Defense secretary tells Navy graduates they are ready to serve
May 26, 2023 GMTANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told newly commissioned officers at the U.S. Naval Academy on Friday that they are ready to "defend our democracy with honor, courage and commitment.”
Pentagon says allies will unite to train Ukrainians on F-16s, but warns jets aren’t ‘magic weapons’
May 25, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday that European allies are developing a coordinated program to train Ukrainian forces on the F-16 fighter jet, but Pentagon leaders warned that it will be a costly and complex task and won't be a magic solution to the war.
Austin seeks to stem discord with allies over document leaks
April 21, 2023 GMTRAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sought Friday to tamp down any discord between the U.S. and its allies over the massive U.S.
Austin hopes Turkey will act on Sweden NATO bid before July
April 19, 2023 GMTMUSKO NAVAL BASE, Sweden (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday it's important that Turkey makes its decision to allow Sweden to join NATO “sooner versus later” and he “feels confident” it will happen before the alliance summit in July.
US military moves to cut suicides, but defers action on guns
March 17, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a number of improvements in access to mental health care on Thursday to reduce suicides in the military, but held off on endorsing more controversial recommendations to restrict gun and ammunition purchases by young troops, sending them to another panel for study.
Israeli protests disrupt visit by US defense secretary
March 8, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was forced to change the schedule of a planned visit to Israel due to anti-government protests that are expected to paralyze traffic across the country, U.S.
US defense chief: Egypt ties an ‘essential pillar’ in region
March 8, 2023 GMTCAIRO (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday that America’s defense partnership with Egypt is an “essential pillar” of Washington’s commitment to the Middle East.
Austin made the remark on Twitter after touching down in Cairo on the latest leg of his Middle East tour.
US defense secretary makes unannounced visit to Baghdad
March 7, 2023 GMTBAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit Tuesday to the Iraqi capital where he vowed to continue the fight against the Islamic State group until the extremists are defeated.
Philippines eyes South China Sea patrols with US, Australia
February 22, 2023 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines is in talks with the United States as well as Australia on future joint patrols in the South China Sea, where China's increasingly aggressive actions in the disputed waters are causing concern, top defense officials in the three nations said Wednesday.
1st class of Ukraine fighters finishes advanced US training
February 17, 2023 GMTABOARD A US MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AP) — The first class of 635 Ukrainian fighters has finished a five-week advanced U.S. training course in Germany on sophisticated combat skills and armored vehicles that will be critical in the coming spring offensive against the Russians, the Pentagon said Friday.
Stop Russia now to prevent a wider conflict, Estonia warns
February 16, 2023 GMTTALLINN, Estonia (AP) — With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearing the one-year mark, a top Estonian defense leader warned that if Vladimir Putin is not stopped now, he could entangle the region in a larger conflict, perhaps one with even greater security implications for the U.S.
‘It just rang’: In crises, US-China hotline goes unanswered
February 10, 2023 GMTJapan, Philippines agree to sharply boost defense ties
February 9, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — The leaders of Japan and the Philippines agreed Thursday to sharply boost their defense ties, allowing Japanese troops greater access to Philippine territory, as tensions rise in Asia amid China’s growing influence.
Japan shows tough new security moves during Philippines trip
February 7, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Growing worry over Chinese threats has led to a major Japanese boost in military spending, defense partnerships and aid packages, a concerted new effort to draw like-minded Asian nations into a stronger, unified front as Beijing seeks to establish regional dominance.
‘A big deal’: US, Philippines tighten military ties
February 3, 2023 GMTN. Korea warns of ‘overwhelming nuclear force’ to counter US
February 2, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Thursday it’s prepared to counter U.S. military moves with the “most overwhelming nuclear force” as it warned that the expansion of the United States’ military exercises with rival South Korea is pushing tensions to an “extreme red line.”
US, Philippines agree to larger American military presence
February 2, 2023 GMTUS to increase weapons deployment to counter North Korea
January 31, 2023 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday said the United States will increase its deployment of advanced weapons such as fighter jets and bombers to the Korean Peninsula as it strengthens joint training and operational planning with South Korea in response to a growing North Korean nuclear threat.
US military kills senior Islamic State official in Somalia
January 26, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. special operations forces have killed a senior Islamic State group official and 10 other terrorist operatives in remote northern Somalia, the Biden administration announced Thursday.
Germany pressed on tanks for Ukraine; Kyiv airs frustration
January 19, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Germany faced mounting pressure to supply battle tanks to Kyiv and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aired frustration about not obtaining enough weaponry as Western allies conferred Thursday on how best to support Ukraine nearly 11 months into Russia's invasion.
