Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines  –  

Philippine and U.S. military forces participating in Balikatan 24 concluded the second iteration of maritime key terrain security operations today, exercising their collective ability to secure several islands in the Batanes Island group approximately 1,000 miles north of where combined forces conducted similar operations in Palawan last week.

Simultaneously, elements of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force and their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a second rapid infiltration (HIRAIN) operation into Northern Luzon.

These combined, joint all-domain operations brought together and integrated more than a dozen units to secure and protect the Philippines’ maritime terrain, territorial waters, and national sovereignty across the archipelago.

“In Northern Luzon, a rifle company of U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team (3d LCT) partnered with Philippine Marines from 4th Marine Brigade to secure key maritime terrain in a scenario designed to preserve Philippine territorial integrity in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Archipelagic Coastal Defense Concept,” said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Mark Lenzi, battalion commander of 3d LCT, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment. “During this exercise, 3d LCT conducted expeditionary advanced base operations, supported maritime domain awareness, and conducted reconnaissance and counter reconnaissance to demonstrate stand-in force capabilities to the combined and joint force.”

The northern Batanes islands of Mavulis, Itbayat, and Batan were the primary training sites for the combined maritime key terrain security operations, while the Lal-lo airfield and Port of Irene in the province of Cayagan served as the training sites for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) HIRAIN operations.

During the HIRAIN operations, combined forces rapidly positioned and repositioned HIMARS weapons systems at designated locations across the province and simulated (non-live fire) strike operations against notional threats. This training increases bilateral interoperability in complex littoral and coastal defense operations.

“The HIRAIN exercise showcased the strength of our partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, demonstrating the versatility and interoperability of our military capabilities,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Blan, commander of 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force.

The first iteration of the combined and joint all-domain training commenced on April 24 in Palawan at the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites located on Antonio Bautista Air Base and Balabac Island. Training activities included expeditionary mine hunting, sonar hydrographic surveys, reconnaissance drills, amphibious landings, and air assault drills to secure key maritime terrain and establish expeditionary advanced bases and forward arming and refueling points; and HIRAIN operations to rapidly transport, insert, and assume firing positions to project combat power within the area via a HIMARS live-fire event.

All these operations together facilitate the all-domain, multi-modal maneuver required to operate in a rapidly evolving security environment.

Units supporting the maritime key terrain security operations and HIRAIN included: the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine Brigade; the U.S. Army 1st Multi-Domain Task Force; the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment; and the U.S. Air Force’s 317th Airlift Wing and 353rd Special Operations Wing.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Pentagon Spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following release:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, today. During his visit, Secretary Austin met with counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, presided over the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Change of Command, engaged with service members, and spoke with distinguished guests from the Freely Associated States.

Secretary Austin’s Meetings on Thursday, May 2

Secretary Austin met bilaterally at Camp Smith with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles to discuss the U.S.-Australia Alliance. The two officials surveyed a range of areas where both countries are continuing unprecedented work to deepen their defense cooperation, including force posture initiatives, defense industrial base collaboration, and partnerships across the Pacific Islands region.

Secretary Austin also met bilaterally at Camp Smith with Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru to advance historic momentum in the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The two officials discussed ongoing efforts to implement agreements announced during Prime Minister Kishida’s Official Visit to Washington, as well as opportunities to further strengthen the Alliance by increasing cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners.

Secretary Austin, Deputy Prime Minister Marles, and Minister Kishida then convened a Trilateral Defense Ministers’ Meeting (TDMM), where the three officials highlighted landmark trilateral achievements made in implementing a range of cooperative activities announced by the United States, Australia, and Japan in June 2023. The three officials signed a trilateral technology research and testing arrangement and also announced  plans to conduct a regional integrated air and missile defense live-fire exercise in 2027.

Secretary Austin, Deputy Prime Minister Marles, Minister Kishida, and Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro then held the second-ever meeting of defense ministers from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States. The officials highlighted significant collaboration among their four countries to advance a shared vision for a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The officials then convened the first-ever joint press conference by the defense ministers of their four countries at Camp Smith.

