1 00:00:00,210 --> 00:00:02,840 Good afternoon everybody happy friday , 2 00:00:03,200 --> 00:00:05,500 just a few things and then we'll get 3 00:00:05,500 --> 00:00:08,770 right to your questions . So , as 4 00:00:08,770 --> 00:00:10,826 you're all aware today marks the one 5 00:00:10,826 --> 00:00:13,430 year anniversary of Russia's unprovoked 6 00:00:13,440 --> 00:00:16,280 war in Ukraine . And to quote Secretary 7 00:00:16,280 --> 00:00:18,613 Austin's statement issued earlier today , 8 00:00:18,613 --> 00:00:20,558 quote the solemn anniversary is an 9 00:00:20,558 --> 00:00:22,502 opportunity for all who believe in 10 00:00:22,502 --> 00:00:24,420 freedom rules and sovereignty to 11 00:00:24,420 --> 00:00:26,660 recommit ourselves to supporting 12 00:00:26,660 --> 00:00:28,827 Ukraine's brave defenders for the long 13 00:00:28,827 --> 00:00:31,000 haul . And recall that the stakes of 14 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:33,280 Russia's war stretch far beyond Ukraine 15 00:00:34,080 --> 00:00:36,360 alongside our international allies and 16 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:38,249 partners , we remain committed to 17 00:00:38,249 --> 00:00:40,304 supporting the Ukrainian people with 18 00:00:40,304 --> 00:00:42,590 the security assistance . They need to 19 00:00:42,590 --> 00:00:44,812 defend their nation and take back their 20 00:00:44,812 --> 00:00:47,034 sovereign territory . And we will stand 21 00:00:47,034 --> 00:00:49,201 with Ukraine for as long as it takes . 22 00:00:49,201 --> 00:00:51,034 And another demonstration of our 23 00:00:51,034 --> 00:00:53,257 enduring commitment . Earlier today the 24 00:00:53,257 --> 00:00:55,201 Department of Defense announced $2 25 00:00:55,201 --> 00:00:59,010 billion Security 26 00:00:59,010 --> 00:01:01,690 Assistance Initiative . The security 27 00:01:01,690 --> 00:01:03,523 assistance package reaffirms the 28 00:01:03,523 --> 00:01:05,690 steadfast support of the United States 29 00:01:05,690 --> 00:01:07,746 for Ukraine by committing additional 30 00:01:07,746 --> 00:01:10,200 unmanned aerial systems encounter us 31 00:01:10,220 --> 00:01:12,090 and electronic warfare detection 32 00:01:12,090 --> 00:01:13,950 equipment as well as critical 33 00:01:13,950 --> 00:01:15,950 ammunition stocks for artillery and 34 00:01:15,950 --> 00:01:18,117 precision fires capabilities that will 35 00:01:18,117 --> 00:01:20,090 bolster Ukraine's ability to repel 36 00:01:20,090 --> 00:01:21,979 Russian aggression for additional 37 00:01:21,979 --> 00:01:23,923 details and refer you to our press 38 00:01:23,923 --> 00:01:25,979 release located on defense dot gov . 39 00:01:26,130 --> 00:01:28,130 Also today , the Secretary spoke by 40 00:01:28,130 --> 00:01:29,963 phone with Ukraine's Minister of 41 00:01:29,963 --> 00:01:32,450 Defense Celeski Reznikoff . Secretary 42 00:01:32,450 --> 00:01:34,506 Austin praised Ukraine's courage and 43 00:01:34,506 --> 00:01:36,617 sacrifice that has inspired and rally 44 00:01:36,617 --> 00:01:38,783 the international community to support 45 00:01:38,783 --> 00:01:40,617 its efforts to push back against 46 00:01:40,617 --> 00:01:42,839 Russian aggression and he also provided 47 00:01:42,839 --> 00:01:44,506 an update on U . S . Security 48 00:01:44,506 --> 00:01:46,506 assistance efforts And a readout of 49 00:01:46,506 --> 00:01:48,839 that call is available on the D . O . D . 50 00:01:48,839 --> 00:01:50,728 Website . In addition , Secretary 51 00:01:50,728 --> 00:01:52,839 Austin also spoke today by phone with 52 00:01:52,839 --> 00:01:54,783 Israeli , Minister of Defense Yoav 53 00:01:54,783 --> 00:01:56,728 galant to discuss topics of mutual 54 00:01:56,728 --> 00:01:58,894 interest and we will have a readout of 55 00:01:58,894 --> 00:02:01,117 that call posted later today on defense 56 00:02:01,117 --> 00:02:03,117 dot gov as well . Finally today the 57 00:02:03,117 --> 00:02:04,894 suicide Prevention and Response 58 00:02:04,894 --> 00:02:07,006 Independent Review Committee released 59 00:02:07,006 --> 00:02:09,117 their independent report findings and 60 00:02:09,117 --> 00:02:10,783 recommendations . Today . The 61 00:02:10,783 --> 00:02:12,617 Department of Defense efforts to 62 00:02:12,617 --> 00:02:14,283 implement a comprehensive and 63 00:02:14,283 --> 00:02:16,006 integrated approach to suicide 64 00:02:16,006 --> 00:02:18,117 prevention prevention actions will be 65 00:02:18,117 --> 00:02:20,228 informed by the work of the committee 66 00:02:20,228 --> 00:02:22,172 which will amplify D . O . D . S . 67 00:02:22,172 --> 00:02:24,339 Current approach in three key priority 68 00:02:24,339 --> 00:02:26,561 areas . These include fostering quality 69 00:02:26,561 --> 00:02:28,672 of life and building healthy climates 70 00:02:28,672 --> 00:02:30,783 and cultures , addressing stigma as a 71 00:02:30,783 --> 00:02:32,783 barrier barrier to help seeking and 72 00:02:32,783 --> 00:02:34,783 promoting a culture of lethal means 73 00:02:34,783 --> 00:02:36,839 safety . And while we recognize that 74 00:02:36,839 --> 00:02:39,550 suicide has no single cause even one 75 00:02:39,550 --> 00:02:41,494 suicide and that there's no single 76 00:02:41,494 --> 00:02:43,606 preventative action treatment or cure 77 00:02:43,606 --> 00:02:45,900 even one suicide is too many and we 78 00:02:45,900 --> 00:02:48,000 will exhaust every effort to promote 79 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:50,222 the wellness , health and morale of our 80 00:02:50,222 --> 00:02:52,750 total force . As Secretary Austin has 81 00:02:52,750 --> 00:02:54,972 said previously , the department's most 82 00:02:54,972 --> 00:02:56,972 precious resources are people so we 83 00:02:56,972 --> 00:02:58,972 must spare no effort and working to 84 00:02:58,972 --> 00:03:01,083 prevent suicide within our ranks . We 85 00:03:01,083 --> 00:03:02,861 must all in every corner of the 86 00:03:02,861 --> 00:03:04,972 department redouble our commitment to 87 00:03:04,972 --> 00:03:07,083 connect with those who may be hurting 88 00:03:07,083 --> 00:03:09,194 and save lives and with that we'll go 89 00:03:09,194 --> 00:03:11,417 to your questions start with Associated 90 00:03:11,417 --> 00:03:13,306 Press Leader . Thank you . Um two 91 00:03:13,306 --> 00:03:16,920 things number one Uh the U . S . Has 92 00:03:16,920 --> 00:03:19,510 talked quite a bit about warning china 93 00:03:19,510 --> 00:03:23,460 against providing any aid lethal aid to 94 00:03:23,470 --> 00:03:26,940 Russia . Given that has the 95 00:03:26,940 --> 00:03:29,940 department seen any indication so far 96 00:03:29,950 --> 00:03:32,760 of any type of aid , particularly 97 00:03:32,760 --> 00:03:35,950 lethal aid going from china to Russia 98 00:03:35,960 --> 00:03:38,510 um or any indications that such is 99 00:03:38,510 --> 00:03:40,677 actually happening . And then secondly 100 00:03:40,677 --> 00:03:42,677 on the suicide report that you just 101 00:03:42,677 --> 00:03:44,732 mentioned , the report recommended a 102 00:03:44,732 --> 00:03:47,900 number of gun safety changes , 103 00:03:47,910 --> 00:03:50,800 including waiting periods and raising 104 00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:53,700 the the age for purchasing a weapon . 