NewzIntel.com

Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Kava seizures – Ramingining

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The NT Police Force has charged a 38-year-old male following the seizure of 241.55 kilograms of Kava in Ramingining on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

    Police conducted a traffic apprehension on a vehicle along the Ramingining goat track in which it initially stopped before taking off as the officers exited the police vehicle. Approximately 20 minutes later, the police observed the same vehicle crashed on the side of the road, abandoned.

    Upon approaching the vehicle, kava was seen in the backseat, therefore police executed a lawful search resulting in the seizure of 241.55 kilograms of kava.

    The male was located and subsequently arrested at Darwin airport, while attempting to flee interstate.

    He was charged with Possess commercial quantity kava Supply commercial quantity kava and Enter on Aboriginal Land without Permit. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 18 June 2025.

    Investigations remain ongoing.

    Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs into remote communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER STATEMENT ON TRUMP’S FAA NOMINEE REFUSING TO PROTECT THE 1,500-HOUR RULE & AVIATION SAFETY LAWS CREATED BY THE FAMILIES OF FLIGHT 3407

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Washington, D.C. – A longtime advocate for airline safety, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today released the following statement after Bryan Bedford, Trump’s nominee for the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, refused to commit to protecting the 1,500-hour rule and aviation safety reforms created by the Flight 3407 families at his Senate nomination hearing:
    “If safety is top priority, then it should be easy for Mr. Bedford to offer full-throated support for maintaining the 1500-hour rule, the gold standard of aviation safety created by the Flight 3407 families. Instead, he refused multiple times to commit to protect the 1,500 hour rule – enacted after the tragedy of Flight 3407 to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring ever again. Let me be clear: Reducing the number of hours pilots train in the air is dangerous and can cost lives,” said Senator Schumer. “When it comes to safety, I watch what FAA administrators do, not what they say. As an airline executive, Mr. Bedford has spent years attempting to undercut and circumvent the 1,500 hour rules, putting profit over safety. It is an insult to the memory of those we lost on Flight 3407 and the decades of work carried on by their families. Secretary Duffy must meet with the families immediately and commit clearly and unequivocally to the protection of the 1,500 hour rule and other air safety reforms the Flight 3407 families helped create. The safety of our skies depends on it.”
    Schumer has been a long-time, relentless advocate for air safety standards following the tragic crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407. In February 2009, the tragic crash of Flight 3407 near Buffalo, New York claimed 50 lives and alerted the nation to the shortfalls in our aviation safety system, particularly at the regional airline level. In the wake of the tragedy, Schumer worked with the families who lost loved ones in the crash, to pass the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010. This landmark aviation safety legislation addressed many of the factors contributing to the increasing safety gap between regional and mainline carriers by requiring the FAA to develop regulations to improve safety, including enhanced entry-level pilot training and qualification standards, pilot fatigue rules, airline pilot training and safety management programs, and the creation of an electronic Pilot Record Database.
    Notably, the legislation included a mandate that first officers – also known as co-pilots – hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires a pilot to log 1,500 hours of hand-on flying time in the air, and the advocacy of the families has led to many other laws including regulations to combat pilot fatigue, the establishment of the electronic Pilot Records Database, and more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo, Beyer, Subramanyam Lead Bipartisan Request for an Independent Review of DCA Airspace in Transportation Funding Bill

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Don Beyer (D-VA-8), and Gabe Amo (D-RI-1) led 16 of their colleagues in requesting that the Department of Transportation (DOT) facilitate an independent review of Washington, DC airspace as part of the Appropriations Committee’s Fiscal Year 2026 transportation funding bill. Such a review is warranted following the collision that occurred between an Army UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on January 29, 2025 that resulted in the deaths of sixty-seven individuals. The request asks for the review to be conducted by an independent panel and that the results of that review be released and made available to Congress. 

    “We’re deeply grateful to Congressmen Subramanyam, Beyer, and Amo, along with their colleagues, for advancing this bipartisan request to help ensure DCA is safer for the public. Our family group developed this independent review of DCA as one of our seven reform priorities because we believe that public trust can only be rebuilt through transparency, accountability, and a willingness to learn from the systemic failures that led to the January 29 crash,” said Families of Flight 5342, a group formed by family members of those lost aboard Flight 5342 to advance aviation safety reform. “We strongly urge the Subcommittee to adopt this request. It represents a critical step in the broader effort to honor the loved ones we lost and make our skies safer for all.”

    The members highlighted that the airspace above and around our nation’s capital is highly complex, with large volumes of commercial, law enforcement, and military aircraft operating in close proximity. DCA has the busiest runway in the country, and the members specifically requested that the review evaluate DCA’s current total flight volume.

    They emphasized that the review should be conducted by an independent panel of experts in aviation safety, airspace operations, and civil-military coordination selected by the Department of Transportation in consultation with the National Transportation Safety Board, and the relevant congressional committees.

    Their request asked the review assess: historical and ongoing risks associated with DCA airspace design and usage, including historical incidents relevant to current protocols and whether DCA’s current flight volume exceeds the airport’s operational capabilities within normal operating hours; the adequacy of coordination protocols between the FAA, Department of Defense, and other entities involved in or affected by airspace coordination; patterns of near-miss incidents involving military aircraft; and structural, cultural, or procedural barriers to risk identification and accountability.

    In the letter, the Members wrote: “While the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation into the collision is ongoing, there are other sources of expertise that can contribute to the safety of this airspace, military service members, and the traveling public. We believe that an independent review of the airspace, coordination between civil and military air traffic, and operational safety, including whether DCA’s current total flight volume exceeds the airport’s operational capabilities within normal operating hours, could provide valuable insight to Congress and the relevant federal agencies as they develop policies to improve airspace safety.”

    The panel’s findings and recommendations would be required to be published online and shared with the relevant congressional committees within 180 days of the panel’s formation.

    The letter was signed by Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Rick Larsen as well as Reps. André Carson, Sharice L. Davids, Cleo Fields, Steny H. Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, John B. Larson, Seth Magaziner, Jennifer L. McClellan, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jamie Raskin, Shri Thanedar, William Timmons, Jill Tokuda, and Paul Tonko.

    The letter can be read and downloaded here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen receives new commanding officer in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    06/11/2025 04:06 PM EDT

    Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen celebrated their change of command at the Base Borinquen aircraft hangar in Aguadilla, Wednesday. In the ceremony, Capt. Jeffrey P. Owens relieved Capt. Lawrence D. Gaillard as Air Station Borinquen’s commanding officer before unit members, aviators, shipmates, partner agency representatives, family and friends, who witnessed the formal transfer of command authority from one commanding officer to the next. Capt. Willie L. Carmichael, Seventh Coast Guard District chief of staff, presided over the ceremony in which he presented Gaillard with the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of a third award) recognizing his achievements during the three-year tour. Under Gaillard’s leadership, Air Station Borinquen achieved extraordinary success in executing 5,400 flight hours, encompassing 423 Search and Rescue missions with 1,088 lives saved, or assisted. His decisive leadership enabled the successful completion of 49 law enforcement cases, resulting in the interdiction of 729 undocumented aliens and the seizure of 51 million dollars in illegal narcotics.

    For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Signs Executive Orders on Drones, Flying Cars, and Supersonics

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    WASHINGTON, DC – President Trump has signed three executive orders that will accelerate domestic drone production, secure our airspace, and position America to once again lead the world in supersonic technology.
    “Decades of regulatory gridlock have grounded advancements in drones, flying cars, and supersonic flight in the U.S. With today’s EOs, the Trump Administration is giving America’s innovators greater ability to test, develop, and commercialize these cutting-edge aircrafts that will reshape aviation,” said White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios. “President Trump’s actions will unleash a new era of American aviation dominance, fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and protecting our national security.
    Burdensome red tape has hindered homegrown drone innovation and grounded progress in supersonic flight for generations. Today’s executive orders accelerate domestic drone innovation, secure supply chains, reduce reliance on adversarial nations, repeal regulations that stalled supersonic flight, and assert U.S. leadership in emerging aviation sectors. They also enable routine beyond line-of-sight operations, which will empower our domestic drone economy to assist with critical infrastructure, emergency response, and long-distance cargo and medical delivery.
    The executive orders also create a pilot program testing flying cars, also known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, for EMS, air taxis, cargo, and defense logistics. The eVTOL pilot program builds on the successes of President Trump’s 2017 drone pilot program, highlighting how President Trump’s actions continue to put America in a position to lead.
    Additionally, these orders address the growing threats from criminal, terrorist, and foreign misuse of drones inside U.S. airspace. This administration is securing our borders against aerial threats by cracking down on unlawful drone activity and prioritizing real-time detection and identification of drones to safeguard national security. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Swatting Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Brayden Grace, 19, of Columbus, Ohio, pled guilty to conspiracy, cyberstalking, interstate threatening communications, and threats to damage or destroy by means of fire and explosives. 

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.

    According to the guilty plea, Grace helped create an online group known as “Purgatory.”  The group used multiple online social-media platforms, including Telegram and Instagram, to coordinate and plan swatting and doxxing activities and to announce and brag about swats that they conducted.  

    “Grace and his co-conspirators threatened and terrorized others throughout the country, and then bragged about it online.  Make no mistake: swatting and doxxing are not pranks—they are dangerous and illegal acts that put lives at risk and drain critical law enforcement resources,” Hayes said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to relentlessly pursuing those who seek to gain notoriety by abusing our emergency services and striking fear in others. Such unlawful actions will not be tolerated.”

    “Brayden Grace admitted he engaged in swatting and doxxing to strike out at perceived rivals, gain online notoriety, attempt to make money, and for enjoyment. May his guilty plea make clear that the FBI and our partners take these threats seriously,” Koldjeski said. “Together, we will make sure offenders do not remain anonymous and face justice for their crimes which drain vital public safety resources, cause undue fear, and put innocent lives at risk.”

    “Swatting” is a term used to describe or refer to a criminal incident in which an individual contacts emergency services and falsely reports an emergency, often involving an act of violence that reportedly has or will occur at a particular location to elicit an armed law enforcement response to that location.  “Doxxing” is a term used to describe the practice of searching for and publishing on the Internet personal, private, or identifying information about an individual with malicious intent, such as providing the information for the purpose of swatting the individual.

    From December 10, 2023, through January 18, 2024, Grace and his co-conspirators placed swatting calls to police and other emergency departments. One or more of the conspirators falsely reported an emergency in the form of a violent act at a particular location to cause an armed law enforcement response with the intent to threaten, intimidate, and harass individuals and entities.

    Grace and his co-conspirators often used shared scripts to plan and coordinate their conduct and used Voice over Internet Protocol services to obscure their phone numbers and identities.

    As part of this scheme, the co-conspirators called the Houston County Sheriff’s Office (Dothan, Alabama). The co-conspirators threatened to burn down part of a residential trailer park and kill any law-enforcement officers who arrived to respond to the threat.

    Additionally, as part of the scheme, a Purgatory conspirator called the Newark Delaware Police Department falsely claiming that he heard a man firing shots in a Newark High School hallway. Moments later, a conspirator called the department again, threatening to shoot a specific Newark High School teacher and to kill unnamed students. As a result of this call, which occurred in the middle of the school day, authorities placed the school on lockdown and police officers responded to the scene. Later the same day, Grace agreed to post content from the incident, including images from news coverage of the incident, onto the group’s social media accounts.

