1 00:00:02,450 --> 00:00:05,639 All right , good afternoon , everyone . 2 00:00:06,159 --> 00:00:08,326 Just a few things at the top and we'll 3 00:00:08,326 --> 00:00:10,829 get right to your questions first . As 4 00:00:10,840 --> 00:00:13,380 some of you may be aware , July 1st 5 00:00:13,390 --> 00:00:16,190 marks the 50th anniversary of America's 6 00:00:16,200 --> 00:00:18,920 all volunteer force . Over the past 50 7 00:00:18,930 --> 00:00:20,874 years , our nation's all volunteer 8 00:00:20,874 --> 00:00:22,708 force has recruited and retained 9 00:00:22,708 --> 00:00:24,874 talented people from all walks of life 10 00:00:24,874 --> 00:00:26,930 from across the country and beyond . 11 00:00:27,440 --> 00:00:29,579 Since the elimination of the draft in 12 00:00:29,590 --> 00:00:32,330 July 1973 those who have joined the 13 00:00:32,340 --> 00:00:34,919 ranks of America's armed forces have 14 00:00:34,930 --> 00:00:37,189 done so out of conviction and not 15 00:00:37,200 --> 00:00:39,490 compulsion and to be a part of 16 00:00:39,500 --> 00:00:41,444 something bigger than themselves . 17 00:00:41,759 --> 00:00:43,889 Today's us . Military is the most 18 00:00:43,900 --> 00:00:46,130 combat capable , combat , credible 19 00:00:46,139 --> 00:00:48,472 fighting force the world has ever known . 20 00:00:48,472 --> 00:00:50,361 And that's due to the millions of 21 00:00:50,361 --> 00:00:52,528 exceptional and selfless men and women 22 00:00:52,528 --> 00:00:54,528 who have raised their hand over the 23 00:00:54,528 --> 00:00:56,695 last five decades and taken an oath to 24 00:00:56,695 --> 00:00:58,750 protect and defend our country , our 25 00:00:58,750 --> 00:01:00,806 constitution and our American way of 26 00:01:00,806 --> 00:01:02,861 life . To commemorate this important 27 00:01:02,861 --> 00:01:04,750 milestone , Secretary Austin will 28 00:01:04,750 --> 00:01:06,528 release a statement to mark the 29 00:01:06,528 --> 00:01:08,528 anniversary and is also planning to 30 00:01:08,528 --> 00:01:10,361 travel to Fort Meade Maryland on 31 00:01:10,361 --> 00:01:12,195 Wednesday where he will swear in 32 00:01:12,195 --> 00:01:14,417 approximately 100 new recruits into the 33 00:01:14,417 --> 00:01:16,940 armed forces at a military entrance 34 00:01:16,949 --> 00:01:19,360 processing station . More details 35 00:01:19,370 --> 00:01:21,537 regarding the swearing in ceremony and 36 00:01:21,537 --> 00:01:23,592 the secretary's travel to Fort Meade 37 00:01:23,592 --> 00:01:25,481 will be provided in the very near 38 00:01:25,481 --> 00:01:27,540 future . Separately , Assistant 39 00:01:27,550 --> 00:01:30,230 Secretary of Defense for strategy plans . 40 00:01:30,580 --> 00:01:33,099 Uh uh Doctor Marla Carlin is in 41 00:01:33,110 --> 00:01:35,339 Australia this week for a series of 42 00:01:35,349 --> 00:01:37,238 counterpart and defense personnel 43 00:01:37,238 --> 00:01:39,405 engagements . She is slated to conduct 44 00:01:39,405 --> 00:01:41,182 meetings in Canberra to discuss 45 00:01:41,182 --> 00:01:43,690 Australia's defense strategic reviews 46 00:01:43,699 --> 00:01:45,959 and our US national defense strategy 47 00:01:46,180 --> 00:01:47,958 and will meet with us . Marines 48 00:01:47,958 --> 00:01:50,069 assigned to marine rotational force . 49 00:01:50,069 --> 00:01:52,470 Darwin Doctor Carlin will conclude her 50 00:01:52,480 --> 00:01:55,050 trip with a visit to naval base 51 00:01:55,059 --> 00:01:56,837 Sterling as part of ongoing AUS 52 00:01:56,949 --> 00:01:59,230 discussions and a full readout of her 53 00:01:59,239 --> 00:02:01,350 engagements will be posted to defense 54 00:02:01,350 --> 00:02:03,683 dot gov at the conclusion of her travel . 55 00:02:03,839 --> 00:02:06,709 Also in other news exercise . Resolute 56 00:02:06,720 --> 00:02:09,020 Sentinel 23 kicks off today within the 57 00:02:09,029 --> 00:02:10,585 US Southern command area of 58 00:02:10,585 --> 00:02:12,889 responsibility and will be conducted 59 00:02:12,899 --> 00:02:16,380 through July 13 . Resolute Sentinel 23 60 00:02:16,389 --> 00:02:18,611 is a joint combined multinational field 61 00:02:18,611 --> 00:02:21,270 training exercise focused on joint all 62 00:02:21,279 --> 00:02:23,610 domain operations , rapid response 63 00:02:23,619 --> 00:02:25,520 capabilities , civil military 64 00:02:25,529 --> 00:02:27,839 operations and wartime mission 65 00:02:27,850 --> 00:02:31,660 essential tasks . Approximately 970 US 66 00:02:31,669 --> 00:02:33,613 military personnel from the US Air 67 00:02:33,613 --> 00:02:36,080 Force , US Space Force , Marine Corps 68 00:02:36,089 --> 00:02:38,130 Army and Coast Coast Guard will 69 00:02:38,139 --> 00:02:40,119 participate alongside interagency 70 00:02:40,130 --> 00:02:42,770 personnel from the FBI DEA homeland 71 00:02:42,779 --> 00:02:45,419 Security and seven partner nations to 72 00:02:45,429 --> 00:02:47,509 include Peru Ecuador , Colombia , 73 00:02:47,520 --> 00:02:50,520 Brazil , Panama , Uruguay and the UK . 74 00:02:50,600 --> 00:02:52,767 For further details , I'd refer you to 75 00:02:52,767 --> 00:02:54,933 us Southern Command Public Affairs and 76 00:02:54,933 --> 00:02:57,211 with that happy to take your questions . 77 00:02:57,211 --> 00:02:59,044 We'll start with Tara . Thanks , 78 00:02:59,044 --> 00:03:01,410 General Water . Um Just following up on 79 00:03:01,419 --> 00:03:03,720 the uh activities this weekend in 80 00:03:03,729 --> 00:03:06,089 Russia . Um What fallout has this 81 00:03:06,100 --> 00:03:08,429 building seen following the revolt ? 