Category: Aviation

MIL-Evening Report: Australia is axing a $7bn military satellite project, leaving defence comms potentially vulnerable

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethics & CyberSecurity, Griffith University

In a significant blow to Australia’s defence capabilities, the federal government is cancelling what would have been the nation’s largest-ever space project: a A$7 billion military satellite communications system.

The decision was confirmed in a press statement today. It comes just 18 months after the Albanese government gave the green light to the ambitious program.

Defence industry sources quoted by The Australian newspaper indicated that insufficient funding was allocated to start the program, despite its strategic importance. According to the ABC, “defence industry figures believe there are cheaper options available”.

The project’s cancellation would mark a dramatic reversal for a program that was meant to make Australia’s military communications safer at a time when the cyber threat landscape has been steadily evolving.

The rise and fall of JP9102

The ambitious satellite program is known as JP9102. It was awarded to US defence contractor Lockheed Martin in April 2023 after a competitive tender process that included major players like Airbus, Northrop Grumman and Optus.

The project aimed to launch several large military-grade satellites. It would also involve several ground stations, new satellite communications operations centres, and a central management system. Taken together, this would create a secure communications network for Australia’s military.

Currently, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) uses a complex network of up to 89 different “capabilities” (military assets) that rely on satellite communications.

This existing system lacks the comprehensive security and coverage that JP9102 promised to deliver. Without it, Australia’s military communications are potentially left vulnerable to cyber and electronic warfare attacks.

In its statement, the Department of Defence claims its “current satellite communications capabilities support the immediate needs of the organisation”.

What can military satellites deliver?

The proposed satellite system was intended to create what experts call an “uncrackable data network” across the ADF.

These military-grade satellites would have provided secure communications for fighter jets, naval vessels and ground forces across the vast Indo-Pacific region.

Unlike commercial satellites, military satellites incorporate advanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities. This makes them significantly more resistant to cyber attack and electronic warfare.

Military satellites face sophisticated cyber threats from both state and non-state actors.

China and Russia are widely recognised as having advanced capabilities in this domain. They have the ability to jam satellite signals, intercept communications and potentially even take control of satellite systems. North Korea has also demonstrated growing capabilities in cyber warfare, particularly in signal jamming.

In 2014, Russian forces reportedly jammed and disrupted satellite communications during their operations in Crimea. More recently, at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hackers disabled thousands of satellite modems that were part of the Viasat satellite network, causing disruptions to both military and civilian communications across Europe.

In the commercial sector, Iran has been accused of jamming satellite broadcasts and GPS signals.

This demonstrates how even nations with less advanced military capabilities can pose significant threats to satellite communications.

JP9102 was considered a “bleeding-edge technology project”. It included plans for machine learning capabilities to increase agility and responsiveness.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has previously praised the project’s potential for making room for future technological improvements:

The JP9102 satellites may, if they are based on open-architecture design or software-based systems, take advantage of future on-orbit servicing technologies that could extend their operational life and enhance their capabilities over time.

A budget reality

The key takeaway here is the growing gap between Australia’s defence ambitions and its budget reality. As regional tensions continue to increase and cyber threats evolve, the decision to cancel JP9102 highlights the challenging trade-offs between needing to secure Australia’s military communications and the costs of doing so.

It raises the question of how Australia will secure its military communications in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region. The cancellation of JP9102 creates a significant capability gap in Australia’s military communications strategy that will need to be addressed.

Defence planners will likely need to explore alternative solutions. These might include partnerships with commercial satellite providers or joining the military satellite networks of allied nations, such as the United States.

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

– ref. Australia is axing a $7bn military satellite project, leaving defence comms potentially vulnerable – https://theconversation.com/australia-is-axing-a-7bn-military-satellite-project-leaving-defence-comms-potentially-vulnerable-242761

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Speech – Address to the National Prayer Breakfast

Source: Australian Ministers 1

Good morning, everyone.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people joining us here today.

Friends, I am delighted to be representing the Prime Minister at this event again this year, as I did last year.

Thank you, Max, for enlightening us in such an articulate and authentic way. I’m sure that everyone here, like me, will think about grace differently today and in future days.

This event brings people together across beliefs, party lines and civil society. It demonstrates that there’s more that unites us than divides us.

As the Member for Greenway in North West Sydney, I represent one of Australia’s fastest growing, multi-faith, multi-lingual, multi-cultural electorates – a place where people of all faiths and cultures live side by side, enriching our local communities and our country.

But some of you might ask: what is the connection between communications and faith? Why is the Communications Minister here?

Well, to faith, communication is fundamental. The early Christians were always writing letters – for example, of the 27 books in the New Testament, 21 are epistles, or letters, many of which were written by Paul.

Some letters were addressed to individuals, while others were sent to churches in various cities. Letters to the Romans, the Corinthians, the Ephesians, the Thessalonians, and the list goes on.

Now, Paul was the great communicator. In fact, he shares the same Feast Day as Peter. But to my mind, while Peter may have been the CEO, the rock, the first Pope, Paul was the COO. And, as we know, the Chief Operating Officer is the one who does the hard yards.

He was travelling around the Mediterranean being imprisoned, rejected, but he was always communicating. And without a formal postal service, many of these letters were delivered by hand by the travellers and couriers of the day. And it was international mail – not par avion, by aeroplane, but by donkey, camel and boat.

And that brings me to faith.

Faith has long been about communicating with people and connecting to share wisdom and teachings.

Fast forward to the 21st century and during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were congregations, be they Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Christian, utilising the National Broadband Network to bring people together in faith with video conferencing and streaming services of church and other supports.

Australia Post has never been busier, as people showed one another their care by sending cards and packages.

For me, it was sending my best Jewish friends in Melbourne who were locked down for significant holidays, gifts of honey and bagels, which I ordered online.

But personally, what was most important to me, was observing my devout Catholic father, Frank, attend mass virtually every day. He would tune into different masses around Australia, and, for a man in his 90s who had always been close to God, he had never been closer.

And he was calling me and telling me about his daily mass. And, for the record, his favourite exotic location was from the Darwin Cathedral, with a homily he said brought him to tears and genuinely in God’s presence.

At a time when we were particularly concerned about the elderly, protecting them from the virus, as well as the isolation, and creating and keeping safe, the power of broadcasting medium in televising religious gatherings as well as keeping us informed of world events really came to the fore.

Recent events demonstrate the extremely difficult times that people are experiencing around the world.

Almost three years since Russia invaded Ukraine and more than a year on from the horrific attacks in Israel, we have seen such devastation and despair, including today in Lebanon, my husband’s homeland.

It is the job of the media over television, radio, print and digital to communicate these harrowing, confronting images and stories – stories that test people’s faith, test their faith in humanity, but which must be told.

And it is the role of faith leaders to help their communities draw upon their faith, to make sense of the world, and to reach people using all available platforms to spread love, understanding, peace, hope and grace in this world of conflict and complexity.

Now, technology and digital media has changed the way we worship, connect and learn about faith.

But the online environment can also test our values and expose people, particularly children, to online harms.

And when it comes to spreading messages, the unfortunate reality is that the internet can, and is, used to spread fear, intolerance, hate and violence. Generative AI and algorithms mean that harmful or false messages can now instantaneously spread and take hold in a matter of hours.

This is why the Government- why I’m sure the Parliament- is working to assert our Australian values with laws in the online environment to make platforms more accountable for their actions.

While the challenge of online regulation is great, it’s imperative that our resolve is greater. And I have the utmost faith in Australia’s democratic institutions, in our public service, our Parliament, the judiciary, the media and the Australian people to ensure Australia’s will is done online.

In closing, friends, last year you might remember this event coincided with my 25th wedding anniversary and I reflected on how love and sacrifice are the same thing.

This year, I’ve reflected on how there’s so much that challenges our faith, but how it is actually faith that gets us through.

Let’s keep coming together in prayer, let’s keep communicating, and let’s strive towards the central call in all of Saint Paul’s letters, which is to keep the faith.

Thank you.

MIL OSI News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Melissa Clarke, Afternoon Briefing, ABC

Source: Australian Treasurer

MELISSA CLARKE:

But first, a new report shows more than 1,200 companies paid no tax in the past financial year. An annual report from the Australian Taxation Office shows of the nearly 4,000 firms that lodged their returns, around 30 per cent did not pay tax. But the overall amount of corporate tax being paid to the ATO has increased by 17 per cent, which the government says is partly due to a crackdown on tax avoidance, as well as increasing profits by some companies. The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, joined me a short time ago. Stephen Jones, thanks for joining us. We see that corporate tax receipts are up 17 per cent under new figures the ATO have released. Is it a case of a tax avoidance crackdown working or is it just that companies are doing particularly well and recording record profits and paying more tax?

STEPHEN JONES:

Look, I think the good thing about this is we’re seeing strong compliance. We put about $200 million into a tax compliance taskforce focusing on large businesses and multinationals, and I’m very pleased to see that it’s reaping rewards. Australians want to ensure that whether you’re a big business or a small business, you’re paying your fair share. So, pleased to see that in the numbers today that we’re getting strong revenue coming through. Of course, it’s what pays for Medicare, it’s what pays for defence, it’s what pays for all the services that Australians expect us to deliver for them.

CLARKE:

How can we quantify, though, how much of that increased corporate tax revenue for the government is coming because of the tax crackdown, to make sure that they’re not profit shifting or avoiding, how much is due to that compared to just some companies in particular – we know a lot of our large mining companies have just had a really good year of sales.

JONES:

Well, frankly, from a bottom line point of view, it doesn’t matter that much. We want to ensure that as we continue to try and balance the budgets. Delivering 2 strong budgets in our first 2 terms of office means that we can do more, and ensuring that we’re getting every dollar that is owed through the taxation system is a key part of that strategy. Australians expect the Albanese government to do that. So, a bit of this, a bit of that, a bit of strong revenue coming through from those traditional sectors like resources and banking and financial services, but also knowing that we’ve got a strong compliance effort going on there as well, to ensure that we’re getting every dollar that is owed to the Australian people.

CLARKE:

There’s still something like 1,200 large companies not paying any tax at all. Is that acceptable? Can the crackdown on tax avoidance reach those companies that are not just, you know, rightly perhaps for some of them, not recording paying tax this time of year due to losses or various, various reasons they might not, but likely some of them are still finding ways to move their profits elsewhere.

JONES:

If it’s avoidance that’s going on, then it’s not acceptable and we’ll track it down. We’re putting a lot of effort into ensuring that we’re cracking down on tax avoidance, particularly in the area of multinational tax avoidance, working through multilateral organisations, through the OECD, but also here at home, ensuring that we’re getting every dollar that is owed. Big priority for the government, huge priority for the government in that multinational area. And of course, as you say, there’ll be some of those businesses who aren’t paying tax because they’re not making any money, they’re breaking even or they’ve made a huge capital investment and any money they have made is being offset against the capital investments that they’ve made. So, some of that is signs of healthy economic activity, particularly if there’s been a big capital investment. We want that. It’s going to drive productivity, but if it’s avoidance, we’re onto it.

CLARKE:

Is it inevitable that there’ll be some level of avoidance so long as Australia has a corporate tax rate of 30 per cent? Is there any value in looking at a lower corporate tax rate in the hope that it might mean there is less accounting shuffling done, and that could actually lead to a better outcome? Or are you convinced the 30 per cent tax rate is the right one to remain at?

JONES:

Look, a couple of things to say about that. It’s 30 per cent, that’s the headline rate. But of course, there are a whole range of offsets and allowances that are made, which means the actual rate, the underlying rate, is significantly less than that for most businesses and have used, as you’ve just pointed out, a whole heap of businesses, one‑third of them in today’s report, that aren’t paying any corporate tax at all. So, that’s the first point I’d make. The second point I’d make is Australians expect our businesses, particularly our resources businesses, our banking businesses and the multinational organisations, to be paying their fair share. And if we want to be able to continue to balance our budgets, we’ve got to ensure that whether you’re an individual taxpayer or a corporate taxpayer, you’re paying your fair share.

CLARKE:

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has been reporting of the number of complaints that it is dealing with, and it’s dealing with an order of 900 complaints about scams every month. But it is reporting that does seem to be going down slightly. Why do you think that is?

JONES:

Look a sign of success, I’ve got to say. You would be aware, Melissa, that the government’s put a big emphasis on reducing scams and preventing scams. Phase one involved standing up a National Anti‑Scam Centre and pulling down fake investment websites. We’re blocking about a million calls and messages a day, which is a significant uplift in our effort. More legislation coming into parliament in a fortnight to uplift our effort here. So, our strategy is working. There’s no other country in the world that can say they’re having the success that Australia is having, which is why people are now starting to talk about the Australian model for scam prevention. That’s all great, but it doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels because as soon as we do, the scammers come back, losses go up again and that’s not good enough.

CLARKE:

Is this a sign that this is an area that really does need strong government intervention, that the financial institutions can’t be relied upon to do the right thing, to make sure that customers are as protected as they can be and that a government has to step in here?

JONES:

Yeah, look, 100 per cent. You know, the approach of our predecessors on this was that if you get scammed out of money, you’re a mug and you’re on your own basically. It was a private problem, not a public problem. We think that’s wrong because scams have been industrialised, but they’ve also, if you don’t get on top of it, people won’t answer phone calls that they don’t recognise, they won’t respond to emails because they think it’s a fraud. They won’t respond to SMS messages because they think they’re bogus. Whether you care about it from the social aspect, which I do, or you understand that it’s actually undermining the rails of modern commerce unless we get on top of it, you should have 2 strong motivations for wanting to do it. And that’s the approach of the Albanese government. This is a public problem, not a private problem and we’ve got to get on top of it. So, we’re really leaning, it is a priority for us. We are leaning into it. We want to ensure that we are the hardest country on earth for a criminal to make a buck through scams.

CLARKE:

Well, it’s interesting then to look at some of the other findings of the last financial year from the Financial Complaints Authority, because they also note that complaints about financial institutions dealing with hardship has gone up, and it also is quite critical of a number of insurance companies saying they’re not taking enough of a resolution mindset, that it’s still too adversarial and not doing enough to resolve complaints that people have about those services. Does that then suggest that maybe this is requiring more government intervention with banks and insurers to put more pressure on them to resolve complaints earlier in the process?

JONES:

Can I say, in the area of insurance, when somebody’s lost their property because there’s been a fire or a flood or some other tragedy, the last thing they need is to have to be involved in a brawl and a dragged out fight with their insurance company. Prompt payment, prompt resolution, prompt clarification of rights is what is needed. And it’s exactly why I got Dr Daniel Mulino to chair the recent inquiry into insurance claims handling, particularly arising out of the NSW and Queensland floods recently. He’s done a great job. A series of recommendations to both government and industry. We’re going through them now. An excellent report, and you’ll see us implementing a lot of those recommendations as soon as possible. Like, the insurance industry doesn’t have to wait. The message to them is get better. We want to ensure that you’re looking after your customers, and they’re not adding insult to injury after they’ve had their properties wiped out through a flood.

CLARKE:

And look, before we let you go, I do want to ask you about the issue that has taken up much time in Canberra this week, of politicians accepting flight upgrades or access to the Chairman’s Lounge from Qantas. Given the risk of the perception of a conflict that this creates, do we need our politicians, yourself included, to perhaps rethink whether or not they should be accepting flight upgrades or a Chairman’s Lounge? Is the declaration process not enough to allay public concern that it might be influencing policy decisions?