    Grace also posted the address of the Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio, the non-emergency telephone number for Columbus Police Department, and the name of a specific doxxing victim. Purgatory conspirators called the Columbus Police Department that day and threatened to “start shooting,” “kill everyone here,” and blow up the Hollywood Casino.

    Additionally, Purgatory conspirators called the Albany Police Department (Albany, New York), threatening the use of firearms and explosives at the airport.  Police units then rushed to respond to the threats.  On the same day, Grace bragged on a Purgatory group website about the group threatening the airport.

    Grace faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count of threatening to damage or destroy by fire or explosive and a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy, cyberstalking, and interstate threats. 

    Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, at 10 a.m.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation.  Additionally, Ms. Hayes praised the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Columbus; Ohio Police Department; Newark, Delaware Police Department; Lenoir City, Tennessee Police Department; Albany, New York Police Department; Albany County, New York Sheriff’s Office; Fairburn City, Georgia Police Department; Bethel Park, Pennsylvania Police Department; Giles County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office; Blue Springs, Missouri Police Department; Tarboro, North Carolina Police Department; Boston, Massachusetts Police Department; Dodge County, Georgia Sheriff’s Office; Houston County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office; and the FBI’s Mobile, Richmond, Boston, Charlotte, and Cincinnati Field Offices for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert I. Goldaris and Patricia C. McLane who are prosecuting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuning a NASA Instrument: Calibrating MASTER

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley houses a unique laboratory: the Airborne Sensor Facility (ASF). The engineers at the ASF are responsible for building, maintaining, and operating numerous instruments that get deployed on research aircraft, but one of their most important roles is instrument calibration.
    Think of calibration like tuning a piano between performances: A musician uses a tuner to set the standard pitch for each string, ensuring that the piano remains on pitch for every concert.
    The “tuners” at ASF include lasers, mirrors, and a light source called an integrating sphere – a hollow sphere about 36 inches in diameter that emits a set amount of light from a hole in the top. By checking an instrument against this baseline between each mission, engineers ensure that the instrument sensors provide accurate, reliable data every time.
    In the photo above, electrical engineer Nikolas Gibson performs calibration tests on the MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER) spectrometer, co-developed by NASA Ames and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.
    A spectrometer separates light into individual wavelengths, providing researchers with information about the properties of whatever is creating or interacting with that light. The MASTER instrument measures about 50 individual spectral channels, providing data on wavelengths from the visible spectrum through the infrared.
    When it comes to calibration, each of these channels functions like a specific key on a piano and needs to be individually checked against the “tuner.” By pointing the instrument’s sensor at a known quantity of light coming from the integrating sphere, the team checks the accuracy of MASTER’s data output and repairs or adjusts the sensor as needed.
    In this image, MASTER had returned from an April 2025 scientific campaign observing  prescribed fires in Alabama and Georgia with NASA’s FireSense project. It was recalibrated before heading back into the field for the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment, or GEMx,  mission in late May 2025, which will use the instrument to help map critical minerals across the southwestern United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Casten Pilot Mental Health Bill Passes House Transportation Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    June 11, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure voted to approve the Mental Health in Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation introduced and championed by U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Pete Stauber (MN-08).

    “Current Federal Aviation Administration regulations perpetuate a culture of silence and unfairly penalize aviators who seek mental health care,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “My bipartisan bill with Rep. Pete Stauber bolsters access to mental health care for pilots and air traffic controllers and requires the FAA to eliminate significant barriers to care. These commonsense changes will help aviators get help if and when they need it. I’m proud to see this legislation advance through the committee.”

    “If we don’t change how we handle mental health in aviation, we will exacerbate a culture of silence,” said Rep. Pete Stauber. “We want our pilots and our air traffic controllers to be at the top of their game, and taking care of their mental health is critical to achieving that goal. I am grateful that the Mental Health in Aviation Act passed out of Committee, and I look forward to championing the bill through to the finish line. When we reduce barriers to mental health care, we keep our skies safe for the flying public.”

    Currently, pilots and air traffic controllers who seek mental health care are unfairly penalized by a system that perpetuates a culture of silence. While aviation professionals are mandated to report if they seek mental health care, once they take that step, they are faced with delays, confusion, and overbroad regulation in the process of returning to work. This often means that relatively minor mental health concerns result in long wait times and derailed careers for safe and well-trained pilots and air traffic controllers.

    In December 2023, the FAA recognized the need to reform its current policies and established the ARC to identify barriers to mental health care for aviators and present recommendations to the FAA to address these challenges. The ARC coalesced around a list of 24 recommendations to eliminate some of the main barriers to care.

    The Mental Health in Aviation Act requires the FAA to take the following steps:

    Regulations for Individuals Carrying Out Aviation Activities

    • To the extent practicable and in consultation with stakeholders, implement the recommendations of the ARC within two years. Provide explanation to Congress if the FAA chooses not to implement any recommendation.
    • Report to Congress on its plans to implement recommendations to improve pilot mental health care from the National Transportation Safety Board, and a description of relevant clinical studies, manuals, and other protocols.

    Annual Review of Mental Health Special Issuance Process

    • Annually review and update process related to mental health-related special issuance for pilots and air traffic controllers to: reclassify and approve the use of additional medications, improve mental health knowledge and training to Aviation Medical Examiners, as appropriate defer additional authority to Aviation Medical Examiners, and improve the special issuance process; and report to congress. 

    Authorization of Appropriation for Additional Medical Examiners

    • Authorizes $13.74 M for each of the next three years to recruit and train additional Aviation Medical Examiners and fund and expand capacity in the Flight Surgeon’s Office.

    Public Information Campaign

    • Authorizes $1.5M for each of the next three years to destigmatize mental health care among aviators, and make pilots and air traffic controllers aware of available services to help.
    • Report to Congress.

    Text of the Mental Health in Aviation Act can be found here.

