Category: Defence Intelligence

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia  –  

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Canada from Nov. 22-24, 2024, where he participated in the 2024 Halifax International Security Forum and met with senior military and government officials.

The forum was attended by government and military officials, academic experts and business leaders from the U.S. and Canada, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, Africa and Latin America, featuring discussions on the roles of technological innovation and regional collaboration for a resilient and adaptive security framework.

Paparo participated in two panel discussions. During the first panel, “Era of Action: Sinking CRINK (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea) Inc,” he focused on the Indo-Pacific’s impact on global security and the critical role of solidarity between Allies and partners to collectively address multi-faceted challenges throughout the region. He also noted the transactional symbiosis among CRINK nations and the importance of leveraging individual relationships to impose costs.

The second panel, “Era of Integrity: AI Applications Evolve,” focused on the ethical and practical implications of AI and the importance of international standards and cybersecurity. Paparo underscored maintaining human accountability in the use of AI on the battlefield and the need to establish guardrails for AI in military applications.

While in Canada, Paparo hosted and participated in bilateral and multilateral meetings to underscore commitments to multinational engagements that showcase capabilities and increase understanding of regional challenges; demonstrate efforts to enhance coordination and information-sharing arrangements; and deepen cooperation to confront common threats and protect shared interests.

Paparo met with: Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly; U.S. senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch; Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Linda Fagan; Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan; NATO’s most senior military officer, Chair of the Military Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Royal Netherlands Navy Adm. Rob Bauer; Australia’s Director-General of National Intelligence Andrew Shearer; and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience Iris Ferguson.

The U.S. and Canada share the longest international border on the planet and our bilateral relationship is one of the closest and most extensive in the world, based on robust security and defense cooperation, mutual interests and enduring people-to-people ties.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei  –  

The 30th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei maritime exercise concluded Nov. 25, following eight days of enhanced training and collaboration between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the U.S. military.

Participating U.S. assets in CARAT Brunei 2024 included staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, CTF 73, CTF 74, CTF 75, and CTF 76, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA), Naval Special Warfare, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, and the U.S. Embassy Brunei.

“Building maritime relationships is what the CARAT exercise series is all about,” said Rear Adm. Katie Sheldon, Vice Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Over the past week, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Royal Brunei Armed Forces trained together with the aim of further strengthening their cooperative maritime security capabilities in support of peace and stability.”

This year’s CARAT exercise featured a variety of subject matter expert exchange events, covering topics that included cyber security, emission control, force protection, international maritime law, maritime domain awareness, public affairs for humanitarian assistance disaster relief, and women, peace and security. Bilateral training opportunities also included best practices for a medical evacuation, mine countermeasures, visit, board, search and seizure, underwater demolition, amongst other topics.

“Exercise CARAT provided a very good platform for us to hone these capabilities,” said Yang Mulia Colonel Aldi Bin Haji Hassan, Deputy Joint Force Commander, Royal Brunei Armed Forces. “Over the past several days, we have witnessed the seamless integration of our forces in diverse scenarios. Beyond the tactical and operational gains, CARAT is also about fostering relationships. Every skill refined, every lesson learned and relationship built contributes to the greater goal of maintaining peace, stability and security in the region.”

CARAT Brunei 2024 focused on a full spectrum of dynamic naval capabilities, featuring cooperative evolutions that highlight the U.S.-Brunei partnership and its shared goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. This bilateral exercise demonstrates the United States’ longstanding commitment to allies and partners, respect for international law, as well as regional prosperity.

“We’re grateful to exercise alongside the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, seeing firsthand the progress our combined forces make when working together towards a common goal,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Stuart W. Glenn, commanding officer, MRF-SEA. “CARAT Brunei 2024 has showcased the strength of our Navy and Marine Corps team, demonstrating our unique strengths and providing regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. We look forward to continuing to train and reinforce our strong partnership with our Brunei counterparts in the years to come.”

