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Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI: Willis Lease Finance Corporation Reports Strong Third Quarter Pre-Tax Income of $34.5 million; Pre-Tax Income Up 69% as Compared to that of the Third Quarter of the Prior Period; Board Declares Recurring Quarterly Dividend of $0.25 Per Share of Common Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”) today reported third quarter total revenues of $146.2 million and quarterly pre-tax income of $34.5 million. The Company also announced its quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, expected to be paid on November 21, 2024, with a record holder date of November 12, 2024. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, core lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues were $114.7 million in the aggregate, up 26% as compared to $91.3 million for the same period in 2023. The growth was predominantly driven by core, recurring lease and maintenance revenues associated with the continued strength of the aviation marketplace, as airlines leverage the Company’s leasing, parts and maintenance capabilities to avoid protracted, expensive engine shop visits.

    “Scale through growth has proven to be an important factor in our profitability,” said Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer. “Our platform of complementary services and assets is helping to fuel that growth.”

    “Our long-standing efforts to demonstrate the value of engine programs and our vertically integrated products and services continue to deliver for the Company and for our customers,” said Brian R. Hole, President. “The challenge for us now is to deliver that value and scale efficiently to meet existing demand.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Lease rent revenue was $64.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 21.2%, compared to $53.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, we purchased equipment (including capitalized costs) totaling $166.9 million, which consisted of three airframes, 19 engines, and other parts and equipment purchased for our lease portfolio. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we purchased equipment (including capitalized costs) totaling $31.0 million, which consisted of five engines and other parts and equipment purchased for our lease portfolio.
    • Maintenance reserve revenue was $49.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 32.0%, compared to $37.7 million in the same quarter of 2023, reflecting the high level of usage of our assets by our customer base. Engines on lease with “non-reimbursable” usage fees generated $48.5 million of short-term maintenance revenues in the first three quarters of 2024, compared to $34.4 million in the prior year period. There was $1.2 million long-term maintenance revenue recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $3.3 million long-term maintenance revenue recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Long-term maintenance revenue is recognized at the end of a lease period as the related maintenance reserve liability is released from the balance sheet.
    • Spare parts and equipment sales increased to $10.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in spare parts sales for the three months ended September 30, 2024 reflects the demand for surplus material that we are seeing as operators extend the lives of their current generation engine portfolios. Equipment sales for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were $1.0 million for the sale of one engine. There were no equipment sales for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
    • Gain on sale of leased equipment was $9.5 million in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting the sale of 13 engines and other parts and equipment from the lease portfolio. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we sold one engine, one airframe, and other parts and equipment for a net gain of $0.8 million.
    • The Company generated $34.5 million of pre-tax income in the third quarter of 2024, compared to pre-tax income of $20.3 million in the third quarter of 2023, an increase of 69.4%.
    • The book value of lease assets owned either directly or through our joint ventures, inclusive of our notes receivable, maintenance rights, and investments in sales-type leases was $3,039.8 million as of September 30, 2024. We continue to see the value of scale through increased profitability as well as our ability to offer bespoke solutions to our customers.
    • Diluted weighted average income per common share was $3.37 for the third quarter 2024, compared to diluted weighted average income per common share of $2.13 in the third quarter of 2023.
    • On September 27, 2024, the Company refinanced and expanded its $50.0 million of Series A-1 and Series A-2 Preferred Stock into one $65.0 million Series A series, which accrues quarterly dividends at a rate of 8.35% per annum, providing incremental growth equity to the business.
    • On October 31, 2024, the Company entered into a new, $1.0 billion, five-year, revolving credit facility with a consortium of lenders, refinancing its $500.0 million outstanding credit facility. This new facility will provide incremental capital to support the ongoing growth of the business.
    • The Company declared its quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock, expected to be paid on November 21, 2024, with a record holder date of November 12, 2024.

    Balance Sheet

    As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s lease portfolio was $2,665.7 million, consisting of $2,435.6 million of equipment held in its operating lease portfolio, $175.4 million of notes receivable, $31.5 million of maintenance rights, and $23.2 million of investments in sales-type leases, which represented 348 engines, 16 aircraft, one marine vessel and other leased parts and equipment. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s lease portfolio was $2,223.4 million, consisting of $2,112.8 million of equipment held in our operating lease portfolio, $92.6 million of notes receivable, $9.2 million of maintenance rights, and $8.8 million of investments in sales-type leases, which represented 337 engines, 12 aircraft, one marine vessel and other leased parts and equipment.

    Conference Call

    WLFC will hold a conference call on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time to discuss its third quarter results. Individuals wishing to participate in the conference call should dial: US and Canada (888) 632-5004, International +1 (646) 828-8082, wait for the conference operator and provide the operator with the Conference ID 512645. A digital replay will be available two hours after the completion of the conference. To access the replay, please visit our website at www.wlfc.global under the Investor Relations section for details.

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Additionally, through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Generally, these statements can be identified by the use of words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “feel,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company is based only on information currently available to the Company and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to update them, except as may be required by law. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and pandemics; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In thousands, except per share data) 

      Three months ended
    September 30,    		       Nine months ended
    September 30,    		    
        2024     2023   % Change     2024     2023     % Change
    REVENUE                      
    Lease rent revenue $ 64,905   $ 53,573   21.2 %   $ 173,652   $ 161,209     7.7 %
    Maintenance reserve revenue   49,760     37,696   32.0 %     156,527     96,609     62.0 %
    Spare parts and equipment sales   10,863     3,359   223.4 %     20,337     12,961     56.9 %
    Interest revenue   3,412     2,106   62.0 %     7,965     6,409     24.3 %
    Gain on sale of leased equipment   9,519     773   1,131.4 %     33,148     5,101     549.8 %
    Maintenance services revenue   5,948     6,199   (4.0 )%     17,956     16,707     7.5 %
    Other revenue   1,816     2,039   (10.9 )%     6,841     5,279     29.6 %
    Total revenue   146,223     105,745   38.3 %     416,426     304,275     36.9 %
                           
    EXPENSES                      
    Depreciation and amortization expense   23,650     23,088   2.4 %     68,303     68,131     0.3 %
    Cost of spare parts and equipment sales   8,861     2,024   337.8 %     17,003     9,581     77.5 %
    Cost of maintenance services   6,402     5,580   14.7 %     17,647     14,351     23.0 %
    Write-down of equipment   605     719   (15.9 )%     866     2,390     (63.8 )%
    General and administrative   40,037     26,545   50.8 %     104,305     86,103     21.1 %
    Technical expense   5,151     8,739   (41.1 )%     17,924     19,755     (9.3 )%
    Net finance costs:                      
    Interest expense   27,813     19,052   46.0 %     75,378     56,526     33.4 %
    Total net finance costs   27,813     19,052   46.0 %     75,378     56,526     33.4 %
    Total expenses   112,519     85,747   31.2 %     301,426     256,837     17.4 %
                           
    Income from operations   33,704     19,998   68.5 %     115,000     47,438     142.4 %
    Income (loss) from joint ventures   756     346   118.5 %     7,255     (1,289 )   nm  
    Income before income taxes   34,460     20,344   69.4 %     122,255     46,149     164.9 %
    Income tax expense   10,364     5,726   81.0 %     34,704     13,321     160.5 %
    Net income   24,096     14,618   64.8 %     87,551     32,828     166.7 %
    Preferred stock dividends   948     819   15.8 %     2,758     2,431     13.5 %
    Accretion of preferred stock issuance costs   15     21   (28.6 )%     39     63     (38.1 )%
    Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 23,133   $ 13,778   67.9 %   $ 84,754   $ 30,334     179.4 %
                           
    Basic weighted average income per common share $ 3.51   $ 2.16       $ 13.01   $ 4.83      
    Diluted weighted average income per common share $ 3.37   $ 2.13       $ 12.57   $ 4.70      
                           
    Basic weighted average common shares outstanding   6,582     6,365         6,513     6,282      
    Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding   6,859     6,466         6,745     6,454      

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, except per share data)

        September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 5,791   $ 7,071
    Restricted cash     99,333     160,958
    Equipment held for operating lease, less accumulated depreciation     2,435,583     2,112,837
    Maintenance rights     31,506     9,180
    Equipment held for sale     4,286     805
    Receivables, net     37,069     58,485
    Spare parts inventory     74,089     40,954
    Investments     61,891     58,044
    Property, equipment & furnishings, less accumulated depreciation     36,119     37,160
    Intangible assets, net     4,177     1,040
    Notes receivable, net     175,358     92,621
    Investments in sales-type leases, net     23,204     8,759
    Other assets     55,187     64,430
    Total assets   $ 3,043,593   $ 2,652,344
             
    LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Liabilities:        
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 119,560   $ 52,937
    Deferred income taxes     178,177     147,779
    Debt obligations     1,990,455     1,802,881
    Maintenance reserves     108,090     92,497
    Security deposits     27,203     23,790
    Unearned revenue     39,294     43,533
    Total liabilities     2,462,779     2,163,417
             
    Redeemable preferred stock ($0.01 par value)     63,053     49,964
             
    Shareholders’ equity:        
    Common stock ($0.01 par value)     72     68
    Paid-in capital in excess of par     41,035     29,667
    Retained earnings     473,609     397,781
    Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax     3,045     11,447
    Total shareholders’ equity     517,761     438,963
    Total liabilities, redeemable preferred stock and shareholders’ equity   $ 3,043,593   $ 2,652,344
    CONTACT: Scott B. Flaherty
      Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
      (561) 413-0112

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Letter of Intent (LOI) on expanded defence cooperation between Sweden and Hungary

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Letter of Intent (LOI) on expanded defence cooperation between Sweden and Hungary – Government.se

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    Swedish Treaty Series from Ministry of Defence

    Published

    On 16 October 2024, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Hungarian Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky signed a Letter of Intent (LOI). This LOI is a bilateral declaration on expanded defence cooperation between Sweden and Hungary.

    Download:

    This follows from the agreement concluded between Sweden and Hungary on 23 February 2024 in Budapest to sign an LOI on expanded cooperation on defence and JAS Gripen fighter aircraft.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Parker Completes Divestiture of North America Composites & Fuel Containment Division

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLEVELAND, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH), the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced it has completed the previously announced divestiture of its North America Composites and Fuel Containment (CFC) Division to private investment firm SK Capital Partners. 

    “We are pleased to have completed this sale for the North America Composites and Fuel Containment Division,” said Jenny Parmentier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “One element of our strategy is assessing whether we are the best owner for certain businesses or whether they could be more successful as part of another organization. We wish the CFC team continued success under the ownership of SK Capital Partners, whom we are confident has the expertise to help this already strong business achieve its full potential.”

    Parker’s CFC Division has six manufacturing locations across the U.S. and Mexico and generates annual sales of approximately $350 million. It became part of Parker’s North America businesses within the Diversified Industrial Segment following the acquisition of Meggitt plc in 2022. CFC is a leading manufacturer of engineered carbon fiber composites and fuel containment solutions. 

    About Parker Hannifin
    Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than a century the company has been enabling engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow. Learn more at www.parker.com or @parkerhannifin.

    Advisors
    Lazard acted as exclusive financial advisor for Parker. Jones Day acted as legal advisor in this transaction. 