Secretary Austin and Secretary Teodoro also met in Honolulu to discuss bilateral defense cooperation between the United States and the Philippines following President Marcos’ historic April 2024 visit to Washington and trilateral meetings with President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida.

Secretary Austin’s Engagements on Friday, May 3

Secretary Austin presided over the USINDOPACOM Change of Command in Honolulu, where he delivered remarks recognizing outgoing commander Admiral John Aquilino, incoming commander Admiral Samuel Paparo, and the hundreds of thousands of American service members across USINDOPACOM’s Area of Responsibility.

On the margins of the Change of Command, Secretary Austin also spoke with leaders from the Freely Associated States (FAS), including President Surangel Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau, President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Minister Kalani Kaneko of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Their meeting follows the historic passage of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024 in March, which funded a twenty-year extension of U.S. economic assistance to the FAS under the Compacts.

Secretary Austin concluded his trip to Hawaii with a series of engagements with service members, where he thanked them and their families for their contributions to the safety and security of the American people.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines  –  

The Pacific Air Force’s Pacific Integrated Air & Missile Defense Center, with support from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and the Philippine Air Force facilitated an inaugural multilateral and joint service subject matter expert exchange in preparation for Balikatan24 at Clark Air Base, Luzon City, Philippines April 22 through 26.

The classes taught during the exchange centered on the facilitation and universal understanding of IAMD. The USINDOPACOM mission of IAMD calls for the United States to seamlessly integrate with allies to enable freedom of maneuver and power projection to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. To do so, IAMD uses a network of interconnected systems to augment surface-to-air defenses and effectively complement kinetic fire solutions.

In late March 2024, the PIC led and conducted a Defense Design Working Group for 52 joint members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines geared towards developing an IAMD-centric exercise plan for Balikatan 24. The result was a list of what the attendees deemed critical to protect the defense of their nation. The methodology was based on how each asset selected was necessary, how vulnerable, susceptible, and recuperable it was to an attack, and finally, how likely a specific nomination is to attack.

The PIC then hosted USSPACECOM’s Joint Ballistic Missile Training and Education Center to present its 4-day Joint IAMD Course, which provided attendees with the basic concepts and understanding of IAMD in multi-domain operations. A second 4-hour course focused on decision-making processes for AFP and U.S. senior leaders in the IAMD enterprise. Both course groups comprised leaders from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Army.

Finally, using the recent Iranian attacks on Israel as a baseline for a multilateral and joint IAMD architecture, the PIC brought together a diverse audience of 175 multilateral attendees with members of each US Service, members of each Philippine service, along with the Royal Australian Air Force, and observation from three members of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force, to provide insight on how their particular service and capabilities play a significant role in the IAMD defense architecture and enterprise.

The attendees also got an up-close look at the US Army’s PATRIOT weapon system. The 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, provided a tour and answered questions for the attendees at their deployed site on Clark Air Base.

The overall intent of the 3-week event was a means to coordinate, integrate, and synchronize IAMD capabilities to protect what the Joint Forces Commanders deem as his most critical assets, along with a complex communication plan constructed between all of the attending units during the LVC portion of BK 39-24. The C2 dynamic, broken down by regions and sectors, relies primarily on passing critical information through lateral and vertical units with the net result of delegating authorities to execute possible threats. This concept is being exercised for the first time in a US-Philippine bilateral architecture.

“From ballistic missiles to cruise missiles to one-way attack drones to quadcopters, IAMD is a more complex and challenging problem than ever before,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Keegan Dale, the 13th Fighter Squadron Commander, who is serving as the Commander of BK’s 13th Air Expeditionary Group. “Every country and service brings unique IAMD capabilities to bear. We must integrate and learn from each other in training if we expect success in combat.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

LA PAZ SAND DUNES, Laoag City, Philippines  –  

Combined forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. military rehearsed defending the coastline today during a Balikatan counter-landing live-fire exercise.

