DEFENSE.GOV NEWS

• Two Security Assistance Packages for Ukraine Contribute to Coastal, Waterway Defense
  In the last month, the U.S. pledged more than $1.4 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Some of that assistance is aimed at helping the Ukrainian military better defend their coast and waterways. 
• Exporting Repression: 'Made In' Labels Not as Important as Technology Itself 
  Technology with capabilities to censor and to send data back to the Chinese government is a security risk for the U.S. government and military, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy said.  
• President Authorizes Another $450 Million Drawdown to Support Ukraine
  President Joe Biden has given DOD authorization for a drawdown of up to $450 million to meet Ukraine's critical arms needs in the face of the Russian invasion — the 13th presidential drawdown of DOD stocks since August 2021.
• In Moldova, Guard Chief Finds a Nation Strengthening Armed Forces
  With a brutal war raging in neighboring Ukraine and wary of nearby Russia, the Eastern European democracy of Moldova is rapidly strengthening its national defense — and looking to the North Carolina National Guard for help. 
• DOD Official Touts Sweden, Finland Joining NATO
  A Defense Department official strongly urged the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to quickly approve the request of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. 
• DOD Addresses Supply Chain Resiliency With Lone Star State Industry
  Even before COVID-19, the Defense Department had identified supply chain vulnerabilities for things like microelectronics. But the pandemic also highlighted other critical shortages in the U.S., some of which affect national security. 
• DOD Official Talks on Easing Process to Work With Small Businesses
  Small businesses provide critical parts for weapons and systems platforms and develop innovative technologies so DOD can maintain its battlefield advantage, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks said.