NewzIntel.com

Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev held a working meeting with the Governor of the Vologda Region Georgy Filimonov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The participants discussed the prospects for modernizing the airport infrastructure of Vologda and the further development of air traffic in the region.

    The project for the development of the Vologda airport infrastructure envisages an increase in the length of the runway from 1.5 thousand meters to 2.5 thousand meters, which will allow receiving larger class aircraft, modernization of the airfield infrastructure, and construction of a new terminal. The development of design and estimate documentation for the construction of the new airport complex will be completed this year.

    The Deputy Prime Minister supported the proposals of the Governor of the Vologda Region Georgy Filimonov and his team to develop air traffic in the region.

    “In accordance with the May decree of the President of Russia, by 2030 it is necessary to ensure the growth of aviation mobility of the population by 1.5 times compared to the level of 2023. The construction of a new airport will directly affect the growth of mobility of citizens and increase the tourism potential of the region. We support Georgy Yuryevich Filimonov in his work on the development of the transport complex of the region and are ready to provide further assistance in this,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Yemeni Partners Successfully Interdict Massive Iranian Weapons Shipment Bound for the Houthis

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    The NRF intercepted and seized over 750 tons of munitions and hardware to include hundreds of advanced cruise, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missiles, warheads and seekers, components as well as hundreds of drone engines, air defense equipment, radar systems, and communications equipment.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with the head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport Viktor Gulin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The results of the service’s work and the main tasks for the upcoming period were discussed. In particular, they discussed working with risk indicators, introducing proactive mechanisms for self-examination and assessing the integrity of enterprises, electronic services for the provision of public services, in particular, for checking the theoretical knowledge of drivers remotely using AI technologies.

    From the transcript:

    M. Mishustin: Good afternoon, dear Viktor Borisovich!

    You have recently taken charge of the service responsible for all types of control and supervision in the transport sector. You are responsible for the activities of air, water, rail, freight road transport, as well as the subway, which is extremely important for the safety of passengers and the prevention of injuries in transport, the preservation of goods and equipment.

    You are familiar with this work. You have extensive professional experience in this field. I am sure that your competence and knowledge will help you in managing this important system.

    I would like to ask you about the results of the service’s work recently and what are its main tasks.

    V. Gulin: Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich!

    Head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport Viktor Gulin.

    The government has approved regulations on types of supervision on all types of transport. They contain all the necessary tools, methods of control and prevention that we use.

    The main task of the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport is to reduce accidents and injuries, and to prevent emerging risks and incidents in the transport industry.

    The Service, within the framework of the departmental project to improve control and supervision activities in the transport sector, has achieved the main goal – a 45% reduction in the number of fatalities and injuries by 2024 compared to the base year of 2017. The number of transport accidents has also decreased by 45% compared to the base year.

    In the framework of the law on control and supervision, the most effective tool today, we believe, is the risk indicators of violation of mandatory requirements. Risk indicators are compliance with or deviation from the parameters of objects of control, which in themselves are not violations, but indicate the presence of some risk factors.

    Working with risk indicators allows monitoring the activities of controlled persons without interaction. That is, we do not create an additional burden on business.

    Based on the results of the assessment of the state of transport safety and in order to improve the efficiency of control and supervision activities, the service has developed and adopted 41 risk indicators for all types of transport. At the same time, in the first five months of this year, Rostransnadzor has already carried out 115 unscheduled control and supervision activities, which were carried out based on the triggering of risk indicators, which is almost twice as much as in the same period last year.

    The effectiveness of risk indicators is quite high. For example, in railway transport it is 100% today. We continue to work on developing risk indicators. Today, six new risk indicators are being developed in the field of aviation, automobile transport and transport safety.

    In addition, the service widely applies a whole range of preventive measures. In figures, Rostransnadzor has carried out more than 450 thousand preventive measures in the first five months of this year, including 50 thousand warnings, 2 thousand preventive visits, 84 self-examinations. 12 measures to stimulate conscientiousness have been adopted, 66 public hearings have been held.

    Preventive measures help maintain the proper level of safety in transport.

    M. Mishustin: It is absolutely obvious that we need to shift the emphasis to the conscientious implementation of all procedures by the business itself. In fact, this is the risk-oriented approach we are talking about, when the service can provide relevant information at a high professional level to a company or organization for their independent actions in this area, mainly preventively.

    And of course, we need to further expand the practice of stimulating companies and enterprises to comply with mandatory technical and technological requirements. This is an effective mechanism for improving the business climate.

    Feedback from enterprises and entrepreneurs is very important here, because they themselves are interested in receiving such information. This reduces their insurance premium and gives them the opportunity to correct themselves in time if any of the risks may materialize.

    The most important thing, of course, is preserving the lives of employees. What have you managed to achieve in this direction?

    V. Gulin: In accordance with the concept of improving control and supervisory activities approved by the Government, effective development and popularization of self-examination are impossible without ensuring the necessary level of motivation of economic entities. We understand this. In this regard, today we are integrating the self-examination mechanism into the system of categorizing objects of control, which allows controlled persons to reduce the risk categories of objects.

    It is already possible to reduce the risk category in relation to objects of control. This is envisaged as a measure to stimulate good faith by the provisions on state control in the field of railway transport, merchant shipping and inland water transport, in the field of civil aviation.

    Thus, we are creating a flexible two-way mechanism: on the one hand, a proactive one, motivating controlled persons to comply with mandatory requirements and undergo self-examination and integrity assessment, on the other hand, it is a risk-oriented approach in the form of unscheduled inspections that we conduct when risk indicators are triggered. That is, here we are already introducing a security management system.

    I would also like to mention feedback from businesses in terms of providing public services. Today, the most significant criterion for the work performed for us is the level of satisfaction of the applicant with the quality of services provided. At present, Rostransnadzor has such a level of 4.8% out of 5 possible.

    Today Rostransnadzor provides 100% of state services through a single portal of state services. And we have 18 such services.

    As a result of the optimization of permitting activities, the terms of provision of state services by Rostransnadzor have been reduced from 45 days to 5 days. Some services are provided within two days. The number of documents provided has been halved. And we have transferred two services to a notification procedure.

    Such results were achieved with the help of electronic services. We are developing information electronic interaction with the Ministry of Digital Development, the Prosecutor General’s Office, Rosaccreditation, Rosavtodor, Rosaviatsia and other government agencies and business structures. And such interaction allows us to exercise control in a remote format and most effectively implement the requirements of the legislation.

    And I would like to note separately: as part of the digital transformation of the department for the state service of issuing a certificate for the right to operate railway rolling stock, Rostransnadzor plans to implement the possibility of passing a theoretical knowledge test remotely using artificial intelligence technologies.

    Currently, the Ministry of Transport has completed work on approving a new procedure for issuing certificates, which will come into effect on September 1 of this year. A new form of certificate has been introduced with the addition of the category “high-speed railway rolling stock”.

    On September 3 of this year, the service has already planned to conduct a theoretical knowledge test for the first group of drivers in the category of “high-speed railway rolling stock”. By the end of this year, about 200 drivers will undergo a theoretical knowledge test in the new category.

    This work is being carried out within the framework of the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin on the implementation of the project for the construction of the high-speed railway Moscow – St. Petersburg.

    M. Mishustin: Viktor Borisovich, it is important to continue improving the technological and safe transport system. To promote the consolidation in practice, which is very important, of our domestic solutions, including in the field of digital transformation, software.

    You have just spoken about the results. They are quite effective. In particular, the reduction of the terms from 45 to 5 days, I am sure, was felt by many citizens and companies, who in one way or another need a quick and motivated response from your service when there are any questions related to the implementation of state functions. And of course, it is necessary to implement all the necessary approaches to ensure our Russian sovereignty in this area. Good luck to you.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson Joins Miranda Devine on New York Post’s Pod Force One

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — This week, Speaker Johnson sat down with the New York Post’s Miranda Devine for a wide-ranging discussion on her new podcast, Pod Force One. They discussed how Republicans are reestablishing fiscal sanity in Washington, the future of the MAGA movement, Speaker Johnson’s roots in Louisiana, and what he believes is the secret to success.

    Watch the full interview here

    On restoring fiscal sanity in Washington:

    We spend too much money. The debt is our number one national security threat and I came to Congress to solve it. The trajectory is not sustainable, but we can’t solve the problem overnight because it could took decades for us to get here. The big beautiful bill was a giant leap forward. We’re going to save over $1.5 trillion in spending. It’s the largest that any legislative body in the history of mankind has ever done. Is it enough? No. It’s a drop in the bucket, but it is a turn. I use the metaphor of an aircraft carrier for the US economy. You don’t turn an aircraft carrier on a dime; it takes a mile of open ocean when it’s at top speed. This was the first big crank on the wheel, the turn on the wheel that we’ve had in generations and now we have the next sequential steps to continue that.

    The president and his administration came in, they identified these areas like USAID for example, which was just fraught with abuse and wasteful uses of taxpayer dollars. We were funding transgender operas in Peru, you know? And Congress didn’t know that which is one of the credits to the DOGE effort as they were able to crack the code, get inside the belly at the agencies and crawl through the data with magic algorithms and find these things. And we didn’t know. So we found that out…And that we hope is the first of a series of rescissions packages that come forward where we, again, in our sequential steps to getting back fiscal, fiscal sanity, that’s going to be a piece of it. 

    On the future of the MAGA movement:

    I think the movement goes forward. It won’t be the same without him, but he’s done a recalibration of our party in many ways. We brought in new demographics, big groups of people that had not been with us probably since the early eighties under Reagan. We’re a working-class party, as we should be. We represent the core principles, and I’m one of the people who’s trying to keep us tied to the moorings. You know, the core principles of our party are the core principles of America. They’re the principles that made us the greatest nation in the history of the world, and we abandon them at our peril, you know? And so there’s a lot of competing ideas and different forces out there right now, but I think we got to hold on to the soul of the party because that’s what’s gotten us to this point. 

    On Speaker Johnson’s secret for success:

    This probably defies conventional wisdom, but it’s a matter of faith. You just be faithful and humble and you be faithful in the little thing that God puts before you today, and then you trust him with the rest. I quote often, John Quincy Adams, he famously said, “duty is ours, results are God’s.” It’s a very liberating way to live, you know, and you just try to do your best every day, do your responsibility, do your duty, and then I let the chips fall where they may. I’m not the sovereign and I’m so delighted that I’m not.

    I’m not sure anyone could navigate the modern speakership the way it’s evolved to today. Without that faith component, I’m not sure I would. Scripture says you love your enemy, of course, as yourself. We don’t have enemies in the building. They’re all colleagues. But it also says that you bless those who persecute you. You don’t keep a record of wrongs. The soft word turns away wrath. There’s so much wisdom in the scripture, and if you apply all that, it allows you to navigate very tricky waters and not take things personally.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Exosens accelerates innovation capabilities in night vision and expands total addressable market with strategic acquisition of NVLS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EXOSENS ACCELERATES INNOVATION CAPABILITIES IN NIGHT VISION AND EXPANDS TOTAL ADDRESSABLE MARKET WITH STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF NVLS

    PRESS RELEASE
    MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE– MADRID, SPAIN, JULY 16th, 2025

    • Exosens announces the closing of Spanish-based NVLS, a specialist in night vision equipment.
    • This strategic merger will enable the combined group to expand its total addressable market (TAM) and to provide high-end night vision goggles to end-users. It will also enable to accelerate the development of advanced night vision modules for our customers that meet the critical needs of future combat environments and next-generation soldiers
    • Exosens continue to strengthen manufacturing capacity and global footprint to capture all the significant increasing demand.
    • This acquisition will enable NVLS to further develop its business in Spain, Latin America and Asia thanks to Exosens global commercial reach

    Exosens, a high-tech company focused on providing mission and performance-critical amplification, detection and imaging technology, today announces the closing of the acquisition of Spain-based company NVLS, a specialist developer and manufacturer of man-portable night vision and thermal devices.

    This strategic move contributes to strengthening European sovereignty in image intensifier-based equipment technologies and capabilities to develop innovative devices to guarantee tactical advantages to the soldier.

    “With the acquisition of NVLS, we will enhance our long-term innovation capabilities for multi-sensor platforms using detectors and cameras made by Exosens while expanding significantly our total addressable market (TAM). Combining our expertise will allow us to propose to all our customers and end-users additional solutions based on enhanced integration of sensors and optics meeting the evolving needs of the soldier of the future and unlocking additional growth potential. Facing a significant increasing demand, we will continue to serve our customers with high performance and quality ITAR-Free products. We contribute to strengthening the European industrial base by expanding our manufacturing capacity and global footprint.” commented Jérôme Cerisier, CEO of Exosens.

