247: UNSC Resolution 2728 Passes (US Abstains) + Houthi Rebels Engage Chinese Ship in Red Sea + Spain to Provide More Leopard Tanks to Ukraine + US Army Next Gen Squad Weapon Ammo Plant + US Navy Unfunded Priority List + More

I - On Defense Podcast

For review:
1. US Security Council passes Resolution 2728- demanding an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and "the urgent need to expand the flow" of aid into Gaza. There were 14 votes in favor with the US abstaining. Ramadan ends o/a 09 April.
2. After UN Security Council Resolution passes, Israel cancels delegation to US for Rafah ground offensive discussions.
3. US CENTCOM X:
23 Mar- USS Carney (DDG 64), engaged six Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) over the southern Red Sea. Five crashed into the Red Sea, and one flew inland into Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
4. On 24 Mar, Houthi Rebels Engage Chinese Ship (M/V Huang Pu) in Red Sea. No casualties reported. Vessel continued voyage. Experts say likely a mistake.
5. Spain to provide 19 x Leopard 2 A4 tanks to Ukraine. Spain previously provided 6 x Leopards in 2023.
6. Estonia to provide a $22 million aid package to Ukraine. Package includes 155mm artillery munitions, anti-tank weapons, sniper rifles, and small-caliber ammunition.
7. UK developing sub-launched nuclear warhead to replace the Trident system. Program in parallel with US efforts.
8. US Navy FY25 Unfunded Priority list worth $2.2 billion. Includes improvements to the submarine industrial base, Standard Missile-2s, MK-48 torpedoes, and other materiel.
9. US Army to build Next Generation Squad Weapon ammunition plant (6.8mm) at Independence City, Missouri.