Germany’s defense minister resigns amid Ukraine criticism
January 16, 2023 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Germany’s much-criticized defense minister announced her resignation Monday following a series of missteps while her department steers the massive project of modernizing the country’s military and oversees expanding weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
US, Japan unveil plans to strengthen the alliance
January 12, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Japan unveiled plans Wednesday to strengthen their alliance to help counter threats from North Korea and China, which they called the greatest security challenge in the region.
US, Japan poised to agree on shift in Marine unit on Okinawa
January 11, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Top national security officials from the United States and Japan are expected to agree to changes in the joint defense posture this week as the two nations confront rising threats from North Korea and increasing aggressiveness from China.
Pentagon drops COVID-19 vaccine mandate for troops
January 11, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon formally dropped its COVID-19 vaccination mandate Tuesday, but a new memo signed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also gives commanders some discretion in how or whether to deploy troops who are not vaccinated.
New law ends COVID-19 vaccine mandate for US troops
December 23, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. military forces around the world will no longer be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, after the mandate was lifted under an $858 billion defense spending bill passed by Congress and signed into law Friday by President Joe Biden.
Senate passes defense bill rescinding COVID vaccine mandate
December 16, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense passed the Senate on Thursday and now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
House passes defense bill scrapping COVID vaccine mandate
December 8, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense passed the House on Thursday as lawmakers scratch off one of the final items on their yearly to-do list.
EXPLAINER: What end of vaccine mandate means for US troops
December 7, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Congress' move to eliminate the Pentagon mandate that all U.S. service members get the COVID-19 vaccine delivers a victory for lawmakers and troops who oppose getting the shot, but it raises questions and potential risks, especially for forces deploying overseas.
Keep COVID military vaccine mandate, defense chief says
December 4, 2022 GMTABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he wants to keep the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place to protect the health of the troops, as Republican governors and lawmakers press to rescind it.
Pentagon chief: US faces pivotal years in countering China
December 3, 2022 GMTSIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. is at a pivotal point with China and will need military strength to ensure that American values, not Beijing's, set global norms in the 21st century, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday.
US defense chief: ‘Tyranny and turmoil’ in Russian invasion
November 20, 2022 GMTHALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Saturday Russia’s invasion of Ukraine offers a preview of a world where nuclear-armed countries could threaten other nations and said Beijing, like Moscow, seeks a world where might makes right.
US, South Korea warn Pyongyang against nuclear weapons use
November 3, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and South Korea jointly warned North Korea on Thursday that use of any kind of nuclear weapon against Seoul or other regional allies would result in the end of Kim Jong Un's regime, as Pyongyang continued to rattle the peninsula with escalating missile tests.
Live Updates | Russia-Ukraine-War
October 27, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters on Thursday that the U.S. has still not seen anything to indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to use a dirty bomb.
Pentagon to provide funds, help for troops seeking abortions
October 20, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek abortions but are based in states where they are now illegal, according to a new department policy released Thursday.
EXPLAINER: US weapons systems Ukraine will or won’t get
October 13, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian leaders are pressing the U.S. and Western allies for air defense systems and longer-range weapons to keep up the momentum in their counteroffensive against Russia and fight back against Moscow's intensified attacks.
Pakistan’s army chief meets with US defense secretary
October 5, 2022 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's powerful military chief met Wednesday in Washington with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other security and government officials, the military said.
Qamar Javed Bajwa’s trip to the United States comes weeks before he's expected to retire after an extended six-year tenure.
Navy admiral to seek community input on Red Hill fuel tanks
October 4, 2022 GMTJOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AP) — The commander of the task force responsible for draining fuel from a World War II-era storage tank facility that leaked jet fuel and poisoned Pearl Harbor's tap water last year said Monday he's exploring ways to get community feedback.
US defense chief in Hawaii amid distrust after fuel spill
October 1, 2022 GMTHONOLULU (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Hawaii this week amid lingering community frustration and distrust after jet fuel from a military storage facility last year spilled into Pearl Harbor’s drinking water, poisoned thousands of military families and threatened the purity of Honolulu’s water supply.
Pentagon lays out new food, housing programs for troops
September 23, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced a number of new programs Thursday that are aimed at helping service members who are struggling with housing shortages and steep food and living expenses as they move from base to base.
FBI: Soldier linked to racist post, online extremism
September 8, 2022 GMTA soldier in the U.S. Army wrote on Instagram that he joined the military “for combat experience so I’m more proficient in killing” Black people, investigators say.
Killian Mackeithan Ryan also had five Instagram accounts that were in contact with others "associated with racially motivated extremism,” according to court records.