82 00:03:08,440 --> 00:03:11,520 And do you have of any indications that 83 00:03:11,830 --> 00:03:14,539 Putin has begun to purge his ranks ? 84 00:03:14,550 --> 00:03:17,690 We've seen the reports of General Seok 85 00:03:18,330 --> 00:03:20,779 being detained . What light can you 86 00:03:20,789 --> 00:03:23,500 shed on this ? Sure as it relates to 87 00:03:23,509 --> 00:03:26,520 the security situation internal to 88 00:03:26,529 --> 00:03:28,696 Russia , obviously , something that we 89 00:03:28,696 --> 00:03:31,149 continue to keep a close eye on as it 90 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:34,350 pertains to press reports involving the 91 00:03:34,360 --> 00:03:37,199 potential detainment of Russian 92 00:03:37,210 --> 00:03:39,099 military personnel . I don't have 93 00:03:39,099 --> 00:03:41,266 anything to provide from the podium on 94 00:03:41,266 --> 00:03:43,729 that . Certainly , our focus is on 95 00:03:43,740 --> 00:03:46,139 ensuring that we don't see anything 96 00:03:46,149 --> 00:03:48,710 that would pretend strategic 97 00:03:48,720 --> 00:03:51,500 instability . In other words , nothing 98 00:03:51,509 --> 00:03:55,029 to indicate that any concerns regarding 99 00:03:55,039 --> 00:03:57,095 Russian nuclear forces . We have not 100 00:03:57,095 --> 00:03:59,095 seen anything to this stage uh that 101 00:03:59,095 --> 00:04:01,619 concerns us uh and certainly nothing 102 00:04:01,630 --> 00:04:05,410 that has um required us to change our 103 00:04:05,419 --> 00:04:07,475 own force posture . So again , we'll 104 00:04:07,475 --> 00:04:09,850 continue to follow the situation there 105 00:04:09,860 --> 00:04:12,179 closely . But in the meantime , our 106 00:04:12,190 --> 00:04:14,479 focus remains on supporting Ukraine and 107 00:04:14,490 --> 00:04:16,601 its fight to defend itself . And then 108 00:04:16,601 --> 00:04:20,589 second unrelated topic , can you 109 00:04:20,600 --> 00:04:23,049 talk about Secretary General 110 00:04:23,059 --> 00:04:25,226 Stoltenberg and reports that he may be 111 00:04:25,226 --> 00:04:28,519 staying on for another year as the war 112 00:04:28,529 --> 00:04:30,760 in Ukraine continues ? Um I don't have 113 00:04:30,769 --> 00:04:32,991 anything to provide on that , Tara . Um 114 00:04:32,991 --> 00:04:36,290 Certainly that's a NATO uh decision to 115 00:04:36,299 --> 00:04:38,021 be made , but I don't have any 116 00:04:38,021 --> 00:04:40,243 information to provide on that Jennifer 117 00:04:40,243 --> 00:04:42,188 General Rider . Can you respond to 118 00:04:42,188 --> 00:04:44,559 reports that suggest that on board the 119 00:04:44,570 --> 00:04:48,570 Chinese spy balloon were found uh off 120 00:04:48,579 --> 00:04:50,579 the shelf American equipment ? Were 121 00:04:50,579 --> 00:04:52,579 there any , was there any sensitive 122 00:04:52,579 --> 00:04:54,635 American equipment on board ? How do 123 00:04:54,635 --> 00:04:57,160 you think that American equipment uh 124 00:04:57,170 --> 00:04:59,779 was obtained that , were there any laws 125 00:04:59,790 --> 00:05:01,790 broken ? And what was it capable of 126 00:05:01,790 --> 00:05:03,901 doing ? What can you tell us ? Sure , 127 00:05:03,901 --> 00:05:06,100 thanks Jennifer . Um So , so look , I 128 00:05:06,109 --> 00:05:08,950 don't have any specifics uh to provide 129 00:05:08,959 --> 00:05:11,350 as it pertains to the , the pr C high 130 00:05:11,359 --> 00:05:14,350 altitude balloon and any potential US 131 00:05:14,359 --> 00:05:17,679 components . Um That said , I will 132 00:05:17,690 --> 00:05:21,250 say uh that um you know , we are 133 00:05:21,260 --> 00:05:23,929 aware uh in previous cases , for 134 00:05:23,940 --> 00:05:26,190 example , things like drones uh and , 135 00:05:26,200 --> 00:05:28,589 and other capabilities , what have you 136 00:05:28,600 --> 00:05:31,630 where off the shelf commercial uh us 137 00:05:31,640 --> 00:05:33,450 components have been used in 138 00:05:33,459 --> 00:05:37,429 capabilities . Um So that in of itself 139 00:05:37,440 --> 00:05:41,140 is not surprising um in terms 140 00:05:41,149 --> 00:05:44,260 of um you know , the balloon and , and 141 00:05:44,269 --> 00:05:46,491 the capabilities that it has a , as you 142 00:05:46,500 --> 00:05:48,667 heard at the time , we were aware that 143 00:05:48,667 --> 00:05:51,040 it had uh intelligence collection 144 00:05:51,049 --> 00:05:53,216 capabilities , but it was our , it's , 145 00:05:53,216 --> 00:05:55,438 and it has been our assessment now that 146 00:05:55,438 --> 00:05:57,549 uh it did not collect uh while it was 147 00:05:57,549 --> 00:05:59,605 transiting the United States or over 148 00:05:59,605 --> 00:06:01,827 flying the United States . Uh And as we 149 00:06:01,827 --> 00:06:04,160 said , at the time , we also took steps , 150 00:06:04,160 --> 00:06:05,938 steps to mitigate the potential 151 00:06:05,938 --> 00:06:08,160 collection efforts uh of that balloon . 