217: IDF Prepares Ground Forces for Long War + Iran Strikes Targets in Northern Iraq/Syria + UK Pledges $3.2 billion to Ukraine in '24 + North Korea Claims Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Launch + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X (Twitter): 14 Jan- US Fighter shoots down anti-ship cruise fired from Houthi-Controlled Yemen. No injuries or damages reported.
2. US CENTCOM X (Twitter): 15 Jan- Iran backed Houthi Rebels fired and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle- Marshall Islands-flagged/US owned and operated container ship. The ship reported no injuries or significant damage and continue journey. Later US Forces detected an anti-ship missile, fired toward Southern Red Sea shipping lanes. The missile failed in flight, and impacted on land in Yemen. No damage or injuries reported.
3. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Strikes Targets in Northern Iraq/Syria. Statement from IRGC: "Ballistic missiles were used to destroy espionage centers and gatherings of anti-Iranian terrorist groups in the region."
4. IDF Prepares Ground Forces for Long War. Rotates the 36th Division back to Israel for Rest/Relaxation, followed by training for future operations. 3 x Divisions continue operations in Gaza Strip: 162d Division in Northern Gaza; 99th Division in Central Gaza; and 98th Division in Southern Gaza.
5. UK Pledges $3.2 billion to Ukraine in 2024. Aid will include funding for drones, artillery ammunition, long-range missiles, air defense and maritime security.
6. Belgium turret and firing system defense company, John Cockerill, to purchase French defense vehicle manufacturer, Arquus. John Cockerill spokesman says "the planned acquisition will be “transformative” for the European defense industry in the area of light tanks".
7. Russian Fighter SU-75 will receive new distorting paint scheme, designed to divert vision away from aircraft contour.
8. North Korea Claims Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Launch, (14 Jan 2024).
9. US Navy Aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), deployed this week from San Diego, California to the Indo-Pacific Theater.
10. US Navy still committed to developing Direct Energy (laser) weapons for future Frigates and Destroyers.
11. US Secretary of the Navy directs comprehensive shipbuilding review. Interim progress review is due in 90 days (*o/a 01 March 2024- my guess).
12. USMC continues testing the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). More testing, system verification, and Initial Operational Evaluation(s) are due before fielding. First Unit Equipped is scheduled to be the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion.