1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:09,170 --> 00:00:11,281 All right . Well , good morning . And 3 00:00:11,281 --> 00:00:13,614 thank you everyone for being here today . 4 00:00:13,614 --> 00:00:15,837 It's my pleasure to introduce Secretary 5 00:00:15,837 --> 00:00:18,059 of Defense Lloyd Austin , the third and 6 00:00:18,059 --> 00:00:17,530 chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 7 00:00:17,540 --> 00:00:20,569 General CQ Brown , junior Secretary and 8 00:00:20,579 --> 00:00:22,746 the chairman will deliver some opening 9 00:00:22,746 --> 00:00:24,746 remarks and then we'll have time to 10 00:00:24,746 --> 00:00:26,968 take a few questions . Please note that 11 00:00:26,968 --> 00:00:26,959 I will moderate those questions and 12 00:00:26,969 --> 00:00:28,747 call on journalists due to time 13 00:00:28,747 --> 00:00:30,913 constraints . I would ask that those I 14 00:00:30,913 --> 00:00:32,691 call upon limit their follow up 15 00:00:32,691 --> 00:00:34,691 questions to give your colleagues a 16 00:00:34,691 --> 00:00:36,691 chance to ask their questions . And 17 00:00:36,691 --> 00:00:36,439 with that , I'll turn it over to 18 00:00:36,450 --> 00:00:39,080 Secretary Austin , sir . So my first 19 00:00:39,090 --> 00:00:41,312 question for you is who pulled the fire 20 00:00:41,312 --> 00:00:44,830 alarm ? Ok . 21 00:00:47,599 --> 00:00:50,759 Yeah . Well , I didn't but uh 22 00:00:51,779 --> 00:00:54,001 uh thanks for joining us everybody . Uh 23 00:00:54,001 --> 00:00:56,223 General Brown and I have just come from 24 00:00:56,223 --> 00:00:58,446 the 21st meeting of the Ukraine defense 25 00:00:58,446 --> 00:01:01,200 contact group . We were joined by a 26 00:01:01,209 --> 00:01:04,639 brave team from Ukraine , led by 27 00:01:04,650 --> 00:01:07,199 Minister of Defense Umarov and General 28 00:01:07,230 --> 00:01:10,230 Sarky . As you know , I convene what 29 00:01:10,239 --> 00:01:12,279 would become the Ukraine Defense 30 00:01:12,290 --> 00:01:14,849 contact group for the first time at 31 00:01:14,860 --> 00:01:17,680 Ramstein Airbase exactly two years ago 32 00:01:17,690 --> 00:01:21,400 today . And some of you , we're 33 00:01:21,410 --> 00:01:23,309 there at that meeting 34 00:01:25,309 --> 00:01:27,031 and to underscore the historic 35 00:01:27,031 --> 00:01:29,198 achievements of the contact group over 36 00:01:29,198 --> 00:01:31,198 the past two years , we were joined 37 00:01:31,199 --> 00:01:33,309 this morning virtually by President 38 00:01:33,519 --> 00:01:36,709 Zelensky . Now , at that first Ramstein 39 00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:39,779 meeting , Ukraine's defenders had 40 00:01:39,790 --> 00:01:43,029 beaten back the far larger Russian army 41 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:46,919 for 62 days . Ukraine has now fought 42 00:01:46,930 --> 00:01:49,041 back against the Kremlin's aggression 43 00:01:49,459 --> 00:01:52,440 for 793 days . 44 00:01:53,870 --> 00:01:56,309 That's more than 2.5 times as long as 45 00:01:56,319 --> 00:01:58,430 the battle of Verdun during the first 46 00:01:58,430 --> 00:02:01,169 World War . It's also more than 2.5 47 00:02:01,180 --> 00:02:03,290 times as long as the Soviet Union's 48 00:02:03,300 --> 00:02:06,769 blockade of Berlin during the Cold War . 49 00:02:08,628 --> 00:02:12,229 Ukraine is still in the fight and still 50 00:02:12,240 --> 00:02:15,869 showing incredible skill , courage and 51 00:02:15,880 --> 00:02:19,039 resilience and this coalition 52 00:02:19,940 --> 00:02:23,699 is still standing strong over the past 53 00:02:23,710 --> 00:02:25,654 two years . This contact group has 54 00:02:25,654 --> 00:02:29,619 shown its unity , its impact and 55 00:02:29,630 --> 00:02:32,220 its staying power and we've made 56 00:02:32,229 --> 00:02:35,199 history and we've changed history . 57 00:02:37,399 --> 00:02:39,410 This contact group includes some 50 58 00:02:39,419 --> 00:02:41,641 members of our allies and partners from 59 00:02:41,641 --> 00:02:43,809 all around the planet and we stand 60 00:02:43,820 --> 00:02:45,487 united in marshaling military 61 00:02:45,487 --> 00:02:48,470 assistance for Ukraine . We surged in 62 00:02:48,479 --> 00:02:50,990 critical capabilities again and again 63 00:02:52,309 --> 00:02:54,476 and this contact group has made a huge 64 00:02:54,476 --> 00:02:57,490 difference . Contact group members have 65 00:02:57,500 --> 00:03:00,720 committed more than $95 billion in 66 00:03:00,729 --> 00:03:03,679 security assistance to Ukraine and I'm 67 00:03:03,690 --> 00:03:06,080 very proud of America's leadership and 68 00:03:06,089 --> 00:03:08,669 contributions and I'm glad that 69 00:03:08,679 --> 00:03:10,679 President Biden could sign into law 70 00:03:10,679 --> 00:03:12,790 additional life saving assistance for 71 00:03:12,790 --> 00:03:15,610 Ukraine as well as more funding for 72 00:03:15,619 --> 00:03:18,110 Israel Taiwan and our defense 73 00:03:18,119 --> 00:03:20,880 industrial base and that will let the 74 00:03:20,889 --> 00:03:23,699 United States move out immediately to 75 00:03:23,710 --> 00:03:25,599 send Ukraine critical air defense 76 00:03:25,599 --> 00:03:29,190 capabilities and artillery and armor 77 00:03:29,919 --> 00:03:31,899 and from our military stocks . As 78 00:03:32,149 --> 00:03:34,427 President Biden announced on Wednesday , 79 00:03:36,580 --> 00:03:38,800 I'm also pleased to announce today an 80 00:03:38,809 --> 00:03:41,839 additional commitment of $6 billion 81 00:03:42,350 --> 00:03:44,572 through our Ukraine security assistance 82 00:03:44,572 --> 00:03:46,919 initiative that will allow us to 83 00:03:46,929 --> 00:03:48,985 procure new capabilities for Ukraine 84 00:03:48,985 --> 00:03:52,539 from us industry . This is the largest 85 00:03:52,550 --> 00:03:54,717 security assistance package that we've 86 00:03:54,717 --> 00:03:57,660 committed to date . It will include 87 00:03:57,669 --> 00:03:59,830 critical interceptors for Ukraine's 88 00:03:59,839 --> 00:04:03,339 Patriot and nasa's air defense systems . 89 00:04:04,050 --> 00:04:06,360 More counter drone systems and support 90 00:04:06,369 --> 00:04:09,070 equipment , significant amounts of 91 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:11,830 artillery , ammunition and air to 92 00:04:11,839 --> 00:04:15,610 ground munitions and maintenance and 93 00:04:15,619 --> 00:04:18,869 sustainment support . And so the 94 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:20,970 announcements this week underscore 95 00:04:21,420 --> 00:04:23,630 America's enduring commitment to 96 00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:26,920 Ukraine's defense . I'm also proud of 97 00:04:26,929 --> 00:04:28,985 all the capabilities that our allies 98 00:04:28,985 --> 00:04:31,420 and partners have provided to Ukraine . 99 00:04:33,089 --> 00:04:35,149 Our contact group partners have 100 00:04:35,160 --> 00:04:37,820 contributed most of the counter UAs 101 00:04:37,829 --> 00:04:40,779 systems provided to Ukraine and most of 102 00:04:40,790 --> 00:04:43,309 the 155 millime millimeter artillery 103 00:04:43,320 --> 00:04:47,230 systems , most of the tanks , most of 104 00:04:47,239 --> 00:04:49,829 the armored personnel carriers , most 105 00:04:49,839 --> 00:04:51,950 of the infantry fighting vehicles and 106 00:04:51,950 --> 00:04:55,019 more . And throughout Putin's War of 107 00:04:55,029 --> 00:04:57,251 choice , these these contributions have 108 00:04:57,251 --> 00:05:00,070 been crucial and they save countless 109 00:05:00,079 --> 00:05:03,820 Ukrainian lives . So two years 110 00:05:03,829 --> 00:05:06,859 later , this contract group stands 111 00:05:06,869 --> 00:05:09,929 strong and this coalition 112 00:05:10,859 --> 00:05:14,350 stands together and we will not 113 00:05:14,359 --> 00:05:17,480 falter , we will not flinch 114 00:05:18,839 --> 00:05:22,720 and we will not fail together . 115 00:05:22,730 --> 00:05:24,897 We'll continue to work on two tracks . 116 00:05:25,790 --> 00:05:28,010 Russian Ukraine , the capabilities to 117 00:05:28,019 --> 00:05:30,980 meet its urgent battlefield needs in 118 00:05:30,989 --> 00:05:33,179 helping Ukraine to build the future 119 00:05:33,190 --> 00:05:36,660 force to stave off and deter Russian 120 00:05:36,670 --> 00:05:40,100 aggression over the longer term . On 121 00:05:40,109 --> 00:05:42,899 that first track , we pushed especially 122 00:05:42,910 --> 00:05:46,140 hard today to rush in more air defense 123 00:05:46,149 --> 00:05:49,690 systems and interceptors . And on the 124 00:05:49,700 --> 00:05:52,529 second , this contact group is working 125 00:05:52,540 --> 00:05:54,707 with Ukraine to help it move forward . 