Converging fires onto floating targets off the coast and mock-enemy targets along the beach, Marines and Soldiers from both nations improved their ability to defend Philippine interests within their territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

“I continue to be impressed by the skill, dedication and interoperability of the U.S. and AFP – all of which was on full display during today’s training,” said U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force. “Balikatan is designed to prepare us both to defend Philippine sovereignty. If anyone has any question about whether we’re ready, we answered that today. We’re ready. And we always will be.”

The combined-arms range included multiple shots from the FGM-148 Javelin missile and M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System, or MAAWS, small arms and machine gun fire from dug-in and maneuvering forces, and artillery fire from the Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Army, and U.S. Army.

“The successful execution of this exercise underscores the strengthened cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in defending our shores. With every iteration, we continuously leverage the valuable insights and expertise gained to ensure regional security and stability,” said Maj. Gen. Marvin Licudine, Philippine exercise director.

Participating units included: the Philippine Army’s 502nd Brigade; the Philippine Marine Corps’ 4th Marine Brigade; the U.S. Army 3-7 Field Artillery; and the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Littoral Combat Team.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

SAIPAN, Northern Marianas Islands  –  

Guam National Guard troops hailing from the neighboring Northern Marianas Islands have increased 2,400 percent from three in 2022 to 75 in 2024. Driving this effort is Sgt. Juan Camacho, heavy equipment operator with the 1224th Engineer Support Company and native of Saipan.

Camacho is also a local swimming champion and community organizer for youth sports events. He is the sole recruiter for the National Guard in the Northern Marianas.

“It all comes down to relationships, honesty, and pride.” said Camacho. “I was born and raised in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands, and being involved with the community has definitely paved the way.”

The CNMI is an unincorporated territory and commonwealth of the United States consisting of 14 islands in the western Pacific. The majority of the 47,329 residents live on the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, and share ethnic Chamoru culture and ancestry with neighboring Guam.

Both Guam and the NMI are still recovering from the effects of recent Category 4 typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic on their tourism-based economies.

Camacho was given orders to be a recruiting assistant on Saipan in 2022, tasked with advertising the presence of the Guam Army National Guard. Unsatisfied, he felt he could do more, so he went to recruiting school and graduated Commandant’s List.

Now in his first year as a fully qualified recruiter, Sgt. Camacho has already exceeded his recruiting mission just a few months into fiscal 2024 and he doesn’t plan to stop.

“The mission was just the warm-up,” Camacho said. “I’m looking to set the bar and maintain the pace to become recruiter of the year. The grind doesn’t stop there.”

In April, the Guam Guard command team visited Saipan to meet with NMI political leadership, visit with Guard troops in the recruiting pipeline, and discuss recruiting issues. Brig. Gen. Michael Cruz, adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Celso Leonen, command senior enlisted leader, praised Camacho for his good work but underscored the need to prepare for the surge in recruits.

“It’s obviously a good problem to have, and Sgt. Camacho is a posterchild of everything a Soldier should be,” said Cruz. “But we as a command have to take care of these Soldiers and support them properly. If we don’t, it becomes a ticking time bomb.”

Other than Camacho, there are currently no administrative support personnel available for troops in the NMI between drill weekends. Other challenges include lodging and transportation for troops while in Guam for drill, procuring a recruiting storefront in Saipan, and using Federal Tuition Assistance for higher education institutions on Saipan.

While plans to address these challenges are underway, Camacho says he is not deterred from his mission. He plans to push for even more community events to promote recruiting, develop a family readiness group, and continue bringing opportunities for a better life to the people of the Northern Marianas.

“The CNMI has always sought to prevail through the greatest of challenges,” Camacho said. “Thanks to the Lord above, my beautiful family, and my leadership both in the Guard and my local government, I am blessed to be able to mentor the next generation of leaders.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Deputy Secretary Hicks announced today some of the capabilities and one of the systems selected for accelerated fielding as part of the first tranche of the Replicator initiative, which is focused on fielding all-domain attritable autonomous (ADA2) systems.

