337: Israel PM - Large Scale Confrontation with Hezbollah in Future + Houthi Rebels Claim Downing of MQ-9 Reaper + US Navy Contracts Construction of John Lewis-Class Oilers + US Army Orders Bradley A4 IFVs + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US Foreign Military Sales:
- Japan: KC-46A Refueling aircraft.
- Israel: Heavy Duty Tank Trailers.
2. Houthi Rebels Claim Downing of MQ-9 Reaper.
The U.S. military said it was aware of the Houthis' claimed downing of a drone over the country's southwestern Dhamar province, without elaborating.
3. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar congratulates Houthi Rebels for missile attack on Israel. In his letter, Sinwar congratulated Houthi leader Abdel-Malek al-Houthi on his “success in reaching the depth of the enemy entity,” referring to Israel.
4. Israel PM - Large Scale Confrontation with Hezbollah in Future.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was said to have warned security chiefs during a strategic discussion on Thursday that Israel was facing a “large-scale confrontation” with Hezbollah in the north of the country.
5. USAF Secretary provides update on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) effort.
6. USAF to consolidate AC-130J training at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico.
“Creating a consolidated training location will reduce travel costs and allow for training timelines to be accelerated,” a spokesperson for the 58th Special Operations Wing said.
7. US Navy Contracts Construction of John Lewis-Class Oilers.
The Navy today announced it has awarded General Dynamics NASSCO a contract worth up to $6.7 billion for the construction of up to eight John Lewis-class fleet oilers, a block buy deal the service anticipates will save $491 million.
8. US Army Orders Bradley A4 IFVs.
The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a $440-million production contract for over 200 x Bradley A4 infantry fighting vehicles. It is intended to replenish some of the over 300 combat vehicles sent to Ukraine, with an updated version.