105 00:03:54,510 --> 00:03:56,720 Has the department considered any of 106 00:03:56,720 --> 00:03:59,920 those before ? How difficult will it be 107 00:03:59,930 --> 00:04:02,890 to put any of those into effect ? 108 00:04:02,890 --> 00:04:06,400 Considering some of the stronger gun 109 00:04:06,400 --> 00:04:08,660 safety thoughts particularly among 110 00:04:08,660 --> 00:04:10,970 Congress ? Sure , thanks lita . So on 111 00:04:10,970 --> 00:04:13,710 your first question in regards to china 112 00:04:13,950 --> 00:04:16,390 and the potential for providing lethal 113 00:04:16,390 --> 00:04:19,670 aid to Ukraine . Um We haven't seen 114 00:04:19,670 --> 00:04:23,560 them provide lethal aid to Ukraine 115 00:04:23,570 --> 00:04:26,390 or to excuse me to Russia yet , but we 116 00:04:26,400 --> 00:04:28,400 also have noticed that they haven't 117 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:30,567 taken it off the table . And so you've 118 00:04:30,567 --> 00:04:32,400 heard Secretary Austin Secretary 119 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:34,622 Blinken and others warn china about the 120 00:04:34,622 --> 00:04:36,456 implications of providing lethal 121 00:04:36,456 --> 00:04:38,640 assistance to Russia uh to include 122 00:04:38,640 --> 00:04:42,110 needlessly needlessly extending uh this 123 00:04:42,120 --> 00:04:44,009 conflict and the suffering of the 124 00:04:44,009 --> 00:04:47,420 Ukrainian people . Um I would say 125 00:04:47,420 --> 00:04:50,690 ironically china's recent peace plan 126 00:04:50,690 --> 00:04:52,730 proposal includes respecting the 127 00:04:52,730 --> 00:04:55,070 sovereignty of all countries . Uh So 128 00:04:55,070 --> 00:04:57,320 one would hope that they mean it and 129 00:04:57,320 --> 00:04:59,690 respect Ukraine's right to exist versus 130 00:04:59,690 --> 00:05:02,300 potentially providing lethal aid 131 00:05:02,300 --> 00:05:04,600 intended to kill innocent Ukrainians 132 00:05:04,600 --> 00:05:06,930 and erase their country . So um we'll 133 00:05:06,930 --> 00:05:08,930 continue to monitor that closely in 134 00:05:08,930 --> 00:05:10,810 regards to the committee's 135 00:05:10,810 --> 00:05:12,977 recommendations . We will review those 136 00:05:12,977 --> 00:05:15,130 closely . I don't have anything to 137 00:05:15,130 --> 00:05:17,241 announce today in terms of what steps 138 00:05:17,241 --> 00:05:19,297 we may take . Um But again this is a 139 00:05:19,297 --> 00:05:21,690 very important topic to the Secretary 140 00:05:21,690 --> 00:05:24,023 and to the entire Department of Defense . 141 00:05:24,023 --> 00:05:26,580 And so we'll certainly be sure to keep 142 00:05:26,580 --> 00:05:27,920 you updated on that 143 00:05:27,930 --> 00:05:35,240 front . 144 00:05:39,790 --> 00:05:41,901 Follow up on the latest questions you 145 00:05:41,901 --> 00:05:44,179 said you haven't seen them ? I'm sorry . 146 00:05:47,300 --> 00:05:50,850 Sorry sorry . Uh so you're still the 147 00:05:50,850 --> 00:05:52,906 other room ? Um just to follow up on 148 00:05:52,906 --> 00:05:54,906 lita's question , you said that you 149 00:05:54,906 --> 00:05:57,017 haven't seen china provide lethal aid 150 00:05:57,017 --> 00:05:59,128 to Russia yet . But have you seen any 151 00:05:59,128 --> 00:06:00,850 chatter , any china having any 152 00:06:00,850 --> 00:06:02,628 conversations with Russia about 153 00:06:02,628 --> 00:06:04,794 potentially providing lethal aid . And 154 00:06:04,794 --> 00:06:06,961 then I want to ask the second question 155 00:06:06,961 --> 00:06:09,183 about about Syria , there were four U . 156 00:06:09,183 --> 00:06:11,294 S . Troops wounded in Syria the other 157 00:06:11,294 --> 00:06:13,239 day . Um Can you say anything more 158 00:06:13,239 --> 00:06:15,350 about this mission ? Was it a US soft 159 00:06:15,350 --> 00:06:17,572 mission ? Was it a partnered raid ? And 160 00:06:17,572 --> 00:06:17,350 how frequently are U . S . Troops 161 00:06:17,350 --> 00:06:19,710 involved in combat missions like these ? 162 00:06:19,720 --> 00:06:21,776 Yeah . So on your first question , I 163 00:06:21,776 --> 00:06:23,998 don't have any specific intelligence to 164 00:06:23,998 --> 00:06:25,776 share . I know for example that 165 00:06:25,776 --> 00:06:28,890 Secretary Blinken uh and the Nsc 166 00:06:28,890 --> 00:06:31,130 Strategic Communication Director have 167 00:06:31,130 --> 00:06:34,370 talked to this and indicated uh that 168 00:06:34,370 --> 00:06:37,050 there is indications that china is 169 00:06:37,050 --> 00:06:40,290 considering to the possibility of 170 00:06:40,290 --> 00:06:42,290 providing lethal aid . But again to 171 00:06:42,290 --> 00:06:44,290 this point we have not seen them do 172 00:06:44,290 --> 00:06:46,401 that . Uh In regards to Syria , I I'd 173 00:06:46,401 --> 00:06:48,457 refer you to Central Command for the 174 00:06:48,457 --> 00:06:50,734 specifics on that particular operation , 175 00:06:50,734 --> 00:06:52,930 uh as you are aware , they issued a 176 00:06:52,930 --> 00:06:56,040 press release on that , the defeat ISIS 177 00:06:56,040 --> 00:06:59,220 mission continues in Syria and Iraq . 178 00:06:59,350 --> 00:07:01,406 And so certainly we have forces that 179 00:07:01,406 --> 00:07:03,739 are committed to that to that operation , 180 00:07:03,739 --> 00:07:05,628 but I'd refer you to them for the 181 00:07:05,628 --> 00:07:07,794 specific details . Can you say whether 182 00:07:07,794 --> 00:07:10,017 it's it's typical of US forces to go on 183 00:07:10,017 --> 00:07:12,072 these partnered missions though , or 184 00:07:12,072 --> 00:07:14,239 was this something that was out of the 185 00:07:14,239 --> 00:07:16,294 ordinary ? Not out of the ordinary , 186 00:07:16,294 --> 00:07:18,183 The the U . S . Military has been 187 00:07:18,183 --> 00:07:20,590 conducting partnered operations with 188 00:07:20,590 --> 00:07:23,870 the sdf for quite a few years now . So 189 00:07:23,880 --> 00:07:25,640 thank you , go over here and I 190 00:07:25,640 --> 00:07:27,418 appreciate your patience on the 191 00:07:27,418 --> 00:07:29,418 microphone will go to dan and we'll 192 00:07:29,418 --> 00:07:33,250 come back to you . Thanks for your 193 00:07:33,250 --> 00:07:35,472 time . Uh wanted to drill down a bit if 194 00:07:35,472 --> 00:07:38,150 we can into the USa i package announced 195 00:07:38,150 --> 00:07:41,080 today , particularly the uh counter U . 