Category: Indo-Pacific

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PHILIPPINES  –  

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) and the Chemical Security and Elimination (CSE) program in partnership with partner-nation, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) held a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony announcing the construction of a National Virtual Training Center (NVTC) on February 21, 2024. Host government officials from the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government along with the Public Safety College and University of the Philippines were in attendance in a show of support for the eight-year partnership with DTRA, and in solidarity with peaceful efforts that aim to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and emerging threats.

In continued partnership with the GPH, the DTRA-designed and -constructed NVTC will provide a platform for the Philippine nation to improve the safety and security of public and veterinary health facilities. This effort will also enhance biosafety, biosecurity, detection of pathogens and chemical security to the country and region by providing a training facility to enhance the training curriciulum of the Philippines. The facility will increase the capacity and capability of trainings across multiple disciplines of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear security and counter WMD missions.

“This facility will house a lecture hall for classroom-setting trainings, a practical biolgical diagnostics laboratory classroom for hands-on biosafety and biosecurity trainings, and a virtual reality room equipped with headsets to provide an opportunity to train virtually on a chemical security curriculum,” stated Corey Erff, program manager for this Cooperative Threat Effort.

BTRP and CSE have worked with GPH departments to develop a concept of operations to ensure the facility promotes long-term, sustainable threat reduction efforts. With DTRA completing construction of the NVTC, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippines Public Safety College will take ownership of the facility.

This project, and any future collaboration, is being carried out by the United States in close collaboration with the Philippine government, ensuring strict adherence to Philippine laws. By working together, these projects will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino citizens.

DTRA provides cross-cutting solutions to enable the Department of Defense, the United States Government, and international partners to Deter strategic attack against the United States and its allies; Prevent, reduce, and counter WMD and emerging threats; and Prevail against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

NEW DELHI — Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited India on an overseas trip from Feb. 21-24, 2024, where he met with senior military and government leaders, and participated in discussions at the Raisina Dialogue and the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit.

Aquilino met with External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, reaffirming the importance of the United States-India strategic partnership between the two nations.  

During his visit, Aquilino spoke on the Raisina Dialogue panel “From the Aegean Sea to the South China Sea: Responding to Maritime Sieges”, alongside Adm. R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, India, Adm. Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of the Naval Staff, France, Adm. Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, United Kingdom, and Air Marshal Robert Chipman, Chief of the Air Force, Australia.

The Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference hosted by Observer Research Foundation in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The multi-day event included lectures and open-forum discussions on geopolitics, geo-economics and security, bringing together leaders from the military, politics, business, media and civil sectors.

During the panel, Aquilino underscored the importance of partnerships to the safeguarding of sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific for all.  

“What we’re seeing here today… it’s when we come together and operate together to deliver that conventional deterrence that prevents [conflict],” said Aquilino. “Our nations coming together to articulate a position that says we are unwilling to accept the forceful imposition of rules that counter what we believe in and what we stand for, and that doesn’t benefit anybody across the globe. … We have to do all of those things to protect our force, to protect the free flow of commerce, and we have to do it together.”

While in India, Aquilino also spoke during a panel at INDUS-X, which is an initiative between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Indian Ministry of Defense to expand strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation between the two countries’ governments, businesses and academic institutions. The discussion highlighted the importance of capability development and interoperability between the U.S. and India, and included Defence Secretary Aramane, Amb. Atul Keshap, president of U.S.-India Business Council and senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Rexon Ryu, president of the Asia Group.

The U.S. and India continue to strengthen and move forward the strategic and unique Major Defense Partner relationship through exercises, information sharing and shared emphasis on the rules-based international order. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

VISAKHAPATNAM, India (NNS)  –  

U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) joined ships, aircraft and personnel from India and numerous other navies to begin Exercise MILAN 2024 in the Bay of Bengal, Feb. 19.

This year marks the second time the U.S. has participated in the biennial exercise in order to build combined interoperability with regional allies and partners. MILAN in Hindi means “meeting.”

MILAN 2024 includes forces from more than 50 countries, the largest participation in the exercise. This year’s exercise focuses on strengthening military-to-military ties to contribute toward a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.

MILAN 2024 will include a harbor phase followed by a sea phase where ships will focus on high-end tactical training, maneuvering drills, air-defense exercises, submarine familiarization, multinational replenishment-at-sea, communications drills, gunnery exercises, and joint warfighting scenarios.

“We are grateful for the leadership of our Indian Navy partners in putting together exercise MILAN and providing us the opportunity to advance multilateral interoperability,” said Capt. Ryan Leary, commanding officer, USS Halsey. “India is a like-minded partner and leader in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, active in and connected to Southeast Asia, a driving force of regional fora, and an engine for regional growth and development.”

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

OKINAWA, Japan  –  

Just under four nautical miles from Motobu Peninsula, Okinawa, Japan U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, traveled from Camp Hansen to Ie Shima, a remote island off the coast of Okinawa.

Working alongside Marines from 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III MIG, the team conducted training exercise Rapid Tanto, which implemented concepts of the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, outlined in the Marine Corps’ modernization.

EABs use mobile, low-signature forces that can operate from austere locations, including areas within hostile engagement areas. EABs are often self-sustaining in nature and can facilitate sea control campaigns.

During the exercise, the Marines reinforced their ability gather and share information in a communications-degraded environment. As the Indo-pacific region becomes more contested, 5th ANGLICO is increasing stability by implementing EABO concepts. During Rapid Tanto, the Marines established an EAB capable of gathering and transmitting critical information to support dynamic targeting. 3rd Intel Bn’s MST Marines employed a commercial off-the-shelf radar which can locate distant maritime activity with precision.

