Collectively, the countries that comprise the Ukraine Defense Contact Group have committed more than $80 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion and will remain steadfast in their support, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.
A U.S. military AC-130J Ghostrider conducted a self-defense strike against an Iran-backed militant group after the group used a ballistic missile to attack U.S. and coalition forces on Al-Asad Airbase, Iraq.
The Defense Department is making progress in becoming more agile, and leaders are driving change, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to discuss Ukraine’s current operations and near-term and midterm goals and objectives.
DOD officials are working to implement the National Defense Strategy and link the strategy to resources, the official performing the duties of deputy undersecretary of defense for policy said.
The Defense Department continues to urge Congress to pass a full-year appropriations measure.
The Defense Department is already participating in providing training to help ready Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 aircraft. The U.S. also expects to be ready to make sure spare parts are available for those aircraft.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said that he is encouraged by the White House’s announcement that China plans to return to military-to-military talks following President Biden’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
