Defense News
Defense
Secretary Austin has been receiving updates and providing guidance to his team throughout the weekend on the latest developments in the Middle East. He and Department of Defense (DoD) leaders remain focused on protecting U.S. citizens and forces in the region, defending Israel, and de-escalating the situation through deterrence and diplomacy. Secretary Austin emphasized that the United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict.

Defense
U.S. affirms support for Israel amid Lebanon tensions
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held two conversations with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant regarding the situation in Lebanon, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Defense
Defense Secretary Austin reaffirms support for Israel in call with Yoav Gallant
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on September 28, 2024.

Defense
Secretary Austin comments on Israeli strike, emphasizes diplomacy
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III addressed the media at Joint Base Andrews on September 27, 2024, following his return from the AUKUS Defence Ministers' Meeting in London. He commented on reports of a significant Israeli strike in Beirut.

Defense
Department of Defense announces recipients of annual maintenance awards
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the winners of the 2024 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards. These awards recognize exceptional achievements in weapon systems and military equipment maintenance.

Defense
Biden administration announces new $2.4 billion security assistance package for Ukraine
The Biden Administration has announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine, aiming to bolster the nation's defenses against ongoing Russian aggression. The Department of Defense (DoD) revealed this significant aid package as part of the support directed by President Biden ahead of his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

Defense
Austin meets UK counterpart Healey at AUKUS Defense Ministers Meeting
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence John Healey during the AUKUS Defense Ministers Meeting in London. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of the meeting, which covered topics such as the situation in the Middle East, support for Ukraine, and ongoing defense cooperation.

Defense
Acting Under Secretary Dory meets with Israeli defense director at Pentagon
The Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Amanda Dory, met with Israel Ministry of Defense Director General Eyal Zamir at the Pentagon on September 25. Pentagon Spokesman LtCol Garron Garn provided a readout of the meeting.

Defense
AUKUS defence ministers meet in London
Today, the Right Honourable John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom, hosted the Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia, and the Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense, United States at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. The meeting aimed to review progress and reaffirm commitment to the AUKUS partnership.

Defense
U.S., North Macedonia hold bilateral defense consultations at Pentagon
Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz provided a readout of the recent U.S.-North Macedonia Bilateral Defense Consultations (BDC), which took place on September 24 at the Pentagon.

Defense
Department awards $12.9 million to boost lithium iron phosphate cathode material production
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a $12.9 million award to Nano One Materials Corp. (Nano One) through the Defense Production Act Investments (DPAI) program. This funding aims to optimize and increase Nano One's production of active materials for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes at its facilities in Candiac, Québec, and Burnaby, British Columbia.

Defense
Combined Space Operations Initiative marks ten years
This year, the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative marked a decade of collaboration aimed at leading as responsible space actors.

Defense
Defense Secretary calls for long-term budget solution after passing continuing resolution
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has expressed mixed feelings regarding the recent passage of another Continuing Resolution (CR) by Congress. While acknowledging that the CR has prevented a government shutdown, he emphasized the negative impact such short-term funding measures have on the Department of Defense and military operations.

Defense
Assistant Secretary Wallander concludes talks in Libya and Malta
Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Dr. Celeste Wallander has returned from a series of bilateral meetings in Libya and Malta. Department of Defense Spokesman Tom Crosson provided details about the trip.

Defense
U.S., Australian defense leaders meet to discuss alliance initiatives
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles in London on the sidelines of the AUKUS Defense Ministers Meeting, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Defense
US and Canada discuss defense strategy and NORAD modernization
On September 26, 2024, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory met with Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defence Stefanie Beck at the Pentagon. The meeting covered international support for Ukraine, defense strategy and investment, modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and support to Haiti. Other bilateral and global issues were also discussed.

Defense
U.S., North Macedonia defense officials discuss bilateral relations and NATO cooperation
On September 25, 2024, Ms. Amanda Dory, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, met with Mr. Vlado Misajlovski, Minister of Defense of North Macedonia. The meeting took place at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

Defense
Deputy Secretary Hicks meets with Indian Foreign Secretary Misri at Pentagon
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks met with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Pentagon to discuss enhancing the U.S.-India defense partnership. The meeting focused on defense industrial cooperation, technology innovation, and operational collaboration.

Defense
Biden Administration announces new $375 million security aid package for Ukraine
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced additional security assistance for Ukraine to bolster its defense against Russian aggression. This support includes a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package valued at approximately $375 million, aimed at providing Ukraine with critical capabilities.

Defense
U.S.-South Korea hold 25th integrated defense dialogue focusing on regional security
The Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense held the 25th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue from September 23-24, 2024, in Seoul.

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