trump's False Claims and US Military Strain (11:33) - Economic and Political Implications of US-Iran Conflict (26:47) - Professor Jiang's Analysis on US-Iran Conflict (27:25) - Potential for US Ground Troops in Iran (42:10) - Trump's Motivations and the Future of the US Empire (51:11) - China's Technological Advancements and US Industrial Decline (59:43) - Impact of AI on US Jobs and Economy (1:12:03) - Final Thoughts and Preparedness for the Future (1:13:12) - Automation and Its Impact on Jobs (1:13:57) - Concerns About Universal Basic Income (1:20:58) - Economic Control and the Stanford Prison Experiment (1:23:48) - Government's War Against Its Citizens (1:27:13) - Foreign Policy and YouTube Channel (1:30:04) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here:
An all-star cast today with: Emmy Probasco, a fellow at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) and former Navy officer with deep expertise in autonomous weapons and military AI adoption; Michael Horowitz, a University of Pennsylvania professor who previously ran the Pentagon office that rewrote U.S. policy on autonomy in weapons systems; Bryan Clark, a defense analyst at the Hudson Institute and retired Navy officer specializing in naval warfare and military technology; and Henry Farrell, a political scientist and writer focused on the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and economic coercion. [00:00] America's First Precise Mass Campaign Against Iran The U.S. debuts the Lucas drone — a sub-$100K system reverse-engineered from Iran's own Shahed 136 — alongside legacy Tomahawk strikes in a campaign of unprecedented scale and velocity. [10:00] Regime Change Without a Plan The panel debates the theory of victory when you decapitate leadership but have nobody to pick up the pieces, with implications for nuclear proliferation, Gulf stability, and the Strait of Hormuz. [18:00] Weapons Stockpiles, Air Defense, and What China Is Learning Burning through expensive interceptors against cheap drones risks drawing down Pacific stockpiles, while China gets a front-row seat to how American air defenses operate at scale. [25:00] Claude Enters the Chat: AI in Military Operations Claude's integration into CENTCOM's Maven Smart System prompts a discussion on what military AI actually does — mostly boring bureaucratic tasks — and why the Terminator narrative misses the point. [46:00] The Anthropic–Pentagon Fight Mike argues the dispute is about personality and politics, not policy — Anthropic never refused a government request, and the real clash is over who gets to decide future use cases. [56:00] Treating a U.S. Company Like Huawei Threatening Anthropic with supply chain risk designations — tools built for foreign adversaries — could chill the entire tech sector's willingness to work with the Pentagon and poison allied trust in American tech. If we're doing emergency pods once a week now should I stop calling them emergency pods? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An all-star cast today with: Emmy Probasco, a fellow at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) and former Navy officer with deep expertise in autonomous weapons and military AI adoption; Michael Horowitz, a University of Pennsylvania professor who previously ran the Pentagon office that rewrote U.S. policy on autonomy in weapons systems; Bryan Clark, a defense analyst at the Hudson Institute and retired Navy officer specializing in naval warfare and military technology; and Henry Farrell, a political scientist and writer focused on the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and economic coercion. [00:00] America's First Precise Mass Campaign Against Iran The U.S. debuts the Lucas drone — a sub-$100K system reverse-engineered from Iran's own Shahed 136 — alongside legacy Tomahawk strikes in a campaign of unprecedented scale and velocity. [10:00] Regime Change Without a Plan The panel debates the theory of victory when you decapitate leadership but have nobody to pick up the pieces, with implications for nuclear proliferation, Gulf stability, and the Strait of Hormuz. [18:00] Weapons Stockpiles, Air Defense, and What China Is Learning Burning through expensive interceptors against cheap drones risks drawing down Pacific stockpiles, while China gets a front-row seat to how American air defenses operate at scale. [25:00] Claude Enters the Chat: AI in Military Operations Claude's integration into CENTCOM's Maven Smart System prompts a discussion on what military AI actually does — mostly boring bureaucratic tasks — and why the Terminator narrative misses the point. [46:00] The Anthropic–Pentagon Fight Mike argues the dispute is about personality and politics, not policy — Anthropic never refused a government request, and the real clash is over who gets to decide future use cases. [56:00] Treating a U.S. Company Like Huawei Threatening Anthropic with supply chain risk designations — tools built for foreign adversaries — could chill the entire tech sector's willingness to work with the Pentagon and poison allied trust in American tech. If we're doing emergency pods once a week now should I stop calling them emergency pods? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This month, We kick off the next chapter of our Mirage-era journey as we begin Volume 4 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, covering the first four issues in our ongoing monthly deep dive. Written and illustrated by Peter Laird with finishes by Jim Lawson (and additional work by Eric Talbot later in the arc), this era marks a return to Mirage continuity following the Volume 2 fork in the road — and right from the opening cover by Michael Dooney, the Turtles feel grounded, compact, and classic again.We also set the stage in the early 2000s, when these issues first appeared between September 2001 and mid-2002. Pop culture was stacked: films like Spider-Man, Star Wars: Episode II, Blade II, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding filled theaters, Nickelback and Ashanti ruled the charts, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City dominated gaming, and Family Guy was canceled (for now). Against that backdrop, Volume 4 begins a slower-burn, sci-fi-tinged saga that blends grounded family moments with looming cosmic stakes.Issue #1 mirrors the Turtles' very first alley fight as they clash with the Madhattan Maulitia, while revealing a major shift: the brothers are now in their 30s, feeling every mile of the fight. A rooftop snowmobile chase leaves Michelangelo critically injured and discovered by the imposing alien warrior Magnrok, while Donatello uncovers an abandoned armored truck that feels destined to matter later. Meanwhile, April and Casey attend a fertility appointment, Shadow senses something world-changing on the horizon, and the Fugitoid and Utroms quietly prepare a massive interstellar operation.Issue #2 finds Michelangelo surviving an airborne ambulance mishap and waking inside Kurtzburg Memorial Hospital — a facility that treats superheroes, aliens, and the otherwise unusual. Back in the lair, Donatello and Casey investigate the mysterious armored truck while Raphael contemplates being left alone with skeletonized robbers and his life choices. Shadow navigates teenage secrecy, and the Utrom plan continues to unfold beyond Earth.Issue #3 expands the scope dramatically: a research expedition in Venezuela encounters a wooden, weaponized creature, U.S. Air Defense scrambles as an Utrom craft departs the moon, and Michelangelo receives a scenic flight home courtesy of his rescuer Raptarr. As aliens descend toward New York Harbor, panic spreads, missiles fail spectacularly, and humanity greets first contact with static, confusion, and ineffective gunfire.Issue #4 delivers the payoff: the alien craft peacefully returns the long-lost spacecraft Defiant to Earth and introduces the Utroms to the world — with one clumsy stumble instantly easing global tension. Karai observes events from the shadows, revealing Foot Clan interest in the alien arrival, while a quiet rooftop moment gives way to yet another escalation: a giant robot rising from the sewers.Volume 4 opens with introspection, humor, and domestic calm colliding with cosmic inevitability. The Turtles are older, the world is bigger, and something enormous is clearly on its way.
Reading and analysis of Kyle Anzalone's recent article published at The Libertarian Institute.
Listen to the article with analysis from the author: The US is positioning its most advanced missile interceptors in the Middle East to prepare for a major war with Iran. According to the Wall Street Journal, the US is moving THAAD and Patriot interceptors into the Middle East. The air defenses will be sent to bases where US troops are stationed in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The White House views the advanced missile defense systems as necessary if President Donald Trump wants to launch a large-scale attack on Iran. Trump has ordered a significant military buildup in the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier strike group and fighter jets. Many of the warships carry additional interceptors, and fighter jets can shoot down Iranian drones. The deployments have put thousands of additional American troops within range of Iranian weapons. There are over 5,000 sailors on the aircraft carrier, 300-350 soldiers on each of the eight destroyers in the region, and 100 troops for each THAAD system. Trump is reportedly considering a range of options for creating regime change in Iran, including an oil blockade and strikes targeting high-level officials in Tehran. According to the WSJ, the President wants a “decisive attack” on Iran. Drop Stie News reports speaking with US officials who said the White House informed its Arab allies that a war with Iran could begin at any time. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on Sunday he does not believe a US attack is imminent, but will happen within two months. Zamir's remarks followed a meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine in the Pentagon on Friday. Trump renewed the threat to attack Iran on Sunday. He told reporters, “We have the biggest and strongest ships there, very close. They'll be ready within days. I hope we make a deal. If we don't make a deal, we'll find out.” Trump has threatened to attack Iran over its nuclear and missile programs. Additional he said he may strike Iran for cracking down on demonstrators. However, a large-scale attack on the Islamic Republic will likely lead to Iran launching retaliatory strikes on US bases in the region and Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Trump against attacking Iran earlier this month because Israel was unprepared for the fallout. Former CIA officer and torture program whistleblower John Kiriakou said he spoke with multiple, well-paced, Arab princes who explained that Israel was urging Trump to exercise caution in dealing with Iran as Tel Aviv was still in the process of replenishing its stockpile of missile interceptors. Israel used a significant portion of its Iron Dome and Arrow interceptors during its war with Iran in June. Tel Aviv relied heavily on American interceptors to supplement its missile defenses.