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Forward-looking statements contained in this and other written and oral reports are made based on known events and circumstances at the time of release, and as such, are subject in the future to unforeseen uncertainties and risks. Often but not always, these statements may be identified from the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “targets,” “is likely,” “will,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions, and may also include statements regarding future performance, orders, earnings projections, events or developments. Parker cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. It is possible that the future performance may differ materially from expectations, including those based on past performance.

    Among other factors that may affect future performance are: changes in business relationships with and orders by or from major customers, suppliers or distributors, including delays or cancellations in shipments; disputes regarding contract terms, changes in contract costs and revenue estimates for new development programs; changes in product mix; ability to identify acceptable strategic acquisition targets; uncertainties surrounding timing, successful completion or integration of acquisitions and similar transactions; ability to successfully divest businesses planned for divestiture and realize the anticipated benefits of such divestitures; the determination and ability to successfully undertake business realignment activities and the expected costs, including cost savings, thereof; ability to implement successfully business and operating initiatives, including the timing, price and execution of share repurchases and other capital initiatives; availability, cost increases of or other limitations on our access to raw materials, component products and/or commodities if associated costs cannot be recovered in product pricing; ability to manage costs related to insurance and employee retirement and health care benefits; legal and regulatory developments and other government actions, including related to environmental protection, and associated compliance costs; supply chain and labor disruptions, including as a result of labor shortages; threats associated with international conflicts and cybersecurity risks and risks associated with protecting our intellectual property; uncertainties surrounding the ultimate resolution of outstanding legal proceedings, including the outcome of any appeals; effects on market conditions, including sales and pricing, resulting from global reactions to U.S. trade policies; manufacturing activity, air travel trends, currency exchange rates, difficulties entering new markets and economic conditions such as inflation, deflation, interest rates and credit availability; inability to obtain, or meet conditions imposed for, required governmental and regulatory approvals; changes in the tax laws in the United States and foreign jurisdictions and judicial or regulatory interpretations thereof; and large scale disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, industrial accidents and pandemics. Readers should also consider forward-looking statements in light of risk factors discussed in Parker’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 and other periodic filings made with the SEC.

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Point Predictive Partners with OTTOMOTO® to Deliver Advanced Fraud Prevention, Income, and Employment Validation Solutions to Auto Dealers Nationwide

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Point Predictive, the leader in AI solutions for fraud prevention, today announced a strategic partnership with OTTOMOTO® to integrate its advanced fraud detection and income & employment validation solutions into their comprehensive platform.

    With auto lending fraud reaching nearly $8 billion last year, dealers and lenders face mounting challenges from synthetic identities and credit-washing schemes as well as income & employment misrepresentation. Lenders are increasingly finding and pushing back defaulted fraudulent loans to dealers. Dealers are struggling to absorb the pushbacks. Both dealers and lenders are looking for ways to stop fraud at dealerships before it even gets to the lenders.

    The integration with Point Predictive’s IEValidate™, BorrowerCheck™ and DealerCheck™ solutions means that OTTOMOTO® dealers and lenders will have turnkey access to the most advanced identity, income, and employment validation services available. DealerCheck will also help lenders and dealership owners monitor loan application processes and ensure that fraud checks are in place and that risk remains low.

    “Helping dealers and lenders address the nearly $8 billion in fraud hitting the auto industry is our priority,” said Tim Grace, CEO of Point Predictive. “By working with state-of-the-art platforms like OTTOMOTO®, we can provide turnkey access to thousands of dealerships and lenders to stop the majority of the loan pushbacks. With the integration, they can detect and prevent fraud they are missing today, reduce false positives from their current red flag tools, and validate income in real-time without using pay stubs or bank statements, enabling an easier process for dealers.”

    The Best Platform Delivering a Better Way to Manage All Risk

    Through the OTTOMOTO® platform, dealers and lenders will gain immediate access to Point Predictive’s solutions to stop more fraud and streamline their most critical and time-consuming verification processes.

    OTTOMOTO® customers will have access to:

    IEValidate – Validate Income and Employment Without the Hassle of Pay Stubs

    With IEValidate, dealers and lenders can eliminate requests for pay stubs, which are difficult for an applicant to provide and are often forged. IEValidate is easier, faster, and more reliable, which means less work for everyone, including the applicant. In less than 1 second, a dealership can receive a full report on an applicant’s income and employment history. In addition, IEValidate confirms that the employer is not one of the 11,000 fake employers that we have identified as being used on fraudulent applications in the U.S. today.

    BorrowerCheck – Stop Pushbacks and Eliminate Credit Bureau Interview Questions

    No more unexpected pushbacks. BorrowerCheck eliminates dated red-flag checks which are often inaccurate and take too much time to review. New alerts provide clear direction on where the risk is, and how to resolve it quickly.

    The solution also replaces antiquated Credit Bureau Interview Questions that can take 5 minutes or more to complete. Instead of those questions, BorrowerCheck provides SMS-based verification, which can be completed in less than 20 seconds. The solution works better and is faster than existing red flag tools used by dealers.

    DealerCheck – Dashboards to Enable Better Partnership with Lenders

    With DealerCheck, lenders and dealers get information that helps them track growing risks to avoid pushbacks and make smarter decisions about working together.

    DealerCheck lets dealers and lenders:

    • See detailed reports about their dealers
    • Compare their dealer’s performance to other dealers
    • Spot trending of high-risk applications before they become big issues
    • Make smarter decisions, optimize stipulations and discounts, improve watchlist and working relationships with dealers

    All Powered by Data

    The new solutions available to OTTOMOTO®’s customers are driven by Point Predictive’s data which is unlike any data from a credit bureau. With over 269 million reported incomes and information on 22 million employers in the U.S., dealers get access to real history that enables automation to modernize a dealer’s operations and sell more cars faster.

    “OTTOMOTO® is dedicated to streamlining the auto retail finance process,” said Paul Nicholas, CEO at OTTOMOTO®. “Integrating Point Predictive’s advanced solutions gives our dealers the tools to close deals faster while protecting their businesses from fraud.”

    For more information on the Point Predictive and OTTOMOTO® partnership, please get in touch with Justin Davis at jdavis@pointpredictive.com.

    About Point Predictive

    Headquartered in San Diego, California, Point Predictive powers a new level of lending confidence and speed through artificial intelligence, powerful data insight from our proprietary data repository, and decades of risk management expertise. The company’s data and technology solutions quickly and accurately identify truthful and untruthful disclosures on loan applications. As a result, lenders can fund the majority of loans without requiring onerous documentation, such as pay stubs, utility bills, or bank statements, improving funding rates while reducing early payment default losses. Subsequently, borrowers get loans faster, and lenders realize an increased bottom line. For more information, please visit pointpredictive.com.
    Click here to partner with Point Predictive.

    About OTTOMOTO®

    OTTOMOTO® is a premier provider of lending technology for the auto, RV, Powersports, Marine, and aircraft industries. Focused on digital innovation, OTTOMOTO® is redefining traditional financing practices with a secure, transparent, and compliant process that benefits dealers, lenders, and consumers. With strategic partnerships and decades of industry expertise, OTTOMOTO® is committed to advancing the future of finance through cutting-edge technology solutions.
    Click here to partner with OTTOMOTO®.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Airbus signs historic contract to provide 19 H135 military training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force

    Source: Airbus

    Headline: Airbus signs historic contract to provide 19 H135 military training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force

    Airbus Helicopters has signed a landmark contract with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defence leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with 19 Airbus H135 helicopters to train the next generation of RCAF Pilots.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Airbus signe un contrat historique et fournira 19 hélicoptères d’entraînement militaire H135 à l’Aviation royale canadienne

    Source: Airbus

    Headline: Airbus signe un contrat historique et fournira 19 hélicoptères d’entraînement militaire H135 à l’Aviation royale canadienne

    Airbus Helicopters a signé un contrat historique avec SkyAlyne, une coentreprise entre CAE et KF Aerospace, chefs de file de la défense canadienne, pour fournir 19 hélicoptères Airbus H135 à l’Aviation royale canadienne (ARC), pour la formation de la prochaine génération de pilotes de l’ARC.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Airbus signs historic contract to provide 19 H135 military training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force

    Source: Airbus

    Headline: Airbus signs historic contract to provide 19 H135 military training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force

    Airbus Helicopters has signed a landmark contract with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defence leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with 19 Airbus H135 helicopters to train the next generation of RCAF Pilots.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Airbus signe un contrat historique et fournira 19 hélicoptères d’entraînement militaire H135 à l’Aviation royale canadienne

    Source: Airbus

    Headline: Airbus signe un contrat historique et fournira 19 hélicoptères d’entraînement militaire H135 à l’Aviation royale canadienne

    Airbus Helicopters a signé un contrat historique avec SkyAlyne, une coentreprise entre CAE et KF Aerospace, chefs de file de la défense canadienne, pour fournir 19 hélicoptères Airbus H135 à l’Aviation royale canadienne (ARC), pour la formation de la prochaine génération de pilotes de l’ARC.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Visions of development have shifted in Africa over the past two decades: study explores how Rwanda and Ethiopia tried to shape the future

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Barnaby Joseph Dye, Lecturer, King’s College London

    Contemporary economic challenges in Africa appear to be shifting the continent into a new era of development. From COVID-19 to war-induced inflation, many countries in Africa are facing significant economic challenges. The crises of recent years come on top of longer-term increases in debt, especially after the 2014 commodity price shock.

    These circumstances have been the backdrop to recent conflicts, coups, and regime changes. But these contemporary crises follow a period of relatively successful state-led development in the first two decades of the 21st century, resulting in a hype about the new “African lions” and the emergence of an “Africa rising” narrative.

    Two cases stand out as emblematic of this era: Rwanda’s vision of a Dubai-style financial and service hub, and Ethiopia’s rapid manufacturing and infrastructure ambitions.

    Much has been written about the international factors behind this era of state-led development. The focus has been on the extension of private finance and the growth of “new” lenders such as China, India and Brazil. But these perspectives often overlook important questions. What has inspired ambitious African national plans over the last two decades? What assumptions were made about how development happens and how it should look?

    In new research published in a special issue of a journal, we analyse these modernising visions. We unpick their differences and commonalities using cases from multiple countries.

    Our emphasis is on understanding ideas, beliefs, and norms in shaping development plans. Such perspectives are often overlooked in the study of Africa. Scholars have often presumed that ruling elites are primarily interested in narrow material power or self-enrichment. We argue that ideas and beliefs underpin the goals and content of development plans.

    The research covered in the special issue covers Angola, Eritrea and Tanzania, but in this article we will unpack our analysis of Ethiopia and Rwanda.

    20th century modernist development

    Many of the elements of development this century look like resurgent 20th century “high modernism”. This is a term coined by scholar James Scott to describe top-down, state-led, authoritarian programmes of economic development. These programmes typically used infrastructure and technology to engineer supposedly “backward”, “traditional” people and landscapes into efficient, modern, rational alternatives.

    Perhaps the chief examples here are large dams. Historically, dams were viewed as the hallmark projects of modernisation. They could tame nature and deploy technology, whether electricity or irrigation, to found modern economies and workers. Ghana’s Akosombo Dam is one such project.

    But building dams paused from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s as the World Bank and other major funders withdrew. Dam projects were seen as having too-high social and economic costs and as not performing well. Such negative impacts also generated significant protests.

