THURSDAY PDB – Japan's defense ministry seeks record $52.9 billion for 2nd year of military buildup. It has asked for a 13.5% increase in military spending for next fiscal year, to defend against threats from China, North Korea and Russia.
The budget increase includes two warships with advanced radar and long-range cruise missiles as it focuses on reinforcing strike capability in a break from Japan's postwar principle of having a military only for self-defense.
Under the five-year plan, Japan will become the world's third-biggest defense spender after the U.S. and China by 2027.
MEANWHILE – The US State Department approves JASSM-ER missile sale to Japan. Japan plans to upgrade 68 of its Mitsubishi-built F-15J Eagle interceptors with new radars, mission computers and a standoff land-attack capability.
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here's a roundup of today's other top defense stories from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.
Not the President's Daily Brief, but almost as good – PAUL'S DAILY BRIEFING – the PDB:
HURRICANE IDALIA
An Air Force crew captured video of rare St. Elmo's fire when they evacuated ahead of Idalia. The video has gone viral because the storm appeared to create bolts of lightning sparking out of the aircraft. It's not really lighting, though — it's St. Elmo's fire.
POLITICS
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell appears to freeze up again. The senator asked the reporter to repeat a question before staring straight ahead for about 10 seconds.
PENTAGON WOKE WATCH
UMMMM – DOES THIS PREPARE US TO FIGHT CHINA? – Fort Cavazos opens military's 1st breast milk drop-off site. The breast milk donation center will allow mothers to share their excess milk with patients across the country.
Airmen on HIV drug can return to flight sooner after change championed by LGBTQ+ advisory group. The Air Force is amending its policies regarding an anti-HIV drug, decreasing the time that pilots would be grounded after taking the medication.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Aboard the ‘Ike' as it ‘teleports' to the Mediterranean for the Navy's massive exercise. “It's probably one of the most dynamic and most [stressful] situations that we put our watch standers through and our aircrew through.”
CHINA THREAT
US OKs military aid to Taiwan under program usually reserved for sovereign nations. Team Biden has approved the first-ever U.S. military transfer to Taiwan under a program generally reserved for independent states.
China defense ministry say Military communication has “not stopped.” This, amid high tensions between the two superpowers over the South China Sea, Taiwan and other issues.
As China tensions bubble, a new economic weapon of choice has emerged. The shift to export controls comes amid an explosion of concern about U.S. dual-use technology flowing to China that could improve Chinese military programs or be used to commit human rights abuses.
RUSSIA THREAT – UKRAINE WAR
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 554. At least two people were killed and two injured in a “massive” Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv. Ukraine said the attack by more than two dozen Russian cruise missiles and 15 drones was a “deliberate attack on the civilian population.”
Russia says Ukraine drone attack reaches deep into its territory. The nighttime waves of drone attacks lasted more than four hours and struck military assets.
US not running out of munitions due to Ukraine aid. Despite sending more than $43 billion in military aid to Ukraine, the U.S. is not “running out” of any particular munitions or equipment needed for its own forces.
Ukraine's elite snipers fight Russians, bullet by bullet. Stealthy assassins aim to sow chaos in enemy ranks by picking off commanders and key troops.
Ukraine investigates corruption in medical exemptions from military duty. Ukraine's President says bribes of between $3,000 and $15,000 are paid for medical exemptions from military duty.
Prigozhin's life on the run: Wagner chief used jets to evade tracking for years. Mercenary leader moved around Russia, blocked surveillance and eluded sanctions until assassination in plane crash.
NORTH KOREA THREAT
North Korea launches ballistic missiles toward the sea. The launches came hours after the U.S. flew at least one long-range B1-B bomber to the Korean Peninsula as part of its annual drills with South Korea.
SPACE THREAT
Space Force responsive space mission enters ‘hot standby' phase. Victus Nox launch and satellite providers are on call for a highly anticipated responsive space demonstration. A 24-hour delivery window could open at any moment.
Space Force is branching out with new subordinate command in Japan. It is expanding its footprint in the Indo-Pacific region.
HOMELAND SECURITY
Lawmakers call for federal investigation into Texas Guard intel ring. A pair of legislators from Texas want to see a Justice Department probe.
Sentencing delayed for Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio. Sentencing for orchestrating the group's attack on the U.S. Capitol has been delayed until Sept. 5.
DANGEROUS OR IDIOTS? – 2 Fort Moore soldiers arrested with grenade simulators, mortar shell, steroids. They also had nearly 20 rifles and handguns.
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
German navy will lead drill to defend the Baltics from the sea. It is slated to lead a multinational drill in the Baltic Sea in September to defend NATO members Estonia and Latvia against an attack from Russia.
Russia and North Korea ‘actively advancing' in arms deal negotiations. The deal would provide significant ammunition for different weapons systems, including artillery, the latest indication that Moscow is desperate for war materiel for its invasion of Ukraine.
US citizens urged to leave Haiti immediately. The State Department strengthened previous warnings over safety concerns in the country.
Largest conundrum of them all: Air Force still unsure how to keep forces supplied in Indo-Pacific. While the Pentagon is still figuring out how to effectively ferry supplies across the Indo-Pacific theater, TRANSCOM may not have all the tools it needs to accurately track supplies in transit.
Former head of Colombian army charged in killings of 130 civilians. A U.S.-trained general who headed Colombia's army when it killed civilians to increase body counts in its war against rebels has been charged with war crimes.
BIDEN'S AFGHAN DISASTER
PEOPLE NEED TO GET FIRED – Accountability and change can help Afghanistan veterans make peace with the war. Two years ago, Afghanistan crumbled before our eyes. Afghans and Americans rushed to escape the country as the Taliban began taking control, culminating in the deaths of 13 troops.
US MILITARY
Future fighter program poses key test for US Air Force's design method. The Next Generation Air Dominance fighter platform is likely to be one of the most complex, highest-stakes weapon acquisitions in the U.S. Air Force's history.
COOL! – Cheers, Marines! There's a craft crayon beer. While no one knows how the U.S. Marines became synonymous with enjoying rainbow colored waxy children's drawing instruments, the stereotype that devil dogs eat crayons is here to stay.
ALSO COOL – Centuries-old coins found in 1828 West Point time capsule. The U.S. Military Academy says the lead box contained six silver American coins dating from 1795 to 1828 and a commemorative medal.
END of PDB
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
READ NEXT: Tucker Predicts US War With Russia Next Year
No WW2 rerun
Wonder how much longer it’ll be before our woke military selects Tiny Tim’s ditty “Tiptoe Through The Tulips” as the official overall military theme song?