Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 24.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) embarked on HMAS Adelaide (L01) alongside their Australian Allies to participate in the Wet and Dry Exercise Rehearsal (WADER), transiting from Port Darwin to Port Townsville from June 2-20, 2024.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
BATANES, Philippines –
U.S. Army divers with the 7th Engineer Dive Detachment, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade partnered with divers from the Philippine Army’s 525th Combat Engineer Battalion to remove rock obstacles at the Port of Basco as part of exercises Salaknib and Balikatan 2024.
The rock clearance project started on April 6, and operations will last approximately 60 days. This removal project will enable vessels to utilize the port more efficiently, increasing financial opportunities for the local community and improving access for commercial use, routine military exercises, and humanitarian aid and disaster response, crucial for addressing ongoing threats in this natural disaster-prone region.
“The removal of obstructions in an active civilian port requires precise and deliberate execution, and every one of our Soldiers trained on these skills at our home station to reduce the inherent risks associated with the mission,” said Capt. Ander Thompson, commander, 7th Dive Detachment. “Our mission is to build partnerships with our AFP partners while providing tangible port improvements for the people of Basco.”
During an initial site survey by 7th ENG divers in October 2023, they observed more than 100 large boulders within the Port of Basco, some exceeding three meters in diameter. In coordination between the Philippine and U.S. governments, and at the request of the Batanes governor and Basco mayor, the Philippine and U.S. Armies agreed to remove the obstacles to increase the port’s usability.
“I’m extremely proud of the work the combined team of divers are doing in the Port of Basco,” said Maj. Gen. Jered Helwig, commanding general, 8th Theater Sustainment Command. “The Philippines is our oldest ally in the Indo-Pacific, and the combined team of divers are making a tangible difference that will improve port access for years to come.”
According to Thompson, the divers used a variety of methods, including lifting, rigging, light dredging, underwater drilling, jackhammering, and non-explosive detonation methods, to break the rocks into smaller pieces and clear the port. “This team continues to advance our proficiency in engineer mobility operations by conducting port clearing and port damage repair across the Pacific. We spent weeks deliberately training for this mission,” said Thompson.
To ensure the U.S. divers were prepared for the mission, they completed a comprehensive training cycle at their home station on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oahu, Hawaii, where they meticulously planned, researched, and trained for the breadth of variables they could encounter throughout the project.
Before the dive detachment departed for the Philippines, they collaborated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center out of Vicksburg, Mississippi to increase familiarization with geotechnical reduction in constrained environments and the safety measures the team could implement to accomplish the mission while protecting the environment and nearby port.
Preserving the local ecosystem remains paramount to the operation, and the divers gave each rock unique consideration. Additionally, the team worked with the local government and agreed that all material removed from the port will be repurposed for future construction projects on the island.
While the combined team of U.S. and Filipino divers reinforce the importance of safety for both the divers and the ecosystem, they have also learned from each other, sharing best practices and techniques along the way.
“Working with the U.S. Army divers is a big opportunity,” said Philippine Army 1st Lt. Alexis Nocos, a rescue diver assigned to the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion, Combat Engineer Regiment. “We have done a lot of learning [with them]; it really is a good experience to work with them.”
Exercises like Salaknib and Balikatan improve collective military readiness and enhance interoperability, benefiting the local communities by enabling the participating forces to serve and support them.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea –
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer joined Republic of Korea Air Force F-15Ks Slam Eagles for live munitions and close air support training at the Pilsung Range, Republic of Korea, in an event designed to enhance the interoperability, lethality, and readiness of U.S. and ROK air forces.
One B-1B from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, currently assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and two ROK F-15Ks from 11th Fighter Wing, Daegu Air Base, successfully released live GBU-38, 500-pound joint direct attack munitions, simultaneously striking multiple simulated targets — testing the ROK-U.S. Alliance’s combined close air support and precision strike capabilities.
The training marked the first time the B-1 has conducted a live munitions drop on the Korean peninsula since 2017 and offered the alliance its latest opportunity to prepare for combat to defend the Korean peninsula, cementing its combined defense posture and demonstrating extended deterrence.
“This training showcases the incredible capabilities of our combined forces to simultaneously strike multiple targets in a contested environment,” said Lt. Gen. David Iverson, U.S. Force Korea deputy commander and Seventh Air Force commander. “The tremendous capabilities of ROK and U.S. airpower is an overwhelming, asymmetric warfighting advantage for our combined force that adversaries cannot match.”
The B-1 carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the U.S. Air Force inventory and can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time. Its unique blended wing/body configuration, variable-geometry wings and turbofan afterburning engines, combine to provide long range, maneuverability and high speed while enhancing survivability – making it a highly versatile, multi-mission weapon system.