    Rwanda’s case

    Underpinning Rwanda’s model is a concentrated Leninist-style power structure. The president and associated elites chart the path to progress. The party, with its affiliated companies and investment funds, is all powerful – not solely the state. Rwanda also revived mid-century plans, from dams to an east African railway corridor. Electricity was deemed central, resulting in a rapid, but overambitious five-fold increase in over 15 years.

    This recent period was not just a reproduction of the 1960s, however. It had new elements. A Dubai-style aesthetic is central to the reinvented capital, Kigali, where the goal is to create a new corporate service hub, replete with skyscraper, conference centres, shopping malls and a new international airport. This replaces the 20th century obsession with industrial sites and brutalist concrete.

    Rather than the state-led programmes of the 20th century, pro-market reforms have been incorporated. There’s an embrace of private enterprise, a stock market and investment. The country’s electricity boom was largely enacted by private firms and Rwanda consistently ranks as one of the top countries in the Ease of Doing Business index. It takes hours, not weeks, to set up a company and there’s a speedy regulatory bureaucracy.

    Read more: Rwanda is creating shiny, modern cities after the genocide – but this won’t help communities heal from the past

    In some cases, “neoliberal” reforms have been brought in, with private enterprise and investment in previously state-controlled domains. Rwanda embraced corporate investment and ownership while making business-friendly, low-tax reforms. The private sector was given a big role in Rwanda’s boom to build over 40 microhydro plants in 15 years.

    New public management techniques, with individual incentives and civil service targets, were adopted.

    Ethiopia’s case

    Ethiopia focused on investments in large agricultural plantations and industrial parks. The result evoked 20th century modernisation drives. A broad-based infrastructure boom and an industrialisation strategy that moved agricultural produce up the value chain would transform the structure of the economy. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Addis-Djibouti Railway and other megaprojects became symbols of this vision. The aim was to maintain state control of the commanding heights of the economy (electricity, water, telecommunications and aviation, among others), while building an industrial base that would absorb the surplus agricultural labour.

    This was coupled with investments in education and health. In 2016, Ethiopia had the third highest ratio of public investment to GDP, but also one of the fastest economic growth rates globally.

    Unlike Rwanda, this ideology has not survived. Progress in health, education and income was achieved but political tensions grew. By the mid 2010s, the material reality of people’s livelihoods could no longer keep up with the promises the ruling party had evoked. Dissent was not tolerated and led to mass protests, riots, and the eventual demise of the party. Since 2018, there has been a dramatic shift in ideology and vision with an openness to liberalisation, and a focus away from industrialisation to the service sector.

    Continuity and change

    Overall, our analysis reveals a combination of continuity and change during this period. It marks the triumph of an “African left”, with old titans like Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi or Mozambique’s Frelimo joined by new revolutionary parties also inspired by Marxism.

    The language of communism or socialism is not used explicitly. But a belief endures that top-down schemes and mega-infrastructure can catapult people into an “enlightened” future. Structural economic barriers are surmountable through technology and engineering.

    Simultaneously, one cannot escape the language of the Davos establishment about the supremacy of markets, importance of foreign investment and pledges to tackle climate change and poverty. This illustrates the degree to which these illiberal modernisers are connected to international policymaking.

    Our publication conceptualises this pattern of continuity and change, as a 10-point “illiberal modernisers” manifesto. Although holding considerable variation between countries, we argue that these these hegemonic ruling parties shared common goals of transforming society through an elite-defined programme.

    Ultimately, the pattern of continuity and change demonstrates the importance of analysing ideas, beliefs, and values. Elites in Africa, just as elsewhere, are not only interested in power but are influenced by ideas about development.

    – Visions of development have shifted in Africa over the past two decades: study explores how Rwanda and Ethiopia tried to shape the future
    – https://theconversation.com/visions-of-development-have-shifted-in-africa-over-the-past-two-decades-study-explores-how-rwanda-and-ethiopia-tried-to-shape-the-future-224988

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Visions of development have shifted in Africa over the past two decades: study explores how Rwanda and Ethiopia tried to shape the future

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Barnaby Joseph Dye, Lecturer, King’s College London

    Contemporary economic challenges in Africa appear to be shifting the continent into a new era of development. From COVID-19 to war-induced inflation, many countries in Africa are facing significant economic challenges. The crises of recent years come on top of longer-term increases in debt, especially after the 2014 commodity price shock.

    These circumstances have been the backdrop to recent conflicts, coups, and regime changes. But these contemporary crises follow a period of relatively successful state-led development in the first two decades of the 21st century, resulting in a hype about the new “African lions” and the emergence of an “Africa rising” narrative.

    Two cases stand out as emblematic of this era: Rwanda’s vision of a Dubai-style financial and service hub, and Ethiopia’s rapid manufacturing and infrastructure ambitions.

    Much has been written about the international factors behind this era of state-led development. The focus has been on the extension of private finance and the growth of “new” lenders such as China, India and Brazil. But these perspectives often overlook important questions. What has inspired ambitious African national plans over the last two decades? What assumptions were made about how development happens and how it should look?

    In new research published in a special issue of a journal, we analyse these modernising visions. We unpick their differences and commonalities using cases from multiple countries.

    Our emphasis is on understanding ideas, beliefs, and norms in shaping development plans. Such perspectives are often overlooked in the study of Africa. Scholars have often presumed that ruling elites are primarily interested in narrow material power or self-enrichment. We argue that ideas and beliefs underpin the goals and content of development plans.

    The research covered in the special issue covers Angola, Eritrea and Tanzania, but in this article we will unpack our analysis of Ethiopia and Rwanda.

    20th century modernist development

    Many of the elements of development this century look like resurgent 20th century “high modernism”. This is a term coined by scholar James Scott to describe top-down, state-led, authoritarian programmes of economic development. These programmes typically used infrastructure and technology to engineer supposedly “backward”, “traditional” people and landscapes into efficient, modern, rational alternatives.

    Perhaps the chief examples here are large dams. Historically, dams were viewed as the hallmark projects of modernisation. They could tame nature and deploy technology, whether electricity or irrigation, to found modern economies and workers. Ghana’s Akosombo Dam is one such project.

    But building dams paused from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s as the World Bank and other major funders withdrew. Dam projects were seen as having too-high social and economic costs and as not performing well. Such negative impacts also generated significant protests.

    Rwanda’s case

    Underpinning Rwanda’s model is a concentrated Leninist-style power structure. The president and associated elites chart the path to progress. The party, with its affiliated companies and investment funds, is all powerful – not solely the state. Rwanda also revived mid-century plans, from dams to an east African railway corridor. Electricity was deemed central, resulting in a rapid, but overambitious five-fold increase in over 15 years.

    This recent period was not just a reproduction of the 1960s, however. It had new elements. A Dubai-style aesthetic is central to the reinvented capital, Kigali, where the goal is to create a new corporate service hub, replete with skyscraper, conference centres, shopping malls and a new international airport. This replaces the 20th century obsession with industrial sites and brutalist concrete.

    Rather than the state-led programmes of the 20th century, pro-market reforms have been incorporated. There’s an embrace of private enterprise, a stock market and investment. The country’s electricity boom was largely enacted by private firms and Rwanda consistently ranks as one of the top countries in the Ease of Doing Business index. It takes hours, not weeks, to set up a company and there’s a speedy regulatory bureaucracy.



    Read more:
    Rwanda is creating shiny, modern cities after the genocide – but this won’t help communities heal from the past

    In some cases, “neoliberal” reforms have been brought in, with private enterprise and investment in previously state-controlled domains. Rwanda embraced corporate investment and ownership while making business-friendly, low-tax reforms. The private sector was given a big role in Rwanda’s boom to build over 40 microhydro plants in 15 years.

    New public management techniques, with individual incentives and civil service targets, were adopted.

    Ethiopia’s case

    Ethiopia focused on investments in large agricultural plantations and industrial parks. The result evoked 20th century modernisation drives. A broad-based infrastructure boom and an industrialisation strategy that moved agricultural produce up the value chain would transform the structure of the economy. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Addis-Djibouti Railway and other megaprojects became symbols of this vision. The aim was to maintain state control of the commanding heights of the economy (electricity, water, telecommunications and aviation, among others), while building an industrial base that would absorb the surplus agricultural labour.

    This was coupled with investments in education and health. In 2016, Ethiopia had the third highest ratio of public investment to GDP, but also one of the fastest economic growth rates globally.

    Unlike Rwanda, this ideology has not survived. Progress in health, education and income was achieved but political tensions grew. By the mid 2010s, the material reality of people’s livelihoods could no longer keep up with the promises the ruling party had evoked. Dissent was not tolerated and led to mass protests, riots, and the eventual demise of the party. Since 2018, there has been a dramatic shift in ideology and vision with an openness to liberalisation, and a focus away from industrialisation to the service sector.

    Continuity and change

    Overall, our analysis reveals a combination of continuity and change during this period. It marks the triumph of an “African left”, with old titans like Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi or Mozambique’s Frelimo joined by new revolutionary parties also inspired by Marxism.

    The language of communism or socialism is not used explicitly. But a belief endures that top-down schemes and mega-infrastructure can catapult people into an “enlightened” future. Structural economic barriers are surmountable through technology and engineering.

    Simultaneously, one cannot escape the language of the Davos establishment about the supremacy of markets, importance of foreign investment and pledges to tackle climate change and poverty. This illustrates the degree to which these illiberal modernisers are connected to international policymaking.

    Our publication conceptualises this pattern of continuity and change, as a 10-point “illiberal modernisers” manifesto. Although holding considerable variation between countries, we argue that these these hegemonic ruling parties shared common goals of transforming society through an elite-defined programme.

    Ultimately, the pattern of continuity and change demonstrates the importance of analysing ideas, beliefs, and values. Elites in Africa, just as elsewhere, are not only interested in power but are influenced by ideas about development.

    Barnaby Joseph Dye receives funding from the Economic and Social Science Research Council (UK).

    Biruk Terrefe received funding from the Heinrich Böll Foundation (Germany).

    – ref. Visions of development have shifted in Africa over the past two decades: study explores how Rwanda and Ethiopia tried to shape the future – https://theconversation.com/visions-of-development-have-shifted-in-africa-over-the-past-two-decades-study-explores-how-rwanda-and-ethiopia-tried-to-shape-the-future-224988

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mosquito season in southern Africa: tonic water and vitamins won’t protect you but knowing where the hotspots are will

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Shüné Oliver, Medical scientist, National Institute for Communicable Diseases

    While the emergence of colourful butterflies is a welcome sign of summer, the constant buzzing of mosquitoes is an annoying part of the season.

    Mosquitoes are more than just pests. They are the world’s most dangerous animal. Their presence signals the start of the malaria season in southern Africa.

    It is for this reason that the Southern African Development Community recognises the first week of November as SADC Malaria Week, with 6 November as SADC Malaria Day.

    During this week the dangers of malaria are highlighted. As South Africa edges closer towards malaria elimination, this has become more important as many South Africans are unaware of the malaria risk within the country’s borders.

    Read more: The seven steps South Africa is taking to get it closer to eliminating malaria

    Know your enemy

    Malaria is usually spread through a bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. In rare cases, malaria can spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants or sharing contaminated needles.

    There is also the possibility that mothers can pass on the disease to their babies while pregnant or during delivery.