    NVLS, based in Spain with 63 employees, has developed a strong expertise in the field of man-portable night vision equipment, offering ultra-compact large field of view devices that provide enhanced visibility for land and aviation missions. These devices have been introduced as the new standards within the Spanish Armed Forces, Customs Police and Guardia Civil.

    “We are very pleased to join Exosens group with which we have built a strong supplier relationship since many years. Exosens’ support will provide us capabilities to scale up and to bring unrivaled performances to NATO armed forces.” stated Jorge de la Torre, CEO of NVLS.

    ABOUT EXOSENS:

    Exosens is a high‐tech company, with more than 85 years of experience in the innovation, development, manufacturing and sale of high‐end electro‐optical technologies in the field of amplification, detection and imaging. Today, it offers its customers detection components and solutions such as travelling wave tubes, advanced cameras, neutron & gamma detectors, instrument detectors and light intensifier tubes. This allows Exosens to respond to complex issues in extremely demanding environments by offering tailor‐made solutions to its customers. Thanks to its sustained investments, Exosens is internationally recognized as a major innovator in optoelectronics, with production and R&D carried out on 11 sites, in Europe and North America, and with over 1,800 employees.

    Exosens is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris ﴾Ticker: EXENS – ISIN: FR001400Q9V2﴿. Exosens is a member of Euronext Tech Leaders segment and is also included in several indices, including the SBF 120, CAC All-Tradable, CAC Mid 60, FTSE Total Cap and MSCI France Small Cap.

    For more information: exosens.com

    Forward-looking statements

    Certain information included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Exosens operates, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the forward-looking statements included in this press release.

    Media contacts for Exosens:
    Brunswick group – exosens@brunswickgroup.com
    Laetitia Quignon, + 33 6 83 17 89 13

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: When big sports events expand, like FIFA’s 2026 World Cup matches across North America, their climate footprint expands too

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Brian P. McCullough, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Michigan

    Lionel Messi celebrates with fans after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup championship in 2022 in Qatar. Michael Regan-FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    When the FIFA World Cup hits North America in June 2026, 48 teams and millions of soccer fans will be traveling to and from venues spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    It’s a dramatic expansion – 16 more teams will be playing than in recent years, with a jump from 64 to 104 matches. The tournament is projected to bring in over US$10 billion in revenue. But the expansion will also mean a lot more travel and other activities that contribute to climate change.

    The environmental impacts of giant sporting events like the World Cup create a complex paradox for an industry grappling with its future in a warming world.

    A sustainability conundrum

    Sports are undeniably experiencing the effects of climate change. Rising global temperatures are putting athletes’ health at risk during summer heat waves and shortening winter sports seasons. Many of the 2026 World Cup venues often see heat waves in June and early July, when the tournament is scheduled.

    There is a divide over how sports should respond.

    Some athletes are speaking out for more sustainable choices and have called on lawmakers to take steps to limit climate-warming emissions. At the same time, the sport industry is growing and facing a constant push to increase revenue. The NCAA is also considering expanding its March Madness basketball tournaments from 68 teams currently to as many as 76.

    Park Yong-woo of team Al Ain from Abu Dhabi tries to cool off during a Club World Cup match on June 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C., which was in the midst of a heat wave. Some players have raised concerns about likely high temperatures during the 2026 World Cup, with matches scheduled June 11 to July 19.
    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Estimates for the 2026 World Cup show what large tournament expansions can mean for the climate. A report from Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that the expanded World Cup could generate over 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, nearly double the average of the past four World Cups.

    This massive increase – and the increase that would come if the NCAA basketball tournaments also expand – would primarily be driven by air travel as fans and players fly among event cities that are thousands of miles apart.

    A lot of money is at stake, but so is the climate

    Sports are big business, and adding more matches to events like the World Cup and NCAA tournaments will likely lead to larger media rights contracts and greater gate receipts from more fans attending the events, boosting revenues. These are powerful financial incentives.

    In the NCAA’s case, there is another reason to consider a larger tournament: The House v. NCAA settlement opened the door for college athletic departments to share revenue with athletes, which will significantly increase costs for many college programs. More teams would mean more television revenue and, crucially, more revenue to be distributed to member NCAA institutions and their athletic conferences.

    When climate promises become greenwashing

    The inherent conflict between maximizing profit through growth and minimizing environmental footprint presents a dilemma for sports.

    Several sport organizations have promised to reduce their impact on the climate, including signing up for initiatives like the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.

    However, as sports tournaments and exhibition games expand, it can become increasingly hard for sports organizations to meet their climate commitments. In some cases, groups making sustainability commitments have been accused of greenwashing, suggesting the goals are more about public relations than making genuine, measurable changes.

    For example, FIFA’s early claims that it would hold a “fully carbon-neutral” World Cup in Qatar in 2022 were challenged by a group of European countries that accused soccer’s world governing body of underestimating emissions. The Swiss Fairness Commission, which monitors fairness in advertising, considered the complaints and determined that FIFA’s claims could not be substantiated.

    Alessandro Bastoni, of Inter Milan and Italy’s national team, prepares to board a flight from Milan to Rome with his team.
    Mattia Ozbot-Inter/Inter via Getty Images

    Aviation is often the biggest driver of emissions. A study that colleagues and I conducted on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament found about 80% of its emissions were connected to travel. And that was after the NCAA began using the pod system, which is designed to keep teams closer to home for the first and second rounds.

    Finding practical solutions

    Some academics, observing the rising emissions trend, have called for radical solutions like the end of commercialized sports or drastically limiting who can attend sporting events, with a focus on fans from the region.

    These solutions are frankly not practical, in my view, nor do they align with other positive developments. The growing popularity of women’s sports shows the challenge in limiting sports events – more games expands participation but adds to the industry’s overall footprint.

    Further compounding the challenges of reducing environmental impact is the amount of fan travel, which is outside the direct control of the sports organization or event organizers.

    Many fans will follow their teams long distances, especially for mega-events like the World Cup or the NCAA tournament. During the men’s World Cup in Russia in 2018, more than 840,000 fans traveled from other countries. The top countries by number of fans, after Russia, were China, the U.S., Mexico and Argentina.

    There is an argument that distributed sporting events like March Madness or the World Cup can be better in some ways for local environments because they don’t overwhelm a single city. However, merely spreading the impact does not necessarily reduce it, particularly when considering the effects on climate change.

    How fans can cut their environmental footprint

    Sport organizations and event planners can take steps to be more sustainable and also encourage more sustainable choices among fans. Fans can reduce their environmental impact in a variety of ways. For example:

    • Avoid taking airplanes for shorter distances, such as between FIFA venues in Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and carpool or take Amtrak instead. Planes can be more efficient for long distances, but air travel is still a major contributing factor to emissions.

    • While in a host city, use mass transit or rent electric vehicles or bicycles for local travel.

    • Consider sustainable accommodations, such as short-term rentals that might have a smaller environmental footprint than a hotel. Or stay at a certified green hotel that makes an effort to be more efficient in its use of water and energy.

    • Engage in sustainable pregame and postgame activities, such as choosing local, sustainable food options, and minimize waste.

    • You can also pay to offset carbon emissions for attending different sporting events, much like concertgoers do when they attend musical festivals. While critics question offsets’ true environmental benefit, they do represent people’s growing awareness of their environmental footprint.

    Through all these options, it’s clear that sports face a significant challenge in addressing their environmental impacts and encouraging fans to be more sustainable, while simultaneously trying to meet ambitious business and environmental targets.

    In my view, a sustainable path forward will require strategic, yet genuine, commitment by the sports industry and its fans, and a willingness to prioritize long-term planetary health alongside economic gains – balancing the sport and sustainability.

    Brian P. McCullough does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. When big sports events expand, like FIFA’s 2026 World Cup matches across North America, their climate footprint expands too – https://theconversation.com/when-big-sports-events-expand-like-fifas-2026-world-cup-matches-across-north-america-their-climate-footprint-expands-too-259437

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Muhammadu Buhari: Nigeria’s military leader turned democratic president leaves a mixed legacy

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Kester Onor, Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs

    Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on 13 July aged 82, was one of two former military heads of state who were later elected as civilian presidents. Buhari was the military head of state of Nigeria from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985 and president from 2015 to 2023.

    The other Nigerian politician to have been in both roles is former president Olusegun Obasanjo . He was a military ruler between 1976 and 1979 and elected president between 1999 and 2007.

    Buhari led Nigeria cumulatively for nearly a decade. His time as military head of state was marked with a war against corruption but he couldn’t do as much during his time as president under democratic rule.

    As a political scientist who once served in the Nigerian Army, I believe that former president Buhari’s government’s war on terrorism was largely underwhelming, despite promises and early gains.

    In his elected role, Buhari maintained a modest personal lifestyle and upheld electoral transitions. Nevertheless his presidency was marred by economic mismanagement, a failure to implement bold structural reforms, ethnic favouritism, and an unfulfilled promise of change.

    He did leave tangible infrastructural footprints, a focus on agriculture, and foundational efforts in transparency and anti-corruption.

    So his mark on Nigeria’s development trajectory was mixed.

    Early years

    Buhari was born on 17 December 1942, to Adamu and Zulaiha Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, north-west Nigeria. He was four years old when his father died. He attended Quranic school in Katsina. He was a Fulani, one of the major ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

    After completing his schooling, Buhari joined the army in 1961. He had military training in the UK, India and the United States as well as Nigeria.

    In 1975 he was appointed military governor of North Eastern State (now Borno State), after being involved in ousting Yakubu Gowon in a coup that same year. He served as governor for a year.

    Buhari later became federal commissioner for petroleum resources, overseeing Nigeria’s petroleum industry under Obasanjo. Obasanjo had become head of state in 1976 when Gowon’s successor, Murtala Muhammed, was assassinated in a failed coup that year.

    In September 1979, he returned to regular army duties and commanded the 3rd Armoured division based in Jos, Plateau State, north central. Nigeria’s Second Republic commenced that year after the election of Shehu Shagari as president.

    The coup that truncated the Shagari government on 31 December 1983 saw the emergence of Buhari as Nigeria’s head of state.

    Buhari’s junta years

    Buhari headed the military government for just under two years. He was ousted in another coup on 27 August 1985.

    While at the helm he vowed that the government would not tolerate kick-backs, inflation of contracts and over-invoicing of imports. Nor would it condone forgery, fraud, embezzlement, misuse and abuse of office and illegal dealings in foreign exchange and smuggling.

    Eighteen state governors were tried by military tribunals. Some of the accused received lengthy prison sentences, while others were acquitted or had their sentences commuted.

    His government also enacted the notorious Decree 4 under which two journalists, Nduka Irabor and Dele Thompson, were jailed. The charges stemmed from three articles published on the reorganisation of Nigeria’s diplomatic service.

    Buhari also instituted austerity measures and started a “War Against Indiscipline” which sought to promote positive values in the country. Authoritarian methods were sometimes used in its implementation. Soldiers forced Nigerians to queue, to be punctual and to obey traffic laws.

    He also instituted restrictions on press and political freedoms. Labour unions were not spared either. Mass retrenchment of Nigerians in the public service was carried out with impunity.

    While citizens initially welcomed some of these measures, growing discontent on the economic front made things tougher for the regime.



    Read more:
    Why Buhari won even though he had little to show for first term

    Buhari, the democrat

    Buhari’s dream to lead Nigeria again through the ballot box failed in 2003, 2007 and 2011. To his credit, he didn’t give up. An alliance of opposition parties succeeded in getting him elected in 2015.

    The legacy he left is mixed.

    Buhari’s government deepened national disunity.

    His appointments, often skewed in favour of the northern region and his Fulani kinsmen, fuelled accusations of tribalism and marginalisation. His perceived affinity with Fulani herdsmen, despite widespread violence linked to some of them, further eroded public trust in his leadership.

    His anti-corruption mantra largely did not succeed. While some high-profile recoveries were made, critics argue that his anti-corruption war was selective and heavily politicised.

    Currently, his Central Bank governor is on trial for corruption charges.

    The performance of the economy was also dismal under his tenure. Not all these problems could be laid at his feet. Nevertheless his inability to tackle the country’s underlying problems, such as insecurity, inflation and rising unemployment, all contributed. He presided over two recessions, rising unemployment, inflation, and a weakened naira.

    He did, however, succeed on some fronts.

    He tried with infrastructure. The Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a major road, was almost completed and he got the railways working again, completing the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan lines. He also completed the Second Niger Bridge.

    There was an airport revitalisation programme which led to improvements in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt airports.

    Buhari signed the Petroleum Industry Act after nearly 20 years’ delay. This is now attracting more investments into the oil industry.

    He also initiated some social investment schemes like N-Power, N-Teach and a school feeding programme. They provided temporary jobs for some and gave some poor people more money in their pockets. N-Power is a youth empowerment programme designed to combat unemployment, improve social development and provide people with relevant skills.

