246: Russia-China-Algeria Veto US Sponsored UNSC Resolution + Morocco to Procure Javelin Missile Systems + Armor Not Dead: France & Germany Move Forward with Main Ground Combat System + US Congress Finally Passes Defense Bill + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US CENTCOM X:
21 Mar- Coalition aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched by Iranian backed Houthi terrorists. Additionally, coalition forces successfully engaged and destroyed two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists.
22 Mar- US CENTCOM Forces successfully engaged and destroyed four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense. During this timeframe, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired four anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. Additionally, CENTCOM forces conducted self-defense strikes against three Houthi underground storage facilities in Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen.
2. US Navy incorporating lessons learned from Red Sea operations into technology and training.
3. Russia-China-Algeria Veto US Sponsored UNSC Resolution. Guyana Abstains.
Draft Resolution called for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, facilitating “essential” aid delivery and supporting ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas militants to create a sustainable end to the hostilities, tied to the release of hostages.
4. Morocco to Procure US Javelin Missile Systems (612), in a deal worth $260 million.
5. Armor Not Dead: Germany & France Move Forward with Main Ground Combat System. System will replace Germany’s Leopard tanks and France’s Leclerc fleet sometime in the 2040s. Future system will incorporate level of innovation regarding connectivity, electronic warfare, drone integration, armor and self-defensive measures.
6. Armor Not Dead: Ukraine Defense Contact Group's Armor Coalition (led by Germany & Poland) officially launches on 26 March. Other partners include Italy, UK, and Sweden. One of eight capability coalitions. The other 7 are: Drone, Air Force, Artillery, Ground-based Air Defense, De-mining, Maritime Security, and Information Technology.
7. Armor Not Dead: Australia Defense Industry achieves $660 million export deal featuring over 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carriers. Vehicle are made in Queensland under Rheinmetall Australia.
8. US Congress Finally Passes FY24 Defense Bill. President to sign today?
9. US Army and US CENTCOM FY25 Unfunded Priority List.