For review:
1. US Sends B-52s to CENTCOM AOR.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is sending additional bomber aircraft and Navy warships to the Middle East to bolster presence in the region, as an aircraft carrier and its warships are preparing to leave.
2. US and Israeli Officials continue discussions on ceasefire plans in Lebanon.
A US official told The Times of Israel that US special envoy Amos Hochstein and White House Mideast czar Brett McGurk’s meetings with top Israeli officials in Jerusalem on Thursday were “substantive and constructive."
3. Iran Supreme Leader Orders Retaliation Attack on Israel.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ordered plans be drawn up by his Supreme National Security Council, after being briefed on the extent of the damage from the Israeli strikes.
4. Ukraine President: "Zero Reaction" Concerning N. Korean Troops in Kursk.
Regarding the reaction to the deployment of North Korean troops, Zelensky said, "Putin is checking the reaction of the West ... And I believe that after all these reactions, Putin will decide and increase the contingent ... The reaction that is there today is nothing, it is zero."
5. Turkey and Indonesia collaborate on Armored Personnel Carrier.
Manufacturing is set to begin in 2025. Deliveries are expected by the end of 2026, with the timing dictated by the Indonesian Army’s specific needs.
6. Japan launches amphibious warship planned for Maritime Unit.
The JS Nihonbare (LCU-4151) is an amphibious vessel that can transport a dozen vehicles or containers at speeds of 15.5 knots.
7. Taiwan to procure loitering munitions from the US in deal worth $360 million.
The US State Department approved the sale of 291 x Altius 600M-V and 720 x Switchblade 300 loitering munitions