    These programmes later became mired in corruption which only became known after he left office.

    There was also an Anchor Borrowers Scheme to make the country more sufficient in rice production. Again, it got enmeshed in corruption and some of its officials are currently standing trial.

    In the fight against corruption, the Buhari administration made some progress through the Treasury Single Account, which improved financial transparency in public institutions. The Whistle Blower Policy also led to the recovery of looted funds.



    Read more:
    Why Buhari’s government is losing the anti-corruption war

    Security failures

    Buhari oversaw a deterioration of Nigeria’s security landscape. Banditry, farmer-herder clashes, kidnapping and separatist agitations escalated.

    In 2015 Buhari campaigned on a promise to defeat Boko Haram and restore territorial integrity in the north-east. Initially, his administration made some progress. Boko Haram was driven out of several local government areas it once controlled, and major military operations such as Operation Lafiya Dole were launched to reclaim territory.

    However, these initial successes were not sustained. Boko Haram splintered, giving rise to more brutal factions like the Islamic State West Africa Province. This group continued to launch deadly attacks.

    Buhari’s counter-terrorism strategy was often reactive, lacking a clear long-term doctrine. The military was overstretched and under-equipped. Morale issues and allegations of corruption in the defence sector undermined operations.

    Intelligence coordination remained poor, while civil-military relations suffered due to frequent human rights abuses by security forces. Community trust in the government’s ability to provide security dwindled.

    Buhari’s second coming as Nigeria’s leader carried high expectations, but he under-delivered.

    Kester Onor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Muhammadu Buhari: Nigeria’s military leader turned democratic president leaves a mixed legacy – https://theconversation.com/muhammadu-buhari-nigerias-military-leader-turned-democratic-president-leaves-a-mixed-legacy-261079

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why is Israel bombing Syria?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Conflict in Syria has escalated with Israel launching bombing raids against its northern neighbour.

    It follows months of fluctuating tensions in southern Syria between the Druze minority and forces aligned with the new government in Damascus. Clashes erupted in the last few days, prompting Israeli airstrikes in defence of the Druze by targeting government bases, tanks, and heavy weaponry.

    Israel Minister Amichai Chikli has called the Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa –

    a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated without delay.

    Despite the incendiary language, a ceasefire has been reached, halting the fighting – for now.

    Syrian forces have begun withdrawing heavy military equipment from the region, while Druze fighters have agreed to suspend armed resistance, allowing government troops to regain control of the main Druze city of Suwayda.

    What do the Druze want?

    The Druze are a small religious minority estimated at over one million people, primarily concentrated in the mountainous regions of Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan.

    In Syria, their population is estimated at around 700,000 (of around 23 million total Syrian population), with the majority residing in the southern As-Suwayda Governorate – or province – which serves as their traditional stronghold.

    Since the 2011 uprising against the Assad regime, the Druze have maintained a degree of autonomy, successfully defending their territory from various threats, including ISIS and other jihadist groups.

    Following Assad’s fall late last year, the Druze — along with other minority groups such as the Kurds in the east and Alawites in the west — have called for the country to be federalized.

    They advocate for a decentralised model that would grant greater autonomy to regional communities.

    However, the transitional government in Damascus is pushing for a centralised state and seeking to reassert full control over the entire Syrian territory. This fundamental disagreement has led to periodic clashes between Druze forces and government-aligned troops.

    Despite the temporary ceasefire, tensions remain high. Given the core political dispute remains unresolved, many expect renewed conflict to erupt in the near future.

    Why is Israel involved?

    The ousting of the Assad regime created a strategic opening for Israel to expand its influence in southern Syria. Israel’s involvement is driven by two primary concerns:

    1. Securing its northern border

    Israel views the power vacuum in Syria’s south as a potential threat, particularly the risk of anti-Israeli militias establishing a foothold near its northern border.

    During the recent clashes, the Israeli military declared

    The Israeli Defence Forces will not allow a military threat to exist in southern Syria and will act against it.

    Likewise, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has stated he will not allow Syrian forces south of Damascus:

    We are acting to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them [the Druze] and to ensure the demilitarisation of the area adjacent to our border with Syria.

    In line with these warnings, the Israeli Air Force has conducted extensive strikes against Syrian military infrastructure, targeting bases, aircraft, tanks, and heavy weaponry.

    These operations are intended to prevent any future buildup of military capacity that could be used against Israel from the Syrian side of the border.

    2. Supporting a federated Syria

    Israel is backing the two prominent allied minorities in Syria — the Kurds in the northeast and the Druze in the south — in their push for a federal governance model.

    A fragmented Syria, divided along ethnic and religious lines, is seen by some Israeli policymakers as a way to maintain Israeli domination in the region.

    This vision is part of what some Israeli officials have referred to as a “New Middle East” — one where regional stability and normalisation emerge through reshaped borders and alliances.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently echoed this strategy, stating:

    A single Syrian state with effective control and sovereignty over all its territory is unrealistic.

    For Israel, the logical path forward is autonomy for the various minorities in Syria within a federal structure.

    The United States’ role?

    According to unconfirmed reports, Washington has privately urged Israel to scale back its military strikes on Syria in order to prevent further escalation and preserve regional stability.

    The US is promoting increased support for Syria’s new regime in an effort to help it reassert control and stabilise the country.

    There are also indications the US and its allies are encouraging the Syrian government to move toward normalisation with Israel. Reports suggest Tel Aviv has held talks with the new Sharaa-led regime about the possibility of Syria joining the Abraham Accords (diplomatic agreements between Israel and several Arab states), which the regime in Damascus appears open to.

    US Special Envoy Tom Barrack has described the recent clashes as “worrisome”, calling for de-escalation and emphasising the need for

    a peaceful, inclusive outcome for all stakeholders – including the Druze, Bedouin tribes, the Syrian government, and Israeli forces.

    Given the deep-rooted political divisions, competing regional agendas, and unresolved demands from minority groups, the unrest in southern Syria is unlikely to end soon.

    Despite another temporary ceasefire, underlying tensions remain. Further clashes are not only possible but highly probable.

    Ali Mamouri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why is Israel bombing Syria? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-israel-bombing-syria-261259

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration for Illegally Shutting Down Longstanding Disaster Prevention Program

    Source: US State of California

    Over a billion in funding potentially at stake for California projects to address flooding, wildfires, landslides, drought, and earthquakes

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit challenging the unlawful termination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. Since 2020, FEMA has made billions of dollars available under the BRIC program to prepare for and mitigate the risks from disasters before they happen. From flooding to wildfires to landslides to earthquakes, California is uniquely at risk from natural disasters and the largest beneficiary of this program; already, it has been awarded tens of millions of dollars, and if the program continues, could receive over a billion more for projects that FEMA had selected for grant funding. In today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta, alongside a coalition of 19 other states, asks the court to compel FEMA to reverse the unlawful termination of the BRIC program so that communities across the country can protect themselves from natural disasters before they strike.  

    “Nearly thirty years ago, both Democrats and Republicans in Congress recognized a simple fact: Preparing for disasters, instead of just reacting to them, saves money and lives,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Yet in the name of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, President Trump and his lackeys have once again jeopardized public safety with their indiscriminate slashing of pre-disaster mitigation funding. We’re taking them to court – not because we want to, but because we have to. As we continue to build a climate resilient California, we deserve a federal government that is a partner, not a roadblock in our efforts – and that’s exactly what Congress intended.” 

    Across five Presidential administrations, Congress and FEMA have worked together to provide funding through FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation program so that communities across the nation can invest in projects that reduce harm from natural disasters. The rationale is simple: by proactively fortifying our communities against disasters before they strike, rather than just responding afterward, we will reduce injuries, save lives, protect property, and, ultimately, save money that would otherwise be spent on post-disaster costs. 

    Given the program’s effectiveness in protecting both people and pocketbooks, it is little surprise that it has had broad bipartisan support. The bill codifying the program passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 415–2 and passed the Senate by unanimous consent before President Bill Clinton signed it. More recently, during President Trump’s first term, a bipartisan group of legislators overwhelmingly passed a bill by a vote of 398–23 in the House and 93–6 in the Senate that provided the program with an additional funding stream. And in 2021, Congress invested another $1 billion in the program through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    In California, projects that have been awarded funding include: 

    • A project in City of Rancho Palos Verdes to reduce geologic landslide movement that threatens most of the City’s residents and infrastructure, including a major arterial roadway that provides community and emergency access, sanitation sewer lines located along this roadway, electric and communication lines, potable water lines, and gas lines. Without this project, landslide movement will continue to threaten critical infrastructure, damage homes and property, and endanger lives. 
    • A project in the City of Sacramento to mitigate flooding of five major interchanges, 3.9 miles of a major interstate highway, a runway at an airport, surface streets, 27,000 housing units, and more. Among other things, the project would have improved floodwall sections, improved levee sections, and relocated a pump station. 
    • A project in Kern County to seismically retrofit the Kern Valley Healthcare District’s hospital that provides acute care and emergency medical services to a remote population in the mid-northern region of the Kern River Valley area. Unless seismically retrofitted, the hospital may soon need to close. This would force hundreds of thousands of Californians to seek services at hospitals over two hours away. 

    In Texas, where heavy rains turned into devastating floods earlier this month, FEMA was set to provide hundreds of million in federal funding for pre-disaster mitigation projects, including for several flood mitigation projects.

    All that changed when Cameron Hamilton, who the Trump Administration unlawfully installed to act as FEMA’s Administrator, suddenly shut down the program. His unilateral decision to shutter the nation’s largest, most popular, and most cost-effective pre-disaster mitigation program is illegal. Neither Cameron Hamilton nor his successor, David Richardson, were lawfully appointed or qualified to run FEMA, as required by the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and statutory requirements. Their purported termination of the BRIC program flatly contravenes Congress’s decision to continue to fund it, in violation of the U.S. Constitution and Congress’s power of the purse. In their lawsuit filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Attorney General Bonta and a coalition urge the court to reverse FEMA’s unlawful decision to shut down this program – before the devastating impact of this loss of funding results in permanent damage to our communities.  

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the state of Pennsylvania, in filing the lawsuit.  

    A copy of the lawsuit will be available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration for Illegally Shutting Down Longstanding Disaster Prevention Program

    Source: US State of California

    Over a billion in funding potentially at stake for California projects to address flooding, wildfires, landslides, drought, and earthquakes

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit challenging the unlawful termination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. Since 2020, FEMA has made billions of dollars available under the BRIC program to prepare for and mitigate the risks from disasters before they happen. From flooding to wildfires to landslides to earthquakes, California is uniquely at risk from natural disasters and the largest beneficiary of this program; already, it has been awarded tens of millions of dollars, and if the program continues, could receive over a billion more for projects that FEMA had selected for grant funding. In today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta, alongside a coalition of 19 other states, asks the court to compel FEMA to reverse the unlawful termination of the BRIC program so that communities across the country can protect themselves from natural disasters before they strike.  

    “Nearly thirty years ago, both Democrats and Republicans in Congress recognized a simple fact: Preparing for disasters, instead of just reacting to them, saves money and lives,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Yet in the name of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, President Trump and his lackeys have once again jeopardized public safety with their indiscriminate slashing of pre-disaster mitigation funding. We’re taking them to court – not because we want to, but because we have to. As we continue to build a climate resilient California, we deserve a federal government that is a partner, not a roadblock in our efforts – and that’s exactly what Congress intended.” 

    Across five Presidential administrations, Congress and FEMA have worked together to provide funding through FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation program so that communities across the nation can invest in projects that reduce harm from natural disasters. The rationale is simple: by proactively fortifying our communities against disasters before they strike, rather than just responding afterward, we will reduce injuries, save lives, protect property, and, ultimately, save money that would otherwise be spent on post-disaster costs. 

    Given the program’s effectiveness in protecting both people and pocketbooks, it is little surprise that it has had broad bipartisan support. The bill codifying the program passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 415–2 and passed the Senate by unanimous consent before President Bill Clinton signed it. More recently, during President Trump’s first term, a bipartisan group of legislators overwhelmingly passed a bill by a vote of 398–23 in the House and 93–6 in the Senate that provided the program with an additional funding stream. And in 2021, Congress invested another $1 billion in the program through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    In California, projects that have been awarded funding include: 

    • A project in City of Rancho Palos Verdes to reduce geologic landslide movement that threatens most of the City’s residents and infrastructure, including a major arterial roadway that provides community and emergency access, sanitation sewer lines located along this roadway, electric and communication lines, potable water lines, and gas lines. Without this project, landslide movement will continue to threaten critical infrastructure, damage homes and property, and endanger lives. 
    • A project in the City of Sacramento to mitigate flooding of five major interchanges, 3.9 miles of a major interstate highway, a runway at an airport, surface streets, 27,000 housing units, and more. Among other things, the project would have improved floodwall sections, improved levee sections, and relocated a pump station. 
    • A project in Kern County to seismically retrofit the Kern Valley Healthcare District’s hospital that provides acute care and emergency medical services to a remote population in the mid-northern region of the Kern River Valley area. Unless seismically retrofitted, the hospital may soon need to close. This would force hundreds of thousands of Californians to seek services at hospitals over two hours away. 

