I On Defense Podcast

1. US Space Command basing decision in Colorado under investigation... again. 2. UK to invest almost 4 billion pounds into AUKUS Submarine infrastructure. 3. Australian Army to specialize 3 x infantry brigades to operate in littoral and amphibious environments. 4. US lawmakers threaten to cut military aid to Egypt. 5. US Foreign Military Sale to Sa…

Back from time off. Please review (in order): 1. US Congress passes Continuing Resolution to prevent shutdown. 2. Farewell General Mark Milley after 43 years of service- including 4 years as an impactful Army Chief of Staff and 4 years as Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. 3. US Navy decommissions two Freedom-Class Littoral Combat Ships- USS Little R…

1. US M1 Abrams arrive in Ukraine. 2. Precision Strike Missile news. 3. Army Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light down to four vendors. 4. Army Future Tactical UAS (Shadow replacement) down-selects to two vendors. 5. Army IVAS program (Version1.2) shows improvement. IVAS version 1.0 fielding at Fort Moore, GA. 6. Army Next Generation Squad Weapon (Rifle & …

1. Latest US Security Assistance to Ukraine worth $325 million. 2. US to send ATACMS to Ukraine (NBC Report), but no US announcement. 3. New UK Defence Secretary (Grant Shapps) promises Air Defense and Long-Range munitions to Ukraine. 4. Artillery is still the King of Battle. Global spending to increase over the next 10 years on modernized artiller…

Nice episode- hope you enjoy it: 1. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait- Sustainment of Patriot Missile systems. 2. From the Armor not Dead File- Israel Merkava IV Main Battle Tank upgrade. 3. Israel Sky Striker loitering munition(s) to unnamed European customer. 4. Israel defense companies innovate vertical take-of…

1. Defense Security Cooperation Agency Foreign Military Sale- Canada- MQ-9B Drone systems and munitions. 2. NATO air reconnaissance missions over Finland. 3. Sweden to upgrade amphibious units with new missile systems. 4. Netherlands to upgrade Navy with improved radar and Tomahawk missiles. 5. Romania may join other European nations in Mistral 3 p…

1. US Foreign Military Sales: F35A variant (South Korea) & F16 support (Poland). 2. Ukraine Pilots train on Gripen warplanes (Sweden). 3. Dr. William LaPlante (Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment ), describes increase in US 155mm ammunition production. 4. B21 Raider undergoing ground tests in preparation for first flight. 5. …

In Order: 1. Ukraine F16 Pilot training in Arizona. 2. US Foreign Military Sale to Poland: Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD), Battle Command System. 3. Poland to purchase HIMARS Launchers from Lockheed Martin. 4. UK Army AJAX program heads toward Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2024. 5. Lockheed Martin UK competes for UK's New Medium …

In order; 1. ATACMS missiles to Ukraine? Decision from US soon? 2. London think tank issues analysis report from Ukraine counteroffensive- with recommendations. 3. First donated 10 Leopard 1 tanks arrive from Germany, Denmark, & Netherlands. 4. Javelin missiles to be manufactured in Poland. 5. Poland to buy Boeing F15 EX? 6. Poland PGZ to collabora…

Packed episode. Hope you enjoy it. 1. Latest US Security Package to Ukraine worth $600 million. 2. Latest on US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Test. 3. US Army M1A2 SEPv4 variant cancelled. Focus now on the M1E3 Abrams program. 4. Leopard 2 Tanks (Germany & Norway) and Challenger 3 (UK) Tanks to be equipped with Trophy Active Protection System (…

In order (I think): 1. US latest Security Assistance to Ukraine worth $175 million. 2. US send depleted uranium tank rounds to Ukraine as part of $175 million package. 3. US to send long-range fires to Ukraine? 4. Poland to increase defense spending to 4% GDP ($33 billion). 5. Poland develops armed counter-drone armed with 5.45mm machine gun. 6. Po…

In order: 1. US Foreign Military Sale to Bulgaria - 183 Stryker vehicles (6 x variants). 2. Netherlands, Romania, & Lockheed Martin to open F16 Training facility (in Romania). 3. 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine by the Fall- Dr. William LaPlante (Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment). 4. US Army Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle hits …

