News and reports from the Department of Defense, DOD.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss recent developments involving the Israel Defense Forces' military actions targeting Iran.

The United States and Egypt convened for the 35th annual U.S.-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee (MCC) in Washington, D.C. on October 23-24, 2024.

The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom have concluded successful tests of autonomous and networked systems during a three-week maritime exercise named Autonomous Warrior 24 in Australia. This event was part of the Maritime Big Play initiative and aimed at enhancing AUKUS Pillar II capabilities. The collaboration seeks to improve maritime awareness through networked autonomy, decision advantage, and enhanced strike capabilities.

Ms. Madeline Mortelmans, currently performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities, provided a statement on AUKUS Pillar 2 and Exercise Maritime Big Play. Her office leads both pillars of AUKUS within the Department of Defense in collaboration with various stakeholders.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The discussion focused on Israel's operations in Lebanon and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the selection of the Hypersonic Infrared Target Sensing (HITS) joint-service proposal as the winner of the fiscal year 2025 Applied Research for the Advancement of S&T Priorities (ARAP) Program award competition. The HITS team, led by the Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL), includes collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Missile Defense Agency.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, where they discussed global security challenges and the promotion of peace in conflict-affected regions. Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh provided a readout of the meeting.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks met with Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy at the Pentagon. The meeting aimed to strengthen the alliance between the United States and Australia.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has entered into a bilateral, non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) with the Federal Ministry of Defence for Germany. This agreement aims to allow both nations to acquire industrial resources swiftly to meet defense needs, address unexpected disruptions, and enhance supply chain resilience.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have announced the approval of the first group of Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Licensees and Green Light Approved investment funds under the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology Initiative (SBICCT Initiative). This group aims to invest over $2.8 billion into more than 1,000 portfolio companies.

The Department of Defense has announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine. This marks the Biden Administration's sixty-eighth provision of equipment from DoD inventories to Ukraine since August 2021. The package, under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, is valued at approximately $400 million.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has arrived in Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian leaders and affirm the United States' support for Ukraine's fight for freedom. This marks his fourth visit to the country as Secretary of Defense.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to address regional security issues. During the discussion, Secretary Austin elaborated on the United States' adjustments in force posture, highlighting the recent deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system aimed at strengthening Israel's defenses against threats from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and Iranian proxies.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Japan's Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen in Naples, Italy. The meeting took place during the G7 Defense Ministers' Meeting. Secretary Austin congratulated Minister Nakatani on his recent appointment.

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial remains accessible to visitors, though there will be temporary changes due to maintenance work. From Friday, October 18, 2024, at 6 p.m. EDT until Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 7 p.m. EDT, the pedestrian tunnel connecting the Hayes Street Parking Lot and several lanes in South Parking will be closed for milling and paving.