The Department has secured its needed funding of about $500 million for FY24, to include approximately $300 million from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 defense appropriations bill supporting the Department’s reprogramming request and additional funding identified using existing authorities and Defense-wide sources. In PB25, the Department has requested a roughly equal amount to the FY24 total and will work with Congress to support this request.

These investments bring together the capabilities of a broad range of traditional and nontraditional technology companies, including systems vendors, component manufacturers, and software developers.

“I am pleased to announce that the Department will begin investing in scalable production for these critical capabilities,” said Hicks. “We are taking an important step toward strengthening our defense and technology industrial base. And, we are demonstrating the Department’s ability to break down barriers to scaling innovation at speed not just for ADA2 systems, but in our ability to develop new capabilities and processes for the Department and key stakeholders, including Congress.”

The first tranche of Replicator capabilities include uncrewed surface vehicles (USV), uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and counter-uncrewed aerial systems (c-UAS) of various sizes and payloads from several traditional and non-traditional vendors.

In the air domain, the Department will accelerate fielding of the Switchblade-600 loitering munition, produced by Simi Valley, CA-based AeroVironment Inc. U.S.-supplied Switchblade drones have already demonstrated their utility in Ukraine, and this system will provide additional capability to U.S. forces.

“This is a critical step in delivering the capabilities we need, at the scale and speed we need, to continue securing a free and open Indo-Pacific” said Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “The entire Department has come together to help make this a reality.”

In the maritime domain, the Department is diversifying the vendor base for USVs through the recently announced Production-Ready, Inexpensive, Maritime Expeditionary (PRIME) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). The CSO process allows U.S. and international companies to pitch technologies to the Department in a fast-track process for a prototype contract. Launched on January 30, 2024, the PRIME CSO received over one hundred applications from commercial technology companies. With FY24 funding secured, the Department is on track to award several contracts this summer.

The first tranche of Replicator also includes certain capabilities that remain classified, including others in the maritime domain and some in the counter-UAS portfolio.

“Meeting the strategic imperatives facing the nation requires that we harness the very best of America’s commercial technology in non-traditional partners, alongside our traditional sources of defense capabilities,” said Doug Beck, Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). “Replicator is doing just that, and that is why we at DIU are proud to work with our partners from across the Department of Defense to make it a reality.”

Since Deputy Secretary Hicks’ announcement of the Replicator initiative and its initial focus on ADA2 systems just over seven months ago, the Department-wide effort has systematically aligned senior leaders around a common vision to identify and validate key joint operational gaps and rapidly field solutions in 18-24 months. The Department is also preparing the next tranche of capabilities to add to the ADA2 portfolio.

“This is just the beginning,” said Admiral Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Replicator is helping us jumpstart the delivery of critical capabilities at scale. We will build on that momentum with industry partners to deliver what the warfighter needs, and remove barriers to doing so again and again.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines  –  

Philippine and U.S. military forces participating in Balikatan 24 are conducting multiple synchronized, combined and joint all domain operations across more than 1,000 miles of Philippine territory over 16 days, involving more than a dozen units across the combined force.

The scope of the operations demonstrates the increased complexity of this year’s exercise.

In Palawan, bilateral forces just concluded a combined High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rapid infiltration mission (HIRAIN) and live-fire event. The goal of the training was to increase bilateral interoperability in complex littoral and coastal defense operations to secure and protect Philippines’ maritime terrain, territorial waters and exclusive economic zone interests.

“The main goal or the exercise’s objective is to demonstrate the strength of the alliance and our willingness to defend our territory,” said Philippine Army Col. Mike Logico, Balikatan 24 executive agent.