    Rep. Casten began working on the issue following two different local families approaching him with stories of losing adult children in flight school to suicide. In one particular case, the student pilot lamented how seeking mental health care could ruin his dreams of becoming a pilot.

    The legislation is endorsed by the Pilot Mental Health Campaign,  Air Line Pilots Association, Airlines for America, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Flight Training Alliance, the National Business Aviation Association, and NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP).

    If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources to help you. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained professional and receive support 24/7.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Honors 250 Years of the U.S. Army  

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative for Western Samoa Congresswoman Aumua Amata

    Headline: Amata Honors 250 Years of the U.S. Army  

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the U.S. Army’s historic 250th birthday, which marks the founding of the U.S. Army on June 14, 1775. 

    Army Captain Peter Tali Coleman 

    In the nation’s capital, the historic occasion is set to be marked with a major celebration, beginning with a wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery, followed by an all-day festival and a parade with numerous military vehicles and military aircraft in the skies, the Army Golden Knights paratroopers, and closing with a fireworks display at nightfall. 

    “This year, on 14 June, the United States celebrates 250 years of continuous service by the U.S. Army. Happy birthday to the U.S. Army and all our soldiers, past and present, along with our heartfelt thanks to each one,” said Congresswoman Amata.

    The distinguished history of the U.S. Army began in 1775, with the volunteers of the first continental army encamped around British-held Boston, when the Continental Congress gave George Washington of Virginia the historic responsibility of being the first commanding General. The U.S. Army today is composed of hundreds of thousands of personnel, over 900,000 in uniform with the support of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. 

    “In American Samoa, we are proud of our Toa o Samoa, as our people have built a tremendous record of military service,” Amata continued. “Congratulations to each one of our own serving in the Army, Army Reserve, and our Army Veterans, because this day is about you and your fellow soldiers over the last two and half centuries.”

    “I know this day will remind many of us in military families of a soldier far away, a Veteran, or a beloved memory, as I have of my father. He served during the Pearl Harbor attack as an Army officer in Oahu, in the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, and is the only Samoan inducted into the Army Infantry Hall of Fame,” she continued. “I wish I could name and honor each soldier from American Samoa. My Chief of Staff, Leafaina Tavai, is historic as the first ever student from American Samoa to go to West Point, and after her retirement as a Colonel, she was inducted into the Army Ordnance Hall of Fame.”

    “We will always need a strong, fully equipped, highly trained, and well supported U.S. Army, in times of peace or war, to protect our freedom and national security,” Amata concluded. “May God bless all our military, our Veterans, and the families who support them.”

    END

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tu-22M3 long-range bombers carried out a planned flight over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea — Russian Defense Ministry

    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

    Moscow, June 11 /Xinhua/ — Tu-22M3 long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a scheduled flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday.

    “Fighter escort was provided by the crews of Su-30SM and Su-27 aircraft of the Aerospace Forces. The flight duration was more than four hours. At certain stages of the route of the long-range bombers, they were accompanied by fighters of foreign countries,” the statement said.

    “Long-range aviation crews regularly fly over neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Baltic and Black Seas. All flights of aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces are carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace,” the Russian Defense Ministry emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters & Slotkin Advocate for Continued Investment at Selfridge to Support Basing of F-15EX and KC-46A Missions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI) are advocating for continued investment at Selfridge Air National Guard Base to support basing of the recently announced 21 F-15EX fighters, as well as the 12 KC-46A tankers the senators helped secure in January 2024. In a letter sent to the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, the senators underscored the strategic and economic importance of Selfridge and requested the full funding necessary to prepare for these new missions.  

    “Selfridge Air National Guard Base is an essential and strategic location for northern border security and homeland defense. Selfridge is a joint military installation and home to many national security assets of the United States, including servicemembers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard,” wrote the senators. “Selfridge is also a pillar of both the local community in Macomb County and Michigan’s robust defense sector, supporting approximately 5,000 military and civilian jobs and generating an estimated $850 million in economic impact statewide.” 

    In the letter, the senators highlight improvements currently being made at Selfridge to properly outfit the base to receive the F-15EXs and KC-46As, including a $28 million investment secured by the Michigan congressional delegation to construct a new hangar capable of accommodating the new aircraft. However, additional funding is needed to ensure a seamless transition to the incoming aircraft.  

    The senators continued: “Given the incoming fighter and tanker missions and the importance of preparing Selfridge to continue to play a critical role in our national security, we respectfully request the full funding necessary for military construction to follow-through on the commitments made and fight to deliver federal investments at Selfridge.” 

    The full text of the letter can be found here.  

    Senators Peters and Slotkin have made supporting the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base a top priority. Prior to the F-15EX basing announcement in April, Peters and Slotkin sent a letter urging the Air Force to base a new fighter mission at Selfridge. Earlier this year, the senators introduced bipartisan legislation seeking to preserve the U.S. Air Force’s fighter force structure and support the recapitalization of Air National Guard fighter missions, including at Selfridge. In March, they also led a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to honor the 108th anniversary of Selfridge Air National Guard Base and commemorate the thousands of men and women who have worked and trained at Selfridge since its inception. In January 2024, the senators helped announce that the U.S. Air Force selected Selfridge to host a new squadron of twelve KC-46A refueling tankers. This announcement came shortly after Peters led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Michigan delegation members, including Slotkin, in urging then-U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to select Selfridge for a new squadron of these next-generation tankers, which will be deployed by the U.S. Air Force for at least the next 50 years.  

    To further strengthen Selfridge’s role in U.S. national and homeland security efforts, Peters established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Northern Border Mission Center last year. Peters secured $3 million last March to operate this Center at Selfridge, where it is collocated with current DHS components. The Center, which DHS has already stood up, will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS and its operational components are able to fulfill their security mission at the Northern Border.     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor pledges at least £445 million of rail investment as part of biggest ever Welsh funding boost

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Chancellor pledges at least £445 million of rail investment as part of biggest ever Welsh funding boost

    Major transport upgrade to drive growth and unlock economic potential across Wales, as UK Government delivers on Plan for Change.   