    Mosquitoes that spread malaria are usually only active between dusk and dawn. Some mosquitoes, particularly the large black and white Aedes mosquitoes, are active during the day. These mosquitoes spread diseases like yellow fever and Zika.

    Although malaria-spreading mosquitoes are active at night, they are not the mosquitoes that make the annoying buzzing sound that prevents you from getting a peaceful night’s sleep.

    Instead, malaria mosquitoes are near-silent, often referred to as silent killers. Frequently, you only realise you have been bitten when it is too late.

    Most malaria vectors tend to bite and rest outdoors. This means that you have to take extra care when outdoors.

    Know your enemy’s whereabouts

    Malaria mosquitoes require specific environmental conditions to breed and survive.

    They are found in low-lying tropical areas in most southern African countries, with the exception of Lesotho and the Seychelles. Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe have regions of high malaria risk.

    In South Africa, malaria is restricted to the low-lying border regions of northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.

    Before visiting any of these areas, familiarise yourself with the malaria risk map for South Africa and take the appropriate precautions.

    In the southern hemisphere, the malaria risk is particularly high over the December holidays. This is due to the warm, wet weather conditions that favour mosquito growth.

    Over the past few years, the non-endemic South African province of Gauteng has reported a high number of cases. This can happen in any province: there have been incidents in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, as well as the North-West.

    Most of these cases are imported from high-risk regions within and outside South Africa.

    A few rare cases are the result of odyssean malaria (also known as taxi or airport malaria).

    This happens throughout Africa. It is largely associated with migration. This happens when one or more malaria-carrying mosquitoes are accidentally transported from their natural home. They can then randomly infect people outside the malaria-risk area.

    When you have an unexplained fever in summer, think malaria. This is true even if you have not travelled to a malaria-risk area.

    It is especially important if you stayed near a major transport route or transport hub. These include places such as taxi ranks or bus depots.

    Know your enemy’s gameplan

    Malaria is preventable and treatable. The odds of a complete recovery are very high if a malaria infection is detected early. This is aided by prompt treatment with effective antimalarial medication.

    Symptoms of the milder version of malaria (uncomplicated malaria) are non-specific. This can include fever, headaches, sluggishness, nausea, and muscular/joint pains.

    Loss of consciousness, convulsions, jaundice and kidney failure are associated with the more severe, life threatening form of malaria.

    Read more: We’re a step closer to figuring out why mosquitoes bite some people and not others

    Keep yourself safe from the enemy

    The easiest way to prevent yourself from getting malaria is to avoid being bitten by an infected mosquito.

    If outdoors during the evening, wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and socks, and use repellents that contain at least 30% of the insect repellent DEET.

    Doors and windows should be screened. Where possible, sleep under a bednet or in an air-conditioned room.

    In addition to these non-pharmaceutical measures, you can protect yourself by taking anti-malarial medications which you can get from a pharmacy or primary healthcare clinic.

    Discuss your anti-malarial options with a healthcare professional.

    Medication that prevents malaria does not mask the symptoms of the disease.

    The recommended treatment in South Africa, artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem), is highly effective. This is the most widely used malaria treatment across Africa.

    Know the myths about the enemy

    You cannot get malaria from drinking contaminated water or eating rotten fruit.

    There is limited evidence that vitamin-enriched products or home remedies containing natural products like citronella offer any protection against malaria.

    In addition, tonic water contains a very low concentration of antimalarial ingredients. It is therefore not possible for one person to drink sufficient quantities to protect against malaria.

    Crucially, one malaria infection will not keep you safe from future infections. You can get malaria more than once.

    Finally, always be aware – although the malaria risk is higher in summer, you can also get the disease in the dry season. You could also potentially be infected in any province due to an infected travelling mosquito.

    So if you have an unexplained fever, think malaria!

    – Mosquito season in southern Africa: tonic water and vitamins won’t protect you but knowing where the hotspots are will
    – https://theconversation.com/mosquito-season-in-southern-africa-tonic-water-and-vitamins-wont-protect-you-but-knowing-where-the-hotspots-are-will-242620

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rubio Calls Out PwC for Appeasing Communist China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

    The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to increase scrutiny of Western auditing and consulting firms, including global consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

    Instead of distancing itself from Communist China, PwC has opted to strengthen its relationship with the regime. Notably, PwC’s China division has consulted for government officials in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where Beijing is committing genocide against Uyghurs and other groups, appointed an apparent CCP member to the head of its China operations, and aligned itself with Beijing’s strategic goals by openly supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

    U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to PwC Global Chairman Mohamed Khande expressing concern over the company’s ties to the CCP and demanding answers on the threat those ties pose to U.S. interests.  

    • “Simultaneous engagements with foreign adversaries are unacceptable. PwC’s apparent deep connections with CCP-controlled entities raise questions about conflicts of interest that could preclude PwC from executing any contract for U.S. federal and state government agencies with fidelity.
    • “Global firms, such as PwC, who have grown prosperous from a free and democratic order governed by American values, can no longer seek to cater to, and profit from, both sides of this conflict.”

    The full text of the letter is below.

    Dear Mr. Khande:

    I write with regard to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s (PwC) relationship with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese government, including Chinese provincial and local government entities, and state-owned companies in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Recently, media outlets have offered noteworthy coverage of the $62 million fine levied on PwC by China’s Ministry of Finance (MOF). While PwC’s questionable auditing work for Evergrande certainly deserves heightened scrutiny, reports have not adequately grappled with conflicts of interest seemingly rising from PwC’s deep entanglements with CCP-controlled and – affiliated entities, and, potentially, the Chinese government.

    PwC and its U.S. subsidiaries have a history of providing consulting services for U.S. federal agencies. Yet, mounting evidence suggests that PwC’s East Asia and China division (PwC China) has consulted government officials in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), where Beijing is engaged in an active genocide against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups, contracted for numerous state-owned enterprises in China, and openly supported CCP efforts to undermine U.S. economic interests through support for in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    It is no secret that Chinese regulatory authorities have heightened scrutiny around PwC in the wake of its failure to identify $78 billion in misreported revenues by Evergrande. Key decisions made by PwC’s global leadership during this time suggest a pattern of catering to CCP goals when met with regulatory hostility. Until recently, PwC China boasted dozens of the largest Chinese state-owned enterprises on its list of auditing clients, including the Bank of China, China Railway Group Ltd., PetroChina Co. Ltd., People’s Insurance Company of China, and many others. PwC has lost many of these contracts in recent months, as Chinese regulators have discouraged China-based companies from contracting with PwC for auditing services amid the Evergrande fallout. Yet, to my surprise, as Chinese regulators have taken an increasingly hostile posture toward your firm—and sought to wrest control over Western auditors’ operations in mainland China—PwC has responded with attempts to appease the CCP, rather than decouple and de-risk from communist influence.

    In July 2024, amidst the height of Chinese regulatory scrutiny over PwC’s flawed Evergrande audits, PwC leadership appointed Daniel Li as Chairman of its China and East Asia practice. Li appears to be a member of the CCP and serves on the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The CPPCC is a political instrument that serves atop the CCP’s “united front” system—which is designed to cultivate ties with the entities the Party views as friendly—and steers the CCP’s policy aims. As such, Li’s appointment was a clear effort by PwC to win the trust of CCP authorities amid heightening tension by placing an individual with deep ties to the CCP at the helm of your firm’s China operations. While Hemione Hudson was selected to replace Li at the helm of PwC China last month, Li retains a significant role for PwC China—overseeing your firm’s auditing efforts in China.

    PwC’s deepening ties with the CCP are also evident in your firm’s consulting client selection. The Wall Street Journal reports that, last month, as PwC China’s auditing practice faced hostile regulatory actions over its Evergrande audits, your firm’s consulting unit signed a $200,000 contract with local government authorities in the XUAR. As you know, Beijing is actively committing genocide against Uyghurs and other predominately Muslim ethnic groups in the region. China’s abhorrent oppression of Uyghurs includes modern-day concentration camps, cultural reprogramming efforts, forced labor, and physical torture. Years of mounting evidence now places the reality of these atrocities beyond a shadow of doubt.

    Perhaps most concerning, PwC appears to have acted to publicly align its client engagements with CCP ambitions. PwC’s website openly boasts of the firm’s “Belt and Road United” project, started by your firm in 2017, with the expressed purpose of supporting China’s BRI. A document describing the initiative plainly states, “PwC aligns with the strategy through ongoing support for the Belt & Road Initiative.” In the same document, PwC further claims to be an “enabling influence,” and declares that PwC will “assist government departments and regulators in constructing and improving financial markets and regulatory systems in favor of the B&R Initiative.” The document also openly references the global reach of PwC’s client base, professing that “PwC is dedicated to sharing the full range of resources and practical experience sourced from across our expansive global network” to support BRI.

    PwC’s “Belt and Road United” project appears to have generated several spin-off initiatives in other PwC offices across the globe. For example, PwC Italy’s webpage advertises your firm’s “China Business Group”—a division of PwC with the self-described aim to “support Chinese companies doing business in Italy and successfully develop their external growth strategy in the Italian market.” The document claims that PwC stands at the ready to “support Chinese/Italian government organisations” and “introduce investment opportunities in Italy for potential Chinese clients.” This language appears to be a thinly-veiled attempt of PwC to court the favor of the CCP and secure contracts with Chinese state-owned enterprises by working to expand the influence and reach of Communist China around the globe.

    As noted, PwC and its U.S. subsidiaries consult for many leading U.S. industries, and the company has received substantial revenue from contracts with the U.S. government. When U.S. federal agencies hire private entities for consultation, it is an expectation that contractors will prioritize the best interests of the United States above all others. Simultaneous engagements with foreign adversaries are unacceptable. PwC’s apparent deep connections with CCP-controlled entities raise questions about conflicts of interest that could preclude PwC from executing any contract for U.S. federal and state government agencies with fidelity.

    Accordingly, I ask that you provide responses, along with supporting documentation, to the following questions no later than November 15, 2024:

    1. Please describe the extent of any existing contracts retained by PwC, or its U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates, to provide consulting services for U.S. state and federal government agencies.
    2. Do PwC, or any of its U.S. subsidiaries and affiliates, intend to pursue contracts with U.S. federal agencies in the future?
    3. Has the CCP, or any direct subdivision of the CCP, ever been a client of PwC or any of its subsidiaries?
    4. Has PwC ever provided consulting services for a China-based client that has concurrently been included on the U.S. Department of Defense’s 1260H List, the Department of Treasury’s Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, or the Department of Commerce’s Entity List? If so, please provide the following information for each client:
      • Name of the company
      • Nature of the company’s work
      • Nature of company’s relationship with the PRC and CCP
      • Duration of PwC’s consulting relationship with the company
      • Nature of PwC’s work on behalf of the company
    5. Do any of PwC’s current or past China-based clients work in the following sectors: military and civil defense, aerospace and aviation, energy and power generation, critical mineral mining and refining, steel and aluminum, new materials, shipbuilding, electric or gas combustion vehicle production, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, microelectronics, telecommunications, biotechnology, or high-speed rail? If so, please provide the following information for each client:
      • Name of the company
      • Nature of the company’s work
      • Nature of company’s relationship with the PRC and CCP
      • Duration of PwC’s consulting relationship with the company
      • Nature of PwC’s work on behalf of the company
    6. As noted above, brochures and materials on PwC’s website openly boast about the firm’s support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and its work advancing BRI goals in its consulting engagements abroad. Has PwC ever modified or intentionally crafted its consulting recommendations to U.S. clients, including U.S. federal agencies, in order to recommend cooperation with the BRI or portray the PRC’s BRI in a positive light?
    1. PwC performs hundreds of millions of dollars of work each year on behalf of the U.S.
      Government and American taxpayers. Please describe in detail all policies and safeguards PwC has implemented to ensure that work done on behalf of the United States government does not inform the work that your firm does for Chinese government entities and state-owned enterprises.
    2. PwC’s website lists statistics describing the firm’s work in the “Taiwan region.” Does PwC recognize Taiwan as a free and independent nation state?

