Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is launching the first trilateral prize challenge through AUKUS Pillar II— a defense and security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (U.S.)— to identify electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) technologies that help give a strategic edge in targeting and to provide protection against adversarial electromagnetic-targeting capabilities.

This inaugural AUKUS Pillar II trilateral prize challenge will run as three synchronized competitions by the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) in Australia, Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) in the UK, and DIU in the U.S.

Through AUKUS Pillar II, the Department of Defense (DoD) is bolstering national, regional, and global stability and security by enhancing the capabilities that warfighters need to respond to current and future threats. AUKUS allows the DoD to coordinate information and technology with its international partners to deliver critical capabilities quickly while integrating and strengthening the U.S., UK and Australian defense industrial base and supply chains.

“There is enormous potential in collaborating with our allies and partners, and our AUKUS electromagnetic warfare (EW) Challenge is an example of this,” said DIU Director Doug Beck. “A strong international community of defense innovation entities can help nurture and harness these new capabilities.”

The trilateral problem statement calls for capabilities that will allow us to leverage EMS technologies for both offensive and defensive purposes. The EMS presents a congested and competitive environment, with new technologies and solution sets that have the potential to provide asymmetric advantages for AUKUS and other partners. Key capabilities sought include the ability to:

• Find: Identification of targets using the EMS.
• Fix: Location of targets via the EMS.
• Track: Monitoring of target movement using the EMS.
• Target: Selection and application of EMS assets and enabled weapon systems.
• Engage: Application of EMS assets and enabled weapons.
• Assess: Evaluation of attack effects using the EMS.

A team of subject matter experts will evaluate applicants and select winning companies from the three countries in July 2024.

For more information or interview requests, please contact us at media@diu.mil.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following readout:

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (A/DASD) for East Asia Andrew Winternitz concluded his visit to Japan last week after attending the Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue.

The Japan-hosted dialogue featured important engagements on regional Pacific Islands issues like maritime security, climate change, emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response. A/DASD Winternitz also participated in 12 bilateral meetings with Pacific Islands leaders from the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. In addition, he met bilaterally with counterparts from France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.

“This dialogue marked an important opportunity to connect with a wide range of Pacific Island partners and exchange views on shared defense and security issues in the region,” A/DASD Winternitz said. “We thank our Japanese colleagues for their leadership in hosting this dialogue, and we look forward to deepening these important relationships.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

VISAKHAPATNAM, India  –  

Marines and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embraced India’s culture during celebrations, athletic exchanges, and community relations engagements as they participate in Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024.

Currently in the harbor phase, Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH’s third iteration incorporated multiple community relations engagement opportunities, friendly sports competitions, and for the first time, participation by Marines and Sailors in a Holi celebration alongside service members from the Indian Armed Forces.

Over 200 Marines and Sailors who arrived to Visakhapatnam aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) took the opportunity to join their Indian counterparts to develop relationships and strengthen camaraderie outside of the scheduled military training events, as well as with members of the local community.

“These events are a great opportunity for us to make an impact in the community and strengthen bonds with our counterparts,” said U.S. Marine Corps Warrant Officer Linda Gonzalez, a mobility officer assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th MEU. “As a female officer, I enjoy participating in these events, whether it be talking with cadets at a university or at a Holi festival, to show and encourage young women that they are and can be the leaders for the next generation.”

On March 22-23, U.S. and Indian service members held two days of athletic exchanges including basketball and volleyball with both countries joining together on integrated teams for the final competitions. An instructor-led, sunrise yoga session was also held to round out the two days of sports.

Andhra University and a foster home for boys in Visakhapatnam hosted Marines and Sailors for community relations events on March 23. Over 100 Marines and Sailors participated in both events.

At the foster home, Marines and Sailors joined children ranging from ages 5 to 18 in a series of events including volleyball, tug-of-war, mural painting, local children’s games, and culminating with a musical chairs competition. To cement the partnership built throughout the day, Marines and Sailors assisted the young children as they planted a new tree in their garden.

