277: US Gaza Pier Vessels Disconnect in Stormy Sea + Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine worth $275 Million + Ukraine F-16 Pilots Ready for Combat in Weeks + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US Gaza Pier Vessels Disconnect in Stormy Seas.
Four vessels broke free from moorings, and efforts to recover the vessels were underway with assistance from the Israeli Navy.
2. IDF continues Rafah Operation despite ruling from International Criminal Court. Israeli officials said they consider the ICJ order to allow room for some operations in Rafah.
3. US Department of Defense Release from 24 May 2024, concerning SECDEF Health Status.
4. US Department of Defense Release from 24 May 2024:
Latest US Security Assistance Package to Ukraine Worth $275 Million.
Includes, HIMARS munitions, cannon artillery ammunition, and anti-tank weapons, among other materiel.
5. NYT Report via Defense Post: US to consider allowing Ukraine to employ American long-range weapons in Russian territory.
6. Opinion Article by Geoff LaMear via Defense News. Based upon Russian overmatch in personnel, artillery, and combat drones, the author argues that US should encourage Ukraine to begin negotiation with Russia.
6. Ukraine F-16 Pilots Ready for Combat in Weeks.
It is that the first F-16 combat sorties could take place in June or July.
7. Opinion Article by Chan Mo Ku & Jinwan Park via Breaking Defense.
Authors make case for a Quad of Northern Pacific Nations (US, Canada, South Korea, & Japan) to counterbalance Russian and Chinese collaboration (and expansion) in the Arctic Region.