JONES:

Look, I don’t think it does. Can I first start by saying I don’t think it does influence policy decisions, I’ve read all the stuff, and I’ve watched all the stuff over the last week, and, you know, there’s a lot of strong words that have been said about it. I’m certain that it doesn’t influence policy decisions. You know, should politicians be banned from, you know, upgrades or Qantas lounge? Frankly, I don’t care one way or the other. It’s not a big deal to me. But, yeah, I think Australians are actually focused on, is Medicare working properly? How’s cost of living? Is my job secure? Am I getting a pay rise? Frankly, they’re the issues. I know it’s fascinating in Canberra, and I know there’s a lot of tit‑for‑tat stuff going on here, but I think Australians are really in a different place.

CLARKE:

I know you say that you don’t believe that it creates any influence on policy decisions, but it can create the perception that there could be, and we know that that’s important when it comes to transparency and accountability. So, given the perception issue and given that we have had things like the decision to not grant Qatar extra, you know, slots coming into major airports, which, you know, at the time you said was to help keep Qantas viable and competitive, would there not be some value in reassessing that issue of perception that might remain even if the policy influence isn’t affected?

JONES:

You know, I think we’ve got to continually assess these things to ensure that we are keeping pace with community expectations. I actually don’t think it makes a difference. Both Qantas and Virgin have the same sorts of lounges. I think Rex does as well. Like, I don’t think it’s exceptional. When I’ve been into any of them, you’ll see sports people, you’ll see business people. Yes. You’ll see politicians, you know, so there’s – frankly, I don’t think it changes the way people make a decision either way. All of the airlines have these facilities available to them, so it’s not like people are making a pro‑Qantas or an anti‑Qantas decision, depending on which door they walk through. I just don’t think that happens. But I do accept your point, frankly, around perceptions, I’m not sure where it ends. But I do accept your point that, you know, that we’ve got to ensure that we’re continually reviewing behaviours and arrangements to keep place with community norms.

CLARKE:

Alright. Something I think we’ll keep assessing and perhaps perpetually keep assessing. Stephen Jones, thanks very much.

JONES:

Good to be with you.

MIL OSI News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Q&A: Exploring the Key Findings of the Georgia PPP Monitor
Source: Asia Development Bank

Article | 04 November 2024
Read time: 5 mins

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Georgia has a nascent but developing ecosystem for PPPs.

ADB has been involved in developing the PPP program in Georgia for many years by facilitating the establishment of the PPP legal framework in the country.

The government realized the importance of PPPs as an alternative way of financing infrastructure investments and has been developing a PPP institutional, policy, and legal and regulatory framework.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently launched the Georgia Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Monitor. Helen Steward, Principal Markets Development Advisory Specialist in ADB’s Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnerships (OMDP), explains what the PPP Monitor is all about.

What are Public–Private Partnerships or PPPs?

Public–private partnerships are contractual arrangements where a government partners with the private sector to build and manage public infrastructure, such as roads and highways, renewable energy plants, hospitals, and schools. PPPs may also be used by government to bring in private sector to manage existing public infrastructure more efficiently.

Helen Steward, Principal Markets Development Advisory Specialist, Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnerships (OMDP), ADB

What is the PPP Monitor?

The PPP Monitor is a publication series of ADB. It profiles PPP-enabling environments in ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs) across Asia and the Pacific. The PPP Monitor features a data-driven, online version that allows users to compare the key PPP parameters and attributes across the featured DMCs.

Who can use the PPP Monitor?

The PPP Monitor provides the investor community with business intelligence on the enabling environment, policies, priority sectors, and deals to facilitate informed investment decisions.
For ADB DMCs the PPP Monitor serves as a diagnostic tool to identify gaps in their legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks.

ADB and other international development agencies can also benefit from the PPP Monitor as it could be useful in initiating dialogues to assess a country’s readiness to implement PPPs to develop and sustain its infrastructure.

What are the key takeaways from the Georgia PPP Monitor?

Georgia has a nascent but developing ecosystem for PPPs.

ADB has been involved in developing the PPP program in Georgia for many years by facilitating the establishment of the PPP legal framework in the country.

The government realized the importance of PPPs as an alternative way of financing infrastructure investments and has been developing a PPP institutional, policy, and legal and regulatory framework.

In 2018, the Law of Georgia on Public–Private Partnerships, also known as the PPP Law, was adopted. This was followed by a package of bylaws related to the introduction and implementation of PPPs in Georgia.

The PPP Law and the secondary legislation provide the legal basis for procuring and managing PPPs in Georgia. It covers both concession and non-concession types of PPPs. It provides the definition and eligibility criteria for PPPs, the various stages for project development and management, and the relevant entities involved in PPP project identification, screening, preparation, procurement, and management, including their functions. It also establishes the process for dispute resolution and the identification and management of contingent liabilities.

The PPP Law and the secondary legislation also require the establishment of a formal PPP institutional structure including a PPP Agency, which has been set up under the Office of the Prime Minister of Georgia, and a related risk and fiscal management function under the Ministry of Finance. The PPP Agency became operational in 2019 and guidelines for identifying, appraising, procuring, implementing, and monitoring PPPs have been developed to support the PPP Law and the supporting secondary legislation.

How many PPPs have been developed in Georgia?

From 1990 to 2023, about 42 PPP projects from different sectors (e.g., airports, energy, information and communications technology, water and sewerage, and social infrastructure) successfully achieved financial closure. The total investment made in these projects is approximately $4 billion.

According to the PPP Agency, since the adoption of the PPP Law in 2018, only a few new PPPs have been initiated and reached financial closure and these have all been in the energy sector.

What challenges exist in the public private partnership landscape?

Significant progress has been made in improving the PPP landscape, especially in establishing the regulatory framework and with recent PPP training programs instigated by the PPP Agency. However, there is so far only a limited pipeline of viable projects and significant challenges remain to be addressed, including low awareness of PPPs; limited capacity of government officials; lack of PPP initiatives at the local and national levels; and lack of a project development fund, among others.

What is ADB doing to support PPPs in Georgia?

Having supported the drafting of the PPP legislation, implementing guidelines, model concession agreements, and annual fiscal risk statements, ADB is poised to support PPP development further in Georgia. PPPs offer an avenue to improve value for money in infrastructure development and service delivery. However, the current capacity of the public sector to drive and implement PPPs is constrained. ADB has been working in partnership with the PPP Agency to address some of the challenges. ADB is helping raise awareness about PPPs through events. Earlier in October, ADB held a specialist training course on PPPs for senior government officials to help address the capacity gaps and contribute toward building a pipeline of projects. ADB is also undertaking a feasibility assessment on affordable housing to explore PPP opportunities and is also in early discussion with various government agencies to help screen and prepare potential pilot PPP projects.

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MIL OSI Economics –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. aircraft slated to deploy to Europe for latest bomber task force

Source: United States Strategic Command

RAMSTEIN, Germany –

The next Bomber Task Force-Europe deployment is scheduled to begin in the coming days with U.S. strategic bombers transiting from the continental U.S. to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.

The long-planned deployment is slated to kick-off with the U.S. Air Force bombers flying on a pre-filed flight plan through international airspace and with the appropriate diplomatic clearances in place for times when aircraft are transiting through a sovereign nation’s airspace.

During the deployment, U.S. bomber aircrews will train and operate alongside NATO Allies and partners for several weeks demonstrating the U.S. commitment to global security and stability.

For more information, contact the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs Office by calling +49 (0) 6371-47-6558 or e-mailing usafepao.pao@us.af.mil. If after duty hours, please call +49 (0) 1624-25-5428 or e-mail usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.

MIL Security OSI –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Landmarks to be Lit Teal for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Source: US State of New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 14 New York State landmarks will be lit teal on Friday, Nov. 1 to mark the beginning of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

“Alzheimer’s is a debilitating and brutal disease, and, like many of you, it is one that I have a personal connection with,” Governor Hochul said. “I take Alzheimer’s Awareness Month as the time to reflect on the struggles my fellow New Yorkers have faced when it comes to watching a family member or a loved one battle an incredibly heartbreaking diagnosis. I am remembering my grandfather this month as well as all of the New Yorkers and their families who are currently battling an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.”

The landmarks that will be lit include:
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- Moynihan Train Hall
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Niagara Falls
- One World Trade Center
- State Education Building
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
The Office of the Aging reported — according to New York State data shared by the Coalition of New York State Alzheimer’s Association Chapters — that more than 426,000 New Yorkers aged 65 or older have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The 2024 New York Alzheimer’s statistics, which includes caregiving, workforce and healthcare data, can be found here.

New York State is proud to have a network of resources for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and their families. The New York State Department of Health outlines a map of counties across New York State which includes a list of Caregiver Support Programs and Centers for Excellence in Alzheimer’s Disease in each respective county. This list can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Fentanyl Trafficking Bust

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

10.31.24

Cantwell Statement on Fentanyl Trafficking Bust

EDMONDS, WA – U.S Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement on today’s fentanyl trafficking bust.

“Tonight’s announcement of the indictments against a violent criminal ring peddling fentanyl is welcome news. Tracking fentanyl in every mode of transportation like in our airports is critical to stopping the movement of this deadly drug because it helps expose local distribution rings. All of the Pacific Northwest should applaud the massive amount of federal, state, and local law enforcement work and coordination that led to these indictments and arrests,” said Sen. Cantwell.

A full timeline of Sen. Cantwell’s actions to combat the fentanyl crisis is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: All about digital twins: Polytech and Gazprom Neft held an inter-industry conference

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and Gazprom Neft held an inter-industry conference, Digital Twins 2024. For two days, the Technopolis Polytech research building became a platform for exchanging experiences, discussing innovations, and developing solutions to existing problems. The event was attended by over 150 IT, systems analysis, and engineering specialists from 30 companies and organizations.

The plenary sessions were moderated by Kirill Vasiliev, head of the Gazpromneft-ITO department, Polytechnic University graduate and ambassador. The experts presented over 20 reports on such topical issues as the use of artificial intelligence, HR policy, import substitution and the use of digital twins in complex industrial systems.

Opening the conference, Gazprom Neft Science Director Mars Khasanov noted: It is important to understand the difference between a model and a digital twin. If a model describes only part of an object or system and does not “live” on its own, then a digital twin must adapt, adjust to changes in the environment, change as new data arrives, and learn. This means that a full-fledged digital twin must have intelligence to some extent — artificial intelligence. If artificial intelligence is used purposefully, understanding its key advantages, and “landing” it on engineering soil, then it will be a very useful tool, and digital twins will not be able to work without it. Meetings like our conference today are needed to form the correct understanding of digital twins.

Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU Yuri Fomin welcomed the participants by saying that the topic of digital twins is now coming to the forefront: The Polytechnic University is characterized by the speed of introducing products to the industry. The current situation in the country and the world, on the one hand, contributes to the acceleration of this process, on the other hand, it introduces restrictions. In these conditions, we decided that digital twins are a strategic direction for us, in conjunction with our partners. We have accumulated competencies in the field of digital twins, it is gratifying that we make a serious contribution to this matter, and we need to find a common language with the industry.

The need for collaboration among all participants in the digital twin market was repeatedly emphasized during the discussions. The participants of the meeting not only presented their own business experience, shared achievements and problems, but also discussed how universities and companies can communicate more productively and bring mutual benefit.

Director of Product Development Programs at Gazprom Neft, Evgeny Yudin, believes that building such interaction is one of the most pressing tasks today.

The digital transformation stage is clear, we need to take the next step — to more intelligent management based on artificial intelligence, digital twins, — Evgeny Viktorovich is sure. — We need to coordinate efforts from the point of view of a single conceptual base. There is a GOST that defines what digital twins are, there are concepts that businesses use. We need to start agreeing on the same language. And secondly, we need to share experience in using digital twins, artificial intelligence to optimize the management process. This is important because the goals are quite ambitious, and we understand that this goal cannot be achieved by one company alone, we need to coordinate, share experience, create consortiums, associations, and do joint projects. This is more effective in terms of getting an increment on the way to this goal. And the goal, I repeat, is the transition towards intelligent management. We are open to cooperation and interaction.

On the first day, the experience of the Polytechnic University in creating technologies for developing digital twins of products in industry was shared with the conference participants by the Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation of SPbPU, Head of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov. Also, from the speeches of representatives of leading companies and scientific organizations, the audience learned about various aspects of digital transformation in the oil and gas sector, aircraft and helicopter manufacturing, and other industries. Solutions were proposed for optimizing processes using digital models, accelerating hydrodynamic modeling using machine learning methods, hybrid modeling, and integrating artificial intelligence into control systems.

At the end of the first day of the conference, Evgeny Yudin and the head of well modeling and ground facilities at Gazprom Neft, Alexander Vinokurov, held a round table discussion on “Artificial Intelligence for Optimizing Business Processes.”

On the second day, Dmitry Mikhalyuk, CEO of JSC Tsifra and a graduate of the Physics and Mechanics Department of the Polytechnic University, covered the topic of digital twins of production systems as a synergy of information technology and modeling of physical processes. Dmitry Sokolov, Solution Architect at Kaspersky Lab, taught how to safely update and enrich a digital twin with industrial data. Maxim Simonov, Head of the Competence Center for the Development of Integrated Asset Modeling at Gazprom Neft, spoke about the company’s HR policy: how interaction with universities occurs, what internal training is, what helps a young specialist go from a student to an expert, etc. The conference participants also learned about the tools and best practices for using neural network approaches, discussed the problems of switching to domestic software, data in digital twins, and management processes.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion on the topic “Digital Twins: Development Prospects in Industry”. Experts exchanged opinions on what problems of implementing digital twins are coming to the forefront today – technological, personnel, import substitution or legal regulation; where government assistance is needed; how well universities are coping with training engineers of the future, etc.

We are delving quite deeply into the topic of digital twins of physical, physical and chemical systems. But if we want to move to new management principles, then large companies have other objects that need to build digital twins, for example, the external environment, the same markets, – believes the head of the digital technologies and artificial intelligence department of Gazprom Neft Mikhail Korolkov. – Problems will begin when the twins of external systems need to be connected and integrated with the twins of physical systems. And the second barrier that will at some point stand in the way of the widespread use of digital twins is a possible change in the business models of companies.

Assessing the prospects for the development of domestic digital technologies in the next 5-10 years, Alexey Zaslavsky, CEO of Vaizteco (Aiteko Group of Companies), noted: We can certainly achieve priorities in certain specific things. The main thing is to choose them correctly and concentrate on them. We must not forget that our Motherland launched a man into space 16 years after the end of World War II.

Our country has a unique way of mobilizing itself in very difficult periods, agreed Maxim Simonov. We are now seeing that in two or three years, many software solutions have appeared that, although they do not yet allow us to meet all business needs, already provide the opportunity to work with domestic solutions. In some ways, they are already ahead of previously used software products.

The most important thing is to use these technological breakthroughs in the formation of a new system of international cooperation, – says Andrey Dobrynin, Director of the Center for Geospatial Economic Analysis at Lomonosov Moscow State University. – Yes, the circle of partners has changed. But I would not say that the market has narrowed. We need to be able to position ourselves correctly there, offer the right solutions. If we can build a chain of development of artificial intelligence and digital twins and move in this direction, we will be able to set the tone, create standards, promote our projects and gain a foothold in key positions in the global market.

Andrey Dobrynin also highly praised the level of the meeting of specialists. It was a wonderful conference. The Polytechnic University has a great deal of groundwork in the field of digital twins, and Gazprom Neft is a leading company that comes up with initiatives before others. And joining efforts will allow us to move forward. But what was even more impressive was how the topics were discussed. The participants represented different industries, not even related ones, which gave an additional impetus to the discussion. Everyone contributed to understanding the issue, which, in my opinion, serves as a good basis for further cooperation.

