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Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Advance Comprehensive Missile, Drone Detection & Defense Network

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    06.24.25

    Senator Joins Sullivan, Cramer in Introducing GOLDEN DOME Act, Highlights Critical Role of Grand Forks, Cavalier in Integrated Defense System

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today outlined efforts to ensure the U.S. is secure against threats both present and future, including advanced missile technologies and emerging threats from unmanned aircraft. To this end, Hoeven is joining with Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing the GOLDEN DOME Act, legislation that supports the establishment of a network of sensors and intercept capabilities to protect against the range of threats facing the U.S. Hoeven joined his colleagues at a press conference today announcing the legislation and highlighted key missions and initiatives in North Dakota that would fit into the Golden Dome architecture:

    • The Space Development Agency’s (SDA) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mission in Grand Forks.
      • In addition to his efforts to stand up the SDA mission, which will serve as the backbone of all U.S. military communications, Hoeven has been working to ensure the LEO satellites can provide missile tracking and advanced fire control.
    • The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) radar at Cavalier Space Force Station, which provides early warning of incoming missiles.
      • Hoeven is working as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to fund the modernization of PARCS.
    • The counter-drone research and development taking place in the Grand Forks region.
      • Hoeven is working to leverage Project ULTRA to develop counter-drone technologies, while bringing in new capabilities like securing access to the Federal Aviation Administration’s unfiltered radar data feed to support and accelerate these efforts.

    At the same time, Hoeven stressed the importance of maintaining an effective nuclear deterrent and keeping nuclear modernization on track, including for the dual-nuclear mission in Minot.

    “This is about integrating all of the systems we are developing throughout the various military branches to ensure we have a comprehensive defense network that works across all domains. Whether it’s ground-based radar in Cavalier, satellite detection out of Grand Forks, or the new missile and drone interception technologies we are advancing, we need all of these pieces to work seamlessly together,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the best protection is a strong deterrent, so our adversaries don’t even consider striking the U.S. That’s why we need to keep our nuclear modernization programs moving forward, so we can match any of the capabilities being developed by hostile nations like Russia and China. This will be critical as we work to get the Golden Dome established and will remain essential even when these new defenses are in place.”

    Specifically, the GOLDEN DOME Act:

    • Directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a layered defense system that fully integrates all of the nation’s missile defense technologies.
    • Enhances existing U.S. missile defense by authorizing procurement of additional sensors and interceptors.
    • Enables SDA to develop, procure and deploy satellite-based sensors in support of Golden Dome.
    • Requires the modernization of numerous early warning radar detection systems across the U.S., including PARCS at Cavalier Space Force Station.
    • Supports development of advanced technologies to track and defeat enemy missile threats.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Announce More Than $1M In Federal Funding For Quincy Regional Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 24, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $1,187,500 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Authority for Quincy Regional Airport to be used for equipment upgrades.

    “By improving airport infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability,” said Durbin. “This federal funding for Quincy Regional Airport-Baldwin Field Airport will upgrade the airport’s infrastructure and promote economic growth. I will continue working with Senator Duckworth to ensure our state’s regional airports have the necessary federal resources.”

    “Illinois’s airports are critical economic engines for our state and the source of jobs for so many working families,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin in announcing this federal funding to help replace aging snow removal equipment the Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field Airport. I will continue working to make traveling safer and more reliable for all passengers while ensuring that our communities receive the much-needed federal resources they deserve.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK to purchase F-35As and join NATO nuclear mission as Government steps up national security and delivers defence dividend

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK to purchase F-35As and join NATO nuclear mission as Government steps up national security and delivers defence dividend

    The UK will purchase 12 new F35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security.

    • The UK will purchase 12 F-35As and join NATO’s nuclear mission as the government delivers greater security for working people through its Plan for Change
    • Biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation, complementing the UK’s existing sea-borne deterrent
    • Order will support 20,000 jobs across the UK, with over 100 UK-based suppliers contributing to the F35 programme

    The UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security.

    The Prime Minister will announce at the NATO summit tomorrow [Wednesday] that the UK intends to buy at least a dozen of the dual capable aircraft, which can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.

    The decision will support 20,000 jobs in the F35 programme in the UK, with 15% of the global supply chain for the jets based in Britain, supporting highly skilled jobs and opportunities for working people and delivering a defence dividend across the country.

    The new fast jets will be based at RAF Marham, with the Government expected to procure 138 F35s over the lifetime of the programme. The procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B as part of the next procurement package will deliver a saving of up to 25% per aircraft for the taxpayer. 

    The purchase represents the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation. It also reintroduces a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the UK retired its sovereign air-launched nuclear weapons following the end of the Cold War.

    The UK will deploy the jets as part of NATO’s nuclear Dual Capable Aircraft mission, strengthening NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    “In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted, which is why my government is investing in our national security, ensuring our Armed Forces have the equipment they need and communities up and down the country reap the benefits from our defence dividend.

    “Supporting 100 businesses across the country and more than 20,000 jobs, these F35 dual capable aircraft will herald a new era for our world-leading Royal Air Force and deter hostile threats that threaten the UK and our Allies.

    “The UK’s commitment to NATO is unquestionable, as is the Alliance’s contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure, but we must all step up to protect the Euro-Atlantic area for generations to come.” 

    From Samlesbury to Stevenage, UK based firms such as BAE Systems, Cobham, GE Aviation, Honeywell, Martin Baker, MBDA, QinetiQ, Rolls Royce, Leonardo UK , Ultra Electronics and EDM Limited all play a vital role in the supply of stealth fighter jets.

    The Strategic Defence Review recognised that the UK is confronting a new era of threat, including rising nuclear risks. It recommended that the UK further strengthen our commitment to effective deterrence and our partnership with our NATO Allies, building on our unique role as the only European power to pledge our nuclear deterrent to defend our NATO allies.

    The DCA mission is a critical part of NATO’s nuclear deterrence, helping to keep people across the alliance safe.

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said:

    “The UK has declared its nuclear deterrent to NATO for many decades, ​and I strongly welcome today’s announcement that the UK will now also join NATO’s nuclear mission and procure the F-35A.

    “This is yet another robust British contribution to NATO”.

    The UK has always supported NATO’s nuclear mission, by providing conventional capabilities and resources such as aircraft and airspace to its annual exercises. 

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    “The Strategic Defence Review confirmed we face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals. And it recommended a new UK role in our collective defence and deterrence through a NATO-first approach.

    “This commitment is an embodiment of NATO first, strengthening the alliance while at the same time using defence as an engine for growth to create jobs across in the UK.”

    Our commitment to Britain’s nuclear deterrent is absolute, underpinned by our ‘triple-lock’: building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed.  

    This announcement further underlines the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO, and the principle of collective defence under Article V. 

    The UK remains committed to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons and upholds all our obligations under the NPT.

    This announcement follows the SDR’s commitments to deliver up to 12 new conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and £15bn this parliament to deliver the sovereign nuclear warhead programme.

    Additional information

    • Alongside the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance, NATO’s nuclear deterrence posture also relies on the United States’ nuclear weapons forward-deployed in Europe, as well as on the capabilities and infrastructure provided by Allies.
    • A number of NATO countries contribute a dual-capable aircraft (DCA) capability to the Alliance. These aircraft are central to NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission and are available for nuclear roles at various levels of readiness. In their nuclear role, the aircraft are equipped to carry nuclear weapons in a conflict, and personnel are trained accordingly.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 7: Alberta wildfire update (June 24, 3:30 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Jayud Global Logistics Receives $4.2 Million Government Subsidy for Charter Flight Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jayud Global Logistics Limited (NASDAQ: JYD) (“Jayud” or the “Company”), a leading end-to-end supply chain solution provider based in Shenzhen, specializing in cross-border logistics, today announced that it has received a government subsidy of RMB 30,258,086 (approximately USD 4.2 million) from the Shenzhen Transportation Bureau.

    The subsidy relates to two charter flight routes operated by the Company during 2022-2023 as part of its expanded air freight services:

    • Shenzhen-Clark Route: RMB 17.28 million
    • Shenzhen-Davao Route: RMB 12.98 million

    Jayud originally applied for the cargo aircraft new route subsidies in March 2023, with the Shenzhen Transportation Bureau finalizing the subsidy amounts in March 2025 after adjusting all applications due to total requests exceeding available funding.

    Xiaogang Geng, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Jayud, stated, “This significant government recognition and financial support validates our strategic expansion into charter flight operations and demonstrates the value we bring to Shenzhen’s logistics infrastructure. These subsidies will positively impact our financial performance and support our continued growth in cross-border air freight services.”

    The Company expects this to positively impact its revenue and financial results for the current fiscal year.

    About Jayud Global Logistics Limited

    Jayud Global Logistics Limited is one of the leading Shenzhen-based end-to-end supply chain solution providers in China, focusing on cross-border logistics services. The Company benefits from the unique geographical advantages of providing a high degree of support for ocean, air, and overland logistics. The Company has established a global operation nexus featuring logistic facilities throughout major transportation hubs in China and globally, with footprints in 12 provinces in Mainland China and 16 countries across six continents. Jayud offers a comprehensive range of cross-border supply chain solutions, including freight forwarding, supply chain management, and other value-added services. With its strong service capabilities and research and development capabilities in proprietary IT systems, the Company provides customized and efficient logistics solutions and develops long-standing customer relationships. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.jayud.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “is/are likely to”, “potential”, “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    Jayud Global Logistics Limited
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: ir@jayud.com 

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matthew Abenante, IRC
    President
    Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
    Tel: 347-947-2093
    Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Advances President Trump’s Commitment to Peace through Strength

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

    WASHINGTON — The world is being reminded that peace is only possible when America leads from a position of strength. And that’s why the One Big, Beautiful Bill advances President Trump’s bold Peace through Strength agenda and charts America’s path to strength, security, and sovereignty.

    “While Congressional Democrats feign concern about the safety and wellbeing of U.S. service members, House Republicans are working to deliver legislation that actually accomplishes that and supports them. Amid this global threat landscape, there’s never been a better time for a piece of legislation, a once in a generation opportunity like the One Big Beautiful Bill,” Speaker Johnson said. “The One Big Beautiful Bill is a generational investment in American military might, and we need to get it to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”

    Historic Investment for President Trump’s Golden Dome

    • $25 billion to develop this cutting-edge missile defense system. This system will defend Americans against hypersonic missiles, ballistic threats, and next-generation aerial attacks from our adversaries like China and Iran.

    Puts American Troops First

    • $8.5 billion to improve the quality of life for our servicemembers. This includes funds to improve military barracks and housing; enhance healthcare services; expand educational opportunities and professional assistance programs for military spouses; childcare assistance; among other programs to support servicemembers.

    A Down Payment on the Future of America’s National Security

    • $34 billion to expand the size and capabilities of our naval fleet
    • $21 billion to restock America’s arsenal of munitions and ramp up domestic production of rare earth and critical minerals
    • $13 billion to modernize the nuclear deterrence and readiness of nuclear forces
    • $11 billion to expand military exercises and improve the readiness of Indo-Pacific forces 
    • $7 billion to accelerate delivery of next-generation aircraft and autonomous systems

    BOTTOM LINE: The One Big Beautiful Bill is critically important and urgent to guarantee America’s ready, capable, and lethal fighting force.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces $26.5M for Local Transportation Projects

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp and the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) Board of Directors today announced the approval of a record $26.5 million in Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) loans and grants that will help fund 13 transportation infrastructure projects across the state. This round of GTIB awards is possible thanks to a $46 million budget enhancement allocated in the AFY 2025 state budget. These investments also mark two additional records for the bank that include the largest combined rural award, totaling $13.3 million, and the largest amount of loans, totaling $15.5 million.

    “Thanks to conservative budgeting and strategic funding of our priorities, Georgia is not only the No. 1 state for business we’re also the best state for reliable infrastructure,” said Governor Brian Kemp, Chairman of the SRTA Board. “With this year’s historic rural investment, we’re preserving our competitive edge and reaffirming our commitment to creating opportunity in all parts of our state, especially rural Georgia. I want to thank the General Assembly and the SRTA team for making these awards possible and I look forward to the generational impact they will have on our communities.”

    The Mount Vernon Roadway Connectivity project, one of the major rural investments included in this round of awards, will receive a $1.4 million GTIB grant for improvements and repairs to several local roads damaged by Hurricane Helene. Funds will also go toward the paving of a dirt road. This GTIB grant enables critical roadwork to advance more quickly, enhancing safety for this rural community.

    The largest GTIB investment for this round is a $4.9 million loan to the Cumberland CID for the Cumberland Sweep Segment C buildout – a 3+ mile path around the core of the Cumberland District. The project will enhance transportation for more than 80,000 office workers, residents and visitors in the Improvement District by constructing the first portion of the Cumberland Sweep, a 0.4-mile shared-use path that connects to the existing pedestrian bridge over I-285 and includes traffic signal upgrades at Galleria Drive and Galleria Parkway.

    Another significant loan of $2.4 million along with a $1 million grant was awarded to Barrow County for a new roundabout at State Route 53 (SR 53) at Mulberry Road. This portion of SR 53 connects the cities of Winder, Hoschton, and Braselton, with a combined population of over 40,000. The project will reduce vehicle collisions and improve freight movement. This GTIB investment also accelerates project delivery by three years, resulting in lower overall project costs.

    “SRTA is honored and excited to continue investing in Georgia’s transportation network, this year by infusing more state funds than ever into local projects,” said Jannine Miller, Executive Director of the State Road and Tollway Authority. “Rural communities made up 38% of GTIB applications this year, indicating transportation is important in every corner of our state. With the support of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly, GTIB is helping local governments accelerate project delivery and lower long-term costs for Georgia taxpayers.”

