https://www.facebook.com/108576338726969/

Military Force TV, Pastor Street, Batangas City (2025)

21/08/2025

🪖 Israel Begins Assault on Gaza City, Mobilizes 60,000 Reservists

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Israel launched the first phase of a planned military assault on Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing war with Hamas. The operation follows the approval of a takeover plan by Defense Minister Israel Katz, which includes the mobilization of 60,000 reservists and the extension of service for an additional 20,000 troops.

Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin confirmed:

> “We have begun the preliminary actions and the initial stages of the offensive on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding positions on the outskirts of Gaza City”.

Defrin added that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would intensify strikes on Hamas targets while attempting to minimize harm to civilians by issuing evacuation warnings and expanding humanitarian aid distribution points.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed that the timetables for seizing control of Gaza City and defeating Hamas be shortened, stating:

> “Together we will win,” while expressing appreciation for the reservists and their families.

The assault is expected to displace thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza to the south, where humanitarian conditions are deteriorating. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, including dozens of children who died from starvation in recent weeks.

International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have proposed a 60-day ceasefire framework involving the release of hostages, freeing of Palestinian prisoners, and expanded aid access. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated:

> “The ball is now in Israel’s court… We would like a positive response from them as soon as possible in order to deal with the disastrous situation in Gaza”.

Israel has not formally responded to the ceasefire proposal. Netanyahu reiterated last week that any deal must ensure the simultaneous release of all hostages and meet Israel’s conditions for ending the war.

---

📚 Verified Sources:
1. “Israel enters first stage of planned assault on Gaza City” – www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/israel-approves-plan-for-gaza-city-takeover-and-call-up-of-60000-reservists/ar-AA1KRJBz
2. “Israel Clears Military Plan To Seize Gaza City, 60,000 Reservists Called Up Amid Ceasefire Push” – www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/israel-clears-military-plan-to-seize-gaza-city-60000-reservists-called-up-amid-ceasefire-push/ar-AA1KSP2a
3. “Israel Launches First Stage of Gaza City Assault as 60,000 Reservists Mobilized” – www.btimesonline.com/articles/175273/20250821/israel-launches-first-stage-of-gaza-city-assault-as-60-000-reservists-mobilized.htm
4. “Israel to call up 60,000 reservists in plan to expand war, seize Gaza City” – www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/20/israel-to-call-up-60000-reservists-in-plan-to-expand-war-seize-gaza-city
5. “Israel approves Gaza City assault plan, calls up 60,000 reservists amid truce push” – www.firstpost.com/world/israel-approves-gaza-city-assault-plan-calls-up-60000-reservists-amid-truce-push-13926611.html
6. “Israeli defence minister approves plan to conquer Gaza City, call up 60,000 reservists” – www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250820-israeli-defence-minister-approves-plan-to-conquer-gaza-city-call-up-60-000-reservists
7. “Israel approves Gaza City plan, call-up of reservists amid ceasefire talks” – www.nbcnews.com/world/israel/israel-approves-gaza-city-plan-call-up-reservists-ceasefire-hamas-rcna226001

21/08/2025

🛩️ Russian Drone Explosion in Poland: Officials Confirm Provocation

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a Russian military drone crashed and exploded in a cornfield near Osiny, in Luków County, eastern Poland, roughly 100 kilometers southeast of Warsaw. The blast created a 6-meter-wide crater, shattered windows in nearby homes, and scattered burned metal and plastic debris, but no injuries were reported.

Polish Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the drone was Russian, stating:

> “We are dealing with a provocation by the Russian Federation, with a Russian drone. This comes at a special moment, when there are ongoing discussions about peace... Russia is once again provoking.”

Kosiniak-Kamysz held a security briefing with top commanders and agencies including the Military Counterintelligence Service, Internal Security Agency, Military Police, and National Police. He emphasized that the drone was a “small object”, difficult to detect, and likely military in nature.

