Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his multiday visit to the Indo-Pacific region with a final stop in Subic Bay, Philippines. During his visit, Austin toured a Philippine Navy facility and several defense industrial sites, emphasizing opportunities for defense industrial cooperation between the United States, the Philippines, and other regional allies.
“This is a transformative time for our relationship and alliance,” Austin stated to reporters. He highlighted the recent announcement of $500 million in funding to aid the Philippines in modernizing its military. Austin expressed excitement about the collaboration between U.S. industrial base companies and local partners to enhance military capabilities.
Earlier in the visit, Austin and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participated in a U.S.-Philippines 2+2 ministerial dialogue in Manila. The discussions focused on strengthening regional peace, stability, and prosperity, with the U.S. committing $500 million in foreign military financing to enhance the Philippine military and coast guard.
Additionally, Austin’s Indo-Pacific tour included a similar 2+2 dialogue in Tokyo, Japan, where the U.S. announced the transition of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) to a joint force headquarters. The new headquarters will be commanded by a three-star officer, coordinating with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Joint Operations Command. Austin noted the transition would provide greater agility and capability in combined missions with Japanese forces. The headquarters will retain its name, USFJ, along with its three-star leadership.–News Desk