    Since its inception in 2010, GTIB has awarded $242 million in transformative grants and loans, investing in projects with a combined project value exceeding $1.2 billion, demonstrating the impact of the state’s investment and outstanding partnerships with local governments and community improvement districts over the past 15 years.

    From the very first award granted, GTIB has provided strategic state investments in critical transportation projects that enhance mobility in local communities throughout Georgia. Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis, and criteria include transportation, engineering, economic value, matching funds, and project specifics like project phase and feasibility.

    Loan applications are also evaluated for creditworthiness and overall project merits. An advisory committee comprised of representatives from state agencies and statewide associations evaluate SRTA staff recommendations and make final recommendations to the SRTA Board. Funds distributed by GTIB are used to support capital improvements.

    SRTA began accepting GTIB applications mid-November 2024 and closed the application window on January 14, 2025. Fiscal Year 2025 awardees, project descriptions, and funding amounts are as follows:

    Athens-Clarke County
    Roadway Reconfiguration

    This project will improve the intersection of Hawthorne and Oglethorpe Avenue by realigning it, reconfiguring lanes and adding multimodal options. The improvements will improve safety at the intersection and enhance the City’s sidewalk and bike network. 

    GTIB Grant Award: $1,700,000

    Barrow County
    State Route 53 at Mulberry Roundabout

    This project will construct a single lane roundabout at the intersection of State Route 53 and Mulberry Road and realign the intersection. The new intersection is expected to improve road safety and freight movement. GTIB investments accelerate this project by three years.

    GTIB Loan Award: $2,468,241

    GTIB Grant Award: $1,000,000

     

    Cherokee County
    Airport Road Spur and Technology Ridge Parkway Project

    This project is the second phase of the Technology Ridge Parkway Project to receive funding from GTIB. This phase of the project will construct a new, two-lane roadway connecting the airport to the existing I-575 interchange. The new spur road will allow the County to move forward with plans to extend the runway to 6,000 feet, allowing aircraft to carry more fuel and make longer trips. The project also includes a segment of Technology Ridge Parkway Phase III which provides access to 86 acres owned by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development and adds a roundabout at the intersection of Wes Welker and Airport Drive.

    GTIB Loan Award: $2,000,000

    City of LaGrange
    Project Eagle

    This project will construct a new two-lane road, Callaway South Parkway, from the intersection of Pegasus Parkway ending in a roundabout. This improvement provides access to undeveloped parcels in the Callaway South Industrial Park, enabling even greater private investment in the area. Funding for the project will come from GTIB, the City of LaGrange, Troup County, and the Calloway Foundation.

    GTIB Grant Award: $1,000,000

     

    City of Mount Vernon
    Mount Vernon Roadway Connectivity

    This project will pave Carver Street, which is currently a dirt road, and make drainage improvements and repairs on Broad Street, South Railroad Avenue, North Washington Street, and McKinnon Street. The dirt road paving will improve road safety and provide the opportunity to attract industry while the drainage improvements and road repairs will address significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene re-opening roads currently closed to traffic. This City of Mount Vernon is approximately four (4) square miles and home to 1,800 residents.

    GTIB Grant Award: $1,406,242

    City of Mount Zion
    2025 Street Repairs

    This project will repave several roads for approximately five miles and realign the intersection of Beaver Pond Road and Bowdon Junction Road to improve safety. This intersection is near the West Georgia Regional Airport which supports economic development providing air transportation to companies including SMI Inc., Honda Lock, and Southwire. The GTIB investment will accelerate the project by four (4) years reducing project costs.

    GTIB Loan Award: $487,500

    GTIB Grant Award: $162,500

     

    City of Twin City
    Paving Improvements

    This project will resurface 16 roads for a distance of approximately seven miles. The GTIB investment accelerates the project by several years reducing project costs. Located in Emanual County, City of Twin City is approximately four (4) sq miles and is home to 1,700 residents and George L. Smith, II State Park.

    GTIB Grant Award: $700,000

     

    Colquitt County
    Resurfacing Improvements

    This project will resurface ten roads for a distance of 11 miles in South Georgia’s Colquitt County. Full depth reclamation and replacement of existing culverts will occur where necessary. GTIB investment accelerates project delivery by three (3) years.

    GTIB Loan Award: $2,567,430

    GTIB Grant Award: $2,000,000

     

    Cumberland CID
    Cumberland Sweep Segment C – Galleria Parkway Improvements

    This project will build the first section of the Cumberland Sweep project including a shared use path along Galleria Drive from Akers Mill Road to the existing bike/pedestrian bridge over I-285, a distance of just under half-a-mile. Pedestrian lighting will be included along the path and the traffic signal at Galleria Drive and Galleria Parkway will be upgraded. The project improves multimodal travel in one of Atlanta’s biggest activity centers and is funded in partnership with the Cumberland CID, an organization of over 190 commercial property owners fund key infrastructure projects throughout the Improvement District.

    GTIB Loan Award: $4,858,435

     

    Dodge County
    Dodge County Road Improvement Program

    This project will pave Bill Mullis Road from Roddy Highway to SR 87 (3.7 miles), perform full-depth reclamation on Milan Eastman Road from SR 117 to SR 280 (8.2 miles) to repair damage from increased freight traffic and resurface Zion Hill Church from Antioch Church Rd to Coody Road (4.5 miles). By combining these three segments into one project and obtaining GTIB funds, the project will reduce unit costs and accelerate the project timeline by approximately ten years providing substantial project savings.

    GTIB Loan Award: $2,429,108

    GTIB Grant Award: $2,000,000

     

    Dougherty County
    Road and Bridge Infrastructure Improvements

    This project will provide design funds to widen and increase the weight capacity of two bridges on Gravel Hill Road to better accommodate truck and agricultural equipment traffic as well as pave and widen four (4) dirt roads which are heavily affected by adverse weather.  

    GTIB Loan Award: $667,758

    GTIB Grant Award: $580,659

     

    Stewart County
    Moores Store Road Box Culvert Replacement

    This project will replace a double cell box culvert on Moores Store Road at Bussey Creek, resurface the area and improve roadway shoulders and slopes by the creek. These improvements will allow both lanes of the bridge to re-open to traffic and will help minimize damage from future large rain events.

    GTIB Grant Award: $250,000

    Town of Iron City
    Dunham and Broad

    This project is consistent with the Seminole County and Cities Comprehensive Plan and will jumpstart downtown revitalization efforts by repaving streets in downtown Iron City – Broad Street from Church Street to Williams Street and Dunham Street. Located in Seminole County, the Town of Iron City is farming community of approximately one (1) sq mile and home to 300 residents.

    GTIB Grant Award: $260,325

    For more information about the GTIB program, visit www.srta.ga.gov/gtib.

    About the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA)                                               

    SRTA is a state-level authority created to operate tolled transportation facilities within Georgia and act as the transportation financing arm for the state. SRTA manages the collection of tolls on Georgia’s Express Lanes System through the use of Peach Pass. Since 2010, the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) – a grant and low-interest loan program administered by SRTA – has provided funding for eligible local transportation projects across the state. In 2017, SRTA combined with the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) to jointly provide the services of both state authorities. The GRTA board continues to oversee developments of regional impact, air quality reporting and regional transportation plan approval.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Grills Navy Secretary Phelan on Politicization of Civilian Hiring, Navy Hospital Staffing Cuts Eliminating Health Care on Base for 15,000 Servicemembers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Murray Sounds Alarm on Chronic Staffing Shortages at Naval Hospital Bremerton, Presses for Answers from Defense Health Agency

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s questioning*** 

    Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on the President’s fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department of the Navy, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan and Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James W. Kilby about the Trump administration’s litmus tests to hire for civilian roles, staffing cuts at Naval Hospital Bremerton, and frigate production.

    [CIVILIAN STAFFING]

    Senator Murray began her questioning by addressing how OPM has encouraged federal workers across the country to leave their jobs, including civilian workers that support key installations and operations, stating: “Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, located in my home state of Washington, is one of the largest shipyards in the country, and the only shipyard on the entire west coast that can dry dock Nimitz Class aircraft carriers. It’s a huge asset to the Navy and the overall Indo-Pacific strategy. Right now, PSNS is undergoing important renovations to address seismic vulnerabilities and prepare for the new Ford Class aircraft carriers. This administration, however, is actively encouraging our shipbuilders to leave their jobs and putting up absurd barriers to hiring new civilian workers. Almost 2,000 naval shipyard workers have already taken the deferred resignation under the threat of looming mass layoffs. And Trump’s Office of Personnel Management is insisting on approving civilians one-by-one, which is creating massive slowdowns and ballooning waitlists to hire the workers that we need at every base in this country. And on top of that, on May 29th, OPM added a requirement for new civilian nonpartisan hires to write about how they would ‘advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities’ as part of the application process.”

    “Secretary Phelan, how does a welder’s fluency in, or support of Trump’s Executive Orders relate to their qualifications as a welder?” asked Senator Murray.

    Secretary Phelan answered, “I did visit Puget Sound and saw a lot of the impressive work that was done there. As to your question on—I believe what you’re referring to is the civilian loyalty oath—and my understanding is the Department of the Navy continues to use the same appointment affidavit it’s been using since 2002 for civilian hires. And we are waiting for guidance from the Department of Defense as it relates to any revisions.”

    Senator Murray pressed, “Well will you push back on OPM’s political purity tests, and object to them individually approving civilian hires?”

    “I will have to wait to see what it is they recommend before I can tell you that,” Secretary Phelan responded.

    “Well from my position, a nonpartisan government hire should not need to articulate which Trump policy they like best just to get hired. And a welder should not need to share their favorite Trump Executive Order. This is putting us behind. So, I just think this is something that we all need to take notice of. And I hope, as you get your guidance, that you push back on that,” said Senator Murray.

    [NAVAL HOSPITAL BREMERTON]

    Senator Murray continued her questioning by turning to the issue of staffing cuts at Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) completely eliminating on-base health care for servicemembers and their family at Naval Base Kitsap: “Naval Base Kitsap, also in my state, is the third largest Navy base in the United States. It’s home to 15,000 servicemembers, nearly 18,000 family members and retirees. But since 2022, the Defense Health Agency has repeatedly ordered the base’s hospital to cut critical staff and medical care—which has been devastating for our servicemembers and their families’ access to health care. Right now, in fact, Naval Hospital Bremerton’s Internal Medicine department has no—zero—physicians for over 2,000 patients. Instead of hiring anyone, DHA is forcing patients to travel over an hour, on a good day, each way, to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Mr. Secretary, this is just unacceptable.”

    Senator Murray asked, “Can you fill me in on what the Navy is doing to fill those vacancies at Bremerton?”

    “As you know, I’ve been visiting a number of different installations of ours, and from some of the conditions of the barracks to some of the conditions in the medical facilities, et cetera, we have issues at most of them. On that specific one I’m going to have to get back to you and get some more detail on it. Which, I will do,” Secretary Phelan responded.

    “Admiral, do you have anything to add?” Senator Murray asked Admiral Kilby.

    Admiral Kilby replied, “I agree with your assessment ma’am, there are challenges with DHA across the board, for the Navy. And we’re working, like all the other services, to make sure we’re providing the best health care we can for our servicemembers and our families.”

    “This is a readiness issue. It’s a retention issue. It’s personal for these families. So please, if you could get back to me about what steps we are going to take to fix this,” said Senator Murray.

    [NAVAL STATION EVERETT FRIGATES]

    Senator Murray then asked about years of delays on frigate production, stating: “Finally, let me ask you about Naval Station Everett. It was designated as the home station for the new class of Frigates in 2022.  However, the design delays have postponed production for the last three years. I understand you and the Department leadership are considering several options for the future of the Constellation-class frigate—and I’d emphasize this committee needs the budget details to put this bill together. So, if you can make sure we have that and talk for a minute about what you see as the implications for Everett under the different scenarios the Department might propose for the frigate program.”

    Secretary Phelan replied, “Let me take that one from the record and come back to you.”

    “I would appreciate the response to that. Thank you very much,” concluded Senator Murray.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Creatd, Inc. Completes 2024 PCAOB Audit, Achieving Two Years of Audited Financials and Clearing Path Toward SEC Re-Registration and National Exchange Uplisting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Creatd, Inc. (OTC: CRTD), a company focused on acquiring synergistic technology businesses, today announced the completion of its 2024 PCAOB audit and submission of audited financials to the OTC Markets. With two consecutive years of audited financial statements now finalized, along with the Company’s Q1 2025 financials published on the OTC, the Company is fully current with its reporting. This positions Creatd to re-register its securities with the SEC, reapply for listing on the OTCQB, and continue progressing toward an uplisting to a national securities exchange.

    Key Financial Highlights:

    • As of today, net equity stands at over $2.9 million, reflecting an $18 million improvement since 2023, with $15 million of that gained during the 2024 fiscal year.
    • Revenues for fiscal year 2024 totaled approximately $1.5 million, a figure already matched in the first half of 2025.
    • The Company expects to reapply to the OTCQB imminently as part of its ongoing capital markets compliance strategy.

    Strategic Foundation Built in 2024

    The year 2024 was a critical period in laying the groundwork for Creatd’s financial recovery and long-term viability. The Company addressed two defining challenges: First, it overcame a capital-constrained environment by collaborating with shareholders and strategic partners. With them, it secured the funding necessary to sustain and grow operations during one of the most challenging periods for microcap companies. Second, Creatd adapted to the evolving microcap landscape, where single-focus, pure-play companies increasingly struggle to gain investor traction. It built a diversified model by acquiring complementary businesses and integrating them into a shared infrastructure. This included consolidating revenues across multiple lines, unifying back-office functions, technology systems, regulatory and compliance processes, and applying a platform-wide understanding of audience and market behavior.