152 00:06:08,160 --> 00:06:10,327 So you believe your efforts stopped it 153 00:06:10,327 --> 00:06:12,549 from collecting and transmitting or was 154 00:06:12,549 --> 00:06:14,771 it able to collect but just not able to 155 00:06:14,771 --> 00:06:16,827 transmit ? Um We believe that it did 156 00:06:16,827 --> 00:06:18,716 not collect while it was trans uh 157 00:06:18,716 --> 00:06:20,882 transiting the United States or flying 158 00:06:20,882 --> 00:06:22,660 over the United States . Uh And 159 00:06:22,660 --> 00:06:24,882 certainly , uh the efforts that we made 160 00:06:24,882 --> 00:06:27,290 um contributed , I'm sure . So Jane 161 00:06:28,519 --> 00:06:30,549 continue to , uh as you know , that 162 00:06:30,559 --> 00:06:34,070 this month is the 73rd anniversary of 163 00:06:34,079 --> 00:06:37,670 the Korean War . What message can the 164 00:06:37,679 --> 00:06:40,910 Pentagon deliver on the 70th 165 00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:44,950 anniversary of us , South Korea uh 166 00:06:44,959 --> 00:06:48,920 mutual defense treaty ? Um 167 00:06:48,929 --> 00:06:51,579 Well , from a , from , you know , a dod 168 00:06:51,589 --> 00:06:53,700 standpoint , uh certainly we remain 169 00:06:53,709 --> 00:06:56,540 committed to working with the Republic 170 00:06:56,549 --> 00:06:58,771 of Korea and our partners in the region 171 00:06:58,771 --> 00:07:00,690 to ensure peace , stability and 172 00:07:00,700 --> 00:07:04,420 security in the region . Um And , and 173 00:07:04,429 --> 00:07:06,485 that's what we will continue to do . 174 00:07:06,485 --> 00:07:08,540 You've heard uh the State Department 175 00:07:08,540 --> 00:07:10,707 and the White House talk about an open 176 00:07:10,707 --> 00:07:12,873 door when it comes to being willing to 177 00:07:12,873 --> 00:07:15,220 talk with North Korea in terms of 178 00:07:15,230 --> 00:07:17,809 resolving disputes diplomatically . So 179 00:07:17,820 --> 00:07:19,709 I'd refer you to them for further 180 00:07:19,709 --> 00:07:21,653 comment , but certainly from a dod 181 00:07:21,653 --> 00:07:23,764 standpoint , we will continue to work 182 00:07:23,764 --> 00:07:25,820 alongside our partners and allies in 183 00:07:25,820 --> 00:07:27,987 the region to prevent potential future 184 00:07:27,987 --> 00:07:31,049 conflict . The US will dispatching 185 00:07:32,549 --> 00:07:36,119 nuclear sub to South Korea . Will these 186 00:07:36,130 --> 00:07:39,950 nuclear submarines stay in South Korea 187 00:07:39,959 --> 00:07:43,410 per permanently or this short time ? 188 00:07:44,510 --> 00:07:46,566 Thanks , Janie . So first of all , I 189 00:07:46,566 --> 00:07:48,510 won't get into , you know , future 190 00:07:48,510 --> 00:07:50,566 deployments and timelines and things 191 00:07:50,566 --> 00:07:52,788 like that . My , my understanding again 192 00:07:52,788 --> 00:07:54,899 is that at some point in the future . 193 00:07:54,899 --> 00:07:57,489 As you highlight a US nuclear capable 194 00:07:57,500 --> 00:07:59,589 submarine will visit an Ohio class , 195 00:07:59,600 --> 00:08:02,850 will visit South Korea for a port visit 196 00:08:03,320 --> 00:08:07,230 carrying nuclear war hat in SSBN . 197 00:08:07,239 --> 00:08:09,540 I'm not going to get into specific 198 00:08:09,549 --> 00:08:11,605 armament on specific systems , but a 199 00:08:11,605 --> 00:08:13,716 nuclear capable summary . Thank you . 200 00:08:13,716 --> 00:08:16,320 Yes , ma'am . Thank you General . Uh In 201 00:08:16,329 --> 00:08:18,959 your point of view , do you think uh 202 00:08:18,970 --> 00:08:22,579 the reason why African countries align 203 00:08:23,019 --> 00:08:25,559 with Wagner group is because there is 204 00:08:25,570 --> 00:08:28,720 no other options or countries available 205 00:08:28,730 --> 00:08:30,841 to work with these countries in terms 206 00:08:30,841 --> 00:08:34,700 of uh security strategies . Um So , 207 00:08:34,710 --> 00:08:37,270 you know , I'm , I'm hesitant to uh 208 00:08:37,280 --> 00:08:39,950 talk in platitudes when or speak for 209 00:08:39,960 --> 00:08:41,904 other nations when it comes to why 210 00:08:41,904 --> 00:08:43,627 they're making the security uh 211 00:08:43,627 --> 00:08:45,793 decisions that they're making . And so 212 00:08:45,793 --> 00:08:48,016 certainly , as it relates to individual 213 00:08:48,016 --> 00:08:50,127 countries , they would be in the best 214 00:08:50,127 --> 00:08:52,330 position to , to explain why they may 215 00:08:52,340 --> 00:08:56,099 choose to uh hire a company like Wagner 216 00:08:56,109 --> 00:08:58,220 group to provide with , provide their 217 00:08:58,220 --> 00:09:01,039 security . Uh What I would say is that 218 00:09:01,049 --> 00:09:03,271 from a United States perspective , from 219 00:09:03,271 --> 00:09:05,216 a dod perspective , we're going to 220 00:09:05,216 --> 00:09:08,260 continue to work with nations in Africa . 221 00:09:08,469 --> 00:09:11,950 Uh those that are seeking our support 222 00:09:12,090 --> 00:09:15,940 to address shared interests , 223 00:09:15,950 --> 00:09:18,690 shared challenges like terrorism , uh 224 00:09:18,700 --> 00:09:21,140 and where they seek uh and ask for our 225 00:09:21,150 --> 00:09:23,428 help , we will be available to do that . 226 00:09:23,559 --> 00:09:25,781 Uh Again , I think we all have a common 227 00:09:25,789 --> 00:09:28,299 interest in a stable and secure Africa . 