292: US Gaza Pier Operational Again + Romania to Procure K9 Thunder 155mm SP Howitzers + USAF to Open F-35 Training Site in Arkansas + US Carrier Eisenhower (CVN-69) Departs Red Sea + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US Gaza Pier Operational Again. The pier was reattached to Gaza’s shoreline on 19 June 2024.
2. France signals support for a potential Lebanese Armed Forces security mission on its' southern border.
3. US re-prioritizes deliveries of Patriot & NASAMs air defense interceptors. Ukraine moves to front of line. Taiwan and Israel not affected. Countries affected by delay not mentioned.
4. Northrup Grumman makes plans to produce medium-caliber ammunition in Ukraine. Venture could expand into tank and 155mm artillery munitions.
5. Romania to Procure K9 Thunder 155mm SP Howitzers (54) from Hanwha Aerospace (South Korea).
6. US Army to develop a second interceptor for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) program. The Army needs a second interceptor that is “more capable” against lower flying, supersonic cruise missiles.
7. USAF to Open F-35 Training Site at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas.
The site will train foreign pilots across the global F-35 enterprise.
8. US Carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) Departs Red Sea.
A carrier currently on station in the Pacific is planned to head to the Middle East to continue a US presence mission in the region.