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From the SitRoom to the E-Ring, the inside scoop on defense, national security and foreign policy. | | | | |  | | By Alexander Ward, Matt Berg and Ari Hawkins | |  Joe Biden’s team has long had “concerns” about sending the dual-purpose improved conventional munitions, or DPICM, which scatter large numbers of explosive “bomblets” over a wide area, potentially indiscriminately killing civilians alongside intended targets. | Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images | With help from Lara Seligman and Joe Gould Subscribe here | Email Alex | Email Matt The debate over sending controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine shifted over the past 24 hours after a senior Pentagon official told lawmakers they would be helpful in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. But, as far as we can tell, there’s no movement on their actual transfer just yet. President JOE BIDEN’s team has long had “concerns” about sending the dual-purpose improved conventional munitions, or DPICM, which scatter large numbers of explosive “bomblets” over a wide area, potentially indiscriminately killing civilians alongside intended targets. The “duds” that don’t work could later explode, harming innocent people and complicating troop movements as the war progresses. While the U.S. is not a signatory to a 2010 international ban on their use, congressional restrictions, optics and reservations from European allies have kept the administration from getting to yes — even if Ukraine openly wants them. But on Thursday, LAURA COOPER, the Pentagon’s Europe chief, told lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee that “DPICM would be useful, especially against dug-in Russian positions on the battlefield.” That’s a change from late last year when the U.S. didn’t think then they were necessary. Now, with the counteroffensive underway and Russia’s defenses holding for the most part, a top Defense Department official seems to believe differently. On top of that, Pentagon will struggle to manage its stockpile of shells without dipping into on-hand DPICM, some experts say. We’ve pulsed senior administration officials about all this since Thursday. There’s no doubt they are cagier when talking about DPICM than they were months ago, when “no, we’re not sending them” was the ubiquitous answer. Now there’s more equivocation, possibly because Cooper’s testimony made it harder to speak out against them. But the main takeaway is that, at least for now, the U.S. won’t imminently send DPICM to Ukraine. “No updates, no decision has been made by the U.S. government on whether or not to provide them,” said a U.S. official granted anonymity to discuss sensitive internal deliberations. The Pentagon has yet to formally recommend their transfer, we’ve also learned. Rep. ADAM SMITH (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said DOD is actively discussing the issue with Congress but wouldn’t delve into specifics. The White House, meanwhile, has never come out against sending them, but serious disagreements remain inside the interagency. The pressure from lawmakers to boost weapons deliveries to Ukraine continues. Senior Republicans have lobbied for DPICM to make their way eastward for months, and Cooper’s remark only gives them more reason to keep pushing, even as Congress is split.
“DPICMs would be incredibly effective against the heavily fortified Russian defensive positions the Ukrainians must now breach. If Ukraine is unable to make significant progress, the Biden administration’s continued slow-rolling of critical weapons systems will be largely to blame,” said Rep. MICHAEL McCAUL (R-Texas), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. MIKE QUIGLEY (D-Ill.), co-chair of the Ukraine Caucus, told NatSec Daily that there are lawmakers who are 100 percent for and others who are 100 percent against sending DPICM. He’s concerned that Kyiv using cluster munitions could erode Ukraine’s place on the moral high ground relative to Russia. It could also hurt public support for Kyiv, which is already in danger of fading as the war drags on. “Our concern right now is the war is pretty black and white: Bad guy. Good guy. War Crimes issues. This, in their mind, fuzzes that up a little bit,” Quigley said. Moscow has for sure used cluster munitions in the war, while evidence mounts that Ukraine is launching them, too. According to a March report by the United Nations’ Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, “Ukrainian armed forces likely used cluster munitions and rocket-delivered antipersonnel landmines to carry out attacks in Izium city, Kharkiv region, from March to September 2022, when it was controlled by Russian armed forces.”