    In Texas, where heavy rains turned into devastating floods earlier this month, FEMA was set to provide hundreds of million in federal funding for pre-disaster mitigation projects, including for several flood mitigation projects.

    All that changed when Cameron Hamilton, who the Trump Administration unlawfully installed to act as FEMA’s Administrator, suddenly shut down the program. His unilateral decision to shutter the nation’s largest, most popular, and most cost-effective pre-disaster mitigation program is illegal. Neither Cameron Hamilton nor his successor, David Richardson, were lawfully appointed or qualified to run FEMA, as required by the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and statutory requirements. Their purported termination of the BRIC program flatly contravenes Congress’s decision to continue to fund it, in violation of the U.S. Constitution and Congress’s power of the purse. In their lawsuit filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Attorney General Bonta and a coalition urge the court to reverse FEMA’s unlawful decision to shut down this program – before the devastating impact of this loss of funding results in permanent damage to our communities.  

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the state of Pennsylvania, in filing the lawsuit.  

    A copy of the lawsuit will be available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Examining mushrooms under microscopes can help engineers design stronger materials

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi, PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, State University of New York

    White button mushrooms are one of the types studied to inform stronger materials. DigiPub/Moment via Getty Images

    Pick up a button mushroom from the supermarket and it squishes easily between your fingers. Snap a woody bracket mushroom off a tree trunk and you’ll struggle to break it. Both extremes grow from the same microscopic building blocks: hyphae – hair-thin tubes made mostly of the natural polymer chitin, a tough compound also found in crab shells.

    As those tubes branch and weave, they form a lightweight but surprisingly strong network called mycelium. Engineers are beginning to investigate this network for use in eco-friendly materials.

    Filaments called hyphae are a mushroom’s support structures both above and below ground, and the mycelium network links multiple mushrooms together.
    Milkwood.net/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    Yet even within a single mushroom family, the strength of a mycelium network can vary widely. Scientists have long suspected that how the hyphae are arranged – not just what they’re made of – holds the key to understanding, and ultimately controlling, their strength. But until recently, measurements that directly link microscopic arrangement to macroscopic strength have been scarce.

    I’m a mechanical engineering Ph.D. student at Binghamton University who studies bio-inspired structures. In our latest research, my colleagues and I asked a simple question: Can we tune the strength of a mushroomlike material just by changing the angle of its filaments, without adding any tougher ingredients? The answer, it turns out, is yes.

    2 edible species, many tiny tests

    In our study, my team compared two familiar fungi. The first was the white button mushroom, whose tissue uses only thin filaments called generative filaments. The second was the maitake, also called hen-of-the-woods, whose tissue mixes in a second, thicker type of hyphae called skeletal filaments. These skeletal filaments are arranged roughly in parallel, like bundles of cables.

    The two types of mushrooms used in the study: The white button mushroom is monomitic, shown on the left, meaning it has only one type of hyphae. The maitake is shown on the right, and is dimitic, meaning it has two types of hyphae.
    Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi

    After gently drying the caps and stems to remove any water, which can soften the material and skew the results, we zoomed in with scanning electron microscopes and tested the samples at two very different scales.

    First, we tested macro-scale compression. A motor-driven piston slowly squashed each mushroom while sensors recorded how hard the sample pushed back – the same way you might squeeze a marshmallow, only with laboratory precision.

    Then we pressed a diamond tip thinner than a human hair into individual filaments to measure their stiffness.

    The white mushroom filaments behaved like rubber bands, averaging about 18 megapascals in stiffness – similar to natural rubber. The thicker skeletal filaments in maitake measured around 560 megapascals, more than 30 times stiffer and approaching the stiffness of high-density polyethylene – the rigid plastic used in cutting boards and some water pipes.

    The two mushrooms tested include the maitake, left, and the button mushroom.
    Lance Cheung/USDA and edenpictures/Flickr, CC BY

    But chemistry is only half the story. When we squeezed entire chunks, the direction we squeezed in mattered even more for the maitake. Pressing in line with its parallel skeletal filaments made the block 30 times stiffer than pressing across the grain. By contrast, the tangled filaments in white mushrooms felt equally soft from every angle.

    A digital mushroom and twisting the threads

    To separate geometry from chemistry, we converted snapshots from the microscope into a computer model using a 3D Voronoi network – a pattern that mimics the walls between bubbles in a foam. Think of ping-pong balls crammed in a box: Each ball is a cell, and the walls between cells become our simulated filaments.

    We assigned those filaments by the stiffness values measured in the lab, then virtually rotated the whole network to angles of 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees and completely random.

    Horizontal (0 degrees) filaments flexed like a spring mattress. Vertical (90 degrees) filaments supported weight almost as firmly as dense wood. Simply tilting the network to 60 degrees nearly doubled its stiffness compared with 0 degrees – all without changing a single chemical ingredient.

    The researchers modeled structures with different fiber orientations to see which are the strongest: (a) represents a horizontal fiber orientation, (b) a 30-degree fiber orientation, (c) a 60-degree fiber orientation, (d) a vertical fiber orientation, and (e) a random fiber orientation.
    Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi

    Basically, we found that orientation alone could turn a mushy sponge into something that stands up to serious pressure. That suggests manufacturers could make strong, lightweight, biodegradable parts – such as shoe insoles, protective packaging and even interior panels for cars – simply by guiding how a fungus grows rather than by mixing in harder additives.

    Greener materials – and beyond

    Startups already grow “leather” made from mycelium – the threadlike fungal network – for handbags, and mycelium foam as a Styrofoam replacement.

    Guiding fungi to lay their filaments in strategic directions could push performance much higher, opening doors in sectors where strength-to-weight ratio is king: think sporting goods cores, building-insulation panels or lightweight fillers inside aircraft panels.

    The same digital tool kit also works for metal or polymer lattices printed layer by layer. Swap the filament properties in the model, let the algorithm pick the best angles, and then feed that layout into a 3D printer.

    One day, engineers might dial up an app that says something like, “I need a panel that’s stiff north-south but flexible east-west,” and the program could spit out a filament map inspired by the humble maitake.

    Our next step is to feed thousands of these virtual networks into a machine learning model so it can predict – or even invent – filament layouts that hit a targeted stiffness in any direction.

    Meanwhile, biologists are exploring low-energy ways to coax real fungi to grow in neat rows, from steering nutrients toward one side of a petri dish to applying gentle electric fields that encourage filaments to align.

    This study taught us that you don’t always need exotic chemistry to make a better material. Sometimes it’s all about how you line up the same old threads – just ask a mushroom.

    Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Examining mushrooms under microscopes can help engineers design stronger materials – https://theconversation.com/examining-mushrooms-under-microscopes-can-help-engineers-design-stronger-materials-260477

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: MethaneSat: The climate spy satellite that went quiet

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Vincent Gauci, Professorial Fellow, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham

    Satellites circling the Earth have many different functions, including navigation, communications and Earth observation. About 8%-10% of all active satellites are military or “dual use” serving intelligence or reconnaissance functions as spy satellites.

    But it was a climate satellite serving as both spy and “name and shame” police officer in the sky that recently caught the world’s attention when it went quiet.

    MethaneSat was developed to spot emission hot spots or plumes of invisible methane pollution from space. Built by the US non-profit, the Environmental Defense Fund with Nasa’s support, it tracked methane leaks from oil and gas sites, farms and landfills across the globe.

    These are among the biggest human-caused emission sources. But methane emissions are traditionally hard to spot because they come from so many relatively small point sources or plumes.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    This specialist observation satellite was developed and deployed because methane acts differently to other greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that, over 20 years, is more than 80 times more powerful a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

    Since 1750, additional human-caused methane emissions have contributed directly and indirectly, to around 60% of the global warming of carbon dioxide over that time.

    Methane also has a short lifetime. Where carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for in excess of 100 years, relying on plant uptake for its removal from the atmosphere and conversion into other carbon forms, methane is broken down in the atmosphere by molecules known as hydroxyl radicals. These are nicknamed “the atmosphere’s detergent”, because they effectively remove methane from the atmosphere in less than ten years.

    A gas flare at an oil refinery – one of many pinpoint sources of methane emissions.
    hkhtt hj/Shutterstock

    This combination of short lifetime and high global warming potential (a measure of the climate strength of the gas relative to carbon dioxide) makes methane both a problem and an ideal target for reduction. In fact, growth in atmospheric methane is occurring at such a rate that it is placing us dangerously off track from meeting our Paris agreement obligations to stay within 1.5°C of climate warming by 2050 and 2°C by 2100.

    Eyes in the sky

    But how can we achieve these reductions and what was the role of MethaneSat in seeking to meet this objective?

    There are two ways atmospheric methane concentrations can be reduced. A recent and more challenging proposition is that methane is actively removed from the atmosphere.

    This is difficult because it relies on technological advances that are at their earliest stages (although growing more trees can go some way to achieving this). Another more realistic approach is to reduce emissions and then to let atmospheric chemistry do the work of removing excess methane in the atmosphere.

    The global methane pledge was announced in 2021 at the UN climate summit, Cop26, in Glasgow. This aimed to reduce human-caused methane emissions by 30% on 2020 levels by 2030. More than 150 countries have now signed up to this pledge. If successful, it could reduce warming by up to 0.2°C by 2050. That’s why MethaneSat was so useful.

    MethaneSat is fitted with a hyperspectral sensor – which can record sunlight reflected off Earth in hundreds of narrow colour bands across the spectrum, far beyond what our eyes can see. It’s capable of picking up concentrations of methane in air at minute quantities.

    This sensor allowed the satellite to spot individual plumes of methane, so it had a crucial role in identifying those problem areas. Given that these are dispersed but also individual point sources, it was invaluable in intervening in the leaks, permitting identification of those responsible so they could be held to account and so address the problem.

    No one instrument can cover what MethaneSat could do with freely available data. It had high precision, high spatial resolution and, critically, global coverage and it was particularly useful at identifying plumes in nations that don’t have the resources for the sort of regional surveys using aircraft mounted systems that can fill the gap in developed regions.

    Now that MethaneSat is no longer operational, there are some other tools to identify small anthropogenic emissions sources, but they tend to be regionally focused like the aircraft measurements mentioned.

    Other satellites gather similar data but that data sits behind commercial paywalls, whereas MethaneSat data was freely available. Collectively, these drawbacks mean that it’s just going to be that much harder to spot the emissions MethaneSat was so good at tracking.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Vincent Gauci receives funding from the NERC, Spark Climate Solutions, the JABBS Foundation and has received funding from the Royal Society, Defra and the AXA Research Fund.

    – ref. MethaneSat: The climate spy satellite that went quiet – https://theconversation.com/methanesat-the-climate-spy-satellite-that-went-quiet-261022

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: Big Developments for Drone Stocks as White House Issues Executive Order to Unleash American Drone Dominance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Two recent actions by the White House and the Department of Defense have been issued to cut the “Red Tape” and Unleash American Drone Dominance. An article in TheHill.com said that: “Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a new directive to fast-track U.S. drone production and “cut red tape,” he announced in a video posted to social media. A new Pentagon memo outlined the U.S. military’s need to keep pace as global military drone production has skyrocketed lately, and the war between Russia and Ukraine has revealed the increasing importance of using more drones for modern warfare. Hegseth made the announcement of the major overhaul in U.S. military drone policy in a social media video where he can be seen flanked by operating drones. Hegseth said the Pentagon is cutting “red tape” and speeding up production. He also said he wants service members from all branches of the military to be trained in drone operations. “We were brought here to rebuild the military and match capabilities to the threats of today,” said Hegseth. “So while our adversaries have produced millions of cheap drones before us, we were mired in bureaucratic red tape, not anymore.” Also an Executive Order from the White House on June 6, 2025 addressed the issue to Unleash American Drone Dominance. It said, in part: “The Department of Defense must be able to procure, integrate, and train using low-cost, high-performing drones manufactured in the United States.” Active companies in the markets this week include: Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO), ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC).

    The order continued: “Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator of the FAA to streamline the approval processes to expand access to airspace for conducting UAS training. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, and the Federal Communications Commission, submit a report to the President through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) describing any unnecessary barriers to accessing electromagnetic spectrum for conducting UAS training.”