After 30 years of annual training events between the armed forces, CARAT Brunei remains a model for cooperation that has evolved in complexity and enables both navies to refine operations and tactics in response to both traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges. It symbolizes the enduring trust between the U.S. and Brunei.

MRF-SEA, the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest rotational force, is derived from elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) executing a U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with allies and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I MEF presence west of the International Date Line.

As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, functioning as Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s Sea Combat Commander and building partnerships through training, exercises and military-to-military engagements.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PORT KLANG, Malaysia  –  

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), arrived in Port Klang, Malaysia for the second scheduled port call on its 2024 deployment, Nov. 23.

Marking the first U.S. aircraft carrier visit to Malaysia since 2012, the visit demonstrates the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the two countries, rooted in close people-to-people, economic, and security ties.

“This historic visit reaffirms Malaysia’s importance to the United States,” said U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan. “It highlights our shared commitment to regional stability and Malaysian sovereignty, providing an invaluable opportunity for collaboration between our navies and key leaders.”

Prior to pulling into Port Klang, Abraham Lincoln hosted Malaysia distinguished visitors including officials and media who toured the ship, observed flight operations, and engaged with U.S. Navy Sailors. While in port, the Abraham Lincoln will also host Malaysian leaders for exclusive tours, further strengthening bilateral ties.

“Our visit to Kuala Lumpur is important to the U.S. Navy. It is the first time an aircraft carrier has visited in 12 years,” said Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3. “I deeply value the opportunity to strengthen the U.S. and Malaysian partnership while providing an opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to experience the amazing city of Kuala Lumpur.”

More than 4,200 Sailors and Marines stationed aboard Abraham Lincoln, will enjoy the culture and history of the country. During their time in Malaysia, Abraham Lincoln crewmembers will have the opportunity to tour the local area, through tours and conduct community relations (COMREL) projects where Sailors will volunteer at local soup kitchens, senior citizen’s and children’s homes.

“On behalf of the Abraham Lincoln crew, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for welcoming the Abraham Lincoln with such warmth and enthusiasm,” said Capt. Pete Riebe, commanding officer, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). “We look forward to taking time in-port to explore the rich history and culture of Malaysia and engage with local community groups throughout our visit and conversely welcoming key Malaysian Navy and government officials aboard Abraham Lincoln while in Port Klang.”

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Three and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Nine, integrated air and missile defense Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and Destroyer Squadron 21’s USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. conducted a port call to Singapore, while USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) ported in Thailand, demonstrating the inherent flexibility of a carrier strike group.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.

CVW-9 is comprised of nine aircraft squadrons representing over 70 aircraft aboard Abraham Lincoln: two helicopter squadrons operating the MH-60R & MH-60S Seahawk; three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons; one EA-18G Growler squadron; one U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II squadron; E-2D advance Hawkeye airborne early warning squadron; and C-2 Greyhound for carrier logistics.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
For more news from CSG-3, http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSAL-CVN72#

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s twelfth visit to the Indo-Pacific included stops in Australia, the Philippines, Laos, and Fiji. While in the region, he participated in the Australia-U.S.-Japan Trilateral Defense Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, meetings with regional counterparts, and engagements with key Fijian leaders.

Secretary Austin’s trip builds on historic milestones and unprecedented cooperation with allies and partners to strengthen deterrence and secure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

AUSTRALIA

The United States, Australia, and Japan are taking decisive steps to deepen trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific by:

• Integrating Japan into U.S. force posture initiatives in Australia by announcing annual trilateral training among the Australian Defence Force, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, and United States Marine Rotational Force-Darwin in Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, beginning with TALISMAN SABRE 2025.
• Expanding the scale and scope of trilateral military exercises by opening major U.S.-Japan bilateral exercises to Australian participation and evolving the complexity of trilateral exercises such as SOUTHERN JACKAROO.
• Advancing trilateral cooperation on integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) by incorporating live-fire events into large-scale multilateral exercises such as TALISMAN SABRE.