    The United States of America, our allies, and Western businesses like PwC, face a fundamental threat. As my office has documented, for more than ten years, the CCP has acted on a concerted plan to supplant the United States as the ascendant global economic power, dominating global trade in the industries that will define the 21st century economy.6 This is not just a conflict over size of economies alone, it is also about which values will define our world. The CCP has been all too willing to commit genocide, oppress and censor citizens, and violate economic norms in its pursuit of power. Yet, it seeks to replace American values for the dignity of the human person and representative government with a global system that reflects its own character. Global firms, such as PwC, who have grown prosperous from a free and democratic order governed by American values, can no longer seek to cater to, and profit from, both sides of this conflict.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement From Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on Middle East Force Posture Updates

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following statement:

    In keeping with our commitments to the protection of U.S. citizens and forces in the Middle East, the defense of Israel, and de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy, the Secretary of Defense ordered the deployment of additional ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadron and tanker aircraft, and several U.S. Air Force B-52 long-range strike bombers to the region. These forces will begin to arrive in coming months as the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group prepares to depart.

    These deployments build on the recent decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to Israel as well as DoD’s sustained Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) posture in the Eastern Mediterranean. These movements demonstrate the flexible nature of U.S. global defense posture and U.S. capability to deploy world-wide on short notice to meet evolving national security threats.

    Secretary Austin continues to make clear that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Flights between Xi’an and Paris resume

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

    Flights between China’s Xi’an and Paris, France, resumed on Wednesday, strengthening travel links between China and Europe. The new schedule for the Xi’an-Paris route includes flights every Wednesday, with a one-way flight time of approximately 11 and a half hours. The Xi’an-Paris route is served by a Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft with a seating capacity of 290.

    The route is the fifth direct flight from Xi’an to Europe and the second direct intercontinental flight from northwest China to France.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: KS25 | The 623rd ACS can’t be pinned down

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

     The 623 Air Control Squadron worked with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) to provide battle management in support of Exercise Keen Sword 25 (KS25) Oct 18 – Nov 1, 2024.

    After travelling over 1,500 miles from their home station at Kadena Air Base, Japan, the 623rd ACS integrated with their U.S Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and JASDF counterparts to successfully provide command and control capabilities to aircraft participating in KS25.

    “Maintaining a good relationship with joint service and the Japanese Self-Defense Force allows us to understand and use their systems,” said Capt. Zackary Schreiber, 623rd ACS detachment commander. “So, if we have to step for an exercise or a real world emergency, we know how each other functions and how to keep information flowing.”

    While at Misawa, the 623rd ACS operated out of two separate locations. One team assembled a shelter tent where they utilized the mobile Tactical Operations Center – Light kit while working side-by-side with the Marine Corps and their Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system. The second team worked out of the direction center with the 610th ACS assigned to Misawa Air Base and the JASDF.

    Keen Sword demonstrates and advances U.S.-Japan interoperability and reinforces solidarity of the U.S.-Japan alliance by exercising the most modern equipment and procedures under realistic conditions.

    The direction center team worked with the JASDF and the 610th to control missions and provide information to aircraft flying in support of KS25. The teams debriefed extensively after every mission to continue optimizing their individual and combined capabilities.

    “Seeing the way that the JASDF out here uses their systems has opened a lot of doors for us to take back and improve our processes at Kadena,” said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Wolfe, 623rd ACS flight chief of weapons and tactics. “Also, we shared our standards and advancements with the other ACS units.”

    One thing that Wolfe said he specifically appreciated were the JASDF radio assignment and management processes because they were digitized which increased the ease of information flow.

    “It’s been a great experience working with the JASDF at Misawa,” said Schreiber. “They are just as experienced and professional as the service members I am used to working with.”

    The 623rd ACS, alongside joint force and allied partners, encountered realistic and relevant training opportunities that increased their ability to plan, communicate, and conduct multi-domain operations.

    “It feels like we’re actually deployed to the field,” said Tech. Sgt. Sherraye Carter, 623rd ACS noncommissioned officer in charge of command and control integrations. “It’s really important to fully experience that, not only for the Airmen personally, but for the equipment as well.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  
    President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  
    2024-11-01

    On the afternoon of November 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia). In remarks, President Lai thanked Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation and said that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain. The president expressed his hope that we can work together to continue deepening the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia, and that by strengthening cooperation with European Union member states across many areas, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism, thereby safeguarding global peace, stability, and prosperity. 
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I extend a warm welcome to our good friends from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu. This is Chairman Marko Mihkelson’s second visit to Taiwan. He visited last August with a delegation of parliamentary foreign affairs committee chairs from the Baltic states. Members of the Riigikogu Ester Karuse and Luisa Rõivas are also visiting again, having been part of a delegation led by Estonia-Taiwan Support Group Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga in March.
    Your presence here demonstrates that Taiwan-Estonia relations are growing closer. I believe that with your support and assistance, our alliance, based on the shared values of freedom and democracy, and our economic and trade partnership are sure to grow even stronger. For this, I express my sincere gratitude.
    The international landscape and geopolitical environment are changing rapidly. Expanding authoritarianism is challenging the universal values of freedom and democracy as well as the rules-based international order. At this critical juncture, it is even more imperative that like-minded nations unite and work together to safeguard global peace, stability, and prosperity.
    In addition to strengthening cooperation with other nations to defend the values of freedom and democracy, Taiwan has actively sought inclusion in such international organizations and mechanisms as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. More than just a matter of the fundamental human rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan, it demonstrates that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain.
    I want to take this opportunity to thank Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation. In particular, Health Minister Riina Sikkut once again spoke out for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement at this year’s World Health Assembly. We sincerely appreciate Estonia for holding Taiwan in such high regard and for taking this stand. I would also like to congratulate former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on her appointment as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This attests to the crucial role that Estonia plays in uniting the strengths of the EU and like-minded nations around the world.
    Looking ahead, we hope that, with your assistance, we will continue to deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia. And by strengthening cooperation with EU member states in such areas as the economy, trade, and security, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. In closing, I wish you a smooth and productive visit.
    Chairman Mihkelson then delivered remarks, saying that he is honored to lead the first-ever delegation from the Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee to Taiwan. Mentioning that yesterday they had witnessed Typhoon Kong-rey, he said that not even typhoons can break the very good relations between Estonia and Taiwan. 
    Chairman Mihkelson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Lai today and discuss very important topics, such as how to improve relations between our nations. Noting that we are living in a very turbulent world, he said that Taiwan and Estonia are like-minded nations whose relations have changed dramatically in a very positive direction from several years ago to today. The chairman observed that we have had numerous reciprocal visits and expressed his hope that one day we can mutually establish representative offices between Taiwan and Estonia.
    Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that Taiwan and Estonia are strong democracies, and that we see today both in East Asia and also in Europe that democracies are under attack. In Estonia and Europe, he said, they are worried about Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He said that the aim of both Russia and its supporters is not only Ukraine, but also to change the world order. And the recent news that North Korean troops are to participate in the aggression against Ukraine, he added, makes this conflict global.
    Chairman Mihkelson stated that the reason they are here, besides strengthening our bilateral relations, is to find ways democracies can together support Ukraine, because the outcome of this war is similarly important for their own security as well as for Taiwan’s security. He said that Estonia lost its freedom for 50 years and that ever since it regained independence in 1991, there has been a very strong political consensus, but also support within society, that Estonia should never be alone again when it comes to its security and international relations. This is why, he explained, they are seeking very good partnerships with like-minded countries like Taiwan.  
    In closing, Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that we should do whatever it takes in our cooperation as democracies to never be challenged by autocracies. He then once again expressed his thanks for hosting them here today.
    The delegation also included Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas and Deputy Chair of the Anti-Corruption Select Committee Eerik-Niiles Kross.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joby Aviation and Toyota Accelerate Efforts to Realize Air Mobility

    Source: Toyota

    Headline: Joby Aviation and Toyota Accelerate Efforts to Realize Air Mobility

    Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Joby Aviation (Joby) came together at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center (Shizuoka, Japan) to assert their collective passion and ambition for air mobility in a gathering that included executives from both companies, Akio Toyoda, the chairman of the Toyota Group, and Joby CEO and founder, JoeBen Bevirt, along with Joby’s air taxi, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waunakee Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine Intended for Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Larry D. Williamson used a private plane to bring 19 pounds of methamphetamine and 200,000 fentanyl pills into Dane County

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Larry D. Williamson 36, Waunakee, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 12 years in federal prison for possessing 500 or more grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution. Williamson pleaded guilty to this charge on June 18, 2024. The prison term will be followed by 8 years of supervised release.

    On the evening of February 8, 2024, Williamson and his codefendant Corvalis Stewart landed a rented Cessna 172 aircraft at the Middleton Municipal Airport, in Middleton, Wisconsin. Williamson was a private pilot who had rented the aircraft to fly to Phoenix, Arizona, to pick up drugs. Stewart was the passenger.

    Federal and state law enforcement received information about the flight and about Williamson and Stewart’s suspicious behavior in Arizona. Law enforcement tracked the aircraft as it returned to Middleton and landed at approximately 10:55 p.m. Williamson and Stewart got out of the airplane and walked to the parking lot. Stewart was carrying three bags which he put in the back of his vehicle. Law enforcement detained the men and searched the bags.

    Two of the bags contained 19 pounds of methamphetamine, and in one were travel receipts from a recent trip that Williamson took. The third bag contained approximately 200,000 fentanyl pills known on the street as M30’s, which are counterfeit Oxycodone pills. This was the largest fentanyl seizure in Dane County, with an estimated street value of $2,000,000.

    “This was a brazen effort to introduce a large quantity of methamphetamine and thousands of deadly fentanyl pills into our Dane County community,” said Timothy M. O’Shea, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. “I commend our federal and state law enforcement partners for their coordinated efforts to quickly identify the suspicious flight and apprehend the individuals involved.”

    “The sentencing of these drug traffickers is a decisive victory in our fight against organized crime. Their brazen attempts to evade justice by crossing state lines in an airplane only highlight their disregard for the law. This outcome underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantle such networks,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “The success of this operation was made possible through the tireless efforts and cooperation of local law enforcement agencies. Together, we have shown that no matter the lengths criminals go to escape justice, they will be held accountable.”

    At sentencing, Judge Peterson characterized the amount of fentanyl involved in the case as staggering. Noting the large quantity and the especially dangerous nature of fentanyl, Judge Peterson determined that a significant sentence was warranted. Judge Peterson also found that Williamson was an active courier who solicited drug trips to make more money.