Grzegorz Trusiewicz, head of the Lublin Regional Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed the drone carried explosive materials and ruled out civilian or smuggling use:

> “We are tentatively dealing with a military drone. It is most likely that its damage was caused by explosives.”

Trusiewicz added:

> “We have a lot of manpower, we have the army to help us. I hope that we will be able to finish the operation by the evening.”

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski will lead diplomatic efforts, including lodging a formal protest. The National Security Bureau (BBN) confirmed that the President is being kept informed.

The Polish Armed Forces Operational Command reported no violations of airspace from Ukraine or Belarus during the night.

---

📚 Sources:
1. “Russian military drone crashes and explodes in eastern Poland, defence minister says” – www.msn.com/en-nz/news/other/suspected-military-drone-crashes-and-explodes-in-eastern-poland-officials-say/ar-AA1KSWPc
2. “Drone that exploded in eastern Poland was Russian, defence minister says” – www.polskieradio.pl/395/7784/Artykul/3567856,drone-that-exploded-in-eastern-poland-was-russian-defence-minister-says
3. “Poland blames Russia for drone crash” – www.politico.eu/article/poland-blames-russia-for-drone-crash/

Let me know if you'd like this adapted for a formal communique or briefing note.

19/08/2025

🇮🇷 Iran vs Israel: All-Out War Looming or Strategic Bluff?

As of August 2025, Iran is not officially in an all-out war with Israel—but it’s teetering dangerously close. The June 12–24 conflict, which saw thousands of missiles exchanged and direct U.S. involvement, ended in a fragile pause. No formal ceasefire was signed. Iranian officials now describe the situation as a “stage of war,” not peace.

🔥 What Are the Odds of Full-Scale War?

- High and rising. Iran’s top military adviser, Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi, warned that “a new war could erupt at any moment” and that “after that war, perhaps there will be no more wars”.
- Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref echoed this, saying, “We are not in a ceasefire; we are in a cessation of hostilities”.
- Israel continues to strike Iranian-linked targets across Syria and Lebanon, while Iran has formed a new Defense Council to centralize wartime decision-making.
- U.S. and Israeli leaders have warned Iran against resuming uranium enrichment. Trump stated, “We’ll be back” if Iran restarts its nuclear program.

🛡️ How Ready and Equipped Is Iran?

Iran has spent decades preparing for sustained conflict. Despite heavy losses in June, its core military infrastructure remains intact and modernizing.

Missile Arsenal
- Iran retained most of its missile stockpile during the war, including Khorramshahr-4, Emad, and Qadr—with ranges up to 2,000 km.
- The new Rastakhiz missile, unveiled in July, features dual warheads: one for tactical nuclear strikes and another for EMP disruption of enemy infrastructure.

Air Defense
- Iran has restored its S-300 systems and upgraded its domestic Bavar-373, capable of intercepting missiles at 300 km range.
- Additional systems like 15-Khordad, Majid, and Sayyad 4B were tested in January.

Drone Power
- Iran received 1,000 new drones in early 2025, including long-range Gaza drones and stealth UAVs like JAS-313.
- The Shahid Bagheri drone carrier, with a 35,000 km range, can operate for a year without refueling.

Command Structure
- The newly formed Defense Council, chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, includes top military commanders and streamlines wartime decisions.

Strategic Depth
- Iran has fortified underground missile cities and naval bases, signaling readiness for prolonged conflict.
- It has also suspended cooperation with the IAEA and threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if sanctions are reinstated.

🧠 Editorial Perspective

Iran isn’t bluffing. It’s building toward a confrontation it believes may be existential. The regime’s messaging is clear: it sees war not as a possibility, but as a near inevitability. Whether Israel chooses to escalate or contain depends on its own strategic calculus—but Iran is positioning itself to absorb the first blow and retaliate with force.

The odds of all-out war? Uncomfortably high. The region is one miscalculation away from a conflict that could reshape the Middle East.