Mikhail Korolkov summed up the conference: There were two very interesting, eventful days, with excellent reports, lively discussions, exchange of ideas, impressions, and experience. Digital twins are a topic that is becoming advanced and breakthrough in all important industries for the country. We are coming to new issues that were not even raised a year or two ago: integration of digital twins, the role of artificial intelligence in digital twins. The main problem of import substitution was also touched upon. The discussion was comprehensive, not only the reports are important, but also the exchange of opinions, and the audience, the speakers will only benefit from this, they will find ways to overcome barriers. I hope that this event will become permanent, and in some time we will discuss new trends and ideas at a new level.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Airbus inaugurates India and South Asia headquarters in New Delhi

Source: Airbus

Headline: Airbus inaugurates India and South Asia headquarters in New Delhi

Airbus has inaugurated its new India and South Asia Headquarters located at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The state-of-art facility was inaugurated by Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, in the presence of Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, and Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Child First: path to safer communities
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

YJB Board member Louise Shorter discusses Child First with Professor Neal Hazel.
Youth Justice Board (YJB) member Louise Shorter met with Professor Neal Hazel to discuss Child First and how it supports safer communities.

Louise is a YJB Board member, charity founder and journalist specialising in criminal justice.

Neal was a YJB Board member from January 2018 to August 2024 and is the Chair of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Salford.

Louise Shorter:

How would you describe Child First?

Neal Hazel:

Child First is a framework for what works best with children in trouble. It’s based on the latest research and evidence and is designed to keep communities safe by helping children achieve their best outcomes and prevent offending.

Until recently, a lot of the guidance that existed in youth justice was based on quite old evidence, but we now understand a lot more. We’ve summed up all our current understanding of what works for children into a four-part framework that we call Child First.

The YJB has produced a guide to Child First. It provides detailed explanations of the 4 parts to Child First – which we call the 4 tenets. For short, the 4 parts of Child First can be remembered as ABCD:

recognise children ‘As’ children

help them to ‘Build’ a positive identity

‘Collaborate’ with them

‘Divert’ them from the stigma associated with crime wherever possible

Louise Shorter:

So, Child First is a way of bringing together all the information and evidence we have about what works best for children in trouble. It’s a decision-making tool that can make our policies and practices evidence-informed.

Neal Hazel:

Yes, that’s right. Child First is a summary of the consensus on research on youth justice. It’s not just one approach or one theory. It’s the result of 30 years of evidence and gives us a framework that can be used to guide all aspects of work with children in trouble.

Louise Shorter:

Some people might worry that Child First means that we’re forgetting about victims. What do you say to that?

Neal Hazel:

Child First is about achieving positive outcomes for all parties, so that includes children, victims and communities.

The evidence shows that if we focus on helping all children to develop constructively, we’ll also reduce offending and make communities safer, and that will mean fewer victims.

Louise Shorter:

Does Child First work for all children, even those who commit serious crimes?

Neal Hazel:

Yes, Child First is applicable to all children, whether they have or haven’t offended, and regardless of the severity of their offending. In fact, much of the evidence base for Child First is focused on more serious offences.

We know that children who commit serious crimes often have complex needs, and they need more than just a punishment to turn their lives around.

We absolutely need that contemporary research and understanding around brain development, trauma and identity if we are to help them.

Louise Shorter:

Is Child First a “get out of jail free card”?

Neal Hazel:

As a researcher on preventing offending, I’ve never been interested in whether we’re softer or harder. I’m simply interested in what makes us all safer. It all comes down to “is it effective?”

The fact is that children within the criminal justice system are not simply naughty boys or girls that need a short, sharp shock. We’ve tried that time and time again over the years and it always has disastrous results.

The key is to fix the issue – to look deeper and try to understand what is stopping that child from achieving the same positive outcomes as any other child. That’s a really important point to make, that these children should have the same aspirations, chances and opportunities as other children.

These children are in trouble because there are barriers or problems that are stopping them from moving forward and achieving positive, crime-free lives.

“The fact is that children within the criminal justice system are not simply naughty boys or girls that need a short, sharp shock. We’ve tried that time and time again over the years and it always has disastrous results.”

Louise Shorter:

What do you mean by “positive outcomes”?

Neal Hazel:

Positive outcomes are what we would want for any child. For them to be healthy, safe, have an education, gain skills and importantly, to see themselves as a constructive, positive member of society.

Louise Shorter:

What can we do to provide more positive opportunities for children?

Neal Hazel:

We need to invest in youth services and provide children with safe and supportive environments where they can learn and grow. We also need to challenge stigma and discrimination, which we know encourages crime, and we need to work with children to develop their strengths and potential.

Louise Shorter:

When I was growing up as a child, I had lots of very supportive adults around me who showed me how to be a positive person. Is it true that many children who come into contact with the system, have been failed by adults in one way or another?

Neal Hazel:

When you look at cases of serious violence, as I have done all through my career, one thing strikes you. That is that the vast majority of children have abuse and serious loss (trauma) in their backgrounds. Ultimately, they are in trouble because society and largely adults have failed to recognise and address this.

Adults are generally responsible for the trauma a child experiences and professional adults are also responsible for the failure to correct that. And so, in some cases it feels like the offending is almost a sad inevitability due to the failure of adults. And then children get punished for that.

That’s not to say that the behaviour is not dreadful or that those children haven’t committed it. But we consistently find that it’s due to the failure of adults.

Louise Shorter:

Does Child First relate to children who are older or in their late teens. Some of those might be physically imposing. How do we think of them as children?

Neal Hazel:

It absolutely applies. Most of the evidence base is centred around older children because most offending happens in middle to late teens. Also, we must not forget that all under-18s are legally children.

We also now understand that the brain hasn’t fully developed until after the age of 25. Some of the last elements to develop in the brain relate to decision making and behaviour.

Louise Shorter:

I’ve heard that we don’t talk about children’s ‘risk’ any more. Why is that?

Neal Hazel:

It’s about time we started asking people “risk of what?” We will rarely help children move forward in their in their lives and make society safer if we’re just trying to manage the negatives.

We used to talk about ‘risk of offending’, but we now know that labelling children as potential reoffenders stops them from moving on. So, in the national standards and the case management guidance, this phrase is not used because we now understand the limits and damage it can cause.

However, that is not to say that we shouldn’t be concerned with the risk of harm that a child can cause to themselves or to others, or indeed suffer from others.

This does not equate to moving away from public protection. Public protection is always central. However, what we now understand is that it’s much better to avoid any stigma and negative outcomes. This is tenet 4 of Child First.

So, it’s much better to talk in more positive terms. An example I use is a safety talk on an aeroplane. Rather than talking about the risk of dying, you’re much more likely to get passengers engaged if you talk about keeping them safe. And it’s exactly the same with children. You’re much more likely to engage them if you talk about their safety and well-being than if you talk about them as being risky.

“It’s much better to talk in more positive terms. An example I use is a safety talk on an aeroplane. Rather than talking about risk of dying, you’re much more likely to get passengers engaged if you talk about keeping them safe.”

Louise Shorter:

And engaging them leads to much better outcomes for both children and their communities?

Neal Hazel:

Exactly. Tenet 3 is all about engagement. We’ve learned that you can’t “do” youth justice to a child, they need to be engaged. For children to move forward, they must feel involved in the process. Plans and services need to be relevant to their lives and future. Engagement is about more than just attendance – it’s feeling connected to their goals.

Louise Shorter:

Is Child First being applied consistently across services and the wider youth justice system?

Neal Hazel:

Some services are further along in implementing Child First aligned practice, and this is reflected in inspections. A cultural shift is happening, but it takes time. We’re seeing more understanding in youth justice plans and there’s progress in using the evidence base to inform practice across the wider youth justice system. The Youth Justice Resource Hub provides great examples of these advancements.

Louise Shorter:

Hats off to all those services and professionals across the sector for embracing Child First. There’s a wealth of resources available for those needing support.

Neal Hazel:

Absolutely. While there’s more work to be done, especially with regards to assessments, the dedication and innovation of professionals working in the youth justice system is driving real progress and we’re seeing tangible results.

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Published 1 November 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: 1 November 2024 Offsite EEF events: new opportunities for Sakhalin economy Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov met with Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko in Moscow to discuss long-term cooperation between the Roscongress Foundation and Sakhalin Region on the development of forum and exhibition activities until 2035.

Source: Eastern Economic Forum

1 November 2024

Offsite EEF events: new opportunities for Sakhalin economy

Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov met with Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko in Moscow to discuss long-term cooperation between the Roscongress Foundation and Sakhalin Region on the development of forum and exhibition activities until 2035.

The strategic partnership will require mechanisms for promoting Sakhalin’s investment potential and environmental, climate, energy, and technology projects in the region. Joint efforts will focus on organizing national and international forums and exhibitions in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk at Sakhalin-Tech Technopark and Pushisty Drone Port to be managed by the Roscongress Foundation. Plans to sign a Long-Term Cooperation Agreement are in the works.

“Russia places strategic importance in developing and strengthening the Far East. As the world order changes and the centre of global business activity shifts to the Asia-Pacific region, the Far East gains in importance for the Russian economy and solidifies its global position. There is enormous potential for new projects and new industries in the region and no limit to possibilities for international cooperation. New approaches and combined efforts are required to realize this potential. I believe the Roscongress Foundation has the expertise and Sakhalin Region the potential to create opportunities for investment that will attract partners to contribute to its development,” Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov said.

Meeting discussions focused first on the programme of offsite events for the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), indeed, an agreement to cooperate was first reached between the Roscongress Foundation and Sakhalin on the sidelines of the EEF in September 2024.

Sakhalin Region is important to the Far East, has great potential, and must transition from an overdependence on resources to a model of increased self-development. The transition will depend on programmes to improve investment attractiveness and quality of life. One such ambitious project is the New City, dedicated to sustainable development, digitalization, and environmental responsibility, with a master plan calling for the creation of cultural, business, research, and production spaces, including buildings for congress and exhibition events.

“The construction of a modern 20,000-square-meter EXPO centre and cooperation with the Roscongress Foundation will equip us to hold top-notch international events, and the city’s unique infrastructure is already creating opportunities for programmes related to the development of unmanned aviation and energy. I have no doubt that our work together will create a professional platform that attracts investment to the region and shows to the world the full potential of Sakhalin Region to develop advanced technologies and skillfully balance nature preservation and human activity,” Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko said.

Discussion also focused on the ‘BRICS Sustainable Development: Environment and Climate’ International Forum slated to take place in May 2025 with the participation of representatives of BRICS and its partners. The event will focus on environmental and climate issues and how to achieve carbon neutrality. The Forum will be a place to come and discuss environmental issues, share experience, and develop joint projects to combat climate change. The choice of region to host the Forum was no accident with its proximity to the Asia-Pacific region and ambitious carbon neutral goals for the end of 2025 creating unique conditions for programmes balancing the environment and energy industry.

The Far Eastern Energy Forum, also scheduled for next year, is a platform for discussing issues of regional development and establishing a Russian energy security outpost. Sakhalin is an essential Russian producer and processer of hydrocarbons and is actively introducing new forms of energy.

The Far East is becoming a centre for the development of unmanned systems and technologies. Unmanned systems are an efficient, cost-effective solution for logistics and monitoring vast expanses, complex infrastructure, and the development of extractive industries. As meeting participants noted, the necessary prerequisites are all there for international cooperation and an exchange of experience at the International ‘Unmanned Systems’ Forum and Exhibition. Sakhalin’s Pushisty Drone Port has been earmarked as a place for experts to meet with the authorities and representatives of business.

Meeting participants decided the best way to coordinate cooperation under the agreements would be to establish an Organizing Committee under the leadership of Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko and a permanent joint Sakhalin Government and Roscongress Foundation working group under the leadership of Sakhalin Region Government Chairman Alexey Belik and First Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation and EEF Director Igor Pavlov.

An important component of cooperation will include a briefing by Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko on infrastructure projects for territorial development on the sidelines of EEF 2025, where the results of work accomplished can be considered with a place for further discussion. The Governor’s participation in the Governors’ Club and Lounge at Roscongress Foundation events throughout the year will strengthen cooperation with other regions and create additional opportunities to share experience solving urgent problems.

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MIL OSI Economics –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released the Operational Guidelines of Central Sector Scheme “NAMO DRONE DIDI”

Source: Government of India (2)

Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released the Operational Guidelines of Central Sector Scheme “NAMO DRONE DIDI”

Government has approved the Central Sector Scheme ‘Namo Drone Didi’ for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups under DAY-NRLM, with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores

The scheme aims to provide drones to 14500 selected Women SHGs during the period from 2024-25 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose

Posted On: 01 NOV 2024 12:04PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has approved the Central Sector Scheme ‘Namo Drone Didi’ for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM, with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores. The scheme aims to provide drones to 14500 selected Women SHGs during the period from 2024-25 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose (application of liquid fertilizers and pesticides for the present). The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released the Operational Guidelines this scheme and all the stakeholders have been requested to make meaningful use of these operational guidelines to ensure prompt roll out and implementation of the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ Scheme. The major components of the operational guidelines are as under:

The Scheme will be governed at the Central level by the Empowered Committee of the Secretaries of Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Rural Development, Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Women and Child Development.

The Implementation and Monitoring Committee headed by the Additional Secretary, Department of Rural Development and having representation from all other stakeholders will be responsible for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the scheme and it will provide overall advice and guidance to all technical matters related to the implementation of the scheme.

Under the scheme, a Central Financial Assistance @ 80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of ₹ 8.0 lakhs will be provided to the women SHGs for purchase of drones as a package.

The Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs/SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as loan under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF). Interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan will be provided to the CLFs/SHGs.

The CLFs/SHGs shall also have the option to access loans from other sources/programmes/schemes of Ministry of Rural Development.

Under the scheme, not only the drones but, drones as a package will be supplied. The package will consists of basic drone with spray assembly for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides, Drone carrying box, standard battery set, downward facing camera, dualchannel fast battery charger, battery charger hub, anemometer, pH meter and 1 year onsite warranty on all items.

The package also includes 04 spare battery sets, one spare propeller set (each set contains 6 propellers), nozzle set, dual channel fast battery charger, battery charger hub, 15 days training for drone pilot and drone assistant, one year comprehensive insurance, 2 years annual maintenance contract and applicable GST. The additional sets of batteries will ensure continuous drone flying which can easily cover 20 acres in a day.

One of the members of the women SHGs will be selected for 15 day training comprising of mandatory drone pilot training and additional training for agriculture purpose for nutrient and pesticide application. The other member/ family member of the SHG with inclination to take up repairs of electrical goods, fitting and mechanical works will be trained as drone assistant. The drone manufacturers shall provide these trainings as a package along with the supply of drones as per the training schedule indicated in the Operational Guidelines.

The Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) responsible for the States will be the implementing agencies of the scheme at the State level and they will establish necessary coordination with the State Departments, Drone manufacturers, Cluster Level Federations of SHGs/SHGs and the farmers/beneficiaries etc. The drones will be procured by the LFCs through a fair and transparent process and the ownership of drones will be placed with the CLF of SHGs or SHGs.

Implementation of the scheme hinges on rightful selection of the area/cluster and SHG group where there is demand for drone to provide agriculture services. As the introduction of drones in agriculture is at nascent stage, the States will closely monitor the interventions, provide handholding support to the women SHGs and help them in getting the business to cover an area of at least 2000 to 2500 acres in a year. The State Departments of Agriculture & State Mission Directors of DAYNRLM will have a very strong convergence and they will take the ownership of the scheme for its successful implementation at the ground level with the help of State Level Committee.