    Williamson’s co-defendant, Corvalis Stewart, pleaded guilty on September 11, 2024, to possessing 400 or more grams of fentanyl intended for distribution. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 4, 2024, and faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.

    The charges against Williamson and Stewart were the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and the Middleton Police Department, with the assistance of the Air Marine Operations Center in Riverside, California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Highlights of Nanchang Air Show in China’s Jiangxi

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

    Highlights of Nanchang Air Show in China’s Jiangxi

    Updated: November 2, 2024 21:03 Xinhua
    The Red Star aerobatic team performs during the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. The 2024 China Aviation Industry Conference and Nanchang Air Show kicked off here on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A Russian aerobatic team performs during the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s large passenger aircraft C919 is on display during the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The Red Star aerobatic team prepares for a performance during the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A French aerobatic team performs during the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An Xpeng flying car is on display during the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A French aerobatic team performs during the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People watch an aerobatic performance during the Nanchang Air Show in Nanchang, east China’s Jiangxi Province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Undoing the ‘deep state’ means Trump would undo over a century of progress in building a federal government for the people and not just for rich white men

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joseph Patrick Kelly, Professor of Literature and Director of Irish and Irish American Studies, College of Charleston

    If elected, Donald Trump has vowed to demolish what he calls the “deep state” – a conspiratorial term for the American federal bureaucracy. A second Trump administration, running mate JD Vance has said, should fire thousands of civil servants and replace them with MAGA loyalists.

    Trump has said he would tap the billionare Elon Musk as the hatchet man to lead his proposed government commission on “efficiency” in government.

    Compared with the other fireworks of the campaign – like Trump’s promise to criminally prosecute his political rivals and suppress news organizations – threats to gut the United States’ vast federal bureaucracy don’t get much attention. But doing so is a big a threat to democracy.

    For years, conservatives have claimed that taking power from government agencies gives it back to the people. Yet while it might seem counterintuitive, Americans actually exercise their sovereignty through the administrative state.

    The American administrative state was established almost 100 years ago by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. As a historian of American democracy, I think it’s valuable to remember what the old deal looked like while Trump rails against the New Deal.

    The Gilded Age

    Around 1900, America was not really democratic. The federal government did not rule by the consent of the governed. As historian Heather Cox Richardson recently argued, the American government was an oligarchy.

    Millions of working-class Slavs, Jews, Italians, Asians and Scotch-Irish Appalachians toiled mercilessly in death-trap sweatshops, suffocating mines and fiery steel mills. Cotton farmers in the Black Belt lived like peons.

    These people were America’s “other half,” as the social reformer Jacob Riis called them in 1890. And they were effectively excluded from the social contract.

    Meanwhile, for rich white men like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller it was, as Mark Twain quipped, a “Gilded Age.” Robber barons ran their industrial empires with impunity.

    When their employees tried to organize or protest, industrialists got sheriffs and police to suppress them. Or they hired private armies of “detectives,” like the Pinkertons, as Carnegie did when steelworkers struck in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

    Governors called in the National Guard, as Ephraim Morgan did in 1921 to suppress a labor dispute in West Virginia. Sometimes, it was the regular Army, as in 1919, when soldiers from Camp Pike propped up the peonage system of tenant farming by indiscriminately machine-gunning Black farmers hiding in the woods outside Elaine, Arkansas.

    ‘We stand at Armageddon’

    Forced by popular clamor, Congress decided to act.

    It created the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1887 and told its commissioners to compel railroads, which were gouging some customers and favoring others, to charge fair rates to everyone.

    This was the start of federal regulation.

    In 1895, the New York Legislature passed the Bakeshop Act, making it illegal to force an employee to work more than 10 hours a day or 60 hours a week.

    The Supreme Court, however, was still friendly to business. In its 1905 decision in Lochner v. New York, the court ruled against the Bakeshop Act. No one could regulate the workday or work week. The decision stripped Congress and state legislatures of their nascent regulatory powers. That enraged President Teddy Roosevelt.

    “(T)he right of the people to rule,” Roosevelt later thundered, had been usurped by the corporations. With apocalyptic fury he predicted, “We stand at Armageddon!”

    That was in 1912. The Lochner era, as historians call this period when workers and the public had few protections from exploitative businesses, lasted another 20 years.

    Then, in 1929, the U.S. economy collapsed.

    One-quarter of Americans had no work. Starving and desperate migrants wandered across the country. An army of veterans marched on Washington.

    The apocalyptic misery of the Great Depression finally made American oligarchy untenable.

    Liberal democracy

    In 1932, the people rewrote the social contract: They elected Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his New Deal in a landslide.

    It was, in essence, a revolution. After nearly 60 years of corporate domination, the 1932 election would “return America to its own people,” to use Roosevelt’s words.

    Of course, it was not really a “return.” In the precorporation world, most Americans – notably women and Black people – couldn’t participate in their own government. But 1932 was a giant step toward democracy. And the great innovation that would usher in this modern, liberal democracy was the administrative state: a meritocracy of career civil servants dedicated to carrying out the law.

    Have you ever wondered why a green light means “go” in every state? In 1935, the Bureau of Public Roads – now the Federal Highway Administration – wrote and enforced its first Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.

    That’s the administrative state in action. It’s how 122 million people cooperated to make complex, modern society work – without surrendering their sovereignty to some dictator like Benito Mussolini or Josef Stalin.

    But the Supreme Court kept striking down New Deal laws and regulations.

    After a massive electoral victory in 1936, FDR threatened to “pack” the court by raising the number of justices from nine to 15. Finally, the court relented. In a 5-4 decision, it allowed the state of Washington’s Industrial Welfare Committee to establish a minimum wage – $14.50 for a 48-hour work week.

    Most history textbooks don’t mention this milestone, but that’s when liberal democracy was secured.

    To be sure, it would take almost 30 more years before the Civil Rights Acts of the 1960s brought democracy to the Jim Crow South. But even that victory depended on the Justice Department’s power to regulate elections in historically white supremacist states.

    The administrative state has been protecting the rights of ordinary Americans and executing the sovereignty of the people for the past 87 years.

    Who grounded Boeing airplanes when a door blew off a 737 in midflight? It was civil servants in the Federal Aviation Administration, a government agency founded by Congress in 1958 “to regulate civil aviation.”

    Why does the U.S. have cleaner air and water today than it did in the 1960s? Because in 1970, Congress passed the Clean Air Act, and a new Environmental Protection Agency was empowered to write and perpetually rewrite regulations that execute Congress’ antipollution laws.

    The alternative

    This system produces the occasional injustice or overreach.

    A farmer’s puddling acre, for example, might be overregulated as a “wetland.” A fishing company might be ordered to maintain a government-appointed herring counter at a cost of $710 a day.

    But gutting regulatory agencies and replacing a meritocratic bureaucracy with MAGA loyalists won’t help small farmers or family-owned fishing boats. It will empower big corporations to pollute, exploit their workers, price-gouge customers, cut corners on safety – and to corrupt the political system.

    It’s also illegal. Congress has deliberately protected those bureaucrats from the volatility of presidential politics.

    Unlike presidential appointees, who serve at the pleasure of the president, civil servants work for the people. They are empowered by Congress, and the president cannot fire them. At least for now.

    Joseph Patrick Kelly has previously volunteered as an officer at the county and precinct level in the Democratic Party.

    – ref. Undoing the ‘deep state’ means Trump would undo over a century of progress in building a federal government for the people and not just for rich white men – https://theconversation.com/undoing-the-deep-state-means-trump-would-undo-over-a-century-of-progress-in-building-a-federal-government-for-the-people-and-not-just-for-rich-white-men-234421

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 42 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in central Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    At least 42 Palestinians were killed and over 150 injured in Israeli air and artillery bombardment on Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said on Saturday.

    The Israeli army has been bombarding inhabited houses in Nuseirat with both aircraft and artillery since Friday morning, said Palestinian security sources.

    The Gaza government media office condemned the strikes, describing them as the “deliberate targeting of civilians, including children and women,” and called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt these actions against Gaza’s civilians.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that it conducted operations in Rafah and central Gaza to kill militants, dismantle militant infrastructure, and locate weapons.

    Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a Hamas attack across the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and approximately 250 taken hostage.

    The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 43,314, according to a statement from Gaza-based health authorities on Saturday. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway wins awards for green mobility, innovation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway, built by a Chinese firm, received four prestigious awards on Friday evening for advancing green and seamless mobility in Kenya and across the East African region.

    The expressway garnered acclaim at the third annual Africa Mashariki Transport Award (AMTA), an event established in 2022 to honor excellence in transport across Kenya and the broader region. Hosted by BH Media Agency in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, the AMTA awards recognize organizations with outstanding records in sustainability, efficiency and customer-centered service.

    The award ceremony took place ahead of the third annual ATMA Expo and Gala, which ran from Wednesday to Friday, bringing together a diverse range of participants to showcase innovations under the theme “Data-Driven Approach to Safety in Transport.”

    The Nairobi Expressway received four major honors: Road Transport Infrastructure of the Year, Sustainable Transport, Best Technological Innovation and Corporate Road Safety Initiative of the Year. Speaking on the recognition, Jeanne May Ong’iyo, spokesperson for the Nairobi Expressway, said the awards reaffirm the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction, green mobility and positive economic impact.

    “We are committed to continually enhancing the customer experience and partnering with like-minded industry players to deliver world-class service,” Ong’iyo said.

    Construction of the Nairobi Expressway began in September 2020, and the road was officially launched in July 2022 after a successful trial period that started in May 2022. Since its launch, the toll road has significantly cut travel time between Nairobi’s southern areas, home to the main airport, and the upscale Westlands suburb, from two hours during peak times to just 20 minutes. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government goes further and faster on planning reform in bid for growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Chancellor continues bold reform of the planning system to deliver on the Plan for Change for working people.

    • Chancellor reveals new plans for more houses near commuter train stations to kick start economic growth, as government continues its bold reform of the planning system to deliver on the Plan for Change for working people.
    • Sweeping reforms under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will take an axe to red tape that slows down approval of infrastructure projects and the government will work with Parliamentarians to ensure a smooth and speedy delivery.
    • Chancellor highlights in its first six months the government has already taken 13 planning decisions and approved 9 nationally significant infrastructure projects spanning airports, data centres, energy farms, and major housing developments.

    Untapped land near commuter transport hubs will be unlocked to build new housing for working people, as part of bold new steps to reform the planning system and unlock growth to deliver win-win outcomes for the country and the economy. The bold reforms will create secure, high-paying jobs and deliver major infrastructure faster to bolster public services and lower bills.

    Ahead of the Chancellor’s speech next week on economic growth, the government has today announced how it will go further and faster to deliver our Plan for Change milestones of 1.5 million new homes over five years and 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of the Parliament. It follows the ambitious reforms unveiled by the Chancellor in July and delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister at the end of last year through publication of the overhauled National Planning Policy Framework.

    The government’s next steps on planning reform include streamlining a set of national policies for decision making to guide planning decisions taken by local authorities and promote housebuilding in key areas.

    In a major new growth push, the government will ensure that when developers submit an application for acceptable types of schemes in key areas – such as in high potential locations near commuter transport hubs – that the default answer to development is ‘yes’. This will unlock more housing at a greater density in areas central to local communities, boosting the government’s number one mission to grow the economy. These measures will transform communities, with more shops and homes nearer to the transport hubs that working people rely on day in day out.