“Today’s integration with the Republic of Korea demonstrated the ability of our B-1 fleet to conduct precision targeting and strike with live weapons in an unfamiliar location,” said Lt. Col. Christian Hoover, 37th EBS commander. “The partnership with ROK allows us to support National Security objectives through the speed, flexibility, and readiness of our strategic bombers.”
Following the live-drop, the B-1 joined U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs, U.S. Air Force F-16s, and KC-135 Stratotankers, and ROK F-35As and KF-16s for air-to-air training over the western region of South Korea. The training offered the opportunity for fifth and fourth generation aircraft to integrate with bombers and conduct live, realistic practice, further strengthening the combined capability of U.S. and ROK forces, providing a powerful deterrent to potential aggressors.
”The security of the Korean Peninsula is a top priority for the U.S., and training events like this one demonstrate our ironclad commitment to defend our alliance and uphold regional stability,” said Iverson. “The ROK-U.S. Alliance is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to peace in the region.”
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following release:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his tenth official visit to the Indo-Pacific region today. During his trip, Secretary Austin met in Singapore with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, counterparts from across the Indo-Pacific region, and other senior officials; delivered plenary remarks at the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue; and met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and other senior Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Secretary Austin’s Engagements on Friday, May 31
Secretary Austin met separately with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, where they reaffirmed the longstanding defense partnership between the United States and Singapore. Before their bilateral meeting, Secretary Austin and Minister Ng witnessed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit and the Singapore Ministry of Defence.
Secretary Austin also met with People’s Republic of China (PRC) Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun to discuss regional and global security issues, U.S.-PRC defense relations, and the importance of open lines of military-to-military communication.
Secretary Austin’s Engagements on Saturday, June 1
During plenary remarks delivered at the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue, Secretary Austin marked the Indo-Pacific region’s “new convergence” of likeminded allies and partners who share a vision for a free and open region. “Likeminded countries across this region have deepened our ties—and delivered real-world results for the people of the Indo-Pacific,” he said. In his remarks, Secretary Austin also welcomed the U.S. endorsement of a new multilateral Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration.
Secretary Austin also met bilaterally with counterparts from countries across the Indo-Pacific, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles from Australia, President-elect and Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto from Indonesia, Minister of Defense Mohamad Khalad from Malaysia, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro from the Philippines, and Minister of Defense Sutin Khlangsaeng from Thailand.
Secretary Austin’s Engagements on Sunday, June 2
Secretary Austin, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Defense Shin Won-sik convened a Trilateral Ministerial Meeting (TMM) to discuss new initiatives to strengthen and institutionalize trilateral security cooperation to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, in the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond—including the first iteration of the new, multi-domain trilateral exercise, FREEDOM EDGE, this summer.
Secretary Austin also met together with counterparts and other senior defense leaders from Southeast Asia to discuss how the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are advancing regional peace and stability together.
On the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Secretary Austin also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reiterate unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Secretary Austin’s Engagements on Tuesday, June 4
Following the Shangri-La Dialogue, Secretary Austin traveled to Phnom Penh to meet with senior Cambodian officials. While there, he met separately with Prime Minister Hun Manet, Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha, and President of the Senate Hun Sen. In their meetings, the officials discussed opportunities to strengthen the U.S.-Cambodia bilateral defense relationship in support of regional peace and security.
Secretary Austin’s tenth trip to the Indo-Pacific came at a time when the Department of Defense is doing more than ever to strengthen U.S. relationships with allies and partners to advance regional peace, stability, and deterrence.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
FORT BONIFACIO, MANILA, Philippines –
Elements of I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF) concluded the latest iteration of the Archipelagic Coastal Defense Continuum (ACDC) bilateral training with units from across the Philippine Marine Corps, including the Philippine Coastal Defense Regiment on May 31, 2024. The training took place from the diverse landscapes of Paredes in the north to the mountainous jungles of Barira in the southern Philippines.
Since the battles of World War II, the U.S.-Philippine alliance has stood the test of time, reaffirming commitments through agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, the Visiting Forces Agreement of 1998, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014. These agreements have facilitated the introduction of ACDC, a series of enduring bilateral training opportunities between the U.S. Military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The continuum supports the Philippine Marine Corps’ Archipelagic Coastal Defense Concept, announced in 2021 as part of the Philippine Marine Corps’ adoption of a new operating doctrine to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ ability to defend its homeland and ensure peace and stability within its waters in accordance with international law.
