SOFREP Daily: Trump Considers Replacing Boeing for Air Force One, Ecuador Seeks Special Forces to Battle Drug Cartels

Closing out the week! It’s Friday, February 21, 2025, and here’s your essential briefing on defense and global affairs.

Ukraine Stands Firm as Trump Questions US Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed the importance of strong ties with Washington after meeting US envoy Keith Kellogg, amid rising tensions with Donald Trump.

Trump recently called Zelenskyy a “dictator,” escalating a public feud between the two leaders over US policy toward Russia.

The dispute highlights a stark shift from Biden’s staunch support for Ukraine to Trump’s push for Kyiv to grant the US access to its mineral wealth in exchange for continued aid.

European leaders condemned Trump’s remarks, while the Kremlin welcomed his stance.

Concerns grow that Ukraine and its allies are being sidelined in US-Russia discussions, with key diplomatic meetings excluding Kyiv.

A day of intense international work. My meeting with General Kellogg was one that restores hope, and we need strong agreements with the U.S.—agreements that will truly work. I have instructed my team to work quickly and very sensibly.

Economy and security must always go hand in… pic.twitter.com/N5k2bu13qk

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 20, 2025

Trump Considers Replacing Boeing for Air Force One

US President Donald Trump criticized Boeing for delays in delivering new Air Force One jets and said his administration is exploring alternatives.

The original $3.9 billion contract, signed in 2018, required delivery by 2024, but disruptions—including a subcontractor’s bankruptcy and the COVID-19 pandemic—pushed the timeline to 2027-2028.

Trump suggested looking at foreign aircraft manufacturers but ruled out Airbus.

His remarks come amid Boeing’s struggles, including an $11.8 billion loss last year, a labor strike, regulatory scrutiny, and safety concerns following a recent mid-flight incident involving a 737 MAX.

Australia Monitors Chinese Warships Off Its Coast

Australia is closely monitoring the movements of three Chinese warships—comprising a frigate, a cruiser, and a supply tanker—sailing off its eastern coast.

While Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged that such activity is not unprecedented, he described it as “unusual” but not a threat, emphasizing that the ships are operating within international law.

Chinese military vessels have held live-fire exercises off the coast of Australia, with local media reporting commercial airlines have been told to avoid the area https://t.co/OM8wfvrlkR

— Bloomberg (@business) February 21, 2025

This comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, including recent incidents where Chinese fighter jets engaged in confrontations with Australian aircraft.

The latest warship presence follows past disputes involving Chinese military actions against Australian naval and air forces in contested Asia-Pacific waters.

Morocco Foils Terror Plot, Arrests 12 Suspects

Moroccan authorities have arrested 12 suspects in a “highly dangerous” terror plot linked to the Islamic State’s Sahel-based faction.

The arrests took place across nine cities, including near Rabat, and officials claim the suspects were directly instructed by a senior IS leader overseeing external operations.

#مكافحة_الإرهاب
فاس..صور توثق للتدخلات الأمنية المنجزة بمدينة فاس لتوقيف أعضاء الخلية الإرهابية المرتبطة بتنظيم “داعش”، والتي تم تفكيكها صباح اليوم الأربعاء في مجموعة من المدن المغربية. pic.twitter.com/LNw42xkRv7

— DGSN MAROC (@DGSN_MAROC) February 19, 2025

While Morocco has largely avoided jihadist violence, authorities frequently report foiling planned attacks.

Security officials warn that IS-linked groups in sub-Saharan Africa pose an increasing threat, with at least 130 Moroccans having joined jihadist battlefields in the region since 2022.

France Transfers Military Base to Ivory Coast

France has officially handed over its sole military base on the Ivory Coast, marking the end of decades of military presence in the country.

The French and Ivorian defense ministers signed the transfer agreement, emphasizing continued cooperation despite France’s broader military withdrawals across West Africa.

While regional governments are increasingly pushing for sovereignty and reducing French military ties, Ivory Coast remains a close ally, maintaining military collaboration through training and intelligence sharing.

