Category: US Indo Pacific Command

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — A team from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command visited Papua New Guinea to further the development of joint infrastructure, April 30 – May 2. This scoping mission is in support of the recently signed and ratified Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Joint infrastructure will expedite disaster response, enhance security cooperation, and further strengthen our bilateral relationship. This will improve the capability of the PNG Defence Force, increasing stability and security in the region.

The U.S. team members worked in coordination with PNG partners, U.S. Embassy, and commercial industrial partners to understand logistical capabilities and the requirements of PNG and continue refinement of projects to support shared security and defense objectives.

This visit continues work from an October visit to Lae Port, Nadzab Tomodachi (Lae) Airport, and Igam Barracks, where USINDOPACOM J44-Joint Posture Management Office and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began surveys to identify future requirements. October also marked the visit of Pacific Partnership to PNG where U.S. military medical staff worked with the PNGDF to provide training and medical care to PNG citizens.

Findings from this scoping mission will be used to create a proposal on future infrastructure programs that will honor agreements and bolster the U.S. relationship with PNG.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  –  

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman met with Guardians as well as government and military officials during a visit to Osan Air Base and Seoul May 5-7.

Saltzman visited with several Space Force units at Osan AB, witnessing firsthand the magnitude of the service’s mission in the region and its growth in recent years.

“Our Guardians serving in Korea provide the space expertise necessary to deter aggression and bolster partnerships in the dynamic security environment we face,” Saltzman said. “The critical missions they perform as part of the joint force will give us the advantages we need to compete and outperform our adversaries and overcome any threats we face.”

Osan is home to U.S. Space Forces – Korea, activated in December 2022 and assigned to the U.S. Forces Korea sub-unified command. SPACEFOR-KOR works closely with allies and joint partners to integrate space activities into shared operations, activities, and investments.

Saltzman met with SPACEFOR-KOR Guardians and leadership during his visit, gaining a deeper understanding of their recent contributions to the space mission and recognizing several superior performers.

“We are excited to showcase the incredible efforts of our Guardians to expand space domain integration and awareness over the past year and a half,” said Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion, SPACEFOR-KOR commander. “From sitting side-by-side with our ROK partners during Tier-1 exercises, to developing relationships with space domain leaders in Korea through seminars and conferences, Guardians here epitomize the “Partner to Win” mentality. We also synchronize capabilities with our joint U.S. partners across the peninsula, aligning information flow and understanding — underscoring the success of our defense mission in the theater.”

The Space Force stood up 5th Space Warning Squadron Detachment 3 at Osan AB in October 2023, taking on the responsibility of providing assured missile warning across the Indo-Pacific region through the assumption of the Army’s Joint Tactical Ground Station missile warning system. Its mission goes hand-in-hand with that of the 73rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Squadron Detachment 2, also located on Osan AB, which provides accurate and timely intelligence to the combatant commander.

“Evolving threats in the space domain present new challenges daily, which is why these Guardians understand the importance of being prepared to Fight Tonight,” said Saltzman. “They approach combat readiness with a sense of intensity that truly embodies the Guardian Spirit.”

Saltzman also addressed the importance of space superiority with government and defense officials in Seoul. He met with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, the ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Chief of Staff of the ROK Air Force.

Discussions focused on bolstering integration between ROK and U.S. space personnel and operations and continuing the dialogue on space and missile defense capabilities within the broader defense framework of the Korean peninsula.

Integration with allies and partners is one of the Space Force’s three primary lines of effort. “Partnering to Win” remains integral to the service’s ability to succeed, and SPACEFOR-KOR’s mission is crucial to that effort.

“Our nations’ shared focus on space is a testament to the strength of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, and our collaboration is critical to the preservation of peace and stability on the peninsula. We will succeed with the support of like-minded nations like the Republic of Korea.”

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines  –  

Philippine, U.S. and Australian military forces integrated land, sea and air platforms to simultaneously sense, target, strike and destroy a decommissioned ship off the western coast of Northern Luzon today.

The live-fire event demonstrated the capability of the force’s combined fires networks, joint and combined interoperability, and the high state of readiness between the U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Over the course of the morning, Philippine and U.S. platforms fired various types of ordnance including the C-Star (SSM-700K), a Spike NLOS missile, GBU-38 joint direct attack munitions, and 2.75 inch advanced precision kill weapons system rockets, among others. Incorporated through virtual and constructive fires, the Medium Range Capability, or MRC, added to the firing options in the scenario.

Incorporating as many combined sensing and shooting platforms as possible, the objective of the maritime strike exercise was to test and validate the combined fires networks. To maximize the training value, the goal was to keep the target vessel afloat for as long as possible before ultimately sinking it.

