314: Getting Ready for Iran: US Increasing Presence in CENTCOM AOR + Ukraine President: Russia Invited at Next Peace Summit + US Army Making Progress With Future Long Range Assault Aircraft Program + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US to exit final installation (Air Base 201) in Niger next week.
Air Base 201 was the final US military site in the West African country after forces exited Air Base 101 in July. The US spent years building it to launch drone operations and has used its military presence to train Nigerien forces as well.
2. Getting Ready for Iran: US Increasing Presence in CENTCOM AOR.
The US bolsters military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East following reports that Iranian military officials and proxy forces in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen will meet to discuss options to retaliate against Israel following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
3. UK Outlet Telegraph: Mossad hired Iranian security agents to plant explosives that killed Hamas Official Ismail Haniyeh.
4. IDF confirms that the Commander of Hamas' Military Wing (Muhammad Deif) was killed during the 13 July strike in Southern Gaza.
5. Ukraine President: Russia Invited at Next Peace Summit.
President Zelensky: "The majority of the world today says that Russia must be represented at the second summit, otherwise we will not achieve meaningful results. Since the whole world wants them to be at the table, we cannot be against it."
6. USAF Accident Investigation Board releases report for the fatal CV-22 crash that killed eight elite Air Commandos off the coast of Japan in November 2023.
7. US Army Making Progress With Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) Program.
FLRAA Program goals:
1. Limited User Tests - FY27-28.
2. Low-Rate Initial Production - FY28
3. First Unit Equipped: FY31