196 00:07:41,080 --> 00:07:43,302 A . S in it , uh looks like we're going 197 00:07:43,302 --> 00:07:45,620 to see the switchblade 600 which at 198 00:07:45,620 --> 00:07:47,676 least to my knowledge and if you can 199 00:07:47,676 --> 00:07:49,731 clarify that , be helpful ? Have not 200 00:07:49,731 --> 00:07:51,953 been a part of the package previously . 201 00:07:51,953 --> 00:07:53,953 How quickly do you think that might 202 00:07:53,953 --> 00:07:56,176 find its way to a battlefield uh and is 203 00:07:56,176 --> 00:07:58,231 and is the time it's taken to get it 204 00:07:58,231 --> 00:08:00,231 there , a function of it simply not 205 00:08:00,231 --> 00:08:02,176 being available more quickly or or 206 00:08:02,176 --> 00:08:04,390 something else . Um So so for as you 207 00:08:04,390 --> 00:08:07,630 highlight , given that these are usa i 208 00:08:07,640 --> 00:08:09,862 these are all capabilities that we will 209 00:08:09,862 --> 00:08:11,807 go to industry to help produce , I 210 00:08:11,807 --> 00:08:13,918 don't have a timeline in terms of the 211 00:08:13,918 --> 00:08:15,973 delivery time other than as has been 212 00:08:15,973 --> 00:08:18,084 the case , will continue to work very 213 00:08:18,084 --> 00:08:20,084 closely with industry to try to get 214 00:08:20,084 --> 00:08:22,950 them there as quickly as we can . Um in 215 00:08:22,950 --> 00:08:25,970 terms of um yeah , I'll just leave it 216 00:08:25,970 --> 00:08:28,070 at that more loosely is the 217 00:08:28,080 --> 00:08:30,247 anticipation that it would be there in 218 00:08:30,247 --> 00:08:32,469 time for the offense of this spring ? I 219 00:08:32,469 --> 00:08:34,691 think . I don't think that would be the 220 00:08:34,691 --> 00:08:36,858 case . Again , we're already providing 221 00:08:36,858 --> 00:08:38,747 them with a significant amount of 222 00:08:38,747 --> 00:08:40,691 capabilities coming from P . D . A 223 00:08:40,691 --> 00:08:42,858 along with the international community 224 00:08:42,858 --> 00:08:44,913 uh to get them the capabilities they 225 00:08:44,913 --> 00:08:47,024 need for the springtime . But again , 226 00:08:47,024 --> 00:08:49,950 this is a fight that will continue to 227 00:08:49,950 --> 00:08:52,061 be tough . And so we want to ensure , 228 00:08:52,061 --> 00:08:54,283 not only are we meeting their immediate 229 00:08:54,283 --> 00:08:56,339 needs , but we're also meeting their 230 00:08:56,339 --> 00:08:56,080 medium and long term needs . And so 231 00:08:56,090 --> 00:08:58,257 again we're going to rush to get these 232 00:08:58,257 --> 00:09:00,590 capabilities there as quickly as we can . 233 00:09:00,590 --> 00:09:01,790 Thanks go to joe 234 00:09:04,780 --> 00:09:07,560 Thanks Pat . Um Just staying on Ukraine 235 00:09:07,560 --> 00:09:10,190 Aid , there are a number of categories 236 00:09:10,190 --> 00:09:11,940 of aid where we didn't get the 237 00:09:11,940 --> 00:09:14,110 specificity . Um it talked about high 238 00:09:14,110 --> 00:09:17,020 mars ammunition but high mars can take 239 00:09:17,030 --> 00:09:20,080 um give blurs or attack comes and I 240 00:09:20,080 --> 00:09:22,024 just wanted to see if you could be 241 00:09:22,024 --> 00:09:24,240 specific about what kind of high mars 242 00:09:24,240 --> 00:09:26,820 ammunition was part of the package . Um 243 00:09:26,820 --> 00:09:29,510 what kind of laser guided rockets and 244 00:09:29,510 --> 00:09:31,732 any specificity you can give around the 245 00:09:31,732 --> 00:09:33,970 counter US systems that were included . 246 00:09:34,340 --> 00:09:36,507 Yeah . So , so on the specific counter 247 00:09:36,507 --> 00:09:38,673 US systems , I'm not going to get more 248 00:09:38,673 --> 00:09:40,870 specifics just for operation security 249 00:09:40,870 --> 00:09:43,150 reasons . Um , in the in the packages 250 00:09:43,150 --> 00:09:46,040 you highlight the , the laser guided 251 00:09:46,040 --> 00:09:48,280 rocket systems . Uh , those are 252 00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:50,558 advanced precision kill weapon systems . 253 00:09:50,558 --> 00:09:52,850 So essentially uh , the ability to 254 00:09:52,850 --> 00:09:55,380 convert unguided rockets into precision 255 00:09:55,380 --> 00:09:57,910 guided munitions which can be operated 256 00:09:57,910 --> 00:10:00,160 from various launchers that we're 257 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:02,700 providing to the Ukrainians . So that's 258 00:10:02,700 --> 00:10:04,867 about as specific as I'm gonna be able 259 00:10:04,867 --> 00:10:06,700 to get And then on the high mars 260 00:10:06,700 --> 00:10:08,811 ammunition . Is that just gamblers or 261 00:10:08,811 --> 00:10:10,867 is that something else ? Well , I'll 262 00:10:10,867 --> 00:10:13,033 have to go back and take a look . Um , 263 00:10:13,033 --> 00:10:15,740 I'm going to presupposed that if we're 264 00:10:15,740 --> 00:10:17,573 not including it in there , it's 265 00:10:17,573 --> 00:10:19,462 probably for operational security 266 00:10:19,462 --> 00:10:21,407 reasons that said , I'll take your 267 00:10:21,407 --> 00:10:21,140 question back and we'll see what we can 268 00:10:21,140 --> 00:10:24,610 provide . And just um in terms of the , 269 00:10:24,620 --> 00:10:27,030 the time is there , um , because there 270 00:10:27,030 --> 00:10:29,320 are a number of drone systems , is 271 00:10:29,320 --> 00:10:31,680 there a reason why is there something 272 00:10:31,680 --> 00:10:33,902 happening on the battlefield now that's 273 00:10:33,902 --> 00:10:36,069 um , you know , requiring that as part 274 00:10:36,069 --> 00:10:39,180 of the USA I package , I think it's 275 00:10:39,180 --> 00:10:42,140 important to step back and look at the 276 00:10:42,150 --> 00:10:43,872 security assistance that we're 277 00:10:43,872 --> 00:10:45,872 providing holistically . Right . So 278 00:10:45,872 --> 00:10:49,720 it's not episodic one individual battle 279 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:51,942 or one individual situation at a time . 