| WHAT THE US SAYS UKRAINE NEEDS: As he opened this morning's session of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the gathering of representatives from more than 50 countries would be focusing on three critical needs: "Air defense, ammunition, and enablers." In his public remarks, Austin noted that, so far, the group has provided more than $55 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, with $35 billion from the United States. "Just in the past few months, we've provided the equipment and training to support an additional nine armored brigades for Ukraine. That has already strengthened Ukraine's position on the battlefield." "A European consortium is donating Leopard tanks," Austin said. "This Contact Group also provided key air-defense systems to protect Ukraine's skies, citizens, and critical infrastructure. That includes Patriot systems from the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, SAMP/T from Italy and France, and NASAMS from Canada and Norway." "We're joined again by my good friend, Oleksii Reznikov of Ukraine. And Oleksii, we're looking forward to hearing directly from you and your team on the state of the battlefield and your most urgent requirements." UKRAINE AID ISN'T HARMING TAIWAN ASSISTANCE, US INDO-PACIFIC COMMANDER SAYS WHAT UKRAINE SAYS IT NEEDS: Austin need only check Reznikov's Twitter feed to be reminded of what Ukraine says it desperately needs. "Our top priority is to quickly build a multi-level air defense/anti-missile defense system," Reznikov tweeted before the Ramstein meeting. "Patriots, IRIS-T, NASAMS, and MiG-29 are the most recent, but not the final, steps towards this goal. Given the Kremlin's barbaric tactics, we need NATO-style fighter jets." "We've heard 'no, it's impossible' a lot. But I have seen firsthand how the impossible can become possible," said Reznikov, who called his private meeting with Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley this morning a "candid conversation in a common language." In Kyiv yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged visiting NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to "help overcome the reticence of partners" in supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons and modern aircraft, according to his official website. "Delay with appropriate decisions is time lost for peace and the lives of our soldiers, who have not yet received the vitally necessary number of defense means," Zelensky said at a joint news conference with Stoltenberg. "The further our soldiers can move on the frontline, the sooner the most important thing, peace, will return to Ukraine and all of Europe." ZELENSKY: UKRAINE NEEDS WEST TO SPEED UP WEAPONS DELIVERIES AHEAD OF COUNTEROFFENSIVE UKRAINE SEEKS FORMAL SECURITY GUARANTEES: While the U.S. and NATO have repeatedly vowed to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes," Zelensky is pushing for something in writing, such as a formal invitation to join NATO. The invitation alone, even if Ukraine's membership would have to wait until the war is over, would come with security guarantees such as those extended to Finland and Sweden when they were first invited to join the alliance. "There is no objective barrier that would prevent the adoption of political decisions on inviting Ukraine to the alliance. And right now, when the majority of people in NATO countries and the majority of Ukrainians support our country's accession to the Alliance, it is time for appropriate decisions. It is no longer possible to imagine the security of the Euro-Atlantic area without Ukraine, and people understand that," said Zelensky, standing next to Stoltenberg at the news conference. "I emphasize these security guarantees in no way replace or delay Ukraine's membership in NATO. While the implementation of decisions continues, security is already needed," Zelensky said, arguing, "It was the security uncertainty that fueled the aggressor's illusions. Therefore, security certainty will be a reliable protection against the repetition of any new aggression against our people or any other free European people." STOLTENBERG: 'UKRAINE'S RIGHTFUL PLACE IS IN NATO': While in Kyiv, Stoltenberg voiced strong support for bringing Ukraine under the NATO umbrella. "Ukraine's rightful place is in the Euro-Atlantic family. Ukraine's rightful place is in NATO. And over time, our support will help to make this possible," he said. During his first visit to the Ukrainian capital, Stoltenberg invited Zelensky to attend the July NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, and Zelensky accepted. "I expect NATO allies at the summit to recommit to support Ukraine for as long as it takes with substantial military support to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent nation in Europe," Stoltenberg said in Germany this morning. "I also expect NATO allies to agree to a multi-year program to help Ukraine transition from Soviet-era equipment, standards, doctrines, to NATO standards and doctrines, and to ensure full interoperability between Ukrainian forces and NATO forces." RUSSIA REAFFIRMS INTENT TO STOP UKRAINE FROM JOINING NATO Good Friday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre's Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) and edited by Conrad Hoyt. Email here with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com. If signing up doesn't work, shoot us an email and we'll add you to our list. And be sure to follow us on Twitter: @dailyondefense. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR READ BACK ISSUES OF DAILY ON DEFENSE Subscribe today to the Washington Examiner magazine and get Washington Briefing: politics and policy stories that will keep you up to date with what's going on in Washington. SUBSCRIBE NOW: Just $1.00 an issue! HAPPENING TODAY: At the conclusion of today's Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the 11th session since the group was formed almost a year ago, Austin and Milley will meet reporters at the Ramstein Air Base. The 10:30 a.m. news conference will be streamed live at https://www.defense.gov/News/Live-Events NORTH KOREA DEVELOPING 'SECOND STRIKE' CAPABILITY: In both written and verbal testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, warned that North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is close to developing a nuclear "second strike" capability, which is one of the key capabilities of nuclear deterrence strategy. "In the last, you know, year-plus, he has demonstrated a whole bunch of different capabilities, all of which could lead to a second-strike capability," LaCamera said in the open session. In simple terms, "second strike" refers to the ability of a nuclear-armed nation to launch a retaliatory strike if it is attacked with nuclear weapons. It's the doctrine that the U.S. uses to maintain a triad of nuclear options, including strategic bombers, ballistic missile submarines, and land-based ICBMs. "Most concerning is DPRK's [North Korea] renewed threats of nuclear destruction against the U.S. and the ROK [South Korea]. Recently announced DPRK policies indicate a renewed intent to pursue nuclear delivery capabilities," LaCamera said in his written statement submitted ahead of his testimony. "In September 2022, DPRK announced a new Nuclear Forces Policy Law which states that the DPRK will use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states if it deems the non-nuclear state is 'colluding with nuclear states.'" "[Kim] is determined to operationalize his nuclear arsenal and is developing a credible second-strike capability. Right now, KJU is poised to conduct a 7th nuclear test," LaCamera warned. "Without outside influence, it is not a matter of 'if' DPRK will detonate another nuclear device but 'when.'" "I am concerned about DPRK leadership miscalculating or mistakenly believing they can control escalation," he said in his written statement. "We must remember that DPRK and China have a mutual defense treaty, which is the only defense treaty DPRK and China have with any nation." CHINA'S HYPERSONIC SPY DRONE: One of the things we've learned from the recent leak of classified Pentagon briefing slides is that the U.S. believes China is on the verge of deploying a high-altitude, hypersonic spy drone that could pose a threat to U.S. aircraft carriers in the event of war. According to the Washington Post, the WZ-8 rocket-propelled reconnaissance drones can fly as high as 100,000 feet and have the ability to collect real-time targeting information that could be used to attack U.S. ships. "I can't confirm the intelligence on open airways. However, it'd be very consistent with the technology they have right now," said Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on Fox. "They already have a hypersonic missile, it goes five times the speed of sound. So it's not much of a stretch to say that they most likely do have this capability." McCaul called the development "very frightening" because it poses a threat not just to armed forces in the Pacific, "but also to our partners like Japan, South Korea, most importantly, Taiwan." The U.S. intelligence suggested the WZ-8 spy drone is unarmed but could easily be outfitted with missiles in the future, which McCaul said could turn it into a "carrier killer." "A supersonic drone with this kind of camera and also the arsenal it could carry to hit a warship is very frightening," he told Fox's Martha MacCallum. AUSTIN ON INTEL LEAK: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the feedback he's getting from allies about the damaging leak of intelligence from the Pentagon is that they are not going to let the episode erode relations with the United States. "As I've discussed this issue with our allies and partners, I've been struck by your solidarity and your commitment to reject efforts to divide us, and we will not let anything fracture our unity," Austin said in Germany this morning. "I know that many of you have been