DALLAS THE DOG DEFENDS BACKYARD FROM DESTRUCTIVE COCKATOOS Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Zakis reports that his dog, Dallas, now serves as an air defense system, specifically barking at destructive cockatoos attempting to land. Dallas ignores other birds but, allied with local magpies, protects the property from these "vandals" known for damaging roofs and scavenging through trash bins.
China's Military Technology and Export Capabilities in Conflict ZonesPREVIEW FOR LATER: GUEST JACK BURNHAM. Jack Burnham explores China's supply of air defense radars to Venezuela and its relationship with Iran. While these systems are tested in foreign conflicts, Burnham notes that Venezuelan military incompetence makes it difficult to accurately judge the true effectiveness of Chinese military hardware against Western equipment.1906
Guest: General Blaine Holt. The operation in Caracas revealed that Chinese-made air defense systems failed to detect U.S. aircraft. Electronic warfare capabilities and stealth technology likely blinded radars, rendering Russian missile systems useless. This success signals a crackdown on illicit networks, alerting regional leaders to U.S. resolve.
The Firestorm and Civilian Horror — James M. Scott — The March 9th raid generates a catastrophic "tidal wave of fire" that overwhelms Tokyo's primitive air defense infrastructure and emergency response systems. Scott recounts the horror through survivor testimony, including Shizuko Nishio, whose family flees to a school only to discover absence of protective shelter from the advancing firestorm. Scott documents the intense heat literally melting glass embedded in concrete building structures while the firestorm creates its own weather system through violent convection, generating hurricane-force winds that transport oxygen toward the fire center while simultaneously drawing human bodies and debris toward the conflagration. Scott incorporates eyewitness documentation from photographer Koyo Ishikawa, who visually documents the firestorm aftermath, describing a wall of fire advancing across the urban landscape like an ocean wave consuming everything in its destructive path. 1930 TOKYO
00:00 Intro01:03 Japan Advances Air Defense Systems, Deployment Near Taiwan03:11 Xi Emphasizes Taiwan, White House Remains Silent03:48 U.S. Nuclear-Powered Carriers Deployed Near China05:08 U.S., China Held Maritime Security Talks in Hawaii05:57 Lutnick: Trump Weighs Nvidia AI Chip Sales to China07:21 How the Nexperia Chip Crisis Upended Auto Supply Chains09:45 UK Moves to Cut Reliance on China's Rare Earths12:06 U.S., EU to Diversify Trade Relations13:34 China Absent from New Field of Biocomputing: Jordan
Ukraine Conflict: French Arms Deal, Sabotage, and the Perilous Battle for Pokrovsk. Guest: John Hardie. John Hardie reported that Ukraine signed a letter of intent with France to obtain 100 Rafale warplanes over 10 years, along with air defense systems. While this partnership is encouraging, Hardy expressed concern that Ukraine is excessively over-diversifying its future air fleet (including F-16, Grippen, Mirage, and Rafale) which complicates long-term sustainment and maintenance. Simultaneously, alarming reports surfaced that sabotage was blamed for an explosion on a major railway line in Poland used to supply Ukraine, fitting a pattern of suspected Russian covert operations against European infrastructure. On the battlefield, fighting continues in Pokrovsk (Picro). Hardy warned that if Ukrainian forces prioritize a politically motivated hold, they risk the encirclement and destruction of troops in nearby areas. Poor weather, such as fog, plays a significant role in the conflict, as Russians often time assaults during these conditions to impede Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance and FPV drones.1855 CRIMEA
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports Ukraine gets more Patriot air defense systems to counter Russian attacks.
Originally Aired October 30, 2025: Veterinarian Doctor Andrea answers pet questions. Monkey mayhem. Everything you wanna know about paying cat support. Listen & subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music. For more, visit https://www.93x.com/half-assed-morning-show/Follow the Half-Assed Morning Show:Twitter/X: @93XHAMSFacebook: @93XHAMSInstagram: @93XHAMSEmail the show: HAMS93X@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran Defies West on Nuclear Program Despite Loss of Key Scientists. Jonathan Schanzer discusses Iran's defiant nuclear program, noting the procurement of air defense systems from Russia and China is debatable. A major setback has been the loss of nuclear scientists due to targeted assassinations. Iran is heavily supporting the Houthis (now a full proxy), sending ballistic missile components and IRGC officials to help assemble them in Yemen. Snapback sanctions' impact on Iran's partnerships with Russia and China remains uncertain. 1543
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports Ukraine urges delivery of 10 Patriot systems to strengthen air defense capabilities at winter approaches.
00:00 Intro01:29 China Faces 130 Percent US Tariff Over Rare Earths03:15 Trump: ‘No Reason' to Meet Xi After Rare Earth Limits04:11 Beijing Media Warns of Fallout If Trump Decouples04:55 Trump Comments on China Amid Xi Health Rumors08:50 China's Tit-for-Tat Port Call Fees for US Ships10:03 Trump May Ban Chinese Airlines From Flying Over Russia11:20 Taiwan Unveils ‘T-Dome' Air Defense on National Day13:22 Taiwan Repels Chinese Coast Guard in Disputed Waters14:39 Taiwan Training Soldiers to Shoot Down Chinese Drones15:37 Chinese Holiday Travel Soars, Spending Falls Short17:33 Unpacking North Korea's Military Parade | Analysis
Last month Turkey's President Erdogan and his loyalists blasted Cyprus for its purchase of Israeli Barak MX air defense systems, claiming it was a threat to Turkey, all while Turkish media has announced Ankara plans to send more occupation troops to Cyprus. William Doran, the co-author of the recent piece in Kathimerini titled “Erdogan's imagined ‘arms race' in Cyprus”, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at Erdogan's hypocritical outrage here, and break down why Cyprus' decision to upgrade its air defense systems in fact strengthens Eastern Mediterranean security.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Erdogan's imagined ‘arms race' in CyprusGreece hails ‘historic agreement' over GazaTurkey emerges as key player in Gaza ceasefire dealThird-country buyers grab Cyprus realtyCy
India's air defense has transformed from sparse radars in the 1960s to a multilayered network anchored by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), linking radars, interceptors, and layered missile systems into a cohesive shield. Air Marshal Diptendu Choudhury underscores how decades of preparation, constant operational readiness, and the stress test of Operation Sindoor demonstrated the value of Army–Air Force integration and cost-effective counters to drones and missiles. He emphasizes that air defence is no longer just about protection—it is about extending reach into adversary airspace and enabling India's offensive air power to operate with confidence.Looking ahead, Choudhury warns that the deepening China–Pakistan partnership, the economics of interception, and production scalability will shape India's strategic calculus. He calls for IACCS to evolve into an Integrated Aerospace Command and Control System, expanding beyond airspace into near-space and space-based surveillance to achieve full-spectrum aerospace domain awareness. Building resilient, cyber-secure, and future-ready defences, he argues, is essential to preserving India's edge against threats ranging from drones to ballistic missiles.How can India balance cost-effective counters against drones with the need for high-end missile defenses? What does China–Pakistan military cooperation mean for India's future two-front strategy? How should India integrate space-based systems into its air defence to achieve true aerospace domain awareness?Episode ContributorsAir Marshal (Retd.) Diptendu Choudhury, Former Commandant, National Defence College, Delhi. An experienced pilot with over 5000 sorties on fighters, he has commanded a fighter squadron, IAF's prestigious Tactics Air Combat Development Establishment, two frontline fighter wings, and has extensive experience in the development and execution of air operations at Command, Air Force and Joint Operations levels. He has been the Senior Air Staff Officer of WAC, Air Defence Commander of two operational Commands, AOC of IAF's Composite Operational Battle Response and Analysis Group, as well as the ACAS Inspections, and Director Air Staff Inspections and Operational Planning and Assessment Group.Dinakar Peri is a fellow in the Security Studies program at Carnegie India. Earlier, he was a journalist with The Hindu newspaper covering defense and strategic affairs for almost 11 years. He is an alumnus of the U.K. Foreign Office's Chevening South Asia Journalism Program and the U.S. State Department's International Visiting Leadership Program. Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling for a European air defense system, as Russia strike a Ukrainian city.
