world
Forum Examines Maritime Power and Technology in Indo-Pacific
The Washington Times hosted more than 300 attendees at the IndoPac 2026 forum on Wednesday. Speakers discussed shipbuilding, technology, and AI to strengthen national security amid regional competition.
thehindu.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The Washington Times hosted more than 300 people on Wednesday at the IndoPac 2026 forum held in the U.S. Navy Memorial auditorium. Current and retired officials from the Navy, the Senate and the Trump administration addressed shipbuilding, technology, AI and other innovations.
Director Russell Vought, Adm.
Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, and GOP Sens. Todd Young of Indiana and Deb Fischer of Nebraska spoke to the audience. GOP Rep. Pat Harrigan of North Carolina and leaders from think tanks also participated.
Backstage, some speakers discussed the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022. One former military official described traveling to Ukraine in May and seeing 3,500 bodies of Russian soldiers. The Council on Foreign Relations Global Conflict Tracker estimates roughly half a million Russian soldiers and tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have died.
The former official said there is "no quarter" in the conflict, meaning those who surrender receive no mercy. Mr. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week at the Group of Seven summit, after which reports indicated Mr. Zelenskyy believes he has support to act more boldly against Russia.