THE PHILIPPINES

The United States and the Philippines are modernizing combined alliance capabilities and bolstering deterrence in concrete and tangible ways by:

• Concluding a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), which enables the United States and Philippines to share, handle, and protect each other’s classified military information.
• Standing up a new Combined Coordination Center in Camp Aguinaldo that will improve bilateral operational planning and allow U.S. and Philippine forces to work side-by-side in response to real-time incidents, including those in the South China Sea.

LAOS

The United States continues to support collaboration between allies and partners to build regional capacity and uphold international laws and norms by:

• Announcing the second-ever ASEAN-United States Maritime Exercise in 2025 to advance maritime safety and rule of law in the region.
• Releasing the first-ever “U.S. Department of Defense Vision Statement for a Prosperous and Secure Southeast Asia,” which promotes practical cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and includes activities to improve air, cyber, and maritime domain awareness, establish emerging leaders exchanges, and increase trainings and exercises.

FIJI

The United States and Fiji are strengthening partnerships and facilitating greater engagement with Pacific Island Countries by:

• Announcing initiation of negotiations with Fiji on a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which will advance U.S. efforts to work more closely with the region and build on a growing foundation of important cooperative agreements with Pacific Island Countries.
• Signing an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with Fiji, which will bolster bilateral logistics cooperation, including by enabling efficient transfer of fuel and medical supplies as well as use of maintenance facilities during emergencies.
• Committing $4.9 million in new U.S. security assistance to support Fiji’s military modernization through enhanced Foreign Military Financing, pending congressional approval.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his engagements with counterparts in Laos today, where he attended the 11th annual ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).  His participation reflects the importance of ASEAN centrality to the Department of Defense, and highlights the practical cooperation with ASEAN since the United States elevated its relationship with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. 

ADMM-Plus Plenary Session
On November 21, Secretary Austin participated in the ADMM-Plus plenary session, marking the fourth ADMM-Plus meeting of his tenure. In his remarks, Secretary Austin emphasized the U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality as a key pillar to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.  He detailed how current and future U.S. security cooperation with ASEAN partners is contributing to a more stable and prosperous region. Secretary Austin discussed plans for the second-ever ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise, which will be conducted in 2025. Secretary Austin also discussed challenges, including coercive PRC activities in the South China Sea, the violence in Burma, and the Russian war against Ukraine. 

Following the plenary, the Department released the first-ever U.S. Department of Defense Vision Statement for a Prosperous and Secure Southeast Asia, which detailed U.S. initiatives that will continue to implement the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025 and beyond. 

Engagements with Allies and Partners
Secretary Austin also met together with close allies from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea, as well as separately with his counterpart from India.

The Secretary met with Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen, Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun.  During this unprecedented meeting of U.S. allies, the defense leaders underscored their shared commitment to advance a vision for a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where international law and sovereignty are respected.  The full readout can be found here: 

In his meeting with India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, both leaders shared appreciation for the growth of the U.S.-India defense relationship and successful completion of several complex bilateral and multilateral military exercises this year, including TIGER TRIUMPH and MALABAR. They noted the commencement of the deployment process of the first Liaison Officer from India in U.S. Special Operations Command as another example of deeper defense cooperation. The Secretary and Minister Singh hailed the two countries’ deepening defense industrial cooperation, taking note of sustained progress on initiatives outlined in the Roadmap for U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation. And they discussed ways to increase technology cooperation through INDUS-X. Secretary Austin detailed additional opportunities for collaboration in maritime domain awareness through bilateral and multilateral initiatives. 

Secretary Austin’s twelfth trip to the Indo-Pacific region continues with a final stop in Fiji.  Each of the Secretary’s stops thus far — in Australia, the Philippines, and Laos — has underscored the longstanding U.S. commitment to strengthening the Indo-Pacific’s dynamic security architecture.