PREVIEW: John Hardie HEADLINE: Ukraine Scales Up Air Defense Against Russian Air Attacks SUMMARY: John Hardie of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies discusses Ukraine's enhanced air defense efforts. Pledges for Patriotsystems will counter Russian ballistic and North Korean KN-23 missile threats. Ukraine is also massively scaling up production and training of anti-aircraft drone units to effectively combat Russian Geran-2 and Geran-3 drones bombarding its cities. MORE. 1959
SHOW SCHEDULE 7-9-25. Good evening. The show begins in Ukraine still waiting for air defense supply... 1856 BLACK SEA FLEET CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9:00-9:15 #Ukraine: Air power cannot win a war. Colonel Jeff McCausland, USA (Retired) @mccauslj @cbsnews @dickinsoncol 9:15-9:30 #Ukraine: NATO prepares Rotterdam. Colonel Jeff McCausland, USA (Retired) @mccauslj @cbsnews @dickinsoncol 9:30-9:45 Harvard: What is to be done? Peter Berkowitz, Hoover. 9:45-10:00 Harvard: What is to be done? Peter Berkowitz, Hoover continued. SECOND HOUR 10:00-10:15 Atomic bomb education. Peter Huessy, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:15-10:30 LEO: Weaponizing lasers vs Germany EU. Rick Fisher, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:30-10:45 PRC: Rumors of Xi. Charles Burton, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:45-11:00 PRC: Weaponizing LEO. Brandon Weichert, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill THIRD HOUR 11:00-11:15 Solomons vs PRC. Cleo Paskal, FDD 11:15-11:30 Solomons vs PRC. Cleo Paskal, FDD continued 11:30-11:45 End of Russiagate. @andrewcmccarthy @nro @thadmccotter @theamgreatness 11:45-12:00 Russia asset seizures. Michael Bernstam FOURTH HOUR 12:00-12:15 France: Wildfires at Marseilles. Simon Constable 12:15-12:30 England: Bayeux comes to the UK. Simon Constable 12:30-12:45 ULA: Is the Vulcan ready? Bob Zimmerman behindtheblack.com 12:45-1:00 AM Mars: Meteorite for sale. Bob Zimmerman behindtheblack.com Key corrections made:
GOOD EVENING: The show begins in Ukraine, waiting for air defense resupply... 1942 MERCHANT MARINE CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9:00-9:15 #Ukraine: Trump administration suspends weapons shipments. Colonel Jeff McCausland, USA (Retired) @mccauslj @cbsnews @dickinsoncol 9:15-9:30 #Gaza: Rumors of ceasefires. Colonel Jeff McCausland, USA (Retired) @mccauslj @cbsnews @dickinsoncol 9:30-9:45 Tibet: Dalai Lama challenges CCP. Charles Burton, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 9:45-10:00 Russia: Recession looming. Banking crisis. Michael Bernstam Hoover Institution SECOND HOUR 10:00-10:15 PRC: Losing money on EVs. Fraser Howie, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:15-10:30 Cuba: PRC listening post. Rebecca Grant, Lexington Institute. @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:30-10:45 Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai's trial. Mark Simon, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:45-11:00 USAF: Robbing Peter to pay Paul. Blaine Holt, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill THIRD HOUR 11:00-11:15 1/8: Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic by James Romm (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Plato-Tyrant-Greatest-Philosophic-Masterpiece/dp/1324093188/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 Plato is one of history's most influential thinkers, the "sublime philosopher" whose writings remain foundational to Western culture. He is known for the brilliant dialogues in which he depicted his teacher, Socrates, discussing ethical truths with prominent citizens of Athens. Yet the image we have of Plato—an ethereal figure far removed from society and politics, who conjured abstract ideas in peaceful groves—is a fiction, created by Plato's admirers and built up over centuries. In fact, Plato was very much a man of the world. In Plato and the Tyrant, acclaimed historian and classicist James Romm draws on personal letters of Plato—documents that have long been kept in obscurity—to show how a philosopher helped topple the leading Greek power of the era: the opulent city of Syracuse. There, Plato encountered two authoritarian rulers, a father and son both named Dionysius, and tried to steer them toward philosophy. At the same time, he worked on his masterpiece, Republic, in which he conceived a ruler who unites perfect wisdom with absolute power. That dream has echoed down through the ages and given rise to a famous term, one that Plato himself didn't actually use: philosopher-king. As Romm reveals, Plato's time in Syracuse helped shape Republic—and also had disastrous