    This adaptive approach allowed the Company not only to weather 2024, but to exit the year with a stronger balance sheet, broader revenue base, and a path forward toward SEC re-registration and uplisting.

    Jeremy Frommer, CEO of Creatd, commented:

    “The past two years have been both the worst and, somehow, the greatest I’ve experienced in my career. We had to navigate the remissness of our previous auditing firm, who we terminated. At the same time, we endured a historic collapse in the microcap sector. It brought Creatd, the company I’ve led for over a decade, to its knees. But we never gave up, and what we learned about ourselves and today’s business environment is invaluable.

    Today, we stand strong. We’ve built back a solid balance sheet, completed two years of PCAOB-audited financials, and proven we understand what it takes to survive a full cycle in the emerging growth public markets. We will continue to acquire, invest in, and support our peers because no one gets through this space alone.”

    The full audited 2024 Annual Report is available here, on OTC Markets.

    About Creatd, Inc.
    Creatd, Inc. focuses on investments and operations across technology, media, aviation, advertising, and consumer sectors. By leveraging its expertise in structured finance and acquisitions, Creatd identifies and nurtures opportunities within small-cap companies, driving growth and innovation across its diverse portfolio.

    For investor inquiries, contact:
    ir@creatd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Creatd, Inc. Completes 2024 PCAOB Audit, Achieving Two Years of Audited Financials and Clearing Path Toward SEC Re-Registration and National Exchange Uplisting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Creatd, Inc. (OTC: CRTD), a company focused on acquiring synergistic technology businesses, today announced the completion of its 2024 PCAOB audit and submission of audited financials to the OTC Markets. With two consecutive years of audited financial statements now finalized, along with the Company’s Q1 2025 financials published on the OTC, the Company is fully current with its reporting. This positions Creatd to re-register its securities with the SEC, reapply for listing on the OTCQB, and continue progressing toward an uplisting to a national securities exchange.

    Key Financial Highlights:

    • As of today, net equity stands at over $2.9 million, reflecting an $18 million improvement since 2023, with $15 million of that gained during the 2024 fiscal year.
    • Revenues for fiscal year 2024 totaled approximately $1.5 million, a figure already matched in the first half of 2025.
    • The Company expects to reapply to the OTCQB imminently as part of its ongoing capital markets compliance strategy.

    Strategic Foundation Built in 2024

    The year 2024 was a critical period in laying the groundwork for Creatd’s financial recovery and long-term viability. The Company addressed two defining challenges: First, it overcame a capital-constrained environment by collaborating with shareholders and strategic partners. With them, it secured the funding necessary to sustain and grow operations during one of the most challenging periods for microcap companies. Second, Creatd adapted to the evolving microcap landscape, where single-focus, pure-play companies increasingly struggle to gain investor traction. It built a diversified model by acquiring complementary businesses and integrating them into a shared infrastructure. This included consolidating revenues across multiple lines, unifying back-office functions, technology systems, regulatory and compliance processes, and applying a platform-wide understanding of audience and market behavior.

    This adaptive approach allowed the Company not only to weather 2024, but to exit the year with a stronger balance sheet, broader revenue base, and a path forward toward SEC re-registration and uplisting.

    Jeremy Frommer, CEO of Creatd, commented:

    “The past two years have been both the worst and, somehow, the greatest I’ve experienced in my career. We had to navigate the remissness of our previous auditing firm, who we terminated. At the same time, we endured a historic collapse in the microcap sector. It brought Creatd, the company I’ve led for over a decade, to its knees. But we never gave up, and what we learned about ourselves and today’s business environment is invaluable.

    Today, we stand strong. We’ve built back a solid balance sheet, completed two years of PCAOB-audited financials, and proven we understand what it takes to survive a full cycle in the emerging growth public markets. We will continue to acquire, invest in, and support our peers because no one gets through this space alone.”

    The full audited 2024 Annual Report is available here, on OTC Markets.

    About Creatd, Inc.
    Creatd, Inc. focuses on investments and operations across technology, media, aviation, advertising, and consumer sectors. By leveraging its expertise in structured finance and acquisitions, Creatd identifies and nurtures opportunities within small-cap companies, driving growth and innovation across its diverse portfolio.

    For investor inquiries, contact:
    ir@creatd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be one of the main themes of the exhibition “Far East Street” within the framework of the EEF-2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    11 regions of the Far East and federal ministries will present their key projects at the exhibition “Far East Street”, which will be held as part of the Eastern Economic Forum – 2025. Among the main topics are the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the victory over militarist Japan, support for a special military operation, the implementation of city master plans, and advanced technological developments.

    From September 3 to 6, the exhibition will be available to forum participants, and on September 7 and 8, it will be open to everyone. The exhibition is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Far Eastern Federal District.

    “The exhibition “Far East Street” shows participants and guests of the Eastern Economic Forum qualitative changes in the economy and social sphere. This is a unique opportunity to introduce thousands of guests from dozens of countries of the world to the cultural features and unique traditions of various peoples, to attract investors and tourists to these territories. Everyone who comes to the EEF will be able to not only learn about the technological achievements of the Far Eastern regions, but also watch performances by creative groups, learn about the features of Kamchatka, Chukotka, Buryatia, Yakutia and other regions. Each region talks about its features, what it is proud of, presents plans for the future. This year, each Far Eastern region will pay special attention to two topics – the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and support for a special military operation. On “Far East Street” you can learn about the exploits of our fathers and grandfathers, about those guys who are defending the independence of the Motherland today, and about the support that the Far East provided then and provides now,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized. – Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev.

    Currently, the appearance of the pavilions and the content of the exhibits are being updated.

    “The Far East Street exhibition is a vivid embodiment of the dynamic development of the macro-region, its economic potential and rich cultural heritage. The EEF is becoming a platform where the successes of the implementation of state policy to strengthen the Far East as a strategic center of national development are demonstrated. New opportunities for investment, tourism and international cooperation are created here, which is fully consistent with the course for sustainable growth and prosperity of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region. This will traditionally be reflected in the expositions of the regions,” said Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of Russia, Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the Preparation and Holding of the Eastern Economic Forum.

    The Kuril landing operation on Shumshu, which took place in August-September 1945, was the last major episode of the Soviet-Japanese War and the end of World War II. The operation was aimed at liberating the Kuril Islands, which at that time were under the control of Japan. An installation dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be placed inside the Sakhalin Region pavilion. The exhibition “Roads of Victory” will tell about the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk operation and the landing on Shumshu. It is planned to show a film about the expedition to the island, videos about the reconstruction of battles in the Kholmsky and Smirnykhovsky districts. The Tourism zone will present new programs: military-historical tours “Battle for Shumshu” and “Liberation of the South of Sakhalin”, seasonal offers for winter and summer recreation, as well as gastronomic tours and the project “Far East – Land of Adventures”. In a separate zone “UAV and BEK” data on the implementation of unmanned aircraft systems will be presented. This topic will be dedicated to a separate exposition aimed at promoting Sakhalin’s achievements in this area.

    In the Khabarovsk Krai pavilion, the combined zone “Everything for Victory” and “Aircraft and Shipbuilding” will tell about the industrial potential of the region, about the parade dedicated to the victory over militarist Japan and the end of World War II, on September 3. It is planned to use models of aircraft and ships as exhibition samples, and samples of products for the needs of the SVO will be demonstrated in holographic niches.

    A special place in the Magadan Region exposition will be given to the historical heritage – the role of Kolyma in the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, as well as its contribution to ensuring the country’s success during the special military operation. The small pavilion of the Magadan Region will house the “Kolyma – from Victory to Victory” zone, which will introduce visitors to facts about the contribution of Kolyma residents to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and support for the SVO.

    An interactive stand in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be installed next to the Amur Region pavilion. Here visitors will be able to see unique historical materials, photographs, and veterans’ memories. Interactive elements will be presented that will allow you to delve deeper into the events of those years.

    The “Air Defense, Civil Defense and Emergencies” zone of the Primorsky Krai pavilion will be represented by a stand in the form of three vertical screens and will tell about the region’s contribution to the military-industrial complex of Russia, ensuring information and security of the population and participation in a special military operation. The stand can be controlled using a joystick. The section will show animated videos telling about Primorye residents – heroes of the Great Patriotic War. About 200 thousand residents of Primorsky Krai took part in the military operations of the Great Patriotic War – both on the European fronts and in China and the Korean Peninsula, where they fought against the Kwantung Army of Japan. Their feat became an integral part of the overall victory. It will also tell about modern fighters participating in the Air Defense. The format of the materials varies – from documentary biographies to artistic sketches reflecting the strength of spirit, courage and dedication of the people.

    The exploits of Yakutians in the Great Patriotic War and the special military operation will also be presented at the exhibition “Far East Street”. Snipers from Yakutia, such as Fyodor Okhlopkov and Ivan Kulbertinov, were known for their outstanding results and received wide recognition. In honor of Fyodor Okhlopkov, the All-Russian Long-Range Shooting Tournament is being held in Yakutia. In addition, the entire country knows the crew of the “Alyosha” tank, which performed a heroic feat during the SVO. Yakut enterprises supply electric enduro motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and other equipment to the front lines. In particular, for their active civic position and assistance in the special military operation, the companies “Timir AT” and “Yakt-Sokol” were awarded the public and business prize “Star of the Far East” in the nomination “Everything for Victory”.

    The “80 Years of Victory” zone in the Zabaikalsky Krai pavilion will be dedicated to the achievements of the Great Patriotic War, as well as the heroes of the special military operation. The exposition will use augmented reality technologies with biographical materials about the participants of these events.

    The Buryatia exposition will be presented in two pavilions. An outdoor exhibition area, an area for holding master classes, and a new space will appear – a spiritual cleansing area. A Buryat yurt will be installed here, inside which the Center for Eastern Medicine will operate. As part of the exposition, those wishing to will be able to compete in national sports and take part in the games of the peoples of Buryatia. A separate exposition will be placed demonstrating Buryatia’s contribution to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and support for a special military operation.

    The attention of visitors to the exhibition “Far East Street” will be attracted by the interactive museum of Kamchatka military glory, installed in the “Will of Man” zone of the regional pavilion. Guests will be able to learn about the exploits of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War and the special military operation.

    The Jewish Autonomous Region will dedicate a “living newspaper” to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the exploits of the heroes of the special military operation. The structure with built-in screens and texts in the style of a printed spread will tell about fellow countrymen – participants of the Great Patriotic War and the Special Military Operation.

    The Chukotka exposition is dedicated to three significant dates: 95 years of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, 80 years of the Great Victory, and 10 years of the Eastern Economic Forum. The exposition will include a “Chukotka for Victory” zone, which will show video materials about Chukotka’s contribution to the victory during the Great Patriotic War. There will also be an interactive wall with images of defenders of the Fatherland: a pilot, a reindeer herder, and a soldier. The central element of the zone will be an art object dedicated to the participants of the special military operation.

    The unified exposition of the Ministry for the Development of the Far East and Arctic and the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation “Developing the Far” will be dedicated to the mechanisms of state investment support operating in the macroregion, as well as socially significant programs implemented on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at improving the quality of life of people. Thematic multimedia expositions “Travel”, “Study”, “Work” and “Live” will tell about the dynamics of the development of the economy of Far Eastern cities, opportunities for obtaining higher and professional education, tourist routes and hospitality facilities for recreation and new experiences. Each thematic zone will be equipped with multimedia equipment and filled with text and video content.

    Participants of the All-Russian travel competition “The Far East – Land of Adventures” will share their personal experiences of traveling around the Far East with the guests of the exhibition – in the pavilion you can see their video diaries, study the routes they have taken and get inspired for new trips.

    Traditionally, the Ministry of Sports will present its expositions on the “Far East Street”. The “Sport is the Norm of Life” pavilion will become a platform for discussing current topics in the industry, and sports activities can be enjoyed in the “GTO Arena” pavilion.

    The exhibition will open the “House of the Falcon” pavilion. It is also planned to expand the “Arab Village” exposition, which won recognition from participants last year and was timed to coincide with the international forum “Day of the Falcon”.

    The central venue will traditionally host cultural program events with the participation of representatives from all Far Eastern regions.

    The 10th anniversary Eastern Economic Forum will be held from September 3 to 6 on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. The organizer of the EEF is the Roscongress Foundation.

    The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of national and international congress, exhibition, business, public, youth, sporting and cultural events, created in accordance with the decision of the President of Russia.

    The Foundation was established in 2007 to promote the development of economic potential, advance national interests and strengthen Russia’s image. The Foundation comprehensively studies, analyses, formulates and covers issues on the Russian and global economic agenda. Provides administration and facilitates the promotion of business projects and the attraction of investments, promotes the development of social entrepreneurship and charitable projects.

    The Foundation’s events bring together participants from 209 countries and territories, more than 15,000 media representatives work annually at Roscongress venues, and more than 5,000 experts in Russia and abroad are involved in analytical and expert work.

    The Foundation interacts with UN structures and other international organizations. It develops multi-format cooperation with 226 foreign economic partners, associations of industrialists and entrepreneurs, financial, trade and business associations in 89 countries of the world, with 358 Russian public organizations, federal and regional executive and legislative bodies of the Russian Federation.

    Official telegram channels of the Roscongress Foundation: in Russian – T.Ta/Roscongress, in English – T.Ta/Roscongress, in Spanish – T.Ta/RoscongressP, in Arabic – T.Ta/Roscongressarabik. Official website and information and analytical system of the Roscongress Foundation: Roscongress.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Transport MEPs seek to reinforce passenger rights

    Source: European Parliament

    MEPs push for a common reimbursement form, no charge for selecting a child seat, free on-board personal item and small hand luggage and better protection for multimodal journeys.

