For review:
1. IDF kills Hezbollah Commander in Syria that participated in the attack on US Forces in Karbala, Iraq in 2007.
2. US Rejects International Criminal Court (ICC) Warrants for Israeli PM & Former Defense Minister.
The White House said Thursday that it “fundamentally rejects” the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The warrants effectively bar PM Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant from entering the ICC’s 124 member states. Israel and the US are not members of the court.
3. IDF continues pushing into Southern Lebanon- searching & clearing a "second line of villages" of Hezbollah weapons and attack positions. In the second line of villages, the IDF is still finding Hezbollah staging grounds, along with fighting positions from which the terror group has launched anti-tank missiles directly at Israeli border communities and military posts along the border.
4. Russia Strikes Ukraine with Intermediate-Range Missile.
Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Russia’s missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. The attack struck the Pivdenmash munition plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles (6 1/2 kilometers) southwest of the center of Dnipro.
5. Sweden to fund long-range missile and drone production inside Ukraine.
Swedish Defense Minster Pal Jonson: "This will be produced in Ukraine by the Ukrainian defense industry. It will be financed by Sweden. President [Vladimir] Zelenskyy has stated that there is an especially high demand for funding long-range weapons and long-range drones.”
6. Romania Commits to Procure F-35A Warplanes.
Romania has formally committed to the acquisition of 32 x Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets after signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) today. The procurement is valued at approximately $6.4 billion.
7. Australia and Canada to collaborate in hypersonic missile defense.
The two nations plan to spend up to $474 million over the next five years developing a “range of solutions."
A press release noted that the Defence Research and Development Canada and the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group will work together researching the emerging missile threats- to develop detection, monitoring, targeting and counter-measure technologies.

For review:
1. Hamas officials have left Qatar for Turkey, but still maintain their office.
Turkey confirmed on Monday that Hamas’s key foreign leaders are in Ankara while insisting that it has not opened an office for them.
2. US Vetoes UN Security Council Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza.
“A durable end to the war must come with the release of the hostages. These two urgent goals are inextricably linked. This resolution abandoned that necessity, and for that reason, the United States could not support it,” said Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood.
All other members of the 15-seat council voted in favor of the resolution, which was sponsored by the panel’s 10 non-permanent members: Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
3. Argentina to leave Southern Lebanon UN Mission- UNIFIL.
The move by Argentina appeared to represent the first sign of cracks in the unity of the mission, which has been caught in the crossfire as Israel battles against Lebanese terror group Hezbollah.
4. In reaction to Ukraine's long-range missile strikes into Russian territory with US-made ATACMS missiles, Russia modifies nuclear weapon employment doctrine.
The new nuclear doctrine allows Moscow to unleash a nuclear response in the event of a “massive” air attack, even if it is only with conventional weapons.
5. US will send anti-personnel mines to Ukraine.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin: “They’ve asked for these, and so I think it’s a good idea. Rather than advancing with a vanguard of tanks and armored vehicles, Moscow’s troops are now fighting will smaller, more spread out squadrons."
6. Latest US Security Package to Ukraine worth $275 Million.
Package includes munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons.
7. Turkey's Launch & Recovery of TB3 Drone from Ship (TCG Anadolu).
The flight, conducted at the convergence of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, lasted for 46 minutes before the aircraft successfully landed back on the same short runway, without the need for any landing support equipment.
8. India conducts hypersonic missile test. Few details.
The weapon, produced by the Defense Research and Development Organization, has a range of greater than 1,500 km, according to a government statement.
9. Chinese Defense Minister (Dong Jun) refuses to meet with US Secretary of Defense during the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Plus defense ministers meeting in Laos- citing objections over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
10. US Army Precision Strike Missile Test.
In a first, the US Army fired two new Precision Strike Missiles in a salvo test shot at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The test proved the missile's capability to be fired one after another, from the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Launcher.

For review:
1. Hamas to leave Qatar for Turkey?
An Arab Diplomat told the Times of Israel on Sunday that senior members of Hamas’s leadership abroad left Qatar last week for Turkey,
A Turkish diplomatic source on Monday dismissed reports that Hamas had moved its political office to Turkey, adding that members of the Palestinian terror group only visited the country from time to time.
2. Report: Hezbollah Accepts US-sponsored Ceasefire Proposal.
A top Lebanese official told Reuters Monday that Lebanon and Hezbollah have agreed to a US proposal for a ceasefire with Israel, but have some comments on the content. There was no immediate comment from Israel.
3. German Chancellor at G20: No Taurus Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine.
The missiles could only be used if "responsibility for targeting" was shared, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, a move he has previously said would risk the perception of direct German participation in the war.
4. Germany to provide IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine.
Germany will deliver the sixth planned IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine by the end of this year, German Chancellor Scholz told Ukrainian President Zelenskyy last week.
5. Sweden joins Germany, Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden to procure 1000 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles- in a contract worth $5.6 billion (US).
6. US Army & Lockheed Martin to increase Patriot Advanced Capability - 3 (PAC-3) Missile production to 650 units annually. This year, missile production increased by 30 percent, with projections indicating a further 20 percent rise next year.
7. Australia - UK - US Partner for Hypersonic Testing.
The agreement falls within the second pillar of the trilateral defense pact known as AUKUS, which is focused on technology sharing and advanced capability development.
8. Japanese Marines to participate in annual Australian Exercise.
Japanese troops will become regular participants in the Talisman Sabre starting next year, as well as boost their participation in Exercise Southern Jackaroo.