The HIRAIN showcased the strength of the joint team participating in this year’s Balikatan. The HIMARS loaded onto an MC-130J Commando II transport aircraft in Subic Bay before inserting into San Vicente, Palawan. From there the HIMARS, along with artillery from the Philippine Marine Corps, loaded onto a landing craft, air cushioned to transition to the USS Somerset (LPD-25) to continue their movement down the coast of Palawan overnight. The next morning, the Philippine artillery and HIMARS landed on a beach that had been secured ahead of time by U.S. and Philippine Marines, before establishing firing positions and launching training rockets and artillery rounds at notional targets.

“This HIRAIN training exercise demonstrates the effectiveness of our combined operations between U.S. forces and the Armed Force of the Philippines, highlighting our ability to rapidly deploy critical weapons systems throughout the archipelago to collectively sense and engage military targets,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Bernard Harrington, commander of 1st Multi-Domain Task Force.

The all-domain training commenced on April 24 in Palawan at the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites located on Antonio Bautista Air Base and Balabac Island. Training activities are ongoing and include expeditionary mine hunting, sonar hydrographic surveys, reconnaissance drills, amphibious landings, and air assault drills to secure key maritime terrain and establish expeditionary advanced bases and forward arming and refueling points. All of these operations together facilitate the all-domain, multi-modal maneuver required to operate in a rapidly evolving security environment.

“The combined capability of the U.S. joint force and Armed Forces of the Philippines will hold the beach,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “This caliber of training prepares both our nations to defend our shores as a team and drives home the value of standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the fighting hole.”

As bilateral forces in Palawan conduct HIMARS operations, they are also preparing for HIRAIN multi-modal transportation movement to Subic and follow-on movement to Northern Luzon.

“Through seamless coordination and cooperation, we are successfully executing complex multi-modal transportation operations, rapidly deploying long-range fires capabilities to support the territorial defense of the Philippines,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Blane, commander of 1st Long Range Fires Battalion, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force.

Integrated units supporting operations across the combined force include: the Philippine Army’s 1st Multiple Launch Rocket System Battery, 1st Army Artillery Regiment, 203rd Infantry Brigade, and 5th Infantry Division; the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd and 4th Marine Brigades; U.S. Army 1st Multi-Domain Task Force; the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit; the U.S. Air Force’s 317th Airlift Wing and 353rd Special Operations Wing; and the U.S. Navy Assault Craft Unit 5 and USS Somerset (LPD 25).

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III convened a Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting in Hawaii on May 2, 2024. This was the thirteenth meeting among the defense leaders of the three nations and highlighted the landmark achievements made in implementing activities and practical areas of cooperation set forth in the 2023 Joint Statement.

The Ministers are united by our shared values and determination to deepen cooperation to promote the security, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The Ministers welcomed and acknowledged the significance of each country’s recently implemented strategic documents, underscoring their deep strategic alignment and shared values. They affirmed the important role that the trilateral partnership contributes to realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific and the significant progress over the past year demonstrating their growing trilateral coordination at all levels and across all domains.

The Ministers reiterated their strong opposition to any attempts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion in the South and East China Seas. This includes concerning and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, such as unsafe encounters at sea and in the air, the militarization of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, including interference with routine maritime operations, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploration. They strongly objected to China’s claims and actions that are inconsistent with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and which undermine international rules, standards, and norms. They resolved to work together to support states being able to exercise their rights and freedoms in the maritime domain, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, consistent with UNCLOS.

The Ministers emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. 

The Ministers reaffirmed their enduring commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Southeast Asia, where sovereignty is respected, international law is followed, and nations can make decisions free from coercion. They reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and unity as well as ASEAN-led regional architecture. They recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation with Southeast Asian partners including the Philippines and welcomed the second meeting of Australia, Japan, Philippines, and United States Defense Ministers and Secretary also being held in Hawaii.

The Ministers committed to deepening cooperation with Pacific island countries, by supporting their needs and efforts in the implementation of the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The Ministers affirmed they will continue expanding regional engagement with Pacific counterparts, particularly through the Pacific Islands Forum of which Australia is a member, and other inclusive Pacific architectures. 