The continuum includes maritime domain awareness training events, subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE), littoral zone reconnaissance activities (LZR), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense training, integrated command and control of airspace through the Multifunctional Air Operations Center, and cultural and local community engagements to deepen U.S. ties with the Philippine people and celebrate our shared history. These events support the AFP’s ongoing modernization efforts and improve our ability to work together in any environment.
“I’m confident and very positive that this will enhance our interoperability,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo T. Racadio, exercise director for ACDC and Deputy Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. Racadio elaborated, saying, “Given those other factors which we have enjoyed even before – our camaraderie and strong alliance – in terms of capacity and capability, this [ACDC] will definitely benefit us.”
This series of ACDC training events began following Exercise Balikatan 24, with I MEF (Forward), commanded by Col. Stuart Glenn, assuming command and control of all Marine Forces within the Philippines. The Philippine Marine Corps welcomed the U.S. Marines with the 13th MEU CE to Fort Bonifacio to begin this continuation of training and command integration. The 13th MEU coordinated and oversaw the training of various units, including the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment in Luzon, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Clark Air Base and Fort Bonifacio, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), I MEF Information Group, the 15th MEU in Palawan, and 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (V 1/7) in Mindanao, alongside their Philippine counterparts through daily meetings, working groups, and collaborative exchanges.
“ACDC is designed to be a bilateral exercise that allows the U.S. Marine Corps, specifically I MEF, and the Philippine Marine Corps to interoperate, as we build capabilities and capacity to defend the coast from both a Philippine and U.S. perspective,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Stuart Glenn, Commander of I MEF (Forward). “It’s person-to-person, unit-to-unit, and at all echelons here with the Philippine Marine Corps to work better together every day.”
Amidst the vibrant jungles of Mindanao, U.S. Marines with V 1/7 and Philippine Marines with the 1st Marine Brigade forged a new level of interoperability through refining infantry tactics, simulated close-quarters battle engagements, marksmanship training, and jungle and mountain warfare training. Philippine Marines passed down centuries of knowledge to U.S. Marines on how to survive and operate in the jungle environment. Between tactical training events, Marines shared traditional “Boodle Fights” with Philippine Marines, coming together for evenings of Filipino food, camaraderie, and friendship. Beyond these shared meals, Marines engaged with the local community by visiting places like Abubacar Elementary School to distribute school supplies, provide meals, and serve the Philippine people alongside the Philippine Marine Corps.
To the northwest, the 15th MEU brought the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry to the training, facilitating combined amphibious operations with the 3rd Marine Brigade. Together, they successfully translated reconnaissance, infantry, and light armored patrolling, and various SMEEs into a combined amphibious landing on Long Beach, Palawan, followed by a simulated Military Operations in Urbanized Terrain exercise in Puerto Princesa with Philippine and U.S. forces. Here, they shared valuable lessons for ship-to-shore operations and improved their combined ability to secure beachheads for future maritime and island defense operations. Also in Palawan, U.S. Marines with 1st ANGLICO engaged in small unmanned aerial reconnaissance system (sUAS) SMEEs with the PMC to reinforce their ability to monitor and survey Philippine coastal waters, improving early warning and detection of malign activities within Philippine territories.
“We really have to attend to the maritime domain requirements,” said Racadio. “To provide a holistic approach in terms of occupant defense of this island country. So, I can just say that the importance of ACDC right now is very timely, and very significantly relevant to the call of the times. So, I’m happy to note that we are conducting ACDC and we should continue this.”
Moving north to Fort Bonifacio and Manila, the 13th MEU CE strengthened the ability to execute combined operations by overseeing distributed Philippine and U.S. military activities alongside PMC headquarters personnel. This coordination furthered the procedural interoperability between commands and improved our combined ability to communicate, decide, and direct actions within the Philippines for a cohesive and synchronized approach to employing forces and capabilities. Through continuous intelligence, radio and communications systems SMEEs, and a senior enlisted symposium, the 13th MEU CE joined with their Philippine Marine counterparts to foster stronger relationships for increasingly dynamic military operations. Concurrently, U.S. Marines with MWSS-371, Philippine Marines, and Philippine National Police Force officers conducted EOD and CBRN SMEEs through collaborative classroom instruction and practical applications on the football fields of Fort Bonifacio.
“It [ACDC] allows us to bring Marines here, allows us to partner, shoulder-to-shoulder, as we like to say,” said Glenn. “The goal of the Philippines and the goal of the United States is a free and prosperous INDOPACOM region, and that’s what we’re here to support.”