Effective monitoring of the scheme will be through an IT based Management Information System (MIS) i.e. Drone Portal which will act as endto-end software for service delivery and monitoring, funds flow and disbursement of funds. The portal will also track operations of each drone and provide live information on drone usage.

It is envisaged that the initiatives under the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to SHGs and they would be able to earn additional income for them. The scheme will help in infusing advance technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhanced crop yield and reduced cost of operation for the benefit of farmers.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Russia/Ukraine: Both continued to receive arms, ammunition & military assistance | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Briefing by Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High representative for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), on threats to international peace and security.

—————————–

The Director of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Adedeji Ebo, today (31 Oct) told the Security Council both Russia and Ukraine have continued to receive arms, ammunition and other forms of military assistance, and urged all concerned “to refrain from any steps that may lead to further spill over and intensification of the war.”

Ebo said the armed forces of Ukraine have reportedly received “heavy conventional weapons such as battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, combat aircraft, helicopters, light calibre artillery systems, missile systems and uncrewed combat aerial vehicles, as well as remotely operated munitions and small arms and light weapons and their ammunition.”

While Russia has also reportedly received weapons such as uncrewed aerial vehicles, ballistic missiles and ammunition, Ebo highlighted recent reports that refer to “the presence of third party military personnel in the Russian Federation to assist in military operations against Ukrainian forces.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUIi6cqYQWU

MIL OSI Video –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU and SibNIA create a joint laboratory “Intelligent systems for testing aircraft structures”

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

Novosibirsk State University and the Siberian Aviation Research Institute named after S. A. Chaplygin continue their cooperation in the educational and research spheres. At the scientific and production forum “Golden Valley”, which was held from October 31 to November 1 and the main organizer of which was NSU, an agreement was signed to create a joint laboratory “Intelligent systems for testing aircraft structures”. At the first stage, it will be engaged in bench tests of equipment in order to predict possible deformations and breakdowns, in the future, the range of work performed will be expanded – it will also include video analytics, a vibration damping system.

The laboratory will include students and postgraduates of the Faculty of Information Technology and the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU, as well as employees of partner companies – FAU “SibNIA named after S.A. Chaplygin” FAU (part of the FGBU “Research Center “Institute named after N.E. Zhukovsky”) and JSC TsNIAP “AVIASPETSTEST”, who will act as mentors – a total of 13 people. The head of the laboratory will be Vladimir Berikov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Mathematics named after S.L. Sobolev and a lecturer at the Faculty of Information Technology of NSU.

The laboratory is fully focused on solving applied problems arising during bench tests of aircraft equipment, including the development and creation of modules of the Intelligent Bench Test System for Aircraft Equipment (ISIA) with elements of artificial intelligence; an intelligent operator workstation with connected archives and libraries; intelligent simulators, as well as vibration isolation systems for high-precision instruments and systems.

— During bench tests of equipment, we will use sensors to collect data streams in our system, use archives and libraries, and analyze all the information received using artificial intelligence systems. Thanks to this, we will be able to predict for what time and what deformations and breakdowns are possible. In this way, we will preserve individual aircraft structures intact, solving the main problem of ground tests, when expensive structures become unusable, — noted Alexander Sychev, Deputy Director of the Center for Interaction with Government Authorities and Industrial Partners of NSU.

— The organization of a joint laboratory will give a new impetus to the development of methods for testing aircraft structures. I am confident that cooperation with NSU will allow us to significantly advance in the study of the strength of aircraft structures and the subsequent improvement of the test bench base, — commented Alexander Laznenko, head of the research department for fatigue and static strength of aircraft structures at SibNIA.

At the first stage, the task is to test the capabilities of the intelligent system when testing the main load-bearing parts, and then gradually move on to all parts and units of aircraft structures. What is important is that the integrity of the stand itself will also be monitored, which is also subject to significant loads during testing and may fail.

The use of artificial intelligence systems and neural networks will not only significantly optimize testing costs, but also reduce the testing time of individual aircraft parts, which can now reach thousands of hours.

The new laboratory will start operating at NSU this year, and in 2025, a specially equipped site will appear at SibNIA, which will allow NSU students and postgraduates to carry out work directly at the enterprise.

Another promising area for cooperation between the two organizations is unmanned aircraft systems. Given the developments in this area at NSU and SibNIA, it is planned to create a joint Laboratory of Autonomous and Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the future. In the future, the two laboratories will be combined into the Center for Intelligent Aircraft Systems.

The Siberian Aviation Research Institute named after S. A. Chaplygin and Novosibirsk State University have been cooperating since 2022, when they began holding a joint seminar on Industrial Mathematics on a regular basis. In 2023, SibNIA and NSU signed an agreement, according to which practical training for students in the field of Computer Systems and Complexes will be organized at the research institute. In August 2024, the two organizations announced plans to create a digital platform for bench testing of aircraft equipment with elements of artificial intelligence within the next two years.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Young scientists from the State University of Management presented the results of their research at the All-Russian forum “Science of the Future – Science of the Young”

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

From October 29 to November 1, the IX All-Russian Youth Scientific Forum “Science of the Future – Science of the Young” is being held at the Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev.

The forum is attended by more than 500 Russian and foreign researchers, winners of the mega-grant program, heads of world scientific schools and laboratories, young scientists, students and postgraduates.

At the opening ceremony, the participants were addressed with welcoming words by the Head of the Department of the Presidential Administration of Russia for Scientific and Educational Policy Tatyana Gracheva, the Director of the Department of State Policy in the Sphere of Scientific and Technological Development of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia Anton Shashkin, the Chairperson of the Committee on Education and Science of the Samara Regional Duma Svetlana Ilyina, the President of Samara University, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Viktor Soyfer, the Rector of Samara University Vladimir Bogatyrev and the Scientific Director of Samara University, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Evgeny Shakhmatov.

The main topics of the forum’s business program were the search for effective ways to attract young people to solve the problems outlined in the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation, and the formation of an effective system of interaction between science, technology and production. At the plenary sessions, leading scientists and experts spoke about new trends in aircraft manufacturing and space exploration, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence, problems of neurodegeneration and how young researchers can build a successful career in science.

The State University of Management was represented at the forum by Associate Professor of the Innovation Management Department Denis Serdechny and Director of the Business Incubator Dmitry Rogov.

Denis Serdechny spoke at the opening of the Information Technology and Mathematics section with a scientific report on software and hardware systems and intelligent platform digital solutions in the field of agro-industrial technologies. In his report, the associate professor of the Department of Innovation Management spoke about the competencies of the State University of Management in building ecosystems and platform solutions for business, as well as about the results of research within the framework of a large scientific project – developed methods for assessing the digital maturity of agricultural enterprises, the concept of a data parser for a digital platform and the concept of an intelligent decision support system for computer vision for agricultural tasks.

Dmitry Rogov opened the Engineering Sciences section by presenting a report on the application of mass service theory tools to optimize the operation of transport infrastructure facilities. Particular attention was paid to simulation modeling, which is used both at the design stage of new infrastructure facilities, which are complex mass service systems, and to optimize the operation of existing ones. The SMU postgraduate student demonstrated to the meeting participants a transport hub model created in the AnyLogic environment, formed on the basis of several logical layers: a two-dimensional scheme, a process diagram, and 3D visualization, and presented the results of an assessment of the qualitative indicators of the system’s functioning, necessary for further analysis and management decision-making.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/31/2024

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: HSC-26 Embraces History and Heritage Ahead of Veterans Day 2024

Source: United States Navy

Every November, the United States takes a day to honor veterans for their service and sacrifices to their country. As Veteran’s Day 2024 approaches, HSC-26 reflects on a recent and unique opportunity to do just that while hosting retired Capt. Pete Lumianski and his wife Chris for a tour of his former squadron.

The couple now reside in Phoenix, Arizona, so the trip was inspired by the opportunity to visit friends and peers from their time in service who they don’t often have the option to visit, leading to a short stop in Norfolk to reminisce on Lumianski’s early days of service.

A U.S. Naval Academy graduate of the class of 1965, Lumianski arrived to his first fleet command, HC-4 Detachment Norfolk, in 1967 following the conclusion of flight school and the pinning of his “Wings of Gold”. Shortly after his arrival, the squadron was re-designated as HC-6, meeting various missions with multiple different helicopters.

“HC flying was a terrific start to my Navy career. There were three types of choppers on the flight line: H-34s, H-3s and H-46s, about 30 assigned pilots, many operational missions and lots of opportunities to head out to sea on board a variety of ships including destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers,” Lumianski said of his first sea tour.

He was designated as an aircraft commander for both the Sikorsky RH-3A Sea King and the UH-34 Sea Horse helicopters, executing mine countermeasures and combat support missions respectively, but also logged copilot time in the Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter executing vertical replenishment and logistics missions before he received orders back to flight school as an instructor at Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 8 in 1970.

“I loved my first operational flying assignment in Norfolk, a squadron with many diverse and odd-ball pilots assigned. The ready room was always a ‘Star Wars Bar Scene’ look-alike,” Lumianski expressed.

Lt. Maxwell Gray, a pilot currently assigned to HSC-26, assisted with the visit. Starting off in the ready room, he showed Lumianski and his wife various offices and work centers, maintenance spaces and projects as well as the paraloft, ending the tour with a static display of HSC-26’s current helicopter platform, the MH-60S Knighthawk.

“Meeting with Capt. Lumianski was a great honor and experience that I’ll never forget. His stories of flying the mighty H-3 were inspiring and I am grateful for the wisdom he shared,” Gray said of the experience. “I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my career.”

The hard work and dedication of squadron personnel were impossible to miss. Multiple aircraft in the hangar were in varying levels of assembly while maintenance personnel kept replacement parts as well as those which were to be returned to their airframes organized in easily identifiable locations. To the untrained eye it may have appeared chaotic, but Lumianski saw expertise, attention to detail and pride shine through.

“Overall, the hangar looked and sounded a lot like it was back in the 60’s: busy, mission-oriented, rugged, with well-worn, hard-working aircraft, and the assignment of lots of officers and enlisted to make things work,” Lumianski said. “I leave you feeling that the Navy is in good hands and the helicopter world is still a big contributor to the Navy’s readiness and success.”

Nowadays, Lumianski has dedicated himself to giving back to his local community and other Cold War veterans like himself by promoting a project that would bring unique Cold War monument to downtown Phoenix.

“I’ve been working on this project in Phoenix for the past 30 years, and we’re finally making significant progress with the city’s help,” Lumianski said.

As a plank owner of a special city-appointed group, the USS Phoenix (SSN 702) Commission, Lumianski has led an effort to ensure 65 tons of salvaged parts from the Cold War era Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine make their way to their namesake city. The project was created in an effort to help preserve history and allow visitors to “Learn, Honor and Remember” Cold War military Veterans of all services, as well as civilians serving in defense and national security areas for their contributions to ending the Cold War.

He feels it is truly a culmination of his life in service as a Cold War era naval aviator qualified and capable of executing the anti-submarine warfare mission, and a passion project that is nearing realization.

“I spent 27 years in the Navy, and overall had a tremendous and gratifying learning experience. The opportunities for using and growing my leadership and management skills, the accomplishment of developing and perfecting my operational and flying skills, the hard work and adventures of operational life, and most of all the fun, enjoyment and satisfaction of working with so many fine officers and enlisted persons over many years have all fixed and maintained my positive perspectives and attitudes about life,” Lumianski reflected. ”I owe a lot to my naval career, and greatly appreciate what it has done to and for me.”

The impact and legacy of Pete Lumianski will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the members of HSC-26 who were fortunate enough to meet him.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Significant Technology Upgrades Fueling Strong Growth Opportunities for U.S. Commercial Drone Market

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The commercial drone industry is witnessing rapid growth and transforming various sectors such as agriculture, delivery and logistics, and energy among others. Advancements in drone technologies have led to increased demand and utilization in industries such as filming, emergency response, construction, and real estate. Additionally, drone software solution providers and manufacturers are continuously innovating and upgrading their offerings to cater to diverse market needs. As governments establish regulatory frameworks, the integration of drones into industries is expected to accelerate. This, in turn, is likely to create lucrative opportunities for market expansion over the forecast period. A report from Grand View Research projected that the U.S. commercial drone market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% through 2030. The report said: “Furthermore, favorable legislations and rising use of commercial drones by authorities in the U.S. is expected to attract various industries to utilize drones for different processes. Similarly, government authorities across the region are constantly working on framing new regulations for the commercial applications of drones. This is attributed to increased focus on the adoption of commercial drones due to their economic potential, while prioritizing the safety and security of the country. This, in turn, is anticipated to drive the U.S. commercial drone market growth over the forecast period.” Active Tech Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS).

Grand View Research continued: “Moreover, the U.S. is expected to witness a convergence of technologies, societal acceptance as well as a favorable regulatory landscape that is further expected to increase demand for commercial drones in various industries. The continuous development in drone technological capabilities and related software, their commercial applications, as well as the associated benefits, are anticipated to experience steady expansion as it offers added features and easy control to drone operators. Such type of developments by market players are expected to drive the U.S. commercial market growth. Additionally, the introduction of updated drone regulations has optimized the procedure for legally conducting commercial drone operations. The positive regulations are expected to attract entrepreneurs to use commercial drones. For instance, in the U.S., some of the significant changes in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation’s Part 107 update includes the removal of “section 333 exception” and relaxed standards for pilots. This change in regulations that are required for commercial operations of drones, is anticipated to drive the market growth over the forecast period.”

ZenaTech Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Completes the First Phase of an IQ Nano Inventory Management Trial for Multinational Auto Parts Customer – ZenaTech, a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone solutions and enterprise SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solutions, today announced that its subsidiary, ZenaDrone, has successfully completed the first phase of drone testing and 3D mapping, and is beginning the next phase of production of a paid trial for a multinational auto parts manufacturer. This production phase consists of flying automatic and fully autonomous flights of the IQ Nano drone in an inventory management application.

Testing took place over several months at ZenaDrone’s production facility in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ensure the smooth operation of the inventory scanning application. The 3D mapping took place just recently at the customer’s site consisting of scanning and mapping the warehouse area to create a 3D map that automates the drone flight path and its operations while in production.

View video showing the IQ Nano in test flight here.

The production phase is set to begin imminently and will consist of the IQ Nano flying and reading product and component bar codes, collecting information for verification and integration with the customer’s inventory management and accounting systems.

“We look forward to the production phase and concluding a successful trial, proving the viability of the IQ Nano and enabling us to deliver our product to our customer. A successful trial also opens the potential to win additional business with this customer and to verifiably demonstrate IQ Nano’s utility for the benefit of attracting additional market interest. The revolutionary use of an indoor drone for productivity and cost savings value can be implemented across hundreds of warehouse facilities, turning a week-long activity like counting inventory into a day,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. – Get the full details by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

Additional Groundbreaking ZenaTech Inc. Developments this week include:

ZenaTech Enters the Drone Sensor and Components Market Establishing a New Taiwan Subsidiary to Win More US Defense Contracts for Its AI Drones – ZenaTech also announced it will establish a new company in Taiwan to manufacture drone sensors and components for use in the drone products produced by its subsidiary ZenaDrone. The new company, named Spider Vision Sensors Ltd., will ensure ZenaDrone’s products are compliant with the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an important requirement for the company to win more business with the US Military.