“The ANGLICO detachment’s primary mission for Rapid Tanto is to insert onto Ie Shima with Maritime Surveillance Teams to assist in setting up radar systems and establishing an EAB to provide maritime domain awareness, utilizing commercial and tactical assets to disseminate track data”, says Capt. Yiannis Rizos, the team lead for Rapid Tanto.

Moving from Camp Hansen to Ie Shima is an opportunity for the Marines to sustain their ability to rapidly assemble and relocate from base to a contested maritime space. The smaller and more mobile units allow rapid deployment, and disaggregation in austere unsupported locations. This reduces logistical burdens and expands the range of communication that III MIG provides to other units leading to a lighter and more expeditionary force.

During Rapid Tanto, 5th ANGLICO and 3rd Intel Bn Marines conducted multiple communication drills during the days and nights with various high frequency radios and satellite internet. These drills involved casualty evacuation 9-lines, close air support 5-lines, and standard data sharing obtained from the radar.

“If a commercial means of passing data is compromised, I need to have a contingency plan. This exercise established alternate ways to transmit data. My data is useless if I’m the only one that knows it”, explains Sgt. Guy Tobin, the Maritime Surveillance Platoon team lead.

Rapid Tanto provided advanced training to 5th ANGLICO and 3rd Intel Bn in developing accurate maritime sensing capability. During this exercise the units demonstrated their ability to act as one integrated force, capable of supporting joint maritime campaigns, and operating in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) participated in the second India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit today in New Delhi, India.

Speakers at the INDUS-X Summit explored opportunities to co-produce advanced military capabilities, create resilient defense supply chains, and enhance U.S.-India military interoperability in support of both countries’ shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Panel participants expanded on several themes inspired by the original INDUS-X collaboration agenda: deepening defense industrial partnerships, increasing collaborative research and testing facility access, mobilizing private capital to support critical defense technologies, and commercializing dual-use technologies. The governments also led a hybrid information session on export controls for U.S. and Indian defense start-ups that aim to form partnerships and co-develop technology.

The summit included announcements on priority efforts under INDUS-X including joint challenges. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) announced the winners of the first two INDUS-X joint challenges, in which companies compete to develop technologies that solve military problems for the DoD and MoD.  Following a competitive process supported by military service partners and both governments, ten U.S. and Indian companies won over $1 million to develop technologies related to undersea communications and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). At the Summit, DIU and iDEX also announced that they will open applications for two joint challenges focused on space-based ISR in the coming months.

At the Summit, U.S. companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations announced a new consortium committed to expanding testing facility access. The consortium will explore pathways for defense and dual-use companies in the INDUS-X network to test, refine, and integrate their technologies at premier testing ranges across the U.S. and India.

The Summit featured a meeting of two advisory bodies under INDUS-X. First, U.S. and Indian officials convened for the second meeting of the bilateral Senior Advisory Group, which guides future cooperation under the initiative.  Second, the U.S. Institute of Peace moderated the inaugural meeting of the INDUS-X Senior Leaders Forum, comprised of U.S. and Indian leaders across industry, private equity, academia, and other sectors who convene to share feedback that informs the trajectory of INDUS-X.

The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and the Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers (SIDM) organized the Summit, which convened U.S. and Indian defense companies, investors, researchers, and government officials.

The Department and Ministry launched the bilateral initiative INDUS-X in June 2023 to spur defense innovation in critical technologies by facilitating partnerships among U.S. and Indian companies, investors, and universities. INDUS-X is the innovation bridge envisioned by the U.S. and Indian national security advisors under the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).

The DoD and MoD have released an INDUS-X Fact Sheet to outline both the initiative’s progress to date and priority near-term efforts.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  –  

The 8th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in a 554th Red Horse Squadron-led rapid airfield damage repair training exercise at Kunsan Air Base Republic of Korea, Feb. 13, 2024. Airmen trained on core competencies that could be applied during contingency operations.

The 544th RHS traveled to Kunsan from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to conduct the training exercise to allow Kunsan Airmen an opportunity to participate in training that is rarely given on the Korean Peninsula.

During the training, Red Horse airmen taught the Red Devils new procedures in rapid airfield damage repair, reverse osmosis water purification unit training, crash marking and emergency management tactics.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

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Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

BAY OF BENGAL  –  

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conducted a trilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to strengthen interoperability and readiness between the three nations, in the Bay of Bengal, Feb. 17-18.

The exercise included the Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami (DD 113) of the JMSDF, the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152) of the RAN, and USS Halsey.

Throughout this exercise, participants conducted trilateral operations designed to enhance interoperability through maneuver, communications, and information sharing. The exercise increased the collective ability of the three nations to maintain maritime security and readiness to respond to any regional contingency.

“It’s a privilege to sail alongside our allies and partners from Australia and Japan,” said Capt. Justin Harts, commander of Task Force (CTF) 71. “Fortifying our interoperability is paramount for CTF 71 and amplifies our mission of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The last time the three nations conducted a naval exercise as a trilateral force was on Feb. 15^th, in the South China Sea.

Australia and Japan have both forged long-standing alliances with the U.S., built on shared interests, promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity.

Halsey is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

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

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii   –  

The U.S. Department of Defense will participate in the Singapore Airshow 2024 with aerial demonstrations and static displays at Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 20-25.

SA2024 is one of the largest defense exhibitions and tradeshows in the Pacific and this year it continues with over 1,000 exhibitors expected to participate. Some of the DoD aircraft and equipment scheduled to participate in this year’s event are the F-35A, MQ-9, and P-8 among others.

The DoD is excited for the opportunity to build upon already strong ties with Singapore, showcase equipment and aircraft systems, enable engagement with foreign partners, and further power projection capabilities.

For more information about the airshow click here.