    On Tuesday, Transport and Tourism Committee proposed changes to EU passenger rights rules by 38 votes to two and two abstentions to close enforcement gaps and make sure passengers are better aware of their rights in the case of travel disruptions.

    Intermediaries

    The draft rules clarify the role of intermediaries (ticket vendors or retailers) in reimbursing air passengers for cancelations, long delays or denied boarding. MEPs want these companies to inform passenger at the time of booking about the full cost of an air ticket, intermediation or service fees, and the reimbursement process, which should not take longer than 14 days. Should an intermediary fail to respect this deadline, it would be up to the air carrier to process the reimbursement within seven days.

    Common form

    MEPs support the proposal to introduce a common form for compensation and reimbursement requests. They also want to add a provision tasking air carriers with sending passengers the pre-filled form, or activate alternative automatic communication channels, within 48 hours following a disruption.

    Extraordinary circumstances

    To reduce the margin for interpretation as to what constitutes extraordinary circumstances that would allow airlines to deny compensation, the Transport and Tourism Committee followed Parliament existing position, adopted in 2014 to have a defined list of exceptions, such as natural disasters, war, weather conditions or unforeseen labour disputes (excluding strikes by airline staff).

    Hand luggage and more rights for vulnerable travellers

    MEPs want to facilitate air travel by introducing common dimensions for hand luggage. Passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop (maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm), and one small hand luggage (maximum dimensions of 100 cm and 7 kg) without an additional fee.

    MEPs also want to ensure kids under 12 years old are seated next to their accompanying passenger free of charge. They also want more protections for persons with reduced mobility by making sure an accompanying person can travel with them free of charge, and adding a compensation right in case of loss/damage to mobility equipment or injury to an assistance animal.

    Multimodal journey

    In a separate vote, Transport MEPs backed new draft EU rules on passenger rights in multimodal journeys comprising at least two modes of transport (plane-bus, train-bus-plane, etc.) by 32 votes to one and nine abstentions. If a passenger has bought a single multimodal contract from one operator, switching between transport modes should not mean losing protection against missed connections and assistance, MEPs say. Should a missed connection result in a travel delay of 60 minutes or more, the passenger should be offered meals, refreshment and a hotel stay free of charge, as needed.

    Since only a single multimodal contract would offer full protection, the Transport and Tourism Committee inserted an obligation for carriers and intermediaries to inform travellers, before purchase, what kind of ticket they are buying (single, combined or separate multimodal). Failing to do so would make sellers liable for reimbursement of the ticket and for 75% compensation if the passenger misses a connection.

    Quotes

    Rapporteur on enforcement of passenger rights Matteo Ricci (S&D, IT) said: “Today’s vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel. The agreed compromises protect all passengers, with special attention to persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, and introduce concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage up to a maximum size of 100cm, a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs. Increased transparency for intermediaries and strengthened enforcement bodies will ensure a fairer and more efficient system. Parliament is taking a strong position that defends citizens’ rights.”

    Rapporteur on air passenger rights Andrey Novakov (EPP, DE) added: “Every delay, cancellation or confusion at the gate reminds us why passengers need stronger rights. Better protection for passengers also means clear and fair rules for industry. The European Parliament has made real progress, but our work is far from over.”

    Rapporteur on passenger rights in the multimodal journey Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE) said: ““For the first time, we are creating clear and enforceable rights for combined journeys by train, plane, bus or ferry. We are enshrining in law key guarantees – including the right to timely and reliable information, fair reimbursements for missed connections, more accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and clear liability rules for intermediaries and carriers. Our proposals are intended to strengthen passenger confidence and encourage companies to develop more attractive multimodal offers. They set out clear, reasonable obligations for carriers – and at the same time ensure passengers are not abandoned.”

    Next steps

    Transport Committee MEPs also decided to start talks with EU countries on the final shape of legislation, if plenary gives its green light in July 2025: unanimously by 42 votes on passenger rights in the multimodal journey; and by 40 votes to one on enforcement of passenger rights.

    Background information

    In 2014, Parliament reacted to a Commission proposal to update air passenger rights, proposing that delayed or stranded air passengers receive better access to compensation, while providing airlines clearer rules on how to deal with passenger complaints. Progress on reaching an interinstitutional agreement was stalled for 11 years, until in June 2025 EU ministers reached a political agreement among themselves on the file, opening the way for negotiations with Parliament.

    In 2023, Commission suggested more amendments to ensure the effective protection of passenger rights in the Union when travelling by air, rail, sea and inland waterways and bus and coach transport. Commission also suggested complementing these existing rules by ensuring passengers enjoy a similar level of protection when they switch between these transport modes during a journey.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales celebrates American Airlines 1st 787-9 aircraft flying with AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment System

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales celebrates American Airlines 1st 787-9 aircraft flying with AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment System

    On 5 June 2025, American’s premium Boeing 787-9 aircraft, equipped with Thales’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment (IFE) system, made its debut on its inaugural flight from Chicago O’Hare to Los Angeles followed by its inaugural Flagship Suite® service from Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow. American Airlines, the first oneworld alliance member to introduce this IFE system, expects a total of 30 of these premium aircraft to join its fleet by 2029.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine and suspected MDMA worth about $4.9 million at airport (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine and suspected MDMA worth about $4.9 million at airport (with photo)

    Hong Kong Customs today (June 24) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 10.4 kilograms of suspected ketamine and 2.1kg of suspected MDMA, with a total estimated market value of about $4.9 million, were seized.

    A 27-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, Netherlands, today. During Customs clearance, the batches of suspected ketamine and suspected MDMA were found in his rucksack, carry-on travel bag and carry-on suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

    The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (June 25).

    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

    Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    Ends/Tuesday, June 24, 2025
    Issued at HKT 20:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mariam Kvrivishvili appointed Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tbilisi, June 24 (Xinhua) — Mariam Kvrivishvili has been appointed Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. This was announced by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze at a briefing at the government administration.

    The appointment follows the resignation of Levan Davitashvili, who previously held the post.

    Since May 2021, M. Kvrivishvili has held the position of Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development and oversaw key areas, including the development of tourism and aviation.

    In 2019-2020, she headed the Georgian National Tourism Administration.

    M. Kvrivishvili is also a member of the political council of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

    L. Davitashvili has been appointed to a new position — Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister on Economic Issues, as well as Secretary of the Economic Council. He has headed the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development since February 2022, while simultaneously serving as Deputy Prime Minister and then First Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first plenary session of the 16th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC was held in Beijing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — The first plenary meeting of the 16th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) of China was held in the Chinese capital on Tuesday, where various bills and reports were reviewed.

    The meeting was chaired by Zhao Leji, Chairman of the 14th NPC Standing Committee.

    The deputies reviewed draft laws on social assistance, on medical care, on responding to public health emergencies, and on propaganda and education in the area of the rule of law.

    In addition, draft amendments to the Law on Punishment for Disorderly Conduct, the Law on Combating Unfair Competition, the Law on Maritime Commerce, the Law on Fisheries, the Law on Civil Aviation, and the Law on Food Security were considered.

    Legislators considered a proposal to ratify the Convention on the Establishment of the International Mediation Organization.

    The financial report on the execution of the central government budget for 2024, the audit report on the execution of the central government budget and other budget revenues and expenditures for 2024, reports on the development of productive forces of a new quality, on the powers of individual deputies and on personnel changes were also reviewed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: sonnen Pioneers Canada’s First Home Battery-Based VPP Embedded in a Master Planned Community

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. and EDMONTON, Alberta, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, sonnen, a global leader in energy storage and virtual power plant (VPP) technology, launched its first VPP in Canada at Blatchford Lands, a master planned community designed for net-zero living and a reduced environmental footprint. Landmark Homes, a recognized leader in sustainable and innovative home construction and the builder behind Blatchford Lands, collaborated with sonnen, along with utility provider EPCOR, electric retail provider Solartility and the University of Alberta. Together, these energy leaders developed the VPP that can be considered the vanguard of a newly decentralized and digitalized clean energy system for the future of Canada.

    With this inaugural VPP launch into Canada, sonnen once again sets the standard for innovation in solar powered battery storage systems deployed across master planned communities as a virtual power plant. The Blatchford Lands VPP is the first of its kind on scope and scale for Canada. As a primer for broad adoption throughout the EPCOR service territory, this project constitutes the beginning of renewable energy and grid coordination’s evolution. sonnen, with its partners, is providing the community and its residents with emergency back-up power, daily management of peak energy use and demand response, among other grid services, for the overall management of the electric grid.

    As a prototype, the Blatchford Lands VPP begins with 100 sonnen batteries deployed throughout the master planned community, representing nearly a half a megawatt (MW) of power and over two megawatt hours (MWh) of storage capacity that will support the Canadian energy grid. Following this initial deployment, sonnen plans to launch VPPs throughout Alberta and into other Canadian regions, with potential to reach over 3,000 individual sites, providing more than18 MW of energy and 60 MWHs of grid support over the next 3 years.

    “What has been achieved at Blatchford Lands is extremely special, and even beyond many of the VPP market designs in America,” said Blake Richetta, Chairman and CEO of sonnen Inc. USA. “sonnen proudly stands behind our Canadian colleagues and customers, as our sister market, and as the closest of friends to the American people.”

    sonnen, Solartility and the University of Alberta envision this highly innovative master planned community VPP project to become a replicable model for communities across the province and throughout Canada. This model can also be replicated in select U.S. markets, like Texas, where sonnen recently announced a Virtual Power Plant Power Purchase Agreement (VPA) and launched behind-the-meter, battery-enabled VPPs.

    “Canada has developed into a rich and innovative VPP market thanks to the pioneering efforts and support from great partners,” said Geoff Ferrell, Senior Vice President – Global C&I and VPP Project Business of sonnen Inc. USA. “The coming together of builders like Landmark Homes, the utility EPCOR, retail providers like Solartility, and academics like those at the University of Alberta, are working together to build this innovative VPP program at Blatchford Lands and beyond.”

    With awards from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), the Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), among others, Blatchford Lands has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovative community planning. Residents can enjoy diverse housing options equipped with renewable energy sources for heating and cooling—all in a centrally located neighborhood that once served as Edmonton’s municipal airport, now reimagined as a model for sustainable urban development.

    Blatchford Lands is the latest sonnen VPP to launch at a master planned community, following wildly successful deployments at Soleil Lofts and Soleil Tech Park in Utah, Pearl Homes’ nationally renowned Hunters Point in Cortez Florida, and Mandalay Homes in Arizona, among other projects.

    ABOUT sonnen
    sonnen is a global leader in smart energy storage systems for residential use and a pioneer in residential battery-based virtual power plants. The sonnen VPP is recognized as a model for the decentralized, digitalized, and decarbonized energy system of the future. As one of the most experienced and rapidly growing VPP energy storage companies worldwide, sonnen has earned numerous international awards for its technological achievements. The sonnenCommunity, a network of visionaries worldwide, utilizes sonnen’s products and services to promote clean and affordable energy for all. With offices in Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the USA, sonnen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell. Learn more at: https://sonnenusa.com

    Media Contact
    sonnen@fischtankpr.com
    FischTank PR

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa – what’s behind its bid for soft power

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Issouf Binaté, enseignant-chercheur, Université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké

    Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa as the geopolitical and economic landscape in the region shifts. In Senegal, the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation has entered a key partnership in the oil and gas sector. Meanwhile, Karpowership, a company providing electricity via floating power plants, now supplies energy to eight African countries. But Turkey’s not stopping there. As part of its soft power strategy, it is also winning hearts and minds through education and culture while deepening trade and security ties.

    Historian Issouf Binaté, who has studied Turkey’s growing presence in west Africa, breaks down how Ankara is positioning itself as an alternative to both former colonial powers and newer global players competing for influence on the continent.

    What drives Turkey’s growing influence in west Africa?

    Turkey’s foreign policy in west Africa leans on two main pillars.

    One is institutional power, driven by state-backed agencies (embassies, the religious affairs directorate Diyanet, and the economic cooperation agency (TIKA) .

    The other is more grassroots, led by non-state actors such as religious foundations and NGOs.

    These groups laid the groundwork for Turkey’s African expansion long before Ankara officially stepped in.

    A key player in Turkey’s earlier outreach was the Gülen movement, named after preacher Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024). The Gülen movement pioneered Turkey’s soft power approach with “Turkish schools”, starting with the Yavuz Sultan Selim and Yavuz Selim-Bosphore high schools in Dakar in 1997.

    Also at the end of the 1990s a network composed of Turkish business leaders and social activists under the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists, which claimed over 100,000 member companies, expanded Turkey’s influence across Africa. At that time, Turkey had only three diplomatic representations for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.

    The more recent contact with Africa comes at a time when western hegemony faces growing criticism from a new generation of Africans engaged in decolonial movements. Gülen-affiliated institutions now number 113, alongside religious and secular schools run by other groups like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi. Since the 2016 political rift between Gülen and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, these schools were gradually transferred to Maarif Foundation, Turkey’s state-run overseas education arm.

    Back in 2003, Turkey had only 12 diplomatic missions across Africa. Today, that number has grown to 44, bolstered by Turkish religious foundations (like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi), NGOs, and entrepreneurs who have filled the gap left by the Gülen movement.

    Another powerful player in Turkey’s Africa strategy is Turkish Airlines, now one of the top carriers on the continent. It is now flying to 62 airports in 41 African countries.

    What role do west African students trained in Turkey play?

    By investing in education, Turkey didn’t just open its doors to African students. It also planted the seeds for a long-term influence strategy. These students, and more broadly young African migrants trained in Turkey, are now among the key messengers of “Turkishness” back home.

