Here are the latest military news briefs from the past 24 hours:

  1. Ukraine’s Defense Funding: A senior defense official highlighted the critical need for Congress to pass the Defense Department’s supplemental funding request for Ukraine. Without it, Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression is at risk of collapse. The lack of supplemental funding is already affecting Ukraine, with shortages of ammunition and other critical supplies being reported​​.
  2. West 2024 Conference in San Diego: The West conference brought together defense contractors, U.S. Navy, and Marine Corps leadership in San Diego. Key discussions included Project Overmatch networking capabilities, Northrop Grumman’s Project Scion for unmanned surface vessels, and the Navy’s engagements with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden​​.
  3. DARPA’s Voting Technology for Troops: DARPA is working on a $6.8 million research effort to develop technology aimed at improving the voting experience for troops stationed away from home. The technology seeks to ensure that military voters can cast ballots as easily and securely as civilians do​​.
  4. VA Waives Copayments for Native American Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs has exempted or reimbursed over 143,000 copayments, totaling approximately $2.5 million, for more than 3,800 eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. This policy change is part of efforts to honor treaties with sovereign nations and address healthcare disparities​​.
  5. Houthi Attacks on International Shipping: The Houthi rebels have resumed attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Incidents include the firing of missiles and the use of unmanned surface vessels. The U.S. Central Command has conducted self-defense strikes in response to these threats​​.
  6. Advanced Helmets for the Army 82nd Airborne: The Army is fielding a new Next-Gen Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS) for the 82nd Airborne Division. The NG-IHPS provides enhanced protection against rifle threats at nearly half the weight of previous combat helmets. This initiative is part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to improve protective gear for soldiers​​.

These briefs cover significant developments and initiatives in military funding, technology, healthcare, and operational security.