Episode 769: September Melee

After a two-week availability period, the Midrats Podcast is back! Summary In this episode, we explore current geopolitical tensions, military readiness, and strategic challenges facing the US and its allies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and international cooperation. Show Links Russian restrictions on Estonia’s borders Curfew on Russia’s Border with Estonia, Holger Roonemaa on Substack Great Circle ballistic arcs over Greenland Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East, by Michael B. Oren Operation Red Sea Regatta Shipfinder Hormuz Tracker Hormuz Strait Monitor Strait of Tiran Italy tires of EU military bureaucracy with Operation Aspides Department of War IG report on Operation Epic Fury Ukrainian FP-7 Pelican SRBM USAF Ponders Restart of C-17 line, Joseph Trevithick in TWZ Deadly escalation in Black Sea attacks prompts fears of even higher food prices, Joanna Partridge in The Guardian The US air force admitted to deploying weapons in space. Don’t expect the White House to explain why, Richard Luscombe in The Guardian Key Topics Russian border curfews and testing NATO responses Gray zone operations in Europe and suspected incidents The importance of naval power and the Strait of Hormuz US energy independence and refinery capacity issues The strategic significance of Greenland and the Arctic Space dominance and the importance of cislunar space European NATO capabilities and weapon shortages The role of alliances and international cooperation in security Takeaways Russian testing of border restrictions signals potential for future escalation European nations are underprepared for modern missile threats US needs to rebuild and modernize its heavy airlift capabilities Greenland’s strategic importance is increasing and must be secured Control of key maritime choke points is critical for global security Space dominance is essential for future military and economic power European navies lack sufficient missile defense capabilities Energy infrastructure vulnerabilities pose national security risks Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Geopolitical Tensions and NATO 02:04: Russian Border Curfews and Testing NATO Responses 03:55: European Operations and Weapon Shortages 06:09: The Strategic Importance of Greenland and the Arctic 10:01: Energy Security and Oil Refinery Capacity 15:10: Straits of Hormuz and Global Oil Transit 22:02: Black Sea, Yemen, and Middle East Tensions 30:00: Naval Power and the US Surface Fleet 36:06: European Naval Capabilities and Weapon Shortages 45:11: Space Power, Cislunar Space, and Future Threats 59:47: International Alliances and Strategic Cooperation 01:05:02: Conclusion: Preparing for a Dangerous World