“We know the lethality and capability of our munitions to sink maritime targets,” said U.S. Marine Col. Douglas Krugman, U.S. director, combined coordination center. “This exercise was about the collective capability of our combined fires networks and increasing interoperability to sense and shoot targets from a variety of Philippine, U.S. and Australian land, sea and air platforms.”

Sensing platforms, like the TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar and the Australian E-7 Wedgetail, relayed data to firing units who then launched ordnance at the target. Integrating sensor networks was a key component of the exercise and allowed coordinated strikes from multiple platforms.

During the maritime strike, the U.S. and AFP led execution from the combined coordination center on Camp Aguinaldo. The CCC is responsible for integrating combined command and control functions between the U.S. and Philippine joint task forces executing the training. Establishing the CCC during this year’s Balikatan is an additional step in the continued modernization of the exercise and growing complexity of the training.

By integrating all-domain systems and processes across the combined and joint force, the three nations enhanced their interoperability and mutual defense capabilities both in the Philippines and in support of their Allies and partners within the region.

Participating units included: the Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150); the Philippine Air Force’s 7th tactical fighter squadron, flying the FA-50; the U.S. Air Force’s 13th Fighter Squadron, flying F-16 Fighting Falcons; Royal Australian Air Force No. 2 Squadron flying the E-7 Wedgetail; Marine Air Control Squadron-4, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment operating a TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar; Marine Air Control Group 38; 16th Special Operations Squadron, 27th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, flying the AC-130J Ghostrider, and U.S. Navy VP-10 flying the P-8A Poseidon.

Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. This year’s exercise marks the 39th iteration of the annual event, showcasing the ironclad Alliance and enduring friendship between the two nations. Approximately 16,000 Philippine and U.S. military personnel are participating.

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and his wife, Jennifer, paid a visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii to visit Guardians and meet with key players in the support and operation of space assets in the Indo-Pacific theater, May 3, 2024.

Throughout the day, Saltzman attended the Indo-Pacific Headquarters change of command; met with Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, to discuss the progress made in advancing integrated space capabilities in the theater; visited Ka’ena Point Space Force Station ; and participated in a civic engagement with the Hawaii Military Affairs Committee.

While Saltzman was meeting with Mastalir, Jennifer met with SPACEFOR-INDOPAC spouses at the Aloha Conference Center to discuss experiences and challenges as a Space Force family member.

After the morning’s events, Saltzman and his wife attended the INDOPACOM change of command before heading to Ka’ena Point for a site visit.

During the visit to Ka’ena Point, Saltzman was able to see firsthand the support Guardians serving in the Indo-Pacific provide the space mission across the priority theater.

“The tracking station is manned by Guardians assigned to Detachment 3, 21st Space Operations Squadron, and they enable satellite command and control in support of the Joint Force across the theater,” said Mastalir. “Ka’ena Point’s mission ensures U.S., allied, and partner operations to preserve stability throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations.”

Acknowledging all of their hard work, Saltzman lauded the Guardians for their efforts and recognized key performers.

“The dedication and expertise of our Guardians in the Indo-Pacific has directly impacted the security and stability of the space domain and the region,” said Saltzman. “The SPACEFOR-INDOPAC mission ensures we are better connected, more informed, faster, more precise, and more lethal should we be required to respond to any challenge or crisis.”

After completing the tour of Ka’ena Point Space Force Station, Saltzman continued into the civic engagement where he discussed the importance of the Space Force’s capabilities supporting Department of Defense objectives, specifically how the United States Space Forces Indo-Pacific command plays a critical role in that capability. They went on to discuss the importance of working with our communities and residents throughout the Hawaiian islands and how they want to continue to develop those relationships.

“SPACEFOR-INDOPAC Guardians have been hard at work building and strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships as we continue to promote and demonstrate responsible norms of behavior in the domain,” said Saltzman. “A free and open Indo-Pacific is not possible without our Guardians’ efforts.”

Closing out the day, Saltzman held a townhall with more than 50 members of the Hawaii Air National Guard assigned to the 109th and 150th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadrons to discuss their important contributions to the Space Force’s mission. Throughout the event, Saltzman addressed questions about the options being considered to further integrate ANG space functions into the Space Force. He emphasized transferring to the Space Force would be on a volunteer basis and those who volunteer would remain in their current status with no break in service or entitlements until personnel policy related to the transfer is established.

Space capabilities help us connect globally, manage our resources, address transnational challenges, and deter conflict – the U.S. will continue to deliver advanced space capabilities that support the joint warfighter.

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.”