* The US Government Accountability Office released its latest assessment of major defense programs. The Pentagon’s portfolio decreased by 5 programs to 80, 50 of which saw their costs decline. However, there was a slight overall cost increase due to the addition of EELV. 55% of the current portfolio funding has been appropriated, leaving approximately $682B needed for future funding. Detailed DID program coverage to come in days ahead.
* The GAO denied a protest filed by Sotera Defense Solutions against a US Army award to Raytheon for electronic warfare services.
Russia / Ukraine
* NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen couldn’t confirm (press conference video) that Russia is actually withdrawing its troops amassed near Ukraine’s border, despite the fact Vladimir Putin told Angela Merkel yesterday that he had ordered a partial withdrawal.
* As expected Russia terminated its Black Sea lease / gas discount deal with Ukraine.
East Asia
* In line with earlier reports, Japan’s cabinet approved new guidelines relaxing arms exports. Of course China is “greatly concerned” as well as fully leveraging the rift between South Korea and Japan.
* South Korea’s DAPA procurement agency published an overview [in Korean] of its tanker acquisition. Boeing and Airbus are the expected contenders and will have to submit their proposals by June 30.
South American Urban Struggles
* Both Brazil and Venezuela (video below) have been sending infantry troops in slums where there is little to no rule of law. This looks more like shows of force than actual solutions to deep-seated security and social problems in no small part aggravated by the very same governments now sending in military troops to police their own population: