Israel Strikes Iran, Russia Hits Kharkiv

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — OCT 28 2024

Good morning. Today’s update covers updates from the wars in Ukraine and Israel.

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

Israel’s strikes against Iran this weekend hit crucial military targets. 

The context 

Early Saturday morning (IST) Israel launched an air attack against Iran. More than 100 Israeli fighter jets flew over 1000 miles from Israeli territory to strike targets in the heart of Iran.

The targets struck include the Iranian air defense network as well as plants that mix fuel for rockets and missiles. The mission was complex, with the extreme distance necessitating in-air refueling. Iranian air defenses were ineffective and all Israeli planes returned home safely.

The strikes were in response to Iran launching 200 ballistic missiles into Israel early this month. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a statement after the Israeli strikes, saying Iran doesn’t wish for war but will still give an “appropriate response” to the Israeli strikes.

More from the region

In Lebanon, Israeli forces discovered a massive underground Hezbollah base. The base include tunnel networks, rooms, and weapons. The base was close to the Israeli border and was likely built as a staging area for future terror strikes across the border into Israel.

The IDF destroyed the base with 400 tons of explosives, creating a detonation that registered as an earthquake in Israel.

In the news

• Hezbollah base discovered in Lebanon

• Israeli strikes on Iran

• Iranian president’s statement

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: MK 54 TORPEDO

The MK 54 is a lightweight torpedo designed to be launched by aircraft and surface ships to engage submarines and underwater targets within a range of over 5 miles. It was co-developed by Raytheon and the US Navy to replace the MK 50 and MK 46. 

The MK 54 combined the features of both, resulting in torpedo equipped with homing and guidance system, as well as the capability to carry a 96 pound warhead. It is built to operate in both shallow and deep waters, and is propelled by an external combustion engine, which allows it reach cruising speeds of 45 miles per hour.

What it’s used for

The MK 54 torpedo is used by a number of countries, including the air forces and navies of the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and India. The Mk 54 has already been integrated into US training exercises and maritime operations.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

A Russian airstrike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv occurred overnight, killing four and injuring six.

The context 

The threat of a Russian airstrike was announced during the night. A guided bomb attack finally occured in the early morning. Casualty numbers are still unknown after explosions were heard throughout the city, and the mayor warned of a potential follow-up attack by Russian forces. At least one apartment building caught fire and was partially destroyed in the attack.

This follows another air attack from the night before, which also damaged residential buildings.

More from the region

The Georgian Dream party is projected to win the 2024 Georgian parliamentary elections, beating out the pro-Western parties by 54 percent. The current Georgian President refused to recognize the results of the election, accusing Russian interference.  The Georgian Constitution provisions means to dispute the election, but since the Georgian Constitutional court has recently aligned itself with the Dream party, it is likely the new government will form regardless.  

The president of the European Council also called on authorities to investigate the election, and indicated that the Georgia's path to the EU may be halted in regards to concerns over Georgia's democratic backsliding.

In the news

• Airstrikes on Kharkiv

• Georgian Election

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