---

📚 Verified Sources

- “Iran Warns: Ceasefire is Temporary, New conflict with Israel Could Erupt at Any Moment” – https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/iran-warns-ceasefire-is-temporary-new-conflict-with-israel-could-erupt-at-any-moment/ar-AA1KMyPI
- “Senior Iranian official warns war with Israel could break out anytime” – https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/must-be-prepared-at-every-moment-for-confrontation-iran-on-conflict-with-israel/ar-AA1KK7wh
- “Iran warns war with Israel could resume at any time” – https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/08/18/iran-warns-war-with-israel-could-resume-at-any-time
- “We're not in a ceasefire: Iran warns a final war may happen soon with Israel or US” – https://www.firstpost.com/world/we-are-not-in-a-ceasefire-iran-warns-a-final-war-may-happen-soon-with-israel-or-us-13925831.html
- “Iran’s Renewed Military Readiness and the Rastakhiz Missile” – https://www.specialeurasia.com/2025/08/13/iran-rastakhiz-mssile/
- “Iran showcases new weapons as it prepares for a rocky 2025” – https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/6/iran-showcases-new-weapons-as-it-prepares-for-a-rocky-2025
- “Warpower: Iran – August 2025 Military Capabilities Overview” – https://www.warpoweriran.com/
- “Iran Update, August 4, 2025 – Institute for the Study of War” – https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-august-4-2025
- “Defense Council to bolster Iran’s military coordination, say lawmakers” – https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/516515/Defense-Council-to-bolster-Iran-s-military-coordination-say
- “European powers say they’re ready to snap back Iran nuclear sanctions at end of August” – https://www.timesofisrael.com/european-powers-say-theyre-ready-to-snap-back-iran-nuclear-sanctions-at-end-of-august/

Let me know if you'd like a comparative breakdown of Israel’s readiness or a strategic risk map for the region.

19/08/2025

🇮🇱 Israel’s War Economy in 2025

Israel’s financial reality in August 2025 is defined by a paradox: a technically functioning economy weighed down by the most expensive and expansive military campaign in its history. The wars in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria have triggered a cascade of budgetary shocks, international backlash, and internal strain that no amount of fiscal maneuvering can fully conceal.

🧨 The Price of War

- The Gaza war alone has cost Israel over ₪250 billion ($67.5 billion) by the end of 2024, covering military operations, civilian support, and lost productivity.
- The Iran conflict added an estimated ₪5.5 billion ($1.45 billion) in just the first 48 hours, with daily costs reaching ₪2.75 billion ($725 million).
- Reserve call-ups—100,000 soldiers at a time—cost the state about ₪100 million ($26.5 million) per day, factoring in wages, food, and shelter.

💰 Defense Budget Surge

- Israel’s 2025 defense budget stands at ₪110 billion ($32.7 billion), nearly 9% of GDP.
- An additional ₪42 billion ($12.5 billion) was approved to cover ongoing operations and replenish depleted missile stocks.
- Arrow 2 and 3 interceptors, used extensively during the Iran war, are now being mass-produced under emergency contracts.

📉 Fiscal Fallout

- The fiscal deficit target was widened from 4.9% to 5.2% of GDP to accommodate war spending.
- The total budget ceiling was raised to ₪756 billion ($224.8 billion).
- Across-the-board cuts of 3.35% were imposed on ministries—except Defense.

🌍 Global Repercussions

- Germany halted military exports to Israel, citing concerns over their use in Gaza.
- Norway’s $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund divested from six Israeli firms tied to the occupied territories.
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza—over 62,000 dead and 156,000 wounded—has triggered widespread condemnation and diplomatic isolation.

🧠 Editorial Perspective

Israel’s financial system hasn’t collapsed—but it’s bleeding slowly. The government’s pursuit of “complete superiority” is burning through economic reserves and global goodwill. The war economy is no longer just about missiles and tanks; it’s about reputational capital, investor confidence, and the moral ledger of a nation.

