For review:
1. Israel - Hamas Ceasefire & Hostage Talks Continue.
Key mediator Qatar it had presented both parties with a “final” draft of the agreement. Israel’s Channel 12 news reported Monday that Jerusalem considered it broadly acceptable. CNN cited an Egyptian official as saying the mediating countries — Qatar, Egypt, and the United States — had not yet received a response from Hamas.
2. NATO Secretary General (Mark Rutte) Wants Commitment for Increased Spending by Alliance Members.
Reuters reported on Monday that Secretary Rutte is of the view that new military capability targets could require members to commit to “as much as” 3.7 percent GDP.
3. Greece Adds Rafale Fighters to Warplane Arsenal.
The latest Rafale delivery supports Greece's goal to operate 200 x aircraft from the 4.5 and 5th generations comprising the F-16 Viper, F-35s, and the Rafales by 2030.
Greece now operates 24 x Rafale fighters.
4. USMC awards contract to integrate the Forterra autonomy package on JLTVs in support of the ROGUE Fires Vehicle & NMESIS program.
NMESIS = Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System.
5. US Navy Vice Chief of Naval Operations (Admiral Jim Kilby) makes a statement at the annual Surface Navy Association symposium regarding the downing of the F/A-18 by friendly fire, in December 2024.
6. Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth appears before the Senate Armed Service Committee for confirmation hearing.