Radha Plumb named new Pentagon CDAO as Martell exits in April

Radha Plumb named new Pentagon CDAO as Martell exits in April
Radha Plumb named new Pentagon CDAO as Martell exits in April

Plumb, the current deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, has held high-powered jobs from Google to the National Security Council.

House GOP pile on Austin over secretive hospitalization as Dems try to pivot to Ukraine

House GOP pile on Austin over secretive hospitalization as Dems try to pivot to Ukraine
House GOP pile on Austin over secretive hospitalization as Dems try to pivot to Ukraine

“I understand that leaders have to set the example. Again, I said that we didn’t get the notification right. Again, I was the patient, and so I expect that my organization would do the right thing,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.

Defense Secretary Austin no longer Europe bound, will virtually attend meeting on Ukraine

Defense Secretary Austin no longer Europe bound, will virtually attend meeting on Ukraine
Defense Secretary Austin no longer Europe bound, will virtually attend meeting on Ukraine

Austin’s medical emergency comes at a time of a new leader for Ukraine’s military, the inability of Washington to fund new weapons and former president Donald Trump inviting Russia to invade NATO territory.

NATO inks twin artillery deals worth $1.2B to replenish allies’ stocks, help Ukraine

NATO inks twin artillery deals worth $1.2B to replenish allies’ stocks, help Ukraine
NATO inks twin artillery deals worth $1.2B to replenish allies’ stocks, help Ukraine

The contracts are going to France’s Nexter Munitions and Germany’s Junghans Microtec for 155mm rounds, a desperately needed ammo type in Ukraine and one NATO nations are looking to fill their own stocks.

As pressure mounts, Pentagon releases timeline on Austin’s secretive hospitalization

As pressure mounts, Pentagon releases timeline on Austin’s secretive hospitalization
As pressure mounts, Pentagon releases timeline on Austin’s secretive hospitalization

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was transported by ambulance to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on the evening of Jan. 1 due to “severe pain” but currently has a “good” prognosis, the Pentagon’s top spokesman said today.

‘America must not waver’: Austin urges congressional action for US military, Ukraine, Israel

‘America must not waver’: Austin urges congressional action for US military, Ukraine, Israel
‘America must not waver’: Austin urges congressional action for US military, Ukraine, Israel

At the Reagan National Defense Forum, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also emphasized that Jerusalem must minimize civilian deaths in Gaza in order to keep any tactical victory from turning into a strategic defeat.

Austin, AUKUS partners announce Pillar II plans: Maritime exercises, DIU challenges, industry forums

Austin, AUKUS partners announce Pillar II plans: Maritime exercises, DIU challenges, industry forums
Austin, AUKUS partners announce Pillar II plans: Maritime exercises, DIU challenges, industry forums

The State Department also cleared a potential sale of $2 billion-worth of training-related equipment to Australia for the nuclear-powered submarine portion of the AUKUS arrangement known as Pillar I.

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.

In Israel, Austin pledges more military aid and ‘ironclad’ support

In Israel, Austin pledges more military aid and ‘ironclad’ support
In Israel, Austin pledges more military aid and ‘ironclad’ support

Asked directly whether Israel bears “moral culpability” for deaths in Gaza, Austin restated his support for Jerusalem before emphasizing the “professionalism” of the IDF.

‘Menu of options’: What the Ford carrier strike group brings to Israel’s defense

‘Menu of options’: What the Ford carrier strike group brings to Israel’s defense
‘Menu of options’: What the Ford carrier strike group brings to Israel’s defense

The strike group, to arrive “very soon,” has practical and strategic advantages beyond just a “show of force.”

US expedites munitions for Israel, moves ships and aircraft into region after Hamas attack

US expedites munitions for Israel, moves ships and aircraft into region after Hamas attack
US expedites munitions for Israel, moves ships and aircraft into region after Hamas attack

The US “will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday.

Japanese defense minister seeks deal to speed up Tomahawk buy from US

Japanese defense minister seeks deal to speed up Tomahawk buy from US
Japanese defense minister seeks deal to speed up Tomahawk buy from US

The new Japanese defense minister admitted he is a “little bit worried” about the new deal being approved by Congress, an ostensible reference to this week’s chaos on the Hill.

Aussies, US agree to joint intel center, co-production of GMLRS

Aussies, US agree to joint intel center, co-production of GMLRS
Aussies, US agree to joint intel center, co-production of GMLRS

Australian defense minister Richard Marles hailed the deal as a “significant step forward” toward what he called “seamless” intelligence sharing.

Tuberville hold will force military to ‘lose talent’: Gen. Brown

Tuberville hold will force military to ‘lose talent’: Gen. Brown
Tuberville hold will force military to ‘lose talent’: Gen. Brown

Air Force Gen. CQ Brown received praise for his career while fielding some culture war questions from Republicans, and separately indicated he would not work for a defense contractor after serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.