280 00:10:51,942 --> 00:10:55,910 It's it's essentially uh , meshing 281 00:10:55,910 --> 00:10:58,050 together a variety of capabilities to 282 00:10:58,050 --> 00:11:00,930 give the Ukrainians a variety of things 283 00:11:00,930 --> 00:11:02,874 that they need to be successful to 284 00:11:02,874 --> 00:11:05,041 include air defense , ground based air 285 00:11:05,041 --> 00:11:08,260 defense to include armor capability to 286 00:11:08,260 --> 00:11:10,650 include artillery , the ammunition that 287 00:11:10,650 --> 00:11:12,872 they need , the communication , command 288 00:11:12,872 --> 00:11:15,094 and control capability that they need . 289 00:11:15,094 --> 00:11:17,180 So so as the Department of Defense 290 00:11:17,190 --> 00:11:20,280 approaches , uh meeting Ukraine 291 00:11:20,280 --> 00:11:23,020 security assistance needs , it's part 292 00:11:23,020 --> 00:11:25,187 of a broader framework of working with 293 00:11:25,187 --> 00:11:26,909 them in terms of meeting those 294 00:11:26,909 --> 00:11:28,960 requirements as quickly as we can 295 00:11:29,130 --> 00:11:30,852 through the means that we have 296 00:11:30,852 --> 00:11:33,074 available to us . And it's not just the 297 00:11:33,074 --> 00:11:35,074 US again . And I know you know that 298 00:11:35,074 --> 00:11:37,352 it's part of an international tapestry , 299 00:11:37,352 --> 00:11:38,963 so to speak to provide those 300 00:11:38,963 --> 00:11:41,074 capabilities . So so each of these is 301 00:11:41,074 --> 00:11:43,840 going to meet a capability that the 302 00:11:43,840 --> 00:11:45,900 Ukrainians have asked for . Um but 303 00:11:45,900 --> 00:11:48,380 again , the key word being capability , 304 00:11:48,390 --> 00:11:50,446 the platform is going to help meet a 305 00:11:50,446 --> 00:11:52,557 capability need . The other aspect of 306 00:11:52,557 --> 00:11:54,723 that is the training piece which we've 307 00:11:54,723 --> 00:11:56,723 talked talked about before . So the 308 00:11:56,723 --> 00:11:58,612 equipment plus the training which 309 00:11:58,612 --> 00:12:00,723 includes operations , maintenance and 310 00:12:00,723 --> 00:12:02,890 sustainment , gives the Ukrainians the 311 00:12:02,890 --> 00:12:04,834 capabilities they need not only to 312 00:12:04,834 --> 00:12:07,001 defend but also to go on the offensive 313 00:12:07,001 --> 00:12:09,223 on their timeline uh in order to change 314 00:12:09,223 --> 00:12:11,112 the equation on the battlefield . 315 00:12:11,112 --> 00:12:13,223 Thanks , all right , go here and then 316 00:12:13,223 --> 00:12:15,060 we'll go back to thank you . Um 317 00:12:15,070 --> 00:12:17,292 following up on dan and joe's questions 318 00:12:17,292 --> 00:12:19,640 about the package . Um the announcement 319 00:12:19,640 --> 00:12:22,880 had quite a bit and a variety of 320 00:12:22,880 --> 00:12:25,050 different drone U . A . S . Systems . 321 00:12:25,060 --> 00:12:27,440 Um but no quantities . So can we get 322 00:12:27,450 --> 00:12:30,560 any specifics on how many of each drone 323 00:12:30,560 --> 00:12:33,120 or the overarching amount that was sent ? 324 00:12:34,300 --> 00:12:38,070 Um No because I'm sure that's 325 00:12:38,070 --> 00:12:40,126 information that the adversary would 326 00:12:40,126 --> 00:12:42,292 absolutely love to have and we're just 327 00:12:42,292 --> 00:12:44,403 not going to talk about it . And then 328 00:12:44,403 --> 00:12:44,310 more broadly following on joe's 329 00:12:44,310 --> 00:12:46,760 question . Um thinking about the state 330 00:12:46,770 --> 00:12:49,840 of the fight , why are you a s being 331 00:12:49,840 --> 00:12:51,950 prioritized in this way ? What does 332 00:12:51,950 --> 00:12:54,820 that really say about um the capability 333 00:12:54,820 --> 00:12:56,931 needed and what Ukraine is asking you 334 00:12:56,931 --> 00:12:58,764 for ? Well again I think I would 335 00:12:58,764 --> 00:13:01,120 approach that from Two different levels . 336 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:03,800 So it's important not to look at this 337 00:13:03,810 --> 00:13:06,400 individually this package individually 338 00:13:06,400 --> 00:13:08,567 as a standalone thing . It's part of a 339 00:13:08,567 --> 00:13:10,840 broader array of capabilities that 340 00:13:10,840 --> 00:13:12,790 we're providing which includes us 341 00:13:12,790 --> 00:13:15,012 encounter us capabilities which , oh by 342 00:13:15,012 --> 00:13:17,179 the way again we've been doing for the 343 00:13:17,179 --> 00:13:19,520 duration of this conflict . Um but then 344 00:13:19,530 --> 00:13:22,140 um I think it's become apparent to 345 00:13:22,150 --> 00:13:26,090 everyone in the last 5-7 years . 346 00:13:26,320 --> 00:13:28,820 Um you know , especially as we we saw 347 00:13:28,830 --> 00:13:31,630 groups like ISIS starting to use drones . 348 00:13:31,640 --> 00:13:34,450 Um and now especially in this conflict , 349 00:13:34,460 --> 00:13:37,380 the significant impact uh that drones 350 00:13:37,380 --> 00:13:40,900 have and so um countering those 351 00:13:40,910 --> 00:13:42,854 capabilities , for example the the 352 00:13:42,854 --> 00:13:45,190 Iranian drones I think is critical but 353 00:13:45,190 --> 00:13:47,190 then also giving the Ukrainians the 354 00:13:47,190 --> 00:13:49,400 capability both from a strike 355 00:13:49,410 --> 00:13:51,370 standpoint but then also from a 356 00:13:51,380 --> 00:13:53,158 intelligence , surveillance and 357 00:13:53,158 --> 00:13:55,269 reconnaissance standpoint . Uh And so 358 00:13:55,269 --> 00:13:57,436 that is that is part of the modern way 359 00:13:57,436 --> 00:13:59,436 of warfare and so it's a capability 360 00:13:59,436 --> 00:14:01,491 that they will be able to employ and 361 00:14:01,491 --> 00:14:03,713 have been employed to great effect will 362 00:14:03,713 --> 00:14:06,047 continue to support them in that regard , 363 00:14:06,047 --> 00:14:05,480 let me go to costume and then we'll 364 00:14:05,480 --> 00:14:06,591 come back over here 365 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:12,250 general thanks . So with respect to 366 00:14:12,250 --> 00:14:14,800 china , you said you haven't seen 367 00:14:14,800 --> 00:14:17,180 chinese providing any little aid , but 368 00:14:17,190 --> 00:14:19,510 it's not over the table . It seems that 369 00:14:19,520 --> 00:14:21,660 the United States is alarmed pretty 370 00:14:21,660 --> 00:14:23,930 earlier with respect to china . What is 371 00:14:23,930 --> 00:14:26,030 the main concern with respect to 372 00:14:26,030 --> 00:14:28,030 china's little support ? How do you 373 00:14:28,030 --> 00:14:30,040 think it will affect the the 