The world found out shortly before 2 p.m. eastern time on March 15 that the United States was bombing Houthi targets across Yemen.

I, however, knew two hours before the first bombs exploded that the attack might be coming.

The reason I knew this is that Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, had texted me the war plan at 11:44 a.m.

The plan included precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing.

This is going to require some explaining. 

Senior members of Donald Trump’s cabinet have been involved in a serious security breach while discussing secret military plans for recent US attacks on the Houthi armed group in Yemen.

In an extraordinary blunder, key figures in the Trump administration – including vice-president JD Vance, defense secretary Peter Hegseth, Marco Rubio and the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard – used the commercial chat app Signal to convene and discuss plans – while also including a prominent journalist in the group.

Signal is not approved by the US government for sharing sensitive information.

Others in the chat included Trump adviser Stephen Miller, Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles and key Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.

The breach was revealed in an article published on Monday by Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of the Atlantic magazine, who discovered that he had been included in a Signal chat called “Houthi PC Small Group” and realising that 18 other members of the group included Trump cabinet members.In his account, Goldberg said that he removed sensitive material from his account, including the identity of a senior CIA officer and current operational details.

The report was confirmed by Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the National Security Council who told the magazine: “This appears to be an authentic message chain, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.”

Hughes added: “The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials. The ongoing success of the Houthi operation demonstrates that there were no threats to troops or national security.

”The incident is likely to further raise concerns over the Trump administration’s trustworthiness with intelligence shared by erstwhile allies – not least as Hegseth boasts at one stage of guaranteeing “100 percent OPSEC – operations security” while a celebrated journalist is reading his message.

The discussions seen by Goldberg include comments from Vance, who appeared unconvinced of the urgency of attacking Yemen, as well as conversations over what price should be expected of Europeans and other countries for the US removing the threat to a key global shipping route.

Security and intelligence commentators in the US described the breach of operational security as unprecedented – both for the use of a commercial chat service and for the inclusion of Goldberg.

“The account identified as ‘JD Vance’ addressed a message at 8:45 to @Pete Hegseth: ‘if you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again,’” Goldberg wrote. (The administration has argued that America’s European allies benefit economically from the US navy’s protection of international shipping lanes.)

Goldberg continues: “The user identified as Hegseth responded three minutes later: “VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this.“

Nobody else even close. Question is timing. I feel like now is as good a time as any, given POTUS directive to reopen shipping lanes.

I think we should go; but POTUS still retains 24 hours of decision space.”

Ukraine could benefit from more precise and powerful artillery systems and advanced missiles to enhance its combat effectiveness. Here’s how each option could improve their military capabilities:

 1. More Precise and Powerful Artillery

Ukraine uses 155mm artillery extensively, but more advanced versions with precision-guided capabilities and longer ranges could make a significant difference. Some examples include:

- 155mm Excalibur Shells: These are precision-guided artillery rounds that use GPS to strike targets within a few meters of accuracy, even at long ranges. Excalibur shells would allow Ukrainian forces to destroy high-value targets with fewer rounds, making their artillery more efficient. These shells are especially useful in urban environments or for hitting key logistical nodes and command centres without causing excessive collateral damage.

- Long-Range Artillery Systems: Systems like the M1299 self-propelled howitzer, which can fire precision 155mm rounds at ranges up to 70 km (compared to the 30-40 km range of current systems), would give Ukraine a significant range advantage over Russian artillery, allowing it to strike deeper behind enemy lines.

- Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): Ukraine has already received M270 and HIMARS systems, which are incredibly effective due to their long range and accuracy. These systems use GPS-guided rockets and can launch up to 12 missiles at once, precisely hitting targets over 80 km away. Increasing the supply of HIMARS or providing longer-range munitions could further improve Ukraine's ability to hit key Russian positions.

2. Missiles for Greater Combat Effectiveness

Missiles, especially those with long-range and precision-guided capabilities, would significantly boost Ukraine’s ability to strike critical targets far behind enemy lines, disrupting Russian logistics, command structures, and air defence systems.

- ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System): This is a long-range tactical missile capable of striking targets up to 300 km away. If supplied to Ukraine, ATACMS would enable Ukrainian forces to hit Russian command posts, ammo depots, and infrastructure deep in Russian-held territories. This could force Russia to push its logistics and command centres further, complicating its supply lines.

- Longer-Range Air Defense Missiles: While Ukraine has already received NASAMS and Patriot systems, longer-range air defence and surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) would help neutralise Russian air superiority, protecting Ukrainian troops from Russian missile and aircraft strikes. Systems like SAMP/T (which Ukraine has been promised) can intercept both aircraft and ballistic missiles at longer ranges.

-Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles: Ukraine has also successfully used Harpoon missiles to target Russian naval assets. Continuing to receive such missiles would help Ukraine maintain control over its Black Sea coast and prevent Russian forces from launching amphibious operations or blockading key ports.