In order: 1. USMC Command Directed Safety Review. 2. US Foreign Military Sales: Taiwan (F16 Infrared Search & Track Systems) and Japan (Joint Air-To-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range). 3. US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine. 4. German Navy to lead Multinational Baltic Sea Drill. 5. UK's new Defence Minister. 6. Spain supports Euro…

In order: 1. USMC Osprey crash in Australia. 2. Ukraine counteroffensive opinion piece- Washington Post. 3. US Army to upgrade Bradley Fighting Vehicles (70). 4. Spain to develop and procure fleet of Armored Vehicle (400)- in different variants. 5. Pentagon to field large numbers of "attritable" drones in two years under Replicator program. 6. INDO…

Long episode: 1. US to train Ukraine F16 pilots in Texas (language) & Arizona (flight). 2. Commanding General USAF Europe & Africa discusses integrated air defense and other priorities in Europe. 3. Finland uses highway system as take-off/landing for warplanes (older article- August 2022). 4. UK and International Fund for Ukraine to provide UAS & c…

1. Ukraine F16 update. 2. Netherlands to receive additional MQ-9A Drones. 3. Netherlands to receive counter-UAS system (Elbit). 4. Poland ok'd for AH-64E Apaches. 5. Poland receives first K-239 CHUNMOO MLRS. 6. Indonesia and USAF to get F15EX warplanes. 7. USAF latest hypersonic weapon test. 8. US Navy to equip USS Zumwalt Destroyer with hypersonic…

In order: 1. Ukraine F16 news. 2. Ukraine and Sweden (Saab) Gripen warplane discussion. 3. USMC trains in Norway with Italian & Norwegian forces. 4. Russia-China combined naval patrol nears Japan. 5. UK pilots intercept Russian Tu-142 Bears. 6. . China's military exercise in Taiwan Strait. 7. US Foreign Military Sale to Australia- M142 HIMARS. 8. G…

15 August 2023 In order: 1. Top global defense companies- (Defense News). 2. Latest US Security Assistance package to Ukraine. 3. EU to provide artillery munitions to Ukraine- assumption is 155mm. 4. US to increase 155mm artillery munition production. 5. Sweden to provide munitions to Ukraine in support of donated materiel. 6.Germany to provide Dro…

In order (I think): 1. USMC & US Navy personnel train to board commercial vessels in Strait of Hormuz. 2. F16s to Ukraine- when? What about facilities, pilot training, and maintenance training? 3. UK F35 accident report. 4. Russia launches hypersonic missiles at Western Ukraine. 5. US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and Mid-Range Capability almos…

In order: 1. US Navy extends life of 4 x Destroyers. 2. USS Carter Hall and USS Bataan enter the Red Sea in support of US Navy 5th Fleet. 3. US to possibly place armed personnel on commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. 4. Directed Energy weapons difficult to sustain in austere environments. 5. 50kw laser Strykers (4 each) ready…

Sunday episode 151- In Order: 1. US to help Australia manufacture Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (missiles) by 2025. 2. Australian-led Exercise Talisman Sabre '23 closes. Executes amphibious assault by three countries: US; Germany; and Japan. 3. Russia and China Bering Sea naval patrol off Alaska coast. 4. Russia transport (VIP) aircraft spo…

In order: 1. Army IVAS update. More problems. 2. Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) achieve Full Rate Production. 3. USMC INDO-PACOM MQ-9 Reaper Squadron achieves Initial Operational Capability (IOC) at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. 4. Pakistan unveils new drone & missiles at defense conference in Turkey. 5. UK Hypersonic Missile report. 6. UK Army Wargam…

Short Episode. In order: 1. US Foreign Military Sales: Assault Amphibious Vehicles (Romania) and MLRS Upgrade (Finland). 2. Finland to receive David's Sling Air Defense System. 3. Israel to procure more 155mm ammunition. 4. US Army to develop new artillery strategy for conventional and long-range precision systems. 5. US Navy issues contract to bui…

In order: 1. US Navy christens new Guided Missile Destroyer- USS Harvey C. Barnum (DDG 124). 2. US $345 million military aid package to Taiwan. 3. Senate NDAA and Navy ships. 4. Senate Appropriators Defense spending bill. 5. Latest US Army IVAS news- Version 1.2. 6. Northrup Grumman will not compete as prime in the USAF Next Generation Air Dominanc…