    In doing so, Ankara is following a familiar path once used by colonial powers. They used student mobility as a powerful tool for their diplomacy.

    This policy of openness took several forms. As early as 1960, it welcomed students from non-self-governing territories in accordance with UN General Assembly resolutions.

    Then, in the 1990s, Turkey continued this effort through a scholarship programme for African students, supported by the Islamic Development Bank. During this period, Turkey launched the Büyük Öğrenci Projesi (Great Student Project), which provided scholarships to international students.

    Starting in 2012, this programme was re-branded as YTB (Yurtdışı Türkler ve Akraba Topluluklar Başkanlığı, or Directorate for Turks Abroad and Related Communities). It introduced reforms, including a digital application process for scholarships via an app on the YTB website. This shift caused a dramatic spike in interest. Applications soared from 10,000 to 155,000 between 2012 and 2020.

    For non-scholarship students, Turkey simplified visa processes, reduced tuition fees, and offered other incentives. These measures contributed to a significant increase in the number of applicants to study in Turkey. As the number of universities in Turkey jumped from 76 to 193 between 2003 and 2015, the country became increasingly attractive.

    By 2017, Turkey had become the 13th most popular destination for students from sub-Saharan Africa, according to Campus France (a platform that supports international students studying in France). By 2019, there were an estimated 61,000 African students studying in Turkey.

    Now, nearly three decades into this strategy, many of these former students are stepping into new roles. They are taking over from Turkish entrepreneurs in fostering socioeconomic ties with Africa. They also act as bridges, promoting Turkish universities and supporting visitors in areas like medical and industrial tourism.

    In Istanbul, some run cargo companies – some of them informal – that ship goods to Africa. Others are working to formalise these ventures and build long-term economic bridges. Groups like Bizim Afrika, a network of African Turkish-speakers, and the Federation of African Students in Turkey (founded in 2019), are playing key roles in shaping this next chapter of Turkey–Africa relations.

    How is Turkey’s strategy in west Africa different from that of China or France?

    In substance, Turkey’s strategy isn’t so different from that of France or China. It also carries traces of colonial thinking, even though its approach leans more on religious soft power like building mosques across Africa. Unlike France, which used force in its colonial past, Turkey is trying to gain influence through other means. It uses familiar tools: embassies, schools, cinema, security services, and development agencies.

    However, Turkey has learned from the criticism faced by western powers at a pivotal moment in Africa’s global relations.

    While access to Europe, the US and Canada has become more difficult due to stricter visa rules, Turkey has opened its doors. It eased visa procedures for African business people, expanded its universities, and promoted medical tourism.

    Turkey has become a hub for several sectors. It’s a major centre for nose surgery (rhinoplasty), hair transplants, and textiles. Its textile industry now supplies traders at Makola Market in Accra, Adjamé’s Forum in Côte d’Ivoire, and the Grand Marché in Bamako.

    Turkey has also capitalised on the security crisis in the Sahel, where France’s military presence has become controversial. It stepped in by selling Bayraktar TB2 drones and offering private security services to some governments.

    Is this Turkish presence set to last?

    Turkey’s presence in Africa is now visible in several symbolic ways. You can see it in Maarif schools, murals at Abidjan airport, the “Le Istanbul” restaurant in Niamey’s government district, or the National Mosque in Accra, modelled after Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.

    Turkey’s engagement is a work in progress. But its outreach to Africa is already yielding results. Trade volume reached US$40.7 billion in 2022. The return of the first waves of African students trained in Turkey has shifted the dynamic. Cooperation no longer relies solely on Turkish business people and social entrepreneurs.

    Even though African elites often speak English, French or Arabic, new voices are emerging. Young people trained in Turkey are beginning to find their place. Many work in import-export, construction, and even Islamic religious leadership. This trend points to promising prospects for long-term ties.

    For Turkey, Africa represents a continent with major economic opportunities. Becoming a trusted partner is now a key goal. On the diplomatic level, Turkey gained observer status at the African Union in 2005 and has hosted Turkey-Africa summits in Istanbul since 2008.

    This growing involvement suggests that Turkey’s role in Africa is likely to last. It will depend on the continent’s market needs, especially at a time when many African countries are rethinking their relationships with traditional western powers and international institutions.

    Issouf Binaté 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. Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa – what’s behind its bid for soft power – https://theconversation.com/turkey-is-stepping-up-its-influence-in-west-africa-whats-behind-its-bid-for-soft-power-256929

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa – what’s behind its bid for soft power

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Issouf Binaté, enseignant-chercheur, Université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké

    Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa as the geopolitical and economic landscape in the region shifts. In Senegal, the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation has entered a key partnership in the oil and gas sector. Meanwhile, Karpowership, a company providing electricity via floating power plants, now supplies energy to eight African countries. But Turkey’s not stopping there. As part of its soft power strategy, it is also winning hearts and minds through education and culture while deepening trade and security ties.

    Historian Issouf Binaté, who has studied Turkey’s growing presence in west Africa, breaks down how Ankara is positioning itself as an alternative to both former colonial powers and newer global players competing for influence on the continent.

    What drives Turkey’s growing influence in west Africa?

    Turkey’s foreign policy in west Africa leans on two main pillars.

    One is institutional power, driven by state-backed agencies (embassies, the religious affairs directorate Diyanet, and the economic cooperation agency (TIKA) .

    The other is more grassroots, led by non-state actors such as religious foundations and NGOs.

    These groups laid the groundwork for Turkey’s African expansion long before Ankara officially stepped in.

    A key player in Turkey’s earlier outreach was the Gülen movement, named after preacher Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024). The Gülen movement pioneered Turkey’s soft power approach with “Turkish schools”, starting with the Yavuz Sultan Selim and Yavuz Selim-Bosphore high schools in Dakar in 1997.

    Also at the end of the 1990s a network composed of Turkish business leaders and social activists under the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists, which claimed over 100,000 member companies, expanded Turkey’s influence across Africa. At that time, Turkey had only three diplomatic representations for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.

    The more recent contact with Africa comes at a time when western hegemony faces growing criticism from a new generation of Africans engaged in decolonial movements. Gülen-affiliated institutions now number 113, alongside religious and secular schools run by other groups like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi. Since the 2016 political rift between Gülen and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, these schools were gradually transferred to Maarif Foundation, Turkey’s state-run overseas education arm.

    Back in 2003, Turkey had only 12 diplomatic missions across Africa. Today, that number has grown to 44, bolstered by Turkish religious foundations (like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi), NGOs, and entrepreneurs who have filled the gap left by the Gülen movement.

    Another powerful player in Turkey’s Africa strategy is Turkish Airlines, now one of the top carriers on the continent. It is now flying to 62 airports in 41 African countries.

    What role do west African students trained in Turkey play?

    By investing in education, Turkey didn’t just open its doors to African students. It also planted the seeds for a long-term influence strategy. These students, and more broadly young African migrants trained in Turkey, are now among the key messengers of “Turkishness” back home.

    In doing so, Ankara is following a familiar path once used by colonial powers. They used student mobility as a powerful tool for their diplomacy.

    This policy of openness took several forms. As early as 1960, it welcomed students from non-self-governing territories in accordance with UN General Assembly resolutions.

    Then, in the 1990s, Turkey continued this effort through a scholarship programme for African students, supported by the Islamic Development Bank. During this period, Turkey launched the Büyük Öğrenci Projesi (Great Student Project), which provided scholarships to international students.

    Starting in 2012, this programme was re-branded as YTB (Yurtdışı Türkler ve Akraba Topluluklar Başkanlığı, or Directorate for Turks Abroad and Related Communities). It introduced reforms, including a digital application process for scholarships via an app on the YTB website. This shift caused a dramatic spike in interest. Applications soared from 10,000 to 155,000 between 2012 and 2020.

    For non-scholarship students, Turkey simplified visa processes, reduced tuition fees, and offered other incentives. These measures contributed to a significant increase in the number of applicants to study in Turkey. As the number of universities in Turkey jumped from 76 to 193 between 2003 and 2015, the country became increasingly attractive.

    By 2017, Turkey had become the 13th most popular destination for students from sub-Saharan Africa, according to Campus France (a platform that supports international students studying in France). By 2019, there were an estimated 61,000 African students studying in Turkey.

    Now, nearly three decades into this strategy, many of these former students are stepping into new roles. They are taking over from Turkish entrepreneurs in fostering socioeconomic ties with Africa. They also act as bridges, promoting Turkish universities and supporting visitors in areas like medical and industrial tourism.

    In Istanbul, some run cargo companies – some of them informal – that ship goods to Africa. Others are working to formalise these ventures and build long-term economic bridges. Groups like Bizim Afrika, a network of African Turkish-speakers, and the Federation of African Students in Turkey (founded in 2019), are playing key roles in shaping this next chapter of Turkey–Africa relations.

    How is Turkey’s strategy in west Africa different from that of China or France?

    In substance, Turkey’s strategy isn’t so different from that of France or China. It also carries traces of colonial thinking, even though its approach leans more on religious soft power like building mosques across Africa. Unlike France, which used force in its colonial past, Turkey is trying to gain influence through other means. It uses familiar tools: embassies, schools, cinema, security services, and development agencies.

    However, Turkey has learned from the criticism faced by western powers at a pivotal moment in Africa’s global relations.

    While access to Europe, the US and Canada has become more difficult due to stricter visa rules, Turkey has opened its doors. It eased visa procedures for African business people, expanded its universities, and promoted medical tourism.

    Turkey has become a hub for several sectors. It’s a major centre for nose surgery (rhinoplasty), hair transplants, and textiles. Its textile industry now supplies traders at Makola Market in Accra, Adjamé’s Forum in Côte d’Ivoire, and the Grand Marché in Bamako.

    Turkey has also capitalised on the security crisis in the Sahel, where France’s military presence has become controversial. It stepped in by selling Bayraktar TB2 drones and offering private security services to some governments.

    Is this Turkish presence set to last?

    Turkey’s presence in Africa is now visible in several symbolic ways. You can see it in Maarif schools, murals at Abidjan airport, the “Le Istanbul” restaurant in Niamey’s government district, or the National Mosque in Accra, modelled after Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.

    Turkey’s engagement is a work in progress. But its outreach to Africa is already yielding results. Trade volume reached US$40.7 billion in 2022. The return of the first waves of African students trained in Turkey has shifted the dynamic. Cooperation no longer relies solely on Turkish business people and social entrepreneurs.

    Even though African elites often speak English, French or Arabic, new voices are emerging. Young people trained in Turkey are beginning to find their place. Many work in import-export, construction, and even Islamic religious leadership. This trend points to promising prospects for long-term ties.

    For Turkey, Africa represents a continent with major economic opportunities. Becoming a trusted partner is now a key goal. On the diplomatic level, Turkey gained observer status at the African Union in 2005 and has hosted Turkey-Africa summits in Istanbul since 2008.

    This growing involvement suggests that Turkey’s role in Africa is likely to last. It will depend on the continent’s market needs, especially at a time when many African countries are rethinking their relationships with traditional western powers and international institutions.

    Issouf Binaté 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. Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa – what’s behind its bid for soft power – https://theconversation.com/turkey-is-stepping-up-its-influence-in-west-africa-whats-behind-its-bid-for-soft-power-256929

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa – what’s behind its bid for soft power

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Issouf Binaté, enseignant-chercheur, Université Alassane Ouattara de Bouaké

    Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa as the geopolitical and economic landscape in the region shifts. In Senegal, the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation has entered a key partnership in the oil and gas sector. Meanwhile, Karpowership, a company providing electricity via floating power plants, now supplies energy to eight African countries. But Turkey’s not stopping there. As part of its soft power strategy, it is also winning hearts and minds through education and culture while deepening trade and security ties.

    Historian Issouf Binaté, who has studied Turkey’s growing presence in west Africa, breaks down how Ankara is positioning itself as an alternative to both former colonial powers and newer global players competing for influence on the continent.

    What drives Turkey’s growing influence in west Africa?

    Turkey’s foreign policy in west Africa leans on two main pillars.

    One is institutional power, driven by state-backed agencies (embassies, the religious affairs directorate Diyanet, and the economic cooperation agency (TIKA) .

    The other is more grassroots, led by non-state actors such as religious foundations and NGOs.

    These groups laid the groundwork for Turkey’s African expansion long before Ankara officially stepped in.

    A key player in Turkey’s earlier outreach was the Gülen movement, named after preacher Fethullah Gülen (1941–2024). The Gülen movement pioneered Turkey’s soft power approach with “Turkish schools”, starting with the Yavuz Sultan Selim and Yavuz Selim-Bosphore high schools in Dakar in 1997.

    Also at the end of the 1990s a network composed of Turkish business leaders and social activists under the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists, which claimed over 100,000 member companies, expanded Turkey’s influence across Africa. At that time, Turkey had only three diplomatic representations for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.

    The more recent contact with Africa comes at a time when western hegemony faces growing criticism from a new generation of Africans engaged in decolonial movements. Gülen-affiliated institutions now number 113, alongside religious and secular schools run by other groups like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi. Since the 2016 political rift between Gülen and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, these schools were gradually transferred to Maarif Foundation, Turkey’s state-run overseas education arm.

    Back in 2003, Turkey had only 12 diplomatic missions across Africa. Today, that number has grown to 44, bolstered by Turkish religious foundations (like Mahmud Hudayi Vakfi and Hayrat Vakfi), NGOs, and entrepreneurs who have filled the gap left by the Gülen movement.

    Another powerful player in Turkey’s Africa strategy is Turkish Airlines, now one of the top carriers on the continent. It is now flying to 62 airports in 41 African countries.

    What role do west African students trained in Turkey play?

