299: Israel - Hamas Negotiations Resume + Hungarian PM to Russia - Talks Peace + German Arms Exports on Record Pace + Amphib Vessel USS Boxer Prepares for Deployment Return + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. Israel - Hamas Negotiations Resume. Israel said the Friday talks were only an initial meeting, and their delegation will return to Doha next week to resume talks.
2. Report from Reuters: Masoud Pezeshkian leads rivals in Iran Presidential race.
Masoud Pezeshkian is reported to be moderate and has pledged to open Iran to the world and deliver freedoms its people have yearned for.
3.Hungarian PM Viktor Orban to Russia - Talks Peace.
Statement from Press Secretary: “The talks with President Putin at the Kremlin focused on the Ukraine settlement and bilateral relations, emphasizing Hungary’s unique position to communicate with both warring sides.”
4. Russia strikes Ukraine installations housing aircraft. Raises continued concerns over air defense protection of potential airfields basing F-16 fighters after their delivery. Russia claims 5 x Ukraine SU-27 warplanes were destroyed at a location 150 kilometers from Russian border.
5. Latvia & Estonia to receive advanced radars for IRIS-T SLM air defense upgrades as part of the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative. The European Sky Shield Initiative was launched by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022. The initiative now counts 21 participating countries, including Austria and Switzerland.
France, Italy, and Spain are not participants.
6. German Arms Exports on Record Pace. The first half of 2024 saw Germany export more than $8 billion of military goods. Ukraine is #1 destination, with 65% of army going there.
7. Amphib Vessel USS Boxer (LHD-4) Prepares for Deployment Return. The amphib got underway on 03 July 2024, according to ship-spotters. Since April 2024, USS Boxer has been under repair at Pier 2 at Naval Station San Diego, California- following the damage to the starboard rudder. In a statement, Naval Surface Force said that the pier-side tests have been completed and the Boxer was preparing for sea trials.