New microphone. In order. 1. Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine. 2. Poland receives first (of 48) FA-50 fighters from South Korea. 3. Lithuania selects Leopard 2 tanks over Abrams (US) and Black Panther (South Korea). 4. UK Royal Navy (and Allies) train Ukraine EOD operators in Scotland. 5. US Army Fixed Wing ISR Aircraft (development…

In order: 1. Army Air & Missile Defense Effort: Indirect Fire Protection Capability- High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL). 2. USMC Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) test in California. 3. North Korea fires cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea. 4. Japan & South Korea fire missiles during Australian-led Talisman Sabre '23. 5. Royal A…

Nice episode. In order. 1. US Foreign Military Sale to Germany (AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to Air Missiles (AMRAAM). 2. Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine. 3. US sends USMC Amphibious ships to the CENTCOM AOR. 4. US Navy (4th Fleet) operationalizes unmanned systems during exercise. 5. Poland's Field Experimental Exercise (FEX)…

In order: 1. F35s and Navy Destroyer sent to CENTCOM AOR. 2. Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine- USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) makes port call in South Korea. 3. Congressionally mandated report- the US Navy Battle Force Ship Assessment and Requirement. 4. USMC Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) achieves Full Rate Production. 5. UK R…

In order: 1. USAF B1 bombers land in Sweden. 2. UK New Medium Helicopter program. 3. UK Defense Minister to leave this year. 4. China protests US Navy P8 flight over Taiwan Strait. 5. North Korea launches ICBM in the Sea of Japan + Russian naval activity near Japan. 6. North Korea reacts to US surveillance activity + possible port call by US Nuclea…

In order; 1. NATO Summit from Vilnius, Lithuania. 2. Sweden to officially join NATO in three months (October). 3. Turkey and defense exports. 4. USAF Europe & Africa Commanding General comments on US weapon stockpiles. & from Armor is Not Dead- a small series of stories: 5. USMC Amphibious Combat Vehicle production (variants). 6. Italy to procure L…

Trying to expand the audience. This episode will be played on WWPR 1490 AM - Bradenton (Tampa Bay), Florida on Friday, 14 July at 1530 hours (3:30 PM). In order. 1. Sweden to join NATO. 2. France and Germany to develop new tank. 3. Commandant of the US Marine Corps- General David Berger retires. Admired his courage and conviction to make difficult …

In order: 1. US Foreign Military Sale- Romania (F16 upgrades). 2. US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine ($800million)- includes 155mm Dual- Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM). 3. NATO reaction to US decision to provide 155mm DPICM to Ukraine. We'll know next week from Vilnius, Lithuania (11-12 July 2023). 4. EU to fund nearly $1 bi…

3 x stories from Australia + 2 x robotic & autonomous system stories. In order (I think): 1. Australia to procure Carl G. shoulder launched systems from Saab. 2. RAAF Townsville upgrades to support AH-64 Apache posting. 3. Australia test AS9 SP 155mm system in South Korea. 4. USMC flies 4 x F35C variants 7,800 miles to Australia from Miramar, Calif…

Good episode. In order: 1. CJCS General Milley- quotes from 30 June 23 speech at National Press Club. 2. US Foreign Military Sales: -Norway- Small Diameter Bomb. - Canada- P8A Aircraft. - Poland- Integrated Air-Missile Battle Command System. - Czech Republic- F35 Aircraft & Munitions. - Taiwan- Logistics Support & 30mm ammunition. 3. Norway to esta…

Enjoyed this episode. Highlight is the Op-Ed by Mark Cancian on the USMC 31 Amphibious ship requirement. In order: 1. Latest US security assistance package to Ukraine. 2. Latest US Army Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle news. 3. Comments from British Army Chief of General Staff of lesson from the war in Ukraine. 4. New French Army combat vehicle c…

EP 136 in order: 1. USAF Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Fighter program. 2. F35 engine upgrade/replacement debate- between Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney. 3. UK RAF Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft. 4. Greece selects French-made tactical drone. 5. France to develop new anti-armor loitering munition. 6. Germany to develop wheeled rocke…

Nice episode. In order: 1. US Foreign Military Sale to Netherlands (4 x MQ-9 Drones). 2. India procures 31 x MQ-9 B drones. 3. France reveals new long-endurance drone at Paris Air Show. 4. Belgium to join France-Spain-German Future Combat Air System as Observer. 5. Sweden decides not to join the UK-Japan-Italy Global Air Program. 6. Spain purchases…