Spider Vision Sensors Ltd. will manufacture drone sensors, electronics, and components such LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), thermal, infrared, multi-spectral and hyper sensors, cameras, and PBCs (Printed Circuit Boards). Having in-house manufactured sensors and components will enable ZenaDrone to have a steady supply to fulfill customer orders and drone production needs at its Sharjah, UAE, and future Arizona-based drone manufacturing facilities. Taiwan was selected due to its size and skills as an electronics hub, and the availability of low-cost alternative components versus those from China. The new company is currently at the prototype stage, and the manufacturing facility is expected to be open in November.

“Establishing a drone sensor and components manufacturer in Taiwan will help bring our products to market faster and removes dependencies on any Chinese made electronics. This will position us to win more US military contracts via achieving Green UAS (Uncrewed Arial Systems) and Blue UAS certifications as an approved supplier,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. Read this full release at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zenatech-enters-drone-sensor-components-113000155.html

Other recent developments in the technology industry include:

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, recently announced that it will publish financial results for the third quarter 2024 after the close of market on Thursday, November 7th. Management will discuss the Company’s operations and financial results in a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern).

The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this Online Form. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN that can be used to access the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on Kratos’ website.

AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, recently announced the appointment of Kevin Lowdermilk to the Company’s board of directors effective October 25, 2024.

Company CEO, Bill Irby, commented, “It is a privilege to have Kevin join our board. His distinguished career and leadership in some of the most challenging technology sectors speak to his ability to drive success through vision, strategy and execution. We are grateful to work alongside him and leverage his expertise to support the future expansion of our global footprint in both government and commercial verticals, as we position the Company for long-term shareholder value.”

EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, recently announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (the “CAFUC”). Building upon the CAFUC’s extensive expertise in civil aviation education, research, and talent development, the two parties will collaborate on cultivating skilled personnel, including operators and maintenance staffs for EHang’s pilotless electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft, and their training for personnel licenses and operational supervision. This partnership aims to address the surging demand for talents in the low-altitude economy and foster the sustainable, high-quality development of the civil unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) industry.

During a briefing of the State Council Information Office of China on October 8, 2024, Chunlin Li, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), highlighted the booming low-altitude economy and the rising demand for UAV operators. It is estimated that China faces a talent shortage of up to 1 million in this field. The NDRC will continue enhancing job creation efforts and driving the development of strategic emerging industries such as the low-altitude economy and future industries.

Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, recently announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Ondas Autonomous Systems Inc. (“OAS”) has entered into an investment agreement with a private investor group, including Charles & Potomac Capital, LLC (“Charles & Potomac”) and Privet Ventures LLC (“Privet Ventures”), for an investment of $3.5 million in convertible notes of OAS. The investment in OAS will support OAS’ business expansion plan and deliver on the substantial growth opportunity in the defense, security, and critical infrastructure and industrial markets targeted by OAS’ Optimus and Iron Drone autonomous drone platforms.

“We are pleased to secure this initial investment to support the exceptional growth opportunities created by our OAS team across Airobotics and American Robotics,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings and OAS. “Indeed, we have a responsibility to now expand operations and accelerate growth at OAS to meet the urgent needs for security and intelligence for our critical military, government and industrial customers. I am personally investing $1.0 million in this transaction, via Privet Ventures, signaling my firm belief in the substantial value we are creating for all stakeholders including the investors in OAS and Ondas Holdings.”

About FN Media Group:

At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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SOURCE: FN Media Group

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Torres Celebrates Announcement of New Nonstop Destination Flight from Ontario International Airport to Baltimore Washington International

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

October 31, 2024

Bringing California’s 35th District Closer to Our Nation’s Capital

Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee which oversees federal aviation spending, released the following statement following the announcement of a new, non-stop flight route from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Fostering connections between California’s 35th district and our nation’s Capital is essential for supporting the continued growth of Southern California’s airport, ensuring it meets the rising demand for air travel to the East Coast.

“Today’s announcement of the first non-stop flight route from Ontario International Airport (ONT) ever to Washington, D.C. at Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is a significant win for our community and the economy of the Inland Empire. Our area is one of the fastest growing population centers in the entire United States, so I am thrilled to see the Inland Empire’s primary airport expanding its reach, making travel more accessible for our residents, civic leaders, advocates, and businesses to the nation’s capital,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This achievement is a testament to the importance of regaining local control of Ontario Airport years ago and the importance of proactive and strategic transportation decisions. Together, we’ve worked hard to secure crucial funding through THUD appropriations, which supports vital projects at our airports. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this new route will have on our region.”

Background: Since entering Congress, Congresswoman Norma Torres has been a steadfast advocate for the Ontario International Airport (ONT), facilitating its transfer from the city of Los Angeles to the Ontario International Airport Authority. Strategically located at the heart of a vital freight movement system, ONT plays a crucial role in stimulating economic activity in the region and provides local businesses with convenient access to broader markets. To advance local control of the airport, Congresswoman Torres worked with bipartisan colleagues to pass essential legislation that implements the agreement between ONT and LAX. Now that the community has local control, she is focused on enhancing accessibility through public transit initiatives and has supported substantial funding for various projects at ONT, including $15.9 million for runway and taxiway improvements, $2.52 million for low-emission equipment, and $24.82 million for airport concessions that create good-paying jobs. The Congresswoman also led the Inland Empire delegation last year in sending a letter to the House Transportation Committee advocating for more slots for Ontario to get a nonstop flight to Washington, D.C. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Air Cargo Caucus, she is committed to supporting ONT’s growth as a leading air cargo airport in the U.S. and has worked to secure international flights to Central America, further bolstering the region’s economic development. As Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) FAA Reauthorization Chair, the Congressman also spearheaded aviation efforts and priorities for the Caucus.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: U.S. Commercial Drone Market Size Estimated to Reach a Value of $ 31 Billion By End of 2034

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The commercial drone industry is witnessing rapid growth and transforming various sectors such as agriculture, delivery and logistics, and energy among others. Advancements in drone technologies have led to increased demand and utilization in industries such as filming, emergency response, construction, and real estate. Additionally, drone software solution providers and manufacturers are continuously innovating and upgrading their offerings to cater to diverse market needs. As governments establish regulatory frameworks, the integration of drones into industries is expected to accelerate. This, in turn, is likely to create lucrative opportunities for market expansion over the forecast period. A report from Grand View Research projected that the U.S. commercial drone market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% through 2030. The report said: “Furthermore, favorable legislations and rising use of commercial drones by authorities in the U.S. is expected to attract various industries to utilize drones for different processes. Similarly, government authorities across the region are constantly working on framing new regulations for the commercial applications of drones. This is attributed to increased focus on the adoption of commercial drones due to their economic potential, while prioritizing the safety and security of the country. This, in turn, is anticipated to drive the U.S. commercial drone market growth over the forecast period.” Active Tech Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI).

Fact.MR continued: “In addition, surveyors and engineers use drones to visualize the progress made in their construction projects by taking overhead images. Having a project overview leads to simplification of decision-making, thereby streamlining building site operations. Drones are now being used for several applications, ranging from surveillance, deployment in military operations, video recording, agriculture, and film & television. With this rise in drone applications, key players in the United States market are incorporating advanced technologies in drones. Increasing drone payload capacity and introducing drones for specific applications are anticipated to promote the profits of drone manufacturers. Furthermore, leading companies are also making drones with high-power motors. Home deliveries through drones have now become a reality with the help of retail and logistics organizations such as Amazon.”

ZenaTech Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Completes the First Phase of an IQ Nano Inventory Management Trial for Multinational Auto Parts Customer – ZenaTech, a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone solutions and enterprise SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solutions, today announced that its subsidiary, ZenaDrone, has successfully completed the first phase of drone testing and 3D mapping, and is beginning the next phase of production of a paid trial for a multinational auto parts manufacturer. This production phase consists of flying automatic and fully autonomous flights of the IQ Nano drone in an inventory management application.

Testing took place over several months at ZenaDrone’s production facility in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ensure the smooth operation of the inventory scanning application. The 3D mapping took place just recently at the customer’s site consisting of scanning and mapping the warehouse area to create a 3D map that automates the drone flight path and its operations while in production.

View video showing the IQ Nano in test flight here.

The production phase is set to begin imminently and will consist of the IQ Nano flying and reading product and component bar codes, collecting information for verification and integration with the customer’s inventory management and accounting systems.

“We look forward to the production phase and concluding a successful trial, proving the viability of the IQ Nano and enabling us to deliver our product to our customer. A successful trial also opens the potential to win additional business with this customer and to verifiably demonstrate IQ Nano’s utility for the benefit of attracting additional market interest. The revolutionary use of an indoor drone for productivity and cost savings value can be implemented across hundreds of warehouse facilities, turning a week-long activity like counting inventory into a day,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. – Get the full details by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

Additional Groundbreaking ZenaTech Inc. Developments this week include:

ZenaTech Enters the Drone Sensor and Components Market Establishing a New Taiwan Subsidiary to Win More US Defense Contracts for Its AI Drones – ZenaTech also announced it will establish a new company in Taiwan to manufacture drone sensors and components for use in the drone products produced by its subsidiary ZenaDrone. The new company, named Spider Vision Sensors Ltd., will ensure ZenaDrone’s products are compliant with the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an important requirement for the company to win more business with the US Military.

Spider Vision Sensors Ltd. will manufacture drone sensors, electronics, and components such LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), thermal, infrared, multi-spectral and hyper sensors, cameras, and PBCs (Printed Circuit Boards). Having in-house manufactured sensors and components will enable ZenaDrone to have a steady supply to fulfill customer orders and drone production needs at its Sharjah, UAE, and future Arizona-based drone manufacturing facilities. Taiwan was selected due to its size and skills as an electronics hub, and the availability of low-cost alternative components versus those from China. The new company is currently at the prototype stage, and the manufacturing facility is expected to be open in November.

“Establishing a drone sensor and components manufacturer in Taiwan will help bring our products to market faster and removes dependencies on any Chinese made electronics. This will position us to win more US military contracts via achieving Green UAS (Uncrewed Arial Systems) and Blue UAS certifications as an approved supplier,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. Read this full release at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zenatech-enters-drone-sensor-components-113000155.html

Other recent developments in the technology industry include:

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently successfully showcased the maritime prowess of its combat-proven JUMP® 20 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) during the NATO REPMUS 2024 (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems) exercise off the coast of Portugal. This dynamic demonstration reinforced JUMP 20’s advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, autonomously launching and landing on a moving vessel in rough seas, with conditions reaching sea state level 5 and winds over 20 kts.

The JUMP 20 also highlighted its multi-sensor mission versatility, seamlessly executing wide-area search and detection tasks. Its advanced Electro Optical and Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) turret automatically slewed to investigate identified targets without repositioning the platform, ensuring constant operational focus. Full-motion video was captured and later analyzed using AV’s cutting-edge computer vision technology, SPOTR-Edge™, enabling perception analysis using its robust library of object classifications, including persons, vehicles, and maritime vessels. Additionally, video from this event will further enhance the solution, making the JUMP 20 even more capable for future deployments by refining its object recognition and situational response capabilities.

Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an award-winning, industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, recently announced its participation in the upcoming Wings of Saskatchewan event in Regina, from October 30 to October 31, 2024. Draganfly will showcase its latest drone technology advancements, contributing to discussions on industry trends, safety, and regulatory considerations alongside key stakeholders in the aviation sector.

The Wings of Saskatchewan Conference, hosted by the Saskatchewan Aerial Applicators Association and the Saskatchewan Aviation Council, serves as a vital gathering for the aviation community. This year’s event will bring together leaders from both civil and commercial aviation sectors to discuss technological advancements, regulatory updates, and future trends within the industry.

Draganfly will emphasize the need for synergy across the aviation industry at the conference by addressing essential topics, including airspace safety and the regulatory challenges impacting the drone sector. This presentation will spotlight the benefits of enhanced communication and collaboration between fixed-wing, helicopter, and RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) to promote safe, efficient, and integrated airspace management.

Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently announced a new contract and order for 12 of its FlightWave Edge 130 Blue system from the Royal Australian Navy. The contract was secured through Criterion Solutions Pty Ltd., an Australian-based distributor of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and information technology solutions.

FlightWave, an industry-leading provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brought FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems. FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take off capabilities makes it ideal for maritime operations and littoral environments.

Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI) recently shared a video highlighting the capabilities of the Company’s patent-pending SpotlightAI™ AI-powered demining solution presented by Amazon Web Services (AWS) at this year’s AWS Summit Washington, D.C. The video highlights AWS Partners in the AWS Partner Network (APN) featuring senior Safe Pro team members discussing how AWS’s hyper scalability and compute resources are enabling the Company to modernize demining efforts in Ukraine by utilizing AI-powered image analysis of drone-based imagery.

“Our inclusion in this year’s AWS Summit Washington, D.C. spotlights our continued success in locating thousands of landmines and unexploded ordnance currently scattered over thousands of hectares of land in Ukraine utilizing our AI-powered image analysis technology. AWS continues to provide us invaluable support as we work to harness the power of AI and AWS’s hyper scalability to modernize real world demining operations. Working with AWS, we have greatly enhanced our ability to provide leading humanitarian mine action organizations with powerful new tools that can improve their situational awareness as they execute their land clearance operations across Ukraine, expediting the release of land for agricultural and civilian use,” said Dan Erdberg, Chairman and CEO of Safe Pro Group Inc.

About FN Media Group:

At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: THIS IS IT! AFTER YEARS OF ADVOCACY, ALBANY NANOTECH SELECTED AS AMERICA’S FIRST NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY CENTER – CREATED BY HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

Schumer Lands A Whopping $825 Million Initial Federal Investment And Establishes Albany NanoTech As Fed Headquarters For Semiconductor Research; A Once In A Generation Recognition Making The Capital Region A Chip R&D Center For The Entire World

Schumer Created NSTC Program — With Albany As His North Star — And Worked Relentlessly To Secure This Prestigious Investment, Bringing Good-Paying Jobs, New Companies, And Innovation With Most Advanced Machinery In World To Upstate NY

Schumer: A Historic Moment. Uncle Sam Just Picked Upstate NY & The Capital Region As THE Place To Develop The Future Of America’s Chip Industry

After years of relentless advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced Albany NanoTech has been selected as America’s first location for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) supported by an up to $825 million federal investment from Schumer’s bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law.

The NSTC is a critical part of Schumer’s and the Biden-Harris Administration’s mission of re-establishing America’s leadership in the semiconductor industry and will bring together industry leaders, researchers from the nation’s top universities, innovators, and entrepreneurs to help give them access to the most advanced chip making machinery in the world and drive the next frontier of innovation.

“This is the dawn of a new day for Upstate NY and a turning point in U.S. leadership in semiconductor research. I am proud to announce America’s first major National Semiconductor Technology Center facility will be right here in Albany. This will help ensure advancements in semiconductors that will shape the next century are stamped ‘Made in America’ and not developed and made in places like China,” said Senator Schumer. “Today, Uncle Sam is saying that Albany NanoTech is THE place for developing the next frontier of America’s technological future. I wrote the NSTC in my CHIPS & Science Law with Albany NanoTech as my inspiration, and now that dream is becoming a reality. Today we help usher in America’s next era of chip research and manufacturing, with Upstate NY leading the way.”