    By investing in education, Turkey didn’t just open its doors to African students. It also planted the seeds for a long-term influence strategy. These students, and more broadly young African migrants trained in Turkey, are now among the key messengers of “Turkishness” back home.

    In doing so, Ankara is following a familiar path once used by colonial powers. They used student mobility as a powerful tool for their diplomacy.

    This policy of openness took several forms. As early as 1960, it welcomed students from non-self-governing territories in accordance with UN General Assembly resolutions.

    Then, in the 1990s, Turkey continued this effort through a scholarship programme for African students, supported by the Islamic Development Bank. During this period, Turkey launched the Büyük Öğrenci Projesi (Great Student Project), which provided scholarships to international students.

    Starting in 2012, this programme was re-branded as YTB (Yurtdışı Türkler ve Akraba Topluluklar Başkanlığı, or Directorate for Turks Abroad and Related Communities). It introduced reforms, including a digital application process for scholarships via an app on the YTB website. This shift caused a dramatic spike in interest. Applications soared from 10,000 to 155,000 between 2012 and 2020.

    For non-scholarship students, Turkey simplified visa processes, reduced tuition fees, and offered other incentives. These measures contributed to a significant increase in the number of applicants to study in Turkey. As the number of universities in Turkey jumped from 76 to 193 between 2003 and 2015, the country became increasingly attractive.

    By 2017, Turkey had become the 13th most popular destination for students from sub-Saharan Africa, according to Campus France (a platform that supports international students studying in France). By 2019, there were an estimated 61,000 African students studying in Turkey.

    Now, nearly three decades into this strategy, many of these former students are stepping into new roles. They are taking over from Turkish entrepreneurs in fostering socioeconomic ties with Africa. They also act as bridges, promoting Turkish universities and supporting visitors in areas like medical and industrial tourism.

    In Istanbul, some run cargo companies – some of them informal – that ship goods to Africa. Others are working to formalise these ventures and build long-term economic bridges. Groups like Bizim Afrika, a network of African Turkish-speakers, and the Federation of African Students in Turkey (founded in 2019), are playing key roles in shaping this next chapter of Turkey–Africa relations.

    How is Turkey’s strategy in west Africa different from that of China or France?

    In substance, Turkey’s strategy isn’t so different from that of France or China. It also carries traces of colonial thinking, even though its approach leans more on religious soft power like building mosques across Africa. Unlike France, which used force in its colonial past, Turkey is trying to gain influence through other means. It uses familiar tools: embassies, schools, cinema, security services, and development agencies.

    However, Turkey has learned from the criticism faced by western powers at a pivotal moment in Africa’s global relations.

    While access to Europe, the US and Canada has become more difficult due to stricter visa rules, Turkey has opened its doors. It eased visa procedures for African business people, expanded its universities, and promoted medical tourism.

    Turkey has become a hub for several sectors. It’s a major centre for nose surgery (rhinoplasty), hair transplants, and textiles. Its textile industry now supplies traders at Makola Market in Accra, Adjamé’s Forum in Côte d’Ivoire, and the Grand Marché in Bamako.

    Turkey has also capitalised on the security crisis in the Sahel, where France’s military presence has become controversial. It stepped in by selling Bayraktar TB2 drones and offering private security services to some governments.

    Is this Turkish presence set to last?

    Turkey’s presence in Africa is now visible in several symbolic ways. You can see it in Maarif schools, murals at Abidjan airport, the “Le Istanbul” restaurant in Niamey’s government district, or the National Mosque in Accra, modelled after Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.

    The. Amuzujoe

    Turkey’s engagement is a work in progress. But its outreach to Africa is already yielding results. Trade volume reached US$40.7 billion in 2022. The return of the first waves of African students trained in Turkey has shifted the dynamic. Cooperation no longer relies solely on Turkish business people and social entrepreneurs.

    Even though African elites often speak English, French or Arabic, new voices are emerging. Young people trained in Turkey are beginning to find their place. Many work in import-export, construction, and even Islamic religious leadership. This trend points to promising prospects for long-term ties.

    For Turkey, Africa represents a continent with major economic opportunities. Becoming a trusted partner is now a key goal. On the diplomatic level, Turkey gained observer status at the African Union in 2005 and has hosted Turkey-Africa summits in Istanbul since 2008.

    This growing involvement suggests that Turkey’s role in Africa is likely to last. It will depend on the continent’s market needs, especially at a time when many African countries are rethinking their relationships with traditional western powers and international institutions.

    – Turkey is stepping up its influence in west Africa – what’s behind its bid for soft power
    – https://theconversation.com/turkey-is-stepping-up-its-influence-in-west-africa-whats-behind-its-bid-for-soft-power-256929

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming National Guard joins Colorado, South Dakota in support of DEA’s 28th National Drug Take Back Day

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming National Guard teamed up with the Colorado and South Dakota National Guard Counterdrug Aviation Teams to support the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 28th National Drug Take Back Day—a nationwide effort aimed at providing a safe, responsible way to dispose of unused prescription medications.

    For nearly 30 years, the DEA has hosted this event to help communities across the country reduce the risk of medication misuse and overdose. This year, Wyoming’s own Counterdrug Program members, Tech. Sgt. Shayne Andren and Sgt. 1st Class Ty Nieters, led the Guard’s efforts across the state.

    Why Drug Take Back Day Matters

    Nieters said unused prescriptions can often be the first step toward substance abuse.

    “Prescription drug misuse remains a major public health concern, with unused medications often becoming a gateway to addiction,” Nieters said.

    Research shows many cases of opioid misuse begin with drugs taken from family or friends. Drug Take Back Day helps break that cycle by encouraging proper disposal—and in doing so, it helps protect families and the environment from harm.

    A Unified Guard Effort

    Planning for the event spanned four months. Andren worked directly with the DEA to coordinate logistics, tapping into the National Guard’s regional network for help. Thanks to support from Colorado and South Dakota’s Counterdrug Aviation Programs, the team was able to move fast and efficiently.

    Using UH-72 Lakota helicopters, the aviation crews transported 1,639.25 pounds of unwanted medications from 20 participating law enforcement agencies across Wyoming.

    “This mission was about more than logistics: It was about ensuring the safe disposal of thousands of pounds of medication that could have otherwise contributed to substance misuse,” Andren said. “By working with multiple National Guard Counterdrug teams, we were able to take a proactive approach to prevention and strengthen partnerships for future initiatives.”

    Beyond Drug Take Back: Ongoing Prevention

    While Drug Take Back Day occurs every year, it’s just one piece of the Wyoming National Guard’s larger prevention strategy.

    The Drug Demand Reduction and Outreach or DDRO Team continues working year-round to educate communities, equip first responders, and support at-risk populations. Ongoing initiatives include:

    • Narcan Training: Helping first responders, community groups and families learn to reverse opioid overdoses.
    • Positive Action Training: Bringing proven prevention programs into schools and youth organizations to promote healthy behavior.
    • Hidden in Plain Sight Trailer: A mobile, interactive exhibit that shows parents and educators how to spot subtle signs of teen substance use.
    • DDRO Mobile App: A soon-to-launch resource offering educational tools and local prevention support right from your phone.

    “Our mission doesn’t stop at drug take back. This is just one piece of a larger strategy,” Nieters said. “The DDRO Team is committed to taking proactive steps to prevent substance misuse before it starts. Whether it’s educating families with hidden in plain sight or equipping first responders with Narcan training, we are focused on making a lasting impact.”

    As the fight against substance misuse evolves, the Wyoming National Guard continues to make an impact.

    “This operation was an excellent example of interagency collaboration at its finest,” said Brig. Gen. Michelle Mulberry, director of the joint staff for the Wyoming National Guard. “The teamwork displayed by Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota National Guard units in coordination with the DEA showcases the importance of multi-state partnerships in addressing substance misuse prevention. The success of this mission sets a high standard for future prevention efforts.”

     

    A UH-72 Lakota helicopter transports secured containers of collected prescription medications during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 28th National Drug Take Back Day. The Wyoming National Guard partnered with Colorado and South Dakota National Guard counterdrug teams to retrieve more than 1,600 pounds of unused medications from law enforcement agencies across the state. (U.S. Army National Guard photo)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: AIIB’s first decade marks a path of multilateral, sustainable development

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

    As the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) marks its 10th anniversary, the multilateral development bank is playing an increasingly prominent role in advancing connectivity, green growth, and sustainable development across regions.

    Founded in 2015, AIIB has grown from 57 founding members to 110 across six continents, covering 81 percent of the world’s population and 65 percent of global GDP.

    Over the past decade, it has approved over 60 billion U.S. dollars in financing for 320 projects, leveraging more than 200 billion U.S. dollars in infrastructure investment.

    From electrifying rural Bangladesh to building roads in Cote d’Ivoire, AIIB-supported projects are narrowing infrastructure gaps and improving lives across continents.

    Infrastructure transforming lives

    In Padmo Para village near Dhaka, Bangladesh, local resident Najma Aktar recalls a time when her family studied by the light of a kerosene lamp. That changed in 2016, when the AIIB provided a 165 million U.S. dollar loan to upgrade the local power grid.

    As the bank’s first standalone financed investment, it brought electricity to 12.5 million rural residents, transforming their daily lives.

    By the end of 2024, AIIB has supported over 51,000 kilometers of transport infrastructure — enough to circle the Earth more than once — and benefited more than 410 million people.

    In Indonesia, AIIB supported the upgrading of urban slums, improving the lives of nearly 10 million people. In China’s Yunnan Province, airport expansion enhanced flower exports and boosted farmers’ incomes by 25 percent. In Uzbekistan, AIIB helped extend access to clean water for 660,000 residents.

    “AIIB’s concrete actions have effectively helped bridge global infrastructure investment gaps, advanced regional development, and contributed positively to global economic growth,” said Lu Feng, professor at Peking University.

    Multilateral platform for cooperation

    “AIIB was established on the principles of multilateralism and high international standards,” the bank’s president Jin Liqun told Xinhua in a recent interview, noting that these principles have enabled the bank to earn broad trust and participation across the globe.

    AIIB’s investments span not only Asia but also Africa, Latin America, and beyond, reflecting its commitment to promoting global sustainable development.

    “Asia cannot thrive in isolation,” Jin said, noting that while the bank’s primary focus is Asia, its work also supports broader cooperation that contributes to meaningful development outcomes around the world.

    Reflecting this vision, AIIB has actively expanded its global partnerships and collaborative financing efforts. It is now the largest co-financing partner of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and has built partnerships with over 100 organizations, including multilateral and regional institutions, policy banks, private sector players and philanthropy foundations.

    On the capital markets side, AIIB had issued over 54 billion U.S. dollars equivalent bonds in multiple currencies as of the end of May, and has consistently maintained triple-A credit ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. Moody’s, for instance, credited the bank’s top rating to its strong financial footing, well-performing assets, and ample liquidity.

    “AIIB has become a new model for multilateral cooperation through its innovative operations and collaborative approach,” said Bai Chong’en, dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University, noting its flexible and pragmatic support for infrastructure development in developing countries.

    Investing in infrastructure for tomorrow

    Amid rising global challenges, AIIB is positioning itself as a future-oriented development bank that supports both traditional and digital infrastructure for the long haul.

    In 2020, the bank launched its corporate strategy themed “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” with priorities including green infrastructure, technology-enabled infrastructure, connectivity and cross-border cooperation, and private capital mobilization.

    By 2025, at least 50 percent of its approved financing was expected to support climate-related projects, a target the bank achieved in 2022, three years ahead of schedule.

    In Cote d’Ivoire, an AIIB-financed rural road project approved in 2023 has made it easier for villagers to reach hospitals and sell cashews and cocoa, even during flood seasons. Local project coordinator Gilbert Ekpini said residents were thrilled with the changes.

    By the end of 2024, AIIB-supported projects had added 21.3 gigawatts of installed power generation capacity of renewable energy, helping to reduce nearly 30 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually.

    The bank is increasingly helping its members embrace the digital era. Last year, AIIB launched InfraTech Portal, a digital platform that shares comprehensive, neutral and free information on infrastructure technologies.

    “Artificial intelligence holds vast potential and offers developing countries an opportunity to leap ahead in their development,” Jin said.

    “That’s why our infrastructure investments must evolve with the times. We should ensure that emerging technologies like AI help narrow, but not widen, the digital divide, especially for the developing world,” he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: ‘The mission is the same’: Retired Marine F-35 pilot finds new way to serve at FRCE

    Source: United States Navy

    In his new role as a civilian F-35 maintenance test pilot, retired Marine Ross Fearon traded combat maneuvers for flight testing to ensure  the nation’s warfighters receive flight-ready aircraft following modification or repair at the depot.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How we protected the UK and space in May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    How we protected the UK and space in May 2025

    This report was issued in June 2025 and covers the time period 1 May 2025 to 31 May 2025 inclusive.

    The National Space Operations Centre is led by the UK Space Agency and UK Space Command in partnership with the Met Office.

    May saw more stable levels of space activity with both uncontrolled re-entry and collision alerts at levels below the 12-month rolling average.

    All NSpOC warning and protection services functioned as expected throughout the period.

    Re-entry Analysis

    May saw a 30% decrease in the number of objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, tracked by NSpOC, when compared with the previous month.

    Of the 64 objects that re-entered, 55 were satellites and 9 were rocket bodies.

    June: 48, July: 44, August: 89, September: 50, October: 35, November: 47, December: 83, January: 115, February: 129, March: 85, April: 92, May: 64

    In-Space Collision Avoidance

    Collision risks to UK-licensed satellites were lower in May with a 41% decline when compared with April, caused by fewer interactions between UK licenced objects and other spacecraft or debris over the previous 30 days.

