216: US Strikes Houthi Rebels in Yemen (2d in two days) + Possible IDF Ground Operation along Philadelphi Corridor + France Orders 42 Rafale Fighters + NDAA '24 Directs USMC Force Design 2030 Independent Evaluation + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. 3 x US Foreign Military Sales: 1. Kosovo: Javelin Missiles with Light-weight Command Launched units worth $75 million; 2. Egypt: 28-meter Patrol Craft kits worth $129 million; & 3. Light Tactical Vehicle Chassis and Fleet build (AM General), worth $200 million.
2. US Strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen with Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles fired by US Navy Destroyer Carney (DDG-64).
3. Israel informs Egypt of Possible IDF Ground Operation along Philadelphi Corridor. Philadelphi Corridor is the 12k (8 mile) border between Egypt & Gaza Strip.
4. France orders 42 x new Rafale Fighters (Dassault Aviation) in the Standard 4 configuration. Delivery will be between 2027 and 2032. Deal is worth $5.5 billion.
5. French Navy Vice Admiral Emmanuel Slaars defends use of expensive intercept missiles (Aster 15) to down drones in the Red Sea (fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen). These missiles were fired from the French Frigate, Languedoc.
6. Spanish 120mm Alakran Mortar System integrated on Indian Army Armored Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV). The Alakran system can also employ an 81mm mortar system.
7. Australian Army trains Officers (with the Australian Navy), in support of the Littoral Manoeuvre Program. 18 months of training will prepare Army Officers for employment of Landing Craft, Medium Vessels (ready in 2027) and Landing Craft, Heavy Vessels (ready in 2028).
8. Defense Post Editorial by Gary Anderson (former G-5, Chief of Plans, USMC Expeditionary Force) concerning the NDAA 2024 Directive for the USMC to conduct an Independent Evaluation of the Force Design 2030 Concept.