Marines and Sailors also visited the American Corner at Andhra University, a space that encourages dynamic conversations based on local youth interests. Events there included the planting of a tree, painting of a “U.S.-India Together” mural, and discussions with students and the Indian National Cadet Corps with U.S. Navy Capt. Michel Brandt, commanding officer of Somerset, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Lindsay Mathwick, commanding officer of CLB-15, 15th MEU, and commander of troops aboard Somerset.

“When I was in their position, I remember the impact guest speakers had on our development as young leaders,” said Mathwick. “I hope our visit and interactions here today leave a similar mark. As impressive as the cadets were in their poise, professionalism, and thoughtful questions, I have great confidence in the future of leadership in India”

On March 25, nearly 300 service members from the U.S. and Indian Armed Forces came together to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors that marks the onset of spring in India. Marines and Sailors were greeted with a dusting of chalk sparking the colorful celebration. They were led through dancing and music by the Bhangra Dance Team and Dholak Band Team and treated with customary refreshments traditionally enjoyed in the holiday that marks the victory of good over evil.

“While we work together at military exercises, we must always look for opportunities like this to share our bonds of friendship,” said Indian Navy Capt. Rajan Kapoor, commanding officer of the INS Sahaydri. “Together we are stronger, and we will cherish these memories for a very long time.”

U.S. and Indian Armed Forces will continue training and transition to the sea phase of Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH to focus on humanitarian aid and disaster relief readiness which will enhance the bilateral, joint, and services readiness to better achieve mutual regional security objectives in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

Media queries can be directed to the Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH Combined Joint Information Bureau Director, LCDR Andrew DeGarmo at andrew.r.degarmo.mil@us.navy.mil. For more information, photos, and stories about 15th MEU participation in Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH, visit www.dvidshub.net/units/15thMEUpa.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OKINAWA, Japan  –  

Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyber Command deployed to Okinawa, Japan as part of the inaugural iteration of a new cyber rotational force concept.

The cyber rotational force concept brings experts in defensive cyber operations to assist tactical and operational units stationed with geographic combatant commands.

“Cyber defense is crucial, and as our capabilities continually mature, it is important that we support the warfighters and units tasked with ensuring our competitive edge throughout the globe,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Ryan P. Heritage, the commander of MARFORCYBER. “Ensuring we have the skills and resources to maintain resilient, reliable networks to support rapid decision making at every level is at the heart of what we do. This is just another step in realizing that goal.”

The team, made up of defensive cyber operations professionals assigned to MARFORCYBER, will join with defensive cyber operations Marines assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Their mission will be to harden Marine Corps and joint networks in order to better enable the maneuver of units throughout the Western Pacific, knowing that critical infrastructure, networks and systems are effectively monitored and secured.

The forward deployment of cyber forces to operational theaters such as the INDO-PACIFIC, is one way MARFORCYBER is assisting units’ operational and tactical network resiliency in challenging environments.

“Protecting critical networks located inside the weapons engagement zone of several regional adversaries is essential to our ability to physically and virtually maneuver,” said Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. “We are excited to work with MARFORCYBER on the cyber rotational force concept and, look forward to the resilience and flexibility their experts can provide our force.”

While the cyber rotational force’s immediate mission is to harden the networks units in the Western Pacific rely upon to complete their mission, it is also a chance to refine the tactics that will be needed in future conflicts against sophisticated adversaries.

“As the threat to our critical cyber infrastructure evolves, it is essential that the Marine Corps be able to defend our forward deployed networks,” Jurney said. “This will be crucial to the Marine Corps’ development of the expeditionary advance basing and stand-in force concepts.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

VISAKHAPATNAM, India  –  

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked upon the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25), arrived in Visakhapatnam, India to participate in the third iteration of Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH between the U.S. and India, March 18.

Tiger TRIUMPH, which stands for Tri-Services India-U.S. Amphibious Exercise, is a combined, joint exercise between U.S. and Indian Armed Forces focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief readiness and enhancing interoperability, and will be held from March 18-31, in port and the waters near Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, India.