France has returned its sole military base in Ivory Coast to local authorities, marking an end to decades of French presence at the site. https://t.co/f9aKxn3XVJ pic.twitter.com/OU6N3CO9rR

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 20, 2025

The gradual French withdrawal will continue through 2025, with a small contingent remaining for support missions.

The Port-Bouet base, a long-standing French military hub, played a critical role in stabilizing the country during past crises.

Ecuador Seeks Special Forces to Battle Drug Cartels

Ecuador has announced plans to request special forces from allied nations to assist in its fight against drug gangs, which have fueled a surge in violence.

The government emphasized the need for international cooperation, given the transnational nature of drug cartels.

A la ciudadanía: pic.twitter.com/4NUu9d4IO3

— Presidencia Ecuador 🇪🇨 (@Presidencia_Ec) February 19, 2025

Ecuador, positioned between major cocaine producers Peru and Colombia, has seen homicide rates skyrocket in recent years, though a military crackdown under President Daniel Noboa has led to a slight decline.

Noboa, who has been in office since November 2023, is seeking re-election in an April runoff after a tight first-round contest.

Netanyahu Orders Crackdown After Bus Explosions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an intensified military operation in the occupied West Bank following three bus explosions in Bat Yam, which caused no reported injuries.

Israeli authorities suspect Palestinian militant groups were behind the attacks and have increased security measures across cities.

Defense Minister Israel Katz also instructed the military to ramp up raids in West Bank refugee camps, particularly Tulkarem.

PM Netanyahu has ordered Israeli forces to escalate their assault in the occupied West Bank after three buses exploded near Tel Aviv, amid uncertainty over phase two of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

🔴 Follow our LIVE coverage: https://t.co/t5rAFPS6La pic.twitter.com/KC7twgcNy1

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) February 21, 2025

These raids, ongoing for weeks, have led to civilian casualties, home demolitions, and mass displacement.

Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, violence in the West Bank has surged, with hundreds of Palestinians and dozens of Israelis killed.

US Navy Fires Truman Captain After Ship Collision

The US Navy has relieved Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), citing a “loss of confidence” following the aircraft carrier’s collision with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal.

Snowden’s dismissal comes as the investigation into the incident continues, though no injuries or major operational disruptions were reported.

The U.S. Navy has fired Captain Dave Snowden, the Commanding Officer of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), for “Loss of Confidence” following the February 12th Collision of the Aircraft Carrier with the Panamanian-Flagged Cargo Ship, Besiktas-M, near the Egyptian Port of Said in… pic.twitter.com/lmKBCpvQxa

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 20, 2025

Capt. Chris “Chowdah” Hill, previously in charge of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), will take over.

The Truman is now undergoing repairs in Crete. This is the second major incident involving the carrier in recent months, following a friendly fire mishap in December that downed a Navy jet.

China Prioritizes Trade Over Ukraine Peace Talks

Despite presenting itself as a peacemaker in the Ukraine war, China has largely stayed on the sidelines as US and Russian officials held direct talks in Saudi Arabia.

Instead, Beijing is prioritizing economic recovery and preparing for potential trade conflicts with Donald Trump, while maintaining its strong energy ties with Moscow.

China has resisted using its leverage over Russia, such as curbing record gas purchases, and has been cautious in engaging Europe on Ukraine.

.@RepMcCaul said the idea that China should be involved in Russia-Ukraine peace talks is “absolutely insane.”

“It’s like an accomplice to the crime being the judge of the case…They are so complicit with the destruction of Ukraine,” he told @RobbieGramer.#MSC2025 #MSCpolitico pic.twitter.com/FRAZKOX5ix

— POLITICO (@politico) February 15, 2025

While Beijing has recently increased diplomatic outreach to Europe, analysts say it remains unwilling to make significant concessions on trade or its relationship with Russia, betting that Europe is too weak to demand changes.

Sources: Military.com, News Agencies, Reuters