Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 15, 2025
Two high-ranking members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle reiterated Putin's June 2024 non-negotiable demands that any resolution of the war in Ukraine must result in regime change, extensive territorial concessions, and long-term limitations on Ukraine's military after US Special Envoy for the…
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https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-15-2025
Russian Force Generation and Technological Adaptations Update April 15, 2025
The Kremlin is using surge pricing for enlistment bonuses to recruit additional volunteers and attempt to sustain Russia's protracted war effort in Ukraine. Numerous Russian federal subjects dramatically increased the price of one-time enlistment bonuses in late 202…
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https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-force-generation-and-technological-adaptations-update-april-15-2025
Pentagon senior adviser Dan Caldwell ousted in probe into leaks
Officials said Caldwell’s sudden downfall is tied to an ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosure of department information.
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https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/04/15/pentagon-senior-adviser-dan-caldwell-ousted-in-probe-into-leaks/
It’s time to fully fund the Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft
The defense budget is the place to stop the decline in the Air Force's size and capabilities and begin its rebuilding, the authors of this op-ed argue.
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https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/2025/04/15/its-time-to-fully-fund-the-air-forces-collaborative-combat-aircraft/
Putting SPACECOM HQ in Alabama would have saved Pentagon $426 mil, DOD IG says
But then-SPACECOM commander Gen. Dickinson was worried the move would result in significant personnel losses.
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https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/04/putting-spacecom-hq-alabama-would-have-saved-pentagon-426-mil-dod-ig-says/404586/
Pentagon inspector general report rehashes Space Command HQ debate
Meanwhile, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee claims the White House will soon name Huntsville, Alabama, as Space Command's permanent home.
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https://www.defensenews.com/space/2025/04/15/pentagon-inspector-general-report-rehashes-space-command-hq-debate/
Space Force ‘Meadowlands’ jammer ready for formal testing
The system uses radio signals to jam enemy communications and Meadowlands brings an expanded frequency range, which improves its ability to interfere.
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https://www.defensenews.com/space/2025/04/15/space-force-meadowlands-jammer-ready-for-formal-testing/
Russia unveils updated ‘Wagner’s wagon’ armored vehicle
Russia has revealed a new version of its heavily armored “Chekan” MRAP vehicle, widely known as “Wagner’s wagon.” The vehicle, based on the Ural-4320 chassis, was originally developed for the Wagner Group and is now being used by both Russian regular forces and paramilitaries in Ukraine and other conflict zones. The three-axle vehicle feature…
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https://defence-blog.com/russia-unveils-updated-wagners-wagon-armored-vehicle/
The D Brief: Trump militarizes border, testing courts; Adm. Caudle for CNO?; Tariff war could cost DOD critical minerals; And a bit more.
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https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2025/04/the-d-brief-april-15-2025/404571/
Ukraine runs largest ground drone trial yet
Ukraine’s BRAVE1 defense technology cluster has announced the country’s largest test of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to date. According to an official statement from BRAVE1, more than 70 ground-based robotic platforms from 50 Ukrainian manufacturers were deployed in a coordinated field trial. The test involved navigating a 10-kilometer course under extreme con…
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https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-runs-largest-ground-drone-trial-yet/
Ghost Bat gets autonomy backbone from BAE Systems
BAE Systems Australia has signed a decade-long Head Agreement with Boeing Defense Australia to provide the sovereign Vehicle Management System (VMS) for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed combat aircraft. The agreement, announced last week, builds on BAE Systems’ strategic involvement in the Ghost Bat program since 2017. The MQ-28 is the first combat aircra…
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https://defence-blog.com/ghost-bat-gets-autonomy-backbone-from-bae-systems/
Tech startup aims to reinforce US sea power with drones
Blue Water Autonomy, a U.S.-based defense technology start-up, has officially emerged from stealth with $14 million in seed funding and a bold pledge to help restore America’s naval advantage through autonomous shipbuilding. The company, founded by Rylan Scott and Austin Gray, announced its funding round, backed by investors from Eclipse V…
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https://defence-blog.com/tech-startup-aims-to-reinforce-us-sea-power-with-drones/
Pentagon seeks feedback on how to structure $48B tech research recompete
The Defense Department specifically wants industry input on the future contract's setup, and how it could widen the scope for one area of work.
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https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/04/dod-seeks-initial-feedback-recompete-48b-tech-research-vehicle/404564/
South Korea offers UAE key role in KF-21 fighter program
South Korea and the United Arab Emirates are strengthening military ties through new agreements involving the Cheongung-II air defense system and the KF-21 fighter jet, according to South Korea’s Air Force. On Tuesday, South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su held talks with Maj. Gen. Rashed Mohammed A. Al Shamsi, commande…
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https://defence-blog.com/south-korea-offers-uae-key-role-in-kf-21-fighter-program/
Frozen Out: Why the UK Must Step Up in the Arctic
The Arctic is set to be a proving ground for the navies of the High North. As warmer temperatures open up shipping routes for longer each year, great resources are at stake, and a determination to exert control is growing evident among the UK’s neighbours in the region.
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https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/frozen-out-why-uk-must-step-arctic
Sudan’s Civil War: Global Stakes, Local Costs
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have fought a civil war in Sudan since April 2023. Countries such as Iran, Russia, and the UAE are fueling the war to the detriment of US interests in the Red Sea
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https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/sudan%E2%80%99s-civil-war-global-stakes-local-costs
Space Force ramps up UK partnership with civilian exchange program
The program will enable civilian professionals to learn new skills through hands-on experience at each ally organization, the U.S. Space Force said.
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https://www.defensenews.com/space/2025/04/15/space-force-ramps-up-uk-partnership-with-civilian-exchange-program/
Pentagon sends B-1B to Korea in show of force
The United States and South Korea conducted a joint air exercise on April 15 involving the deployment of U.S. B-1B strategic bombers over the Korean Peninsula. According to South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, the exercise featured U.S. and South Korean F-16 and F-35A stealth fighters alongside the B-1B Lancer, a long-range strategic bomber capable […]…
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https://defence-blog.com/pentagon-sends-b-1b-to-korea-in-show-of-force/
Trump threatens Iran with military action
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, accusing Tehran of stalling nuclear negotiations and suggesting that the United States is prepared to take military action if talks fail. Speaking from the Oval Office on April 14 alongside El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Trump expressed frustration over the pace of recent discussions held […]
The post …
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https://defence-blog.com/trump-threatens-iran-with-military-action/
Iran Update, April 14, 2025
Iran and the United States held nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, on April 12. The Iranian delegation, which was led by Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi, presented Iran’s demands and red lines to the US delegation, which was led by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
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https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-april-14-2025
