Defense News
Defense
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.

Defense
Department of Defense funds $16.2 million project for domestic tin processing facility
The Department of Defense has announced a $16.2 million award to Nathan Trotter & Co., Inc. through the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) program. The funding will support the establishment of a domestic facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, dedicated to the smelting, refining, and recycling of tin.

Defense
DoD begins construction on Project Pele transportable nuclear reactor
The Department of Defense (DoD) has initiated the construction of Project Pele, a transportable nuclear reactor at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The reactor is part of a Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) initiative and is being manufactured by BWXT Advanced Technologies, LLC, based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Assembly of the final reactor is expected to start in February 2025. The schedule plans for the fully-assembled reactor to be transported to INL in 2026, where it will become the first Generation IV nuclear reactor to generate electricity in the United States.

Defense
Defense officials discuss strategies for reducing civilian harm
Senior representatives from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States met virtually today for a session of the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response. The meeting was confirmed by Department of Defense Spokesperson Lisa Lawrence.

Defense
Department of Defense awards $19 million to establish domestic tin processing facility
The Department of Defense has awarded $19 million to Nathan Trotter & Co., Inc. (Nathan Trotter) to establish a domestic facility for the smelting, refining, and recycling of tin in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. This funding comes through the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) program.

Defense
DoD commits $500 million annually for advancing women's health research
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced new initiatives to address health disparities faced by women, including conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect them. This effort is part of the broader mission to support the health of women service members, veterans, and beneficiaries. The DoD aims to enhance medical readiness and aligns with the President's Executive Order on Advancing Women's Health Research and Innovation.

Defense
U.S., Israel discuss recent conflicts with Hizballah
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently held a call with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss the ongoing exchange of fires between Israel and Iranian-backed Lebanese Hizballah. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of the conversation.

Defense
Defense Secretary Austin discusses recent attacks with Israeli counterpart
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Defense
Austin discusses regional security with Saudi defense minister
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

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