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) Commander3 XL UAV Selected by Major Branch of the U.S. Department of Defense for Advanced Operation Initiatives – Draganfly Inc. (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning developer of drone solutions, software, and robotics, today announced the successful selection of its Commander3 XL (C3XL) UAV platform, also known as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of drones, by a major branch of the United States Department of Defense (DoD). This delivery supports next-generation deployment initiatives focused on advanced reconnaissance in combination with operational capabilities.

    The procurement was facilitated through a known prime contractor, with Draganfly engaging directly with end-user military stakeholders to ensure the platform was tailored to meet real-world mission requirements. The Commander3 XL platform is to be deployed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that require additional operational capabilities underscoring the growing demand for adaptable UAV platforms in active defense scenarios.

    “This delivery further validates the Commander3 XL’s reliability and versatility for frontline applications,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “We’re honored to support the DoD’s commitment to autonomous and semi-autonomous multi-mission systems that enhance operational effectiveness.”

    The Commander3 XL is renowned for its robust flight performance, modular payload options, and mission-specific adaptability, making it a trusted platform for complex defense, security, and emergency response operations. CONTINUED… Read this full press release and more news for Draganfly at: https://draganfly.com/news/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry of note include:

    ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), a business technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, recently announced it will accelerate expansion of its Phoenix Arizona-based facilities — including tripling the square footage size — to enable full US drone manufacturing, assembly and testing. This expansion comes earlier than expected due to the recent transformative US policy directives from the White House, the Department of Defense, and the recently passed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ that collectively have unlocked federal funding for domestic production, cut outdated certification and procurement barriers, and fast-tracked deployment directly to frontline units without requiring Blue or Green UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) certification.

    These new directives make it dramatically easier and faster for American drone companies—especially those building Group 1 and 2 affordable drone systems—to sell directly to the military, scale production, and innovate without delays from traditional defense procurement bottlenecks. Together, they signal a clear national priority: build drones in America, field them fast, and outpace adversaries.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently has successfully closed the previously announced registered direct offering with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 6,448,276 shares of common stock resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $46.75 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The offering closed on June 18, 2025.

    The Company intends to use net proceeds from the offering for general corporate and working capital purposes, including but not limited to operating expenditures related to its new unmanned surface vessel division.

    “We believe this financing positions Red Cat for significant growth in the drone industry and will accelerate our product development and production for our newly formed Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) division for the maritime autonomy market,” said Jeff Thompson, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Red Cat.

    AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently announced that its Wildcat uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) has achieved a series of development milestones in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Early VTOL Aircraft Demonstration (EVADE). Wildcat has successfully completed VTOL-to-forward-flight transitions, validated its core flight and propulsion systems, and begun integrating critical mission payloads—demonstrating rapid progress toward an operationally relevant capability.

    Wildcat is a Group 3, tail-sitting vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for launch and recovery from ship decks in denied and distributed maritime environments. Its compact footprint, autonomous launch and recovery, and robust flight performance across high sea states make it a flexible and scalable solution for contested littoral operations.

    Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American:UMAC), a leader in drone technology and component manufacturing, recently announced the appointment of Tim Manton, CPA, as Corporate Controller, reporting to Chief Financial Officer Brian Hoff. Manton brings more than 15 years of experience in financial operations, M&A, and reporting across high-growth and acquisition-driven companies.

    “Tim brings strong financial acumen and experience critical to dynamic, scaling environments,” said Hoff. “His background in M&A, systems integration, and financial oversight makes him a valuable addition as we sharpen our focus on execution and operational efficiency.”

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The systematic use of wet leasing by airlines and its impact on labour rights – P-002816/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002816/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D), Idoia Mendia (S&D), Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D)

    Many airlines operating in the EU systematically subcontract flights during peak months (particularly in the summer) to low-cost carriers, who provide the aircraft and crew and are also responsible for maintenance- and insurance-related arrangements. Known as wet leasing, this practice has become standard among operators looking to cut down on labour and operating costs.

    Many reports indicate that wet-lease staff are working in precarious conditions, the result of false self-employment contracts and ambiguous labour agreements which circumvent national legislation and violate European social and labour protection standards. This practice is undermining working standards in the aviation sector and fostering unfair competition among its operators.

    There are also repercussions for the passengers, who pay for flights without knowing that they have been subcontracted and are not told in advance of the change in service arrangements, a state of affairs which violates their consumer rights and reduces market transparency.

    In the light of the above, and of the fact that national authorities are struggling to implement EU rules:

    • 1.Has the Commission detected a rise in the use of wet leasing in the EU?
    • 2.What measures will it enact to close the legal loopholes that enable companies to use this practice?
    • 3.Will wet leasing be addressed when Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 is reviewed?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Promoting safe and healthy development of low-altitude economy industries

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Siu-hung and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

    The National Development and Reform Commission has earlier on emphasised the expansion of application scenarios for low-altitude economic activities in a well-classified and orderly manner, on the premise that risks be stringently controlled and safety be ensured. On promoting the safe and healthy development of the low-altitude economy industries, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) given that the establishment of a “visible and manageable” fully digitalised low-altitude airspace management system is a key element in managing and controlling the safe and orderly flights of a wide range of high-traffic-density and high-frequency aircrafts in the airspace, whether the Government has a timetable for the establishment of the system concerned; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (2) as there are views pointing out that the data derived from the low-‍altitude economy have high economic values, and data security will have a direct impact on the efficiency and safety of the use of airspace, whether the Government will study the establishment of a data security system to promote standardised management and the safe and efficient use of low-altitude data, as well as to facilitate the transformation of data value; and

    (3) whether it will, by drawing reference from the development experience in the Mainland and other places around the world, conduct quantitative analysis on the economic benefits brought about by low-altitude infrastructure and the related industries, and formulate a plan for development of such facilities through a public-‍private partnership approach, so as to attract more infrastructure investments; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    Low-altitude economy (LAE) is a national strategic emerging industry and an example of developing new quality productive forces. For LAE to “fly far”, it must first “fly steady”. Therefore, safety is undoubtedly a prerequisite for LAE development.

    In consultation with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Civil Aviation Department, the reply to the Hon Chan’s question is as follows:

    (1) Robust low-altitude infrastructure is a critical element in ensuring the safe and orderly operation of low-altitude flying activities. Given Hong Kong’s unique urban landscape characterised by dense high-rise buildings and varied terrain, the low-altitude operating environment is particularly challenging. The establishment of digitalised low-altitude infrastructure, particularly the Smart Low-altitude Traffic Management System, coupled with the formulation of a comprehensive data policy, is essential to ensuring the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of LAE.

    Building on the experience gathered from the Regulatory Sandbox (Sandbox) pilot projects, the Government will formulate the conceptual model and technical specifications for a Smart Low-altitude Traffic Management System. To implement these plans, the Government will commence a technical study within this year, drawing on the Mainland and international advanced practices to ensure that the technical parameters of low-altitude infrastructure, including the Smart Low-altitude Traffic Management System, are compatible with regional and international regulatory standards.

    (2) The development of LAE will generate significant volumes of data resources such as flight data collected during unmanned aircraft operations, the secure and efficient utilisation of which will directly affect the industry’s development potential. In respect of data management and data security of government systems, the relevant bureaux and departments (B/Ds) at present must comply with the Government IT Security Policy and Guidelines, which require for example encrypting data both in transit and at rest, prohibiting the storage of sensitive and personal data on public cloud platforms, and conducting regular security risk assessments and audits as well as privacy impact assessments for B/Ds’ information systems. These measures aim to ensure that data are kept secure and reliable and meet all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements, including requirements on privacy protection of personal data.

    Given the above and in accordance with the open data policy of the Government, data collected by LAE projects can, depending on the circumstances, be made available to the public via the existing digital infrastructures such as the Open Data Portal and the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure Portal (CSDI), thereby fostering more LAE-related applications and industry development. In fact, a considerable amount of data beneficial to the development of the LAE, e.g. maps, aerial photographs, 3D spatial data, building data, traffic data and weather data, etc, has already been shared with the industry through the aforementioned government data platforms, facilitating various sectors to explore more application scenarios of low-altitude flying activities and unlock the full potential of the data.

    Furthermore, the DEVB, the Lands Department and relevant departments will jointly explore the feasibility of sharing LAE-related data through a unified platform, and build a three-dimensional information hub dedicated to low-altitude flying activities as a pilot project to conduct a proof-of-concept for sharing data collected by unmanned aircraft. This hub will make reference to the data sharing model of the Mainland and closely connect with the CSDI developed by the DEVB to unify and integrate data from different sources, and be equipped with relevant data dashboards to enable thematic information sharing between the Government and relevant stakeholders relating to low-altitude flying activities.

    (3) The development of low-altitude infrastructure is a forward-looking systematic project. Through government guidance and cross-sector collaboration, it can accelerate industrial upgrading and drive the robust growth of LAE. In addition to the investment of government resources, we believe that private market participation is also an indispensable driving force, particularly in areas such as the construction of takeoff/landing sites and the planning of mobile radio communications network. Drawing reference from the experiences and various models adopted in the Mainland and other regions, we will proceed step-by-step in taking forward the relevant work on the development of LAE infrastructure. Throughout this process, the Government will, on the premises of safeguarding aviation and public safety, explore various operational models conducive to the development of LAE to foster long-term economic benefits.

    At present, the Government is testing different low-altitude flying application scenarios, technical and site requirements, and cross-departmental regulatory co-ordination through the Sandbox pilot projects. The aims are to gather data, accumulate experience, and examine the infrastructure, safety standards, and legislative and regulatory framework necessary for LAE development, thereby providing trial experience and evidence-based foundation of various application scenarios for the planning of LAE development, including the feasible models for the construction of LAE infrastructure. Our vision is that while the Government creates a favourable ecosystem through top-level design, standard-setting, and institutional innovation, the private sector will drive industrial advancement through technological breakthrough and business model innovation. This public-private collaboration model will pave the way for the sustainable development of LAE in Hong Kong.

    Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo opens in Beijing

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    3rd China International Supply Chain Expo opens in Beijing

    Updated: July 16, 2025 16:08 Xinhua
    The third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) kicks off in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. The third CISCE opened in Beijing on Wednesday, rallying multinational giants including Nvidia, Apple, and Airbus to showcase industrial resilience and cross-border collaboration. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UAE’s Autocraft places pre-order for 350 ‘air taxis’ in China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    SHANGHAI, July 16 (Xinhua) — United Arab Emirates (UAE) Autocraft on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft maker Shanghai TCab Technology Co., Ltd. to purchase 350 E20 eVTOL aircraft worth a total of $1 billion.

    This is the largest pre-order for eVTOLs in China to date.

    The deal is a result of a partnership between the two parties at last year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE).

    The deal is expected to see TCab Tech’s in-house developed E20 air taxis put into commercial service in low-altitude tourism and urban air mobility applications in the Middle East and North Africa region.

    As it became known, the E20 aircraft is designed for one pilot and four passengers. Its designed flight range is 200 km, and the maximum speed is 320 km/h.

    Autocraft explained the motivation for its partnership with Chinese company TCab Tech as recognition of the latter’s technological maturity and potential for safety systems.

    According to the concluded order document, the E20 eVTOL will be delivered in stages in several batches. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cargo air service between Urumqi and Bishkek resumed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, July 16 (Xinhua) — A cargo plane loaded with 3.8 tons of textiles and clothing took off from Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, marking the official resumption of Urumqi-Bishkek cargo flights.

    According to the Urumqi Tianshan Airport Customs Office, the air cargo route operates on a fixed schedule on Wednesdays and Fridays. The resumption of air cargo services on this route is an important milestone in deepening the connectivity between China and Central Asian countries and establishing trade and economic cooperation, and will help match high-quality Chinese goods with demand in the Central Asian market.

    Deputy head of the said service Liu Jingyi said that in order to meet the needs of air transportation of goods such as clothing and textiles, which are in high demand in the Central Asian market, the airport customs authorities continued to optimize the control and management process, opening convenient channels for fast customs clearance of goods.

    According to Zhao Wei, a responsible person at one of the local logistics companies, Xinjiang Fuying Logistics Co., Ltd., it used to take more than a week to deliver goods by land from Urumqi to Bishkek, but after the resumption of this air route, cargo can be delivered to Bishkek on the day of shipment.

    “In the future, our company plans to use this air cargo route to promote the development of commercial activities with Central Asian countries,” said Zhao Wei. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Air India crash rekindles debate over cockpit video recorders

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The deadly Air India crash last month has renewed a decades-old debate in the aviation industry over installing video cameras monitoring airline pilot actions to complement the cockpit voice and flight data recorders already used by accident investigators.

    One of the industry’s most influential voices, International Air Transport Association head Willie Walsh, a former airline pilot, said on Wednesday in Singapore there was a strong argument for video cameras to be installed in airliner cockpits to monitor pilot actions to complement voice and flight data recorders already used by accident investigators.

