Israeli Retaliation Talks, Lithuania Fortifications

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — OCT 11 2024

Good morning. Today’s update covers the ongoing Israeli plans for retaliation against Iran and Lithuania’s fortifications against possible Russian assault.

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Map of today’s newsletter:

• 🇮🇱 Israeli response to missile attack still forthcoming

• ⚔️ A grenade that explodes in midair

• 🇱🇹 Lithuania prepares defenses

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

Israel has yet to give its promised military response to the Iranian missile barrage ten days ago.

The context 

Israel continues to consider retaliatory strikes for the recent Iranian ballistic missile attack on October 1. Russia’s growing ties with Iran, particularly in military cooperation, have complicated the situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is engaged in ongoing discussions with the US about the potential response, although no decision has been made regarding a strike.

Iran has warned Arab allies against assisting in any Israeli attacks, threatening retaliation if their airspace or facilities are used.

More from the region

Israeli military operations remain intense, with the IDF eliminating an Islamic Jihad leader in the West Bank and launching ground offensives in Gaza. These actions follow the recent deaths of three Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza.

Russia and Iran are strengthening military ties with recent developments like Iran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

In the news

• The possible effects of Israeli retaliation against Iran

• Moscow expands ties with Tehran

• CBS memo told employees not to recognize Israeli capital

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: THE XM25 GRENADE LAUNCHER

The XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System, nicknamed “Punisher,” is a specialized airburst grenade launcher developed for US infantry units. Designed to defeat enemies hiding behind cover, the Punisher uses smart 25mm grenades that explode in mid-air, making it incredibly effective in urban or trench warfare. 

Equipped with a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, and sensors, the XM25 calculates the precise distance to its target and adjusts the grenade’s detonation point for maximum damage.

What it’s used for

Originally field-tested in Afghanistan, the XM25 was praised for its ability to quickly take out enemies hidden behind cover. It can engage point targets at 600 meters and area targets at 700 meters, far surpassing traditional grenade launchers. 

However, the 14-pound weight of a single XM-25 and its limited ammunition capacity made it cumbersome for some missions. Still, the XM25 is widely regarded as a “game-changer” for its cutting-edge airburst technology.

Read more here on Wikipedia.

2 - UKRAINE / LITHUANIA

1 thing to know

Worried about what’s happening in Ukraine, Lithuania has begun reinforcing the border with Kaliningrad with anti-tank obstacles and supporting fire power.

The context 

The Lithuanian Defense Minister posted a report to X that new fortifications on a bridge over the Nemunas River had been completed.  The fortifications consist of anti-tank barriers that are supported by firepower if needed. 

Since July, Lithuania, along with the other Baltic nations of Estonia and Latvia, have been constructing barriers on their borders with Belarus and Russia - fortifying bridges, digging trenches, and laying mine fields.

The defenses are intended to deter any rapid advances by Russian forces like those Ukraine experienced in 2022, and to provide time to organize a response.

More from the region

A captain of the Lithuanian Navy reported a significant decrease in Russian Navy provocations in the Baltic Sea, attributed to Russian forces being redirected to Ukraine.

Currently, Klaipėda hosts several NATO ships, including a German replenishment ship, which is the flagship for the NATO Standing Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) that remains active in Northern European waters, prepared for crisis response and supporting NATO's eastern flank. Plans for a larger NATO deployment for aerial defense are also underway.

In the news

• Lithuanian fortifications

• Reported drop in Baltic Sea provocations

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