374 00:14:30,050 --> 00:14:32,050 battlefield , the conditions on the 375 00:14:32,050 --> 00:14:34,217 battlefield ? Yeah , Well , you know , 376 00:14:34,217 --> 00:14:36,383 without getting into hypotheticals , I 377 00:14:36,383 --> 00:14:38,494 mean , broadly speaking , um what you 378 00:14:38,494 --> 00:14:42,130 would be seeing is a country like china 379 00:14:42,140 --> 00:14:44,810 which clearly has advanced capabilities , 380 00:14:44,820 --> 00:14:47,560 munitions , etcetera , uh which oh by 381 00:14:47,560 --> 00:14:49,560 the way , has publicly declared its 382 00:14:49,560 --> 00:14:52,510 neutrality to now take aside and 383 00:14:52,510 --> 00:14:54,566 essentially say we want to be in the 384 00:14:54,566 --> 00:14:56,590 camp that's looking to extinguish 385 00:14:56,600 --> 00:14:59,700 Ukraine as a nation . And so it would 386 00:14:59,710 --> 00:15:01,599 again , as I mentioned , it would 387 00:15:01,599 --> 00:15:03,766 prolong this conflict . It would cause 388 00:15:03,766 --> 00:15:05,654 needless suffering among innocent 389 00:15:05,654 --> 00:15:09,310 Ukrainians . Uh and again , if we go 390 00:15:09,310 --> 00:15:11,780 back to the beginning a year ago today , 391 00:15:11,790 --> 00:15:15,580 Russia invaded unprovoked , the 392 00:15:15,580 --> 00:15:18,790 nation of Ukraine with the idea that 393 00:15:18,790 --> 00:15:21,810 they would wipe it off the map . And so 394 00:15:21,810 --> 00:15:24,032 the United States and the international 395 00:15:24,032 --> 00:15:26,940 community have come to help Ukraine 396 00:15:26,940 --> 00:15:29,280 defend itself , Ukraine certainly has a 397 00:15:29,280 --> 00:15:31,336 right to defend itself and we have a 398 00:15:31,336 --> 00:15:33,502 right to help them defend themselves . 399 00:15:33,502 --> 00:15:35,447 Uh and and this conflict could end 400 00:15:35,447 --> 00:15:37,669 tomorrow . if President Putin decided , 401 00:15:37,669 --> 00:15:39,836 you know what , this isn't working out 402 00:15:39,836 --> 00:15:39,300 the way we thought it would , we're 403 00:15:39,300 --> 00:15:42,830 gonna stop so by china providing lethal 404 00:15:42,830 --> 00:15:45,210 aid , I think again , it would just 405 00:15:45,210 --> 00:15:47,890 extend the suffering of innocent people 406 00:15:47,900 --> 00:15:51,270 separate question . Per yesterday's 407 00:15:51,280 --> 00:15:53,270 statement , We have seen that the 408 00:15:53,270 --> 00:15:55,970 United States over one year fight have 409 00:15:55,970 --> 00:15:58,580 provided has provided almost $32 410 00:15:58,580 --> 00:15:59,580 billion 411 00:15:59,580 --> 00:16:11,300 and 412 00:16:11,300 --> 00:16:13,900 and how confident are you that the 413 00:16:13,900 --> 00:16:16,122 United States is going to keep the pace 414 00:16:16,122 --> 00:16:19,360 of providing this aid to Ukraine if the 415 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:23,340 war prolongs beyond next year and 416 00:16:23,350 --> 00:16:25,572 and more years , actually . Yeah . Well 417 00:16:25,572 --> 00:16:28,020 I think President biden , Secretary 418 00:16:28,020 --> 00:16:31,660 Austin , all senior U . S . 419 00:16:31,670 --> 00:16:34,240 Leaders have made very clear that we're 420 00:16:34,240 --> 00:16:36,296 going to continue to support Ukraine 421 00:16:36,296 --> 00:16:38,462 for as long as it takes as they defend 422 00:16:38,740 --> 00:16:42,120 their nation . And so again , 423 00:16:42,900 --> 00:16:45,067 going back a year , what we're talking 424 00:16:45,067 --> 00:16:48,910 about here is a Russian nation that 425 00:16:48,910 --> 00:16:51,900 has decided that it wants to eliminate 426 00:16:51,900 --> 00:16:55,830 Ukraine . Um and should they be allowed 427 00:16:55,830 --> 00:16:58,840 to succeed ? The implications go well 428 00:16:58,840 --> 00:17:02,240 beyond Ukraine , it goes into 429 00:17:02,250 --> 00:17:05,550 protecting uh the international rules 430 00:17:05,550 --> 00:17:07,810 based order that is largely prevented 431 00:17:08,390 --> 00:17:11,090 another World War since World War Two . 432 00:17:11,900 --> 00:17:15,620 Uh And so uh the potential implications 433 00:17:15,620 --> 00:17:18,280 on the european security architecture , 434 00:17:18,280 --> 00:17:20,113 more broadly , the international 435 00:17:20,113 --> 00:17:22,640 security architecture are significant . 436 00:17:22,640 --> 00:17:24,807 And so again , we're going to continue 437 00:17:24,807 --> 00:17:27,140 to support them for as long as it takes . 438 00:17:27,140 --> 00:17:29,196 Let me go ahead and go over here and 439 00:17:29,196 --> 00:17:31,529 then we'll come over here . Yes , ma'am , 440 00:17:32,030 --> 00:17:34,310 um kind of flowing off that this 441 00:17:34,310 --> 00:17:36,690 morning , several former NATO supreme 442 00:17:36,690 --> 00:17:39,120 allied commanders urged the US to do 443 00:17:39,120 --> 00:17:41,287 everything they can for Ukraine to dig 444 00:17:41,287 --> 00:17:43,180 deeper . Um , I was curious your 445 00:17:43,180 --> 00:17:45,510 reaction to that and what more could we 446 00:17:45,510 --> 00:17:47,560 be doing right now ? Yeah , I think 447 00:17:47,560 --> 00:17:49,671 that that message echoes largely what 448 00:17:49,671 --> 00:17:52,590 Secretary Austin said at the Ukraine 449 00:17:52,590 --> 00:17:54,701 Defense Contact Group that we do need 450 00:17:54,701 --> 00:17:57,370 to , as an international community dig 451 00:17:57,370 --> 00:17:59,592 deeper and work harder , work faster to 452 00:17:59,592 --> 00:18:02,190 ensure that Ukraine gets the security 453 00:18:02,190 --> 00:18:03,912 assistance that it needs to be 454 00:18:03,912 --> 00:18:05,970 successful on the battlefield , dig 455 00:18:05,970 --> 00:18:08,270 deeper . Mean sending additional 456 00:18:08,270 --> 00:18:10,437 capabilities , equipment , what do you 457 00:18:10,437 --> 00:18:12,381 take from that in terms of what we 458 00:18:12,381 --> 00:18:14,548 could do ? So , I think we are again , 459 00:18:14,548 --> 00:18:16,770 as evidenced by today's announcement uh 460 00:18:16,770 --> 00:18:18,937 and we're going to continue to consult 461 00:18:18,937 --> 00:18:20,826 closely with Ukraine and with our 462 00:18:20,826 --> 00:18:20,800 international allies and partners to 463 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:22,633 ensure that that Ukraine has the 464 00:18:22,633 --> 00:18:24,356 assistance that it needs to be 465 00:18:24,356 --> 00:18:26,470 successful . Thank you . All right , 466 00:18:26,470 --> 00:18:28,637 we'll go here and then we'll come back 467 00:18:28,637 --> 00:18:28,010 across the room . 