following the reports of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive and classified U.S. material," he said to his fellow defense ministers. "I take this issue very seriously, and we will continue to work closely and respectfully with our deeply valued allies and partners." SHOULD GEN Z TROOPS BE TRUSTED WITH THE KEYS TO THE CLASSIFIED KINGDOM? The Rundown Washington Examiner: Zelensky: Ukraine needs West to speed up weapons deliveries ahead of counteroffensive Washington Examiner: Ukraine aid isn't harming Taiwan assistance, US Indo-Pacific commander says Washington Examiner: US military preparing possible evacuation from embassy in Sudan Washington Examiner: Russia reaffirms intent to stop Ukraine from joining NATO Washington Examiner: Russia mobilization rhetoric hints at shift to static defense strategy Washington Examiner: Should Gen Z troops be trusted with the keys to the classified kingdom? Washington Examiner: Janet Yellen: US preparing to 'restrict' tech investments in China Washington Examiner: US military preparing possible evacuation from embassy in Sudan Washington Examiner: House advances key border immigration legislation after marathon hearing Washington Post: Ukraine defended Bakhmut despite U.S. warnings in leaked documents Washington Post: Ukraine planned attacks on Russian forces in Syria, leaked document shows AP: Russia's air force accidentally bombs own city near Ukrainian border AP: China foreign minister steps up threats against Taiwan Bloomberg: China Plans To Conduct Intensive Military Drills Amid U.S. Tensions Reuters: U.S. War Game On Taiwan Shows Need For 'Decisive Action' To Boost Arms Breaking Defense: Here Are 3 Future Missiles INDOPACOM Says It Needs To Challenge China Navy Times: INDOPACOM's Aquilino Seeks More Electromagnetic Resources For Pacific USNI News: VCNO: Navy Set To Miss FY 2023 Recruiting Goals For Enlisted Sailors By Nearly 16% Air & Space Forces Magazine: Space Force Recruiting Is Strong, but Army, Navy, USAF Woes Don't Help Politico: Under Pressure: Austin Seeks To Soothe Ukraine, European Allies After Intel Leak Military.com: The US Classification System Is Broken, Lawmakers Say After Briefing on Massive Intel Leak Defense One: The Pentagon Is Increasingly Relying on Billionaires' Rockets. And It's OK with That. Defense News: White House Names Pick for Key Pentagon Acquisition Post Air & Space Forces Magazine: Russia Ups Its Dangerous Behavior in Syria With 'Unprofessional' Flying, Missile Shot at MQ-9 ISNI News: Navy Will Have 'Challenges' Meeting Submarine Delivery Schedules, Admiral Tells Senate Inside Defense: Air Force Sees Gap Between End of KC-46 Deliveries and Newest Tanker Air & Space Forces Magazine: Bring Back the Boneheads: Air Force to Reactivate Historic Fighter Squadron With F-35s Air & Space Forces Magazine: New Pilot Training Delayed by Aging Trainers, Vice Chief Says Miliary.com: Why The First US Jet Fighter Pilot Wore a Gorilla Mask During Test Flights Forbes: Navy's Latest Shipbuilding Plan Signals Little Change In Fleet Size For The Foreseeable Future Calendar FRIDAY | APRIL 21 9 a.m. — Council on Foreign Relations virtual discussion: "Tackling an Evolving Threat Landscape: Homeland Security in 2023," with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas https://www.youtube.com/watch 10 a.m. G-50 Dirksen — Middle East Policy Council Capitol Hill conference: "The Future of Security in the Middle East," with former Assistant Defense Secretary Mary Beth Long; Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, security fellow at the Diversity in National Security Network; and former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and Kuwait Douglas Silliman, president of the Arab Gulf States Institute https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage 10:30 a.m. EDT Germany — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley news conference after a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base https://www.defense.gov/News/Live-Events 1 p.m. — Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies virtual discussion: "Understanding the Military Dynamics of a US-China Conflict," with Mark Cancian, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies's International Security Program; Julian Ku, professor at Hofstra University; and Jamil Jaffer, adjunct professor at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School https://fedsoc.org/events/answering-threats-to-taiwan WEDNESDAY | APRIL 26 9:30 a.m. G50 Dirksen — Senate Armed Services Committee hearing: "Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration Atomic Energy Defense Activities," with testimony from Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm; and Jill Hruby, administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings 10 a.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Committee hearing: "Department of the Navy FY2024 Budget Request," with testimony from Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro; Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday; Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger http://www.armedservices.house.gov 10:30 a.