The Department of Commerce and Natcast, the operator of the NSTC, will invest an initial up to $825 million to further build out equipment at Albany NanoTech, to conduct cutting-edge extreme ultraviolet (EUV) research and development (R&D), and to establish an NSTC presence with offices and support services in Albany. Today’s announcement not only makes Albany NanoTech the CHIPS for America R&D flagship facility but also the headquarters for national EUV research as the country’s NSTC EUV Accelerator. EUV technology is essential to the semiconductor industry and some of the most advanced machinery in the world, in which light is used to print patterns and make chips on wafers. EUV lithography is what has allowed the breakthroughs to make this technology nanoscopic and allows for the chips that power everything from smartphones, computers, and vehicles to artificial intelligence. Albany NanoTech will soon be one of the only two public facilities in the world with the most advanced EUV technology, a High NA Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography tool, and will be the only publicly-owned High NA EUV Center in North America.

Schumer continued, “The NSTC is a historic and new effort by the federal government to fuel the quest to make breakthroughs in chips that engineers today cannot even fathom, just as Albany NanoTech had produced before, including most recently with the development of the world’s first 2 nanometer chip. This $825 million initial federal investment will further equip Albany NanoTech and fund EUV research projects that are central to the global chip industry, ensuring the U.S. leads the world in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing, with the Capital Region and Upstate NY central to that effort.”

Schumer explained that the state-of-the-art new EUV facility at Albany NanoTech and today’s designation and federal investment will help the United States establish dominance in advanced semiconductor research and development. The NSTC EUV Accelerator will help address gaps in American knowledge about semiconductors and provide information to stakeholders including universities, small businesses and entrepreneurs, large manufacturers, and government agencies by providing NSTC members with access to EUV technology to facilitate research and commercialization.

The NSTC EUV Accelerator at Albany NanoTech will be a place for leaders in the semiconductor industry to conduct research and collaborate, including bringing industry leaders like Micron, IBM, GlobalFoundries, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, and more to the table to partner on next-generation R&D. Being designated the EUV accelerator will also open up opportunities for Albany NanoTech and Upstate NY to attract further federal investment and help attract more companies from around the world to Albany to conduct research, all with the potential of creating more good-paying jobs and making Upstate NY a global leader in semiconductors. The U.S. Department of Commerce and Natcast intend for the NSTC EUV Center at Albany NanoTech to be operational by 2025.

Schumer added, “Having the federal headquarters for EUV research that is critical to the most advanced chip development in the world will benefit every corner of NY. It will supercharge the historic investments and thousands of new, good-paying jobs the chip industry has proposed across the state, spurred by my CHIPS & Science Law. The NSTC will help complete my vision of Upstate NY’s I-90 corridor becoming America’s Semiconductor Superhighway. From our Tech Hub in Western NY and Rochester to Micron’s massive $100+ billion planned investment near Syracuse and Wolfspeed’s investment in the Mohawk Valley, to now the National Semiconductor Technology Center here in Albany.”

The NSTC, first authorized by Schumer in 2020 and then funded by the CHIPS & Science Law, which Schumer crafted and led to passage, will bridge the gap between research and industry to bolster semiconductor research and development for the U.S. and its allies. Today, practically none of the most advanced chips – which are critical to national security and growing industries like artificial intelligence – are manufactured in the United States. The research conducted through the NSTC will help ensure the U.S. remains on the cutting-edge globally in chip R&D and bring this manufacturing back to the United States, boosting local economies by creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the country’s national security.

The EUV Center at Albany NanoTech is the first of three planned major NSTC facilities. The U.S. Department of Commerce has not yet made announcements about the NSTC’s Administrative and Design Facility and Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility. Together, these three major hubs will lead the NSTC’s core functions and help fulfill the CHIPS & Science Law’s vision of developing more American-made technology and boosting America as a global semiconductor leader. The new NSTC EUV Center at Albany NanoTech will also open the doors to millions of dollars in additional awards and research opportunities with the federal government, as well as help bring in additional industry partners to leverage the state-of-the-art facilities to develop and manufacture advanced chips.

Schumer said, “In the past two years, the federal government has made unprecedented investments in Upstate NY because of my CHIPS & Science Law. They listened when I said this community is the most qualified in the nation to bring this industry back from overseas, the most ready to build America’s future, and the NSTC is the crown jewel that will complete this vision as the centerpiece of research in the most cutting-edge chip development.”

“From day one of my administration, I pledged that New York State would lead the charge to bring back advanced manufacturing and R&D to the U.S., creating good jobs and opportunity in the process,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to the winning combination of federal CHIPS funding and New York’s determination and ingenuity, the Albany NanoTech Complex will be home to the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator, an NSTC Facility, and fuel America’s advanced manufacturing renaissance. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Commerce, Natcast, and our federal delegation for their partnership as we continue to work together to advance U.S. semiconductor leadership, safeguard our national security and create a brighter future for all.”

“Building up America’s domestic semiconductor industry is critical to create good-paying jobs, protect our supply chains, and strengthen our national security, and I’m proud to see New York leading this effort,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Upstate New York is already a hub for cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development, and the designation of NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex as the location of the CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator will help us maintain our status as a global leader in such a vital industry. I fought hard to pass the CHIPS and Science Act, and I’m proud to see this historic legislation bring scientific innovation and economic development to the Capital Region.”

“Today is a monumental moment for our region, for job creation, for cutting-edge research, and for our 21^st century precision economy,” Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) said. “In the years since Congress passed the CHIPS and Science Act, I have been relentlessly advocating alongside the many stakeholders who call NY CREATES home to leverage the shovel-ready infrastructure and advanced R&D capabilities right here at the Albany NanoTech Complex. Our region has long been poised to take the reins to steer America’s semiconductor revitalization and, thanks to the pioneering work and sound investment of New York leadership, local chip manufacturers, researchers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders, that reality is upon us. I’m thrilled to celebrate this groundbreaking announcement and remain as determined as ever to secure strong federal action that delivers for American workers, consumers, and communities.”

NY CREATES’ President Dave Anderson said, “With a legacy spanning more than 20 years of technological achievements, NY CREATES and our industry partners have been central to establishing and growing New York’s — and the nation’s — semiconductor R&D ecosystem. This is an historic moment for New York and the semiconductor industry, and we look forward to working closely with Natcast to leverage our resources, capabilities, and know-how to bring this innovative vision to fruition. We are thrilled that the NSTC at NY CREATES will become an even greater beacon of opportunity and collaboration for our partners as we transform today’s ideas into tomorrow’s technologies. Together, we can shape the future and in doing so, bolster America’s economic and national security while cementing our position as a global leader. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, whose unwavering commitment to the industry has positioned NY CREATES to host the NSTC EUV Center, and to Majority Leader Schumer, who not only helped author and lead to passage the CHIPS & Science Act but also made the case for Albany NanoTech’s leadership of the NSTC, all of which makes today’s investment possible.”

“Nearly 20 years ago, ASML shipped one of the world’s first EUV lithography demo tools to Albany, NY. The important role that New York has played in the industrialization of this critical technology is reflected in today’s announcement that the NSTC EUV Accelerator will be based at the Albany NanoTech Complex. The first chips made using High NA, ASML’s most advanced EUV tool, will power the technology of the future: robotics, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and beyond. As we work with partners across the industry to push technology to new limits, we applaud Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul’s clear commitment to semiconductor innovation in the U.S.,” said Christophe Fouquet, President and CEO of ASML.

“GF applauds the decision to base the NSTC EUV Accelerator in Albany, NY. Building on years of R&D, semiconductor leadership and ecosystem partnerships, this center will stimulate innovation and work to develop the talent our industry needs to continue to grow and succeed. Congratulations to NYCREATES and thank you to Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul for their enduring leadership and commitment to strengthening both the U.S. and NY semiconductor industry,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, president and CEO of GlobalFoundries.

“We are thrilled that New York State has been selected as the home of our nation’s first NSTC EUV Center. For over 20 years, IBM and our public-private partners at NY CREATES’s Albany NanoTech Complex have produced many of the technical breakthroughs that have propelled the semiconductor industry forward. Thanks to Sec. Raimondo, Gov. Hochul, Sen. Schumer, and many others, the new Center in Albany will support the United States’ mission to lead global chip innovation,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM.

“The compelling factors for Micron in choosing New York as home to our megafab are the rich ecosystem in support of research and development, synergistic university partnerships, an exceptional talent pipeline, and strong public support, which fosters an environment to grow semiconductor R&D in the U.S. Micron is pleased to see that the U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded the NY CREATES Albany NanoTech Center the designation of being named the NSTC’s EUV Accelerator. Thanks to the leadership of Majority Leader Schumer and Governor Hochul, we will be able to scale our memory technology leadership and advance next-generation semiconductor R&D,” said Scott DeBoer, Micron’s Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Products Officer.

“The announcement of the National Semiconductor Technology Center here in New York State is a monumental step forward, not only for Wolfspeed but for the entire U.S. semiconductor industry. This Center will become a cornerstone of innovation, helping drive the research, development, and workforce training critical to meeting the world’s surging demand for advanced semiconductor technology. Thanks to Senator Schumer’s visionary leadership, New York State is now positioned at the forefront of this vital industry, advancing our nation’s technological independence and reinforcing its global leadership,” said Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed.

THIS HAS BEEN A YEARS-LONG EFFORT BY SCHUMER TO LAND THE NSTC IN THE CAPITAL REGION

Schumer has worked for years to highlight Albany NanoTech and the Capital Region’s ability to lead the country’s semiconductor research and development efforts. In December 2020, after Schumer worked with key stakeholders across the semiconductor industry, including key partners at Albany NanoTech like IBM to develop the federal CHIPS programs, including the NSTC, he successfully authorized these programs in law as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

In addition to directly highlighting Albany NanoTech to President Biden, Schumer has brought top government officials to the Capital Region to promote Albany NanoTech as a major hub for the NSTC. In July 2021 prior to the passage of the CHIPS & Science Law, Schumer brought Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to Albany to show that Albany is a global leader in semiconductor research and development. Schumer brought Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves to tour Albany NanoTech’s facility in January 2022 and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard toured the facility in February 2024 after Schumer’s invitation. In 2023, Schumer additionally brought Albany Nanotech head David Anderson as his personal guest to President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union to highlight the facility and leadership.

Schumer has also promoted Albany NanoTech while meeting with both semiconductor industry and international leaders. Schumer highlighted Albany NanoTech when pitching Micron to locate their massive $100+ billion megafab project in Upstate NY, which Micron said was a critical factor in their selection of Central NY. Schumer also secured a commitment for South Korea to partner with Albany Nanotech on research, pushed for increased collaboration on semiconductor R&D between Japan and the United States, pitched Albany NanoTech to major Japanese chip suppliers for further investment, and met with the leadership of Belgium’s imec on multiple occasions to discuss ways Albany NanoTech and imec can collaborate as the two global leading semiconductor public-private research institutions. Schumer said these international partnerships underscore the ability of Albany NanoTech’s unique and world-renowned assets to help forge deeper ties with allies and partners in building more resilient chip supply chains and encouraging R&D collaboration, a key national security priority of the CHIPS programs, including the NSTC.

Late last year, Schumer and Governor Hochul announced a new $10 billion public-private investment at Albany Nanotech which will help install a High NA EUV lithography machine, the most advanced semiconductor equipment ever made, designed, and manufactured by ASML, at its Albany NanoTech Complex. Schumer said this helps uniquely prepare them to quickly lead the NSTC as one of only two public research institutions in the world home to the new advanced EUV tool. In September 2023, Schumer announced NY CREATES, which leads Albany NanoTech, as one of the first to tap CHIPS funding with a $40 million award through the CHIPS DoD Microelectronics Commons Program to establish a new consortium, known as the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub. In September 2024, the consortium received an additional $30 million. Schumer also recently helped secure $4.7 million from the National Science Foundation for NY CREATES to provide workforce training associated with Albany NanoTech. These funds, made possible by a program boosted in the CHIPS & Science Law, will support the establishment of the Education Alliance for Semiconductor Experiential Learning (EASEL) program to help address the growing national demand for a skilled workforce in the semiconductor industry.

ACROSS NEW YORK THE CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW HAS DELIVERED HISTORIC INVESTMENT & IS CREATING THOUSANDS OF GOOD-PAYING JOBS

Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory megafab in Central New York with the support of an over $6 billion preliminary CHIPS agreement. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region, with support from a $1.5 billion preliminary CHIPS agreement. Wolfspeed has opened a 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the Mohawk Valley, one of the largest in the world, with a $750 million preliminary CHIPS agreement accelerating their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boosting good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand its facilities in Onondaga County, supported by federal investment to strengthen domestic supply chains, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants, and following Schumer’s advocacy, Edwards Vacuum has announced a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility, made possible by a $18 million preliminary CHIPS agreement, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Western New York. Earlier this year, Schumer also secured a major $40 million in federal funding for the federally-designated “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub”, one of only 12 awardees nationally, to further position Upstate NY as a semiconductor center for the world.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer, Cardin, Van Hollen, Ruppersberger Announce Over $7.5 Million for Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State Airports
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02) recently announced $7,556,842 in U.S. Department of Transportation awards to Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State Airports for upgrades to modernize their facilities and improve passenger comfort.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Investing in America agenda continues to deliver for Maryland’s airports and boost our economic competitiveness,” said Congressman Hoyer. “As Chair of the Regional Leadership Council, I have worked with House Democrats and top officials in the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that every community in America can see and feel the impact of the historic laws that Democrats passed in the 117th Congress. I was pleased to work with Team Maryland to secure these Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for Carroll County Regional Airport, Martin State Airport, and Tipton Airport, which will create good jobs and provide a more reliable air travel experience. Together, we will continue to lower costs, create jobs, and ensure our state’s economy works for all Marylanders.”

“The landmark infrastructure law enacted by President Biden in 2021 continues to invest in Maryland,” said Senator Cardin. “It recognized that our airports, both large and small, have aging and outdated facilities that require upgrades to meet the changing demands on our aviation system and keep it safe and competitive.”

“Our local airports are important transportation hubs that support our state’s economy, ensuring that travelers and goods get where they need to go. We fought for these investments to support the Carroll County Regional, Tipton, and Martin State airports in serving the growing needs of Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to reap rewards for Maryland and Marylanders including this funding for local airports, which provide a critical connection to communities and economies throughout the region,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “This is a strategic investment that will make our airports safer, more comfortable and convenient. I look forward to even more upgrades to our nation’s aging transportation infrastructure to come.”

The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program and Airport Terminal Program.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:
1. $3,612,000. Carroll County Regional Airport: To remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructions by the FAA.
2. $2,944,842, Tipton Airport: To construct a 6,000 square-foot terminal to accommodate the movement of passengers and baggage.
3. $1,000,000, Martin State Airport: To fund the funds the construction of a new Airport Traffic Control Tower, replacing the 82-year-old sponsor-owned tower that has reached the end of its useful life.
The Airport Improvement Program funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings – all while creating thousands of good-paying, local jobs. The members have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including through the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process, which makes $3.35 billion available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and an additional $532 million from the general fund for AIP projects.

The Airport Terminal Program was created in 2021 through the lawmakers’ efforts to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Funded at $1 billion in fiscal year 2024, the Airport Terminal Program supports safe, sustainable, and accessible airport terminals, on-airport rail access projects, and airport-owned airport traffic control towers.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: “Booker” for High-End Brothel Network Pleads Guilty

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

BOSTON – A Dedham, Mass., man who served primarily as the “booker” for an interstate prostitution network that operated sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston.

Junmyung Lee, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution; and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Feb. 12, 2025. Junmyung Lee was arrested and charged in November 2023 with co-defendants Han Lee, 42, of Cambridge, Mass. and James Lee, 69, of Torrance, Calif. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. Han Lee pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 20, 2024.