Near the active runways of Clark Air Base in Luzon, U.S. Marines with MWSS-371 and Philippine Marines with the Combat Engineer Battalion utilized their constructive and destructive engineering capabilities in a simulated battlespace over challenging terrain. Classroom instruction and practical application of counter mobility, survivability, general engineering, and engineer reconnaissance enhanced the combined U.S.-Philippine ability to move on the battlespace, protect forces, and create friction or disorder for potential adversary forces in potential conflicts.
Running concurrently in Paredes, Subic Bay, and Naval Base Camilo Osias, U.S. Marines with the 3rd MLR and Philippine Marines with the 4th Marine Brigade and Battalion Landing Team 10 joined together for the Littoral Zone Reconnaissance Cobra exercise, which included continuous infantry, reconnaissance, cultural, and community engagement events. LZR Cobra is a bilateral command post-exercise between the U.S. and Philippine Marines aimed at utilizing sUAS capabilities to enhance interoperability, refine tactics, techniques, and procedures, and support combined and joint force maritime domain awareness.
Continuous training through exercises like Balikatan, Marine Aviation Support Activity, SAMA SAMA, Kamandag, and now ACDC, ensures that U.S. and Philippine forces work and operate more frequently and closely than ever before. This consistent training allows both forces to refine and sustain the progress made in previous iterations. With the Philippine government’s and people’s enduring permission and support, the U.S. Marine Corps aims to strengthen our longstanding alliance and partnership with our counterparts, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Racadio concluded his remarks, stating, “I am confident that this [ACDC] will bring us many opportunities, such that we will be winners, we will be able to do our thing and contribute to our shared goals in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
SEOUL, South Korea –
Lt. Gen. William Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-Hwan, Commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, conclude the 10th annual Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium during the closing ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, June 5, 2024.
Allied and partnered amphibious and maritime leaders, invested in upholding a rules-based international order as well as a free and open Indo-Pacific, attended this year’s symposium and participated in key leader engagements, panel discussions, and briefs throughout the week.
This year marked the second time the Republic of Korea Marine Corps has co-hosted the event. The increased variety of co-hosts demonstrates the depth of commitment among our Allies and partners to build a more capable combined force across the Indo-Pacific.
In response to the rapidly evolving Indo-Pacific security environment, participants emphasized the importance of postured and ready forces. Kim noted that the symposium continues to serve as a forum for fruitful discussion and relationship development to further increase and diversify the role of amphibious and maritime forces.
In concluding PALS 24, Kim reflected, “We exchanged practical and broad views on ways to promote military cooperation and mutual interests in each country, and that these efforts will contribute to the expansion of the role of landing forces and to the Indo-Pacific region and further to international peace and prosperity.”
Some key topics discussed throughout the symposium included amphibious force contributions across a range of military operations, challenges with operating in a maritime environment, and modernization efforts throughout the combined force. In addition to these discussion topics, delegations received a brief on technology-based solutions for maritime domain awareness and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
This year, the co-hosts captured the spirit of the symposium by establishing a new PALS motto, “Stronger together.” It serves as a reminder that regular collaboration among Allies and partners is the foundation of our ability to respond to crises, compete in uncertainty, and win in conflict.
“The Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium forges a path to increase capabilities, flexibility, readiness, and our continuous quest for collective excellence,” Jurney commented. “I believe we are guardians of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and sustained excellence at the individual, tactical, operational, and strategic levels are not only what our citizens demand and expect of us, but also what they deserve.”
Established by MARFORPAC in 2015, PALS continues to serve as the premier annual gathering of regional amphibious and maritime force leaders across the Indo-Pacific. The relationships strengthened at PALS are the cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations. This year’s symposium hosted 31 delegations from 24 countries. MARFORPAC Marines live and work alongside the joint force and like-minded Allies and partners to prevent conflict, respond to crisis, and if the Nation calls, to fight and win.
Media queries should be sent to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Communication Strategy and Operations, marforpaccommstrat@usmc.mil. The PALS feature page on DVIDS will provide imagery daily for use and distribution: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PALS.
PALS 24 queries can be directed via e-mail to Capt. Miraquel Ridenhour, MARFORPAC COMMSTRAT, miraquel.ridenhour@usmc.mil and 1st Lt. Lauri Schleicher, MARFORPAC COMMSTRAT, lauri.schleicher@usmc.mil. Additional media queries can be directed via e-mail to marforpaccommstrat@usmc.mil.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
LAOAG CITY, Philippines –
The U.S. Army Pacific’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (1MDTF) will conduct training activities at Laoag International Airport in June, which may be visible to the surrounding community.
The 1MDTF plans to launch high-altitude balloons from the airport toward the ocean from June 7-16. The high-altitude balloons include weather monitoring capabilities, which play a vital role in responding to natural disasters and crises, providing critical information to enhance maritime domain awareness and support timely decision-making.