Two themes in this episode: 1. Ukraine & 2. Future Combat Air System (FCAS or SCAF) efforts in Europe. We get into the weeds on a great article from Tim Martin (Breaking Defense) on Europe's (& Japan) latest efforts to develop a 6th Generation fighter. Also in there is a story about the US military gaining base access in New Guinea. In order: 1. US…

First- Happy Birthday to US Army. 248 years. The Senior US military service- carries the Colors and is Escort to the President. Here's to 248 more. Stories in order for Episode 133: 1. US foreign Military Sales (FMS)- Spain (Excalibur munitions); France (E2C Hawkeye Sustainment Support); & Kuwait (F18 Technical Support). 2. Latest US Security Assis…

Episode 132 is short but lots of nice stories. In order: 1. US Army MPF renamed to M10 Booker Combat Vehicle. 2. Latest news in the Oshkosh JLTV protest. 3. Defense News Opinion Story on how the US can be successful against a conflict with China. Best part of the article is the description of the 1st and 2d Island Chain (if you didn't know already)…

Episode 131 is a short episode. Not on purpose- its just shook out that way. In order: 1. Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine. 2. Norway sells F16s to Romania. 3. Sweden ready for temporary NATO basing and combined operations. 4. UK to modify Carriers for Crewed/Un-crewed systems. 5. US-Japan-Taiwan to share drone data. 6. Russia & Chi…

The theme for episode 130 was definitely Indo-Pacific focused. At the end- out of left field- I threw in a couple materiel stories from Europe. And at the start- we talk a bit about D-Day. In order: 1. D-Day anniversary. 2. China Minister of National Defense remarks at Shangri-La Dialogue. 3. Canada Indo-Pacific Naval Deployment. 4. Singapore Defen…

Line up of stories in episode 129. I usually like writing a paragraph, but I thought that I would try something new tonight. 1. US FMS to Netherlands (MK 41 Naval Missile Cannister). 2. CJCS discusses M1 Tank and F16 training/fielding. 3. US Iron Dome news. 4. Army IFPC Inc. 2 delayed. 5. Space Force basing. 6. NZ to possible join AUKUS? 7. Austral…

Here we go for episode 128. Lots of stories here. We begin with the latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine- followed by- not a good news story- of equipment from Army Prepositioned Stocks that is/was- not in the best of shape for deployment to Ukraine. We then have two stories from Poland and two from Spain. We then move to a follow-up ar…

A little something different for episode 127. Based on an article from Defense News (D, Wright)- discussing the intercept of a Kh-47 Kinzhal (Dagger-Killjoy) missile in Ukraine by a Patriot system- I decided to spend the whole episode on hypersonic weapons- including the US Army Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) effort.…

Lots of stories packed in under 45 minutes. Quite a few drone (UAV) and aviation stories. A couple of articles on armored vehicles. And, a very good op-ed from the head of French Land Forces (LTG Bertrand Toujouse) on modernization plans. Plus we have the latest in the US Army Future Tactical UAS program. And somewhere in there, is a US Foreign Mil…

Quick-fire episode. Thought I would knock one out. Hope you enjoy it. We have four stories from Europe: Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine; UK to send Unknown Long-Range Drones to Ukraine; Latvia and Estonia procure medium-range Air Defense System(s); and a nice interview from Breaking Defense with the Lithuania Defense Minister (very…

Good episode. We even have 2 x CENTCOM stories. Plus 2 x stories from Spain & 2 x stories from the UK. As usual, we transition from EUCOM to INDO-PACOM- with 2 x stories about Ukraine (on the EUCOM side). Somewhere in there- we discuss an analysis article from National Defense about the recent Australian Strategic Review (April 2023).…

I must be on to something here. 2 consecutive episodes at 45 minutes or less. We have 5 x stories (I think) from the Defense Post tonight- all within the last two days. Quick tour of location stories: UK and Netherlands to provide fighter support to Ukraine; France to provide unknown-type missiles to Ukraine; Denmark is working on a new Short Range…

It's a short episode. Really trying to work under 45 minutes. We'll see how it goes. We begin with 4 x FMS to Australia, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany. We then cue in on another story from Germany and later in the episode- another story from Poland. We plugged in to a new source for UK defense news- and we have a nice article about a UK-led NATO Ex…