263: Israel: Make Hostage Deal or Rafah Operation + Latest US Security Package to Ukraine is Record $6 billion + Russia Producing War Materiel Beyond Need of Frontline Use + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. Israel to Hamas: Make Hostage Deal or Rafah Operation.
2. Latest US Security Package to Ukraine is Record $6 billion. Includes additional Patriot interceptors, HIMARS munitions, cannon artillery munitions (152mm & 155mm), UAS, and UAS Components, among other materiel.
3. AP Report: Ukraine removes US M1A1 Abrams tanks from front line duty due to drone and UAV threat. 5/31 tanks have been destroyed since arriving in September 2023.
4. France and Germany officially sign agreement on Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
French Defense Minister (Sebastien Lecornu): “the future of the tank and not the tank of the future” had been “at the heart” of the negotiations “because we both need the same tank by 2040.”
5. German Defense Minister (Boris Pistorius): Russia is producing weapons and equipment beyond the need of frontline duty in Ukraine.
UK Intelligence Report: Russia has the industrial capacity to produce at least 1,200 tank per year.
6. Sweden to increase defense spending to 2.6% GDP by 2030. Proposal to create 3 x Mech Infantry Brigades, 1 x Infantry Brigade, & 1 x Infantry Regiment.
7. What is the Army Aviation Strategy after the Future Recon Attack Aircraft (FARA) Program cancellation?
8. US Army continues development of Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) program.
First Unit Equipped planned for 2026.
9. Sikorsky plans to compete in the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) effort. Also in the mix:- Bell & Leonardo (teaming) and Airbus.