    Spending Review: Investing in Wales’ future.

    • Investment is part of comprehensive spending package to invest in UK’s renewal, creating thousands of jobs in clean energy, manufacturing and defence  
    • The Welsh Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1999, with an average settlement of £22.4 billion per year, enabling the Welsh Government to deliver for working people in Wales.

    Working people across Wales will benefit from better access to jobs and opportunities thanks to a Welsh rail investment worth at least £445 million announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves today as part of the UK Government’s Spending Review which will invest in UK’s renewal.

    The transformative rail package will reconnect Wales’s industrial heartlands, improve commuter journeys and drive economic growth in communities that have long suffered from poor transport links.  

    The package will invest in both north and south Wales, fixing level crossings, building new stations, and upgrading existing lines  

    This strategic rail investment forms the cornerstone of the UK Government’s plan to reconnect, reindustrialise and renew Wales – addressing decades of underinvestment in critical infrastructure that has held back the Welsh economy.  

    The rail upgrades will specifically link centres of advanced manufacturing excellence in North Wales and improve vital connections between Cardiff and Bristol, making it easier for businesses to invest and for workers to access employment opportunities.  

    Alongside this major transport investment, the Spending Review delivers significant backing for Wales’s key industrial sectors.  

    In Port Talbot, a combined investment of up to £580 million will secure the future of steelmaking while transforming the port into a clean energy hub. Within this, £500 million for Tata Steel’s new Electric Arc Furnace will protect 5,000 jobs while reducing carbon emissions.  

    Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said:  

    This UK Government is investing in Wales’ future and driving economic growth across the country.  

    We promised we would deal with the historical under-investment in Wales’ rail network and the funding announced today in this Spending Review shows we are delivering on that pledge.  

    Along with a record financial settlement for Welsh Government to improve public services, £118m more to help keep coal tips safe and investment in growing industries like aerospace, we are backing Wales’ potential and delivering for working people.”    

    Growing Wales’ domestic aerospace and defence industries  

    Speaking in the House of Commons today, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.  

    The Spending Review also backed Welsh industry by continuing investment in the defence industry right across the UK, including Wales.  

    Wales’s aerospace and automotive industries, already employing over 15,000 people, also stands to gain through UK-wide funding announced for the advanced manufacturing sector, enabling the development and delivery of ultra-low and zero-carbon emission vehicles and aircraft.   

    Coal tip safety   

    The Spending Review also confirms a further £118 million between 2026-27 and 2028-29 for the Welsh Government to maintain the safety of disused coal tips, on the back of £25 million already committed in 2025-26 during 2024 Autumn Budget. The money will see tips secured, homes protected and land unlocked for housing, industry and recreation.   

    The UK Government also pledged continued support for Welsh Investment Zones in Cardiff City Region and Wrexham and Flintshire, which will receive £160 million each over 10 years, driving growth and jobs.  

    Supporting Welsh businesses  

    The new Industrial Strategy and Public finance Institutions will collaborate with the devolved governments and local stakeholders to drive growth across the UK. Through the Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £130 million across Wales to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth.  

    Local growth funding  

    A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Wales Office will work with local partners to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across all parts of Wales.  

    A record settlement for Welsh public services  

    The Welsh Government will receive the largest settlement in real terms since devolution in 1999, with an average settlement of £22.4 billion per year to deliver against the priorities of working people in Wales.  

    This comprehensive investment package is further delivery of the UK Government’s promise to invest in Britain’s renewal and ensure that economic growth benefits every part of the United Kingdom.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brookfield — RCMP Northeast Traffic Services arrests a man for Flight from Police

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Northeast Traffic Services (NETS) has arrested a man involved in a flight from police in Brookfield.

    On June 5, at approximately 11:15 a.m. an RCMP officer from NETS attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle travelling on Hwy. 2 in Brookfield, for an expired plate. The driver of the Volkswagen Jetta refused to stop, accelerated and fled from police at a high rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, a pursuit was not initiated.

    RCMP officers later located the Jetta abandoned on an isolated dead-end road in Pleasant Valley.

    A search of the area, assisted by RCMP Police Dog Services, Colchester Country District RCMP, the Department of Natural Resources Air Services and an RCMP remotely piloted aircraft system operator, was successful in locating the driver and passenger fleeing the area on foot.

    The 24-year-old male driver from Dutch Settlement was subsequently safely arrested.

    He was later released on conditions and will appear in Truro Provincial Court at a later date to face charges of Flight from Police (two counts) and Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance.

    The driver was also issued summary offence tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act for:

    • Driving a Motor Vehicle Without a Motor Vehicle Liability Policy
    • Operating and Unregistered Vehicle
    • Failing to Display Number Plates for Current Registration Year
    • Operator of Vehicle Operating Vehicle Without a Valid Inspection Sticker in Place or Possession Valid Certificate for Vehicle

    File # 2025-777295

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome dinner to mark state visit by Marshall Islands President Heine

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome dinner to mark state visit by Marshall Islands President Heine

    • Date：2025-06-04
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 4, 2025
    No.193

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a dinner on June 3 to mark a state visit by President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Minister Lin conveyed a warm welcome on behalf of the government of Taiwan and thanked the Marshall Islands for firmly backing Taiwan’s international participation. He said that Taiwan hoped to build upon the solid foundation of cooperation with the Marshall Islands to continue to advance the bilateral partnership and advance development in all areas.