    Aviation experts have said a preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) raised questions over whether one of the pilots of Air India flight 171 cut off fuel to the Boeing BA.N 787’s engines seconds after takeoff, leading to an irrecoverable situation.

    The crash in Ahmedabad, India, killed 241 of the 242 people aboard, as well as 19 people on the ground.

    As of now, “based on what little we know now, it’s quite possible that a video recording, in addition to the voice recording would significantly assist the investigators in conducting that investigation on the issue of mental health,” Walsh said.

    Advocates for cockpit video cameras say the footage could fill in gaps left by the audio and data recorders, while opponents say concerns about privacy and misuse outweigh what they argue are marginal benefits for investigations.

    Video footage was “invaluable” to Australian crash investigators determining what led to Robinson R66 helicopter breaking up in mid-air in 2023, killing the pilot, the only person aboard, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s final report, which was released 18 days after the Air India crash.

    The video showed “the pilot was occupied with non-flying related tasks for much of this time, specifically, mobile phone use and the consumption of food and beverages,” the report said.

    The ATSB commended Robinson Helicopters for providing factory-installed cameras and said it encouraged other manufacturers and owners to consider the ongoing safety benefits of similar devices.

    In 2000, U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Jim Hall urged the Federal Aviation Administration to require commercial airliners be equipped with cockpit image recorders.

    Hall’s recommendation came in the wake of 1999’s Egyptair Flight 990 crash, when the first officer intentionally crashed the Boeing 767, according to the NTSB, killing all 217 people on board.

    “In the balance between privacy and safety, the scale tips toward safety, unequivocally,” air safety expert and former commercial airline pilot John Nance said. “Protecting the flying public is a sacred obligation.”

    Another aviation safety expert, Anthony Brickhouse, said that as an accident investigator, he is in favor of cockpit video, but acknowledged that commercial pilots have real concerns.

    Video on Air India flight 171 “would have answered lots of questions,” he said.

    Air India declined to comment. India’s AAIB, which is expected to release a final report within a year of the crash under international rules, did not reply to request for comment.

    PILOT OBJECTIONS

    U.S. pilots’ unions such as the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and Allied Pilots Association (APA) say the voice and data recorders already provide enough information to determine the cause of a crash and that the cameras would be an invasion of privacy and could be misused.

    Calls for cockpit cameras are an understandable reaction to “the stress of not knowing what happened immediately after an accident,” said APA spokesperson Dennis Tajer, an American Airlines AAL.O pilot.

    “I can understand the initial reaction of the more information, the better,” but investigators already have enough data to adequately determine an accident’s cause, leaving no need for cameras, he said.

    To make flying safer, current safety systems should be enhanced to record higher-quality data, rather than adding video cameras, an ALPA spokeperson said.

    There are also concerns the footage could be used by airlines for disciplinary actions or that video could be leaked to the public after a crash, said John Cox, an aviation safety expert, retired airline pilot and former ALPA executive air safety chairman.

    A pilot’s death being broadcast on “the 6 o’clock news is not something that the pilot’s family should ever have to go through,” he said.

    If confidentiality can be assured around the world, “I can see an argument” for installing cameras, Cox said.

    Cockpit voice recordings are typically kept confidential by investigators in favor of partial or full transcripts being released in final reports.

    Despite that, International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations said it was skeptical that confidentiality could ever be assured for cockpit videos.

    “Given the high demand for sensational pictures, IFALPA has absolutely no doubt that the protection of (airborne image recorder) data, which can include identifiable images of flight crewmembers, would not be ensured either,” the organization said in a statement.

    Boeing declined to disclose whether customers are able to order cockpit video recorders, while Airbus did not reply to request for comment.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rehana Cassim, Professor in Company Law, University of South Africa

    Bribery is one of the most common forms of corruption in South African companies and state institutions. This has a number of harmful outcomes.

    Firstly, research shows that it weakens democracy and slows down economic growth. It also creates expensive barriers for honest businesses to succeed because it distorts fair competition. If bribery is not stopped or punished it has a demoralising effect, because it erodes trust and creates a culture where ethical conduct is undermined.

    In 2024 a new law came into force in South Africa that puts a duty on companies to take proactive steps to prevent bribery. This law falls under a broader law dealing with corruption in South Africa.

    The new provisions make it a crime for companies to fail to prevent bribery by an associated person. This is a major policy shift in South African anti-corruption law, and aligns with the United Kingdom’s anti-bribery legislation.

    An associated person is anyone who performs services for the company. This can include suppliers, joint venture partners, distributors, consultants, and other professionals advising the company. It can even be other companies, like subsidiaries.

    In my research I found that South Africa took inspiration from the United Kingdom (UK) Bribery Act 2010. The law makes it a criminal offence for commercial organisations to fail to prevent bribery by associated persons.

    Despite some successes, enforcement of the UK Bribery Act has been slow and the volume of prosecutions has been low.

    Based on my research into company conduct, given the current challenges in law enforcement and the low conviction rates for crimes of corruption, the new law might not work as well as hoped.

    But with improved enforcement, it has potential to reduce bribery in South Africa.

    What’s behind the new law?

    The new addition to the law was introduced after a commission of inquiry found evidence of widespread bribery and corruption under former president Jacob Zuma.

    For example, Angelo Agrizzi, former chief operating officer of African Global Operations (Pty) Ltd (formerly known as Bosasa), testified that Bosasa won about US$129 million in government tenders by paying about US$4 million in bribes to politicians and government officials. He said that every contract in which Bosasa was involved was linked to bribery and corruption.

    The new law is designed to prevent this from happening.

    If a person associated with a member of the private sector or an incorporated state-owned entity gives, agrees or offers to give a bribe (or gratification) to another person, the company could be held liable. This applies to companies as well as individuals, partnerships, trusts and other legal entities.

    The bribe must be given by the associated person to get business for the company or to gain a business advantage for it. Importantly, a company can be found guilty even if it didn’t know about the bribe.

    What counts as a bribe?

    A bribe (or gratification) is not just money. It includes avoiding a loss or other disadvantage, releasing any obligation or liability, or giving any favour or advantage.

    The bribe does not actually have to be given. It is enough if the associated person agrees or offers to give the bribe.

    It is not clear yet if hospitality or promotional expenditures count as bribes.

    Under the UK Bribery Act a hospitality payment is not regarded as a gratification unless it is disproportionate. In my view South Africa should follow the same approach.

    For example, if paying for transport from the airport to a hotel for an on-site visit, taking clients to dinner, or giving them tickets to an event aligns with the norms for the industry, this probably will not be seen as a bribe.

    Facilitation payments is another tricky area. These are small bribes made to minor officials to get routine administrative tasks done, such as applying for visas, clearing customs or getting licences.

    The new law doesn’t say whether facilitation payments are regarded as bribes. In my view, they should be.

    What companies need to do

    Companies can avoid liability under the new law if they can prove that they had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery by associated persons.

    But the law doesn’t explain what “adequate procedures” are. Until the South African government provides guidance on this, it is useful to look at the guidance provided under the UK Bribery Act. It recommends the following:

    • Companies should adopt procedures that are proportionate to the bribery risks they face and the nature, scale and complexity of their activities.

    So a larger company operating in a high-risk market where bribery is known to be common must do more to prevent bribery than a smaller company in a low-risk market where bribery is less common.

    • The company’s board of directors should foster a culture where bribery is never acceptable.

    • Companies should periodically assess their exposure to potential bribery risks.

    • Companies should carry out due diligence procedures on their associated persons.

    • Companies should communicate their anti-bribery polices internally and externally. They should also provide training to ensure that everyone understands their anti-bribery position.

    • Companies should monitor their procedures and improve them where necessary.

    The way forward

    The South African government should urgently publish official guidelines to help companies understand what they must do to comply with the new law.

    The principles of South Africa’s corporate governance code, the King IV Report, can also be used to help companies comply with the new law. These principles promote ethical leadership, an ethical culture, risk management, accountability and transparency.

    Guidelines are also important for small and medium enterprises. They also have a legal duty to put in place adequate procedures to prevent bribery.

    Companies that have not already put in place anti-bribery procedures should act quickly. And they should check that their corporate hospitality policies are reasonable and proportionate to their businesses.

    Companies should also evaluate their relationships with the people associated with them.

    Setting up anti-bribery procedures may have cost implications. But not having them could cost far more. Having adequate procedures in place is the only defence under the new law.

    – Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act
    – https://theconversation.com/bribery-in-south-africa-law-now-puts-a-duty-on-companies-to-act-260148

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Visit of Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MoS (PM)] to Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [Mos (PM)] will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho from 18-22 July 2025 and to the Republic of South Africa from 23-25 July 2025.

    2.​ During his visit to Eswatini, MoS (PM) is scheduled to pay courtesy call on His Majesty King Mswati III and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He is expected to hold meeting with Foreign Minister of Eswatini to discuss matters of mutual interest and to review the progress of bilateral relations. The visit will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade & investment, capacity building, development partnership and people-to-people exchanges. MoS (PM) will also engage with the Indian diaspora and participate in events highlighting India’s development partnership initiatives in Eswatini. This visit is expected to further enhance the longstanding and friendly relations between India and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

    3. ​In the Kingdom of Lesotho, MoS (PM) is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on His Majesty King Letsie III, and the Right Honourable Mr. Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Lesotho. MoS will also have bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is expected to meet the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology & Innovation, the Minister of Education & Training, and the Minister of Labour and Employment in Maseru. This Ministerial visit to Kingdom of Lesotho is being undertaken after a gap of 10 years following the first-ever Ministerial visit from India to Lesotho by Hon’ble Minister of State (IC) Culture, Tourism & MoS for Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, on 9 July 2015 as Special Envoy of Hon’ble Prime Minister to deliver invitations for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit to the leadership of the Government of Lesotho.

    4.​ In South Africa, MoS (PM) will lead a delegation to participate in the upcoming G-20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM) on 24-25 July 2025 in Skukuza, South Africa and is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with the South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Hon’ble Ms. Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa and other Ministers responsible for Development and Heads of Delegations of other G20 Members, invited countries and International Organizations participating in the DMM.

    5. ​MoS (PM) is also expected to have bilateral engagements and interactions with prominent leaders of businesses and members of the Indian community in Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa.

    – on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rehana Cassim, Professor in Company Law, University of South Africa

    Bribery is one of the most common forms of corruption in South African companies and state institutions. This has a number of harmful outcomes.

    Firstly, research shows that it weakens democracy and slows down economic growth. It also creates expensive barriers for honest businesses to succeed because it distorts fair competition. If bribery is not stopped or punished it has a demoralising effect, because it erodes trust and creates a culture where ethical conduct is undermined.

    In 2024 a new law came into force in South Africa that puts a duty on companies to take proactive steps to prevent bribery. This law falls under a broader law dealing with corruption in South Africa.

    The new provisions make it a crime for companies to fail to prevent bribery by an associated person. This is a major policy shift in South African anti-corruption law, and aligns with the United Kingdom’s anti-bribery legislation.

    An associated person is anyone who performs services for the company. This can include suppliers, joint venture partners, distributors, consultants, and other professionals advising the company. It can even be other companies, like subsidiaries.

    In my research I found that South Africa took inspiration from the United Kingdom (UK) Bribery Act 2010. The law makes it a criminal offence for commercial organisations to fail to prevent bribery by associated persons.

    Despite some successes, enforcement of the UK Bribery Act has been slow and the volume of prosecutions has been low.

    Based on my research into company conduct, given the current challenges in law enforcement and the low conviction rates for crimes of corruption, the new law might not work as well as hoped.

    But with improved enforcement, it has potential to reduce bribery in South Africa.

    What’s behind the new law?

    The new addition to the law was introduced after a commission of inquiry found evidence of widespread bribery and corruption under former president Jacob Zuma.

    For example, Angelo Agrizzi, former chief operating officer of African Global Operations (Pty) Ltd (formerly known as Bosasa), testified that Bosasa won about US$129 million in government tenders by paying about US$4 million in bribes to politicians and government officials. He said that every contract in which Bosasa was involved was linked to bribery and corruption.

    The new law is designed to prevent this from happening.

    If a person associated with a member of the private sector or an incorporated state-owned entity gives, agrees or offers to give a bribe (or gratification) to another person, the company could be held liable. This applies to companies as well as individuals, partnerships, trusts and other legal entities.

    The bribe must be given by the associated person to get business for the company or to gain a business advantage for it. Importantly, a company can be found guilty even if it didn’t know about the bribe.

    What counts as a bribe?

    A bribe (or gratification) is not just money. It includes avoiding a loss or other disadvantage, releasing any obligation or liability, or giving any favour or advantage.

    The bribe does not actually have to be given. It is enough if the associated person agrees or offers to give the bribe.

    It is not clear yet if hospitality or promotional expenditures count as bribes.

