Defense News
Defense
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) has released a report examining the transformative role of drones in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the first part of this two-part series on drone warfare characterizes their impact as "evolutionary," rather than "revolutionary."

Defense
DOD Secretary Austin once again hospitalized for medical issue
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been readmitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to a bladder issue, following his hospitalization in January for prostate cancer.

Defense
Austin: 'United States will continue working with regional partners to address threats to U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria'
The United States is dedicated to countering Houthi threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea, as stated by Secretary of the Department of Defense (DOD), Lloyd J. Austin III, in a recent social media post.

Defense
Austin: 'US and Iraq will start US-Iraq Higher Military Commission'
In an effort to mitigate risks posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group, the United States and Iraq have unveiled a new partnership aimed at bolstering the security relationship between the two nations. A proposed U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission (HMC) is anticipated to deepen this commitment.

Defense
Committee Chairs investigate taxpayer grant awarded to UCLA professor with CCP ties
The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), in collaboration with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is currently probing into grants received by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The scientist is alleged to have affiliations with the CCP. The committees have sent letters regarding this matter to UCLA Chancellor Gener Block, National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Defense
Blinken: 'Enduring support for Ukraine as it continues its fight for freedom against Russia’s war of aggression'
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russian invasion, as stated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a social media post. The Secretary disclosed that he had held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Defense
Austin: 'Our coalition of some 50 allies and partners remain committed to supporting Ukraine'
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary, Lloyd J. Austin III, recently announced via social media that he had engaged in discussions with Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, regarding the latest efforts to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The announcement was made on X, a platform formerly known as Twitter.

Defense
Aerospace Industries Association President: DOD's new strategy focuses on ‘cornerstone of our National Defense Strategy’
Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), has released a statement in response to the Department of Defense's recently unveiled National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS). This strategy is an unprecedented move that aims to guide the agency's engagement, policy development, and investment in the industrial base over the next three to five years.

Defense
Retired US Army General: 'There is no right to privacy in senior national security positions'
Retired U.S. Army General Barry R McCaffrey has voiced criticism over the handling of Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent illness by Austin himself and the Pentagon. The primary issue under scrutiny is the failure to inform the White House about Austin's hospitalization.

Defense
DOD recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is contributing to the cause by offering guidelines to raise awareness about trafficking. The global trafficking network is believed to ensnare millions of people for various reasons.

Defense
DOD partners with New York City high school to provide career options for students
Students at one of the largest high schools in New York City are set to gain an advantage in their future careers, courtesy of a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The department is collaborating with school officials to assist students in mapping out their future plans, irrespective of whether they include military service or not.

Defense
Sec. Austin discuss Ukraine during defense industrial base summit
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III addressed Ukraine's capacity to continue resisting the Russian invasion during his address at the opening session of the Ukraine defense industrial base summit in Washington. The Department of Defense (DOD) was one of many departments at the two day event.

Defense
Austin: 'Met again today with Grant Shapps to discuss our continued work together to support Ukraine'
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with his counterpart from Great Britain this week to discuss how the two nations can continue to work on cooperation and their military support for allies around the world. The meeting, which saw various critical issues being addressed, took place at Moffett Field in California.

Defense
DOD on guard concerning emerging tech threats to US
The U.S. Defense Department (DOD) is closely monitoring the emerging technological threats to US security. These threats are becoming increasingly complex due to advancements in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, material science, and near-peer competition.

Defense
DOS says US remains committed to providing security assistance support to Israel
The ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has led to hopes that all hostages will be released. This comes as high-ranking US officials engage in diplomatic discussions with Israeli representatives.

Defense
DOD confirms ongoing support of Israel amid release of hostages
As Hamas continues to release hostages held in Gaza, U.S. officials called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss the process. This phone call is a part of the diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating hostage release and restoring peace.

Defense
U.S. will continue backing of Ukraine, according to DOD
The United States backing of Ukraine as it continues to fight against the Russian invasion will not waver, according to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. This robust support for Ukraine was confirmed during Secretary Austin's recent surprise visit to Kyiv.

Defense
DOD Deputy Assistant: 'NFL's Salute to Service is more than a campaign'
Melanie Fonder Kaye, deputy assistant to the secretary of defense for strategic engagement of U.S. Department of Defense, said the NFL's Salute to Service is more than a campaign; it's a profound commitment to honor, empower and connect with those who sacrifice for our nation on Nov 19. The announcement came during the annual Salute to Service event organized by the National Football League.

Defense
Department of Defense in search of new gravity bomb variant
Department of Defense announces plans for B61-13 nuclear bomb, pending congressional approval.

Defense
U.S. Defense Department announces measures to strengthen force posture in Middle East
The Department of Defense (DoD) is taking a series of steps to enhance its force posture in the Middle East region. As a response to recent escalations around the Middle East on the part of Iran and its linked proxy forces, these actions are being taken to assist in the defense of Israel and to bolster the force protection afforded to United States troops.

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