For review:
1. Qatar suspends its' mediation role between Israel and Hamas. Hamas refrains from appointing a sole successor to the organization- instead choosing to use a 5-member committee approach, until leadership elections in March 2025.
2. Top Hezbollah Spokesman Killed in IDF Airstrike.
An Israeli airstrike on a building in a central neighborhood of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Sunday killed the top spokesman (Mohammed Afif) for the Hezbollah terror group.
3. US: Ukraine Can Employ Long-Range Weapons inside Russia.
The US Biden administration has allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-made weapons to strike deep into Russia. Ukraine plans to conduct its first long-range attacks in the coming days, the sources said. There was no immediate response from the Kremlin.
4. Saab (Sweden) awarded four year contract to provide maintenance and training support for the Australian Army's 84mm Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle.
Canberra procured the Carl Gustaf system in 2018 under a $15.46-million deal, and purchased more in 2023 under $36.8 million dollar contract.
5. US Navy: First Columbia-Class Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Combat Ready in 2030. The first sub in the class is the USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826).
6. USAF Next Generation Ejection Seat (NGES) Program under review.
By the end of the year, the Air Force plans to complete a review of the Next Generation Ejection Seat (NGES) program, whose contract is currently held by Collins Aerospace (who beat out Martin-Baker in 2019). Once the review concludes, the Air Force could still stick with its incumbent acquisition strategy, where Collins is already underway with work on the F-15E- or theoretically- result in some split of work between the two companies.

For review:
1. During 26 October Strike - Israel Hit Undeclared Iranian Nuclear Site.
The Israeli strike on Parchin, destroyed sophisticated equipment used to design the explosives that could surround uranium in a nuclear device, significantly damaging Iran’s efforts to resume its nuclear weapons research.
2. As IDF continues attacks in Beirut and Southern Lebanon, Iran signal support for ceasefire deal. Senior Advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader (Ari Larijani) said Friday- that it (Iran) would support any decision taken by the Lebanese government and Lebanon’s “resistance” in current talks on a ceasefire.
3. Ukrainian President Zelensky said that the war with Russia will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have done once Donald Trump becomes US president next year.
4. German Chancellor & Russian President Speak by Phone.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have spoken directly for the first time since 2022. The Kremlin said that despite differences of the two leaders, the dialogue was "extremely positive".
5. Turkey to (possibly) procure 40 x Eurofighter Typhoon Jets from Germany.
Turkey's Defense Minister (Yasar Guler) “We will acquire 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Germany had been reluctant for a long time, but with the constructive contributions of our NATO allies Italy, the UK, and Spain, they finally gave a positive response.” The German Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment (to Breaking Defense).
6. Croatia to procure 6 x Bayraktar TB2 UAVs (Turkey) in deal worth $95 million.
The six aircraft will be equipped with electro-optical cameras for reconnaissance, an initial set of weapons, and have double radio coverage of the entire territory of Croatia in the stationary and mobile version.
7. Taiwan receives ATACMS and HIMARS systems from US.
The systems have been delivered to the 58th Artillery Command of the 10th Army Corps in Taichung.
8. US Navy Sub Launched Nuclear Cruise Missile Effort.
The Sea-Launched Cruise Missile – Nuclear (SLCM-N) was first initiated by the Trump administration. The Biden administration attempted to cancel the program but was overruled by Congress. President-elect Trump’s return will likely fuel the effort.