The deeper cost isn’t in shekels—it’s in the erosion of strategic clarity. Israel may win battles, but the war for its future is being fought in its balance sheets, its streets, and the court of global opinion.

Photo by The New Yorker

---

Sources:

- “Israel’s wars in Iran and Gaza: How much will they cost the Jewish nation?” – https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/israel-war-costs-gaza-iran-defence-budget-economy-impact-13897924.html
- “Israel to widen fiscal deficit target to fund war” – https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-to-widen-fiscal-deficit-target-to-fund-war-1001519250
- “Israel adds billions to defense spending amid ongoing wars” – https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-adds-billions-to-defense-spending-amid-ongoing-wars-growing-challenges/
- “Government adding billions to budget, including for Gaza aid” – https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/government-adding-billions-to-budget-including-for-gaza-aid-as-war-costs-mount/
- “Updates: Hamas says it approved Gaza truce deal as Israel steps up attacks” – https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/8/18/live-israel-kills-dozens-of-palestinians-as-attacks-on-gaza-city-intensify
- “Map Reveals Deadliest Wars This Year” – https://www.newsweek.com/map-reveals-deadliest-wars-2025-2113951

19/08/2025

Hamas Approves Ceasefire Deal as Pressure Mounts on Israel’s Gaza Offensive

GAZA CITY — Hamas and allied Palestinian factions have officially conveyed their approval of a ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, signaling a potential breakthrough in the nearly two-year war with Israel. The announcement was made Monday, August 19, following intensive negotiations in Cairo and Doha.

The accepted plan includes a 60-day suspension of hostilities, the release of 10 live Israeli hostages and 18 bodies, and a reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza are also part of the framework, with Israeli forces expected to reposition near the border to facilitate access.

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the group’s acceptance on Facebook, stating that the factions viewed the proposal as the “best available option to protect the people of Gaza from military escalation”. The deal closely mirrors a previous framework introduced by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, which Israel had reportedly accepted in principle.

Despite Hamas’ approval, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not formally responded. His office previously insisted that “all hostages must be released at once” for any deal to be considered. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks advanced toward Gaza City’s Sabra district on Monday, underscoring the urgency of diplomatic efforts.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the proposal had been forwarded to Israel, adding that “the ball is now in its court”. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani joined the talks and met with both Hamas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to consolidate mediation efforts.

The ceasefire proposal marks the most significant diplomatic movement since the October 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the war. With Gaza facing famine and mass displacement, international pressure is mounting for a resolution.

—

Sources:

1. “Hamas Accepts Proposal for 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza” – https://en.tempo.co/read/2040977/hamas-accepts-proposal-for-60-day-ceasefire-in-gaza
2. “Hamas accepts proposed deal for ceasefire with Israel and hostage release, Egyptian source says” – https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/hamas-accepts-proposed-deal-ceasefire-israel-and-hostage-release-egyptian-source-says-5301126
3. “Hamas accepts peace deal and hostage return proposal - as Israeli PM Netanyahu vows to go ahead with Gaza City offensive” – https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15013087/Hamas-accepts-peace-deal-hostage-return-Israeli-Netanyahu-ahead-Gaza-City-offensive.html
4. “Hamas accepts ceasefire proposal with Israel, Egyptian source says” – https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/hamas-accepts-ceasefire-proposal-with-israel-egyptian-source-says/ss-AA1l5KnP
5. “Hamas 'approve' latest Gaza ceasefire proposal” – https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/hamas-accepts-new-gaza-truce-plan-hamas-official/ar-AA1KK2sS
6. “Middle East: Hamas accepts new Gaza truce proposal” – https://www.dw.com/en/middle-east-hamas-accepts-new-gaza-truce-proposal/live-73679381
7. “Hamas receives new Gaza truce plan: Palestinian official to AFP” – https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/8/18/hamas-receives-new-gaza-truce-plan-palestinian-official-to-afp-2057

19/08/2025

Japan’s Mitsubishi F-X: Sixth-Generation Stealth Fighter in Development

Japan is developing its own sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, known as the Mitsubishi F-X or F-3, to replace the aging Mitsubishi F-2 and reinforce its air superiority in the Indo-Pacific. The program is led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and supported by the Ministry of Defense, with formal development underway as of 2025.