From at least January 2022 through and including November 2023, Junmyung Lee knowingly conspired with Han Lee and, allegedly, James Lee to operate an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia designed to entice women to travel interstate to engage in prostitution. Junmyung Lee and his alleged co-conspirators also knowingly conspired with one another, and others, to launder the proceeds of the prostitution network by concealing that the money was derived the prostitution conspiracy.

Junmyung Lee was recruited to work for the prostitution network in approximately late 2021 through early 2022, as the business expanded. His main role in the conspiracy was that of the appointment “booker” and assisted with various tasks to maintain the prostitution network. In exchange, Han Lee paid Junmyung Lee $6,000-$8,000 per month.

As “booker,” Junmyung Lee was responsible for vetting sex buyers, booking appointments, as well as communicating directly with vetted customers via at least two cell phones – for Massachusetts and for Virginia, respectively. These brothel cell phones each contained over 2,800 verified customers of the prostitution business. An additional known cell phone containing additional contacts for the Virginia brothel was never recovered. Junmyung Lee also helped transport women to and from the airport, with some women working at the brothel locations on multiple occasions and in multiple states.

The defendants allegedly rented high-end apartments in Massachusetts and Virginia to serve as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. In June 2022, Junmyung Lee leased one of the brothel locations in Cambridge, Mass. under his own name. In exchange for the lease, Junmyung Lee received a large cash payment of prostitution proceeds from Han Lee. A portion of the cash payment went towards the purchase of a Corvette.

Additionally, Junmyung Lee collected the cash proceeds from the various brothel locations at the direction of Han Lee. Junmyung Lee would then conceal the proceeds via structured deposits into personal bank accounts. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at the brothel locations.

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

The charge of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine or twice the value of funds laundered, whatever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central District of California and the Eastern District of Virginia; the U.S. Postal Service; and Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye, of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cardin, Van Hollen, Trone Announce $7.7 Million for Airport Infrastructure Projects in Western Maryland
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $7,705,850 in federal funding for infrastructure and expansion projects at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and Garrett County Airport. The funding, provided through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program and Airport Terminal Program, will increase the airports’ capacities to meet operational needs and safety standards.

“Hagerstown Regional and Garrett County airports help connect Western Maryland with greater economic opportunity. We fought for these investments to provide both airports with resources to continue to serving Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors in the years to come,” said the lawmakers.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

$6,786,262 to Hagerstown Regional Airport to remove a building and relocate fencing identified as obstructions by the FAA and to renovate and expand the existing terminal building to accommodate existing and projected airline passenger demand

$919,588 to Garrett County Airport to rehabilitate 7,300 square yards of the existing Terminal Apron pavement

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings – all while creating thousands of good-paying, local jobs. The members have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including through the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process, which makes $3.35 billion available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and an additional $532 million from the general fund for AIP projects.

The Airport Terminal Program was created in 2021 through the lawmakers’ efforts to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Funded at $1 billion in fiscal year 2024, the Airport Terminal Program supports safe, sustainable, and accessible airport terminals, on-airport rail access projects, and airport-owned airport traffic control towers.
MIL OSI USA News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: The power of AI to increase access to good jobs for all

Source: Microsoft

Headline: The power of AI to increase access to good jobs for all

Adopting technology, policies, and practices with disabled talent

Business Case for Accessible Transportation. For 30% of US employees, access to employment includes travel as a part of their work. Accessible airline travel is good business. It connects disabled employees to a global economic workforce, bolsters productivity, and increases efficiency. This month, we worked with The Society for Human Resources Management Foundation (SHRM Foundation) to publish a new report on accessible air travel, A World of Work that Works for All: Accessible Airline Travel for People with Disabilities. The report provides insights into the business case for air travel and recommendations for how organizations can create more inclusive travel policies.

Accessible formats with AI. The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), United Kingdom, developed an AI-based solution to streamline and scale its accessible document service to convert complex documents into accessible formats such as braille, large print, and audio. Azure AI and Azure Neural Voice enhance these formats with natural-sounding, conversational audio for a more engaging and accessible experience. “It’s a fundamental right to get information in a format you can access,” says Aidan Forman, Director of Technology and Digital Transformation at RNIB. “Accessible information is genuinely life-changing for blind and partially sighted people to fully participate in society.”

Skilling to accelerate accessibility. The Assistive Technology Experience Centre by Access Tech Innovation in Lagos, Nigeria provides information, demos, and consultations on assistive technologies. The center has welcomed over 1000 visitors and partnered with local and international organizations to expand its reach. An AI for Accessibility grantee, the center has extended e-learning to more than 130 blind or low vision individuals in multiple countries.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Announce $600,000 for Rogue Valley International Medford Airport

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

October 31, 2024

Federal investment will support the new direct flight connecting Southern Oregon with Dallas-Fort Worth

Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $600,000 for the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport to support the expansion of service to Dallas-Fort Worth.

“Making sure our regional airports have the support they need to keep Oregonians connected and moving is essential for the local economy,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal investment to Rogue Valley International Medford Airport, and will continue to fight for more resources for airports and infrastructure upgrades across Oregon.”

“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities – supporting local businesses, connecting travelers to world-class recreational opportunities, and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “This federal funding will put Oregon’s Medford-Rogue Valley International Airport in a position to expand its service to Dallas-Ft. Worth and fill additional staffing needs for this new route, connecting Oregonians to more of the U.S.”

The $600,000 investment from the Department of Transportation will be used to create a revenue guarantee and associated marketing plan to recruit, initiate, and support new service between Medford and Dallas-Fort Worth.

“The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is excited to have been awarded a Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Grant to support new service between MFR and DFW. This grant funding is an instrumental step toward creating this connection; however, it’s important to note that airlines are not bound to initiate service simply due to an airport receiving a grant award. That said, we are encouraged by American Airlines’ interest and we are confident this funding underscores the strong demand and our community’s support for a direct MFR-DFW route. We are optimistic that the airlines will recognize the opportunity to enhance connectivity between our two regions. We look forward to the potential for this valuable new service to benefit travelers and support local economic growth in the near future, and the Airport is committed to working with our airline partners to make this route a reality,” said Amber Judd, Director of the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport.

Wyden and Merkley have both pushed for more resources for Oregon’s airports. In September, Wyden and Merkley announced $6.41 million for the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport and $4 million for Prineville Airport to extend its taxiways and reduce congestion. This October, Merkley and Wyden along with U.S. Representative Val Hoyle announced $5 million for the terminal reconstruction project at Eugene’s Mahlon Sweet Airport.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Remarks at the Piscataway Bioenergy Facility Grand Opening in Maryland

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-06), Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain, Prince George’s County Council Member Sydney Harrison, Montgomery County Council Member Will Jawando, and local leaders at the grand opening of WSSC Water Company’s Piscataway Bioenergy Facility in Accokeek, Maryland. This project was made possible in part by Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Below are excerpts of his remarks:

“We had a pandemic not too long ago. It hit us right between the eyes and cost us a million citizens. And one of things was when the pandemic hit, we found out was that we were reliant on an awful lot of people overseas to produce masks. We didn’t have enough masks to protect our people. And why do I say this? Because in the last Congress – not this Congress, which has been the least effective Congress in which I’ve served since 1981. But having said that, the last Congress, the 117th was one of the most productive Congresses – with the relevance of this today. We enacted four bills that were investing in America, were building America, creating jobs in America, and we invested a lot in science. We invested a lot in the environment. We invested in making sure America was all that it could be.”

“But in the infrastructure bill, normally you think of roads, bridges, highways, airports, seaports, et cetera et cetera, we also invested in something that we knew was critical and had been a failure of infrastructure. Flint, everybody heard of Flint, Michigan? Kids died because the water in Flint, Michigan, was not clean and it made them sick. And so we knew that infrastructure was more than just roads and transportation facilities, et cetera et cetera. It was also clean water, clean pipes.”

“And then in the investment – in the IRA – we invested a lot of money in climate. And in the science bill, we put the largest investment in science in the history of the world. America will be better in the next decade, and the decade thereafter and the decade thereafter because of those investments in those four bills.”

“It’s a lot of money we’ve sent throughout the country to make sure, that this country, in fact, is in the future and will be getting to, very quickly, hopefully certainly by 2050 – a green environment. Why do we want to get there? Because it is critically important for the wellbeing of every one of our people. Over 300 million strong. And it’s also very important for the world because if America is clean, then the world will be clean. Because we produce a lot of pollution in this world. China does as well. The largest country, India, does as well. The largest countries. And it is incumbent upon us to do not only for our own citizens but for the global community. That’s why this event is so, very important.”

“Not only does it take a product that was waste product, that was causing us a problem, it turns that problem into an asset. And I’m so glad to be here with all of you. I want everybody for the WSSC to stand up and be recognized.”

“Thank you. Thank you all very much. Because all of the talk, all of the money, all of the activity that the rest of us do empowers you to do things but it would not happen without you. The end would not happen. The objective of our work, our legislation, our money, whether it’s at the federal, state, or local level, would not make a difference if it was not for all of you who stood up. And who, every day, turn that money into product. Turn that money into advantage. Turn that money into a positive result for our community.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 56th Security Consultative Meeting Joint Communique

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

1. The 56th United States (U.S.)-Republic of Korea (ROK) Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) was held in Washington, D.C., on October 30, 2024. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and ROK Minister of National Defense Kim Yong Hyun led their respective delegations, which included senior defense and foreign affairs officials. On October 17, 2024, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., and ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Kim Myung-soo, presided over the 49th ROK-U.S. Military Committee Meeting (MCM).

2. The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed that the U.S.-ROK Alliance is the linchpin of peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and beyond based on our shared values, including freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. The two leaders reviewed progress taken during 2024 to implement the “Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance,” including enhancing extended deterrence against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), modernizing Alliance capabilities based on science and technology cooperation, and strengthening solidarity and regional security cooperation with like-minded partners. They noted that the SCM has played a pivotal role in developing the ROK-U.S. Alliance into a Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance and would continue maintaining its role as a core consultative mechanism to discuss the future development of the Alliance and provide strategic direction. The two leaders also provided direction and guidance for continued progress in 2025 through a newly endorsed framework of U.S.-ROK bilateral defense consultative mechanisms that effectively and efficiently support Alliance objectives. Both concurred that the current U.S.-ROK Alliance is stronger than ever and reaffirmed the two nations’ unwavering mutual commitment to a combined defense posture to defend the ROK as stated in the U.S-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, and as reflected in the Washington Declaration. The two leaders also resolved to continue to strengthen the Alliances’ deterrence and defense posture against DPRK aggression and promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.

3. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the current security environment in and around the Korean Peninsula and discussed cooperative measures between the two nations. The Secretary and Minister expressed grave concern that the DPRK continues to modernize and diversify its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. The two sides condemned the DPRK’s multiple missile launches, including ballistic missiles, its attempted launches of a space launch vehicle, and Russian-DPRK arms trade as clear violations of existing UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). They noted that these actions present profound security challenges to the international community and pose an increasingly serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific region, as well as in the Euro-Atlantic region.

4. Secretary Austin reiterated the firm U.S. commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK, utilizing the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and advanced non-nuclear capabilities. He noted that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the United States or its Allies and partners is unacceptable and would result in the end of the Kim regime in line with the 2022 U.S. Nuclear Posture Review. He highlighted the increased frequency and routinization of U.S. strategic asset deployments as committed to by President Biden in the Washington Declaration, and noted that these were tangible evidence of the U.S. commitment to defend the ROK.

5. The two leaders highly appreciated the work of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) inaugurated following the Washington Declaration. Both applauded the completion on July 11, 2024, of “United States and Republic of Korea Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula,” which represents tremendous progress of the NCG commended and endorsed by President Biden and President Yoon. The two leaders affirmed that the completion of the Guidelines established the foundation for enhancing ROK-U.S. extended deterrence in an integrated manner. Minister Kim noted that, through such progress, the ROK-U.S. Alliance was elevated to a nuclear-based alliance. The two leaders stressed that the principles and procedures contained in the Guidelines enable Alliance policy and military authorities to maintain an effective nuclear deterrence policy and posture. The Secretary and Minister also welcomed the successful execution of the ROK-U.S. NCG table-top simulations and table-top exercises to enhance decision-making about nuclear deterrence and operations, and planning for potential nuclear contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides affirmed that the full capabilities of the two countries would contribute to the Alliance’s combined deterrence and defense posture, and in this regard the Secretary welcomed the recent establishment of the ROK Strategic Command. The Secretary and Minister directed the NCG to continue swift progress on NCG workstreams, including security protocols and expansion of information sharing; nuclear consultation processes in crises and contingencies; nuclear and strategic planning; ROK conventional support to U.S. nuclear operations in a contingency through conventional-nuclear integration (CNI); strategic communications; exercises, simulations, training, and investment activities; and risk reduction practices. They noted that such efforts would be coordinated to strengthen capabilities of the ROK and United States to enhance U.S.-ROK extended deterrence cooperation in an integrated manner, and looked forward to receiving regular updates on NCG progress activities at future SCMs.

6. The two sides pledged to continue coordinating efforts to deter DPRK’s nuclear threat with the Alliance’s overwhelming strength, while continuing to pursue efforts through sanctions and pressure to dissuade and delay DPRK’s nuclear development. Both leaders stressed the importance of full implementation of UNSCRs by the entire international community, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council. The two leaders urged the international community to prevent and respond to DPRK’s sanctions evasion so that it abandons its illegal nuclear and ballistic missile development. To this end, they decided to work closely with each other and the international community to combat the DPRK’s illegal and malicious cyber activities, cryptocurrency theft, overseas laborer dispatches, and ship-to-ship transfers. The Secretary and Minister expressed concern that Russia-DPRK military cooperation, which has been intensified since the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two, is deepening regional instability. The two leaders made clear that military cooperation, including illegal arms trade and high-technology transfers between Russia and the DPRK, constitute a clear violation of UNSCRs, and called on Russia to uphold its commitments. The two leaders also strongly condemned in the strongest terms with one voice that the military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK has expanded beyond transfers of military supplies to actual deployment of forces, and pledged to closely coordinate with the international community regarding this issue.

7. Both leaders reiterated the willingness of their Presidents to pursue dialogue and diplomacy, backed by a robust and credible deterrence and defense posture. In this regard, Secretary Austin expressed support for the goals of the ROK’s Audacious Initiative and President Yoon’s vision of a free, peaceful, and prosperous unified Korean Peninsula, and welcomed President Yoon’s desire to open a path for serious and sustained diplomacy with the DPRK. Both sides reaffirmed that they remain open to dialogue with the DPRK without preconditions and pledged to continue close coordination.

8. The Minister and the Secretary noted concerns that the DPRK’s claims of “two hostile countries,” and activities near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) could threaten peace and the Armistice on the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders strongly condemned DPRK’s activities that raise tension on the Korean Peninsula, such as multiple unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) infiltrations in the past, as well as the recent unilateral detonation of sections of inter-Korean roads and ongoing launches of “filth and trash balloons,” and urged the DPRK to immediately cease such activities. The Secretary and the Minister concurred that the Armistice Agreement remains in effect as an international norm guaranteeing the stable security order on the Korean Peninsula, and that all parties of the Korean War should abide by it while it remains in force. Both sides noted that the Northern Limit Line (NLL) has been an effective means of separating military forces and preventing military tension over the past 70 years, and urged the DPRK to respect the NLL.