The Ministers welcomed the U.S. Coast Guard’s deployment of the Harriet Lane Cutter in its inaugural Operation Blue Pacific patrol in Oceania in early 2024. This deployment offered opportunities for the U.S. Coast Guard to work alongside Pacific island countries to share best practices on maritime domain awareness and support efforts led regionally by the Forum Fisheries Agency to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.

The Ministers are deeply concerned about North Korea’s nuclear and missile development. They strongly condemn North Korea’s repeated launches of missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and other launches using ballistic missile technology, which are serious violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The Ministers strongly condemn the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including North Korea’s export and Russia’s procurement of North Korean ballistic missiles in violation of UNSC resolutions, as well as Russia’s use of these missiles against Ukraine. The Ministers remain committed to working with the international community to address North Korea’s serious threat to the region. They reiterate their call on North Korea to immediately resolve the abductions issue and cease its human rights violations.

The Ministers noted the progress on the introduction of counterstrike capabilities by Japan and investment in long-range strike capabilities by Australia. They confirmed that Australia and Japan would work closely together, and with the United States as these capabilities are introduced.

The Ministers acknowledge the significant progress made by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States over the past year to implement AUKUS, and noted the positive contribution the AUKUS partnership has on the security and stability in the region. Recognizing Japan’s strengths and its close bilateral defense partnerships with all three AUKUS countries, the Ministers acknowledged that AUKUS partners are considering cooperation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects.

The Ministers welcomed the August 2023 entry into force of the Japan-Australia Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which will enable deeper trilateral cooperation and enhance interoperability by facilitating Australian Defence Force presence alongside the United States Forces in Japan and Japanese Self-Defense Forces alongside the United States Forces in Australia. They marked the inaugural reciprocal deployments of Japan’s F-35A aircraft to Australia and Australia’s F-35A aircraft to Japan in 2023 as the first cooperative activities under the RAA. Additionally, Ministers welcomed upcoming activities planned for trilateral F-35 joint training in 2025 and 2026. They noted progress on trilateral training using ranges in Australia and the successful conduct of Japan’s first anti-air and anti-ship missile launch in Australia in 2023. The Ministers commit to leveraging the RAA to enable Japan’s participation, alongside the United States Armed Forces, in force posture activities in Australia over the coming year.

The Ministers welcomed the historic inaugural achievements and activities in trilateral work over the past year and reaffirmed their intent to increase the complexity and scope of their work together. Since 2022, the three militaries have conducted multiple coordinated Asset Protection Missions, undertaken trilateral transits in the South China Sea, and increased the complexity of trilateral Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) cooperation including actual operations in the maritime and air domains. They committed to expanding trilateral ISR cooperation.

The Ministers welcomed Australia’s valuable inaugural participation in the U.S.-Japan command post exercise, KEEN EDGE, in February, and the work underway to advance closer operational collaboration.

The Ministers reaffirmed their vision toward a networked air defense architecture among the United States, Japan, and Australia to counter growing air and missile threats in the Indo-Pacific region, including broadening missile defense information sharing and incorporating future capabilities. They announced their intent for the U.S. Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and Japan Self-Defense Forces to conduct an inaugural regional air and missile defense live fire exercise in 2027 at Exercise TALISMAN SABRE.

Today Ministers signed the trilateral Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Projects Arrangement. Science and technology cooperation is vital to maintain their collective edge and deepen their defense cooperation. This landmark arrangement allows the respective defense organizations to pursue areas of interest for operationally-relevant advanced collaboration. Through this arrangement the ministries will further discuss cooperative opportunities in the areas of collaborative combat aircraft and autonomous systems and composite aerospace materials.

