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The Problem: Will Anyone Buy China’s New J-35A Fighter? Summary and Key Points
-As the land-based counterpart to the PLAN’s carrier-borne J-35, the aircraft is positioned as a low-cost, 5th-generation alternative to the Lockheed Martin F-35.

J-35A Fighter from China. Image Credit: PLAAF

J-35A Fighter in the Clouds. Image Credit: Chinese Weibo.

-This report analyzes CATIC’s marketing strategy at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia, examining the trade-offs between Chinese logistics and the U.S.

The U.S. military at the southern border used a laser system to shoot down a “seemingly threatening” uncrewed aerial system near the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas on Thursday, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to close the airspace around Fort Hancock. The drone turned out to belong to Customs and Border Protection, according to multiple reports, marking an apparent friendly fire laser incident by the federal government. It’s the second time this month that the use of a military laser at the border prompted an emergency closure of the airspace.

What does it take to rebuild the foundation of American military power? Michael Cadenazzi, assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy, joined Ryan at a live event a few weeks back for a fascinating discussion on the state of the defense industrial base (from new VC-backed entrants to the primes), the race for critical minerals, supply chain vulnerabilities, the unsexy realities of implementation, the role of allies, and the challenges of scaling production. He is also looking for your ideas. Special thanks to Altana for hosting the event at which this episode was recorded.

A Democratic senator on the intelligence committee said in a letter this week he would block President Donald Trump’s pick for top uniformed cyber chief because his nominee “is not qualified for this job” and after what the lawmaker characterized as “vague assurances about following the law” from the general.
In correspondence addressed to the president and published in the Congressional Record Wednesday, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said he would block the confirmation of Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, who Trump nominated for the dual-hat role of National Security Agency director and U.S.

The US Department of State has approved a potential FMS to Jordan involving Ku band multi-function radio frequency system (KuMRFS) radars.

In the winter of 1777-1778, the American Revolution faced one of its most perilous internal crises. While British forces occupied Philadelphia and the Continental Army struggled to survive at Valley Forge, a quiet but dangerous effort unfolded within the leadership of the revolutionary cause.
An anonymous letter sent to the Continental Congress attacked Gen. George Washington’s leadership, questioned his competence, and urged his removal as commander-in-chief. The letter did not stand alone.

President Donald Trump will award the Medal of Honor to three soldiers on Monday, marking the second time this week that he has recognized service members with the U.S. military’s highest award for valor.
Master Sgt. Roderick “Roddie” W. Edmonds, Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson will receive the award, the White House announced on Thursday. 
White House officials had previously confirmed that Ollis and Edmonds would be awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Defense News
Kamikaze drones and armored-piercing drones popularly known as “tank killers” are coming to the U.S.

Joe Dodd, RCDefense
If Golden Dome can be delivered near the budget numbers cited above, it is not only affordable—it may be one of the most strategically beneficial investments the United…

Thomas Newdick, The WarZone
The EA-37B is meant to disrupt enemy communications, playing havoc on their command and control and shattering their kill chains.