468 00:18:33,970 --> 00:18:36,320 Thank you . General General China has 469 00:18:36,320 --> 00:18:38,660 been introduced a plan called for a 470 00:18:38,660 --> 00:18:41,340 cease fire in Ukraine , including the 471 00:18:41,340 --> 00:18:44,240 end of conflict . Have you see this 472 00:18:44,240 --> 00:18:47,680 plan and what's your opinion about it ? 473 00:18:47,690 --> 00:18:49,970 And I have another question . Sure , 474 00:18:49,980 --> 00:18:52,470 Well , certainly we are aware that 475 00:18:52,480 --> 00:18:54,591 China has introduced a plan . I don't 476 00:18:54,591 --> 00:18:56,702 have any specific comments to provide 477 00:18:56,702 --> 00:18:58,740 um from a Department of Defense 478 00:18:58,740 --> 00:19:00,790 standpoint . Our focus remains on 479 00:19:00,800 --> 00:19:03,022 working with Ukraine and our allies and 480 00:19:03,022 --> 00:19:04,911 partners to get them the security 481 00:19:04,911 --> 00:19:07,270 assistance that they need . Um I will 482 00:19:07,270 --> 00:19:09,326 say when it comes to peace talks and 483 00:19:09,326 --> 00:19:11,660 negotiations , we've been very clear uh 484 00:19:11,670 --> 00:19:13,880 that that's a decision for Ukraine to 485 00:19:13,880 --> 00:19:16,160 make . Uh and as you've heard us say 486 00:19:16,160 --> 00:19:18,220 previously , nothing about Ukraine 487 00:19:18,220 --> 00:19:21,390 without Ukraine . Thank you . Do you 488 00:19:21,390 --> 00:19:24,980 think it is necessary to keep lines of 489 00:19:24,980 --> 00:19:27,700 communication with Russia open even 490 00:19:27,700 --> 00:19:30,650 with the relations like we are now , I 491 00:19:30,650 --> 00:19:32,610 think it's important , absolutely 492 00:19:32,610 --> 00:19:34,332 important to keep the lines of 493 00:19:34,332 --> 00:19:37,360 communication open with Russia also 494 00:19:37,360 --> 00:19:39,720 with China , um this is something that 495 00:19:39,720 --> 00:19:41,609 Secretary Austin has talked about 496 00:19:41,609 --> 00:19:43,331 frequently uh and that it's an 497 00:19:43,331 --> 00:19:45,664 important responsibility of all nations , 498 00:19:45,664 --> 00:19:48,630 particularly those that maintain 499 00:19:48,640 --> 00:19:52,250 vast military arsenals 500 00:19:52,260 --> 00:19:54,316 to keep those lines of communication 501 00:19:54,316 --> 00:19:56,680 open to reduce the potential for 502 00:19:56,680 --> 00:19:58,736 miscalculation . So that's something 503 00:19:58,736 --> 00:20:00,902 that will continue to endeavor to do . 504 00:20:00,902 --> 00:20:03,124 Alright , We'll go back here , we go to 505 00:20:03,124 --> 00:20:05,402 fill and then we'll come right up here , 506 00:20:05,402 --> 00:20:07,347 hold on . Get get the microphone . 507 00:20:08,410 --> 00:20:11,330 Sorry , reflection line between the 508 00:20:11,330 --> 00:20:13,410 United States and Russia used to 509 00:20:13,410 --> 00:20:15,354 coordinate the President's trip to 510 00:20:15,354 --> 00:20:17,521 Ukraine . Thanks . Thanks . So , so in 511 00:20:17,521 --> 00:20:19,466 regards to the President's trip to 512 00:20:19,466 --> 00:20:21,577 Ukraine , I'm gonna have to refer you 513 00:20:21,577 --> 00:20:23,743 to the White House there . Uh This was 514 00:20:23,743 --> 00:20:25,799 a presidential trip . And so they're 515 00:20:25,799 --> 00:20:27,910 they're really the ones to talk about 516 00:20:27,910 --> 00:20:29,632 that . Thank you . Yes , sir , 517 00:20:34,270 --> 00:20:37,170 addition to Iran's request for fighter 518 00:20:37,170 --> 00:20:39,503 jets and combat helicopters from Russia . 519 00:20:39,503 --> 00:20:41,559 The White House announced today that 520 00:20:41,559 --> 00:20:43,726 Russia has offered Iran cooperation on 521 00:20:43,726 --> 00:20:45,892 missiles , electronics and air defense 522 00:20:45,892 --> 00:20:48,059 in exchange for Iran's support for the 523 00:20:48,059 --> 00:20:49,948 war effort . Are we talking about 524 00:20:49,948 --> 00:20:52,059 potential purchases here ? Is this co 525 00:20:52,059 --> 00:20:54,003 production uh can you get into any 526 00:20:54,003 --> 00:20:55,892 specifics on platforms ? Yeah , I 527 00:20:55,892 --> 00:20:57,948 really can't beyond again , what you 528 00:20:57,948 --> 00:21:00,250 highlighted that we know that Iran is 529 00:21:00,250 --> 00:21:03,390 pursuing a deeper security cooperation 530 00:21:03,390 --> 00:21:05,770 relationship with Russia for obvious 531 00:21:05,770 --> 00:21:08,040 reasons . And throughout this campaign 532 00:21:08,050 --> 00:21:10,660 we've seen sort of that transactional 533 00:21:10,670 --> 00:21:14,110 interaction between Russia as they seek 534 00:21:14,110 --> 00:21:17,140 more munitions as they seek drone 535 00:21:17,140 --> 00:21:19,720 capability . Um , we we know that 536 00:21:19,720 --> 00:21:21,776 they've been interested in ballistic 537 00:21:21,776 --> 00:21:23,950 missile capability for example . Um we 538 00:21:23,950 --> 00:21:26,440 we know that they've been looking to 539 00:21:26,450 --> 00:21:29,240 advance that relationship with Iran . 540 00:21:29,250 --> 00:21:31,083 And again , we know that Iran is 541 00:21:31,083 --> 00:21:32,694 looking to advance that that 542 00:21:32,694 --> 00:21:34,806 relationship with with Russia , which 543 00:21:34,806 --> 00:21:37,970 again says a lot about the kinds of 544 00:21:37,980 --> 00:21:41,940 um the kinds of measures that 545 00:21:41,940 --> 00:21:43,884 Russia is finding itself having to 546 00:21:43,884 --> 00:21:46,750 resort to not able to depend on its own 547 00:21:46,760 --> 00:21:49,150 defense industry , uh , losing 548 00:21:49,150 --> 00:21:51,261 suppliers and partners as a result of 549 00:21:51,261 --> 00:21:54,410 their actions . And so um and it's also 550 00:21:54,420 --> 00:21:56,780 a statement on what we've said before 551 00:21:56,780 --> 00:21:58,950 about Iran being a destabilizing 552 00:21:58,950 --> 00:22:01,172 influence , not only in the Middle East 553 00:22:01,172 --> 00:22:03,420 but exporting terror to places like 554 00:22:03,590 --> 00:22:05,940 Ukraine . So again , we'll continue to 555 00:22:05,940 --> 00:22:08,162 monitor that closely . But I don't have 556 00:22:08,162 --> 00:22:10,384 any additional details to provide . Let 557 00:22:10,384 --> 00:22:09,980 me go over here and then we'll come 558 00:22:09,980 --> 00:22:13,370 back here , thank you . General , uh 559 00:22:13,380 --> 00:22:15,491 the Ukrainian President said just the 560 00:22:15,491 --> 00:22:17,658 other day that there's not going to be 561 00:22:17,658 --> 00:22:19,880 any dialogue with Mr Putin and he can't 562 00:22:19,880 --> 00:22:22,047 be trusted while the Russian President 563 00:22:22,047 --> 00:22:24,158 says that they have to accept the new 564 00:22:24,158 --> 00:22:26,047 realities on the ground . And the 565 00:22:26,047 --> 00:22:28,710 United States rhetoric is that Mr Putin 566 00:22:28,710 --> 00:22:30,877 could end this war if you wanted to in 567 00:22:30,877 --> 00:22:32,766 a heartbeat , there seems to be a 568 00:22:32,766 --> 00:22:34,877 deadlock here , right ? That so , can 569 00:22:34,877 --> 00:22:36,932 you see the United States militarily 570 00:22:36,932 --> 00:22:39,099 and financially supporting Ukraine for 571 00:22:39,099 --> 00:22:41,210 the next for the next half a decade , 572 00:22:41,210 --> 00:22:42,988 perhaps because it looks like a 573 00:22:42,988 --> 00:22:45,099 deadlock that no one can break at the 574 00:22:45,099 --> 00:22:47,266 moment . What's your thought on that ? 