316: US Forces in Iraq Struck in Rocket Attack + IDF Locates Vehicle-Size Tunnel on Philadelphi Corridor + Russian National Security Council Secretary Shoigu Visits Tehran + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US Forces in Iraq Struck in Rocket Attack.
Several US personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack at a military base in Iraq, Defense officials said Monday.
2. Russian National Security Council Secretary Shoigu Visits Tehran.
Russian state news agencies reported that Sergei Shoigu was scheduled to meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian; the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Akbar Ahmadian; and chief of the Iranian military’s General Staff, Mohammad Bagheri.
3. IDF Locates Vehicle-Size Tunnel on Philadelphi Corridor.
According to the IDF, the tunnel is about three meters (10 feet) tall and will be investigated before it is destroyed.
4. The Spanish army has signed a “framework agreement” with German defense firm Rheinmetall for an order of “around half a million modular propellant systems for 155mm extended-range artillery ammunition.”
5. BAE Systems has been awarded a $493-million contract to continue producing the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer and M992A3 ammunition carrier for US Army Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs).
6. USAF B-52 Modernization (Radar and Engine) plans are running into schedule and cost troubles.
7. USAF estimating costs to refit 30 x B-52s, from Conventional to Nuclear-capable.
The 30 B-52s in question had previously been equipped with the ability to carry nuclear weapons but were converted to conventional aircraft about 10 years ago to comply with a key US-Russia arms control treaty known as New START.
8. USAF relieves Commander after Accident Investigation Board report is released concerning the 04 January 2024, B-1 Bomber crash at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.