224: US Strikes Targets in Syria & Iraq + IDF Ground Operations Update + US Army IVAS News + EU Economic Package for Ukraine + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US strikes Iran-backed militant targets in Syria and Iraq in response to the attack in Jordan that killed three US Army Soldiers. US CENTCOM Forces struck over 85 targets. B-1 Lancer long-range bombers, flying from the US, took part in the strikes.
2. Israeli Defense Minister (Yoav Gallant) announces Hamas forces in Khan Yunis have been defeated- however, the IDF has not announced full operational control of Southern Gaza.
3. US tries to broker Israel and Saudi Arabia normalization deal (before 2024 US Presidential election).
4. Report (NBC): Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy preparing to relieve General Valerii Zaluzhni as Commander of Ukraine Armed Forces.
5. The European Union (EU) has approved a $54 billion economic aid package for Ukraine. Funding is allocated to support reconstruction and boost immediate economic needs.
6. France spends $21.9 billion on materiel procurement in 2023. Some items include: $5.5 billion on 42 x Rafale Fighters; $378 million on 109 x Next Gen Caesar MKII 155mm Mobile Artillery; $539 million on 420 x Serval multi-role lightweight armored vehicles; and 8 x NH90 Caiman Standard 2 Helicopters for French Special Forces.
7. Australia Defence Force (ADF) to salvage and sell MRH-90 Taipan Helicopter parts from retired fleet. ADF retired the fleet in July 2023 after years of maintenance and reliability issues and a tragic fatal crash (also in July 2023).
8. Latest US Army Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) news.
(Spoiler Alert: There is a Version 1.2 Phase 2 now)