575 00:22:47,266 --> 00:22:49,432 Yeah . So I'm not gonna try to predict 576 00:22:49,432 --> 00:22:51,599 the future . I'm gonna focus on on the 577 00:22:51,599 --> 00:22:53,821 facts that we have in front of us . And 578 00:22:53,821 --> 00:22:55,932 the facts are that Russia invaded its 579 00:22:55,932 --> 00:22:57,710 peaceful , democratic sovereign 580 00:22:57,710 --> 00:23:01,290 neighbor and that it tried to eliminate 581 00:23:01,300 --> 00:23:03,620 Ukraine as a country and Ukraine is 582 00:23:03,620 --> 00:23:05,731 defending itself , and we're going to 583 00:23:05,731 --> 00:23:07,787 help Ukraine defend itself alongside 584 00:23:07,787 --> 00:23:10,310 the international community . And so 585 00:23:10,320 --> 00:23:12,376 ultimately , at the end of the day , 586 00:23:12,376 --> 00:23:14,487 we're not going to dictate to Ukraine 587 00:23:14,487 --> 00:23:17,080 when it should stop fighting . Um we 588 00:23:17,080 --> 00:23:19,302 wouldn't want someone to tell us that . 589 00:23:19,302 --> 00:23:21,413 And we're not going to tell them when 590 00:23:21,413 --> 00:23:23,636 to stop fighting . We're going to focus 591 00:23:23,636 --> 00:23:25,747 on supporting them and giving putting 592 00:23:25,747 --> 00:23:27,969 them in the best position possible . So 593 00:23:27,969 --> 00:23:30,080 that when they determine it's time to 594 00:23:30,080 --> 00:23:32,080 negotiate or when it's time to stop 595 00:23:32,080 --> 00:23:34,191 fighting , they'll have the strongest 596 00:23:34,191 --> 00:23:36,358 possible hand available . And so we'll 597 00:23:36,358 --> 00:23:38,469 just leave it at that . So it's not a 598 00:23:38,469 --> 00:23:40,469 figure of speech . I think when the 599 00:23:40,469 --> 00:23:42,580 United States Administration says for 600 00:23:42,580 --> 00:23:44,636 as long as it takes , it's literally 601 00:23:44,636 --> 00:23:46,969 for as long as it takes the war goes on , 602 00:23:46,969 --> 00:23:50,030 right ? Yeah . So I guess , you know , 603 00:23:50,030 --> 00:23:53,700 the question here is um what happens 604 00:23:53,700 --> 00:23:57,350 next if Russia is allowed to 605 00:23:57,360 --> 00:23:59,580 succeed ? Right ? It's it's not going 606 00:23:59,580 --> 00:24:02,310 to stop it at Ukraine and it's going to 607 00:24:02,310 --> 00:24:06,020 further embolden other um authoritarian 608 00:24:06,030 --> 00:24:08,530 regimes in terms of what they can 609 00:24:08,530 --> 00:24:12,160 accomplish simply by using force to 610 00:24:12,160 --> 00:24:14,890 eliminate countries around them . And 611 00:24:14,890 --> 00:24:18,510 so , um I think what we would see 612 00:24:18,520 --> 00:24:21,590 is an increase in the cost 613 00:24:21,600 --> 00:24:25,550 of trying to defend democracy . I 614 00:24:25,550 --> 00:24:27,990 think what we would see is an increase 615 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:30,960 in needless suffering uh and innocent 616 00:24:30,960 --> 00:24:34,230 lives lost uh and the extinguishing of 617 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:37,040 freedom and democracy in countries that 618 00:24:37,050 --> 00:24:39,900 that are unable to defend themselves . 619 00:24:39,910 --> 00:24:43,680 Uh So so again , as the President 620 00:24:43,690 --> 00:24:46,023 has said , as Secretary Austin has said , 621 00:24:46,023 --> 00:24:48,190 we are committed to supporting Ukraine 622 00:24:48,190 --> 00:24:50,523 in their fight because the implications , 623 00:24:50,523 --> 00:24:52,690 not only is it the right thing to do , 624 00:24:52,690 --> 00:24:54,912 but the implications extend well beyond 625 00:24:54,912 --> 00:24:57,023 Ukraine in terms of what it means for 626 00:24:57,023 --> 00:24:59,246 the international community and what it 627 00:24:59,246 --> 00:25:01,357 means for democracy and what it means 628 00:25:01,357 --> 00:25:03,579 for freedom . Thank you . Okay , take a 629 00:25:03,579 --> 00:25:05,634 couple more . Yes , sir , we'll come 630 00:25:05,634 --> 00:25:09,090 over here to louis Thank you sir . My 631 00:25:09,090 --> 00:25:11,850 question is john again us India 632 00:25:11,850 --> 00:25:14,630 relations recently , two big events 633 00:25:14,630 --> 00:25:16,910 took place in India in Delhi , Republic 634 00:25:16,920 --> 00:25:20,330 of India and also in Bengaluru airshow . 635 00:25:20,340 --> 00:25:23,160 But at both events in India displayed 636 00:25:23,160 --> 00:25:25,360 for the first time everything all the 637 00:25:25,360 --> 00:25:28,940 weapons made in India . But amazingly 638 00:25:28,940 --> 00:25:32,510 at the mangalore air show us amazed 639 00:25:32,520 --> 00:25:34,780 thousands of people on the ground and 640 00:25:34,780 --> 00:25:37,002 millions around the globe by displaying 641 00:25:37,510 --> 00:25:41,030 F- 22 and F- 35 . My 642 00:25:41,030 --> 00:25:44,100 question is that all these made India 643 00:25:44,100 --> 00:25:46,880 weapons , how much this department 644 00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:49,430 played a role making in India are made 645 00:25:49,430 --> 00:25:52,240 in India weapons and second recently a 646 00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:56,020 big boing also India , 647 00:25:56,030 --> 00:25:59,510 orders big over 200 playing civilians 648 00:25:59,520 --> 00:26:02,620 of course . But is there any in the 649 00:26:02,620 --> 00:26:06,120 display military to military , any 650 00:26:06,120 --> 00:26:08,690 weapons coming to India from the US . 651 00:26:08,760 --> 00:26:10,930 Um so appreciate the question . I'm 652 00:26:10,930 --> 00:26:13,152 gonna have to get back to you on that . 