Title: Ukrainian Soldiers Hope for Continued U.S. Support Following Trump’s Election

KYIV, Ukraine — As news of Donald Trump’s presidential victory broke on Wednesday, soldiers stationed on the front lines of the conflict with Russia expressed their hopes for the next U.S. administration. Many were only vaguely aware of the election results but remained optimistic about the future of American support for Ukraine.

The crew commanding an artillery battery in eastern Ukraine continues to engage Russian forces daily, and their need for ongoing military assistance remains pressing. The unit’s commander, identified only as Mozart, articulated a crucial sentiment among troops: “We don’t care who is the president, as long as they don’t cut us off from help.”

American aid has been a lifeline for Ukraine, with Trump’s previous administration being recognized for its initial weapon supply to Ukraine in 2017, which proved vital during the escalation of the conflict in 2022. However, Trump’s views towards foreign engagements are complex, casting uncertainty over potential future support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the first global leaders to congratulate Trump on his victory, emphasizing their September meeting where they discussed strategies to counter Russian aggression. He expressed hope that Trump’s vision of “peace through strength” could foster a resolution favorable to Ukraine.

Despite this, concerns loom regarding Trump’s record of minimizing U.S. involvement abroad. During a recent debate, he notably sidestepped questions on whether he supported Ukraine in its conflict, raising fears that Kyiv might face unfavorable terms in potential negotiations under his leadership.

On the ground in Ukraine, sentiments vary. Eighteen-year-old law student Viktoriia Zubrytska remarked on her pragmatism towards American politics, suggesting that under Trump, Ukraine might have to concede territories for peace—a prospect she believes is preferable to the illusionary support she feels was fostered during the Biden administration.

With significant differences in perspectives, a recent survey noted that while 74% of voters supporting Democratic candidates favored continued aid to Ukraine, only 36% of Trump’s supporters shared this view.

Ukrainian soldiers, such as Andriy, nicknamed "Rodych," appear resigned to the unfolding situation beyond their control. “We will come up with something," he said, reflecting the determination seen among troops. "We are a shield between Europe and Russia.”

As international allies watch the developments closely, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed the theme of “peace through strength,” reaffirming the necessity for European defense spending in light of rising threats from Russia.

Meanwhile, in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the U.S. as an “unfriendly” nation while acknowledging Trump’s assertion that he could swiftly help bring the conflict to an end.

As the geopolitical landscape shifts with Trump’s election, the fate of Ukraine continues to hang in the balance, with its soldiers steadfastly navigating the complexities of the war while hoping for sustained American support.

Trump’s Return to Presidency Raises Questions on Middle East Policy Amid Ongoing Conflicts

TEL AVIV, Israel — As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the U.S. presidency amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, questions loom about his approach to the region’s complex conflicts. With the war in Gaza still raging and Israel intensifying its military operations against Hezbollah, Trump’s promises of peace face significant scrutiny.

Trump, who has a history of staunch support for Israel, assures voters he aims to bring an end to violence in the region. However, his commitment to a swift resolution of the conflict raises concerns among analysts and critics. “Get it over with and let’s get back to peace and stop killing people,” Trump stated in a recent interview while discussing the Gaza conflict, which erupted following Hamas’ devastating attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Israeli offensive has led to a staggering number of casualties, with more than 43,000 reported dead in Gaza, according to health officials. The humanitarian toll has sparked worldwide protests and led to growing calls for accountability, as two international courts examine potential war crimes linked to the conflict.

Despite Trump’s calls for Israel to "finish the job" against Hamas, his exact strategy remains unclear. Analysts question whether his rhetoric suggests an indefinite military offensive or a push towards a ceasefire. “Does ‘finish the job’ mean a green light for further military action, or does it imply a need to halt operations?” noted David Makovsky, director of the Program on Arab-Israeli Relations at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Netanyahu, who has received unwavering support from Trump in the past, sees hope in a pro-Israel administration. Under Trump’s first term, he aligned closely with Netanyahu’s hardline policies, withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. As the Biden administration adopts a more cautious stance, including restrictions on arms deliveries amid Gaza’s turmoil, Netanyahu’s far-right government may find a friendlier ally in Trump, potentially leading to a more aggressive military stance against perceived threats from Iran.