Reflecting the critical role the trilateral partnership plays in upholding regional stability, the Ministers committed to enhance our defense cooperation across the following areas:

Trilateral Activities and Exercises:

• Conduct trilateral F-35 Joint Strike Fighter trainings in all three countries in the next two years, including exercises such as:
  •       Exercise COPE NORTH 2025 – United States
  •       Exercise BUSHIDO GUARDIAN 2025 – Japan
  •       Exercise PITCH BLACK 2026 – Australia
• Continue increasing the frequency and complexity of high-end trilateral exercises in northern Australia such as Exercise SOUTHERN JACKAROO.
• Increase opportunities and enhance the complexity of ISR cooperation.
• Regularize Asset Protection Missions for the U.S. Forces and the Australian Defence Force by Japan Self-Defense Forces and transits by Australia, Japan, the United States, and other partners.
• Accelerate and deepen trilateral information-sharing cooperation.
• Continue trilateral policy and strategy dialogues on regional issues.

Expanded Cooperation:

• Pursue trilateral Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Arrangement cooperative opportunities in operationally-relevant advanced technologies.
• Boost strategic capabilities cooperation across multiple domains, including the conduct of an inaugural joint and combined live fire air and missile defense exercise in 2027 at Exercise TALISMAN SABRE.
• Increase Japan’s participation in Australia-U.S. force posture cooperation activities.

Inclusive Partnerships:

• Deepen engagement with ASEAN Member States (including through the ADMM-Plus framework), Pacific island countries, India, the Republic of Korea, and like-minded partners and allies to uphold and reinforce free and open international order.
• Coordinate capacity building engagements with regional partners.

The Ministers affirmed that trilateral defense cooperation is essential to maintain regional stability, transparency, and respect for international rules and norms. They reiterated their firm determination to keep the Indo-Pacific free, open, secure, and prosperous while continuing to expand the scope of defense cooperation.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

The meeting, which Austin hosted at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii, marks a key milestone as the four nations work to enhance interoperability among their forces. 

“Just last year in Singapore, the defense ministers from Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States met together for the first time,” Austin said during a press conference following the talks. “Today’s meeting — the second of its kind — built on that momentum and it helped advance a vision that our four democracies share for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”  

In describing that momentum, Austin highlighted last month’s Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone last month — the second multilateral cooperative of its kind over the past year alone.  

“Activities like this don’t just strengthen our interoperability, they also build bonds among our forces,” he said. “And they underscore our shared commitment to international law in the South China Sea.” 

These discussions come at a critical time for defense cooperation throughout the region, a defense official said earlier this week in previewing the talks. 

The official noted China’s recent harassment of Philippine vessels operating in the South China Sea.  

“Japan and Australia have been some of our most vocal and staunchest allies in speaking up about the completely unacceptable nature of this behavior,” the official said, adding that the Philippines have also highlighted China’s concerning behavior throughout the region.

“How we, as allies, not only operate together, but how we think about addressing the really worrisome operational behavior and coercion that we see taking place in a number of places across the region, is obviously a topic that we’re going to focus on together,” the official said.   

During their meeting today, the four leaders discussed the current security landscape across the region, and discussed new initiatives extend more security and stability to the Indo-Pacific. 

Those efforts include more maritime exercises and activities between the four countries and pursuing coordinated security assistance for the Philippines.  

“We’ve gathered here because we share a vision for peace, stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” Austin said. “We’ve charted an ambitious course to advance that vision together, and that’s why today’s meetings were so important.  

The meeting capped a series of meetings between Austin and his counterparts while in Hawaii to preside over the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command change of command ceremony later this week.  

Earlier today, Austin met bilaterally with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles. 

The meeting follows Australia’s announcement last week of its new national defense strategy which commits to a 20% increase in defense spending over the next decade.   

Austin also met with Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru. The meeting follows Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s official state visit to the U.S. last month where the two countries announced significant strides in strengthening defense cooperation. 

Following the bilateral meetings with his counterparts, Austin convened the 13th trilateral defense ministers’ meeting among the U.S., Australia and Japan.   

The three leaders focused on a range of regional topics and how the three countries can further expand initiatives aimed at peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific. 

