As ‘bird coalition’ forms, Austin and defense leaders talk Ukraine war, NATO’s future
US defense secretary chaired a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, where officials pledged long-term support for the embattled nation.
Lloyd Austin
In Germany, Austin gets update on Abrams program, praises ‘successive miracles’ in equipping Ukrainians
Some 200 Ukrainians, a mix of veteran tankers and other “well-trained” soldiers, are in their third week of training on the American main battle tank.
US, Japan, South Korea announce push to boost missile defense data sharing
The United States, in a rare mention of nuclear weapons, “reaffirmed its steadfast alliance commitments to Japan and the ROK backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear.”
‘Right time to talk is now:’ SecDef Austin ‘deeply concerned’ China unwilling to talk
“To be clear: we do not seek conflict or confrontation,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the Shangri-La Dialogue. “But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion.”
Debt default would hurt troops, US military’s ‘reputation,’ US defense leaders warn
“China, right now describes us in their open speeches…as a declining power,” Gen. Mark Milley said “Defaulting on the debt will only reinforce that thought and embolden China and increase risk to the United States.”
Air defense top priority for Ukraine Contact Group amid leak revealing missile stockpiles running out
“Ukraine urgently needs our help to shield its citizens and infrastructure from Russia’s missile threat,” said US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin.
Apple VP Doug Beck named next DIU director, will report directly to Austin
Historically, the position of DIU director has reported to the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering.
‘Deliberate’ or ‘disappointing,’ DoD doesn’t expect cyber policy nominee before the fall
“I’m confident that the Senate is ready to rapidly confirm a nominee,” Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisc., said. “I’ve had many conversations to that effect.”
SecDef Austin in favor of killing DoD’s wish-list mandate
Austin’s comments come just hours after it was reported that DoD Comptroller Michael McCord asked lawmakers in a letter to reconsider the unfunded priorities mandate.
The Marine Corps can’t train MQ-9 operators fast enough
In separate hearings, two senators – both from North Dakota – pressed Pentagon brass about training issues and use case for the MQ-9 Reaper.