🔗 Strategic Partnership: GCAP Alliance

- In December 2022, Japan joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the United Kingdom and Italy.
- This alliance merges Japan’s F-X program with the UK’s Tempest and Italy’s future fighter efforts.
- A formal treaty was signed in December 2023, solidifying the trilateral collaboration.
- Japan contributes expertise in stealth materials, electronic warfare, and adaptive propulsion systems.
- The GCAP aims to deliver an operational sixth-generation fighter by 2035, with a flight demonstrator expected in 2027.

💸 Budget and Investment

- Japan has committed over ¥5 trillion (approx. $35 billion USD) to the F-X program through 2035.
- Funding covers R&D, prototyping, production, and integration with allied systems.
- IHI Corporation leads engine development, focusing on the XF9 adaptive cycle engine, which can switch between high-thrust and fuel-efficient modes.

🧠 Advanced Technologies

The Mitsubishi F-X is expected to feature:

- AI-assisted combat systems for real-time decision-making and autonomous drone coordination.
- 360-degree sensor fusion, allowing pilots to “see through” the aircraft via helmet-mounted displays.
- Hypersonic missile capability, with weapons exceeding Mach 5.
- Laser-based defense systems to intercept incoming threats.
- Radar-absorbent coatings and stealth shaping to minimize radar cross-section.

🗣️ Leadership and Strategic Messaging

- Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated at the G20 Summit in November 2024:
“Japan’s future fighter must be intelligent, sovereign, and survivable. The F-X is not just a jet—it’s our national shield.”
- A GCAP spokesperson at DSEI Japan 2025 emphasized:
“This is not just about aircraft. It’s about redefining global defense collaboration.”

🛫 Historical Context and Timeline

- Japan’s stealth journey began with the X-2 Shinshin, an experimental aircraft flown in 2016, which validated domestic stealth technologies.
- The F-X builds on that foundation, integrating lessons from the X-2 and global best practices.
- Development formally began in 2025, with deployment targeted for 2035.

---

📚 Verified Sources

- “Mitsubishi F-X: Japan’s Revolutionary 6th-Generation Fighter Jet” – Engineerine
https://engineerine.com/mitsubishi-f-x-fighter-jet/

- “Global Combat Air Programme” – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GlobalCombatAir_Programme

- “The Mitsubishi F-X: Japan’s Visionary Leap into Sixth-Generation Air Superiority” – BoltFlight
https://boltflight.com/the-mitsubishi-f-x-japans-visionary-leap-into-sixth-generation-air-superiority/

- “GCAP Strategic Briefing 2025” – DSEI Japan
https://www.dsei-japan.com/global-combat-aircraft-programme

- “Japan, UK, Italy to Jointly Develop Next-Gen Fighter Jet” – The Japan Times
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/12/09/national/japan-uk-italy-fighter-jet/

- “Japan’s Sixth-Gen Fighter Will Feature AI, Hypersonics, and Laser Weapons” – Defense News
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2023/06/15/japans-sixth-gen-fighter-will-feature-ai-hypersonics-and-laser-weapons/

- “XF9 Engine Development for Japan’s Future Fighter” – IHI Corporation
https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/products/military/xF9-engine.html

19/08/2025

Zelensky Unveils $90B U.S. Weapons Deal as Cornerstone of Ukraine’s Security Guarantees

WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a proposed $90 billion weapons package from the United States is central to Ukraine’s evolving security framework, following high-level talks with President Donald Trump and European leaders at the White House on August 19.

The deal, still under negotiation, would see Ukraine purchase American weapons using European funding, aligning with Trump’s stance that U.S. support should be transactional: “We’re not giving anything. We’re selling weapons,” he told reporters.

Zelensky also revealed plans for a $50 billion joint drone production initiative with U.S. partners, part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign aid. The proposal includes leveraging $300 billion in frozen Russian assets for war reparations and insists that any sanctions relief must be conditional on Moscow’s compliance with a future peace agreement.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, present at the summit, emphasized that a ceasefire must precede any formal agreement: “I can’t imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire,” he said.

Zelensky’s pitch aims to secure long-term deterrence against Russian aggression while appealing to Trump’s economic priorities. The final framework is expected to be formalized within 10 days.

—

Sources:

- “Zelensky Reveals $90B US Weapons Deal in Ukraine Security Plan” — https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/ukrainian-security-guarantees-include-purchase-90-billion-american-weapons-375
- “Ukrainian security guarantees would include purchase of $90 billion of American weapons: Zelensky” — https://www.thestatesman.com/world/ukrainian-security-guarantees-would-include-purchase-of-90-billion-of-american-weapons-zelensky-1503473480.html
- “US will help assure Ukraine’s security in peace deal — Trump” — https://www.bworldonline.com/world/2025/08/19/692493/us-will-help-assure-ukraines-security-in-peace-deal-trump/

17/08/2025

Israeli Defense Minister Warns Iran’s Supreme Leader of Retaliation

August 11, 2025 — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following Tehran’s release of an assassination list targeting senior Israeli officials.

In a statement posted online, Katz declared:
> “I suggest to the Iranian dictator Khamenei that when he leaves his bunker, he should occasionally look up at the sky and listen carefully to any buzzing. Participants of ‘Operation Red Wedding’ are waiting for him there.”

The remark comes amid rising tensions after Iran’s June missile attacks on Israeli cities and renewed threats against Israeli leadership.

Source:
Israel Hayom – “Israeli defense minister threatens Khamenei with elimination”
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/08/11/israeli-defense-minister-threatens-khamenei-with-elimination/

17/08/2025

For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European military-industrial output for Ukraine has overtaken that of the United States, according to verified data from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Between February 2022 and June 2025, Europe delivered at least €35.1 billion ($41.1 billion) worth of newly produced military equipment to Ukraine — €4.4 billion ($5.15 billion) more than the U.S. over the same period.

This shift reflects a broader realignment in transatlantic defense policy, especially under the Trump administration, which has pivoted from direct military aid to arms sales.

The latest U.S. weapons packages for Ukraine — including Patriot missiles and artillery systems — are being financed by European allies through NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, rather than donated by Washington.

🔍 Key Highlights:

- In May and June 2025, European governments allocated €10.5 billion ($12.3 billion) in new military aid, with €4.6 billion ($5.4 billion) routed through procurement contracts rather than stockpiles — a sign of growing reliance on industrial output.

- Europe’s total military aid to Ukraine now exceeds $65 billion, with Germany (€16.5B), UK (€13.8B), and Denmark (€9.16B) leading the pack.

- Poland has emerged as the top tank donor, sending 354 tanks to Ukraine, followed by the Netherlands (104) and Denmark (94).

- Denmark’s aid equals 2.9% of its GDP, the highest proportional contribution among European nations.

- The EU’s SAFE loan program, worth €150 billion, is fueling further arms production and procurement for Ukraine, with countries like Bulgaria and Latvia already submitting plans to use funds for artillery shells and missile systems.

🏭 Industrial Expansion

European arms manufacturers are rapidly scaling up production. Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, and Kongsberg have launched new factories or joint ventures in Ukraine and across Europe. The EU’s ASAP program (€500 million) has funded 88 sites to boost ammunition output, with plans to produce 2 million artillery shells in 2025 — up from 300,000 pre-war.