results for Plato himself and for all of Greek Sicily. The younger Dionysius, emotionally unstable but intellectually curious, welcomed Plato with open arms, but soon the relationship soured. Plato's close friendship with Dionysius's uncle, Dion—possibly a bond of romantic love—created a rift in the ruling family that led to a chaotic civil war. Combining thrilling political drama with explorations of Plato's most cherished ideas, Romm takes us into the heart of Greece's late classical age, a time when many believed that democracy had failed. Plato's search for solutions led him to write his fervent plea for a new political order, and also led him to a place where he believed his theories might be put into practice. But Plato and the Tyrant demonstrates how Plato's experiment with enlightened autocracy spiraled into catastrophe, and also gives us nothing less than a new account of the origins of Western political thought. 11:15-11:30 2/8: Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic by James Romm (Author) 11:30-11:45 3/8: Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic by James Romm (Author) 11:45-12:00 4/8: Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic by James Romm (Author) FOURTH HOUR 12:00-12:15 France: Bake off continental Europe. Simon Constable, Occitanie 12:15-12:30 UK: Backbenchers nix PM Starmer & Chancellor Reeves. Simon Constable, Occitanie 12:30-12:45 Hotel Mars: Late collision accretion and life on Earth and volcanoes on Venus. Simone Marchi, SWRI. David Livingston, spaceshow.com 12:45-1:00 AM Hotel Mars: Late collision accretion and life on Earth and volcanoes on Venus. Simone Marchi, SWRI. David Livingston, spaceshow.com continued
Thanks for listening to The Morning Five! Please subscribe to and rate The Morning Five on your favorite podcast platform. Learn more about the work of the Center for Christianity and Public Life at www.ccpubliclife.org. Scripture: Psalm 46 Top Headlines: 1) "Big, Beautiful Bill" Passes House 2) Court Halts Asylum Ban 3) U.S. Pauses Air Defense Aid to Ukraine Today's host was Michael Wear, President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life. Join the conversation and follow us at: Instagram: @michaelwear, @ccpubliclife Twitter: @MichaelRWear, @ccpubliclife and check out @tsfnetwork Music by: King Sis #politics #faith #prayer #courts #immigration #Trump #WhiteHouse #budget #taxes #spending #House #Ukraine #Russia #defense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
UKRAINE: LOW ON AIR DEFENSE. JOHN HARDIE, BILL ROGGIO, FDD
Today is the last of the military overviews for the foreseeable future, and I'm covering the Royal Air Force! They were famous for their fighters, but their extensive pool of bombers dominated the attentions of the branch's planners until close to the outbreak of the war. Bibliography for this episode: Philpott, I.M. The Royal Air Force 1930-1939 Pen & Sword Books Ltd 2008 Bishop, Chris The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II Barnes & Noble Inc 1998 Chant, Chris Allied Fighter Aircraft 1939-45 Amber Books Ltd 2009 James T.C.G. Growth of Fighter Command, 1936-1940: Air Defense of Great Britain, Volume 1 Routledge 2013 Questions? Comments? Email me at peaceintheirtime@gmail.com
In May, President Donald Trump shared his vision for protecting the US from the threat of nuclear strikes by drones, and ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles. The idea? A Golden Dome which would cover the country with three layers of air defenses. Following the launch of missiles in Iran, the idea of having a robust defense system here at home is getting more attention. Tom Karako, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to share his insight on missile defense and nuclear deterrence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Edition No157 | 10-06-2025 - Putin has ordered and executed one of the largest attacks on Ukraine's capital since the full-scale war began. Why? Because he can. Kyiv and Odesa came under massive bombardment in the early hours of June 10. Explosions were heard across the capital as air defence systems were activated, engaging targets that included ballistic missiles and drones. The full toll is not known, but four people have been reported injured in Kyiv, according to local authorities. In the southern city of Odesa two men were killed and at least eight civilians were wounded. One more person suffered shock. Again, this may not be the final toll. Zelensky proclaimed this one of the largest attacks on Kyiv to date, and few people would have slept through though the intense bombardment that lasted several hours. "Russian missiles and Shahed drones strike out the efforts of the United States and others around the world to force Russia into peace," he wrote on X. "For yet another night, instead of a ceasefire, there were massive strikes with Shahed drones, cruise and ballistic missiles."