For review:
1. International Atomic Energy Agency Chief in Iran.
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi traveled to Tehran on Wednesday, to negotiate with the country’s top nuclear and political officials, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
2. Israeli Official (unnamed) denies Washington Post report concerning efforts to secure ceasefire in Lebanon as a "gift" to the incoming Trump administration (in January 2025).
3. Russia Open to Peace Negotiations Under Pres-Elect Trump Initiation.
Russia is open to negotiations on an end to the Ukraine war if initiated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, but any talks need to be based on the realities of Russian advances, Moscow's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva (Gennady Gatilov), told reporters on Thursday.
4. US Navy & USMC Missile Contract with Kongsberg.
The company will provide its Naval Strike Missile, which is being installed on the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships and Constellation-class frigates, and for the USMC Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS).
5. Latvia selects the Ascod Infantry Fighting Vehicle (tracked).
Though the number of vehicles is not disclosed, the estimated worth is $265 million.
6. Australia down-selects to two vendors for a competition to build 11 x frigates to replace the aging ANZAC-class ships. The two vendors are Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
7. US-Canada-Finland Icebreaker Effort.
American, Canadian and Finish officials committed to the joint development, construction and maintenance of polar icebreakers with the signing of the Icebreaker Collaborative Effort (ICE) Pact.
8. The USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program continues progress.
Two vendors- Anduril and General Atomics have completed Critical Design Review for their respective offerings: Anduril Fury and General Atomics Gambit.
The CCA effort aims to initially field roughly 1,000 of the drone wingmen that are expected to fly and fight alongside USAF aircraft.

For review:
1. Israel's New Submarine.
The Israeli Navy announced on Tuesday the name of its sixth submarines, dubbed “the Dragon”, in a ceremony in Germany with the naval vessel expected to be delivered to Israel later in 2025.
2. Israeli President Isaac Hertzog presents gift to US President Biden, on what is most likely, the last official visit by a Senior Israeli Official before his term ends in January 2025.
President Hertzog presented President Biden with a gift, an archaeological finding from the foot of the Temple Mount inscribed with the name “Joseph,” an apparent reference to the Biblical figure.
3. Iran to Increase Defense Budget by 200%.
The Iranian government plans to triple its military budget for the upcoming year amid an unprecedented escalation in attacks exchanged with Israel in recent months. Previously, Iran’s military budget was reportedly $10.3 billion, significantly lower than those of regional power such as Saudi Arabia, with approximately $70 billion.
4. President-Elect Trump Picks New Secretary of Defense and other key National Security Posts.
- Secretary of Defense: Pete Hegseth
- National Security Advisor: Mike Walz
- Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
- Director of the Central Intelligence Agency: John Ratcliffe
5. UK, Italy, and Japan continue forward in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) effort.
Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, RAF Chief of the Air Staff: “GCAP is very deliberately being designed to complement and enhance the capabilities of F-35, not replace it, but we also know that even a force of F-35 and GCAP will need to be augmented by what we call Autonomous Collaborative Platforms [ACPs] to defeat the threats that we see emerging.” (The acquisition of ACPs to sit alongside GCAP and F-35 jets as a way of increasing combat mass and allow crewed platforms to be less vulnerable to attack.)
6. Italian company Iveco joins Leonardo and Rheinmetall to develop combat vehicles (Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Main Battle Tanks).
Iveco said it would be looking to offer its capabilities in “advanced propulsion and drivetrain systems.

For review:
1. US & UK strike Houthi targets in in Yemen.
The Houthi-run Al Masirah television network reported three American and British raids that targeted the capital Sanaa’s southern Al Sabeen district.
2. US Strikes Iranian-backed Groups in Syria.
US CENTCOM forces attacked nine targets in two locations in Syria in response to several attacks on US personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours.
3. IDF Frontier Construction Along Alpha Line with Syria.
While Israel has not acknowledged the construction, it sent a 71-page letter in June to the UN outlining what it described as “Syrian violations of the Alpha Line and armed presence in the area of separation (that) occur daily.”
4. Washington Post reported (on Sunday), that President-elect Trump held a phone call with Russian President Putin (on Thursday).
A Kremlin spokesperson said the reports were "pure fiction", while Trump's team told the BBC that it would not comment on the president-elect's "private calls".
5. NATO's Joint Capability Group for Maritime Unmanned Systems (JCGMUS) will deliver and test an anti-submarine warfare barrier project demonstrator, at the September 2025 experiment in Portugal. The project involves 12 other countries, including Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the U.S., Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Australia.
6. Sweden selects Embraer C-390 (Brazil) transport aircraft to replace 6 x C-130Hs. Sweden joins Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands and Portugal as European operators of the C-390 Millennium.
7. US Army to Build Domestic TNT Plant in Graham, Kentucky.
“For the first time in decades, America will produce TNT on its own soil, manufacturing the explosive material our military uses for everything from hand grenades to 155mm artillery,” outgoing Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY).
8. US SPACECOM HQ Back to Redstone in 2025?
Space watchers say the odds are high that President-elect Donald Trump will redirect US Space Command headquarters to Huntsville, Ala., once he is in office — reversing the July 2023 decision by President Joe Biden to keep the command based in Colorado Springs, CO.
In January 2021, then President Trump decided on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL as US SPACECOM’s home just before he left the Oval Office.