They also discussed cooperation on science and technology and signed a new trilateral agreement outlining cooperation on research, development, test and evaluation for new capabilities.   

The agreement encourages standardization and interoperability on defense technology and aims to make the countries’ already strong ties on science and technology more efficient and cost effective. 

On Friday, Austin will preside over the Indo-Pacom change of command ceremony.   

During the ceremony, Austin is expected to recognize outgoing Indo-Pacom commander Navy Adm. John Aquilino’s efforts that were instrumental in strengthening U.S. partnerships throughout the region.   

Additionally, the secretary will have an opportunity to meet with the leaders of the Freely Associated States, which include the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau. 

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP AGUINALDO, Philippines  –  

Service members from the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps gathered at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil-Military Operations school to conduct a subject matter expert exchange on humanitarian civic assistance best practices during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Camp Aguinaldo, Philippines, April 29, 2024. During the exchange, attendees discussed the AFP’s and U.S. military’s civil affairs missions and lessons learned from past events through training exercises and real-world scenarios.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher Bridger, the deputy commander for the Combined Joint Civil-Military Task Force, 1st Civil Affairs Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, opened the exchange with a brief overview of the history of civil military affairs and the breakdown of events coordinated by the Humanitarian Civic Assistance team during BK 24. Bridger also stressed the importance of CMO practitioners’ role in monitoring and reporting civilian infrastructure issues to commanders.

“That’s what CMO is all about – planning ways that we can conduct operations in the civilian community to mitigate concerns and support our operational forces,” Bridger said.

Other topics shared and discussed during the event included implementing Information Related Capabilities and ways that CMO practitioners can influence the operational environment.

U.S. Army Maj. Nicholas Dahl, the J-9 for 1st CAG, spoke to attendees about one of the most significant issues faced by the local communities surrounding the capital city of Manila: food insecurities and crop failures due to the lasting effects of seasonal typhoons.

“If there was a storm or typhoon, or military action placed upon the community that prevented ships from delivering food, we as civil affairs can do our part to help improve sustainability in the community if they’re not able to have access to it,” Dahl said.

In response to the damage left upon the community in a recent storm, Dahl led a team of agricultural specialists to observe a local community’s farming capabilities, use of fertilizers and irrigation, and in turn, provided input on what would be the best course of action moving forward; Military civil affairs provides a conduit between Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster and Civic Aid and the surrounding community that can provide infrastructure or engineering projects such building wells at no cost to the civilians. These issues, specifically surrounding agricultural integrity, can be brought back and researched by U.S. universities to continue building the communication bond between nations.

Through discussions amongst students and presenters, having shared goals was the catalyst for nurturing the partnership going forward, and hopefully incorporating more civil affairs activities in the upcoming Balikatans.

“It was a great opportunity to learn from one another, share our best practices and discuss solutions to issues that we know that we both struggle through,” Dahl said.

Philippine Army Maj. Ferdinand Paolo Quiocho, the commandant of the AFP CMO school, coordinated through the J-7 for two months in order to coordinate the event.

“We take it as a positive mission to share and exchange knowledge in order to hit our targets,” Quiocho said. “I think it’s beneficial to understand how we are alike in aspects; Even though we don’t have a lot of joint training on a regular basis, we operate pretty similarly and how they accomplish similar tasks with different perspectives and through a different lens; how civil affairs can be best employed for real life situations.”

As a testament to the continuing partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines, the day concluded with exchanging of gifts and fellowship between students and service members. Quiocho lauded the dedication and passion that the civil affairs team brought to the students, and spoke of the natural and enduring friendship between nations as a byproduct of many exchanges to come.

“First and foremost, knowledge transfer is very important; the sharing of best practices is paramount to successful military operations within cooperation with our allies in the United States. I’m really looking forward to more activities like this in the future and realize that there will be shared exercises between our nations in terms of civil military operations based on CMO planning,” said Philippine Army Maj. Ferdinand Paolo Quiocho.