    As part of these measures, the government will streamline decisions on critical infrastructure projects by slashing red tape in the planning system which is holding up projects. That means looking again at the input from expert bodies who developers are required to consult – and replacing the current systems of environmental assessment to deliver a more effective and streamlined system that reduces costs and delays for developers, whilst still protecting the environment.

    The Chancellor also revealed today that she is championing a regeneration project around Old Trafford in Manchester that will see new housing, commercial and public space as a shining example of the bold pro-development model that will drive growth across the region, with authorities exploring setting up a mayoral development corporation body to redevelop the area. 

    The government is also working with Greater Manchester to release growth-generating land around transport hubs through local development orders, such as around Castleton Station, with the potential for this innovative use of existing powers to kickstart building in these sites to be a blueprint for the rest of the country so that every corner of the UK benefits from growth.

    The new proposals tackle the dire inheritance head on. Last year homebuilding fell below 200k and permissions reached their lowest for over a decade, which is why the government is taking radical action necessary to reverse this trend and deliver the homes necessary to reach 1.5 million homes over this Parliament.

    This government is turning the page on the decline and decay of the past and choosing growth with a significant number of planning decisions already made by Ministers since July. This includes 13 planning decisions taken by Ministers over 90% of which within the target timeframe, and 9 nationally significant infrastructure projects approved, collectively spanning airports, data centres, solar farms and major housing developments such as the Expansion of London City Airport, a data centre in Buckinghamshire and a new M&S store in Oxford Street, London.  

    The government has committed to making 150 decisions on these major economic infrastructure applications over this Parliament, more than doubling the decisions made in the previous Parliament and more than 130 made since 2011.

    This will unlock the growth necessary to deliver win-win outcomes for the country and the economy – creating stable and high-paying jobs, building more affordable homes, and delivering critical infrastructure faster to bolster public services and lower bills – while improving the environment where it matters most.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    I am fighting every single day in our mission to kick start the economy, deliver on our Plan for Change, and make working people better off. That includes avenues that others have shied away from.  

    Too often the answer to new development has been “no”. But that is the attitude that has stunted economic growth and left working people worse off. We need to do things differently and that journey began as soon as I started at the Treasury in July. These are our next steps and I can say for certain, there is more to come.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said:

    From day one I have been clear that bold action is needed to remove the blockers who put a chokehold on growth. That’s why we are putting growth at the heart of our planning system.

    Growth means higher wages, better living standards, families raising their children in safer homes, and the next generation taking their first steps onto the housing ladder.

    This year we will go even further to make the dream of homeownership a reality for millions and fix the housing crisis we inherited for good – getting more shovels in the ground to build the homes and vital infrastructure that our communities so desperately need.

    Growth is the number one mission of this Government’s Plan for Change, so we can put more money in people’s pocket. Today the Chancellor is setting out further action on the government’s growth mission by announcing the following: 

    Planning 

    The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will provide the powers to accelerate the infrastructure and homes needed to deliver on the government’s ambitions – and fast track critical infrastructure such as windfarms, power plants, and major road and rail projects. Today the government is confirming for the first time that the Bill will be introduced in Spring and we will work with Parliamentarians to ensure a smooth and speedy delivery.

    Further detail on the Bill is being published today in a working paper on streamlining decisions on nationally significant infrastructure projects, including reducing the burden on developers by making consultation requirements more proportionate, strengthening statutory guidance to ensure they are clear over what is and is not required when submitting planning applications, and ensuring that National Policy Statements are updated at least every five years to give more certainty to developers, speeding up decisions. Previous working papers have already set out reforms to the operation of planning committees, and an overhaul of the way developers can discharge their environmental obligations so that they can crack on with building.

    The Chancellor is today also announcing reform to the statutory consultee system, which requires developers to consult local communities and expert bodies when making planning decisions. This often means too many organisations consulted on too wide a range of issues, clogging up much-needed development. Today the government has declared a moratorium on any new statutory consultees and the Chancellor and the Deputy Prime Minister will review in the coming weeks the existing arrangements to make sure they meet this Government’s ambitions for growth.

    This follows changes announced last week to the rules around challenging major infrastructure projects through the courts – stopping blockers getting in the way of the Government’s Plan for Change and getting nuclear plants, trainlines and windfarms built quicker. Current excessive rules mean unarguable cases can be bought back to the courts three times. This will be overhauled, with just one attempt at legal challenge for hopeless cases that would previously have caused much more delay.

    Environment

    The government is also reforming environmental impact assessments, which have strayed from their original purpose of supporting decision making and have become voluminous and costly documents that too often support legal challenges rather than the environment.

    They will be replaced by Environmental Outcome Reports which will be simpler and much clearer, which will support growth by saving developers time and money, whilst still protecting the environment. The government will publish a roadmap for the delivery of these new Environment Outcomes Reports in the coming months.  

    This follows a working paper on development and nature published by the government before Christmas setting out a new approach that will turbocharge the delivery of housing and infrastructure while securing positive environmental outcomes. Developers will be able to pay into the Nature Restoration Fund which will allow them to discharge relevant environmental obligations for protected sites and species and focus on building, safe in the knowledge that appropriate action will be taken to support nature’s recovery.

    Major infrastructure

    A working paper is being published setting out the government’s plan for its 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy, which will be focussed on infrastructure’s role in enabling resilient growth, delivering clean energy by 2030 and net zero by 2050 while securing the growth benefits of the transition, and improving public services.

    The working paper seeks industry views as part of the government’s continued consultation on the development of the strategy which will be published in late Spring.

    Jennie Daly, CEO of Taylor Wimpey said:

    We continue to be impressed by the speed with which the government has gripped the need for planning reform to deliver much needed new housing supply. New high-quality housing and the infrastructure it brings are essential drivers of economic growth. 

    We welcome the commitment from the government to introduce the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as a priority in the spring, and we look forward to supporting the promised consultation work on reforming the planning system to expedite decisions and overcome local barriers to growth.

    Mark Reynolds, Mace Group Executive Chairman and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council said:

    When the government and the Construction sector work in partnership we can unlock growth of up to 2% of GDP. The simplification and streamlining of the planning system is a significant contributor to this so the announcements today are a welcome development which could deliver £2 billion per year in savings once fully implemented.

     In addition the upcoming publication of the 10 year National Infrastructure Strategy is an opportunity to set out plans for ambitious growth and chart a direction for the industry, instilling confidence in businesses to invest in skills, innovation and deliver profitable growth, we look forward to contributing to its success.

    Neil Jefferson, CEO of Home Builders Federations said:

    Identifying more land for development and removing the treacle from the planning process that delays applications is essential if we are to increase housing supply. The swift moves to address these blocks in the planning system are very welcome and will pay dividends if the other constraints on housing supply can be tackled. Housing delivery is dependent upon a range of factors, of which planning is a major one, and these changes underline the government’s commitment to increasing supply.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said:

    With our devolved powers we’re mobilising the whole Greater Manchester system to lock in growth for the next decade and reap the rewards for our city-region and UK plc.

    The project around Old Trafford represents the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and is a key part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth across Greater Manchester. We look forward working with the Government on moving freight away from the site around Old Trafford to new locations to open up capacity our rail network, and unlock massive regeneration potential – delivering benefits across the whole of the North.

    As part of its relentless focus to get Britain building and achieve the ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over five years, the government has already:  

    • Overhauled the National Planning Policy Framework, including new and higher mandatory housebuilding targets for councils, a comprehensive modernisation of the Green Belt, and far greater support for growth-supporting development such as labs and datacentres.  

    • Launched a New Homes Accelerator group to unlock thousands of new homes currently in the planning system.  

    • Published a series of working papers on further reforms to the planning system:  
      • ‘brownfield passports’, designed to ensure that where planning proposals meet design and quality standards, the default answer to planning permission is ‘yes’,
      • development and nature recovery, detailing a new approach for developers to discharge environmental obligations through payment into a Nature Restoration Fund which then allows them to crack on with building,
      •  planning committees, proposing a national scheme of delegation to speed up the approval process and provide greater certainty to developers.

    • Set up an independent New Towns Taskforce, as part of a long-term vision to create largescale communities of at least 10,000 new homes each.  

    • Awarded £68 million to 54 local councils to unlock housing on brownfield sites.   

    • Awarded £47 million to seven councils to unlock homes stalled by nutrient neutrality rules. 

    • Extended the existing Home Building Fund for this year providing up to £700 million of vital support to SME housebuilders, supporting the delivery of around 12,000 additional homes.

    • Confirmed that government investment in housing will increase to £5 billion for this year, including an extra £500 million in new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme to deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s homegrown C919 aircraft completes first engine replacement

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s domestically developed large passenger aircraft C919. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has successfully replaced the first engine for the world’s first delivered C919 aircraft, filling a gap in the maintenance capability for the country’s homegrown large passenger aircraft.

    The engine replacement is one of the most complicated tasks in aircraft maintenance. The main purpose of the engine replacement was to verify the feasibility of the C919’s engine replacement process to improve aircraft safety.

    The CEA maintenance engineers completed 60 routine tasks and more than 10 non-routine tasks over nine days, with all test parameters normal, successfully completing the first engine replacement of the C919 aircraft numbered B-919A.

    The engine replacement “will ensure the sustainable operation of the C919 aircraft in CEA in the future and enhance its performance,” said Dong Haoyang, manager of the C919 engine replacement project at China Eastern Xibei Airlines as cited by CCTV+.

    The CEA has seven C919 aircraft in operation, serving five commercial routes connecting Shanghai with Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an and other cities.

    Other airlines, including Air China and China Southern Airlines, have also conducted commercial operations with the aircraft.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S., Japan, Republic of Korea Conduct Trilateral Aerial Exercise

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Fighter aircraft from the U.S., Japan, and the Republic of Korea conducted a trilateral escort flight of a U.S. bomber operating in the Indo-Pacific, Nov. 3, 2024.

    Two U.S. F-16 from the 36th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing flew with four Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2s from the 8th Air Wing and four Republic of Korea Air Force F-15Ks from the 11th Fighter Wing to escort one U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer. 

    This exercise continues strong trilateral cooperation, enabling immediate response to regional security challenges in a critical security environment.

    Our three nations maintain an absolute commitment to the shared vision of a secure, rules-based, and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard medevacs 2 people following zip-line collision in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    11/03/2024 08:25 AM EST

    The crew of a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter medevaced two injured people from the Carambola zip-line platform in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Friday. Medevaced were Jason Bomar, 58, and Jeanne Glidewell, 32, both U.S. citizens, after they sustained multiple injuries associated with a high-speed collision on the zip-line. “This case highlights the importance of teamwork,” said Lt. David Tirado Tolosa, Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander for the medevac. “It was a complex location to hoist two injured persons, but our crew and the local rescue personnel did an amazing job stabilizing them which allowed us to conduct the hoists safely. We are very glad to have transported these patients to receive the medical care they required.”

    For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK increases support for Anguilla’s health, security and infrastructure as Minister for Overseas Territories visits islands

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, will announce new support for Anguilla’s health and security infrastructure as he makes his first visit to the Overseas Territories this week (2-4 November).