    Under the UK Bribery Act a hospitality payment is not regarded as a gratification unless it is disproportionate. In my view South Africa should follow the same approach.

    For example, if paying for transport from the airport to a hotel for an on-site visit, taking clients to dinner, or giving them tickets to an event aligns with the norms for the industry, this probably will not be seen as a bribe.

    Facilitation payments is another tricky area. These are small bribes made to minor officials to get routine administrative tasks done, such as applying for visas, clearing customs or getting licences.

    The new law doesn’t say whether facilitation payments are regarded as bribes. In my view, they should be.

    What companies need to do

    Companies can avoid liability under the new law if they can prove that they had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery by associated persons.

    But the law doesn’t explain what “adequate procedures” are. Until the South African government provides guidance on this, it is useful to look at the guidance provided under the UK Bribery Act. It recommends the following:

    • Companies should adopt procedures that are proportionate to the bribery risks they face and the nature, scale and complexity of their activities.

    So a larger company operating in a high-risk market where bribery is known to be common must do more to prevent bribery than a smaller company in a low-risk market where bribery is less common.

    • The company’s board of directors should foster a culture where bribery is never acceptable.

    • Companies should periodically assess their exposure to potential bribery risks.

    • Companies should carry out due diligence procedures on their associated persons.

    • Companies should communicate their anti-bribery polices internally and externally. They should also provide training to ensure that everyone understands their anti-bribery position.

    • Companies should monitor their procedures and improve them where necessary.

    The way forward

    The South African government should urgently publish official guidelines to help companies understand what they must do to comply with the new law.

    The principles of South Africa’s corporate governance code, the King IV Report, can also be used to help companies comply with the new law. These principles promote ethical leadership, an ethical culture, risk management, accountability and transparency.

    Guidelines are also important for small and medium enterprises. They also have a legal duty to put in place adequate procedures to prevent bribery.

    Companies that have not already put in place anti-bribery procedures should act quickly. And they should check that their corporate hospitality policies are reasonable and proportionate to their businesses.

    Companies should also evaluate their relationships with the people associated with them.

    Setting up anti-bribery procedures may have cost implications. But not having them could cost far more. Having adequate procedures in place is the only defence under the new law.

    The Conversation

    Rehana Cassim does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Bribery in South Africa: law now puts a duty on companies to act – https://theconversation.com/bribery-in-south-africa-law-now-puts-a-duty-on-companies-to-act-260148

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • Air India to restore some international flights following reduction over crash

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Air India said on Tuesday it would partially restore its international flight schedule that was scaled back following the crash involving its flight last month that killed 260 people.

    As part of the restoration, Air India will start a thrice-weekly service between Ahmedabad and London Heathrow from August 1 to September 30, replacing the currently operating five-times-a-week flights between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick.

    A Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London from the Indian city of Ahmedabad began to lose thrust and crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12. All but one of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground were killed.

    Air India reduced some of its international flights following the crash as part of a “safety pause” that the carrier said allowed it to perform additional precautionary checks on its Boeing 787 aircraft.

    The partial service resumption will see some flights being restored from August 1, with full restoration planned from October 1, 2025, Air India said.

    As part of the partial resumption, Air India has reduced flights to some destinations in Europe and North America. These include reductions in the frequency of Delhi-to-Paris flights to seven times a week from 12, effective August 1.

    Flights on the Delhi-Milan route have been reduced to three times a week from four earlier.

    The frequency of flights from Mumbai and Delhi to New York JFK has been cut to six times a week from seven earlier, the airline said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US to impose 19 percent tariff on Indonesian goods – D. Trump

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NEW YORK, July 16 (Xinhua) — Indonesia will pay a 19 percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States, while American exports to Indonesia will be exempt from tariff and non-tariff barriers, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social on Tuesday.

    “I have completed a major deal with the Republic of Indonesia after speaking with its highly respected President Prabowo Subianto. This landmark deal opens the entire Indonesian market to the United States for the first time in history,” he wrote.

    As part of the agreement, Indonesia committed to purchasing energy resources worth $15 billion and agricultural products worth $4.5 billion on the American market, as well as 50 Boeing aircraft, the head of the White House added.

    According to D. Trump, as a result of the deal, the United States will for the first time gain full access to the Indonesian market, where more than 280 million people live. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed new Chief of the Air Staff

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed new Chief of the Air Staff

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025.

    The Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of the new Chief of the Air Staff.

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025. He joined the RAF in 1991 as a direct entrant and then spent 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor having flown hundreds of operational missions over Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

    Since his promotion to Air Commodore in 2015, Air Marshal Smyth has held a range of command positions and is currently the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Military Strategy and Operations.

    The appointment comes at a transformative time for the RAF as it moves to warfighting readiness following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, including the recent announcement that the UK will purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s nuclear mission as the government delivers greater security for working people through its Plan for Change.

    The Chief of the Air Staff is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all Royal Air Force operations, people and capability. The position is accountable to the Secretary of State for Defence for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale as well as the development and sustainment of the RAF.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP, said:

    I warmly congratulate Air Marshal Harv Smyth on his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff. He has outstanding credentials to lead the RAF in a crucial period of transformation for the force.

    Air Marshal Smyth has led a distinguished career to date. From spending 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor, to flying hundreds of operational missions from both land bases and aircraft carriers, to holding numerous vital command positions, he has served our nation loyally.

    I would also like to recognise Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton’s superb leadership of the RAF over the last two years. I know he and Air Marshal Smyth will work together to deliver a landmark shift in our deterrence and defence.

    The RAF is always globally deployed and ready to defend the nation. RAF pilots and aircrew are currently deployed on Operation SHADER to combat Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria, in Qatar as part of our joint Typhoon squadron, and in Eastern Europe as part of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission to deter Russia.

    Incoming Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said:

    I am absolutely delighted that Air Marshal Harv Smyth has been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff, and I have every confidence that he will lead the Royal Air Force brilliantly and make sure we are ready to fly and fight. 

    As I hand over to Air Marshal Smyth, I know that under his command the Royal Air Force will go from strength to strength to ensure that we are always ready to protect and promote our national interests on the world stage. I wish him every success and look forward to working with him in leadership of our Armed Forces.

    This announcement comes following Sir Rich Knighton’s promotion to Chief of the Defence Staff, a role he will take up in September.

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth, said:

    I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff at such an important time for the Royal Air Force. The Strategic Defence Review makes clear the need for us to rapidly evolve and modernise to meet current and future threats and I am enormously proud to lead the Service at such a crucial point in our history. 

    I take over from Sir Rich Knighton, who has achieved so much over the past two years, preparing the Royal Air Force for the challenges that we currently face and developing the operational mindset that we need, should we transition to conflict. I share in his unwavering support for our people and am delighted to have this opportunity to lead our Whole Force as we deliver outstanding Air and Space Power for the UK and NATO.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why is Israel bombing Syria?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Conflict in Syria has escalated with Israel launching bombing raids against its northern neighbour.

    It follows months of fluctuating tensions in southern Syria between the Druze minority and forces aligned with the new government in Damascus. Clashes erupted in the last few days, prompting Israeli airstrikes in defence of the Druze by targeting government bases, tanks, and heavy weaponry.

    Israel Minister Amichai Chikli has called the Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa –

    a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated without delay.

    Despite the incendiary language, a ceasefire has been reached, halting the fighting – for now.

    Syrian forces have begun withdrawing heavy military equipment from the region, while Druze fighters have agreed to suspend armed resistance, allowing government troops to regain control of the main Druze city of Suwayda.

    What do the Druze want?

    The Druze are a small religious minority estimated at over one million people, primarily concentrated in the mountainous regions of Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan.

    In Syria, their population is estimated at around 700,000 (of around 23 million total Syrian population), with the majority residing in the southern As-Suwayda Governorate – or province – which serves as their traditional stronghold.

    Since the 2011 uprising against the Assad regime, the Druze have maintained a degree of autonomy, successfully defending their territory from various threats, including ISIS and other jihadist groups.

    Following Assad’s fall late last year, the Druze — along with other minority groups such as the Kurds in the east and Alawites in the west — have called for the country to be federalized.

    They advocate for a decentralised model that would grant greater autonomy to regional communities.

    However, the transitional government in Damascus is pushing for a centralised state and seeking to reassert full control over the entire Syrian territory. This fundamental disagreement has led to periodic clashes between Druze forces and government-aligned troops.

    Despite the temporary ceasefire, tensions remain high. Given the core political dispute remains unresolved, many expect renewed conflict to erupt in the near future.

    Why is Israel involved?

    The ousting of the Assad regime created a strategic opening for Israel to expand its influence in southern Syria. Israel’s involvement is driven by two primary concerns:

    1. Securing its northern border

    Israel views the power vacuum in Syria’s south as a potential threat, particularly the risk of anti-Israeli militias establishing a foothold near its northern border.

    During the recent clashes, the Israeli military declared

    The Israeli Defence Forces will not allow a military threat to exist in southern Syria and will act against it.

    Likewise, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has stated he will not allow Syrian forces south of Damascus:

    We are acting to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them [the Druze] and to ensure the demilitarisation of the area adjacent to our border with Syria.

    In line with these warnings, the Israeli Air Force has conducted extensive strikes against Syrian military infrastructure, targeting bases, aircraft, tanks, and heavy weaponry.

    These operations are intended to prevent any future buildup of military capacity that could be used against Israel from the Syrian side of the border.

    2. Supporting a federated Syria

    Israel is backing the two prominent allied minorities in Syria — the Kurds in the northeast and the Druze in the south — in their push for a federal governance model.

    A fragmented Syria, divided along ethnic and religious lines, is seen by some Israeli policymakers as a way to maintain Israeli domination in the region.

    This vision is part of what some Israeli officials have referred to as a “New Middle East” — one where regional stability and normalisation emerge through reshaped borders and alliances.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently echoed this strategy, stating:

    A single Syrian state with effective control and sovereignty over all its territory is unrealistic.

    For Israel, the logical path forward is autonomy for the various minorities in Syria within a federal structure.

    The United States’ role?

    According to unconfirmed reports, Washington has privately urged Israel to scale back its military strikes on Syria in order to prevent further escalation and preserve regional stability.

    The US is promoting increased support for Syria’s new regime in an effort to help it reassert control and stabilise the country.

    There are also indications the US and its allies are encouraging the Syrian government to move toward normalisation with Israel. Reports suggest Tel Aviv has held talks with the new Sharaa-led regime about the possibility of Syria joining the Abraham Accords (diplomatic agreements between Israel and several Arab states), which the regime in Damascus appears open to.

    US Special Envoy Tom Barrack has described the recent clashes as “worrisome”, calling for de-escalation and emphasising the need for

    a peaceful, inclusive outcome for all stakeholders – including the Druze, Bedouin tribes, the Syrian government, and Israeli forces.

    Given the deep-rooted political divisions, competing regional agendas, and unresolved demands from minority groups, the unrest in southern Syria is unlikely to end soon.

    Despite another temporary ceasefire, underlying tensions remain. Further clashes are not only possible but highly probable.

    Ali Mamouri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why is Israel bombing Syria? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-israel-bombing-syria-261259

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why is Israel bombing Syria?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Conflict in Syria has escalated with Israel launching bombing raids against its northern neighbour.

    It follows months of fluctuating tensions in southern Syria between the Druze minority and forces aligned with the new government in Damascus. Clashes erupted in the last few days, prompting Israeli airstrikes in defence of the Druze by targeting government bases, tanks, and heavy weaponry.

    Israel Minister Amichai Chikli has called the Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa –

    a terrorist, a barbaric murderer who should be eliminated without delay.

    Despite the incendiary language, a ceasefire has been reached, halting the fighting – for now.

    Syrian forces have begun withdrawing heavy military equipment from the region, while Druze fighters have agreed to suspend armed resistance, allowing government troops to regain control of the main Druze city of Suwayda.

    What do the Druze want?

    The Druze are a small religious minority estimated at over one million people, primarily concentrated in the mountainous regions of Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan.

    In Syria, their population is estimated at around 700,000 (of around 23 million total Syrian population), with the majority residing in the southern As-Suwayda Governorate – or province – which serves as their traditional stronghold.

    Since the 2011 uprising against the Assad regime, the Druze have maintained a degree of autonomy, successfully defending their territory from various threats, including ISIS and other jihadist groups.

    Following Assad’s fall late last year, the Druze — along with other minority groups such as the Kurds in the east and Alawites in the west — have called for the country to be federalized.

    They advocate for a decentralised model that would grant greater autonomy to regional communities.

    However, the transitional government in Damascus is pushing for a centralised state and seeking to reassert full control over the entire Syrian territory. This fundamental disagreement has led to periodic clashes between Druze forces and government-aligned troops.