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Lockheed Martin is innovating with urgency to solve today’s hypersonic strike and defense challenges. We’re investing in the American hypersonic workforce and supplier base, to ensure our customers stay ready for what’s ahead. Learn more. | | | | | NOW THEY ENTER: Western-trained Ukrainian brigades that have received months of instruction are now joining the war against Russia, giving Kyiv a boost as troops struggle in the earliest parts of the counter-offensive. The roughly 36,000 soldiers, the size of nine brigades, have helped make a dent in Russia’s defenses, the New York Times’ HELENE COOPER and ERIC SCHMITT report. “They are using American-made Bradley fighting vehicles to destroy Russian armor with anti-tank missiles. And they are deploying combined arms tactics — synchronized attacks by infantry, armor and artillery forces,” they wrote. How well they do will have a direct impact on the counteroffensive’s success. If they prove effective, it’ll be a boon to the Western strategy of large arms deliveries and intense training to the tune of billions of dollars and years of effort. “Biden administration officials are hoping the nine brigades will show that the American way of warfare — using combined arms, synchronized tactics and regiments with empowered senior enlisted soldiers — is superior to the rigidly centralized command structure that is the Russian approach,” per the NYT. TRAGEDY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA: About 350 Pakistanis were on an overcrowded boat that capsized and sank in Greek waters last week, and many remain missing and may have died, said Pakistan’s interior minister RANA SANAULLAH KHAN on Friday, per MUNIR AHMED from the AP. “So far, 281 families have contacted the government saying their sons or dear ones might have been among those who were on the boat,” Sanaullah told the country’s parliament. Pakistanis have been making dangerous journeys to Europe in increasing numbers as the country inches toward the brink of an economic meltdown, wracked with soaring inflation and dwindling foreign-exchange reserves. CHINESE GUNPOWDER TO RUSSIA: A Chinese company sent enough gunpowder to make at least 80 million rounds of ammunition to a Russian munitions factory last year, the New York Times’ ANA SWANSON and JOHN ISMAY report. Shipments by state-owned Poly Technologies, including tens of thousands of kilograms of smokeless powder, occurred on two occasions and were identified by U.S.-based trade data aggregator Import Genius. Barnaul Cartridge Plant, the ammunition factory that received the deliveries, has a history of supplying Moscow. The deliveries raise more questions about China’s involvement with Russia’s war in Ukraine. Beijing has denied that it has supplied military items to Moscow over the past year, despite reports that China has shipped assault weapons and body armor to Russia. DRINKS WITH NATSEC DAILY: At the end of every long, hard week, we like to highlight how a prominent member of Washington’s national security scene prefers to unwind with a drink. Today, we’re featuring Sen. ERIC SCHMITT (R-Mo.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (not the NYT reporter cited above). When the upper chamber is in session, Schmitt prefers hot black coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts (which #BostonBoyz Alex and Matt can get behind). The caffeine helps him power through marathon markup sessions of the National Defense Authorization Act. But when he’s off the legislative clock, the lawmaker kicks back with a beer at the Village Bar in St. Louis or while grilling pork steaks in the backyard. “Who doesn’t like a cold beer from time to time?” he said. Cheers, senator! IT’S FRIDAY. WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND: Thanks for tuning in to NatSec Daily. This space is reserved for the top U.S. and foreign officials, the lawmakers, the lobbyists, the experts and the people like you who care about how the natsec sausage gets made. Aim your tips and comments at award@politico.com and mberg@politico.com, and follow us on Twitter at @alexbward and @mattberg33. While you’re at it, follow the rest of POLITICO’s national security team: @nahaltoosi, @PhelimKine, @laraseligman, @connorobrienNH, @paulmcleary, @leehudson, @magmill95, @johnnysaks130, @ErinBanco, @reporterjoe, @_AriHawkins and @JGedeon1.
| | BACKING BIDEN’S BROADSIDE: GOP presidential candidate NIKKI HALEY voiced her approval of Biden’s comment this week calling Chinese paramount leader XI JINPING a dictator. “China wants Joe Biden to apologize, but Biden told the truth. Xi Jinping IS a dictator,” Haley tweeted Thursday evening. It’s a rare point of agreement with the president, as Haley has consistently accused the Biden administration of being too weak toward Beijing. She continued by insisting China apologize for a number of issues, including the coronavirus pandemic, the fentanyl epidemic, threatening Taiwan and establishing a spy base in Cuba.