126 00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:57,489 He help it move toward a robust , 127 00:05:57,500 --> 00:06:00,420 efficient and self reliant defense 128 00:06:00,429 --> 00:06:03,690 industry . Now , much of this work is 129 00:06:03,700 --> 00:06:06,339 taking place in the contact group's new 130 00:06:06,350 --> 00:06:09,339 capability coalitions . These 131 00:06:09,350 --> 00:06:11,339 coalitions are looking for ways to 132 00:06:11,390 --> 00:06:13,109 further strengthen Ukraine's 133 00:06:13,119 --> 00:06:15,959 capabilities and they're identifying 134 00:06:15,970 --> 00:06:18,190 where and how to boost Ukraine's 135 00:06:18,200 --> 00:06:20,140 capabilities in such areas as air 136 00:06:20,149 --> 00:06:23,320 defense , air power , our 137 00:06:23,510 --> 00:06:27,329 Tory maritime security , armor , 138 00:06:28,119 --> 00:06:31,489 information technology , de mining , 139 00:06:31,549 --> 00:06:35,279 and UAVS . I'm 140 00:06:35,290 --> 00:06:37,401 grateful to all the countries heading 141 00:06:37,401 --> 00:06:39,568 up the eight cap capability coalitions 142 00:06:39,568 --> 00:06:42,059 that are now up and running now when 143 00:06:42,070 --> 00:06:44,470 this contact group first met at 144 00:06:44,480 --> 00:06:48,200 Ramstein , I said that Putin never 145 00:06:48,209 --> 00:06:50,209 imagined that the world would rally 146 00:06:50,209 --> 00:06:53,739 behind Ukraine so swiftly and surely . 147 00:06:55,230 --> 00:06:58,089 And I said that this coalition reflects 148 00:06:58,920 --> 00:07:02,649 a galvanized world . It 149 00:07:02,660 --> 00:07:06,260 still does the nations of goodwill that 150 00:07:06,269 --> 00:07:08,609 gather today , understand what's at 151 00:07:08,619 --> 00:07:11,320 stake for Ukraine , 152 00:07:12,470 --> 00:07:15,730 for Europe , for the United States 153 00:07:16,510 --> 00:07:19,640 and for the world . The outcome in 154 00:07:19,649 --> 00:07:21,390 Ukraine will determine the the 155 00:07:21,399 --> 00:07:24,760 trajectory of our times . If Putin 156 00:07:24,769 --> 00:07:28,010 prevails in Ukraine , the security 157 00:07:28,019 --> 00:07:30,186 consequences would be grave and global 158 00:07:31,209 --> 00:07:33,209 Europe would face a security threat 159 00:07:33,209 --> 00:07:35,376 that it hasn't seen in our lifetimes . 160 00:07:35,890 --> 00:07:39,260 As President Biden has has noted Russia 161 00:07:39,269 --> 00:07:42,420 will not stop in Ukraine if Kremlin 162 00:07:42,429 --> 00:07:45,970 gets its way . If Putin's war of 163 00:07:46,149 --> 00:07:49,459 imperial aggression succeeds , every 164 00:07:49,470 --> 00:07:51,899 tyrant on earth will take note . 165 00:07:53,549 --> 00:07:55,771 So we've got a rare chance to shape the 166 00:07:55,771 --> 00:07:57,771 kind of world that our Children and 167 00:07:57,771 --> 00:08:01,220 grandchildren live in . Putin's war is 168 00:08:01,230 --> 00:08:04,559 a frontal assault on the very idea 169 00:08:05,089 --> 00:08:08,459 of an open world of rules , rights and 170 00:08:08,470 --> 00:08:12,040 responsibilities . And over the long 171 00:08:12,049 --> 00:08:14,799 haul , the cost of standing firm would 172 00:08:14,809 --> 00:08:18,220 be , would be dwarfed by the price of 173 00:08:18,230 --> 00:08:22,049 caving in as we saw again 174 00:08:22,059 --> 00:08:23,670 today . That's clear to this 175 00:08:23,670 --> 00:08:26,369 extraordinary contact group and to our 176 00:08:26,380 --> 00:08:30,170 galvanized world with that , 177 00:08:30,429 --> 00:08:32,540 let me turn , turn it over to General 178 00:08:32,540 --> 00:08:34,809 Brown . Uh Thank you , Mr Secretary . 179 00:08:34,818 --> 00:08:37,619 Uh Good afternoon . Everyone in moments 180 00:08:37,629 --> 00:08:41,179 of challenge , history uh can uh 181 00:08:41,190 --> 00:08:43,210 reflect insights that inform the 182 00:08:43,219 --> 00:08:46,599 present shortly after the Korean War 183 00:08:46,840 --> 00:08:49,062 arms , George Marshall accepted a Nobel 184 00:08:49,062 --> 00:08:51,173 Peace Prize for the Marshall Plan and 185 00:08:51,173 --> 00:08:53,359 said for the moment , the maintenance 186 00:08:53,369 --> 00:08:55,591 of peace in the present hazardous world 187 00:08:55,591 --> 00:08:57,960 situation does depend in a very large 188 00:08:57,969 --> 00:09:01,849 measure on military power together with 189 00:09:01,859 --> 00:09:04,520 allied cohesion . Marshall believed 190 00:09:04,530 --> 00:09:06,641 that military power was necessary but 191 00:09:06,641 --> 00:09:09,690 not sufficient . He continued , I 192 00:09:09,700 --> 00:09:11,922 believe there is however a readiness to 193 00:09:11,922 --> 00:09:14,780 co-operate , which is one of the great 194 00:09:14,789 --> 00:09:17,067 and hopeful factors of the world today . 195 00:09:17,219 --> 00:09:19,163 You must stand together strongly . 196 00:09:20,140 --> 00:09:22,599 These principles , military strength 197 00:09:22,909 --> 00:09:25,419 and international Cooper operation are 198 00:09:25,429 --> 00:09:27,960 more important than ever and serve as a 199 00:09:27,969 --> 00:09:30,191 cornerstone of our commitment to uphold 200 00:09:30,280 --> 00:09:32,159 the sovereign of nations such as 201 00:09:32,169 --> 00:09:35,239 Ukraine , the work of the Ukraine 202 00:09:35,250 --> 00:09:37,417 defense contact group is firmly rooted 203 00:09:37,417 --> 00:09:39,570 in these principles . Once again , I 204 00:09:39,580 --> 00:09:41,802 want to thank Secretary Austin for your 205 00:09:41,802 --> 00:09:43,302 leadership and during this 206 00:09:43,302 --> 00:09:45,302 international coalition , which has 207 00:09:45,302 --> 00:09:47,590 been meeting for two years . Thanks 208 00:09:47,599 --> 00:09:49,821 also to the Defense Minister Umarov and 209 00:09:49,821 --> 00:09:52,929 General CSI who joined us today for uh 210 00:09:52,940 --> 00:09:55,320 their resilient leadership of Ukraine's 211 00:09:55,330 --> 00:09:58,260 armed forces and to all nations 212 00:09:58,270 --> 00:10:01,349 attending uh the U DC G today . Their 213 00:10:01,359 --> 00:10:03,299 efforts remain invaluable to this 214 00:10:03,309 --> 00:10:05,380 coalition's work supporting Ukraine 215 00:10:06,890 --> 00:10:09,001 Russia's war in Ukraine endangers the 216 00:10:09,001 --> 00:10:11,168 sovereignty of nations and the rule of 217 00:10:11,168 --> 00:10:13,390 law remind us that unchecked aggression 218 00:10:13,390 --> 00:10:15,450 against one nation threatens the 219 00:10:15,460 --> 00:10:18,419 sovereignty of all . As Marshall said , 220 00:10:18,809 --> 00:10:21,890 the role of military power in this case , 221 00:10:21,900 --> 00:10:25,349 a strong Ukraine combined with support 222 00:10:25,359 --> 00:10:28,900 from a unified coalition is crucial to 223 00:10:28,909 --> 00:10:30,965 responding to unprovoked hostility . 224 00:10:32,039 --> 00:10:34,039 Russia's ongoing aggression against 225 00:10:34,039 --> 00:10:35,706 Ukraine . Ukraine's fight for 226 00:10:35,706 --> 00:10:37,206 sovereignty is a matter of 227 00:10:37,206 --> 00:10:39,539 international significance . A direct 228 00:10:39,549 --> 00:10:41,760 challenge to global security and that 229 00:10:41,770 --> 00:10:43,548 of NATO and the United States . 230 00:10:44,750 --> 00:10:46,694 Ukrainian forces are facing severe 231 00:10:46,694 --> 00:10:48,806 challenges . Their operational temple 232 00:10:48,806 --> 00:10:51,570 is hindered by not by lack of will but 233 00:10:51,580 --> 00:10:54,969 by dwindling supplies . Ukraine's 234 00:10:54,979 --> 00:10:56,900 soldiers continue uh fortifying 235 00:10:56,909 --> 00:10:59,280 defenses against uh significant odds , 236 00:10:59,780 --> 00:11:02,113 knowing that their armament cannot stop . 237 00:11:02,113 --> 00:11:03,947 A resurgent Russia Russian force 238 00:11:03,950 --> 00:11:06,061 without sustained military support to 239 00:11:06,061 --> 00:11:09,039 Ukraine . Meanwhile , Russia is 240 00:11:09,049 --> 00:11:11,271 aggressively reconstruting its military 241 00:11:11,271 --> 00:11:13,880 force using its numerical advantage to 242 00:11:13,890 --> 00:11:15,668 wear down . Ukraine resolve and 243 00:11:15,668 --> 00:11:19,020 resources in the US military . We often 244 00:11:19,030 --> 00:11:21,197 say hope is not an effective course of 245 00:11:21,197 --> 00:11:24,210 action yet . Ukraine has been left 246 00:11:24,219 --> 00:11:26,386 hoping for urgent replenishment of air 247 00:11:26,386 --> 00:11:29,799 defense , artillery and armor and that 248 00:11:29,809 --> 00:11:31,865 is why we all need to operate with a 249 00:11:31,865 --> 00:11:34,219 sense of urgency . The recently passed 250 00:11:34,229 --> 00:11:36,118 us national security supplemental 251 00:11:36,118 --> 00:11:38,940 provides a vital lifeline of to Ukraine 252 00:11:39,090 --> 00:11:41,423 at a critical junction in this conflict . 