228 00:09:28,549 --> 00:09:31,570 Uh And so , um we obviously , in our , 229 00:09:31,580 --> 00:09:34,000 our track record has shown uh that our , 230 00:09:34,010 --> 00:09:36,288 like we talked about earlier this week , 231 00:09:36,288 --> 00:09:38,399 our vested interest is in long term , 232 00:09:38,400 --> 00:09:40,719 sustained support for the benefit of 233 00:09:40,729 --> 00:09:42,729 the African people , uh and for the 234 00:09:42,729 --> 00:09:44,896 international community . So again , I 235 00:09:44,896 --> 00:09:47,118 can't speak for why someone would wanna 236 00:09:47,118 --> 00:09:48,951 hire uh a transnational criminal 237 00:09:48,951 --> 00:09:51,229 organization to provide their security . 238 00:09:51,229 --> 00:09:53,340 That's something individual countries 239 00:09:53,340 --> 00:09:55,507 would have to answer general . Can you 240 00:09:55,507 --> 00:09:57,729 talk a little bit about the cooperation 241 00:09:57,729 --> 00:09:59,951 between the United States and Angola in 242 00:09:59,951 --> 00:10:02,380 terms of military corporation ? Uh I'll 243 00:10:02,390 --> 00:10:04,723 have to , to come back on you . I don't , 244 00:10:04,723 --> 00:10:06,668 I don't have that in front of me . 245 00:10:06,668 --> 00:10:08,723 Thank you , Matt . Thanks , Pat . Uh 246 00:10:08,723 --> 00:10:10,834 First , just a point of clarification 247 00:10:10,834 --> 00:10:10,479 on the balloon to make sure I heard you 248 00:10:10,489 --> 00:10:12,489 right . You said that it's assessed 249 00:10:12,489 --> 00:10:14,711 that not only did it not transmit , but 250 00:10:14,711 --> 00:10:16,878 it also didn't collect any data on its 251 00:10:16,878 --> 00:10:18,989 path . What I said , Matt was uh that 252 00:10:18,989 --> 00:10:21,211 we assess that it did not collect while 253 00:10:21,211 --> 00:10:23,489 I was flying over the US . Um Secondly , 254 00:10:23,489 --> 00:10:25,656 the Wall Street Journal reported today 255 00:10:25,656 --> 00:10:27,767 that the US might be coming closer to 256 00:10:27,767 --> 00:10:30,820 approving a tacos for Ukraine . Can you 257 00:10:30,830 --> 00:10:32,941 tell us , has there been any movement 258 00:10:32,941 --> 00:10:34,774 towards approving that ? Is that 259 00:10:34,774 --> 00:10:36,941 something we might see in upcoming aid 260 00:10:36,941 --> 00:10:39,163 packages ? So I've seen the reporting , 261 00:10:39,163 --> 00:10:41,386 I will tell you , I don't have anything 262 00:10:41,386 --> 00:10:43,274 to announce regarding attacks and 263 00:10:43,274 --> 00:10:46,250 certainly I'm not aware of any imminent 264 00:10:46,260 --> 00:10:48,390 decisions as it relates to attack . 265 00:10:49,400 --> 00:10:52,359 Thank you very much . Two questions . 266 00:10:52,369 --> 00:10:56,119 First on the early May incident , the 267 00:10:56,130 --> 00:10:59,109 Centcom strike that may have killed the 268 00:10:59,119 --> 00:11:01,452 civilian that is now being investigated . 269 00:11:01,799 --> 00:11:04,580 Will the new civilian casualty office 270 00:11:04,590 --> 00:11:06,609 stood up by Secretary Austin be 271 00:11:06,619 --> 00:11:08,786 investigating this episode for lessons 272 00:11:08,786 --> 00:11:11,719 learned including how it was announced 273 00:11:11,729 --> 00:11:14,609 publicly via Twitter . And 274 00:11:16,659 --> 00:11:18,659 will there be further investigation 275 00:11:18,659 --> 00:11:20,770 outside of Centcom to see what can be 276 00:11:20,770 --> 00:11:22,715 learned from this ? Yeah , so , so 277 00:11:22,715 --> 00:11:24,826 right now , Chris , what I would tell 278 00:11:24,826 --> 00:11:27,048 you is that Centcom is investigating uh 279 00:11:27,048 --> 00:11:29,159 and certainly uh at the conclusion of 280 00:11:29,159 --> 00:11:31,270 that investigation , I'm sure they'll 281 00:11:31,270 --> 00:11:33,492 share the results with the department . 282 00:11:33,492 --> 00:11:35,548 Um But , but at this point in time , 283 00:11:35,548 --> 00:11:37,603 they're really the the best folks to 284 00:11:37,603 --> 00:11:39,659 address that . Uh second question on 285 00:11:39,659 --> 00:11:41,659 the extended uh deterrence dialogue 286 00:11:41,659 --> 00:11:43,929 that happened at Whiteman . Um The uh 287 00:11:43,940 --> 00:11:47,880 delegation toured A B two , looked at A 288 00:11:47,890 --> 00:11:50,570 B two simulator . Um Are there any 289 00:11:50,580 --> 00:11:53,500 plans to deploy A B two to Japan ? I 290 00:11:53,510 --> 00:11:55,677 don't , I don't have any announcements 291 00:11:55,677 --> 00:11:57,399 to make regarding future force 292 00:11:57,399 --> 00:11:59,621 deployments ? Thank you . Yes , ma'am . 293 00:11:59,621 --> 00:12:01,677 Thank you general back to Russia . I 294 00:12:01,677 --> 00:12:04,380 have two questions first while the 295 00:12:04,390 --> 00:12:06,279 department is still assessing and 296 00:12:06,279 --> 00:12:08,309 monitoring the consequences of what 297 00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:11,690 happened in Russia . Do you think 298 00:12:11,700 --> 00:12:13,867 because of this new situation , you'll 299 00:12:13,867 --> 00:12:16,590 have to look differently to or at the 300 00:12:16,599 --> 00:12:19,729 needs of the battlefields in Ukraine 301 00:12:19,739 --> 00:12:23,210 and maybe include the new systems 302 00:12:23,760 --> 00:12:26,919 in future as pack assist security 303 00:12:26,929 --> 00:12:29,669 assistance packages . And the second 304 00:12:29,679 --> 00:12:33,320 question um uh satellite image 305 00:12:33,330 --> 00:12:37,309 from a former military base 306 00:12:37,320 --> 00:12:39,859 in Southern Belarus shows uh new 307 00:12:39,869 --> 00:12:43,369 structures within the compound . Uh 308 00:12:43,590 --> 00:12:46,599 