On 18 July, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) announced plans to implement a Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) through military sustainment centers in five partners countries and allies in the Indo-Pacific region[1].
This new initiative was introduced by the US DoD in May 2024. The three objectives of the RSF include: (1) Enhancing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for military equipment of the US and allied armed forces, thereby creating a regional MRO network; (2) Cooprating with partners and allies to enhance combat readiness and prevent conflicts; (3) Establishing MRO networks within and accross regions to strengthen operational coordination[2].
1/ Shifts in US approach to military engagement in the region
Regarding activities: In addition to the expansion of military bases and transfering troops and equipment, the US now focuses more intensively on improving its partners’ “self-reliance” through capacity building and trainings. Key areas include maritime awareness, soft skills, cybersecurity and disaster relief. The RSF will incorporate activities relevant to MRO into such capacity building plans.
Regarding orientations: The US aims to shift military logistics from a “reactive” to a “proactive” manner. The RSF could be part of this overarching plan. In May 2024, the US also funded the construction of a Fleet Maintenance and Repair facility for the Phillipines Coast Guard at the Cavite Buoy base[3].
Regarding priority parners: The RSF is an innovation for the entire US military but is being piloted in the Indo-Pacific rather than Europe or other regions. According to Nikkei Asia, instead of piloting such innovation only in Northeast Asia and allied countries (for example, Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Europe and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System in South Korea), the US is negotiating with Southeast Asia and non-allied countries (such as Singapore and Phillipines) on the RSF[4].
2/ Additional benefits
In addition to its strategic significance in promoting the implementation of US Indo-Pacific strategy, the RSF could further provide tactical and technical advantages for the US:
Sustainment centers within the scope of the RSF could help reduce the needs to convey military equipment from regional countries to the US (and vice versa) for repair or refurbishment[5].
MRO trainings within the region could generate revenue for the US. Furthermore, this could be a measure for the US to maintain some binding cooperative relations with partners and to ensure military confidentiality[6].
An original version of the article was published here.
Translated and edited by Hoang Nam.
[1] https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3843200/dod-developing-regional-sustainment-framework-in-indo-pacific/
[2] https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3776541/department-of-defense-announces-the-regional-sustainment-framework/
[3] https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-philippines-inaugurate-php54-million-coast-guard/ https://thediplomat.com/2024/07/japan-further-accelerates-military-integration-with-the-us/
[4] https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/Pentagon-to-set-up-military-repair-hubs-in-5-Indo-Pacific-countries
[5] https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3843200/dod-developing-regional-sustainment-framework-in-indo-pacific/
[6] https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3776541/department-of-defense-announces-the-regional-sustainment-framework/
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