| | | |   | | | | | CYBERSECURITY ALLIANCE: The United States and South Korea established a working group on cybersecurity, a follow-up to an agreement reached between Biden and YOON SUK YEOL at a summit in April, the office of the South Korean president said Friday, per the Korean Herald. The agreement to enhance cybersecurity cooperation follows a three-day meeting in Washington, during which American and Korean cybersecurity officials discussed avenues to avoid cryptocurrency theft, particularly from North Korea, which is believed to be using stolen funds to bankroll its nuclear and weapons programs.
| | | X-DRONE DESIGNS: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency announced Thursday the Pentagon has selected nine companies to produce designs for an experimental vertical-takeoff-and-landing drone that can be retrieved without recovery equipment, per our friends at Morning Defense(for Pros!). The project, dubbed ANCILLARY — AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY program — plans to fly new drones that are low-weight, long-endurance and can carry a large payload. AeroVironment, AVX Aircraft, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Leidos, Method Aeronautics, Northrop Grumman, Piasecki Aircraft and Sikorsky will develop designs that could ultimately be flown by the Navy and Marine Corps. The companies have six months to craft a design for the first phase of the program. Firms can then submit bids for more detailed X-drone work with the goal of flight tests in early 2026.
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | | FIRST IN NATSEC DAILY –– LETTER ON CHINA AND CUBA: The administration should provide Congress with greater clarity on China’s military and intelligence ties to Cuba, the Senate and House’s foreign affairs panel leaders wrote to Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN and CIA Director WILLIAM BURNS. “It is imperative that we understand in full detail: the exact nature and objectives of [China’s] intelligence gathering in Cuba and military partnership with the regime; the implication of such efforts for U.S. national interests; and what the Biden administration is doing to mitigate such efforts, and deter their further expansion within Cuba and the Western Hemisphere,” Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair BOB MENENDEZ (D-N.J.) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul said in their letter. They demand a classified briefing from both State and the CIA by July 14. The demands come as reports by the Wall Street Journal, followed by POLITICO and other outlets, show China and Cuba are in conversations about hosting a joint military training facility on the island roughly 100 miles from the U.S. SENATE NDAA SUMMARY: The Senate Armed Services Committee’s summary of the defense policy bill it approved Thursday, and released today, shows the panel forcing the Navy to buy a new amphibious warship that it didn’t seek in its budget, but that the Marine Corps publicly campaigned to purchase. It also requires the Pentagon to outline the legality and other details of its abortion travel policy, our own CONNOR O’BRIEN, LEE HUDSON and JOE GOULD report (for Pros!). Some highlights: The numbers: The legislation matches the $886 billion Biden requested for national defense for fiscal 2024. Defense spending is capped at Biden’s proposed level under a recent deal to raise the debt limit. Senators authorized $844.3 billion for the Pentagon and $32.4 billion for the Energy Department’s nuclear weapons activities. Another $9.5 billion of the request is for programs that fall outside of the Armed Services Committees’ jurisdiction. Extra amphib: The bill authorizes $1.9 billion to fully fund a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. Despite a requirement to maintain a minimum of 31 amphibious ships, Navy leaders didn’t seek the San Antonio ship in its budget, arguing the hull was too costly. The Marines, led by Commandant Gen. DAVID BERGER, publicly advocated for the ship, and included the vessel in their annual budget wish list. Abortion: The bill directs the Pentagon to report to Congress on the legality, processes and oversight of its policies that reimburse travel costs for troops to seek abortions. The policy has tied up the Senate for months as Sen. TOMMY TUBERVILLE (R-Ala.) has blocked the confirmation of over 250 generals and admirals in a bid to force the Pentagon to reverse the rule. But there’s no end in sight to the standoff. Pros can read the full breakdown. HAC’S PENTAGON BILL PASSES: The House Appropriations Committee cleared its $826 billion Pentagon spending bill loaded with conservative policies that angered Democrats. The budget was approved Thursday on a 34-24 party-line vote. Here are the highlights from our friends at Morning Defense (for Pros!): Diversity: The panel adopted, as part of a package of Republican amendments, a proposal to defund the Pentagon's chief diversity officer. The package also prohibits displaying any flag at DOD property other than flags of the U.S., a state or territory, or those related to the Pentagon, military or other specific flags. Democrats dinged the move as an effort to ban the pride flag. Transgender medical care: The bill also blocks the Pentagon from spending money on surgery or hormone therapy for gender-affirming care. The committee rebuffed, 26-33, an amendment from Rep. MARK POCAN (D-Wis.) to remove that prohibition as well as a ban on funding for events such as drag queen story hours. Ukraine: The panel adopted an amendment to establish an Office of the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance and includes $505 million if authorized. The House Armed Services Committee defense policy bill authorizes the new office, but it’s a long way from becoming law. Again, Pros can read the entire story.