----------Links: https://kyivindependent.com/waves-of-explosions-rock-kyiv-amid-russian-missile-drone-attack/https://kyivindependent.com/trump-redirects-20-000-anti-drone-missiles-meant-for-ukraine-zelensky-confirms/ ----------SUMMER FUNDRAISERSNAFO & Silicon Curtain community - Let's help help 5th SAB together https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWe are teaming up with NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade to provide 2nd Assault Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you're standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter:Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.In total we are looking to raise an initial 19 500 EUR in order to buy 1 x NAFO truck 2.0 Who is getting the aid? 5 SAB, 2 Assault Battalion, UAV operators.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Assault Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/
In Part V of the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) series, host Mike “Flash” McVay sits down once again with A-10 pilot Ridge "Kelso" Flick to dive deep into the critical role the Warthog plays in SEAD and close air support operations. Drawing from his extensive experience flying the A-10 in hostile environments, Kelso shares insights into how low-level tactics, survivability, and precision targeting come together in the face of modern air defense threats. From Cold War-era training to post-9/11 combat deployments, this episode explores how A-10 pilots adapted to evolving SAM and AAA threats while maintaining their mission to protect ground forces. Kelso's perspective offers a unique look at the intersection of close air support and SEAD, highlighting the courage and coordination required in every mission.Stay tuned and subscribe for more frontline stories and tactical lessons from the world of combat aviation and special operations.
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host Mike "Flash" McVay continues the exploration of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in Part II of the series. Joined by Pat “Curly” Pence, they delve into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission during Operation Desert Storm. Curly recounts his progression from pilot training to becoming a Wild Weasel, sharing insights into the challenges and tactics of air combat against surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The conversation further explores the preparation for conflict, intelligence assessments of enemy capabilities, and the execution of strike packages. Curly highlights the realities of engaging with air defense systems and the significance of pre-conflict training missions. He also discusses the evolution of weapon systems in air-to-ground tactics. Additionally, Flash and Curly examine the intricacies of the High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) system, its development, and tactical lessons from various military engagements. Curly shares personal accounts of radar engagements, underscoring the importance of system proficiency and tactics in countering SAMs. The episode also covers the transition from the F-4G to the F-16C Block 50, the critical nature of SEAD missions, and the ongoing necessity for effective intelligence in modern warfare.
Let's talk about Trump, Jurassic Park, Air Defense, and Oklahoma....
The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, better known as the Wild Weasel mission, has been a critical component of air warfare since Vietnam. In this special five-part series, host Mike "Flash" McVay explores the evolution of SEAD from its early days in Rolling Thunder to Desert Storm, Kosovo, and today's modern air battles.
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First, we'll look at the deadly crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight over Kazakhstan on Wednesday, as evidence mounts that it was likely caused by a Russian air defense system. Then, Pakistan is escalating their fight against the Pakistani Taliban in Afghanistan, unleashing a series of airstrikes that killed at least 46 people late Tuesday night. It's just the latest incident to raise tensions with the Afghan Taliban government, who vowed retaliation. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#PRC: Hypersonic missiles and falling behind in air defense. Bill Gertz, Washington Times. @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 1904 Bovers