In Manila, Austin and Blinken pledge $500 million to bolster Philippines military modernization

In Manila, Austin and Blinken pledge $500 million to bolster Philippines military modernization
In Manila, Austin and Blinken pledge $500 million to bolster Philippines military modernization

“This is really designed to support the modernization of Filipino forces and Coast Guard as they transition to focus on external defense,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

First F-16 fighter jets on their way to Ukraine, to fly ‘this summer’

First F-16 fighter jets on their way to Ukraine, to fly ‘this summer’
First F-16 fighter jets on their way to Ukraine, to fly ‘this summer’

The long-awaited deliveries of the aircraft could represent a major uplift in capability for Ukraine, which has been largely relying on Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 combat jets to counter Russia’s invasion.

Stem Ukraine spending now and Putin wins, Austin warns Congress

Stem Ukraine spending now and Putin wins, Austin warns Congress
Stem Ukraine spending now and Putin wins, Austin warns Congress

“It’s hard to put an exact timeline on how long it would take… [but] I can guarantee you without our support, Putin will be successful,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told lawmakers.

Amid diplomatic whirlwind in Jerusalem, US-Israeli military relations stay close

Amid diplomatic whirlwind in Jerusalem, US-Israeli military relations stay close
Amid diplomatic whirlwind in Jerusalem, US-Israeli military relations stay close

Top US officials made high-profile visits recently to help quell Israeli-Palestinian violence, but Israeli defense officials clearly have Iran on the mind.

Space Force delivers first payload for Japan’s QZSS satellites

Space Force delivers first payload for Japan’s QZSS satellites
Space Force delivers first payload for Japan’s QZSS satellites

The two hosted payloads, designed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, will keep tabs on spacecraft and dangerous debris in geosynchronous orbit (GEO).

‘Unprecedented’ visit from incoming IDF chief signals concerns about relations with DC

‘Unprecedented’ visit from incoming IDF chief signals concerns about relations with DC
‘Unprecedented’ visit from incoming IDF chief signals concerns about relations with DC

Defense sources here say a recent visit from the IDF’s upcoming chief was timed explicitly to ensure continued operational dialogue with the Pentagon in case relations between the two nations’ defense ministers becomes rocky.

Australia, US grapple with Solomon Islands tilt to China

Australia, US grapple with Solomon Islands tilt to China
Australia, US grapple with Solomon Islands tilt to China

The White House announced that Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of State for east Asian and Pacific affairs, and Kurt Campbell, the National Security Council’s Indo-Pacific Coordinator, will lead an interagency delegation to the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

The Afghanistan Debacle: 5G And China

The Afghanistan Debacle: 5G And China
The Afghanistan Debacle: 5G And China

With Washington demonstrating little competency or reliability, Beijing is likely to press countries to include Huawei and other Chinese telecommunications corporations in their 5G networks, lest they alienate Beijing.

State Dept. Pauses New Arms Exports; UAE, Saudi Deals Hanging

State Dept. Pauses New Arms Exports; UAE, Saudi Deals Hanging
State Dept. Pauses New Arms Exports; UAE, Saudi Deals Hanging

The Biden Administration is hitting the brakes on the relaxed weapons sales policies of the Trump administration – at least for now.

Biden’s Pentagon Ready To Take Hard New Look At Navy Plans

Biden’s Pentagon Ready To Take Hard New Look At Navy Plans
Biden’s Pentagon Ready To Take Hard New Look At Navy Plans

The Trump administration’s belated – and very expensive – plans to reinvent the Navy are about to get a scrubbing by the Biden team.