An MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft crashed in Southern Afghanistan March 14, according to Air Forces Central. The crash was not due to hostile fire, but, as is the practice, a board will be convened to investigate the incident to determine the cause. AFCENT said the crash site had been secured and there were no reports of injuries or property damage. (AFCENT release)
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.