253 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:44,456 And two days ago , the United States 254 00:11:44,456 --> 00:11:46,678 announced a very significant $1 billion 255 00:11:46,678 --> 00:11:48,789 security assistance package that will 256 00:11:48,789 --> 00:11:50,678 provide much needed munitions and 257 00:11:50,678 --> 00:11:52,700 support to Ukraine . This package 258 00:11:52,710 --> 00:11:55,799 includes capabilities , weapon systems 259 00:11:55,809 --> 00:11:57,920 and munitions that will help shore up 260 00:11:57,920 --> 00:12:00,031 Ukraine defenses and provide critical 261 00:12:00,031 --> 00:12:02,150 air defense munitions , protecting 262 00:12:02,159 --> 00:12:04,359 Ukrainian forces , critical national 263 00:12:04,369 --> 00:12:06,469 infrastructure and population center 264 00:12:07,140 --> 00:12:09,440 helping to counter Russia's plan about 265 00:12:09,450 --> 00:12:12,869 lasting Ukraine leadership of the E DC 266 00:12:12,880 --> 00:12:15,729 G matters . It's absolutely critical . 267 00:12:16,530 --> 00:12:19,489 It drives action . Leaders don't stand 268 00:12:19,500 --> 00:12:22,450 on , on the sidelines . The support of 269 00:12:22,460 --> 00:12:25,460 Ukraine is not just for Ukraine . Our 270 00:12:25,469 --> 00:12:27,358 efforts to assist Ukraine sets an 271 00:12:27,358 --> 00:12:30,830 example . Should Russia win ? The 272 00:12:30,840 --> 00:12:33,062 repercussions will be felt well outside 273 00:12:33,062 --> 00:12:35,460 Ukraine's borders , risking further 274 00:12:35,469 --> 00:12:38,200 escalation . The fight in Ukraine is 275 00:12:38,210 --> 00:12:40,679 not just a distant battle . It's about 276 00:12:40,690 --> 00:12:42,857 preventing a wider conflict that could 277 00:12:42,857 --> 00:12:44,857 potentially draw others deeper into 278 00:12:44,857 --> 00:12:46,809 prolonged armed engagements . What 279 00:12:46,820 --> 00:12:48,764 happens in one corner of the world 280 00:12:48,764 --> 00:12:51,098 doesn't stay in one corner of the world . 281 00:12:51,729 --> 00:12:54,630 This is what George Marshall knew peace 282 00:12:54,640 --> 00:12:56,529 and security are achieved through 283 00:12:56,529 --> 00:12:58,584 military ven and collective effort . 284 00:12:58,919 --> 00:13:01,349 The efforts of this coalition help 285 00:13:01,359 --> 00:13:03,303 uphold an international order that 286 00:13:03,303 --> 00:13:05,026 benefits the population of all 287 00:13:05,026 --> 00:13:07,192 countries who seek freedom , democracy 288 00:13:07,192 --> 00:13:09,303 and the rule of law . Thank you and I 289 00:13:09,303 --> 00:13:11,470 look forward to your questions . Thank 290 00:13:11,470 --> 00:13:13,415 you . Both , gentlemen . Our first 291 00:13:13,415 --> 00:13:15,470 question will go to associated press 292 00:13:15,470 --> 00:13:17,526 leader . Hi , good afternoon . Thank 293 00:13:17,526 --> 00:13:20,010 you so much . Um Mr Secretary President 294 00:13:20,179 --> 00:13:22,179 Zelinski this morning made it clear 295 00:13:22,179 --> 00:13:24,830 that his country needs patriot systems , 296 00:13:24,840 --> 00:13:27,150 not just the munitions that go with it . 297 00:13:27,539 --> 00:13:30,669 Uh Can you say how much if any progress 298 00:13:30,679 --> 00:13:32,290 you all made today on that ? 299 00:13:32,290 --> 00:13:34,330 Considering a number of allies have 300 00:13:34,340 --> 00:13:37,150 expressed reluctance in sending these 301 00:13:37,159 --> 00:13:39,326 systems that they just don't have very 302 00:13:39,326 --> 00:13:41,739 many of . And Mr Chairman , uh if I 303 00:13:41,750 --> 00:13:43,861 could switch to a different topic for 304 00:13:43,861 --> 00:13:47,710 you o on Gaza , a lot of secu of the 305 00:13:47,719 --> 00:13:49,830 aid agencies are very concerned about 306 00:13:49,830 --> 00:13:51,989 security in and around the port , 307 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:54,056 particularly as things move ahead to 308 00:13:54,056 --> 00:13:56,349 distribution of aid . What assurances 309 00:13:56,359 --> 00:13:58,581 have you gotten from the Israelis about 310 00:13:58,581 --> 00:14:00,890 security at the port , including from 311 00:14:00,900 --> 00:14:04,169 their own troops who have had incidents 312 00:14:04,179 --> 00:14:06,457 and where they have killed aid workers . 313 00:14:06,457 --> 00:14:08,512 Can you just talk a little bit about 314 00:14:08,512 --> 00:14:11,530 that ? Well , thanks Lida . Uh in terms 315 00:14:11,539 --> 00:14:15,489 of patriots and what we'll be 316 00:14:15,500 --> 00:14:17,667 able to do going forward is left to be 317 00:14:17,667 --> 00:14:19,979 seen . But I can tell you that uh we 318 00:14:19,989 --> 00:14:23,359 continue to work on this uh in , in a 319 00:14:23,369 --> 00:14:27,369 very earnest manner . Um , all 320 00:14:27,380 --> 00:14:29,380 of the countries that have patriots 321 00:14:29,380 --> 00:14:31,559 certainly value uh that capability . 322 00:14:33,010 --> 00:14:35,669 But uh but I think uh going forward , 323 00:14:35,679 --> 00:14:37,880 we'll be able to hopefully work with a 324 00:14:37,890 --> 00:14:39,869 number of countries to , to put 325 00:14:39,880 --> 00:14:42,102 together additional patriot cape bill . 326 00:14:42,799 --> 00:14:45,530 You may have noticed that uh in the 327 00:14:45,539 --> 00:14:47,669 last several days , I've been talking 328 00:14:47,679 --> 00:14:51,150 uh one on one with uh some of my 329 00:14:51,159 --> 00:14:53,109 European counterparts actually 330 00:14:53,119 --> 00:14:56,049 discussing this issue and other issues . 331 00:14:56,059 --> 00:14:59,150 But , uh , but again , um , we're gonna 332 00:14:59,159 --> 00:15:01,510 continue to work at this until we , we 333 00:15:01,520 --> 00:15:03,576 have the right kinds of capability . 334 00:15:03,576 --> 00:15:05,687 Now , I , I would point out that it's 335 00:15:05,687 --> 00:15:09,539 not just patriot that , uh that , you 336 00:15:09,549 --> 00:15:11,493 know , they need , they need other 337 00:15:11,493 --> 00:15:13,549 types of systems and interceptors as 338 00:15:13,549 --> 00:15:17,320 well . And so I would caution us 339 00:15:17,330 --> 00:15:19,274 all in terms of making patriot the 340 00:15:19,274 --> 00:15:22,020 silver bullet . Uh I would say that 341 00:15:22,030 --> 00:15:23,752 it's gonna , it's gonna be the 342 00:15:23,752 --> 00:15:25,974 integrated air and missile defense , as 343 00:15:25,974 --> 00:15:27,974 we said , so many times before that 344 00:15:27,974 --> 00:15:30,630 really uh turns a tide . And so there 345 00:15:30,640 --> 00:15:32,751 are other capabilities that they need 346 00:15:32,751 --> 00:15:34,807 that , that we really pushed hard to 347 00:15:34,807 --> 00:15:36,973 get and we may be able to get to uh to 348 00:15:36,973 --> 00:15:39,929 the Ukrainians uh a bit faster , but 349 00:15:39,940 --> 00:15:42,409 this work continues on and , and uh and 350 00:15:43,289 --> 00:15:45,489 you know that uh Jens Stoltenberg 351 00:15:45,500 --> 00:15:47,667 talked to all the Ministers of Defense 352 00:15:47,667 --> 00:15:50,520 on this very same issue a week ago . Um 353 00:15:50,599 --> 00:15:52,710 And in addition to the point to point 354 00:15:52,710 --> 00:15:54,988 work that I'm doing with my colleagues , 355 00:15:54,988 --> 00:15:56,766 uh you know , we'll continue to 356 00:15:56,766 --> 00:15:58,989 emphasize that uh that countries uh are 357 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:01,222 gonna have to , uh we're gonna ask them 358 00:16:01,222 --> 00:16:03,222 to accept a little bit more risk so 359 00:16:03,222 --> 00:16:05,333 that uh we can do what's necessary uh 360 00:16:05,333 --> 00:16:08,650 in uh in Ukraine . I appreciate the 361 00:16:08,659 --> 00:16:10,826 question . One of the areas that we've 362 00:16:10,826 --> 00:16:12,937 been focused on uh as we uh move down 363 00:16:12,937 --> 00:16:14,659 the path of bringing our joint 364 00:16:14,659 --> 00:16:16,659 logistics over the shore and uh and 365 00:16:16,659 --> 00:16:18,826 build the uh port on the uh uh beaches 366 00:16:18,826 --> 00:16:20,770 of Gaza . There is uh not only the 367 00:16:20,770 --> 00:16:22,659 security of the port itself , the 368 00:16:22,659 --> 00:16:24,770 security of our forces , but also the 369 00:16:24,770 --> 00:16:26,770 security of uh the distribution and 370 00:16:26,770 --> 00:16:28,715 also uh the aid workers . And uh a 371 00:16:28,715 --> 00:16:30,881 couple of things that we've done is uh 372 00:16:30,881 --> 00:16:32,826 engaged . Uh not only with the our 373 00:16:32,826 --> 00:16:35,048 Israeli counterparts , but also with uh 374 00:16:35,048 --> 00:16:37,215 some of the aid agencies as well . And 375 00:16:37,215 --> 00:16:39,492 so as I've engaged with my counterpart , 376 00:16:39,492 --> 00:16:41,603 uh we've talked specifically about uh 377 00:16:41,603 --> 00:16:43,826 security for the uh uh the port area as 378 00:16:43,826 --> 00:16:45,937 well as the uh distribution after the 379 00:16:45,937 --> 00:16:48,103 unfortunate incident that killed uh uh 380 00:16:48,103 --> 00:16:50,270 the way they uh workers from the uh uh 381 00:16:50,270 --> 00:16:53,690 world Central Kitchen . Um I've talked 382 00:16:53,700 --> 00:16:56,190 uh to my Israeli counterpart about uh 383 00:16:56,200 --> 00:16:57,978 uh the incident itself , uh the 384 00:16:57,978 --> 00:17:00,200 investigation he did and the corrective 385 00:17:00,200 --> 00:17:02,256 actions they were putting in place . 