North Korean Hacker Hired | B-1 Crash Report | China's Nuclear Demands

In partnership with

Forwarded this email? Sign up here

"War does not determine who is right - only who is left."
- Bertrand Russell

IN HISTORY

August 1, 1943 - Operation Tidal Wave | the Allies launched Operation Tidal Wave, one of the most daring air raids of World War II. The mission aimed to cripple the high priority target of the Axis oil supply by destorying the heavily defended oil refineries in Ploiești, Romania with a low-level bombing raid. A total of 178 B-24 Liberators from the U.S. Army Air Forces, primarily from the Ninth and Fifteenth Air Forces, took part in the raid. The mission required precision low-altitude bombing to ensure the destruction of the refineries, despite the risks posed by intense anti-aircraft defenses.

While it temporarily disrupted the Axis oil production, the cost was enormous. Of the 178 bombers that embarked on the mission, 53 were lost, and approximately 660 airmen were killed, captured, or reported missing. The Army Air Corps never again attempted a low-level bombing raid against the Germans.

Fun Audio Experiences for the Whole Family

Limiting screen-time is often at odds with your kids enjoying their favorite films and series. But not with Popcorn Brainstorm! Jokes & Trivia for Kids, the chart-topping Kids & Family podcast from Netflix. Featuring trivia, games and jokes about Netflix films and series, Popcorn Brainstorm is an audio experience that keeps everyone in the family connected, entertained and having fun.

Listen to episodes about Leo, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, The Dragon Prince and many more!

FLIGHT LINE

✈️ UAE Deploys Mirage 2000 Fighters at Chinese Air Base | The UAE has deployed its Mirage 2000 fighter jets to China's Hotan Air Base for the Falcon Shield 2024 joint air exercise. The Chinese Air Force is participating with its J-10C and J-16 fighters. This deployment raises questions about China's access to Western military technology and reflects increasing military cooperation between the UAE and China.

🎯 Five Countries Purchase Chinese Fighter Jets | Five countries have recently acquired Chinese fighter jets, indicating China's growing influence in the global arms market. The countries include Pakistan, which operates the JF-17 Thunder; Myanmar, with the JF-17 and L-15; Nigeria, also using the JF-17; and Venezuela and Egypt, both of which have shown interest in the J-10C.

🎯 NORAD Intercepts Russian and Chinese Bombers Near Alaska | NORAD intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers operating near Alaska. The bombers entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone but did not violate U.S. or Canadian airspace. This joint patrol by Russia and China is part of a series of strategic exercises, signaling their growing military cooperation and challenging U.S. air defenses in the region.

🎯 U.S. Security Firm Hires North Korean Hacker Unwittingly | A U.S. cybersecurity firm accidentally employed a hacker linked to North Korea's government. The individual, posing as a remote worker, was part of a sophisticated effort by North Korean state-sponsored actors to infiltrate global tech companies. The incident underscores the persistent threat of cyber espionage and the need for rigorous background checks and security protocols in the hiring process.

🎯 B-1 Crash Report Highlights Systemic Failures | A new report on the B-1B Lancer crash at Ellsworth Air Force Base in January 2024 identifies numerous aircrew mistakes and an unhealthy squadron culture as key factors. The bomber crashed 100 feet short of the runway in poor weather, resulting in a total loss of the $450 million aircraft. The investigation revealed issues such as poor crew resource management, inadequate communication, and a lack of discipline.

🎯 China's Nuclear Weapons Demands to the US | China has issued demands to the United States regarding its nuclear weapons policy. Beijing seeks assurances that U.S. missile defenses will not compromise China's nuclear deterrent capabilities. This comes amid growing tensions between the two superpowers and ongoing modernization of China’s nuclear arsenal.