    • UK Overseas Territories Minister will open Anguilla’s new emergency 911 control room and announce funding for new ambulances to be provided by February 2025
    • Further funding will finance an additional search and rescue vessel for Anguilla’s maritime search and rescue service
    • Visit to UK-funded high school and airport to take place as minister assesses impact and progress

    The UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, will announce new support for Anguilla’s health and security infrastructure as he makes his first visit to the Overseas Territories this week (2-4 November).

    The minister will be opening Anguilla’s new emergency 911 control room, partly funded by the UK government, and a facility that will be vital asset in helping to improve public safety. He will also formally announce the UK government’s provision of two new ambulances to Anguilla, and a new boat for assisting with coastal search and rescue operations.

    UK Overseas Territories Minister, Stephen Doughty said:

    “UK funding for Anguilla is helping islanders live healthier, safer, and more prosperous lives.

    “The new support I will announce is just the latest chapter in the UK’s close relationship with Anguilla, with sustainable investment and close partnership at its heart.”

    The minister will make a stop at the Royal Anguilla Police and National Emergency Operating Centre, where he will commend the force for their efforts in reducing gang violence in recent months. The UK has funded seven UK officers to help the Royal Anguilla Police Force tackle gang violence and conduct investigations on the island.

    The Minister will also visit the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he will hear about the challenges faced by those working in Anguilla’s healthcare sector. UK funding has already provided a dialysis unit, reconstruction lab, isolation ward, and a new morgue, which will significantly improve coronial and post-mortem processes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Better health taking flight for rural and regional Tasmanians

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    As part of the Albanese and Rockliff governments’ commitment to improving the state’s regional healthcare, the new Tasmanian home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is a step closer, with planning and design works underway.

    The $21.3 million redevelopment will support the RFDS to expand its operations, and was made possible by $15 million from the Albanese Government, $6 million from the Rockliff Government, and additional support from the RFDS.

    The new base at Launceston Airport will boost capacity for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as ground vehicle transfers, and will include space needed to cater for surge workers through either infectious disease outbreaks, or for fire-fighting personnel to tackle bushfires.

    This will enable the RFDS to increase outreach support such as mobile mental health services, mobile dental services, and mobile general practitioner services – and support them to deliver urgent care to people across regional Tasmania.

    Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain joined Federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell last week to inspect the site of the new base, and to receive an update on the project.

    Up to 62 full time jobs will be supported during the construction phase, with up to 41 ongoing jobs in the healthcare sector set to be created once operational in 2027.

    When completed, the facility will also house staff and equipment for other emergency service providers, including Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmanian Police and the Fixed Wing Aeromedical Providers.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain:

    “It was fantastic to visit RFDS Tasmania to see planning work on this important redevelopment progressing – a region-shaping project made possible thanks to $15 million from the Albanese Government.

    “Your postcode shouldn’t impact the quality of your healthcare, which is why we’re partnering with the RFDS to improve and expand their services across regional Australia – with this project to ensure Tasmanians can continue to access support when they need it.”

    Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma:

    “The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s $6 million investment for the new base will enable the RFDS to continue its vital work. 

    “Not only will this project improve access to healthcare across regional Tasmania, it will support local jobs during construction, and once the upgraded site is operational.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell:

    “While the RFDS’s current home in Tasmania has served the community for 20 years, our government is getting on with updating the site ensure it continues to provide the service Tasmanian needs and deserves. 

    “By securing the future of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Launceston Airport, we’re ensuring that the RFDS can continue to deliver lifesaving care throughout our state, from clinic charter services to road transfers.”

    Quotes attributable to RFDS Tasmania Board Chair, Malcolm White and CEO Nicole Henty:

    “The Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania is delighted to be building a new world class facility. We are grateful to both the Federal and State Governments for coming together to support this initiative and help us construct this base at Launceston Airport”

    “This is an exciting development for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Tasmania and we look forward to developing an aeromedical base that all Tasmanians can be proud of.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Take off for extra tourism and trade capacity

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government is boosting aviation competition, trade and tourism opportunities for Australians, securing new or updated air services arrangements with seven international markets following months of negotiations.

    These arrangements will allow Australian airlines to expand their international networks and international airlines to increase operations into Australia, a boost for Australian travellers and diaspora communities.

    This includes unrestricted capacity with Canada and Malaysia – the first arrangements of this type since a deal struck with India in 2018.

    Along with Canada and Malaysia, arrangements have landed with Hong Kong, Chile, Mongolia, Latvia, and Rwanda.

    Australia now has more than 110 bilateral air services arrangements in place with other countries or economies, with today’s announcement following recent enhanced arrangements secured in the past 12 months with Türkiye, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. 

    Each arrangement is negotiated to serve Australia’s national interest, with the Australian Government signing with some of our larger tourism markets, including:

    • Immediate increase in available capacity for airlines to 50,000 weekly passenger seats with Malaysia, and unrestricted capacity for passenger services from 2026
    • Immediate increase in available capacity for airlines to 50 weekly passenger services with Canada, and unrestricted capacity for passenger services from 2026
    • Immediate increase in available capacity for airlines to 84 passenger services per week, and unlimited cargo services with Hong Kong 
    • A doubling of available capacity for airlines to and from Chile by 2025

    Inaugural arrangements were signed between the Australian Government and the governments of Latvia, Mongolia and Rwanda, each allowing 14 passenger services per week to and from Australia along with unrestricted dedicated cargo services. 

    These arrangements deliver on our commitment in the Aviation White Paper to expand capacity under our bilateral air services arrangements ahead of demand, ensuring airlines have adequate time to plan for additional future services and add new routes to their schedules. It also aligns with our commitments to prioritise negotiations within our region.

    These arrangements have already resulted in significant additional capacity being added into the Australian market, supporting growth in visitor numbers. For example, ABS data for the 12 months to August shows arrivals from Vietnam were 49 per cent higher than pre-pandemic, making it Australia’s fastest growing inbound visitor market.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “We’re expanding our international aviation network to increase competition and deliver a better experience for Australian travellers. 

    “Whether travelling to these countries or using them as stepping stones to the rest of the world, each of these arrangements represents a stronger connection with our global market – for travel, trade and tourism. 

    “We committed to this in our Aviation White Paper and today we are delivering on that commitment – landing additional capacity in the international sector.” 

    Quotes attributable to Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism:

    “Increased flights means we can welcome more visitors to Australia, boosting our tourism industry and supporting jobs and local economies, particularly in regional Australia.

    “It also means we can get more cargo in the bellies of outbound flights, giving our exporters more opportunities for growth and to expand into new markets.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Burkina Faso

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    • Reviewed: 4 November 2024, 14:48 NZDT
    • Still current at: 4 November 2024

    Related news features

    If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

    Do not travel to Burkina Faso due to the volatile security situation and the high threat of kidnapping, terrorism and armed banditry (level 4 of 4). 

    Burkina Faso

    Terrorism
     There is a high threat of terrorism in Burkina Faso, particularly in border areas with Mali and Niger. States of emergencies remain in place in several border regions. In 2018, terrorist groups released a statement declaring their intention to target westerners and western companies in the Sahel. There have been multiple attacks in the capital and elsewhere in the country since 2016, including:

    • On 11 June 2022, over 100 people were killed in an attack in Seytenga, Seno Province.
    • On 4 and 5 June 2021, over 160 people were killed in attack on Solhan village, in the northeast.
    • On 26 April 2021, 3 foreign nationals were killed in an ambush on the PK 60 road between Fada-N’Gourma and Pama.
    • On 1 December 2019, at least 14 people were killed in a shooting attack inside a church in Hantoukoura.
    • On 5 November 2019, 37 people were killed and a further 60 injured in an attack on a convoy carrying workers to a Canadian gold mine near Boungou.
    • On March 2, 2018, extremists attacked the French Embassy and Burkina Faso’s military headquarters in downtown Ouagadougou. Eight security force personnel, including soldiers and police officers were killed and over 80 others were injured.
    • On 13 August 2017, gunmen attacked the Aziz Istanbul restaurant in Ouagadougou, killing at least 18 people.
    • On 15 January 2016, armed gunmen attacked the Splendid Hotel and Café Cappuccino in Ouagadougou resulted in 30 deaths, a large number of whom were foreign nationals.

    Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Burkina Faso and may be directed at locations with foreign interests or known to be frequented by foreigners, such as embassies, hotels, bars, restaurants, markets, airports, shopping areas, tourist sites, public transport facilities, mining operations and places of worship.

    New Zealanders throughout Burkina Faso are advised to maintain a high degree of security awareness at all times, particularly in public areas. Avoid all large gatherings, including music festivals, concerts, sporting events and any public demonstrations or protests. Keep yourself informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local sources of information and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.

    Kidnapping
     There is a heightened threat of kidnapping in Burkina Faso. Terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have stated their intention to kidnap foreigners and may cross the borders from Mali and Niger to carry out kidnappings.

    A number of foreigners have previously been kidnapped in Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. In April 2022, a Polish national was kidnapped in north-eastern Burkina Faso and in September 2022, a US national was kidnapped in Yalgo, also in north-eastern Burkina Faso. The threat is likely to continue.

    New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to seek professional security advice or protection before travelling to areas of particular risk.

    Political Situation/Civil Unrest
     The security situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The political situation continues to evolve following the military coup on 30 September 2022. 

    Demonstrations occur regularly and have taken place in major cities. They have the potential to result in violence or clashes, gunfire has been reported in Ougadougou. Expect an increased security presence country-wide and comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews or restrictions of movement. Continued disruptions to internet and other telecommunication services are possible.

    New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations and large gatherings. 

    Banditry
     Banditry is a security concern in Burkina Faso. There continue to be reports of attacks by armed criminals on vehicles, including buses, travelling on a variety of main and secondary roads across the country. Criminals have used road blocks to stop and rob travellers and have been known to open fire on vehicles that refuse to stop. While bandits mainly steal valuables, they may physically harm victims during the course of a robbery.

    The highest number of incidents occur in the eastern region but there have been a number of attacks in other regions and the threat exists throughout Burkina Faso. Remote and border regions are especially vulnerable.

    New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are advised to travel in convoy if possible, stay on clearly marked roads and avoid travel by night outside major centres. You should seek local advice before setting out and follow a police patrol where possible.

    Crime
     Street crime is prevalent in Burkina Faso and foreigners may be specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth. Bag-snatchings, muggings and theft from hotel rooms are common, particularly in Ouagadougou. The central market and the area around the United Nations circle are often targeted by thieves. Theft is often perpetrated by one or two people on motorbikes.

    Criminals in urban areas may carry knives in order to cut straps on bags and can become violent if the victim is non-compliant. Sexual assault occurs periodically in smaller towns and within Ouagadougou.

    New Zealanders are advised to exercise particular vigilance in crowded or public areas, avoid showing signs of affluence and keep personal belongings secure at all times.

    When driving you should keep doors locked, windows up and keep any valuables out of sight. Avoid travelling alone at night, as risks increase after dark.

    Scams
     Commercial and internet fraud is a common problem in Burkino Faso. New Zealanders in Burkina Faso should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams.

    General Travel Advice
     As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Burkina Faso, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is extremely limited.

    We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Burkina Faso should consider.

    New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Burkina Faso to avoid offending local sensitivities.

    Modern medical services in Burkina Faso are very limited, New Zealanders travelling or living in Burkina Faso should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. 

    New Zealanders in Burkina Faso are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

     

    Travel tips

    See our regional advice for Africa

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