    June: 1,881, July: 1,795, August: 2,137, September: 3,041, October: 3,181, November: 2,722, December: 2,142, January: 2,694, February: 2,567, March: 2,588, April: 2,620, May: 1,546

    Number of Objects in Space

    The in-orbit population increased in May, with a net addition of 198 objects to the US Satellite Catalogue.

    June: 28,868, July: 28,853, August: 29,626, September: 29,605, October: 29,642, November: 29,781, December: 29,843, January: 29,961, February: 29,989, March: 30,090, April: 30,208, May: 30,393

    The number of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) reported may be subject to small adjustments over time as the way objects are tracked is refined. Figures in this report reflect the most current available data and may differ slightly from those published in previous months.

    Fragmentation Analysis

    There have been no new fragmentation (break-up) incidents this month.

    Space weather

    Space weather impact modelling suggests a possible moderate to high estimated effect on satellite communications, aviation and marine transport systems during this reporting period.

    Comments

    The National Space Operations Centre combines and coordinates UK civil and military space domain awareness capabilities to enable operations, promote prosperity and protect UK interests in space and on Earth from space-related threats, risks and hazards.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to showcase more advanced weapons and equipment at Sept. 3 military parade

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — Weapons and military equipment to be displayed at a military parade in China on Sept. 3 will demonstrate the systemic combat capabilities, new combat forces and strategic deterrence power of China’s armed forces, Wu Zeke, an official with the Joint Staff of the Central Military Commission, said at a press conference on Tuesday.

    All the weapons and equipment that will appear in the parade are the main combat equipment in active service with the PLA, reflecting China’s independent innovative capability in weapons development, Wu Zeke said.

    According to him, the military parade will feature only domestically produced weapons and equipment, which are distinguished by higher strike accuracy, improved adaptability on the battlefield and greater combat effectiveness.

    On the same day, it was announced at a press conference that a military parade would be held on September 3 in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

    Wu Zeke added that all weapons and equipment in the upcoming parade will be selected from combat units of various services and branches of the armed forces, including strategic strike forces, advanced operational and tactical equipment, and new-model combat forces suitable for future forms of warfare.

    The weapons and military equipment that will be on display at the parade will also cover the full range of capabilities related to command, control, reconnaissance, early warning, air and missile defence, as well as fire strikes and integrated support.

    In addition, the parade will be organized according to battle groups, embodying the basic principles of using information as the main tool, system support, elite troop operations and joint force victory, Wu Zeke said.

    Wu Zeke noted that in recent years, China has made a series of technological breakthroughs and developed a batch of advanced weapons and equipment, opening a new era in the development of its weapons.

    He added that the latest aircraft carriers, destroyers, stealth fighters, unmanned aerial vehicles and strategic missiles have been put into service at an accelerated pace, marking a major leap forward in the development of the Chinese military’s weapons and equipment and providing strong support for the substantial enhancement of its combat capabilities.

    “This has given our military more confidence in its ability to fight and win,” Wu Zeke concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on June 13, 2025 2025-06-24 On the afternoon of June 13, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    On the afternoon of June 13, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military.

    On the afternoon of June 13, 2025, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director-General of the Information Office of China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answers recent media queries concerning the military. (Photo by Sun Yue)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    Jiang Bin: First, I would like to announce two pieces of information.

    First, the third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange will be held in Guiyang from June 18 to 20. Themed on “Jointly Promote Regional Peace and Build a Safe and Secure Home”, the Exchange focuses on topics such as innovation in China-ASEAN defense cooperation, maritime security cooperation, and crisis management, providing insights and suggestions for building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. Defense policy officials, experts and scholars, as well as think tank representatives from China, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste will attend the event.

    Second, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will start recruiting the 14th batch of female pilot cadets among high school graduates across 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) from June 2025. The selection process will be conducted in two stages: preliminary selection and final selection. Female candidates with excellent National College Entrance Examination scores and outstanding flight potential will have the opportunity to be admitted bythe “joint degree programs”, allowing them to study both at the PLAAF academies and at Peking University, Tsinghua University, or Beihang University. We welcome more aspiring young women to apply for recruitment and join the PLAAF, a force full of honour and dreams. For more details, please visit the official website of the Pilot Selection Bureau of PLA Air Force at www.kjzfw.mil.cn.

    Journalist: It is reported that President Xi Jinping recently had a phone call with US President Donald Trump at the request of the latter. President Xi pointed out that the two sides should enhance exchanges in the fields of diplomacy, economy and trade, military affairs, and law enforcement. What are your expectations on China-US mil-to-mil relations?

    Jiang Bin: China upholds the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and stays committed to promoting the stable, sound, and sustainable development of China-US military-to-military relations. It is hopedthat the US side stop hyping up the so-called “China threat”, earnestly respect China’s core interests and major concerns, work with China towards the same direction to strengthen communication and dialogue, properly manage differences, and enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust, so as to jointly improve and develop relations between the two militaries.

    Journalist: It is reported that the 2025 military academy enrollment plan for high school graduates has recently been released, which has attracted wide public attention. Could you elaborate on the new features and changes in this year’s enrollment plan?

    Jiang Bin: In line with Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, the 2025 enrollment work of military academies fully implements the overarching plan for deepening the reform of military academies, focuses on the core needs of combat readiness, and integrates the needs for cultivating high-calibre military talents and developing academic disciplines.The number of high schoolgraduates that the military academies plan to admit this year is basically the same as last year.

    There are four changes in this year’s recruitment. First,there has been a change in the number of enrolling academies, which has been reduced from 27 to 22, so that the military talent cultivation systembecomes more efficient and streamlined. The PLA Army (PLAA) Special Operations Academy, the PLAA Academy of Border and Coastal Defense, the Special Police College of the People’s Armed Police (PAP), and the PAP Coast Guard College will no longer directly enroll high school graduates. Instead, they will enroll students from other PLAA and PAP academies to continue their specialized military training. Second, the method ofcadet cultivation has been changed. In their enrollment plans, the military academies will no longer make the distinction between “commanding” and “non-commanding” categories. The removal of such a distinction and the resulting clarification of cultivation goals will facilitate the students to have a clearer career plan from the outset. Third, military academy graduates are allowed to directly apply for a master’s degree. Starting from 2025, allmilitary academy graduates will have the opportunity to directly apply for master’s programs in related fields, providing more diverse career paths for cadets. Fourth, a special operations talent selection program has been established. Whiling studying in military academies, those who aspire to join the special operations forces will havethe opportunity to participate in a selection program and receive professional and elite training in special operations.

    Military academies are the cradle for cultivating military talents. What’s more important is that they provide a broad stage for young students to pursue their dreams of serving the country. Here, you will be educated with cutting-edge military science and technology, grow alongside like-minded comrades, and forge an iron will and a strong team spirit. In the journey to make our armed forces strong, opportunities awaits you here. We warmly welcome young aspirants to actively apply for military academies, so as to write a magnificent chapter on strengthening the nation and the military with your passion and youth.

    Journalist: The Japanese Ministry of Defense recently stated that two Chinese aircraft carriers operated simultaneously in the Pacific for the first time, and that carrier-based aircraft came “unusually close” to Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft. What’s your comment?

    Jiang Bin: Recently, the task groups of the PLA Navy’s aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong conducted routine training in the West Pacific. During the training, Japanese vessels and aircraft repeatedly made close-in provocations, and even deliberately created maritime and air securityrisks. We are strongly dissatisfied and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side.

    The Chinese aircraft carrier task groups conducted training activities on the high seas, which did not target any specific country or objective, and was in full compliance with international law and international practices. The Chinese side,in response to the Japanese vessels and aircraft’s forcible entryinto the training area, took legitimate, lawful, professional, and restrainedcountermeasures all the way through. We urge the Japanese side to stop dangerous and provocative actions, so as to prevent accidents at sea and in the air.

    Journalist: According to reports, the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation recently held an unofficial “chief-of-staff” level war-gaming on a Taiwan crisis for the first time. The former “Chief of the General Staff” of the Taiwan military, the former Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the former Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces participated the event. In addition, the US and Taiwan held the so-called Defense Industry Forum in Taipei, advocating closer cooperation in weaponry and equipment. What’s your comment?

    Jiang Bin: The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair, which brooks no external interference. Any action that emboldens the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces to seek secession will undermine cross-Strait peace and stability. Whoever does that is bound to get burnt for playing with fire, and taste the bitter fruit of its own doing. We urge relevant countries to truly abide by the one-China principle, and stop sending any wrong signal to the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. In front of the prevailing trend of the ultimate andcertain reunification of China, any scheme to solicit foreign support for independence and contain China with Taiwan is doomed to failure.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Primech AI, a Subsidiary of Primech Holdings, Expands to the Hong Kong Market Through a Strategic Partnership with ReMining Ai Ltd.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech AI Pte. Ltd. (“Primech AI” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), today announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Hong Kong-based ReMining Ai Ltd to expand the deployment of its revolutionary HYTRON autonomous bathroom cleaning robot to the Hong Kong market.

    The companies formally established their collaboration through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), creating a framework for ReMining Ai Ltd to serve as Primech AI’s authorized agent in Hong Kong for two years.

    “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our international expansion strategy,” said Mr. Charles Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI. “Hong Kong represents a key market with tremendous potential for our autonomous cleaning technology. By partnering with ReMining Ai Ltd, we gain a strong local presence with the expertise needed to successfully deploy and support our HYTRON robots across the region.”

    Comprehensive Market Coverage

    Under the terms of the agreement, ReMining Ai Ltd will manage all aspects of Primech AI’s operations in Hong Kong, including:      

      ● Deployment and installation of HYTRON bathroom cleaning robots at customer facilities
      ● Provision of maintenance and technical support services
      ● Training of customer personnel on robot operation and basic troubleshooting
      ● Quality control monitoring to ensure performance standards
      ● Regular reporting on robot performance and market feedback

    Mr. Hui Yuk Pan, Director of ReMining Ai Ltd, commented, “We are excited to partner with Primech AI to bring this cutting-edge cleaning technology to Hong Kong. The HYTRON robots address critical challenges in the facility services industry, including labor shortages and increasing hygiene standards. We look forward to introducing this innovative AI cleaning robot solution to commercial properties, shopping malls, airports, and other high-traffic venues across Hong Kong.”

    “The Hong Kong expansion represents an important step in our growth strategy as we look to bring our AI-powered cleaning solutions to key markets across Asia,” said Mr. Kin Wai Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Primech Holdings. “By establishing strong partnerships with respected local operators like ReMining Ai Ltd, we can ensure our technology is deployed effectively while maintaining the highest standards of service and support.”

    HYTRON is a fully autonomous, AI-powered bathroom-cleaning robot designed to revolutionize hygiene in high-traffic facilities. With advanced 3D-cleaning capabilities and electrolyzed water technology, HYTRON ensures consistent, high-quality cleaning while significantly reducing manual labor. The latest model features the cutting-edge NVIDIA Jetson Orin Super — a compact yet powerful System-on-Module (SoM) built for advanced-edge AI and robotics. This integration enables exceptional energy efficiency, real-time data processing, and intelligent navigation, making HYTRON a highly scalable and future-ready solution for smart facility management.

    About ReMining Ai Ltd

    ReMining Ai Ltd is a Hong Kong-based technology firm specializing in deploying and supporting advanced robotics and AI solutions. ReMining Ai operates from Cyberport, Hong Kong’s premier digital technology hub, and focuses on implementing innovative technologies across various sectors. For more information, visit www.reminingai.com.

    About Primech AI

    Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

    About Primech Holdings Limited

    Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.     

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    Company Contact:

    Email: ir@primech.com.sg

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Matthew Abenante, IRC
    President
    Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
    Tel: 347-947-2093
    Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Primech AI, a Subsidiary of Primech Holdings, Expands to the Hong Kong Market Through a Strategic Partnership with ReMining Ai Ltd.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech AI Pte. Ltd. (“Primech AI” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), today announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Hong Kong-based ReMining Ai Ltd to expand the deployment of its revolutionary HYTRON autonomous bathroom cleaning robot to the Hong Kong market.

    The companies formally established their collaboration through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), creating a framework for ReMining Ai Ltd to serve as Primech AI’s authorized agent in Hong Kong for two years.

    “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our international expansion strategy,” said Mr. Charles Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI. “Hong Kong represents a key market with tremendous potential for our autonomous cleaning technology. By partnering with ReMining Ai Ltd, we gain a strong local presence with the expertise needed to successfully deploy and support our HYTRON robots across the region.”

    Comprehensive Market Coverage

    Under the terms of the agreement, ReMining Ai Ltd will manage all aspects of Primech AI’s operations in Hong Kong, including:      

      ● Deployment and installation of HYTRON bathroom cleaning robots at customer facilities
      ● Provision of maintenance and technical support services
      ● Training of customer personnel on robot operation and basic troubleshooting
      ● Quality control monitoring to ensure performance standards
      ● Regular reporting on robot performance and market feedback

    Mr. Hui Yuk Pan, Director of ReMining Ai Ltd, commented, “We are excited to partner with Primech AI to bring this cutting-edge cleaning technology to Hong Kong. The HYTRON robots address critical challenges in the facility services industry, including labor shortages and increasing hygiene standards. We look forward to introducing this innovative AI cleaning robot solution to commercial properties, shopping malls, airports, and other high-traffic venues across Hong Kong.”

    “The Hong Kong expansion represents an important step in our growth strategy as we look to bring our AI-powered cleaning solutions to key markets across Asia,” said Mr. Kin Wai Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Primech Holdings. “By establishing strong partnerships with respected local operators like ReMining Ai Ltd, we can ensure our technology is deployed effectively while maintaining the highest standards of service and support.”