I'm I'm not sure if you saw this , but 309 00:12:46,869 --> 00:12:49,520 if , yes , what's your assessment ? Uh 310 00:12:49,530 --> 00:12:52,659 There's media reports that this might 311 00:12:52,669 --> 00:12:54,836 be the new home for Wagner group . And 312 00:12:54,836 --> 00:12:57,002 also do you think from your experience 313 00:12:57,002 --> 00:13:00,549 with so little time that group uh 314 00:13:00,739 --> 00:13:04,359 is able to build maybe a permanent camp 315 00:13:04,369 --> 00:13:07,780 there ? Yeah . Um So o on Wagner group 316 00:13:07,789 --> 00:13:11,250 and it's disposition , um what I would 317 00:13:11,260 --> 00:13:14,150 tell you is right now , um We continue 318 00:13:14,159 --> 00:13:16,103 to see some elements of the Wagner 319 00:13:16,103 --> 00:13:18,750 group in Russian occupied territory in 320 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:21,349 Ukraine uh as it relates to Belarus , I 321 00:13:21,359 --> 00:13:23,415 don't have any updates to provide on 322 00:13:23,415 --> 00:13:25,248 that front . I've seen the press 323 00:13:25,248 --> 00:13:27,192 reports that , that you're talking 324 00:13:27,192 --> 00:13:29,303 about clearly , that's something that 325 00:13:29,303 --> 00:13:31,415 we'll continue to keep an eye on . Um 326 00:13:31,415 --> 00:13:33,470 But in terms of the future of Wagner 327 00:13:33,470 --> 00:13:35,303 group , that's , that's really a 328 00:13:35,303 --> 00:13:37,303 question best addressed by Russia , 329 00:13:37,303 --> 00:13:39,415 which of course , as you know , funds 330 00:13:39,415 --> 00:13:41,470 uh the Wagner group and , and how uh 331 00:13:41,470 --> 00:13:43,637 they will be employed going throughout 332 00:13:43,637 --> 00:13:46,869 the rest of this uh this conflict . Um 333 00:13:47,090 --> 00:13:49,146 and , and elsewhere around the world 334 00:13:49,146 --> 00:13:51,201 since , you know , as your colleague 335 00:13:51,201 --> 00:13:53,146 highlighted earlier . Uh They also 336 00:13:53,146 --> 00:13:55,368 conduct operations in Africa uh as well 337 00:13:55,368 --> 00:13:57,368 as Syria . So that's something that 338 00:13:57,368 --> 00:13:59,590 we'll continue to keep an eye on . It's 339 00:13:59,590 --> 00:14:01,646 just too early to tell right now and 340 00:14:01,646 --> 00:14:03,923 then I apologize the first question if , 341 00:14:03,923 --> 00:14:06,146 if you're looking differently uh at the 342 00:14:06,146 --> 00:14:08,799 needs of the battlefield . So , uh you 343 00:14:08,809 --> 00:14:11,049 know , look , I , I think that uh we 344 00:14:11,059 --> 00:14:13,159 have a very dynamic and iterative 345 00:14:13,169 --> 00:14:15,336 process that we've been employing when 346 00:14:15,336 --> 00:14:17,380 it comes to supporting Ukraine ever 347 00:14:17,390 --> 00:14:20,539 since the beginning uh of Russia's 348 00:14:20,549 --> 00:14:23,940 invasion of Ukraine . And that entails 349 00:14:23,950 --> 00:14:27,679 very frequent communication between the 350 00:14:27,690 --> 00:14:30,109 US , the Ukrainians , our allies and 351 00:14:30,119 --> 00:14:32,119 our partners in terms of what their 352 00:14:32,119 --> 00:14:34,599 needs are . And when it comes to the 353 00:14:34,609 --> 00:14:36,831 battlefield capabilities that they need 354 00:14:36,831 --> 00:14:40,210 right now , uh to conduct operations , 355 00:14:40,219 --> 00:14:42,190 we believe that we have given them 356 00:14:42,200 --> 00:14:45,109 significant combat capability in order 357 00:14:45,119 --> 00:14:47,520 to prosecute those operations on their 358 00:14:47,530 --> 00:14:49,752 timeline at a time and a place of their 359 00:14:49,752 --> 00:14:52,409 choosing . And so that will continue to 360 00:14:52,419 --> 00:14:55,520 be our focus . Um Secretary Austin has 361 00:14:55,530 --> 00:14:58,739 taken a obviously a very personal 362 00:14:58,750 --> 00:15:00,861 interest in terms of making sure that 363 00:15:00,861 --> 00:15:02,972 we're actively communicating with our 364 00:15:02,972 --> 00:15:05,139 allies and partners around the world . 365 00:15:05,139 --> 00:15:07,361 You see that as evidence to the contact 366 00:15:07,361 --> 00:15:09,472 group , which is held monthly as well 367 00:15:09,472 --> 00:15:11,472 as the multiple phone calls that he 368 00:15:11,472 --> 00:15:13,639 makes to those allies and partners and 369 00:15:13,639 --> 00:15:15,639 Ukraine , the Ukrainian Minister of 370 00:15:15,639 --> 00:15:17,806 Defense . So we're confident that with 371 00:15:17,806 --> 00:15:19,750 that open line that we're going to 372 00:15:19,750 --> 00:15:21,861 continue to get them the capabilities 373 00:15:21,861 --> 00:15:21,510 they absolutely need like ground based 374 00:15:21,520 --> 00:15:25,000 air defense artillery , armor and , 375 00:15:25,020 --> 00:15:28,280 and um spare parts , um 376 00:15:28,289 --> 00:15:30,650 maintenance capabilities , all those 377 00:15:30,659 --> 00:15:32,437 things they need to continue to 378 00:15:32,437 --> 00:15:34,603 prosecute this fight . Thank you . Let 379 00:15:34,603 --> 00:15:36,826 me go to Rio . Uh Thank you very much . 