Ukraine, neighbors, to get big new aid, Blinken says in Kyiv
September 8, 2022 GMTKYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Underscoring determined U.S. support, Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Thursday and the Biden administration ramped up military aid by more than $2.8 billion to Ukraine and other European countries threatened by Russia.
U.S. approves up to $675M in further military aid to Ukraine
September 8, 2022 GMTRAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday President Joe Biden has approved additional military aid to Ukraine worth up to $675 million, an announcement that came as he gathered allies to renew their commitment to military support “for the long haul.”
Pentagon plan aims to help avoid civilian deaths in strikes
August 25, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will set up a new center in the next year to help avoid civilian casualties in military operations around the world through better education and training and increased screening before strikes are launched.
Pentagon rejects DC request for National Guard migrant help
August 22, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon on Monday once again denied a request from the District of Columbia seeking National Guard assistance in dealing with thousands of migrants being bused to the city from Texas and Arizona.
Defense secretary Austin positive for COVID for second time
August 15, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Monday he has tested positive for COVID-19, is experiencing mild symptoms and will quarantine at home. It's the second time Austin has gotten the coronavirus.
China sending fighter jets to Thailand for joint exercises
August 13, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — The Chinese air force is sending fighter jets and bombers to Thailand for a joint exercise with the Thai military on Sunday.
The training will include air support, strikes on ground targets and small- and large-scale troop deployment, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement posted on its website.
Austin pledges military training, support for Baltics
August 10, 2022 GMTRIGA, Latvia (AP) — The U.S. will conduct more military exercises with Baltic nations such as Latvia, and look to provide increased training, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday, saying the U.S.
Pentagon denies DC request for National Guard migrant help
August 5, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon rejected a request from the District of Columbia seeking National Guard assistance in what the mayor has called a “growing humanitarian crisis” prompted by thousands of migrants being bused to the city from two southern states.
Burgum calls for security review of Chinese firm’s project
July 26, 2022 GMTBISMARCK, N.D, (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum is pressing federal officials to expedite a review of a Chinese company’s purchase of land in North Dakota for a wet corn milling plant to ensure it is not detrimental to national security.
US sending more military aid to Ukraine as war grinds on
July 20, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and allies committed more rocket systems, ammunition and other military aid to Ukraine Wednesday, as American defense leaders said they see the war to block Russian gains in the eastern Donbas region grinding on for some time.
Guard could lose 600 Minnesotans after vaccine deadline
June 30, 2022 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota National Guard could lose hundreds of soldiers if they don’t get vaccinated against COVID-19 immediately.
Last remaining WWII Medal of Honor recipient dies at 98
June 29, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Hershel W. “Woody” Williams, the last remaining Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, whose heroics under fire over several crucial hours at the Battle of Iwo Jima made him a legend in his native West Virginia, died Wednesday.
Details of new military aid for Ukraine from US, allies
June 15, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The $1 billion package of military assistance the U.S. announced for Ukraine on Wednesday is aimed at bolstering the country's ability to push back Russian advances in the eastern Donbas region.
US Defense Secretary Austin meets Thai leader to boost ties
June 13, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Thailand’s prime minister on Monday as part of an effort to strengthen what Austin says is Washington’s “unparalleled network of alliances and partnerships" in the region.
China accuses US of trying to ‘hijack’ support in Asia
June 12, 2022 GMTSINGAPORE (AP) — China's defense minister accused the United States on Sunday of trying to “hijack” the support of countries in the Asia-Pacific region to turn them against Beijing, saying Washington is seeking to advance its own interests “under the guise of multilateralism.”
US: China’s military activity around Taiwan threatens region
June 11, 2022 GMTSINGAPORE (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed American support for Taiwan on Saturday, suggesting at Asia's premier defense forum that recent Chinese military activity around the self-governing island threatens to change the status quo.
China complains over US arms sales to Taiwan
June 10, 2022 GMTSINGAPORE (AP) — China's defense minister complained to his American counterpart on Friday about the latest U.S. arms package for Taiwan and warned of a possible conflict over the self—governing island that China claims as its own territory.
Pentagon says more high-tech weapons going to Ukraine
May 24, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 50 defense leaders from around the world met Monday and agreed to send more advanced weapons to Ukraine, including a Harpoon launcher and missiles to protect its coast, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters.
EXPLAINER: US keeps world guessing on Taiwan stance
May 23, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — For the third time in less than a year, President Joe Biden has stirred controversy with his comments about Taiwan. The latest example came during his visit to Japan, when a reporter asked if the United States would respond militarily if China invaded the island.
Kirby to lead Biden’s national security communications team
May 21, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday named Pentagon press secretary John Kirby to be the new National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.
Kirby "will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and will serve as a senior administration voice on related matters," the White House said in a statement.