653 00:26:13,152 --> 00:26:14,819 I'm not I'm not tracking that 654 00:26:14,819 --> 00:26:17,041 specifically as you as you know the U . 655 00:26:17,041 --> 00:26:20,410 S . And India enjoy a good partnership . 656 00:26:20,420 --> 00:26:22,253 We look forward to continuing to 657 00:26:22,253 --> 00:26:24,790 develop and foster our relationship 658 00:26:24,800 --> 00:26:27,060 with the indian military . But I'll 659 00:26:27,060 --> 00:26:29,171 have to come back to you on that just 660 00:26:29,171 --> 00:26:31,338 quickly . Secretary Blinken will be in 661 00:26:31,338 --> 00:26:33,560 India as Secretary Austin going anytime 662 00:26:33,560 --> 00:26:36,740 soon or if indian Defense Minister will 663 00:26:36,740 --> 00:26:39,770 be in Washington . Thanks thank you . I 664 00:26:39,770 --> 00:26:41,992 don't I don't have any travel right now 665 00:26:41,992 --> 00:26:44,048 to announce but we'll certainly keep 666 00:26:44,048 --> 00:26:46,103 you updated if that's the case ? All 667 00:26:46,103 --> 00:26:45,640 right , I've got time for a couple more 668 00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:46,640 to go to louis . 669 00:26:50,430 --> 00:26:53,090 Um In your response to this question 670 00:26:53,100 --> 00:26:55,100 when she asked about the lethal aid 671 00:26:55,100 --> 00:26:57,267 from possibility from china , you said 672 00:26:57,267 --> 00:26:59,433 that we haven't seen any lethal aid go 673 00:26:59,433 --> 00:27:01,433 from china to Russia . But you also 674 00:27:01,433 --> 00:27:03,433 said you'll notice that they've not 675 00:27:03,433 --> 00:27:05,489 taken it off the table . What do you 676 00:27:05,489 --> 00:27:07,510 mean by that ? I mean they haven't 677 00:27:07,510 --> 00:27:10,400 actually confirmed that . Um So when 678 00:27:10,400 --> 00:27:12,511 you're saying that they haven't taken 679 00:27:12,511 --> 00:27:14,790 it off the table , what are you looking 680 00:27:14,790 --> 00:27:16,860 for and what are you inferring ? So 681 00:27:16,860 --> 00:27:18,971 again , I think this goes back to the 682 00:27:18,971 --> 00:27:21,193 comments that you've seen coming out of 683 00:27:21,193 --> 00:27:23,304 State Department and the nsc in terms 684 00:27:23,304 --> 00:27:25,304 of we have indications that they're 685 00:27:25,304 --> 00:27:27,360 contemplating providing lethal aid . 686 00:27:27,360 --> 00:27:29,471 Again , I don't have any intelligence 687 00:27:29,471 --> 00:27:31,693 specific intelligence to the details to 688 00:27:31,693 --> 00:27:33,860 get into . Uh And so that's why you've 689 00:27:33,860 --> 00:27:37,590 seen uh us leaders communicate 690 00:27:37,600 --> 00:27:40,070 again to china the potential 691 00:27:40,070 --> 00:27:43,560 implications of providing lethal aid to 692 00:27:43,570 --> 00:27:46,160 Russia . But you've not seen a response 693 00:27:46,160 --> 00:27:48,890 from them that would indicate that it 694 00:27:48,890 --> 00:27:51,040 is off the table . We've not seen 695 00:27:51,040 --> 00:27:53,262 anything at this point to indicate that 696 00:27:53,262 --> 00:27:56,950 it's off the table . Um Last night . Uh 697 00:27:56,960 --> 00:27:59,182 Department issued a press release about 698 00:27:59,182 --> 00:28:02,410 the U . S . Republic of Korea exercise . 699 00:28:02,410 --> 00:28:04,188 The tabletop exercise about the 700 00:28:04,190 --> 00:28:07,330 possibility of a north Korea using a 701 00:28:07,330 --> 00:28:10,940 nuclear device . Um Is that typical 702 00:28:10,950 --> 00:28:13,240 for the department to disclose the 703 00:28:13,240 --> 00:28:16,600 scenarios of its tabletop exercises and 704 00:28:16,600 --> 00:28:18,100 in this case was that done 705 00:28:18,100 --> 00:28:20,378 intentionally for the deterrence value . 706 00:28:20,378 --> 00:28:22,322 Which specific part , what are you 707 00:28:22,322 --> 00:28:24,211 talking about ? The one where you 708 00:28:24,211 --> 00:28:26,378 acknowledge that the scenario that the 709 00:28:26,378 --> 00:28:28,240 tabletop exercise looked at was 710 00:28:28,240 --> 00:28:30,590 specifically dprk potential use of a 711 00:28:30,590 --> 00:28:33,340 nuclear device and how both the rock 712 00:28:33,340 --> 00:28:35,450 and the U . S . As part of their 713 00:28:35,450 --> 00:28:38,610 ironclad . I see I see um louis I don't 714 00:28:38,610 --> 00:28:40,832 know the answer to that . Let me let me 715 00:28:40,832 --> 00:28:43,054 get the facts and I'll come back to you 716 00:28:43,054 --> 00:28:45,166 on that . Thanks . I got time for one 717 00:28:45,166 --> 00:28:48,040 more . We'll go to Kassem General also 718 00:28:48,040 --> 00:28:50,570 Russia recently announced that they are 719 00:28:50,570 --> 00:28:53,600 going they suspend participation in the 720 00:28:53,600 --> 00:28:57,210 New start in agreement . 721 00:28:57,220 --> 00:28:59,530 Do you have any concern with respect to 722 00:28:59,530 --> 00:29:02,850 that ? And is there any posture changes 723 00:29:02,860 --> 00:29:06,440 in Russian nuclear force posture ? 724 00:29:06,450 --> 00:29:09,850 Sure . Um So we think that it's 725 00:29:09,850 --> 00:29:12,590 unfortunate that they've decided to 726 00:29:12,590 --> 00:29:14,990 suspend uh their participation in the 727 00:29:14,990 --> 00:29:17,010 New Start treaty . Uh It's 728 00:29:17,020 --> 00:29:19,440 irresponsible given the potential 729 00:29:19,440 --> 00:29:21,550 implications here of of what we're 730 00:29:21,550 --> 00:29:24,530 talking about . But in regards to 731 00:29:24,540 --> 00:29:27,330 Russian strategic forces posture , we 732 00:29:27,330 --> 00:29:30,200 have not seen any indication uh that 733 00:29:30,210 --> 00:29:32,270 they have changed . Uh nor have we 734 00:29:32,270 --> 00:29:35,070 changed our posture . Thank you . Thank 735 00:29:35,070 --> 00:29:37,292 you very much . Before we go . Just one 736 00:29:37,292 --> 00:29:40,590 last thing I do want to uh welcome the 737 00:29:40,600 --> 00:29:43,980 Air Force public affairs uh packs q 738 00:29:44,500 --> 00:29:46,556 students in the back of the room . I 739 00:29:46,556 --> 00:29:48,667 see them standing back there . Future 740 00:29:48,667 --> 00:29:50,722 Public Affairs officer visiting from 741 00:29:50,722 --> 00:29:52,944 the Defense Information School . Thanks 742 00:29:52,944 --> 00:29:52,910 for being here guys . I'm gonna turn 743 00:29:52,910 --> 00:29:55,132 the podium over to you here in a moment 744 00:29:55,132 --> 00:29:56,966 and you get to brief ? No , just 745 00:29:56,966 --> 00:29:59,021 kidding . All right , thank you very 746 00:29:59,021 --> 00:29:58,060 much everybody .