332: Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Visits Gaza Border + IDF Infantry Brigade Prepares for Combat in North + Latest US Security Assistance to Ukraine + FY25 Defense Budget Update + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Visits Gaza Border.
Egypt’s army chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa made a surprise visit on Thursday to the country’s border with the Gaza Strip to inspect the security situation.
2. IDF Infantry Brigade Prepares for Combat in North.
The IDF’s Yiftah Brigade carried out a drill over the past week simulating fighting in Lebanon. The drill included fighting and maneuvering in complex terrain, advancing along a “mountainous route,” and using firepower in various scenarios.
3. Latest US Security Assistance to Ukraine.
The package has an estimated value of $250 million, and will provide Ukraine with capabilities that include: air defense missiles; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; armored vehicles; and anti-tank weapons.
4. US denies claims that donated long-range missiles to Ukraine, such as ATACMs, will be effective at targets deep inside Russia.
5. Netherlands to procure Spike LR2 anti-tank missile systems (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems).
6. Germany military to employ first IRIS-T SLM air defense system.
The system delivered on Wednesday marked the first of six IRIS-T SLMs to be delivered to the Bundeswehr.
7. FY25 US Defense Budget Update.
8. US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) update.
The Army is aiming for one more major test of the LRHW by the end of 2024 in order to decide whether to field it to the first unit next year, Doug Bush, the service’s acquisition chief, said Thursday.