In contrast, U.S. production has faced bottlenecks. While the Pentagon has increased output of 155mm shells and PAC-3 missiles, much of its aid is now conditional on European financing. President Trump’s administration approved major arms exports in May 2025, but Kyiv must purchase them, shifting the burden to European allies.

🧠 Strategic Implications

Taro Nishikawa of the Kiel Institute noted, “Military aid to Ukraine is increasingly determined by the capacity of the defense industry. Europe has now procured more through new defense contracts than the United States — marking a clear shift away from drawing on arsenals toward industrial production.”

While the U.S. remains the largest single donor, Europe’s combined output and consistency have made it the dominant force in sustaining Ukraine’s defense. Analysts warn that this trend could reshape global defense alliances and industrial dependencies in the years ahead.

---

Sources:
- “European military-industrial output for Ukraine outpaces the US” – Defense News
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/08/13/european-military-industrial-output-for-ukraine-outpaces-the-us/

- “Ukraine Support Tracker: Europe now leading spender on weapons production for Ukraine” – Kiel Institute
https://www.ifw-kiel.de/publications/news/ukraine-support-tracker-europe-now-leading-spender-on-weapons-production-for-ukraine/

- “Nearly half Europe’s aid for Ukraine coming from procurement rather than stockpiles, says think tank” – Euractiv
https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence/news/nearly-half-europes-aid-for-ukraine-coming-from-procurement-rather-than-stockpiles-says-think-tank/

- “Germany pledges additional military aid for Ukraine and spearheads European rearmament drive” – WSWS
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/08/15/mili-a15.html

Would you like a follow-up on how this affects Southeast Asian defense strategies or procurement trends?

17/08/2025

U.S. fighter jets retired over the last 20 years, reflecting shifts in technology, strategy, and budget priorities:

---

✈️ Retired U.S. Fighter Jets (2005–2025)

1. F-14 Tomcat
Retired in 2006 by the U.S. Navy, the F-14 was a twin-engine, variable-sweep wing fighter known for its long-range Phoenix missile system. It was replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet due to high maintenance costs and evolving mission needs.
(Source: SlashGear – “10 Legendary U.S. Military Aircraft That Were Retired Too Soon” https://www.slashgear.com/1310549/legendary-us-military-aircraft-retired-too-soon/)

2. F-117 Nighthawk
Officially retired in 2008, the F-117 was the world’s first operational stealth aircraft. Though retired, some units have been seen flying in test roles. It was replaced by the F-22 Raptor and later the F-35.
(Source: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/formally-retired-in-2007-the-f-117-still-flies-for-the-air-force

3. F-4 Phantom II
While phased out of frontline service in the 1990s, the last U.S. Air Force QF-4 drone variants were retired in 2016. The F-4 was a Vietnam-era icon and served in multiple roles including air superiority and ground attack.
(Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/why-was-the-f-4-phantom-retired-and-what-was-its-top-speed/ar-AA1vuGYN

4. A-10 Thunderbolt II (in progress)
Although not fully retired yet, the U.S. Air Force began phasing out the A-10 in 2023, with plans to retire all units by the early 2030s. Known for its tank-killing GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the A-10 is being replaced by multi-role platforms like the F-35.
(Source: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/29/us-air-force-to-retire-162-a-10-in-2026/

5. F-15C/D Eagle (ongoing)
The Air Force has started retiring older F-15C/D models, with the F-15EX Eagle II taking their place. The retirement is gradual, with full replacement expected by the late 2020s.
(Source: https://theaviationist.com/2025/03/28/kadena-last-operational-f-15-eagle-flight/

---

These retirements reflect the U.S. military’s shift toward stealth, digital integration, and multi-role flexibility.

Military Force TV

21/08/2025

21/08/2025

19/08/2025

19/08/2025

19/08/2025

19/08/2025

19/08/2025

17/08/2025

17/08/2025

17/08/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category