U.S. Army Pacific, in close collaboration with the Philippine Army, has meticulously planned this training. The 1MDTF collaborates daily with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and the balloon launches improve weather models used by both the U.S. Department of Defense and PAGASA.
The use of high-altitude balloons during Salaknib adheres to international law, Philippine domestic law, and standards governing navigational freedoms and safety of flight, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. The command is actively working closely with pertinent authorities and air traffic control agencies to ensure the safety of people on the ground and nearby civil and military aircraft.
Salaknib is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
PEARL HARBOR –
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command joint forces, along with allied and partner forces, are scheduled to participate in exercise Valiant Shield (VS) 2024, June 7-18, on Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and at sea around the Mariana Island Range Complex.
VS24 is a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on integrating interoperability in a multi-domain environment. The exercise builds real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces by detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, in space, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.
Exercises such as VS24 allow forces across the Indo-Pacific the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and partner nations to train in precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint and Combined Force. With the involvement of U.S. Space Command and U.S. Transportation Command, VS24 is expanding the multi-domain cross-Combatant Command collaboration that is incumbent on any large-scale exercise or operation.
“Valiant Shield provides us a unique opportunity to operate and engage with our allies and partners and to demonstrate our shared commitment to global security and stability,” said Adm. Stephen T. Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “It takes all of us to maintain a safe, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific, as we flex our joint and combined capabilities to advance multi[1]domain operations.”
The exercise prepares the Joint and Combined Force to rapidly respond to crises and contingencies across a spectrum of operations from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to armed conflict.
VS24 assists U.S., allied and partner forces in developing regional and global power projection capabilities. Integrated training allows the participating countries to refine the skills required to succeed in the defense of their shared interests in the region.
This is the 10th Valiant Shield exercise, which began in 2006.
Media queries regarding VS24 prior to exercise commencement should be directed to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office at (808) 471-3769 or cpf_newsdesk@navy.mil. Contact information for the VS Combined, Joint Information Bureau will be made available prior to the beginning of the exercise. Imagery and stories regarding Valiant Shield can be found here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ValiantShield.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
Today, the United States endorsed a Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration following extensive consultations with U.S. allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region and around the world, including the recent Maluhia Talks at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“Together with our friends in the region, we’re breaking down national barriers and better integrating our defense industries,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said at the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. “We’re also working together to fortify the shared capacity of the defense industrial bases of our allies and partners. That’s why so many countries—including the United States—are endorsing a Statement of Principles today to strengthen the resilience of the region’s defense industrial bases,” which will benefit security and stability in this region and beyond.
Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration
Recent global challenges and the current security environment have highlighted the importance of defense industrial resilience. In adopting this statement of principles, the participants endeavor to pursue collaborative actions, bilaterally and multilaterally and in accordance with national policies, to enhance our shared defense industrial resilience.
The following principles will guide these collaborative actions among likeminded participants:
Background
Today’s announcement follows the January 2024 release of the Department of Defense’s National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS), which identified engagement with allies and partners to expand global defense production as a key line of effort toward advancing resilient supply chains. The NDIS states that the Department “must work with allies and partners through both multilateral and bilateral agreements to boost defense production, innovation, and overall capability.”
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia –
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he met with Prime Minister Hun Manet; Defense Minister Tea Seiha; and Hun Sen, president of the senate.
In their meetings, the officials discussed opportunities to strengthen the U.S.-Cambodia defense relationship in support of regional peace and security, including through the resumption of military training exchanges on disaster assistance and United Nations peacekeeping, training and exchanges on unexploded ordnance clearance, and Cambodia’s access to U.S. professional military education programs, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, who is traveling with the secretary.
They also welcomed continued discussions about these issues between their respective defense establishments, and Austin engaged with Cambodian alumni of U.S. professional military education programs, as well as cadets from the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy visiting Cambodia for educational opportunities, Ryder said.
“The secretary often talks about the importance of meeting face-to-face, especially in this part of the world. That was true again today as he engaged Cambodia’s new leadership. And these were candid, concrete discussions,” said a senior defense official traveling with the secretary.
“This kind of engagement matters for the future. Cambodia is a young country in a young region. Our defense relationship has a lot of potential and room for growth. That’s why it’s so important to stay engaged here,” the official said.
“We’re encouraged about the possibility of resuming our military training and exchanges, including on humanitarian assistance, de-mining and unexploded ordnance clearance, and U.N. peacekeeping. There’s a lot our two countries can do together,” the official said.
Austin’s second trip to Cambodia follows his November 2022 trip here for the 9th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
