262: IDF Ready for Rafah Operation + Latest US Security Package to Ukraine worth $1 billion + US Army to Restructure Aviation Brigades + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine is worth $1 billion. Includes Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, air defense interceptors, artillery rounds (155mm & 105mm), armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.
2. US quietly shipped the long-range variant Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine in March 2024. Range up to 300 kilometers.
3. IDF Ready for Rafah Operation. No timeline given. IDF ready at moment it receives approval. Pre-positioning Brigades in support of operation.
4. Latest on the US Gaza Pier Effort.
US Official: Gaza militants attack with mortars “marshalling yard area for humanitarian assistance that will soon be delivered by sea." The attack does not delay efforts for the maritime corridor, and effort is still on schedule to begin initial operations in early May, the military official said.
5. US Army to Restructure Aviation Brigades.
6. US Army moving forward with CH-47 Chinook modernization. Army anticipates full rate production contract for CH-47 Block II aircraft in late 2025.
7. Textron Bell to deliver Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), V-280 Valor, to US Army in 2026.
First Unit Equipped planned for 2031.