386 00:17:02,256 --> 00:17:01,830 And that was been part of the 387 00:17:01,840 --> 00:17:03,869 discussion between uh uh as United 388 00:17:03,880 --> 00:17:06,010 States Central Command uh leadership 389 00:17:06,020 --> 00:17:08,131 has been engaging uh with the various 390 00:17:08,131 --> 00:17:10,131 uh agencies that will help with the 391 00:17:10,131 --> 00:17:12,131 distribution to provide them uh the 392 00:17:12,131 --> 00:17:14,187 confidence uh that we've worked with 393 00:17:14,187 --> 00:17:16,242 closely with the Israelis to provide 394 00:17:16,242 --> 00:17:18,131 for their protection as uh and uh 395 00:17:18,131 --> 00:17:20,353 ensure that they have the procedures in 396 00:17:20,353 --> 00:17:22,464 place . So you don't have an incident 397 00:17:22,464 --> 00:17:22,430 that uh very similar to what uh uh 398 00:17:22,439 --> 00:17:24,839 occurred Uh uh Previously , 399 00:17:27,229 --> 00:17:29,819 Mr Secretary , some critics say the US 400 00:17:29,829 --> 00:17:32,300 strategy in Ukraine has been to give 401 00:17:32,310 --> 00:17:34,939 Ukraine enough assistance not to lose 402 00:17:34,949 --> 00:17:37,939 but not enough to win for fear of 403 00:17:37,949 --> 00:17:40,030 provoking Russia because Russia is a 404 00:17:40,040 --> 00:17:41,939 nuclear power . Will there be any 405 00:17:41,949 --> 00:17:44,005 restrictions on the new weapons that 406 00:17:44,005 --> 00:17:46,116 are being sent the attacks and others 407 00:17:46,116 --> 00:17:48,005 where they can be used where they 408 00:17:48,005 --> 00:17:50,227 cannot be used ? And what would you say 409 00:17:50,227 --> 00:17:52,780 to Republicans who voted against aid to 410 00:17:52,790 --> 00:17:55,012 Ukraine , who say that you don't have a 411 00:17:55,012 --> 00:17:58,229 strategy ? What is your strategy ? Um 412 00:17:58,420 --> 00:18:00,420 Thanks Jen . You said from the very 413 00:18:00,420 --> 00:18:02,689 beginning , you heard the president say 414 00:18:02,699 --> 00:18:06,390 that our goal is to see um a 415 00:18:06,400 --> 00:18:10,250 democratic uh independent uh and 416 00:18:10,260 --> 00:18:12,709 sovereign Ukraine that has a capability 417 00:18:12,719 --> 00:18:15,630 to defend itself and deter aggression 418 00:18:15,640 --> 00:18:18,209 uh going forward . And so you see us 419 00:18:18,219 --> 00:18:20,386 working towards that end with not only 420 00:18:20,386 --> 00:18:22,386 the capability that we're providing 421 00:18:22,386 --> 00:18:24,608 Ukraine in the current battle , but the 422 00:18:24,608 --> 00:18:26,552 kinds of things that we're , we're 423 00:18:26,552 --> 00:18:28,608 building , helping Ukraine build for 424 00:18:28,608 --> 00:18:30,497 the future , pointing back to the 425 00:18:30,497 --> 00:18:33,839 capability coalitions . Um So 426 00:18:35,849 --> 00:18:38,630 in terms of what Ukraine needs on a day 427 00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:41,369 to day basis , as you know , I talk to 428 00:18:41,380 --> 00:18:44,680 Minister Umarov every week and we talk 429 00:18:44,689 --> 00:18:46,745 about uh what his requirements are , 430 00:18:46,745 --> 00:18:48,800 what's , what's most needed , what's 431 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:51,219 most critical . Uh And when , you know , 432 00:18:51,229 --> 00:18:53,569 in , in days gone by , when others were 433 00:18:53,579 --> 00:18:55,412 saying we're talking about di uh 434 00:18:55,412 --> 00:18:57,750 different types of uh systems , we were 435 00:18:57,760 --> 00:19:00,270 focused on uh providing Ukraine 436 00:19:00,280 --> 00:19:03,459 adequate air defense capabilities and 437 00:19:03,469 --> 00:19:05,709 we've seen how important that was , uh 438 00:19:05,719 --> 00:19:07,830 over , over time and it will continue 439 00:19:07,830 --> 00:19:10,020 to be important going forward . Uh And 440 00:19:10,030 --> 00:19:12,199 without that focus , without that kind 441 00:19:12,209 --> 00:19:14,439 of capability , Ukraine would be in 442 00:19:14,449 --> 00:19:16,729 much worse shape because of the 443 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:18,871 capability that the , that the , uh , 444 00:19:18,871 --> 00:19:20,704 that , that's resident in the uh 445 00:19:20,704 --> 00:19:24,560 Russian Air Forces . Um So I 446 00:19:24,569 --> 00:19:27,630 would caution anyone in saying that , 447 00:19:27,640 --> 00:19:29,807 you know , in , in , in believing that 448 00:19:29,807 --> 00:19:32,349 one type of system uh is gonna be a 449 00:19:32,359 --> 00:19:34,180 silver bullet , it's gonna be a 450 00:19:34,189 --> 00:19:36,530 combination of a number of systems . 451 00:19:36,699 --> 00:19:39,290 It's gonna uh be dependent upon whether 452 00:19:39,300 --> 00:19:42,459 or not Ukraine can uh effectively 453 00:19:42,469 --> 00:19:44,969 employ uh these systems and sustain 454 00:19:44,979 --> 00:19:47,319 those systems . Uh And whether or not 455 00:19:47,329 --> 00:19:49,890 Ukraine can uh can mobilize the uh 456 00:19:49,900 --> 00:19:52,479 inadequate number of troops uh to 457 00:19:52,489 --> 00:19:55,430 replenish its uh its , its ranks . And 458 00:19:55,439 --> 00:19:57,439 so we continue to work on all those 459 00:19:57,439 --> 00:20:00,520 things uh simultaneously and uh and we , 460 00:20:00,530 --> 00:20:02,863 we really want Ukraine to be successful . 461 00:20:02,863 --> 00:20:04,974 We've invested a lot . This is really 462 00:20:04,974 --> 00:20:07,369 important , not just for Ukraine , but 463 00:20:07,380 --> 00:20:09,491 for the world and for all the reasons 464 00:20:09,491 --> 00:20:11,713 that you heard me talk about in , in my 465 00:20:11,713 --> 00:20:14,800 opener . So , and General Brown can 466 00:20:14,810 --> 00:20:18,170 Ukraine win . Well , you know , the key 467 00:20:18,180 --> 00:20:20,347 part here is to make sure that Ukraine 468 00:20:20,347 --> 00:20:22,124 can defend itself . And uh as a 469 00:20:22,124 --> 00:20:24,236 secretary highlight , and I've talked 470 00:20:24,236 --> 00:20:26,569 about here recently is that uh you know , 471 00:20:26,569 --> 00:20:26,000 unchecked aggression leads to more 472 00:20:26,010 --> 00:20:28,121 aggression . And , and so this is why 473 00:20:28,121 --> 00:20:30,121 it is so important for us to put uh 474 00:20:30,121 --> 00:20:32,121 Ukraine in place that it can defend 475 00:20:32,121 --> 00:20:34,343 itself . And that uh we don't have this 476 00:20:34,343 --> 00:20:36,510 uh broaden um to a much wider conflict 477 00:20:36,510 --> 00:20:38,621 than when I think about how World War 478 00:20:38,621 --> 00:20:40,843 Two started or previous world wars . Um 479 00:20:40,989 --> 00:20:43,100 This is why this is so important that 480 00:20:43,100 --> 00:20:45,267 they , we have Ukraine defense contact 481 00:20:45,267 --> 00:20:47,433 group and , and all the nations around 482 00:20:47,433 --> 00:20:49,600 the world that are focused on ensuring 483 00:20:49,600 --> 00:20:51,711 Ukraine is successful and Ukraine can 484 00:20:51,711 --> 00:20:51,140 be successful if it has the right 485 00:20:51,150 --> 00:20:54,060 amount of security assistance . So we 486 00:20:54,069 --> 00:20:56,013 are all very grateful for Congress 487 00:20:56,013 --> 00:20:59,290 passing uh uh the supplemental . Uh 488 00:20:59,300 --> 00:21:02,520 and uh and , and again , if you think 489 00:21:02,530 --> 00:21:06,270 about what Russia intended to do early 490 00:21:06,280 --> 00:21:08,869 on what its strategic objectives were 491 00:21:09,270 --> 00:21:11,949 and the fact that it failed to achieve 492 00:21:11,959 --> 00:21:14,479 any strategic objectives . Uh And two 493 00:21:14,489 --> 00:21:17,630 years later , 793 days later , Ukraine 494 00:21:17,640 --> 00:21:19,862 is still fighting and still holding its 495 00:21:19,862 --> 00:21:21,918 ground . And that's quite remarkable 496 00:21:21,918 --> 00:21:23,973 and it's holding that ground even in 497 00:21:23,973 --> 00:21:26,790 the face of uh you know , a question as 498 00:21:26,800 --> 00:21:28,578 to whether or not we were gonna 499 00:21:28,578 --> 00:21:30,522 continue to support them that that 500 00:21:30,522 --> 00:21:32,522 question is off the table now . And 501 00:21:32,522 --> 00:21:34,467 that has uh that has reassured the 502 00:21:34,467 --> 00:21:36,522 Ukrainians , but also it's reassured 503 00:21:36,522 --> 00:21:38,467 our allies and partners around the 504 00:21:38,467 --> 00:21:38,119 globe as well . So let's go to 505 00:21:38,130 --> 00:21:41,500 Washington Post , Dan uh Mr Secretary , 506 00:21:41,510 --> 00:21:43,288 thanks for your time today . Uh 507 00:21:43,288 --> 00:21:45,399 National Security Adviser Sullivan uh 508 00:21:45,399 --> 00:21:47,343 raised the concern this week about 509 00:21:47,343 --> 00:21:49,343 there being a catch up period uh in 510 00:21:49,343 --> 00:21:51,510 terms of getting interceptors and some 511 00:21:51,510 --> 00:21:53,732 of this new aid to Ukraine . Uh can you 512 00:21:53,732 --> 00:21:56,010 speak to , I guess the vulnerabilities , 513 00:21:56,010 --> 00:21:58,232 the , the concerns uh that , that we're 514 00:21:58,232 --> 00:22:00,232 in , in this particularly sensitive 515 00:22:00,232 --> 00:22:02,810 time . Uh And then Mr Chairman , um 516 00:22:02,849 --> 00:22:04,627 there's reporting out this week 517 00:22:04,627 --> 00:22:06,849 suggesting that Ukraine has had to pull 518 00:22:06,849 --> 00:22:09,016 the Abrams uh tanks uh that the United 519 00:22:09,016 --> 00:22:11,670 States sent uh in part due to concerns 520 00:22:11,680 --> 00:22:13,969 about the F PV drone threat . Uh Can 521 00:22:13,979 --> 00:22:16,035 you confirm if that's true and , and 522 00:22:16,035 --> 00:22:18,257 put it into uh I guess a larger context 523 00:22:18,257 --> 00:22:20,368 of what it means in the battlefield ? 