US DEFENSE SECRETARY
US urges Israel's defense minister to avoid Lebanon escalation
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions in Lebanon during a meeting with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They discussed efforts to free hostages in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of a diplomatic resolution. Tensions have risen with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel is winding down the Gaza conflict, redeploying forces to the northern border. President Joe Biden proposed a ceasefire and hostage release plan on May 31, but Hamas has its own demands. Gallant also met with CIA chief Bill Burns to discuss hostage negotiations.
Third term for Modi likely to see closer defense ties with US as India's rivalry with China grows
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes on boosting India's military preparedness and clout, focusing on expanding defense production and exports to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
US, South Korea conduct joint bombing drills
The United States flew a B-1B bomber over the Korean Peninsula for the first joint bombing drills with South Korea in seven years, amidst heightened tensions from North Korea's provocations. The US bomber, escorted by South Korean F-15K jets, dropped Joint Direct Attack Munitions during the exercise. South Korea suspended a 2018 inter-Korean military pact and resumed military activities along the demarcation line. The drills aim to reinforce the US extended deterrence commitment and combined defense posture against North Korea's threats.
US Pentagon chief visits Cambodia to boost ties with China ally
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia to reset ties with China ally, addressing concerns over China's influence in the region.
Zelenskyy visits Philippines to invite counterpart for peace summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Philippines to invite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to a global peace summit on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He accused Russia and China of disrupting the talks. Zelenskyy criticised China's role in supporting Russia and urged countries to attend the summit for peace. Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and China were evident at the defense forum in Singapore.
Blinken speaks to Israel's Gantz, Gallant about ceasefire plan
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate phone calls with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, a centrist minister who joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an emergency coalition, to discuss the proposed ceasefire deal in Gaza, the State Department said on Sunday.
- Go To Page 1
Zelenskiy meets heads of state in Singapore, seeks support for security summit
Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy met with heads of state and legislators in Singapore to seek security assistance and support for a peace summit. Zelenskiy and his defence minister Rustem Umerov had talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who updated Zelenskiy on Washington's military assistance to Kyiv and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to maintaining strong support. Zelenskiy pledged to strengthen the strategic defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says US 'can be secure only if Asia is'
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region for US security at a security forum in Singapore.
Top US and Chinese defence officials seek to restore communications as tensions rise in Indo-Pacific
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun for the first time in person since 2022. The two discussed tensions in the Indo-Pacific region at the Shangri-La defence forum. The US emphasised freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. China accused the US of inflaming regional security. Both countries are restoring defence contacts and plan to resume military-to-military communications.
US welcomes plans for crisis-communications working group with China: Pentagon
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "reaffirmed the announcement by President (Joe) Biden and (Chinese) President Xi Jinping in November 2023 that both sides will resume telephone conversations between theater commanders in the coming months, and the Secretary welcomed plans to convene a crisis-communications working group by the end of the year," a Pentagon statement said.
US defence secretary Lloyd Austin raises concerns about China's military activity
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concerns over China's military actions near Taiwan during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Singapore. The meeting marked the first direct contact since 2022. Major General Patrick Ryder emphasised that China should not exploit Taiwan's democratic process for coercive measures. He highlighted the importance of respecting Taiwan's political transition as a routine democratic practice.
France's Macron urges a green light for Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with Western weapons
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Western allies to allow Ukraine to strike Russian military bases using long-range weapons provided by the West. Macron's call, echoed by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, comes amid Ukraine's struggles due to delayed military aid and shortages. While Western leaders have been cautious, fearing escalation, Macron emphasized targeting only Russian bases launching attacks on Ukraine. The U.S. remains hesitant, maintaining restrictions on using its weapons to strike inside Russia. Recent European pledges include significant military support from Belgium, Spain, and Sweden.
US, Chinese defense chiefs to meet following Taiwan tension
China in recent days has encircled Taiwan with warships and fighter jets in a test of its ability to seize the island, which it claims. The drills follow the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, who has vowed to safeguard self-ruling Taiwan's democracy.
US will announce $275 million more in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine, officials say
The United States is set to announce $275 million in military aid for Ukraine to combat Russian advances in the Kharkiv region. The aid package includes HIMARS and artillery rounds.
Russia begins nuclear drills in an apparent warning to West over Ukraine
Russia's military has started drills with tactical nuclear weapons in response to Western officials' comments on deeper involvement in Ukraine. The drills involve non-strategic nuclear weapons like Kinzhal and Iskander missiles in the Southern Military District near Ukraine and Crimea.