TT24 will highlight the improved bilateral compatibility and interoperability between U.S. and Indian Armed Forces, and enhanced bilateral, joint, and services readiness to better achieve mutual regional security objectives in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

“Our Marines and Sailors are excited to be here for the third iteration of Tiger TRIUMPH and train alongside the Indian Armed Forces,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Lindsay Mathwick, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th MEU, and commander of troops aboard Somerset. “We are looking forward to enhancing our combined and joint capability with our Indian partners across the range of military operations and continue to strengthen our shared vision of a secure Indo-Pacific.”

This year’s exercise will focus on advancing large-scale joint and combined interoperability for HADR operations. The exercise is scheduled to include a harbor phase, followed by a sea phase where U.S. and Indian forces will practice combined operational maneuver, command and control, and joint sustainment operations. Service members will also participate in cultural and athletic events.

Somerset and the embarked elements of the 15th MEU are part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU team. The Boxer ARG and 15th MEU team will operate in a disaggregated construct during parts of its deployment. Somerset and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are under the command and control of Combined Task Force 76/3, employed by U.S. 7th Fleet to operate with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Media queries can be directed to the TT24 Combined Joint Information Bureau Director, LCDR Andrew DeGarmo at andrew.r.degarmo.mil@us.navy.mil. For more information, photos, and stories about 15th MEU participation in TT24, visit www.dvidshub.net/units/15thMEUpa.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

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

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) at the Pentagon today to reaffirm the strong defense and security ties between the United States and the FSM.

The two officials welcomed the recent successful effort by President Biden and Congress to advance the Compacts of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024, which provides funding for the 20-year extension of economic assistance to the Freely Associated States (FAS) under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). Additionally, they expressed gratitude for the decades of distinguished service by FSM citizens in the U.S. military made possible under the Compacts.

The two officials also underscored the importance of ongoing discussions between both countries to explore opportunities for new cooperation on U.S. defense posture in the FSM, including in the State of Yap, as well as exercise opportunities in the region.

Secretary Austin’s meeting with President Simina comes as the United States continues to strengthen partnerships across the Pacific Islands region, including with the FAS. In August 2021, Secretary Austin met with the President of the Republic of Palau, and he met in September 2022 with the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense, United States.

One year ago, on 13 March 2023 in San Diego, the Leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced the Optimal Pathway. The Optimal Pathway outlines an ambitious plan to deliver a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability (SSNs) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) – a plan that will strengthen our three countries’ combined military capabilities, boost our collective industrial capacity, set the highest non-proliferation standard and enhance our ability to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

AUKUS is built on the bedrock of decades of close defense, capability and technology cooperation between our three nations and is a natural progression of our partnership. Today, AUKUS partners welcomed the announcement of the selection of ASC Pty Ltd and BAE Systems to build Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines, and the selection of ASC as Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine sustainment partner.

The formation of these strategic partnerships with industry is a significant milestone in the AUKUS endeavour. It is a demonstration of our trilateral industry supporting the Optimal Pathway becoming a reality and will underpin Australia’s role as a capable security partner and responsible steward of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability for decades to come.

The enduring trilateral partnership between the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States supports these commercial relationships and further enables the close industrial collaboration across our three countries in support of AUKUS.

ASC and BAE Systems will build the SSN-AUKUS submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. BAE Systems has been at the heart of the UK’s submarine enterprise for generations. SSN-AUKUS is being trilaterally developed, based on the United Kingdom’s next-generation design and incorporating technology from all three nations, including cutting edge United States submarine technologies. Also to be built by the UK and operated by the Royal Navy, SSN-AUKUS will be equipped for intelligence, surveillance, undersea warfare and strike missions, and will provide maximum interoperability among AUKUS partners.

ASC has been at the centre of Australia’s sovereign submarine program for decades as Australia’s sovereign submarine sustainment partner, and the builder of Australia’s Collins-class submarines. ASC will build its sustainment capability for SSNs, including through partnering opportunities with UK and US industry. Sustainment capability is critical to the Optimal Pathway, accelerating Australia’s ability to operate and sustain its own Virginia class submarines as soon as possible and contribute to regional security, together with AUKUS partners.