9. Secretary Austin and Minister Kim reaffirmed the role of the United Nations Command (UNC) in implementing, managing, and enforcing the Korean Armistice Agreement, deterring DPRK aggression, and coordinating a multinational, united response in case of contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. They reaffirmed that UNC has successfully contributed to those aims for more than 70 years and continues to carry out its mission with the utmost respect for the sovereignty of ROK, the primary host nation. Both sides welcomed the successful organization of the second ROK-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting and expressed their appreciation for UNC Member State contributions. They welcomed the addition of Germany to UNC, and noted that peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, including the Korean Peninsula, and Euro-Atlantic regions are increasingly connected. The two leaders are determined to continue seeking the expanded participation in UNC by like-minded countries that share the values of the 1953 Washington Declaration, anchored in the principles of the UN Charter and mandates of relevant UNSCRs. Secretary Austin thanked Minister Kim for the ROK’s efforts to support the UNC’s role to maintain and enforce the Armistice Agreement, and to support the defense of the ROK against DPRK aggression. In this regard, the Secretary and Minister both highlighted their desire to expand combined exercises, information sharing, and interoperability between the ROK, the Combined Forces Command, and UNC Member States.

10. The Secretary and the Minister also noted the critical role that U.S. forces in the ROK have played for more than 70 years and reaffirmed that U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) continues to play a decisive role in preventing armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula, and in promoting peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Secretary Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to maintain current USFK force levels to defend the ROK.

11. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed the work of the various bilateral mechanisms such as the U.S.-Korea Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD). They welcomed efforts to enhance information sharing through the U.S. Shared Early Warning System (SEWS) for strengthening the Alliance’s detection capabilities in response to advancing DPRK missile threats. They also commended the work of the Counter-Missile Working Group (CMWG) and reviewed “the Joint Study on Alliance Comprehensive Counter-Missile Strategy” aimed at informing recommendations for counter-missile capabilities and posture of ROK and United States. The Secretary and Minister also discussed concrete efforts to strengthen cooperation in space and cyber to robustly deter and defend against growing threats. They endorsed efforts by the Space Cooperation Working Group (SCWG) to improve space situational awareness information sharing and interoperability, and acknowledged the need to expand ROK participation in exercises and training that can strengthen Alliance space capability and improve resilience against growing space threats. In particular, the Secretary also welcomed ROK participation in the Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) cell to leverage space industry and strengthen allied space capabilities. The Secretary and Minister also pledged to deepen cyber cooperation through the Cyber Cooperation Working Group and improve coordination through cyber defense exercises, such as Cyber Alliance and Cyber Flag. Overall, both leaders expressed appreciation for the continuing cooperation to ensure the Alliance’s space, cyber, and counter-missile efforts to keep pace with the evolving threats posed by the DPRK.

12. Noting the importance of science and technology (S&T) cooperation, the Secretary and Minister decided to establish the Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee (DSTEC) at the Vice-Minister-Under Secretary level within this year, to guide and prioritize Alliance defense S&T cooperation. They noted priority areas for cooperation including autonomy, artificial intelligence, and crewed-uncrewed teaming are particularly vital to ensure the ROK is able to achieve the goals of Defense Innovation 4.0 and modernize Alliance capabilities. Both leaders also welcomed future S&T cooperation related to quantum technologies, future-generation wireless communication technologies, and directed energy to ensure that S&T advancements enhance the combined capabilities of the Alliance. This included efforts to identify potential areas of collaboration on AUKUS Pillar II. The Secretary welcomed the Minister’s proposal to host a Defense Science and Technology conference in 2025, and concurred that the DSTEC should leverage this conference to baseline and prioritize Alliance defense S&T collaboration.

13. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed efforts to improve the interoperability, interchangeability, and resilience of the U.S. and ROK defense industrial base. They underscored the need to improve efficient and effective collaboration in the development, acquisition, fielding, logistics, sustainment, and maintenance of defense capabilities, and to ensure that S&T advancements are swiftly and seamlessly transitioned into acquisition and sustainment efforts. Both leaders welcomed progress under the U.S. Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) and welcomed ROK participation in a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) pilot project on Air Force aviation maintenance. The two leaders noted that this pilot project could lead to more bilateral co-sustainment opportunities, and also expand defense industrial collaboration with like-minded partners in the region in light of the ROK’s key role in the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) contact group. The Secretary and Minister also noted with satisfaction the recent U.S. Navy contract with ROK shipyards to conduct MRO services for U.S. vessels, and underscored the potential to expand such work to improve the resilience of the Alliance’s posture in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Secretary and Minister also recognized the need to improve reciprocal market access to deepen defense industrial cooperation and enhance supply chain resiliency, and are committed to accelerate cooperation with the goal of signing the Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement next year based on guidance from both Presidents.

14. The Secretary and the Minister received and endorsed the MCM Report to the SCM presented by the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown. They welcomed the efforts of General Brown, Admiral Kim, and the MCM to enhance military plans, posture, training, exercises, and efforts to coordinate U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command (CFC) activities and enhance military strength of the Alliance. The Secretary and Minister concurred that the Freedom Shield 24 (FS 24) and Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 (UFS 24) exercises, which included realistic threats from the DPRK advancing nuclear, missile, space, and cyber threats, enhanced the Alliance’s crisis management and strengthened deterrence and defense capabilities. In addition, they assessed that combined field training exercises (FTX), which were more extensive than the past year and conducted in land, maritime and air domains, enhanced interoperability and combined operations execution capabilities. Based on such outcomes, both leaders decided to continue strengthening combined exercises and training in line with the rapidly changing security environment of the Korean Peninsula, and further decided that future combined exercises should include appropriate and realistic scenarios including responses to DPRK nuclear use. The Secretary and the Minister also emphasized that ensuring consistent training opportunities for USFK is critical to maintaining a strong combined defense posture. Secretary Austin noted the efforts of ROK Ministry of National Defense (MND) to improve the training conditions for U.S. and ROK forces and stressed the importance of maintaining close cooperation between USFK and MND for the joint use of ROK facilities and airspace for training.

15. Given the growth and diversification of the DPRK’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons and delivery systems, both leaders assessed efforts and works to ensure execution of Alliance missions under a CBRN-challenged environment. In particular, they welcomed progress by the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Committee (CWMDC), including the expansion of information sharing required for nuclear elimination operations consistent with the Nuclear Weapons Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), and the strengthening of cooperation to prevent proliferation of WMD in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders welcomed continued multinational counter-proliferation activities in the region amidst advancements of DPRK nuclear and missile program and intensification of arms trade between Russia and the DPRK following the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. Secretary Austin expressed appreciation for ROK contributions to various global security efforts such as Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), and the Minister and the Secretary concurred on the importance of maintaining cooperative efforts to enforce relevant counter-proliferation UNSCRs.

16. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed the progress and works to fulfill the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control (OPCON) Transition Plan (COTP). Both leaders reaffirmed that the conditions stated in the bilaterally approved COTP must be met before wartime OPCON is transitioned in a stable and systematic manner. They received the results of the annual U.S.-ROK bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems for conditions #1 and #2 based on the bilaterally-approved assessment criteria and standards. Both leaders affirmed that there was a significant progress of this year’s bilateral evaluation on readiness posture and capabilities, and pledged to continue close consultations between the ROK and the United States. for the establishment of the Future-CFC. The Secretary and the Minister also reaffirmed that Future-CFC Full Operational Capability (FOC) Certification would be pursued when the results of the bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems of conditions #1 and #2 meet the mutually approved levels. Regarding condition #3, the Secretary and the Minister decided to remain in close consultation for the assessment of the security environment. Both sides pledged to support continued evaluation and progress in wartime OPCON transition implementation through annual MCMs and SCMs, and affirmed that the wartime OPCON transition would strengthen ROK and Alliance capabilities and the combined defense posture.

17. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the regional security environment, and plans to expand U.S.-ROK security cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific region to support maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. They also reaffirmed support for Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture as well as regional efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum. In particular, the two leaders noted the importance of enhancing cooperation during the implementation of both the ROK and U.S. respective strategies for the Indo-Pacific region. To this end, the Secretary and the Minister endorsed the “Regional Cooperation Framework for U.S.-ROK Alliance Contributions to Security in the Indo-Pacific,” and discussed priorities areas and partners to better respond to the complex regional and global security situation. After reviewing the work of the ROK-U.S. Regional Cooperation Working Group (RCWG), both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defense cooperation with ASEAN members and work together with the Pacific Island Countries to contribute to regional security. The Secretary and the Minister also acknowledged the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as reflected in the April 2023 “Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.”

18. The Secretary and the Minister reflected on the remarkable progress made during 2024 to fulfill the historic understandings at the Camp David Summit. They welcomed the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework (TSCF), signed by the Ministers and the Secretary of the United States, ROK, and Japan in July, along with enhanced sharing of missile warning information and efforts to systematically conduct trilateral exercises, including the first execution of the multi-domain trilateral exercise FREEDOM EDGE. The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to promote and expand trilateral security cooperation including senior-level policy consultations, trilateral exercises, information sharing, and defense exchange cooperation.

19. The two sides also took the opportunity to reaffirm that expediting the relocation and return of U.S. military bases in the ROK is in the interests of both countries, and decided to work closely to ensure the timely return of the bases in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and related agreements. The two leaders noted the significance of the complete construction of Yongsan Park, and pledged to expedite the remaining return of Yongsan Garrison. The Minister and the Secretary also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to discuss the return of other U.S. military bases through regular consultations through SOFA channels to reach mutually acceptable outcomes in the future.

20. Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude that the ROK is contributing toward ensuring a stable environment for U.S. Forces Korea. The Secretary and Minister also welcomed the recent conclusion of consultations related to a 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA), and concurred that it would greatly contribute to the strengthening of the U.S.-ROK combined defense posture.

21. Secretary Austin and Minister Kim affirmed that the discussions during the 56th SCM and the 49th MCM contributed to strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance with a vision toward the further development of a truly global alliance. The two leaders commended the U.S. and ROK military and civilian personnel that worked to strengthen the bond of the Alliance, and expressed appreciation for their shared commitment and sacrifice. Both sides expect to hold the 57th SCM and 50th MCM in Seoul at a mutually convenient time in 2025.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New funding to be delivered for remote airstrip upgrades

Source: Australian Ministers 1

Organisations and community groups who manage airports and airstrips across remote Australia will be able to apply for new funding to deliver critical upgrades from Monday, with $25 million available under a new round of funding.

The highly successful Remote Airstrip Upgrade (RAU) Program provides funding to improve the safety and accessibility of aerodromes in remote and very remote areas of Australia.

Remote airstrips provide critical access for Australians living in the far reaches of our country by connecting them with services in major regional centres, but they’re also vital to the delivery of urgent supplies and facilitation of life-saving emergency flights.

Upgrade works under the Program may include improving all-weather capabilities such as sealing or resealing runways to ensure air operators can land safely and without damaging their aircraft, or lighting to allow aircraft to land at night.

This latest grant funding will also encourage successful applicants to use the allocated funding to conduct safety training for key operational personnel.

The Albanese Government has committed $50 million in the 2024-25 Budget to deliver an additional two rounds of the RAU Program.

Applications for Round 11 are set to open from Monday, 4 November for grants of between $5,000 and $4 million covering 50 per cent of eligible costs, or up to 100 per cent for Indigenous-owned and/or operated aerodromes that meet certain requirements.

Following feedback from previous rounds of the RAU Program, Round 11 has been expanded to support improved access to air services for people with disability. This may include items such as ramps, signage or aircraft boarding facilities.

These works can be undertaken as a standalone project or in conjunction with other safety and access works at the airport.

More information on the RAU Program, including Round 11 Guidelines, will be available at business.gov.au from Monday 4 November.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

“Safe and accessible airstrips are critical to safeguarding the quality of life in many remote and very remote communities across Australia, as they keep essential services running and allow businesses to grow and thrive.

“Improving the resilience of these aerodromes will also mean people who are based in remote areas can continue to live, do business and retire there, knowing they will have access to the emergency and other services needed in any stage of life.

“As remote communities across Northern Australia head into another wet season and bushfire warnings become more frequent across the country, I urge aerodrome owners and operators to take a look at the guidelines and consider applying to make their priority upgrades a reality.

“The Aviation White Paper backed this Program due to its support for some of our most vulnerable who reside in these remote communities, so I’m pleased to hear that measures allowing people with a disability to access air services have been prioritised under the RAU.”

MIL OSI News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Cai Xuzhe, returning to space 22 months after his first spaceflight

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Cai Xuzhe has started his new space journey just 22 months after his first Shenzhou mission, breaking the record for the shortest interval between two spaceflights for a Chinese astronaut.
Cai is the commander of the Shenzhou-19 mission, which was launched at 4:27 a.m. Wednesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The crew members, also including first-timers Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, will face new tasks and challenges during the mission, Cai told a press meeting on Tuesday ahead of the launch.
He said they had collaborated with sci-tech workers to update training concepts and improve training methods and efficiency in order to meet the requirements of the new mission.
Focusing particularly on the goal of achieving “zero error,” the trio will improve operation quality and enhance in-orbit emergency response capabilities, Cai noted.
“We have been training as a team for more than a year, maintaining the best condition and the highest standards,” Cai said, adding that they are fully prepared and have the confidence, determination and ability to successfully complete this mission.
Born in 1976 in the countryside of Shenzhou City, north China’s Hebei Province, Cai was fascinated with airplanes as a child. Every time he heard a plane flying past, he would rush outside and stare up at the sky as it flew away and disappeared.
During his time in middle school, he idolized an air force commander and subscribed to the magazine China Air Force. Through its pages, he gained valuable knowledge about aviation and developed a keen appreciation for the art of piloting.
Cai was admitted to an air force flight college in his final year at school.
Upon graduation from college, he volunteered to work at an airport short of pilots. Despite the harsh conditions there, he dedicated himself to studying and training to sharpen his flying skills.
In 2003, China’s first manned spaceflight, the Shenzhou-5 mission, was a resounding success. Sitting in front of the television, Cai was deeply attracted by the career of astronaut.
As soon as he learned that the country was selecting the second batch of astronauts, Cai submitted application and was successfully recruited in May 2010.
After arduous training and preparation for more than a decade, Cai had his moments. From June to December, 2022, he participated in the Shenzhou-14 space mission with colleagues Chen Dong and Liu Yang.
During the extravehicular activities that lasted about five-and-half hours in November, 2022, they installed an out-of-cabin “bridge” that links the core module of the Tiangong space station with the Wentian and Mengtian labs. Cai completed the first cross-module spacewalk through the bridge.
In his spare time in space, Cai was fond of overlooking at Earth through the porthole, especially when the space station flew over his hometown.
In March 2023, the trio were awarded medals for their service to China’s space endeavors. Cai received a third-class medal and the honorary title of “Heroic Astronaut.”
Back to Earth, the busy and fulfilling scenes of work and life in space were vivid in Cai’s memory, and he had been craving another journey to space.
“I treat every spaceflight as my first one,” he said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China, Canada to increase direct flights

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

China and Canada will increase direct flights to meet demands for travel and trade between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said Wednesday.
Air Canada plans to increase the frequency of its weekly round-trip flights from Vancouver to Shanghai from the current four to seven from Dec. 7 onwards, according to the CAAC.
Furthermore, Air Canada will resume the operation of its route from Vancouver to Beijing from Jan. 15, 2025 — offering seven round-trip flights per week.
Meanwhile, Chinese airlines are also expediting their application process for additional flights.
The surge in direct flights between China and Canada will help satisfy personnel exchange and economic and trade demands, and promote the further recovery of their shared air transport market, the CAAC said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025