After Israel defense, US eyes to entice Gulf allies on missile shield
The United States aims to advance a regional missile shield goal through defense meetings in Riyadh. This comes after Israel's successful defense against Iranian missiles. Gulf allies' confidence in U.S. defense support is uncertain, with doubts on defense integration. The May 22 U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting will address challenges including Yemen's Houthi attacks. Concerns also include intelligence sharing reluctance and equipment purchases alignment with U.S. standards for integrated air and missile defense.
US on track to establish domestic rare earths supply chain for defence, official says
The US is on track to establish a domestic rare earths supply chain to meet its defense needs by 2027, according to a senior defence official. The US has been driving the build-out of a global supply chain for rare earths, metals used in magnets for green energy industries and defense, beyond dominant producer China since COVID upended global supply chains early this decade. Australia is classified as a domestic source of supply for critical minerals for the US under the Defense Production Act, and the US has been offering funding opportunities to Australian mine developers.
Pentagon vows to keep arming Kyiv amid fresh Russian assault
The US announced no new aid packages Monday, but has now provided about $50.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Kyiv's troops still control nearly 60% of Vovchansk and are fighting house-to-house to defend the border town in northeastern Kharkiv region from Russian attacks.
New star wars plan: US rushes to counter Chinese and Russian threats in orbit
US Defense Department is looking to acquire a new generation of ground- and space-based tools that will allow it to defend its satellite network from attack and, if necessary, to disrupt or disable enemy spacecraft in orbit, Pentagon officials have said in a series of interviews, speeches and recent statements.
US says Rafah offensive would jeopardize cease-fire talks as Biden threatens to halt more Israel aid
The United States has warned Israel against launching a full-scale assault on Gaza's Rafah, Hamas' stronghold, citing concerns over civilian casualties. President Biden threatened to pause offensive military aid to Israel if it proceeds with the operation. The U.S. views such an attack as strengthening Hamas' position and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite this, Israel remains defiant, with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressing willingness to stand alone if necessary. The U.S. is urging Israel to pursue more surgical operations against Hamas and is committed to Israel's defense, including providing defensive arms.
Why the US paused weapons shipment to Israel amid Gaza conflict
Amidst escalating violence in Gaza, the US has suspended a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, citing concerns over civilian casualties. President Joe Biden emphasized the commitment to Israel's defense but stated that offensive weapons for densely populated areas would not be supplied. The decision comes amid a military assault in Rafah, raising questions about the impact of US arms in conflict zones. This development reflects a broader effort to balance support for allies with humanitarian considerations in conflict zones.
Joe Biden warns Israel: US will withhold weapons if it invades Rafah
President Joe Biden has warned Israel that the U.S. will halt weapon supplies if Israeli forces launch a major invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. This warning marks Biden's strongest stance yet against an Israeli assault on Rafah, highlighting a growing rift between the U.S. and Israel. The U.S. has paused a shipment of heavy bombs destined for Israel, expressing concern over civilian casualties in Gaza. Despite this, the U.S. will continue providing defensive weapons, such as the Iron Dome system, to Israel.
US Defense Secretary says there was no indication Hamas planning attack on US troops
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that there is no current indication of Hamas planning an attack on U.S. troops in Gaza. However, precautionary measures are being taken for the safety of military personnel in the region. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of combat zones. Meanwhile, a maritime pier constructed by the U.S. military to facilitate humanitarian aid flow in Gaza is expected to open soon, despite weather-related challenges. The U.S. has urged both Israel and Hamas to ensure the smooth delivery of aid to Gaza, following recent disruptions.
Israeli Defence Minister meets with US Secretary of State
Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant hosted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in southern Israel. They visited Kibbutz Nir Oz, attacked by Hamas, and "Kerem Shalom", a key aid crossing to Gaza. They discussed returning hostages held by Hamas and the need to dismantle the terrorist group. Gallant emphasized the distinction between fighting Hamas and aiding Gaza's civilians. He reiterated Israel's determination to destroy Hamas, blaming them for starting the conflict.
India-US jet engine deal is revolutionary, says Defence Secretary Austin
US Defence Secretary Austin commends the groundbreaking India-US deal to jointly produce fighter jet engines, emphasizing the transformative impact on India's defense capabilities and the unprecedented level of collaboration between the two nations.
Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra meets US defence deputy secretary Kathleen Hicks
India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra met with US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks to discuss expanding the scope of bilateral military engagements. Kwatra's visit to the US includes meetings with senior officials and industry leaders to advance cooperation in defense and technology. The discussions focused on priorities for strengthening the US-India defense partnership, including the implementation of the roadmap for defense industrial cooperation. They also discussed regional security issues and committed to collaborating closely in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
US raises concerns on Rafah offensive with Israeli defense chief
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to send the delegation to Washington but cancelled it after the United States abstained on a UN Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan.
Load More