However, the enduring question persists: what vision does Trump hold for Gaza post-conflict? His comments about potential redevelopment in Gaza, claiming it could be "better than Monaco," lack concrete policy outlines, leaving many skeptical about his commitment to addressing Palestinian rights and governance issues. As one former adviser to Palestinian leaders expressed, many doubt Trump’s concern for Palestinians, given his historical disregard for equitable solutions.

Additionally, with heightened tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border, the conflict with Hezbollah remains a focal point, exacerbated by U.S. military involvement in the region. Trump’s approach may depend heavily on his "America First" doctrine, potentially limiting U.S. intervention in Israel’s confrontations with Iran and its proxies.

As he prepares to take office again, Trump’s decision-making will likely reflect a blend of pro-Israel sentiments and an instinctive approach to international diplomacy, creating further uncertainty in an already volatile region. The coming months will be pivotal in determining how Trump’s presidency navigates these challenges and its potential implications for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Italy Enhances Naval Fleet with New PPA EVO Vessels at Euronaval Trade Show

ROME — Italy is set to bolster its naval capabilities with the introduction of upgraded versions of its PPA (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura) multimission vessels, now equipped with advanced missile systems, as announced at the Euronaval trade show in Paris.

The new "EVO" variant of the PPA vessels is anticipated to be ordered by the Italian Navy next year. These enhanced ships will feature additional Sylver 50 launch modules for Aster missiles, as well as Sylver 70 launch modules capable of firing both Aster missiles and cruise missiles, including the MdCN naval land-attack missile.

This move aligns with Italy’s ongoing investment in modernizing its naval fleet, marked by the recent commissioning of new FREMM frigates and the Trieste Landing Helicopter Dock. While the Italian Navy has ordered a total of seven PPA vessels from the shipyard Fincantieri, two have been redirected to Indonesia following a procurement deal with the Southeast Asian nation. To address this gap, the Italian Navy plans to order two additional vessels, likely adopting the EVO configuration.

Current PPA designs are outfitted with two eight-cell Sylver 50 launchers at the bow, but the new EVO ships will see an increase to four launch modules in this section. Moreover, a crane centrally located on the current vessels will be removed to accommodate the new launch systems.

"At least two of the modules added on the EVO vessels will be Sylver 70," confirmed a Fincantieri official. This upgrade package also includes artificial intelligence enhancements for bridge operations and the implementation of a “digital twin” system for improved maintenance support.

Additionally, enhanced communication systems are being introduced to facilitate the deployment of surface and sub-sea drones from the PPA vessels.

As part of a €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) deal with Indonesia signed in March, the first of the two PPA vessels is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. Fincantieri has previously sold six FREMM frigates to Indonesia in 2021.

In a related development, the Italian Navy recently secured a €1.5 billion contract with Fincantieri and Leonardo for two upgraded FREMM frigates, known as FREMM EVO, aimed at enhancing capabilities against drone threats and operating various unmanned systems. These vessels are slated for delivery in 2029 and 2030, joining the ten already on order.

This strategic investment marks a significant step in Italy’s naval modernization efforts, ensuring that its fleet remains advanced and capable in a rapidly evolving maritime environment.

Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.

US Awards $127 Million Contract to Elbit Systems for Iron Fist Protection Systems for Bradley Vehicles

The United States Department of Defense has awarded Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems a substantial $127 million follow-on contract. The contract is aimed at supplying Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) for the Army’s Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).

Elbit Systems will deliver the APS to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), who will oversee the upgrades on the U.S. Army’s latest Bradley M2A4E1 IFVs over the next 34 months. This new contract builds on Elbit’s ongoing partnership with GD-OTS, which has been upgrading the Bradley IFVs for the past eight years, including a previous $37 million contract awarded in May 2024 for the same systems.

Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "This follow-on contract with our strategic partner, GD-OTS, emphasizes the high quality of our active protection system and its level of innovation. We are proud of our contribution to empowering the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as other NATO customers, and our support of the Israeli Defense Forces."

The Iron Fist APS is designed to enhance the survivability of both light and heavy armored platforms against a range of anti-tank threats, including anti-tank rockets, guided missiles, and drones. The system provides 360-degree protection and utilizes advanced radio frequency and passive infrared sensing technology to improve threat detection accuracy and reliability.

Moreover, its modular design allows the Iron Fist APS to be easily integrated into various platforms, making it a versatile addition to military operations while also minimizing the overall burden on the vehicles.

With this significant contract, Elbit Systems continues to strengthen its role in modernizing the U.S. military’s armored capabilities, ensuring enhanced protection for troops on the battlefield.

UK Ministry of Defence Awards £40 Million Contract for New Earth Observation Satellite ‘Juno’

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced the awarding of a £40 million ($51.6 million) contract to Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) for the development of a new Earth Observation Satellite named "Juno." Designed to enhance the country’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, Juno will be equipped to capture detailed daytime images of the Earth’s surface using advanced imagery sensors.

Juno builds upon the foundation established by Tyche, the UK’s first military satellite launched earlier this year, also manufactured by SSTL. The new satellite is set to launch in 2027 and will play a pivotal role in the broader ISTARI program, aimed at delivering a suite of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031 to boost the UK’s ISR capabilities.

In addition to bolstering military operations, the twin satellites, Juno and Tyche, will serve crucial functions in monitoring natural disasters, environmental changes, mapping information, and addressing climate change challenges.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton emphasized the significance of the contract, stating, “With Tyche in space, and Juno now on contract, UK Space Command’s ISTARI programme is making great strides, showcasing innovation and collaboration across government and industry.”

He further noted that the deployment of these Earth Observation satellites will enable UK Space Command and the defence forces to enhance all-domain military operations, ensuring reliable space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for both the joint force and its allies.

The Juno satellite is poised to play an essential role in the UK’s strategic advancements in space technology and military readiness.

Bombardier Delivers Eighth E-11A Communications Aircraft to US Air Force

Hartford, Connecticut – Bombardier has successfully delivered the eighth E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) aircraft to the United States Air Force from its facility in Hartford. This advanced aircraft is a modified version of Bombardier’s Global 6000 business jet, equipped with cutting-edge communication relay technologies that facilitate real-time voice and tactical data transmission across varying battlefields.

The E-11A’s high-altitude capabilities allow it to function as a “Wi-Fi in the sky,” maintaining connectivity for multi-domain warfighters, irrespective of challenging terrains and distances. This innovative approach enhances battlefield communications and operational effectiveness.

In 2021, Bombardier secured a significant $464.8 million contract with the US Air Force to deliver up to six Global 6000 jets as part of the BACN program. The agreement provides the military with an annual option to purchase additional aircraft until 2025. The first E-11A was handed over in September of last year.

Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Defense and Aircraft Sales, expressed pride in the delivery, highlighting that Bombardier’s Global aircraft continue to stand out as the platform of choice for the Air Force. "The speed, agility, and low operating costs of our Global jets make them ideally suited for specialized missions that bolster national and international security,” Gallagher said. He added that this latest delivery further solidifies Bombardier Defense’s relationship with the US Air Force.

The new E-11A BACN aircraft measures 100 feet (30 meters) in length and features a wingspan of 94 feet (29 meters). It is designed to carry up to 17 personnel or payloads weighing approximately 5,770 pounds (2,617 kilograms). Powered by twin Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 high-bypass turbofan engines, the aircraft can reach a service ceiling of 51,000 feet (15,545 meters) and boasts a top speed of 504 knots (560 miles or 933 kilometers per hour).

As the delivery of the eighth E-11A BACN aircraft marks another milestone for Bombardier, the company continues to enhance its role as a missionized platform provider in support of defense initiatives.