    Despite the temporary ceasefire, tensions remain high. Given the core political dispute remains unresolved, many expect renewed conflict to erupt in the near future.

    Why is Israel involved?

    The ousting of the Assad regime created a strategic opening for Israel to expand its influence in southern Syria. Israel’s involvement is driven by two primary concerns:

    1. Securing its northern border

    Israel views the power vacuum in Syria’s south as a potential threat, particularly the risk of anti-Israeli militias establishing a foothold near its northern border.

    During the recent clashes, the Israeli military declared

    The Israeli Defence Forces will not allow a military threat to exist in southern Syria and will act against it.

    Likewise, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has stated he will not allow Syrian forces south of Damascus:

    We are acting to prevent the Syrian regime from harming them [the Druze] and to ensure the demilitarisation of the area adjacent to our border with Syria.

    In line with these warnings, the Israeli Air Force has conducted extensive strikes against Syrian military infrastructure, targeting bases, aircraft, tanks, and heavy weaponry.

    These operations are intended to prevent any future buildup of military capacity that could be used against Israel from the Syrian side of the border.

    2. Supporting a federated Syria

    Israel is backing the two prominent allied minorities in Syria — the Kurds in the northeast and the Druze in the south — in their push for a federal governance model.

    A fragmented Syria, divided along ethnic and religious lines, is seen by some Israeli policymakers as a way to maintain Israeli domination in the region.

    This vision is part of what some Israeli officials have referred to as a “New Middle East” — one where regional stability and normalisation emerge through reshaped borders and alliances.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar recently echoed this strategy, stating:

    A single Syrian state with effective control and sovereignty over all its territory is unrealistic.

    For Israel, the logical path forward is autonomy for the various minorities in Syria within a federal structure.

    The United States’ role?

    According to unconfirmed reports, Washington has privately urged Israel to scale back its military strikes on Syria in order to prevent further escalation and preserve regional stability.

    The US is promoting increased support for Syria’s new regime in an effort to help it reassert control and stabilise the country.

    There are also indications the US and its allies are encouraging the Syrian government to move toward normalisation with Israel. Reports suggest Tel Aviv has held talks with the new Sharaa-led regime about the possibility of Syria joining the Abraham Accords (diplomatic agreements between Israel and several Arab states), which the regime in Damascus appears open to.

    US Special Envoy Tom Barrack has described the recent clashes as “worrisome”, calling for de-escalation and emphasising the need for

    a peaceful, inclusive outcome for all stakeholders – including the Druze, Bedouin tribes, the Syrian government, and Israeli forces.

    Given the deep-rooted political divisions, competing regional agendas, and unresolved demands from minority groups, the unrest in southern Syria is unlikely to end soon.

    Despite another temporary ceasefire, underlying tensions remain. Further clashes are not only possible but highly probable.

    Ali Mamouri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why is Israel bombing Syria? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-israel-bombing-syria-261259

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Trump sets 19% tariff on Indonesia goods in latest deal, EU readies retaliation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the U.S. would impose a 19% tariff on goods from Indonesia under a new agreement with the Southeast Asian country and more deals were coming, while offering fresh details on planned duties on pharmaceuticals.

    Trump announced the pact with Indonesia, a relatively minor U.S. trading partner, as he continued to press for what he views as better terms with trading partners and ways to shrink a huge U.S. trade deficit. Letters setting tariff rates for dozens of smaller countries were also coming soon, he said on Tuesday.

    The deal with Indonesia is among the handful struck so far by the Trump administration ahead of an August 1 deadline when duties on most U.S. imports are due to rise again. The accord came as the top U.S. trading partner – the European Union – readied retaliatory measures should talks with Washington fail.

    As that deadline approached, negotiations were under way with other nations eager to avoid more U.S. levies beyond a baseline 10% on most goods that has been in place since April.

    Trump’s roll-out of the policies has often been chaotic. His moves have upended decades of negotiated reductions in global trade barriers, unsettling international financial markets and threatening a new wave of inflation.

    Based on Trump tariff announcements through Sunday, Yale Budget Lab estimated the U.S. effective average tariff rates will rise to 20.6% from between 2% and 3% before Trump’s return to the White House in January. Consumption shifts would bring the rate down to 19.7%, but it’s still the highest since 1933.

    Trump outlined an Indonesia deal similar to a preliminary pact struck recently with Vietnam, with a flat tariff on exports to the U.S. roughly double the current 10% and no levies on U.S. exports going there. It also included a penalty rate for so-called transhipments of goods from China via Indonesia and a commitment to buy some U.S. goods.

    “They are going to pay 19% and we are going to pay nothing … we will have full access into Indonesia, and we have a couple of those deals that are going to be announced,” Trump said outside the Oval Office. Trump later said on his Truth Social platform that Indonesia had agreed to buy $15 billion of U.S. energy products, $4.5 billion of American farm products and 50 Boeing BA.N jets, though no time frame was specified.

    He told reporters the deal with Vietnam was “pretty well set” but said it was not necessary to release details.

    TRUMP: INDIA TALKS MOVING SAME WAY

    Indonesia’s total trade with the U.S. – totalling just under $40 billion in 2024 – does not rank in the top 15, but it has been growing. U.S. exports to Indonesia rose 3.7% last year, while imports from there were up 4.8%, leaving the U.S. with a goods trade deficit of nearly $18 billion.

    The top U.S. import categories from Indonesia, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from the International Trade Centre’s TradeMap tool, last year were palm oil, electronics equipment including data routers and switches, footwear, car tires, natural rubber and frozen shrimp.

    Susiwijono Moegiarso, a senior official with Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, told Reuters in a text message: “We are preparing a joint statement between U.S. and Indonesia that will explain the size of reciprocal tariff for Indonesia including the tariff deal, non-tariff and commercial arrangements. We will inform (the public) soon.”

    Trump had threatened the country with a 32% tariff rate starting August 1 in a letter sent to its president last week. He sent similar letters to about two dozen trading partners this month, including Canada, Japan and Brazil, laying out tariff rates ranging from 20% to 50%, plus a 50% tariff on copper.

    Speaking in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Trump said he favored blanket tariffs over complicated negotiations, but his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were keen to land more trade agreements.

    Upon his arrival back in Washington, Trump told reporters that letters would be going out soon for many smaller countries, suggesting they would face a tariff of “a little over 10%.”

    He said his administration would also announce tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the United States, probably at the end of the month, starting with what he called a low tariff rate to give companies time to move manufacturing to the U.S. before imposing a “very high tariff” in a year or so.

    The August 1 deadline gives targeted countries time to negotiate about lower tariff rates. Some economists have also noted Trump’s pattern of backing off his tariff threats.

    Since launching his tariff policy, Trump has clinched only a few “framework” agreements, falling short of earlier promises to land “90 deals in 90 days.”

    So far, such deals have been reached with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and an interim deal has been struck with China to forestall the steepest of Trump’s tariffs while negotiations continue between Washington and Beijing.

    Trump said talks with India were moving “along that same line,” saying the agreement would give U.S. firms access to the large Indian market.

    EU READIES RETALIATION

    The breakthrough with Indonesia came as the European Commission, which oversees trade for the EU, prepared to target 72 billion euros ($84.1 billion) worth of U.S. goods – from Boeing BA.N aircraft and bourbon whiskey to cars – for possible tariffs if trade talks with Washington fail.

    Trump has threatened a 30% tariff on imports from the EU from August 1, a level European officials say is unacceptable and would end normal trade between two of the world’s largest markets.

    The list, sent to EU member states and seen by Reuters on Tuesday, pre-dated Trump’s move over the weekend to ramp up pressure on the 27-nation bloc and responded instead to U.S. duties on cars and car parts and a 10% baseline tariff.

    The package also covers chemicals, medical devices, electrical and precision equipment as well as agriculture and food products – a range of fruits and vegetables, along with wine, beer and spirits – valued at 6.35 billion euros.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 Holds Awards Ceremony, July 10, 2025 [Image 2 of 4]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (July 10, 2025) Rear Adm. Todd F. Cimicata, left, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73), presents the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Chief Master-at-Arms Nicolasa Simmons, assigned to COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73, during an awards ceremony on Sembawang Naval Installation, July 10, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional Allies and partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 07.10.2025
    Date Posted: 07.10.2025 07:27
    Photo ID: 9172260
    VIRIN: 250710-N-ED646-6053
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 5.72 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 12
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 Holds Awards Ceremony, July 10, 2025 [Image 4 of 4], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Flying to become more accessible as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson sets out key recommendations for aviation industry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Flying to become more accessible as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson sets out key recommendations for aviation industry

    The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group will push recommendations forward to provide a better passenger experience for disabled people.

    • improved training for airline and airport staff, clearer passenger information and robust complaint procedures needed to make flying more inclusive, according to new report
    • recommendations will help break down barriers to opportunity for disabled people, delivering on the Plan for Change
    • made up of industry and consumer representatives, the group will now continue its work to help ensure proposals are adopted by industry, so passengers experience real improvements when they fly

    An industry and consumer expert group, tasked by government to advise on how to make flying more accessible for disabled people, has unveiled its suite of recommendations today (16 July 2025).

    The expert Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group, established in November last year and led by former Paralympian and accessibility campaigner Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, has recommended 19 key actions to airlines, airports and the aviation regulator to improve accessibility when travelling through airports and onboard aircraft.  

    Disability awareness training developed with input from disabled people themselves should be rolled out across all aviation roles, including airline crew, assistance providers, ground services, security and hospitality staff.

    Clearer passenger information is also highlighted as a necessity, ensuring people can easily access information about their travel, including how they can request and book assistance, where they can find in-airport support services and more detailed guidance on how their mobility aids will be transported along the way. 

    Passengers should also have easy access to transparent and straightforward information on complaint procedures. The group also recommends that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) build on its existing oversight of accessibility processes in key priority areas, such as reviewing its airport accessibility framework. It uses this to assess airports annually on how well they are performing against their legal obligations. This year’s report showed that the majority of airports assessed were performing either in the ‘good’ or ‘very good’ category.

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:  

    Everyone should be able to travel with dignity and be respected at every stage of their journeys, including disabled passengers. That’s why we established this group in November last year and I welcome this report’s findings, which will clear the runway for greater accessibility in aviation. 

    I know industry is working hard to make services more inclusive for all and I look forward to seeing these proposals becoming a reality with the support of the group. Now is the time for action and to make a real difference so that people can travel with confidence.

    Chair of the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, said:

    This report is the next critical step in making air travel more inclusive for disabled people. 

    I’m grateful for the commitment the industry has shown to making change and breaking down barriers in aviation for everyone, bringing freedom to travel, whether for leisure or work, and to connect with friends and family.

    We know there’s more work to be done, and I look forward to seeing these recommendations turned into action, which truly puts accessibility at the heart of aviation.

    Sue Sharp, Deputy Chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), said:

    DPTAC welcomed the opportunity to be part of the group. The actions recommended can deliver real improvement in air travel for disabled people and the commitment is there from those involved to deliver on them. We need to maintain that drive so disabled people, like everyone else, can enjoy accessible, stress-free air travel.

    Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

    We welcome the publication of this report, the outcome of positive collaboration across industry, government and the third sector towards the important goal of ongoing improvements in service provision, for those with both visible and non-visible needs for extra support when travelling by air.

    As demand for assistance services continues to increase, airlines remain committed to removing barriers so that flying is accessible to all who wish to travel, and look forward to supporting the implementation of these recommendations with partners responsible for each stage of the passenger journey.

    Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said:

    Airports continue to work extremely hard to provide the services required by passengers with additional needs, both visible and non-visible, on which they are assessed every year by the CAA, the UK regulator.

    The recommendations in this report will help build on the work already being done by airports and the wider sector to ensure air travel is accessible to all.

    Anthony Jennings, Disability Rights Advocate and Accessible Transport Advisor, said:

    Disabled people’s representation with their lived experience and accessible transport expertise, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, was fundamental to delivering inclusive recommendations in the group’s accessibility report.

    Implementation of the recommendations – including improved staff training and mobility aid handling, clear passenger rights and complaints procedures and a review of the CAA’s airport performance framework – will improve the real-world inclusive experience for disabled passengers and give them more confidence to fly.

    David Leighton, Chief Executive of Aviation Services UK, said:

    On behalf of Aviation Services UK, which represents firms that handle over 80% of all UK flights, it has been a privilege to serve as a member of the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group. 

    The group’s report is the culmination of months of hard work by colleagues and stakeholders. Thanks to the exceptional leadership of Baroness Grey-Thompson and her fantastic team, we have built critical momentum towards improving accessibility in aviation.

    The group will now continue its important work by driving these recommendations forward, supporting the aviation industry in adopting the recommendations and delivering a better passenger experience for disabled people. The group will report annually to the Department for Transport to showcase progress on the delivery of the recommendations.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

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