    In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that in the 27 years since diplomatic relations were established, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands had seen fruitful results from cooperation in many areas, which demonstrated that ties were close and friendly. During President Heine’s state visit, the two sides had signed the Letter of Intent on Sports Exchange and Cooperation, the Memorandum of Understanding on the ROC (Taiwan)-RMI Presidents’ Scholarship, and an agreement on enhancing cooperation in air travel as ways of strengthening the bilateral partnership. Minister Lin further emphasized that since taking office, he had overseen implementation of the integrated diplomacy policy, the three pillars of which were values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic and trade diplomacy. He had also promoted the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, under which Taiwan would continue to assist the Marshall Islands in realizing sustainable economic development based on the Taiwan model.

    In her remarks, President Heine said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands had cooperated closely in such key sectors as medical care, education, agriculture, and climate change adaptation. This, she declared, had profoundly enhanced the welfare of the people of the Marshall Islands and contributed to national development. She further recognized that her state visit served as a milestone in improving bilateral relations. She particularly thanked Taiwan for providing scholarships, which had helped the Marshall Islands nurture professional talent and train medical personnel and which had greatly benefited the Marshallese people and boosted momentum for the nation’s economic development. President Heine reiterated that diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands were grounded in shared democratic values. As Taiwan’s steadfast friend and ally, the Marshall Islands would, she pledged, continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and work with Taiwan to facilitate peace, prosperity, and development in both nations.

    Among other attendees at the dinner were Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi; International Cooperation and Development Fund Secretary General Huang Yu-lin; Sports Administration Deputy Director-General Fang Jui-wen; Fisheries Agency Deputy Director-General Lin Ding-rong; and Shuang-Ho Hospital Vice Superintendent Chan Lung. At the conclusion of the banquet, members of the Marshallese delegation sang traditional folk songs, demonstrating their Austronesian cultural heritage. Minister Lin and the Taiwanese attendees also joined in. The atmosphere of the event was warm and cordial. (E)

     

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by Mayor Zdanowska of Polish city of Łódź

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by Mayor Zdanowska of Polish city of Łódź

    • Date：2025-06-05
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 5, 2025  

    No. 196  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on the morning of June 4 met with a delegation led by Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź, Poland. The six-member delegation also included Łódź University of Technology Rector Krzysztof Jóźwik, Łódź City Councilors Beata Bilska and Maciej Rakowski, and Łódź city government officials. The two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of opinions regarding Taiwan-Poland interactions on economics and trade, culture, and academic and city affairs.

     

    During the meeting, Minister Lin began by once again welcoming Mayor Zdanowska to Taiwan and thanking her for the warm reception extended to him during his visit to Łódź in November 2024. Noting that city-to-city diplomacy played an important role in Taiwan’s overall external relations, Minister Lin said he was delighted that the delegation would be meeting with Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che to formally conclude a sister-city agreement. He said that Tainan and Łódź had many things in common and that he looked forward to the two cities continuing to deepen substantive cooperation, further expanding mutual interactions and exchanges in a range of areas, and developing a mutually beneficial partnership.

     

    Mayor Zdanowska said that Łódź, a city with a long history at the heart of Poland, enjoyed convenient transport links, a rich cultural heritage, and a solid industrial foundation. Remarking that the development of special economic zones and road and airport infrastructure had much improved the city’s economic prospects in recent years, she said she hoped that Taiwanese industries would work with Łódź to generate mutual prosperity. Mayor Zdanowska also stated that Łódź had recently been active in developing its film and television and arts and cultural industries, and said she believed there was room for collaboration with related sectors in Taiwan.

     

    Taiwan and Poland share such values as freedom and democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote close cooperation between Taiwan and Poland and seek to deepen their resilient partnership so as to create enduring prosperity and well-being for the peoples on both sides. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CNB issues its first-ever coin with an optical see-through element

    Source: Czech National Bank

    The Czech National Bank (CNB) is issuing a CZK 500 commemorative silver coin featuring the legendary Czech jet trainer, the Aero L‑39. The coin features a unique optical see-through element, which allows the aircraft’s silhouette to be seen in three-dimensional space. The coin is available for purchase from 11 June 2025.

    This latest silver coin is the fifth and final in the thematic series Famous Means of Transport in this issuance period. “The Aero L‑39 symbolises top-tier Czechoslovak aerospace engineering. This legendary aircraft has become both a technical and export icon and marks a significant milestone in Czech industrial history. It has rightly earned its place among the five coins for which we at the CNB chose exceptional technical processing,” said CNB Bank Board member Karina Kubelková.

    This is the first coin in the history of the CNB’s numismatic issues to feature an optical see-through element. “If you shine a laser through the coin’s see-through section, you will see the silhouette of two aircraft,” Karina Kubelková highlighted the creative element. She added that the silhouette can also be viewed without a laser by looking through the coin towards a point light source, such as a phone flashlight or pocket torch.

    The CNB is issuing a total of 30,000 coins: 10,760 in normal quality and 19,240 in proof quality. The coin is minted from an alloy containing 925 parts silver and 75 parts copper. It weighs 25 grams and has a diameter of 40 mm. It is issued in two versions, normal quality and proof quality. Proof-quality coins have a polished field and a matt relief.

    The design of the coin was chosen in an art competition. At the recommendation of an expert committee, the CNB Bank Board selected the design submitted by Zbyněk Fojtů. On the obverse side of the CZK 500 coin, he depicted the front view of the Aero L‑39 jet with part of the instrument panel below it, containing three flight instruments. The central flight instrument with an artificial horizon is depicted as an optical see-through element. The reverse side of the coin features two jets in flight and a mirror-reversed depiction of the flight instrument with an artificial horizon.

    The coin’s denomination of CZK 500 does not equal the sale price, which is higher and reflects, among other things, the current price of silver, production costs and VAT. The coins were minted by Česká mincovna, a. s., in Jablonec nad Nisou and are available for purchase from selected contractual partners (in Czech only). The CNB does not sell numismatic material directly to the public.

