264: Israel Awaiting Hamas Response to Truce Deal + US Continues Work on Gaza Pier + Australia Security Package to Ukraine worth $100 million + USAF Selects Sierra Nevada to Develop E-4B Successor + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. Israel Awaiting Hamas Response to Truce Deal.
2. US Continues Work on Gaza Pier.
The Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system is estimated to be operational in early May.
3. Russia continues to make gains along Eastern Ukraine front.
Ukrainian Army Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi acknowledged Ukraine’s overall situation had deteriorated.
“The situation at the front has escalated. Trying to seize the strategic initiative and break through the front line, the enemy has concentrated its main efforts in several directions, creating a significant advantage in forces and in means."
4. Latest Australia Security Package to Ukraine worth $100 million.
Includes: $50 million for short-range air defense systems; $30 million for drones; & $15 million for high priority equipment such as combat helmets, rigid hull inflatable boats, boots, fire masks and generators.
5. According to statement by the UK Defense Minister (Grant Shapps), Italy has provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow Long-Range Missiles.
"It’s the UK, France and Italy positioning those weapons for use, particularly in Crimea. These weapons are making a very significant difference.”
6. From Spanish Defense Minister (Margarita Robles): Madrid "to provide a set of long-range Patriot anti-aircraft interceptor missiles (to Ukraine)."
7. US Army Fixed-Wing High Accuracy Detection & Exploitation System (HADES) effort progressing. Army has selected the fixed-wing platform: Bombardier Global 6500 jet, Army will hold competition and select vendor to integrate government furnished sensor package(s) onto the jet. The Army will field 14 x HADES Aircraft by 2035.
8. USAF Selects Sierra Nevada to Develop E-4B Successor, in program worth $13 billion.