For review:
1. Sad Story: US Navy identified two Navy Seals lost at sea following a boarding mission on 11 January 2024.
2. US and UK strikes Houthi Rebels in Yemen with Tomahawk Missiles and Warplanes (F/A 18E/F Super Hornets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and UK Royal Air Force Typhoon jets). Tomahawks fired from Guided Missile Cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), and Guided Missile Destroyers USS Mason (DDG-87) & USS Gravely (DDG-107).
3. IDF reports fierce fighting in Southern Gaza. Four Units from the 98th Division in action: Commando Brigade, Paratroop Brigade, Givati Brigade, & 7th Brigade.
4. Israel reportedly offers proposal for (up to two-month) pause in Gaza fighting for return of all hostages. Release of Palestinian prisoners is also reported to part of the proposal.
5. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (Dr. William La Plante) directs USAF B-21 Raider bomber to begin Low-Rate Production.
6. From the Armor Not Dead Files: UK Shows Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank Prototype. Upgrades from Challenger 2 include: 120mm smoothbore gun; Digitized Turret; Trophy Active Protection System (APS); & Modular Armor System.
7. UK Army Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) news. British Army has received 2 x prototypes which are undergoing trials.
(Artec- Rheinmetall Landsysteme-Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) joint venture makes Boxer MIV)
8. France Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announces Artillery for Ukraine framework that will focus on sending 78 x Caesar Mobile 155mm artillery systems plus other materiel (including 155mm munitions). Other systems include: ground-to-air defense, armored vehicles, air forces (platforms), and maritime security.
9. South Korea leads the way. South Korean military establishes the Drone Operations Command that consolidates drone (offensive) and counter-drone (defensive) operations and training. This Joint Command is led by Major General (Army).