380 00:15:36,826 --> 00:15:38,937 I haven't forgotten about you guys on 381 00:15:38,937 --> 00:15:41,048 the phone . I want to follow up about 382 00:15:41,048 --> 00:15:43,520 the extended the dialogue with Japan , 383 00:15:43,859 --> 00:15:46,369 the the US statement gives us more 384 00:15:46,380 --> 00:15:48,820 detail of the dialogue than usual , 385 00:15:48,830 --> 00:15:52,049 including a table talk exercises and we 386 00:15:52,059 --> 00:15:55,070 do quite generations . So what message 387 00:15:55,080 --> 00:15:57,909 are you sending uh to , to , to to 388 00:15:57,919 --> 00:16:01,599 North Korea and China by releasing more 389 00:16:01,609 --> 00:16:03,553 information of the dialogue to the 390 00:16:03,553 --> 00:16:06,320 public ? Well , I , you know , I mean 391 00:16:06,330 --> 00:16:08,520 broadly speaking , we we always try to 392 00:16:08,530 --> 00:16:11,049 be as transparent as possible uh when 393 00:16:11,059 --> 00:16:13,409 it comes to talking about what we're 394 00:16:13,419 --> 00:16:16,250 doing uh in consultation with our 395 00:16:16,260 --> 00:16:18,316 allies and , and our partners around 396 00:16:18,316 --> 00:16:20,989 the world . Um you know , in , in terms 397 00:16:21,000 --> 00:16:23,440 of the dialogue uh and extended 398 00:16:23,450 --> 00:16:25,880 deterrence , um you know , we will 399 00:16:25,890 --> 00:16:28,330 continue to highlight where we can work 400 00:16:28,340 --> 00:16:30,799 together to ensure stability and 401 00:16:30,809 --> 00:16:33,169 security in the Indo Pacific region and 402 00:16:33,179 --> 00:16:35,900 beyond . So I don't have any specific 403 00:16:35,909 --> 00:16:38,076 announcements today to make in regards 404 00:16:38,076 --> 00:16:40,849 to additional outcomes of that dialogue . 405 00:16:40,859 --> 00:16:43,026 But needless to say , you know , going 406 00:16:43,026 --> 00:16:45,192 forward , we look , we do look forward 407 00:16:45,192 --> 00:16:47,137 to continuing to work closely with 408 00:16:47,137 --> 00:16:49,026 Japan and our other allies in the 409 00:16:49,026 --> 00:16:51,599 region to ensure that we can continue 410 00:16:51,609 --> 00:16:53,609 to deter potential aggression , but 411 00:16:53,609 --> 00:16:55,276 more importantly , preserve . 412 00:16:57,859 --> 00:17:00,026 OK , we'll go back to this side of the 413 00:17:00,026 --> 00:17:01,919 room . Yes , ma'am . Um I want to 414 00:17:01,929 --> 00:17:04,849 follow up on a um is it a stockpile 415 00:17:04,859 --> 00:17:07,079 issue at this point ? And if so , are 416 00:17:07,089 --> 00:17:09,099 you looking to potentially win the 417 00:17:09,109 --> 00:17:11,331 army's precision strike missile , which 418 00:17:11,331 --> 00:17:13,589 is the a replacement is mass produced 419 00:17:13,880 --> 00:17:15,991 that that would be the opportunity to 420 00:17:15,991 --> 00:17:18,213 potentially send it to Ukraine ? Yeah , 421 00:17:18,213 --> 00:17:20,324 Thanks for the , the question again , 422 00:17:20,324 --> 00:17:22,547 you know , through , through the course 423 00:17:22,547 --> 00:17:21,430 of this campaign , we're gonna 424 00:17:21,439 --> 00:17:23,479 constantly look at the variety of 425 00:17:23,489 --> 00:17:25,369 capabilities again based on what 426 00:17:25,380 --> 00:17:27,436 Ukraine's most urgent needs are . Uh 427 00:17:27,436 --> 00:17:29,436 again on the attacks , I don't have 428 00:17:29,436 --> 00:17:32,180 anything to announce . Um And so again , 429 00:17:32,189 --> 00:17:34,022 we'll just continue to keep that 430 00:17:34,022 --> 00:17:36,189 dialogue open . Uh And when we do have 431 00:17:36,189 --> 00:17:38,078 something to announce , we will . 432 00:17:38,078 --> 00:17:38,020 Thanks . Let me , let me go to the 433 00:17:38,030 --> 00:17:40,089 phone here real quick . Uh Howard 434 00:17:40,099 --> 00:17:42,579 Altman War Zone . Hey , thanks , Pat . 435 00:17:42,589 --> 00:17:45,709 Um Taiwan just retired its Hawk uh air 436 00:17:45,719 --> 00:17:47,663 defense system . Do you think that 437 00:17:47,663 --> 00:17:49,886 might be the line for Ukraine ? Are you 438 00:17:49,886 --> 00:17:52,052 talking to Taiwan about providing that 439 00:17:52,052 --> 00:17:54,339 to Ukraine ? Thanks . Um I'm just to 440 00:17:54,349 --> 00:17:56,571 make sure I understand your question is 441 00:17:56,571 --> 00:17:58,738 uh Taiwan providing Hawks to Ukraine . 442 00:17:59,140 --> 00:18:01,489 Well , they just retired their uh haw 443 00:18:01,599 --> 00:18:03,710 air defense system . So I'm wondering 444 00:18:03,710 --> 00:18:05,710 if there's a way if the Pentagon is 445 00:18:05,710 --> 00:18:08,170 looking a way to bring that to Ukraine 446 00:18:08,180 --> 00:18:10,347 considering its needs for ground based 447 00:18:10,347 --> 00:18:12,513 air defense ? Yeah , thanks , Howard . 448 00:18:12,513 --> 00:18:14,680 So I , I don't have anything on that . 449 00:18:14,680 --> 00:18:16,680 Um I'd , I'd refer you to Taiwan to 450 00:18:16,680 --> 00:18:18,902 talk about their capabilities and , and 451 00:18:18,902 --> 00:18:21,124 pot potential disposition . Thanks . Uh 452 00:18:21,124 --> 00:18:23,124 Let me go . Uh , one more here . Uh 453 00:18:23,124 --> 00:18:25,640 Jeff Seldon General , thanks very much 454 00:18:25,650 --> 00:18:27,719 for doing this . Um 22 questions . 