    The Aero L‑39 silver coin is the fifth in the Famous Means of Transport series. Previous coins in the series feature the Škoda 498 Albatros steam locomotive, the Jawa 250 motorcycle, the Tatra 603 car and the ČKD Tatra T3 tram. More commemorative coins will be issued in the Famous Means of Transport II series from 2026 to 2030. The whole schedule of issuance of coins and banknotes is available on the CNB website.

    Aero L-39 jet

    The Czechoslovak company Aero Vodochody began developing the new L‑39 Albatros jet trainer in the 1960s, building on experience with the L‑29 Delfín. The project was led by Jan Vlček in cooperation with the Soviet Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute. The aircraft was powered by the Ivchenko AI‑25 turbofan engine, which was produced under license as the AI‑25W at the Motorlet plant in Prague. The first flight took place in 1968 and serial production began in 1971. The Aero L‑39 received many accolades, was showcased at the Paris Air Show in 1977 and was successfully exported to many countries. By 1993, nearly 2,800 jets had been produced. The aircraft’s development continued with modernised versions, including the L‑159 and the latest L‑39NG.

    Jaroslav Krejčí
    CNB Spokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Agreement protects sovereignty and economic security of Gibraltar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Agreement protects sovereignty and economic security of Gibraltar

    Political agreement reached that will protect British sovereignty, UK military autonomy and secure Gibraltar’s economic future.

    • UK, alongside the Government of Gibraltar, reaches a political agreement with the EU which will protect British sovereignty, UK military autonomy and secure Gibraltar’s economic future. 

    • Agreement resolves the last major unresolved issue from Brexit, avoiding the need for checks on people and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border to support prosperity in the region. 

    • Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, central to the agreement as Foreign Secretary visits Gibraltar this morning. 

    The UK Government has today [11 June] reached a political agreement with the EU which will secure Gibraltar’s economy, provide certainty for people and businesses in Gibraltar and protect British sovereignty. 

    This government inherited a situation which left Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Gibraltar was not included in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement negotiated by the previous UK government following Brexit. Instead, the previous government began negotiations in 2021 to reach a deal which has remained unresolved until today. 

    Approximately 15,000 people – over half of Gibraltar’s workforce – cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day. Without a new agreement, the EU’s incoming system of entry and exit controls would have introduced a ‘hard border’ under which every individual passport was checked.    

    Today’s agreement provides a practical solution to avoid the need for onerous checks and long delays at the border which would have proved ruinous for Gibraltar’s economy – costing hundreds of millions a year and placing pressure on the UK taxpayer for fiscal support, underlining the government’s commitment to economic stability under the Plan for Change.  

    The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, has been central to the negotiations from the start and today’s agreement has his full backing.  

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar’s economy and way of life under threat. Today’s breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty.  

    Alongside the Government of Gibraltar, we have a reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar’s economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 

    I thank the Chief Minister and his Government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK’s commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself.” 

    Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo said: 

    I’m delighted we have finalised a conclusive political agreement which will bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier. 

    I have worked hand in glove with the UK government throughout this negotiation to deliver the deal Gibraltar wants and needs – one that will protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty. 

    Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed cooperation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it’s time to finalise the Treaty.

    As the only UK overseas territory which shares a border with the EU, today’s political agreement provides a practical solution for the unique situation faced by the people of Gibraltar whose livelihoods depend on a fluid border.  

    Under the agreement, there will be:  

    • A clause agreed by all sides which makes explicitly clear that the final Treaty does not impact sovereignty.    

    • A fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain, without checks on people crossing.  

    • Dual border control checks for arrivals by air at Gibraltar airport, carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials. Immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar’s authorities. Spanish officials will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Schengen Area, in a model similar to French police operating in London’s St Pancras station.   

    • A bespoke goods and customs model for products entering Gibraltar across its land border, avoiding the need for onerous checks.  

    • Full operational autonomy of the UK’s military facilities in Gibraltar, which play a vital role in protecting regional security and important trade routes.  

    • The opportunity for flights to operate from Gibraltar airport to EU destinations, increasing Gibraltar’s connectivity to the continent and improving its prosperity.  

    The agreement clears the way for finalisation of a UK-EU Treaty Text on Gibraltar, which all parties have committed to complete as quickly as possible.   

    Background

    • Gibraltar is a UK overseas territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula that was formally ceded to the United Kingdom from Spain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht.   

    • The people of Gibraltar expressed their overwhelming desire to remain British in referenda in 1967 (99%) and 2002 (98%).  

    • Negotiations for a UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar began in October 2021 under the previous UK government.  

    • The final Treaty will be subject to ratification by the UK and Gibraltar parliaments.  

    • The UK Strategic Defence Review set out the importance of maintaining the UK military presence in Gibraltar, including for maritime force protection operations, upholding the sovereignty of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, as well as providing a base at a strategic location at the western entrance to the Mediterranean to provide critical support to UK—and allied— military objectives.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement

    A joint statement from the UK, European Commission, Spain and Gibraltar following talks today (11 June) in Brussels.

    European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, together with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, met in Brussels on Wednesday 11 June.

    Building on significant progress achieved in the previous political meetings in 2024 and on intensive work of the negotiating teams since then to solve outstanding issues, today’s discussions resulted in a conclusive political agreement on the core aspects of the future Agreement between the EU and the UK in respect of Gibraltar. The future Agreement is without prejudice to the respective legal positions of Spain and the United Kingdom with regard to sovereignty and jurisdiction.

    The main objective of the future Agreement is to secure the future prosperity of the whole region. This will be done by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union. This will bring confidence and legal certainty to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region by promoting shared prosperity and close and constructive relations between the Gibraltar and Spanish authorities.