524 00:22:21,469 --> 00:22:25,170 And thanks for the question . Um I 525 00:22:25,180 --> 00:22:27,359 would say that the commitment that the 526 00:22:27,369 --> 00:22:29,770 United States has made is material . 527 00:22:29,780 --> 00:22:32,959 It's real , it's substantial . Uh And 528 00:22:32,969 --> 00:22:35,310 we're gonna do everything we can to get 529 00:22:35,319 --> 00:22:37,530 uh that security assistance to the 530 00:22:37,540 --> 00:22:40,510 Ukrainians as quickly as possible . You 531 00:22:40,520 --> 00:22:42,520 heard us talk about your uh General 532 00:22:42,520 --> 00:22:45,479 Ryder uh mentioned a couple of days ago 533 00:22:45,489 --> 00:22:47,640 that we had done some things to 534 00:22:47,800 --> 00:22:50,640 preposition uh stocks in uh in Europe 535 00:22:50,819 --> 00:22:52,875 so that we could cut uh buy down the 536 00:22:52,875 --> 00:22:54,930 amount of time that it took to uh to 537 00:22:54,930 --> 00:22:56,986 get certain types of things into the 538 00:22:56,986 --> 00:22:59,152 hands of the Ukrainian . But even with 539 00:22:59,152 --> 00:23:01,375 that , this is not instantaneous , it's 540 00:23:01,375 --> 00:23:03,430 gonna take uh some time to get uh to 541 00:23:03,430 --> 00:23:05,652 get things in the country and then most 542 00:23:05,652 --> 00:23:07,597 importantly , distribute it to the 543 00:23:07,597 --> 00:23:10,380 point of need . Uh But you know , if 544 00:23:10,390 --> 00:23:13,000 you consider the fact that even without 545 00:23:13,010 --> 00:23:15,232 that , the Ukrainians were able to hold 546 00:23:15,232 --> 00:23:17,232 their own for a period of time . Uh 547 00:23:17,232 --> 00:23:19,290 with the , with this capability , we 548 00:23:19,300 --> 00:23:21,467 expect that they'll be able to do uh a 549 00:23:21,467 --> 00:23:24,859 lot better . And uh and as I may have 550 00:23:24,869 --> 00:23:27,089 indicated earlier , uh they are doing 551 00:23:27,099 --> 00:23:29,459 some additional things to mobilize 552 00:23:29,469 --> 00:23:32,099 additional troops uh to , to , to 553 00:23:32,109 --> 00:23:34,930 replenish their , their uh their ranks . 554 00:23:34,939 --> 00:23:37,106 And I think all those things are gonna 555 00:23:37,106 --> 00:23:39,328 come together to uh uh to , to put them 556 00:23:39,328 --> 00:23:41,383 in a much better place , but it , it 557 00:23:41,383 --> 00:23:45,140 will take a little time . Uh as I talk 558 00:23:45,150 --> 00:23:47,039 to Ukrainian leadership , they're 559 00:23:47,039 --> 00:23:49,039 confident that they can continue to 560 00:23:49,039 --> 00:23:51,261 hold their own . And then , uh and then 561 00:23:51,261 --> 00:23:53,369 as they get a bit stronger , they'll 562 00:23:53,380 --> 00:23:56,260 have options available to them . Dan , 563 00:23:56,270 --> 00:23:58,381 I appreciate the question . I'll just 564 00:23:58,381 --> 00:24:00,492 uh I'll defer the Ukraine's on how uh 565 00:24:00,492 --> 00:24:02,492 how they use their amens . Uh But I 566 00:24:02,492 --> 00:24:04,437 will highlight the , the use of uh 567 00:24:04,437 --> 00:24:06,603 first person uh view uh drones by both 568 00:24:06,603 --> 00:24:08,770 sides . Uh and the innovation that has 569 00:24:08,770 --> 00:24:10,937 occurred uh in this conflict with that 570 00:24:10,937 --> 00:24:10,699 capability . And there's something that 571 00:24:10,709 --> 00:24:12,876 I think we can all learn from , uh you 572 00:24:12,876 --> 00:24:15,098 know , how we're able to adapt in uh in 573 00:24:15,098 --> 00:24:17,098 conflict and that the character war 574 00:24:17,098 --> 00:24:19,369 using uh different weapon systems uh 575 00:24:19,380 --> 00:24:21,547 being through innovation . Uh And this 576 00:24:21,547 --> 00:24:23,658 is why as a , as a Air Force Chief of 577 00:24:23,658 --> 00:24:25,769 staff and as a chairman , I have been 578 00:24:25,769 --> 00:24:27,547 very focused about how we bring 579 00:24:27,547 --> 00:24:29,602 innovation and how we move much more 580 00:24:29,602 --> 00:24:31,713 quickly to ensure we can adapt in any 581 00:24:31,713 --> 00:24:33,769 type of battle for environment and , 582 00:24:33,769 --> 00:24:35,880 and you're watching that happen uh in 583 00:24:35,880 --> 00:24:37,880 uh in the battle there in Ukraine , 584 00:24:37,880 --> 00:24:40,047 it's good to Tony Bloomberg . A couple 585 00:24:40,047 --> 00:24:42,269 of questions . One on the uh $6 billion 586 00:24:42,269 --> 00:24:44,436 U SI A commitment . Can you flush that 587 00:24:44,436 --> 00:24:46,269 out a little bit ? What types of 588 00:24:46,269 --> 00:24:48,269 systems are you talking about ? And 589 00:24:48,269 --> 00:24:50,269 we're talking about years now , not 590 00:24:50,269 --> 00:24:52,380 signed contracts going out today . Is 591 00:24:52,380 --> 00:24:52,150 that accurate ? And for the chairman , 592 00:24:52,160 --> 00:24:54,160 a reality check on the package that 593 00:24:54,160 --> 00:24:56,271 went out the other day , what will it 594 00:24:56,271 --> 00:24:58,810 roughly allow Ukraine to do ? Will it 595 00:24:58,819 --> 00:25:01,540 allow them to start a a mini offensive 596 00:25:01,550 --> 00:25:04,420 or is it more to become more in parody 597 00:25:04,430 --> 00:25:06,541 with the Russian sound in terms of 15 598 00:25:06,541 --> 00:25:08,708 fives uh cluster munitions that you're 599 00:25:08,708 --> 00:25:11,859 sending more defense versus offense ? 600 00:25:13,010 --> 00:25:16,270 Thanks Tony in , in terms of uh how 601 00:25:16,280 --> 00:25:18,229 long it will take to deliver the 602 00:25:18,239 --> 00:25:20,461 capability that we're investing in with 603 00:25:20,461 --> 00:25:23,910 usa iphones . It depends , it depends 604 00:25:23,920 --> 00:25:26,930 on the type of system as , as you know , 605 00:25:26,939 --> 00:25:28,995 some of the platforms uh have a much 606 00:25:28,995 --> 00:25:32,170 longer lead time to uh uh to construct 607 00:25:32,310 --> 00:25:34,532 uh and as well as some of the munitions 608 00:25:34,532 --> 00:25:38,160 at uh um So it , it , it depends , 609 00:25:38,540 --> 00:25:40,651 you can rest assured that we're gonna 610 00:25:40,651 --> 00:25:42,762 move as fast as we can to get them to 611 00:25:42,762 --> 00:25:44,596 cape Billy as fast as , as uh as 612 00:25:44,596 --> 00:25:46,818 industry can produce . But we will move 613 00:25:46,818 --> 00:25:48,762 at the speed of industry and we're 614 00:25:48,762 --> 00:25:50,873 investing in industry as well so that 615 00:25:50,873 --> 00:25:52,929 they can expand their capacity and , 616 00:25:52,929 --> 00:25:54,818 and some of what's in that , that 617 00:25:54,818 --> 00:25:57,000 supplemental allows us to uh uh to do 618 00:25:57,010 --> 00:25:59,890 that . Um , the types of things that uh , 619 00:26:00,250 --> 00:26:02,306 that we're investing in are the same 620 00:26:02,306 --> 00:26:04,472 types of things that you heard us talk 621 00:26:04,472 --> 00:26:06,528 about earlier . You know , they need 622 00:26:06,528 --> 00:26:08,750 air defense interceptors , they need uh 623 00:26:08,750 --> 00:26:10,917 artillery systems and munitions . Uh , 624 00:26:10,917 --> 00:26:12,917 they need , uh , you know , armored 625 00:26:12,917 --> 00:26:15,139 vehicles , they need , they , they need 626 00:26:15,139 --> 00:26:17,361 maintenance and sustainment . So all of 627 00:26:17,361 --> 00:26:19,472 those kinds of things are in , are in 628 00:26:19,472 --> 00:26:21,869 included in that USA I package 629 00:26:23,319 --> 00:26:25,170 and Tony , um you know what this 630 00:26:25,180 --> 00:26:27,459 package allows , the uh uh gives the 631 00:26:27,469 --> 00:26:29,636 Ukraine is a bit more uh flexibility , 632 00:26:29,636 --> 00:26:32,069 as you might imagine . Uh not knowing 633 00:26:32,079 --> 00:26:34,246 when this uh supplement , we very much 634 00:26:34,246 --> 00:26:36,301 appreciate that the supplemental was 635 00:26:36,301 --> 00:26:38,468 approved . Um They've , they've had to 636 00:26:38,468 --> 00:26:40,357 actually uh ration conserve uh uh 637 00:26:40,357 --> 00:26:42,523 munitions over time . And so with this 638 00:26:42,523 --> 00:26:44,412 package and the follow on package 639 00:26:44,412 --> 00:26:44,290 because of the supplemental , uh gives 640 00:26:44,300 --> 00:26:46,467 them a bit more flexibility to be able 641 00:26:46,467 --> 00:26:48,411 to operate and use that capability 642 00:26:48,411 --> 00:26:50,300 effectively uh against the uh the 643 00:26:50,300 --> 00:26:52,411 Russian threat . Let's go to VO A and 644 00:26:52,411 --> 00:26:54,449 then I'll monitor . Thank you , Mr 645 00:26:54,459 --> 00:26:56,890 Secretary . Uh What made you change 646 00:26:56,900 --> 00:26:58,789 your mind on providing long range 647 00:26:58,789 --> 00:27:01,260 attacks ? Uh will they be included in 648 00:27:01,270 --> 00:27:03,048 the $1 billion package that was 649 00:27:03,048 --> 00:27:05,270 announced earlier this week ? And since 650 00:27:05,270 --> 00:27:07,603 you talked about um this will take time , 651 00:27:07,603 --> 00:27:09,770 has any of the aid from the $1 billion 652 00:27:09,770 --> 00:27:11,770 package actually reached Ukraine at 653 00:27:11,770 --> 00:27:14,140 this point . And then Mr Chairman , 654 00:27:14,410 --> 00:27:16,632 analysts are cautioning us that it will 655 00:27:16,632 --> 00:27:18,890 take a lot of time before we'll see the 656 00:27:18,900 --> 00:27:21,219 effects of this current aid on the 657 00:27:21,229 --> 00:27:24,579 battlefield . When do you think that 658 00:27:24,589 --> 00:27:27,000 Ukrainians will have the opportunity to 659 00:27:27,010 --> 00:27:30,530 again have the upper hand in terms of 660 00:27:30,540 --> 00:27:32,818 the provision of attacks ? As you know , 661 00:27:32,818 --> 00:27:35,229 we have provided the Ukrainians attacks 662 00:27:35,920 --> 00:27:39,920 before uh they come in various uh types 663 00:27:39,930 --> 00:27:42,969 with uh different ranges . Uh And of 664 00:27:42,979 --> 00:27:46,709 course , there are mixtures of uh of uh 665 00:27:46,900 --> 00:27:49,670 munitions here uh going forward and I I 666 00:27:49,680 --> 00:27:52,069 won't get specific in terms of what we 667 00:27:52,079 --> 00:27:55,619 provided and uh and whether or not uh 668 00:27:55,630 --> 00:27:57,741 and when the Ukrainians will actually 669 00:27:57,741 --> 00:27:59,908 put the , put those munitions to use . 670 00:27:59,908 --> 00:28:01,852 But the key point is they have the 671 00:28:01,852 --> 00:28:04,150 capability . Now those that capability 672 00:28:04,170 --> 00:28:07,030 uh alone is not a silver bullet . Uh 673 00:28:07,430 --> 00:28:09,652 It's the integration of that capability 674 00:28:09,652 --> 00:28:11,652 with the other kinds of things like 675 00:28:11,652 --> 00:28:13,709 storm shadow and , and other things 676 00:28:13,719 --> 00:28:15,941 that other countries are providing that 677 00:28:15,941 --> 00:28:18,108 really then gives them a capability to 678 00:28:18,108 --> 00:28:21,130 conduct a long range fires campaign . 679 00:28:21,469 --> 00:28:23,849 Uh And so I , I think that's what , 680 00:28:23,859 --> 00:28:27,380 what's most important . Um But in terms 681 00:28:27,390 --> 00:28:30,890 of specifics of , you know , how 682 00:28:30,900 --> 00:28:34,520 many and where I'll let the Ukrainians 683 00:28:34,530 --> 00:28:38,390 speak to that officials had 684 00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:40,511 expressed before concerns that Russia 685 00:28:40,511 --> 00:28:42,678 that Ukraine may try to fire Attackers 686 00:28:42,678 --> 00:28:44,567 into Russia or that there weren't 687 00:28:44,567 --> 00:28:46,900 enough in us stockpiles . Did either of 688 00:28:46,910 --> 00:28:49,520 those affect your decision to provide 689 00:28:49,530 --> 00:28:51,780 the long range attacks . Well , first 690 00:28:51,790 --> 00:28:55,790 of all , as you know , my , I always 691 00:28:55,800 --> 00:28:58,290 have a concern about the United States 692 00:28:58,300 --> 00:29:01,229 having the uh the capability to defend 693 00:29:01,239 --> 00:29:04,369 itself and to also uh support our uh 694 00:29:04,380 --> 00:29:07,569 operational plans . Uh And I can tell 695 00:29:07,579 --> 00:29:09,690 you that we , we are comfortable that 696 00:29:09,690 --> 00:29:11,746 we are in a , in a good place and we 697 00:29:11,746 --> 00:29:13,939 will remain in a good place . Um You 698 00:29:13,949 --> 00:29:16,459 know , in , in two years time things 699 00:29:16,469 --> 00:29:18,247 change , you know , more , more 700 00:29:18,247 --> 00:29:20,469 munitions are created . Uh uh And , and 701 00:29:20,469 --> 00:29:23,170 that sort of business . So , um we , we 702 00:29:23,180 --> 00:29:25,236 are in a good place , we remain in a 703 00:29:25,236 --> 00:29:27,069 good place and , and I think the 704 00:29:27,069 --> 00:29:29,236 capability that , that uh Ukraine will 705 00:29:29,236 --> 00:29:31,520 have uh is a , is a good capability . 706 00:29:31,930 --> 00:29:33,229 Um So 707 00:29:36,500 --> 00:29:39,630 it , it , it's , it's up to them on how 708 00:29:39,640 --> 00:29:42,359 and when to use it and , and our hopes 709 00:29:42,369 --> 00:29:44,536 are that uh they'll create some pretty 710 00:29:44,536 --> 00:29:46,758 good effects with , with that and other 711 00:29:46,758 --> 00:29:49,091 things to , to your question , you know , 712 00:29:49,091 --> 00:29:51,258 II I don't , can't initially predict a 713 00:29:51,258 --> 00:29:54,069 timeline of where uh uh for the future 714 00:29:54,079 --> 00:29:56,246 of uh where the Ukraine's will have an 715 00:29:56,246 --> 00:29:58,135 upper hand , but we can shape the 716 00:29:58,135 --> 00:30:00,246 future . And that's exactly what this 717 00:30:00,246 --> 00:29:59,979 supplement has been able to do is to 718 00:29:59,989 --> 00:30:02,211 help shape the future . And I think you 719 00:30:02,211 --> 00:30:04,211 asked about the , uh how long we'll 720 00:30:04,211 --> 00:30:06,433 have effect . I think there's some near 721 00:30:06,433 --> 00:30:08,267 term effect because now , uh the 722 00:30:08,267 --> 00:30:07,900 Ukraine don't necessarily have to 723 00:30:07,910 --> 00:30:10,132 ration what they have because they know 724 00:30:10,180 --> 00:30:12,520 uh things are coming out of this uh 725 00:30:12,530 --> 00:30:14,641 this package and there will be follow 726 00:30:14,641 --> 00:30:16,974 on packages because of the supplemental , 727 00:30:16,974 --> 00:30:19,141 which it gives again , gives them more 728 00:30:19,141 --> 00:30:21,252 flexibility and options to be able to 729 00:30:21,252 --> 00:30:21,040 execute . The one thing I want to 730 00:30:21,050 --> 00:30:23,106 highlight to you even uh during this 731 00:30:23,106 --> 00:30:25,589 time frame , uh the the Russians have 732 00:30:25,599 --> 00:30:27,766 uh you know , had incremental gains at 733 00:30:27,766 --> 00:30:29,932 tremendous cost , tremendous costs and 734 00:30:29,932 --> 00:30:32,155 loss of personnel , uh loss of uh of uh 735 00:30:32,155 --> 00:30:34,329 combat capability . And , and so , uh 736 00:30:34,339 --> 00:30:36,439 uh I do see the Ukrainians with this 737 00:30:36,449 --> 00:30:38,616 additional support , not only from our 738 00:30:38,616 --> 00:30:40,449 supplemental , but as uh as I've 739 00:30:40,449 --> 00:30:42,449 engaged with , the matter of fact , 740 00:30:42,449 --> 00:30:42,050 engaged with a number of my 741 00:30:42,060 --> 00:30:44,060 counterparts this morning , um they 742 00:30:44,060 --> 00:30:45,727 highlighted how important our 743 00:30:45,727 --> 00:30:47,810 supplemental was to actually help um 744 00:30:47,819 --> 00:30:49,875 lead . And as I said , in my opening 745 00:30:49,875 --> 00:30:51,930 remarks , leaders don't stand on the 746 00:30:51,930 --> 00:30:54,097 sidelines and the fact that we step up 747 00:30:54,097 --> 00:30:56,263 and provide this supplemental helps to 748 00:30:56,263 --> 00:30:55,969 energize . And we saw some of that 749 00:30:55,979 --> 00:30:57,535 today as we engage with the 750 00:30:57,535 --> 00:30:59,757 counterparts in the U DC G . And so the 751 00:30:59,757 --> 00:31:02,209 Russians have increased their uh 752 00:31:02,890 --> 00:31:06,270 production of uh of artillery 753 00:31:06,280 --> 00:31:09,569 munitions and , and other things . Um 754 00:31:09,579 --> 00:31:11,660 But they're also being propped up by 755 00:31:11,670 --> 00:31:14,890 the likes of North Korea and Iran . Uh 756 00:31:14,900 --> 00:31:18,439 and they had to go that direction 757 00:31:18,449 --> 00:31:20,569 because of the , the damage to the 758 00:31:20,579 --> 00:31:22,746 chairman's point , the damage that the 759 00:31:22,746 --> 00:31:24,912 Ukrainians had inflicted on , on uh on 760 00:31:24,912 --> 00:31:27,589 the land forces there . So , um I , I 761 00:31:27,599 --> 00:31:29,877 think you know , with the capabilities , 762 00:31:29,877 --> 00:31:32,155 uh the resources that will be provided , 763 00:31:32,155 --> 00:31:34,619 uh hopefully , Ukraine will have the 764 00:31:34,630 --> 00:31:37,739 ability to uh not only hold its own but 765 00:31:37,750 --> 00:31:41,339 uh but uh regenerate uh additional 766 00:31:41,349 --> 00:31:43,489 capability and then uh create options 767 00:31:43,500 --> 00:31:45,722 for itself going forward . We have time 768 00:31:45,722 --> 00:31:47,611 for just a few more . We'll go to 769 00:31:47,611 --> 00:31:49,719 monitor and then CNN . Thank you 770 00:31:49,729 --> 00:31:51,840 gentlemen . Um Two questions . One on 771 00:31:51,840 --> 00:31:54,560 Iran's April 14th attack against Israel . 