455 00:18:27,729 --> 00:18:30,160 First . What type of impact if any have 456 00:18:30,170 --> 00:18:33,010 the issues in Russia had on military to 457 00:18:33,020 --> 00:18:35,400 military communications with the US or 458 00:18:35,410 --> 00:18:37,243 any of the hotlines like the one 459 00:18:37,243 --> 00:18:39,354 established in Syria . Has there been 460 00:18:39,354 --> 00:18:41,577 any impact there ? And secondly , we've 461 00:18:41,577 --> 00:18:43,521 heard again this week from Chinese 462 00:18:43,521 --> 00:18:45,632 officials who are demanding an end to 463 00:18:45,632 --> 00:18:47,632 sanctions in exchange for reopening 464 00:18:47,632 --> 00:18:49,632 military to military communications 465 00:18:49,632 --> 00:18:51,688 with the US . Does the Pentagon have 466 00:18:51,688 --> 00:18:53,577 any reaction or response to those 467 00:18:53,577 --> 00:18:55,910 demands ? Yeah , thanks Jeff . Um So on , 468 00:18:55,910 --> 00:18:58,132 on your first question as it relates to 469 00:18:58,132 --> 00:19:00,243 military , to military communications 470 00:19:00,243 --> 00:19:03,010 um via the , the hotlines that we've 471 00:19:03,020 --> 00:19:05,242 established . No , I'm I'm not aware of 472 00:19:05,242 --> 00:19:07,464 any impact those lines of communication 473 00:19:07,464 --> 00:19:10,719 remain open . Uh And so uh nothing , 474 00:19:10,729 --> 00:19:13,510 nothing new there uh as it relates to 475 00:19:13,520 --> 00:19:17,510 the uh comments uh about um 476 00:19:18,170 --> 00:19:22,040 lifting sanctions in order to remove 477 00:19:22,050 --> 00:19:25,219 obstacles to communication . As you've 478 00:19:25,229 --> 00:19:28,300 heard Secretary Austin say previously 479 00:19:29,189 --> 00:19:33,069 he can communicate with his Chinese 480 00:19:33,079 --> 00:19:35,579 counterpart right now , those sanctions 481 00:19:35,589 --> 00:19:37,700 do not need to be lifted in order for 482 00:19:37,700 --> 00:19:40,839 him to communicate with his counterpart . 483 00:19:41,079 --> 00:19:43,630 And so from our perspective , there are 484 00:19:43,640 --> 00:19:45,819 no obstacles to keeping open lines of 485 00:19:45,829 --> 00:19:48,079 communications . We do think it's 486 00:19:48,089 --> 00:19:51,560 important and so we will continue to 487 00:19:51,569 --> 00:19:54,069 make efforts to do that . Thank you . 488 00:19:54,180 --> 00:19:56,550 All right . Yes , sir . Thanks , sir . 489 00:19:56,560 --> 00:19:59,560 Two questions . One on us India 490 00:19:59,569 --> 00:20:02,329 relations . As far as the US India 491 00:20:02,339 --> 00:20:04,283 military to military relations are 492 00:20:04,283 --> 00:20:06,395 concerned . Now , Prime Minister Modi 493 00:20:06,395 --> 00:20:08,561 was of course here for about four days 494 00:20:08,561 --> 00:20:10,506 and before that secretary A was in 495 00:20:10,506 --> 00:20:13,979 India . Uh what was on the table during 496 00:20:13,989 --> 00:20:16,010 his visit to India before Prime 497 00:20:16,020 --> 00:20:18,076 Minister's visit to Washington . And 498 00:20:18,076 --> 00:20:20,420 also now what is on the , on the table 499 00:20:20,430 --> 00:20:22,208 and off the table as far as the 500 00:20:22,208 --> 00:20:24,263 military to military concern because 501 00:20:24,263 --> 00:20:27,920 India have had a big list of 502 00:20:29,089 --> 00:20:31,829 us military . Yeah , thank you . Um So 503 00:20:31,839 --> 00:20:33,950 as you highlighted , uh the secretary 504 00:20:33,950 --> 00:20:36,750 did travel to India , um he uh felt 505 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:38,982 like it was a great visit and very much 506 00:20:38,982 --> 00:20:41,204 appreciated the the hospitality that he 507 00:20:41,204 --> 00:20:43,371 received uh as well as the opportunity 508 00:20:43,371 --> 00:20:46,260 to engage in a robust dialogue with his 509 00:20:46,270 --> 00:20:49,979 counterpart . Um in terms of what uh 510 00:20:49,989 --> 00:20:52,400 was on the table , what is on the table ? 511 00:20:52,410 --> 00:20:54,910 Uh I think uh what you saw the White 512 00:20:54,920 --> 00:20:57,119 House read out in terms of the results 513 00:20:57,130 --> 00:20:59,241 of those discussions . And so I won't 514 00:20:59,241 --> 00:21:02,040 repeat that here . Um As well as the 515 00:21:02,050 --> 00:21:03,883 road map that I highlighted at a 516 00:21:03,883 --> 00:21:06,106 previous briefing . Uh So I would point 517 00:21:06,106 --> 00:21:08,217 you to the fact sheet that we have on 518 00:21:08,217 --> 00:21:10,383 the , the dod website that goes into a 519 00:21:10,383 --> 00:21:12,383 lot of detail uh about what we look 520 00:21:12,383 --> 00:21:14,050 forward to in terms of our uh 521 00:21:14,050 --> 00:21:17,079 cooperation and partnership with the 522 00:21:17,089 --> 00:21:19,900 Indian Ministry of Defense and Indian 523 00:21:19,910 --> 00:21:23,260 government . There were many ups and 524 00:21:23,270 --> 00:21:25,381 downs as far as us Indian relations , 525 00:21:25,381 --> 00:21:27,548 the military to military relations are 526 00:21:27,548 --> 00:21:29,548 concerned because of Russia and all 527 00:21:29,548 --> 00:21:31,603 that . Now , you think India will be 528 00:21:31,603 --> 00:21:33,390 the largest military , military 529 00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:35,680 relations with the United States . You 530 00:21:35,689 --> 00:21:37,467 know , look , we , we very much 531 00:21:37,467 --> 00:21:39,467 appreciate the relationship that we 532 00:21:39,467 --> 00:21:42,069 have with India and we continue to want 533 00:21:42,079 --> 00:21:44,609 to build on that . Um India is 534 00:21:44,619 --> 00:21:47,030 obviously a , a critical player in the 535 00:21:47,040 --> 00:21:49,130 region when it comes to ensuring 536 00:21:49,140 --> 00:21:51,307 stability and security in the region . 