336: IDF Tunnel Warfare in Khan Younis + US Secretary of the Navy Violates Hatch Act + US Foreign Military Sale of F-35As to Romania + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US Secretary of the Navy Violates Hatch Act.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has apologized for comments he made to British reporters in January that the Office of the Special Trial Counsel found violated a US law that prevents federal employees from endorsing political candidates during their official duties.
2. IDF Tunnel Warfare in Khan Younis.
According to the Commanding General of Division 98 (Major General Dan Goldfus), the Gaza tunnels are a single giant network from which it was possible to enter around Erez in northern Gaza and come out at Rafah and Egypt – like the process of water seeping through and flowing down a mountain.
3. Russian President Putin of allowing Ukraine to strike targets with Western-provided long-range weapons. President Vladimir Putin said such a move would drag the countries supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles directly into the war since satellite targeting data and the actual programming of the missiles' flight paths would have to be done by NATO military personnel because Kyiv did not have the capabilities itself.
4. US President and UK Prime Minister met at White House on 14 September to discuss Ukraine "strategy".
In a separate briefing on Friday, ahead of the two leaders' meeting, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Washington was not planning any change in the limits it has placed on Ukraine's use of US-made weapons to hit Russian territory.
5. Ukraine pitches for 12 x Bell Viper Helicopters on offer to Slovakia.
Vadym Ivchenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker, told Defense News that Ukraine has shown interest in the 12 x Vipers since 2022. At that time, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces filed a letter of request to the US to obtain the aircraft through a foreign military sale.
6. US Foreign Military Sale of F-35As to Romania.
The U.S. State Department on Friday announced it has approved the sale of 32 x F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Romania in a deal worth roughly $7.2 billion.
7. Boeing’s machinists union in Washington state votes to strike on late Thursday evening, putting near-term deliveries of the KC-46 & P-8 military aircraft in limbo.