    HYTRON is a fully autonomous, AI-powered bathroom-cleaning robot designed to revolutionize hygiene in high-traffic facilities. With advanced 3D-cleaning capabilities and electrolyzed water technology, HYTRON ensures consistent, high-quality cleaning while significantly reducing manual labor. The latest model features the cutting-edge NVIDIA Jetson Orin Super — a compact yet powerful System-on-Module (SoM) built for advanced-edge AI and robotics. This integration enables exceptional energy efficiency, real-time data processing, and intelligent navigation, making HYTRON a highly scalable and future-ready solution for smart facility management.

    About ReMining Ai Ltd

    ReMining Ai Ltd is a Hong Kong-based technology firm specializing in deploying and supporting advanced robotics and AI solutions. ReMining Ai operates from Cyberport, Hong Kong’s premier digital technology hub, and focuses on implementing innovative technologies across various sectors. For more information, visit www.reminingai.com.

    About Primech AI

    Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

    About Primech Holdings Limited

    Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.     

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    Company Contact:

    Email: ir@primech.com.sg

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Matthew Abenante, IRC
    President
    Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
    Tel: 347-947-2093
    Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Transactions, 1st Quarter 2025 and Annual Update

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Current-Account Deficit Widened by 44.3 Percent in the First Quarter

    Current-Account Balance (Table 1 and Chart 1)

    The U.S. current-account deficit, which reflects the combined balances on trade in goods and services and income flows between U.S. residents and residents of other countries, widened by $138.2 billion, or 44.3 percent, to $450.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The revised fourth-quarter deficit was $312.0 billion (table A).

    The first-quarter deficit was 6.0 percent of current-dollar gross domestic product, up from 4.2 percent in the fourth quarter.

    The $138.2 billion widening of the current-account deficit in the first quarter mostly reflected an expanded deficit on goods.

    Current-Account Transactions (tables 1–5 and chart 2)

    Exports of goods and services to, and income received from, foreign residents decreased $3.9 billion to $1.24 trillion in the first quarter. Imports of goods and services from, and income paid to, foreign residents increased $134.3 billion to $1.69 trillion.1

    Trade in goods (table 2)

    Exports of goods increased $21.1 billion to $539.0 billion, and imports of goods increased $158.2 billion to $1.00 trillion. The increase in exports was led by capital goods, mainly civilian aircraft and computer accessories, peripherals, and parts. The increase in imports was led by nonmonetary gold and consumer goods, mostly medicinal, dental, and pharmaceutical products (see “Additional Information” for a definition of nonmonetary gold under “Goods”).

    Trade in services (table 3)

    Exports of services decreased $4.4 billion to $293.2 billion, reflecting decreases in government goods and services, mostly military units and agencies, in travel, mostly “other personal travel,” and in “other business services,” mainly professional and management consulting services. These decreases were partly offset by an increase in maintenance and repair services. Imports of services decreased $1.8 billion to $217.8 billion, reflecting a decrease in charges for the use of intellectual property, mostly licenses for the use of outcomes of research and development.

    Primary income (table 4)

    Receipts of primary income decreased $22.9 billion to $355.1 billion, and payments of primary income decreased $13.7 billion to $362.7 billion. The decreases in both receipts and payments reflected a decrease in direct investment income, mostly earnings.

    Secondary income (table 5)

    Receipts of secondary income increased $2.3 billion to $49.6 billion, reflecting an increase in private transfers, primarily fines and penalties. Payments of secondary income decreased $8.4 billion to $101.5 billion, reflecting a decrease in general government transfers, primarily international cooperation.

    Capital-Account Transactions (table 1)

    Capital-transfer receipts decreased $2.4 billion to $8.9 billion in the first quarter. The decrease reflected first-quarter receipts from foreign insurance companies for losses resulting from wildfires in Southern California that were lower than fourth-quarter receipts for losses resulting from Hurricane Milton. For information on transactions associated with hurricanes and other disasters, see “How do losses recovered from foreign insurance companies following natural or man-made disasters affect foreign transactions, the current account balance, and net lending or net borrowing?”. Capital-transfer payments increased $0.5 billion to $2.0 billion.

    Financial-Account Transactions (tables 1, 6, 7, and 8 and chart 3)

    Net financial-account transactions were −$299.5 billion in the first quarter, reflecting net U.S. borrowing from foreign residents.

    Financial assets (tables 1, 6, 7, and 8)

    First-quarter transactions increased U.S. residents’ foreign financial assets by $524.9 billion. Transactions increased “other investment assets,” mostly short-term loans, by $328.2 billion; portfolio investment assets, mostly debt securities, by $128.4 billion; direct investment assets, mostly equity, by $66.8 billion; and reserve assets by $1.5 billion.

    Liabilities (tables 1, 6, 7, and 8)

    First-quarter transactions increased U.S. liabilities to foreign residents by $843.7 billion. Transactions increased portfolio investment liabilities, mostly long-term debt securities, by $429.9 billion; “other investment liabilities,” mainly short-term deposits and loans, by $358.9 billion; and direct investment liabilities, mostly equity, by $54.9 billion.

    Financial derivatives (table 1)

    Net transactions in financial derivatives were $19.3 billion in the first quarter, reflecting net U.S. lending to foreign residents.

      

    Table A. Updates to Fourth-Quarter 2024 International Transactions Accounts Balances

    [Billions of dollars, seasonally adjusted]
      Preliminary estimates Revised estimates
    Current-account balance –303.9 −312.0
        Goods balance −326.1 −328.9
        Services balance 76.1 78.0
        Primary income balance 2.3 1.6
        Secondary income balance −56.2 −62.6
    Net financial-account transactions −385.3 −350.8
    U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Annual Update of the U.S. International Transactions Accounts

    The statistics in this release reflect the annual update of the U.S. International Transactions Accounts. With this update, BEA has incorporated newly available and revised source data and recalculated seasonal and trading-day adjustments beginning with 2018. This annual update also reflects the incorporation of (1) BEA’s 2022 Benchmark Survey of Transactions in Selected Services and Intellectual Property With Foreign Persons, (2) a new balance of payments adjustment to exports of goods to redistribute estimates for late receipts for Canada from “other goods” to detailed commodities, (3) a new method for estimating other investment assets and other investment liabilities transactions by maturity, and (4) new statistics for transactions, income, and positions related to a repurchase agreement facility for foreign and international monetary authorities. A summary of the revisions to high-level aggregates is shown in table 9.

    Table B. Newly Available and Revised Source Data: Key Providers and Years Affected

    Agency Data Years affected
    U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Quarterly and benchmark international trade in services surveys 2018–2024
    Annual and quarterly direct investment surveys 2022–2024
    U.S. Census Bureau Revised source data for international trade in goods 2022–2024
    U.S. Department of the Treasury Quarterly and monthly portfolio and other investment surveys 2022–2024
    Benchmark and quarterly portfolio investment surveys 2023–2024
    U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

    More information on the annual update is available in “Preview of the 2025 Annual Update of the International Economic Accounts” in the Survey of Current Business. Additional information will be provided in the Survey in July 2025. U.S. International Economic Accounts: Concepts and Methods will be updated in September 2025 accordingly.

    For resources, definitions, and more, visit “Additional Information.”

    Next release: September 23, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
    U.S. International Transactions, 2nd Quarter 2025

    1 U.S. international transactions are presented in current dollars in accordance with international statistical presentation guidelines. For a comparison of current-dollar, or nominal, and inflation-adjusted, or real, measures of international transactions, see “SECTION 4 – FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS” of the National Income and Product Accounts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Transactions, 1st Quarter 2025 and Annual Update

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Current-Account Deficit Widened by 44.3 Percent in the First Quarter

    Current-Account Balance (Table 1 and Chart 1)

    The U.S. current-account deficit, which reflects the combined balances on trade in goods and services and income flows between U.S. residents and residents of other countries, widened by $138.2 billion, or 44.3 percent, to $450.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The revised fourth-quarter deficit was $312.0 billion (table A).

    The first-quarter deficit was 6.0 percent of current-dollar gross domestic product, up from 4.2 percent in the fourth quarter.

    The $138.2 billion widening of the current-account deficit in the first quarter mostly reflected an expanded deficit on goods.

    Current-Account Transactions (tables 1–5 and chart 2)

    Exports of goods and services to, and income received from, foreign residents decreased $3.9 billion to $1.24 trillion in the first quarter. Imports of goods and services from, and income paid to, foreign residents increased $134.3 billion to $1.69 trillion.1

    Trade in goods (table 2)

    Exports of goods increased $21.1 billion to $539.0 billion, and imports of goods increased $158.2 billion to $1.00 trillion. The increase in exports was led by capital goods, mainly civilian aircraft and computer accessories, peripherals, and parts. The increase in imports was led by nonmonetary gold and consumer goods, mostly medicinal, dental, and pharmaceutical products (see “Additional Information” for a definition of nonmonetary gold under “Goods”).

    Trade in services (table 3)

    Exports of services decreased $4.4 billion to $293.2 billion, reflecting decreases in government goods and services, mostly military units and agencies, in travel, mostly “other personal travel,” and in “other business services,” mainly professional and management consulting services. These decreases were partly offset by an increase in maintenance and repair services. Imports of services decreased $1.8 billion to $217.8 billion, reflecting a decrease in charges for the use of intellectual property, mostly licenses for the use of outcomes of research and development.

    Primary income (table 4)

    Receipts of primary income decreased $22.9 billion to $355.1 billion, and payments of primary income decreased $13.7 billion to $362.7 billion. The decreases in both receipts and payments reflected a decrease in direct investment income, mostly earnings.

    Secondary income (table 5)

    Receipts of secondary income increased $2.3 billion to $49.6 billion, reflecting an increase in private transfers, primarily fines and penalties. Payments of secondary income decreased $8.4 billion to $101.5 billion, reflecting a decrease in general government transfers, primarily international cooperation.

    Capital-Account Transactions (table 1)

    Capital-transfer receipts decreased $2.4 billion to $8.9 billion in the first quarter. The decrease reflected first-quarter receipts from foreign insurance companies for losses resulting from wildfires in Southern California that were lower than fourth-quarter receipts for losses resulting from Hurricane Milton. For information on transactions associated with hurricanes and other disasters, see “How do losses recovered from foreign insurance companies following natural or man-made disasters affect foreign transactions, the current account balance, and net lending or net borrowing?”. Capital-transfer payments increased $0.5 billion to $2.0 billion.

    Financial-Account Transactions (tables 1, 6, 7, and 8 and chart 3)

    Net financial-account transactions were −$299.5 billion in the first quarter, reflecting net U.S. borrowing from foreign residents.

    Financial assets (tables 1, 6, 7, and 8)

    First-quarter transactions increased U.S. residents’ foreign financial assets by $524.9 billion. Transactions increased “other investment assets,” mostly short-term loans, by $328.2 billion; portfolio investment assets, mostly debt securities, by $128.4 billion; direct investment assets, mostly equity, by $66.8 billion; and reserve assets by $1.5 billion.

    Liabilities (tables 1, 6, 7, and 8)

    First-quarter transactions increased U.S. liabilities to foreign residents by $843.7 billion. Transactions increased portfolio investment liabilities, mostly long-term debt securities, by $429.9 billion; “other investment liabilities,” mainly short-term deposits and loans, by $358.9 billion; and direct investment liabilities, mostly equity, by $54.9 billion.

    Financial derivatives (table 1)

    Net transactions in financial derivatives were $19.3 billion in the first quarter, reflecting net U.S. lending to foreign residents.

      

    Table A. Updates to Fourth-Quarter 2024 International Transactions Accounts Balances

    [Billions of dollars, seasonally adjusted]
      Preliminary estimates Revised estimates
    Current-account balance –303.9 −312.0
        Goods balance −326.1 −328.9
        Services balance 76.1 78.0
        Primary income balance 2.3 1.6
        Secondary income balance −56.2 −62.6
    Net financial-account transactions −385.3 −350.8
    U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Annual Update of the U.S. International Transactions Accounts

    The statistics in this release reflect the annual update of the U.S. International Transactions Accounts. With this update, BEA has incorporated newly available and revised source data and recalculated seasonal and trading-day adjustments beginning with 2018. This annual update also reflects the incorporation of (1) BEA’s 2022 Benchmark Survey of Transactions in Selected Services and Intellectual Property With Foreign Persons, (2) a new balance of payments adjustment to exports of goods to redistribute estimates for late receipts for Canada from “other goods” to detailed commodities, (3) a new method for estimating other investment assets and other investment liabilities transactions by maturity, and (4) new statistics for transactions, income, and positions related to a repurchase agreement facility for foreign and international monetary authorities. A summary of the revisions to high-level aggregates is shown in table 9.

    Table B. Newly Available and Revised Source Data: Key Providers and Years Affected

    Agency Data Years affected
    U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Quarterly and benchmark international trade in services surveys 2018–2024
    Annual and quarterly direct investment surveys 2022–2024
    U.S. Census Bureau Revised source data for international trade in goods 2022–2024
    U.S. Department of the Treasury Quarterly and monthly portfolio and other investment surveys 2022–2024
    Benchmark and quarterly portfolio investment surveys 2023–2024
    U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

    More information on the annual update is available in “Preview of the 2025 Annual Update of the International Economic Accounts” in the Survey of Current Business. Additional information will be provided in the Survey in July 2025. U.S. International Economic Accounts: Concepts and Methods will be updated in September 2025 accordingly.

    For resources, definitions, and more, visit “Additional Information.”

    Next release: September 23, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
    U.S. International Transactions, 2nd Quarter 2025

    1 U.S. international transactions are presented in current dollars in accordance with international statistical presentation guidelines. For a comparison of current-dollar, or nominal, and inflation-adjusted, or real, measures of international transactions, see “SECTION 4 – FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS” of the National Income and Product Accounts.

    MIL OSI USA News –