537 00:21:51,579 --> 00:21:53,635 Uh , and so , uh , we'll continue to 538 00:21:53,640 --> 00:21:55,640 work very closely with India toward 539 00:21:55,640 --> 00:21:57,862 that end . But let me , let me go ahead 540 00:21:57,862 --> 00:21:57,660 and move on to your colleague here . 541 00:21:57,920 --> 00:22:00,469 Sure . Um , there were reports that 542 00:22:00,479 --> 00:22:02,701 based on satellite imagery that Russian 543 00:22:02,701 --> 00:22:04,868 soldiers blocked the river and flooded 544 00:22:04,868 --> 00:22:07,090 fields to impede the approach , um , of 545 00:22:07,090 --> 00:22:09,423 Ukrainian soldiers near the city of Tuk . 546 00:22:09,423 --> 00:22:11,312 Um , I just wonder if you give us 547 00:22:11,312 --> 00:22:13,368 anything more on that . I , I really 548 00:22:13,368 --> 00:22:15,312 can't . Yeah , it's , it's , I , I 549 00:22:15,312 --> 00:22:17,368 appreciate the question but , um , a 550 00:22:17,368 --> 00:22:19,479 couple of things , one , I'm just not 551 00:22:19,479 --> 00:22:21,590 gonna provide an operational tactical 552 00:22:21,590 --> 00:22:23,701 level briefing , uh , about Ukrainian 553 00:22:23,701 --> 00:22:25,646 operations . And second , I really 554 00:22:25,646 --> 00:22:27,757 can't get into intelligence matters . 555 00:22:27,757 --> 00:22:29,868 Thank you very much . All right , let 556 00:22:29,868 --> 00:22:29,750 me do one more from the phone here . Uh , 557 00:22:29,760 --> 00:22:31,719 Mike Breast Washington examiner 558 00:22:37,030 --> 00:22:38,030 there . 559 00:22:41,900 --> 00:22:44,067 Can you hear me ? I can hear you now , 560 00:22:45,079 --> 00:22:47,357 first question you mentioned that , uh , 561 00:22:47,357 --> 00:22:49,468 some elements of the Wagner group are 562 00:22:49,468 --> 00:22:51,635 still in Russia occupied Ukraine . But 563 00:22:51,635 --> 00:22:53,968 could you give us some sort of ballpark , 564 00:22:53,968 --> 00:22:56,190 uh , on the number you see now compared 565 00:22:56,190 --> 00:22:58,969 to previously ? Um , I , I really can't , 566 00:22:58,979 --> 00:23:01,189 Mike . Um , other than , you know , 567 00:23:01,459 --> 00:23:03,292 they , they have been conducting 568 00:23:03,292 --> 00:23:06,410 operations in Ukraine , uh , for a 569 00:23:06,420 --> 00:23:10,030 while now . Uh , and so , um , you know , 570 00:23:10,040 --> 00:23:13,349 most recently near Baku and so , um , 571 00:23:14,359 --> 00:23:17,020 elements of those units are , are still 572 00:23:17,030 --> 00:23:19,086 in Ukraine , but I , I'm not able to 573 00:23:19,086 --> 00:23:21,252 provide numbers from the podium here . 574 00:23:21,349 --> 00:23:23,750 Ok . All right . Hey , listen , before 575 00:23:23,760 --> 00:23:25,871 we uh conclude today , uh I just want 576 00:23:25,871 --> 00:23:27,871 to take the opportunity here to bid 577 00:23:27,871 --> 00:23:29,760 farewell to a couple of long time 578 00:23:29,760 --> 00:23:31,816 Pentagon press corps journalists who 579 00:23:31,816 --> 00:23:34,038 will be heading out on new adventures . 580 00:23:34,038 --> 00:23:36,819 Uh First , uh Mr Qassim Ri from Tour's 581 00:23:36,849 --> 00:23:39,130 Anna News Agency . He'll be departing 582 00:23:39,140 --> 00:23:41,251 the Pentagon after almost 10 years of 583 00:23:41,251 --> 00:23:43,473 being here in the building covering the 584 00:23:43,473 --> 00:23:45,670 Pentagon and Dod . Uh and like many of 585 00:23:45,680 --> 00:23:47,902 the foreign correspondents covering the 586 00:23:47,902 --> 00:23:49,791 department . Uh He has provided a 587 00:23:49,791 --> 00:23:51,736 unique and important international 588 00:23:51,736 --> 00:23:53,847 perspective when it comes to covering 589 00:23:53,847 --> 00:23:55,847 the US military . So Qassim will be 590 00:23:55,847 --> 00:23:57,847 heading back to Turkey uh to pursue 591 00:23:57,847 --> 00:23:59,513 some opportunities outside of 592 00:23:59,513 --> 00:24:01,791 journalism . So , on behalf of the Dod , 593 00:24:01,791 --> 00:24:03,958 uh we'd like to bid him farewell and , 594 00:24:03,958 --> 00:24:06,180 and wish him and his family the best as 595 00:24:06,180 --> 00:24:08,347 they embark on their next chapter . Um 596 00:24:08,347 --> 00:24:10,680 Also saying goodbye to Kevin Baron who 597 00:24:10,689 --> 00:24:13,130 de departs defense one this week uh 598 00:24:13,140 --> 00:24:15,473 where he has served as executive editor , 599 00:24:15,729 --> 00:24:17,951 Kevin's covered the Pentagon for nearly 600 00:24:17,951 --> 00:24:19,951 20 years in a variety of roles , uh 601 00:24:19,951 --> 00:24:21,729 probably interacted with nearly 602 00:24:21,729 --> 00:24:23,896 everyone in this room probably in this 603 00:24:23,896 --> 00:24:25,840 building . Uh During his tenure as 604 00:24:25,840 --> 00:24:27,785 editor , he's squarely established 605 00:24:27,785 --> 00:24:29,951 defense one as an authoritative source 606 00:24:29,951 --> 00:24:32,660 on defense uh news and a reputation for 607 00:24:32,670 --> 00:24:34,969 excellence within his uh journalism 608 00:24:34,979 --> 00:24:37,090 excellence within his news newsroom . 609 00:24:37,090 --> 00:24:39,201 So , on behalf of Dod , we wish Kevin 610 00:24:39,201 --> 00:24:41,312 and his family good luck as well . As 611 00:24:41,312 --> 00:24:43,423 he moves on to other pursuits . Thank 612 00:24:43,423 --> 00:24:43,959 you very much . Everybody appreciate it .