Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With Australian Minister of Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy

Department of Defense Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout:

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks hosted Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy at the Pentagon today to advance the strength of the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Australia.

The two officials discussed progress since their April 2024 meeting on defense industrial cooperation between the United States and Australia.

They also reviewed the status of co-production and co-development of key capabilities under Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.

The two leaders also discussed the continued advancement of the AUKUS partnership with the United Kingdom.

They reaffirmed the alliance between the United States and Australia and committed to continuing to advance cooperation with regional allies and partners in support of a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.