The United States and the Czech Republic have reaffirmed their friendship and shared commitment to upholding democratic principles and human rights. On Tuesday, Spencer P. Boyer, deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy, welcomed Jan Jireš, director general for defense policy and strategy at Czechia’s Ministry of Defense, at the Pentagon for the...
Tag: Defense Department
DOD Looks Back on Decisive Year for Advancing US Defense Strategy in Indo-Pacific
The Department of Defense is wrapping up 2023 with billions of dollars in investments in capability building and stronger partnerships with international allies to maintain peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. On Wednesday, the Pentagon published a fact sheet that enumerates steps the department has taken to advance the U.S. Indo-Pacific defense strategy and deter adversarial...
US, Qatar Extend Al Udeid Air Base Operation for 10 Years
The United States has reached an agreement with Qatari officials to maintain American military presence at Al Udeid Air Base, people familiar with negotiations confirmed. The agreement grants Al Udeid, which can house over 10,000 American troops, another 10 years of operations. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III visited the site in December and thanked...
US Alliance Plan Sustained Red Sea Defense Operations Against Rebel Attacks
The United States, its allies and partners will continue to defend commercial vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks, Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of Naval Forces Central Command, said in a Department of Defense statement. His remarks follow a Thursday incursion by Iran-backed Houthis, who flew and detonated a maritime drone...
DOD Bares New List of Chinese Military-Linked Companies
The Pentagon has updated its list of Chinese military-linked businesses with either direct or indirect operations in the United States. The list is compiled in accordance with Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The Department of Defense said Wednesday that the provision’s continuing implementation is important to counter China’s...
Europe Mulls Acquisition Strategy Similar to US Foreign Military Sales Program
The European Commission is looking into adopting a strategy that will ease the process of selling weapons. As governments across Europe increase military spending in response to rising threats from Russia, the EC is considering a scheme similar to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Foreign Military Sales program. According to a consultation paper first seen...
Chilean Air Force Boosts Capabilities With Lockheed F-16 Upgrades
The U.S. Department of Defense said Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $177 million Foreign Military Sales contract for the upgrade of 36 Chilean Air Force F-16 jetfighters. Chile acquired the F-16s from the Netherlands in two separate deliveries of 18 each in 2005 and 2009. A company spokesperson told Defense News that Lockheed will...