| | MENENDEZ’S OFFICE STANDOFF: Three activists advocating to end the economic embargo on Cuba were arrested Thursday afternoon after refusing to leave Sen. BOB MENENDEZ’s (D-N.J.) office until the senator came to speak with them. “We didn't come there expecting to suddenly turn Menendez into a revolutionary. We thought he’d at least be open to talking, and clearly they weren't even open to that,” CALLA WALSH, co-chair of the National Network on Cuba, a coalition of organizations working to end the embargo, told NatSec Daily. Other groups involved were Pastors for Peace and CodePink. The scene played out after Walsh and two fellow activists delivered a letter to Senate Majority Leader CHUCK SCHUMER’s office asking him to remove Menendez from Senate leadership due to corruption allegations and his hawkish stance on Cuba. Then, they sat in Menendez’s office, where an adviser on Latin America and Caribbean policy engaged with them. The senator’s deputy chief of staff also spoke with the group, but he “actively refused to talk about policy with us,” said Walsh, who was arrested. Menendez’s office sees it differently. “Several members of our team engaged in a substantive discussion with them in our lobby for nearly an hour. It was only after refusing to leave that they were escorted out. Sen. Menendez is committed to hearing all viewpoints and welcomes constructive dialogue from his constituents and from those across the country. Any suggestion otherwise is simply not grounded in reality,” office spokesperson ROBERT JULIEN told NatSec Daily. “We know we probably have very different views on say, the Cuban government, the Cuban revolution. We think that despite that, we can still have an honest conversation about normalizing relations, about creating dialogues,” Walsh added.
| | A message from Lockheed Martin: Innovating at hypersonic speed.
Lockheed Martin is innovating with urgency to solve today’s hypersonic strike and defense challenges. We’re investing in the American hypersonic workforce and supplier base, to ensure our customers stay ready for what’s ahead. Learn more. | | | | | — CISA cybersecurity advisory committee member NILOOFAR RAZI HOWE is being appointed distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University to focus on national security and cyber threats.
| | — LAURA ALBERT, The Hill: America’s data illiteracy imperils its worldwide lead in artificial intelligence — DENNIS ROSS, The Washington Post: A new Iran nuclear deal might be on the horizon — ANDREAS KLUTH, Bloomberg: The West must offer the Global South a new deal
| | — George Washington University, 9 a.m.: Africa's Future: Perspectives on Peace and Security — Atlantic Council, 10 a.m.: Sudan crisis: Charting a path forward — Brookings Institution, 10 a.m.: Asylum in Europe: Can the Ukraine response shape a better policy approach? — Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2 p.m.: A Conversation with Dr. KURT CAMPBELL and Adm. MICHAEL GILDAY on the Strategic and Military Implications of AUKUS — Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2 p.m.: Transforming European Defense Report Launch — Institute of World Politics, 5 p.m.: Revitalizing National Security Amidst Supply Chain Disruptions CORRECTION: Yesterday’s edition incorrectly noted the state that Rep. GABE VASQUEZ represents. He represents a district in New Mexico. Thanks to our editor, Dave Brown, who said there’s been “no decision” on letting us keep our jobs. We also thank our producer, Sinobia Aiden, who is unfireable.
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