The Optimal Pathway was always designed to create a stronger, more resilient trilateral submarine industrial base, supporting submarine production and maintenance in all three countries. The announcements today are a testament to that – the build of SSN-AUKUS will increase opportunities for industrial base collaboration, strengthen our collective industrial base capacity, and generate economic growth in defense and national security sectors in all three countries. Similarly, the announcement of Australia’s sovereign sustainment partner is a key milestone to build Australia’s capacity to operate and sustain nuclear-powered submarines. ASC will, in time, develop robust industry partnerships with UK and US businesses to gain the technical skills, know-how and capacity to sustain nuclear-powered submarines.

All AUKUS partners are investing significantly to ensure success of the Optimal Pathway and are working at pace to transform and integrate our trilateral industrial bases to support SSN cooperation.

• Australia has agreed an AUD$1.5 billion investment for early priority works at HMAS Stirling, to put in place the enablers for the safe and secure rotational presence of United Kingdom and United States SSNs through Submarine Rotational Force-West from 2027. Australia has also commenced enabling works at the future nuclear-powered submarine construction yard at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide. All up, Australia has committed at least AUD $18 billion in infrastructure upgrades across South Australia and Western Australia over the next 10 years to enable critical milestones for the Optimal Pathway.
   
• The United States has announced the intended investment of USD $11.4 billion in its submarine industrial base across the five-year defense budget period starting in 2025 to increase the production rate of Virginia class submarines as quickly and effectively as possible, to meet its own fleet requirements and support U.S. commitments under AUKUS.
   
• The United Kingdom also announced last year that it would inject GBP £3 billion into its Defence Nuclear Enterprise, including the construction of submarine industrial infrastructure that will help to deliver the SSN-AUKUS program. Subsequently, Rolls-Royce has announced that it will double the size of its Derby site to support the delivery of the UK and Australian programs, which will include building all of Australia’s nuclear reactors.

Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States remain fully committed to this shared endeavour. These steps to grow Australia’s submarine construction and maintenance capability are critical to the AUKUS partnership, expanding trilateral industrial capacity and building the collective resilience of AUKUS partners to produce and sustain conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines for decades to come.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work in Japan for all military services and agencies.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DEDEDO, Guam  –  

In a testament to readiness and operational excellence, Task Force Talon’s E-3 ADA THAAD Battery conducted a Table VIII evaluation for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stationed in Guam, March 11-15, 2024.

E-3 THAAD Battery, equipped with a state-of-the-art missile defense system, is tasked with defending Guam and its surrounding areas against potential ballistic missile threats. Amidst evolving security challenges in the region, completing the Table VIII evaluation highlights the unit’s preparedness to effectively deter and counter emerging threats. The evaluation showcased the unit’s proficiency in missile defense operations and underscored its critical role in bolstering regional security in the Pacific.

Senior Air Defense leaders from the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade served as evaluators.

“Table VIII is the first assessment in the series of gunnery tables that brings in external evaluators to assess the Battery’s proficiency on their gunnery task as a collective,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jennifer Burns, Lead Evaluator.

Soldiers underwent rigorous training scenarios designed to test their ability to deploy, operate, and maintain the THAAD system under simulated combat conditions. From rapid deployment drills to simulated missile engagements, the evaluation encompassed a range of tasks to assess the unit’s combat readiness and proficiency.

The TF Talon commander, Lt. Col. Jonathan Stafford, said, “The evaluators certified that all the crews from the THAAD battery were proficient on all aspects of the Defense of Guam mission. Great job, E-3!”

Completing the Table VIII evaluation reaffirms TF Talon’s commitment to excellence and its indispensable role in safeguarding peace and security in the Pacific. With Guam serving as a strategic outpost in the region, TF Talon’s presence is pivotal in deterring aggression and preserving stability in the Indo-Pacific theater.