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Committee hearing: "U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in Europe," with testimony from Celeste Wallander, assistant defense secretary for international security affairs; and Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings 2 p.m. 2212 Rayburn — House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing: "FY2024 National Security Space Programs," with testimony from John Plumb, assistant defense secretary for space policy; Frank Calvelli, assistant Air Force secretary for space acquisitions and integration; Christopher Scolese, director of the National Reconnaissance Office; and Navy Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings 2:30 p.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee hearing: "FY2024 Army Modernization Programs," with testimony from Douglas Bush, assistant Army secretary for acquisition, logistics, and technology; Gen. James Rainey, commanding general of the Army Futures Command; and Lt. Gen. Erik Peterson, deputy chief of staff (G-8) of the Army https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings/tal 2:30 p.m. 232A Russell — Senate Armed Services Committee hearing: "Air Force Modernization in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2024," with testimony from Lt. Gen. Richard Moore, deputy Air Force chief of staff for plans and programs; Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote, deputy Air Force chief of staff for strategy, integration, and requirements; Lt. Gen. James Slife, deputy Air Force chief of staff for operations; and Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings 3 p.m. 222 Russell — Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee hearing: "Public Integrity and Anti-corruption Laws at the Defense Department," with testimony from retired Army Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, former special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Danielle Brian, executive director and president of the Project On Government Oversight; Peter Beshar, Air Force general counsel; John Coffey, Navy general counsel; Carrie Ricci, Army general counsel; and Caroline Krass, DOD general counsel https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings THURSDAY | APRIL 27 12 p.m. — Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments report release webinar: "Air Power Metamorphosis: Rethinking Air Force Combat Force Modernization," with author Chris Bowie, CSBA non-resident senior fellow; Thomas Mahnken, CSBA president and CEO; and moderated by air power analyst Jeremiah Gertler https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register 12:30 p.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Committee hearing: "Department of the Air Force FY2024 Budget Request," with testimony from Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall; Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown; and Space Force Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings FRIDAY | APRIL 28 10 a.m. 2118 Rayburn — House Armed Services Committee hearing: "Department of the Navy FY2024 Budget Request," with testimony from Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro; Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday; Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings 4 p.m. 2212 Rayburn — House Armed Services Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee hearing: "A Review of the Defense Intelligence Enterprise's Posture and Capabilities in Strategic Competition and in Synchronizing Intelligence Efforts to Counter the People's Republic Of China," with testimony from Ronald Moultrie, undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security; Gen. Paul Nakasone, commander, U.S. Cyber Command and director, National Security Agency; and Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, director, Defense Intelligence Agency https://armedservices.house.gov/hearings/iso WEDNESDAY | MAY 3 10 a.m. 406 Dirksen — Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing: "The 2024 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers budget and implementation of Water Resources Development Act of 2022" http://epw.senate.gov WEDNESDAY | MAY 10 10 a.m. — Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies "Schriever Spacepower Series," with Maj. Gen. Shawn Bratton, commander, Space Training and Readiness Command https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/event/5-10 | | | "Ukraine's rightful place is in the Euro-Atlantic family. Ukraine's rightful place is in NATO. And over time, our support will help to make this possible."
| NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, standing beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv Thursday.
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