772 00:31:54,739 --> 00:31:56,739 Um I'm wondering if you could share 773 00:31:56,739 --> 00:31:58,406 some takeaways , what has the 774 00:31:58,406 --> 00:32:00,572 department learned operationally ? And 775 00:32:00,572 --> 00:31:59,530 what does this attack say about 776 00:31:59,540 --> 00:32:01,651 Israel's qualitative military edge uh 777 00:32:01,651 --> 00:32:04,760 in relation to Iran's capabilities . Um 778 00:32:04,770 --> 00:32:07,670 Secondly , on the Gaza Humanitarian 779 00:32:07,680 --> 00:32:10,030 Peer operation , how confident are you 780 00:32:10,040 --> 00:32:12,151 in this integrated security plan with 781 00:32:12,151 --> 00:32:14,318 the Israeli military ? And do you have 782 00:32:14,318 --> 00:32:16,373 any concerns that close proximity of 783 00:32:16,373 --> 00:32:18,540 the ID f to onshore logistics may draw 784 00:32:18,540 --> 00:32:20,484 Hamas fire and potentially put aid 785 00:32:20,484 --> 00:32:23,880 workers at risk ? Thanks . Um 786 00:32:24,859 --> 00:32:27,400 I , I'll take the first question and um 787 00:32:27,579 --> 00:32:29,746 give the chairman a chance to swing at 788 00:32:29,746 --> 00:32:31,912 the second question unless if , if you 789 00:32:31,912 --> 00:32:34,079 don't want to chairman , I'll take the 790 00:32:34,079 --> 00:32:36,301 second one as well , but , but he wants 791 00:32:36,301 --> 00:32:40,069 to , I can tell . Uh huh . Um what have 792 00:32:40,079 --> 00:32:42,079 we learned ? Well , a lot of things 793 00:32:42,079 --> 00:32:45,410 have , have been learned . Um I 794 00:32:45,420 --> 00:32:48,890 think uh the Israelis were uh 795 00:32:48,900 --> 00:32:51,439 fairly confident going into this , that 796 00:32:51,449 --> 00:32:54,880 they had the uh the means uh and the 797 00:32:54,890 --> 00:32:58,300 technology to defend themselves . And I 798 00:32:58,310 --> 00:33:01,439 think what we saw kind of proved that 799 00:33:02,390 --> 00:33:04,819 and there were in excess of 100 800 00:33:04,829 --> 00:33:06,859 ballistic missiles fired at uh at 801 00:33:06,869 --> 00:33:09,619 Israel . Uh Only a couple got through , 802 00:33:10,390 --> 00:33:13,609 um , what we saw was a significant 803 00:33:13,619 --> 00:33:17,609 display of uh combined 804 00:33:17,619 --> 00:33:21,420 uh um co-operation uh between uh 805 00:33:21,430 --> 00:33:24,500 between partners and allies uh to uh to 806 00:33:24,510 --> 00:33:27,260 work together uh to make that a bit 807 00:33:27,270 --> 00:33:30,310 easier to make uh it , uh it , it a bit 808 00:33:30,319 --> 00:33:32,375 easier for Israel to defend itself . 809 00:33:32,375 --> 00:33:34,780 And all of that came together about , 810 00:33:34,790 --> 00:33:37,140 like we thought it would because of the 811 00:33:37,150 --> 00:33:40,579 fact that we , uh we trained together , 812 00:33:40,589 --> 00:33:43,060 we , we rehearsed on various things 813 00:33:43,069 --> 00:33:45,290 together with , uh with , with allies 814 00:33:45,300 --> 00:33:47,469 and partners . And , uh , and I think 815 00:33:47,479 --> 00:33:51,209 what you saw was a result of that . Now , 816 00:33:51,219 --> 00:33:53,119 what the Iranians learn , I'm not 817 00:33:53,130 --> 00:33:55,297 really sure but what they should learn 818 00:33:55,297 --> 00:33:59,250 is that , um , first of 819 00:33:59,260 --> 00:34:01,949 all there , their systems don't work as 820 00:34:01,959 --> 00:34:04,959 advertised that they employed a lot of 821 00:34:04,969 --> 00:34:08,149 uh , a lot of munitions , uh with the , 822 00:34:08,159 --> 00:34:10,120 uh , with the intent on creating 823 00:34:10,129 --> 00:34:13,620 significant damage uh in Israel and 824 00:34:13,629 --> 00:34:16,050 none of that worked . Uh So that should 825 00:34:16,060 --> 00:34:18,116 give them pause and they should be , 826 00:34:18,116 --> 00:34:20,338 they should be questioning the , uh the 827 00:34:20,338 --> 00:34:22,870 effectiveness of their weapon systems 828 00:34:22,879 --> 00:34:25,101 and their planning . And , uh , and I'm 829 00:34:25,101 --> 00:34:27,323 sure that some of that's probably going 830 00:34:27,323 --> 00:34:29,435 on right now . If it's not , if not , 831 00:34:29,435 --> 00:34:31,546 it should be . So , uh hopefully they 832 00:34:31,546 --> 00:34:33,768 don't walk away from this overconfident 833 00:34:33,870 --> 00:34:36,379 that they can do this , uh at will 834 00:34:36,389 --> 00:34:38,056 because I think uh Israel has 835 00:34:38,056 --> 00:34:40,959 demonstrated that it has a significant 836 00:34:40,969 --> 00:34:44,840 ability to defend itself . Mr 837 00:34:44,850 --> 00:34:47,017 Secretary . I appreciate you deferring 838 00:34:47,017 --> 00:34:49,017 the second question to me , but any 839 00:34:49,017 --> 00:34:51,128 time I can help you , but the uh even 840 00:34:51,128 --> 00:34:53,128 for the first question , um I would 841 00:34:53,128 --> 00:34:52,639 just uh before I get to the second 842 00:34:52,649 --> 00:34:55,290 question , um I , I am very confident 843 00:34:55,300 --> 00:34:57,449 and proud of our joint force and what 844 00:34:57,459 --> 00:34:59,515 they were able to do with our allies 845 00:34:59,515 --> 00:35:01,737 and partners to uh and uh to be able to 846 00:35:01,737 --> 00:35:03,681 do what they did on that night and 847 00:35:03,681 --> 00:35:05,570 thinking about one of the fighter 848 00:35:05,570 --> 00:35:07,626 squadrons showed up like a day prior 849 00:35:07,626 --> 00:35:09,848 and , and they were right in the middle 850 00:35:09,848 --> 00:35:12,070 of the fight and that says something to 851 00:35:12,070 --> 00:35:14,292 our level of training , um uh our level 852 00:35:14,292 --> 00:35:16,459 of capability . Uh and then be able to 853 00:35:16,459 --> 00:35:18,681 do that uh as part of a uh a joint team 854 00:35:18,681 --> 00:35:18,659 like that in a , in a coalition and 855 00:35:18,669 --> 00:35:20,560 having done integrated arm muscle 856 00:35:20,570 --> 00:35:23,600 defense , uh you know , pretty much 857 00:35:23,610 --> 00:35:25,721 involved in it as a one star , having 858 00:35:25,721 --> 00:35:27,721 been the air component commander uh 859 00:35:27,721 --> 00:35:29,777 there , I , I kind of know what they 860 00:35:29,777 --> 00:35:29,659 went through and , uh again , I 861 00:35:29,669 --> 00:35:31,780 couldn't be proud of them on , on the 862 00:35:31,780 --> 00:35:33,969 second question on uh uh uh with the 863 00:35:33,979 --> 00:35:36,035 Israelis and their support for uh uh 864 00:35:36,035 --> 00:35:38,350 the pier . Uh you know , we're taking 865 00:35:38,360 --> 00:35:41,070 our force protection uh for the pier uh 866 00:35:41,090 --> 00:35:43,312 itself , but also the distribution area 867 00:35:43,312 --> 00:35:45,368 very uh uh very seriously . And what 868 00:35:45,368 --> 00:35:47,479 the Israelis are doing are building a 869 00:35:47,479 --> 00:35:49,646 uh basically a buffer zone or a bubble 870 00:35:49,646 --> 00:35:51,757 out around uh the uh distribution and 871 00:35:51,757 --> 00:35:53,923 appear to keep the threat away from uh 872 00:35:53,923 --> 00:35:55,923 uh from our forces and to allow not 873 00:35:55,923 --> 00:35:58,090 just from our forces but also from the 874 00:35:58,090 --> 00:36:00,312 distribution of the aid . Because you , 875 00:36:00,312 --> 00:36:02,646 you know , you might imagine we'll have , 876 00:36:02,646 --> 00:36:01,665 uh , you know , contract trucks and , 877 00:36:01,675 --> 00:36:04,794 and the like and the uh uh aid agencies 878 00:36:04,804 --> 00:36:06,804 that needed to be protected as well 879 00:36:06,824 --> 00:36:09,046 because if it's not protected , then it 880 00:36:09,046 --> 00:36:11,102 interrupts the distribution of uh of 881 00:36:11,102 --> 00:36:13,157 aid that's so important to uh uh the 882 00:36:13,157 --> 00:36:16,229 citizens of Gaza . I , I am 883 00:36:16,810 --> 00:36:18,754 final question . We'll go to CNN . 884 00:36:18,754 --> 00:36:20,866 Thank you . I have one on Ukraine and 885 00:36:20,866 --> 00:36:23,520 one on Africa . Um So Russia's war 886 00:36:23,530 --> 00:36:26,409 machine is in full gear as Chairman 887 00:36:26,419 --> 00:36:28,197 Brown said , it is aggressively 888 00:36:28,197 --> 00:36:30,086 reconstituting its military . And 889 00:36:30,086 --> 00:36:32,308 general Koli European command said that 890 00:36:32,308 --> 00:36:34,308 Russia has quote grown back to what 891 00:36:34,308 --> 00:36:36,419 they were before they invaded in 2022 892 00:36:36,429 --> 00:36:38,596 and they're quickly replenishing their 893 00:36:38,596 --> 00:36:40,762 ground forces as well . So my question 894 00:36:40,762 --> 00:36:42,889 is why has Russia been able uh to 895 00:36:42,899 --> 00:36:46,300 reconstitute so effectively and are the 896 00:36:46,310 --> 00:36:48,421 US and its allies going to be able to 897 00:36:48,421 --> 00:36:51,270 keep up and surpass Russia's defense 898 00:36:51,280 --> 00:36:53,280 industrial capacity so that Ukraine 899 00:36:53,280 --> 00:36:55,391 doesn't fall behind and then I have a 900 00:36:55,391 --> 00:36:57,810 second on Africa for the German . Yeah . 901 00:36:57,820 --> 00:37:01,110 So , um great question . Yeah , I think 902 00:37:01,120 --> 00:37:03,810 you may , I touched upon this a bit 903 00:37:03,820 --> 00:37:06,790 earlier when I said that uh Russia has 904 00:37:06,800 --> 00:37:09,419 ramped up its production , uh you know , 905 00:37:09,429 --> 00:37:13,120 all of their um , defense 906 00:37:13,129 --> 00:37:16,110 industry really answers directly to the 907 00:37:16,120 --> 00:37:18,610 state . So it's a bit , it's easier for 908 00:37:18,620 --> 00:37:21,280 them to do that a bit quicker . Um , 909 00:37:22,979 --> 00:37:24,979 but the reason that they're , where 910 00:37:24,979 --> 00:37:27,120 they are right now is because they've 911 00:37:27,129 --> 00:37:30,350 relied on the likes of uh North Korea 912 00:37:30,820 --> 00:37:34,530 and Iran to prop them up . And without 913 00:37:34,540 --> 00:37:36,610 that , they'd be in a much worse 914 00:37:36,620 --> 00:37:39,750 position . And with that , even with 915 00:37:39,760 --> 00:37:42,580 that , uh , you ask whether or not , uh , 916 00:37:42,860 --> 00:37:45,270 you know , we're gonna be able to uh 917 00:37:46,110 --> 00:37:48,310 increase production in a way that uh 918 00:37:48,320 --> 00:37:50,449 not only , not only enables Ukraine , 919 00:37:50,459 --> 00:37:53,129 but , but also allows us to replenish 920 00:37:53,139 --> 00:37:55,709 our , our uh our inventories across the 921 00:37:55,719 --> 00:37:57,886 board . And my answer is yes , we have 922 00:37:57,886 --> 00:38:00,699 been focused on uh on expanding the 923 00:38:00,709 --> 00:38:02,979 capacity of the industrial base for for 924 00:38:02,989 --> 00:38:05,322 some time . What's in that supplemental , 925 00:38:05,330 --> 00:38:07,441 as I said earlier , there's , there's 926 00:38:07,441 --> 00:38:09,274 there mon their money is in that 927 00:38:09,274 --> 00:38:11,552 supplemental that enable us to do that . 928 00:38:11,552 --> 00:38:13,719 Uh And uh in our industrial base uh is 929 00:38:13,719 --> 00:38:15,719 I have engaged the , the leaders of 930 00:38:15,719 --> 00:38:17,770 many of the companies . Uh they are 931 00:38:17,780 --> 00:38:20,179 digging in and moving out and uh and , 932 00:38:20,590 --> 00:38:22,889 and looking for ways to uh to shorten 933 00:38:22,899 --> 00:38:25,050 production times and , and expand 934 00:38:25,060 --> 00:38:27,580 capacity . Unfortunately , none of that 935 00:38:27,590 --> 00:38:29,757 is instantaneous . But when the United 936 00:38:29,757 --> 00:38:31,868 States is faced with a challenge , we 937 00:38:31,868 --> 00:38:33,979 will rise to meet that challenge . We 938 00:38:33,979 --> 00:38:36,070 always have and we always will and , 939 00:38:36,080 --> 00:38:38,189 and Chairman Brown , um the US is 940 00:38:38,199 --> 00:38:40,421 preparing to fully withdraw troops from 941 00:38:40,449 --> 00:38:42,227 and special operations . Forces 942 00:38:42,227 --> 00:38:44,393 according to reports will be withdrawn 943 00:38:44,393 --> 00:38:46,719 from Chad as well . So how will these 944 00:38:46,729 --> 00:38:48,173 withdrawals affect the US 945 00:38:48,173 --> 00:38:50,396 counterterrorism operations there ? And 946 00:38:50,396 --> 00:38:52,639 more broadly is the US losing to China 947 00:38:52,649 --> 00:38:54,705 and Russia on the continent ? Well , 948 00:38:54,705 --> 00:38:56,871 one of the areas that we uh we , we're 949 00:38:56,871 --> 00:38:59,038 focused on is to continue our , our ct 950 00:38:59,038 --> 00:39:01,149 operations and continue our influence 951 00:39:01,149 --> 00:39:03,149 and uh and work with uh many of the 952 00:39:03,149 --> 00:39:02,649 African nations that are on the 953 00:39:02,659 --> 00:39:05,350 continent . And so as we uh are working 954 00:39:05,360 --> 00:39:07,582 through , uh and adjusting , uh this is 955 00:39:07,582 --> 00:39:09,638 a conversation I've had with uh with 956 00:39:09,638 --> 00:39:11,582 General Langley on uh how we could 957 00:39:11,582 --> 00:39:13,304 still continue to do our , our 958 00:39:13,304 --> 00:39:15,471 counterterrorism at the same time . Uh 959 00:39:15,471 --> 00:39:17,471 and to our , our influence and work 960 00:39:17,471 --> 00:39:19,582 with the uh uh various nations within 961 00:39:19,582 --> 00:39:21,693 the region . Um And so it's important 962 00:39:21,693 --> 00:39:23,804 that we , we , we stay engaged and uh 963 00:39:23,804 --> 00:39:25,971 that's what we're doing . And as we uh 964 00:39:25,971 --> 00:39:25,860 as we have to shift as we uh work with 965 00:39:25,870 --> 00:39:27,759 the various countries , uh as the 966 00:39:27,759 --> 00:39:29,870 secretary has told me several times , 967 00:39:29,870 --> 00:39:31,759 we gotta have willing partners in 968 00:39:31,759 --> 00:39:33,981 certain areas uh to make sure uh we are 969 00:39:33,981 --> 00:39:35,981 able to be able to execute . And uh 970 00:39:35,981 --> 00:39:37,981 that's something that uh you know , 971 00:39:37,981 --> 00:39:39,981 Africom is uh working through as we 972 00:39:39,981 --> 00:39:41,981 adjust . And we uh and we've proven 973 00:39:41,981 --> 00:39:44,092 that we can do counterterrorism any , 974 00:39:44,092 --> 00:39:46,314 any place in the world . Um We have the 975 00:39:46,314 --> 00:39:48,203 capability to strike and hold any 976 00:39:48,203 --> 00:39:50,370 target at risk anywhere in the world . 977 00:39:50,370 --> 00:39:52,537 And again , I'm , that's why I'm , I'm 978 00:39:52,537 --> 00:39:52,260 so proud of our military and our 979 00:39:52,270 --> 00:39:54,326 capability . Uh Do we have to adjust 980 00:39:54,326 --> 00:39:56,381 sometimes based on uh you know , the 981 00:39:56,381 --> 00:39:58,326 dynamics ? Yes , we do . Uh but uh 982 00:39:58,326 --> 00:40:00,381 that's the capability we have of our 983 00:40:00,381 --> 00:40:03,340 force to be able to uh , to adjust , uh 984 00:40:03,350 --> 00:40:05,580 losing it to China and Russia . Well , 985 00:40:05,590 --> 00:40:07,701 I mean , one of the , this is part of 986 00:40:07,701 --> 00:40:10,034 the conversation we've had . It's about , 987 00:40:10,034 --> 00:40:12,090 it's ct , at the same time our , our 988 00:40:12,090 --> 00:40:13,923 influence uh as we work with the 989 00:40:13,923 --> 00:40:15,979 various nations . And uh I , I think 990 00:40:15,979 --> 00:40:18,090 one of the things that I find is I've 991 00:40:18,090 --> 00:40:17,659 engaged not just in Africa , but around 992 00:40:17,669 --> 00:40:19,889 the world , how much us leadership is 993 00:40:19,899 --> 00:40:22,600 valued . And uh um you know , and , you 994 00:40:22,610 --> 00:40:24,666 know , some of our , our adversaries 995 00:40:24,666 --> 00:40:27,850 can uh uh will do things uh financially 996 00:40:27,969 --> 00:40:29,691 but do not have that long term 997 00:40:29,691 --> 00:40:31,899 relationship um with shared values , 998 00:40:31,909 --> 00:40:34,250 shared objectives uh that we have with 999 00:40:34,260 --> 00:40:36,482 many of our partners around the world . 1000 00:40:36,482 --> 00:40:39,070 It's a big continent . And uh and there 1001 00:40:39,080 --> 00:40:41,620 are many countries on the continent 1002 00:40:42,139 --> 00:40:43,840 that uh that really do to the 1003 00:40:43,850 --> 00:40:45,669 chairman's point value their 1004 00:40:45,679 --> 00:40:47,901 relationship with the United States . I 1005 00:40:47,901 --> 00:40:50,550 was just in Africa in the fall and uh I 1006 00:40:50,560 --> 00:40:54,429 was struck by uh how true that was 1007 00:40:54,439 --> 00:40:56,909 or is that uh countries really value 1008 00:40:56,919 --> 00:40:59,086 their relationship with us and in some 1009 00:40:59,086 --> 00:41:01,750 cases , uh countries that we haven't uh 1010 00:41:01,760 --> 00:41:03,989 had uh a strong relationship with in 1011 00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:06,889 the past uh are stepping forward saying 1012 00:41:06,899 --> 00:41:08,788 that they'd like to have a better 1013 00:41:08,788 --> 00:41:10,899 relationship with the United States . 1014 00:41:10,899 --> 00:41:13,010 So , Secretary Austin General Brown , 1015 00:41:13,010 --> 00:41:12,669 thank you very much , gentlemen , 1016 00:41:12,679 --> 00:41:14,790 ladies and gentlemen , this concludes 1017 00:41:14,790 --> 00:41:16,790 our press briefing . Thank you very 1018 00:41:16,790 --> 00:41:16,459 much for joining us today . Thanks 1019 00:41:16,469 --> 00:41:17,149 everybody . Thank you .