    In the area of persons, the Parties agreed to establish dual Gibraltar and Schengen border checks at Gibraltar port and airport – to be carried out in full cooperation between the EU and UK/Gibraltar authorities, removing all checks at the crossing point between Gibraltar and La Linea for the many thousands of people who travel across daily in both directions. For the EU, full Schengen checks will be carried out by Spain. For the UK, full Gibraltar checks will continue to be carried out as they are today.  They also agreed arrangements for visas and permits and close cooperation between the police and law enforcement authorities.

    In the area of goods, the Parties agreed on the principles underpinning the future customs union between the EU and Gibraltar, providing for strong cooperation between the respective customs authorities and removing checks on goods. There is also agreement on the principles of indirect taxation to be applied in Gibraltar, including on tobacco – that will avoid distortions and contribute to the prosperity of the whole region.

    Other important areas of the future EU-UK Agreement include level playing field commitments on State aid, taxation, labour, environment, trade and sustainable development, anti-money laundering, and transport – including the airport; the rights of frontier workers and social security coordination. Specific cooperation will also be included in environmental matters. The creation of an appropriate financial mechanism to promote cohesion and support training and employment in the region has also been agreed.

    Today’s agreement has been reached in a shared commitment to European security.

    The way is now clear for negotiating teams swiftly to finalise the full legal text and proceed with the respective internal procedures leading to the signature and ratification of the future Agreement.

    The Parties are confident that this Agreement will support prosperity and bring confidence, legal certainty, and stability to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome dinner to mark state visit by Marshall Islands President Heine

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome dinner to mark state visit by Marshall Islands President Heine

    Date：2025-06-04
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 4, 2025No.193Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a dinner on June 3 to mark a state visit by President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Minister Lin conveyed a warm welcome on behalf of the government of Taiwan and thanked the Marshall Islands for firmly backing Taiwan’s international participation. He said that Taiwan hoped to build upon the solid foundation of cooperation with the Marshall Islands to continue to advance the bilateral partnership and advance development in all areas.In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that in the 27 years since diplomatic relations were established, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands had seen fruitful results from cooperation in many areas, which demonstrated that ties were close and friendly. During President Heine’s state visit, the two sides had signed the Letter of Intent on Sports Exchange and Cooperation, the Memorandum of Understanding on the ROC (Taiwan)-RMI Presidents’ Scholarship, and an agreement on enhancing cooperation in air travel as ways of strengthening the bilateral partnership. Minister Lin further emphasized that since taking office, he had overseen implementation of the integrated diplomacy policy, the three pillars of which were values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic and trade diplomacy. He had also promoted the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, under which Taiwan would continue to assist the Marshall Islands in realizing sustainable economic development based on the Taiwan model.In her remarks, President Heine said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands had cooperated closely in such key sectors as medical care, education, agriculture, and climate change adaptation. This, she declared, had profoundly enhanced the welfare of the people of the Marshall Islands and contributed to national development. She further recognized that her state visit served as a milestone in improving bilateral relations. She particularly thanked Taiwan for providing scholarships, which had helped the Marshall Islands nurture professional talent and train medical personnel and which had greatly benefited the Marshallese people and boosted momentum for the nation’s economic development. President Heine reiterated that diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands were grounded in shared democratic values. As Taiwan’s steadfast friend and ally, the Marshall Islands would, she pledged, continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and work with Taiwan to facilitate peace, prosperity, and development in both nations.Among other attendees at the dinner were Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi; International Cooperation and Development Fund Secretary General Huang Yu-lin; Sports Administration Deputy Director-General Fang Jui-wen; Fisheries Agency Deputy Director-General Lin Ding-rong; and Shuang-Ho Hospital Vice Superintendent Chan Lung. At the conclusion of the banquet, members of the Marshallese delegation sang traditional folk songs, demonstrating their Austronesian cultural heritage. Minister Lin and the Taiwanese attendees also joined in. The atmosphere of the event was warm and cordial. (E)
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by Mayor Zdanowska of Polish city of Łódź

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by Mayor Zdanowska of Polish city of Łódź

    Date：2025-06-05
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 5, 2025  
    No. 196  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on the morning of June 4 met with a delegation led by Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź, Poland. The six-member delegation also included Łódź University of Technology Rector Krzysztof Jóźwik, Łódź City Councilors Beata Bilska and Maciej Rakowski, and Łódź city government officials. The two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of opinions regarding Taiwan-Poland interactions on economics and trade, culture, and academic and city affairs.
     
    During the meeting, Minister Lin began by once again welcoming Mayor Zdanowska to Taiwan and thanking her for the warm reception extended to him during his visit to Łódź in November 2024. Noting that city-to-city diplomacy played an important role in Taiwan’s overall external relations, Minister Lin said he was delighted that the delegation would be meeting with Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che to formally conclude a sister-city agreement. He said that Tainan and Łódź had many things in common and that he looked forward to the two cities continuing to deepen substantive cooperation, further expanding mutual interactions and exchanges in a range of areas, and developing a mutually beneficial partnership.
     
    Mayor Zdanowska said that Łódź, a city with a long history at the heart of Poland, enjoyed convenient transport links, a rich cultural heritage, and a solid industrial foundation. Remarking that the development of special economic zones and road and airport infrastructure had much improved the city’s economic prospects in recent years, she said she hoped that Taiwanese industries would work with Łódź to generate mutual prosperity. Mayor Zdanowska also stated that Łódź had recently been active in developing its film and television and arts and cultural industries, and said she believed there was room for collaboration with related sectors in Taiwan.
     
    Taiwan and Poland share such values as freedom and democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote close cooperation between Taiwan and Poland and seek to deepen their resilient partnership so as to create enduring prosperity and well-being for the peoples on both sides. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Ireland

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 11, 2025

    • The Irish economy has performed well and entered 2025 in a strong position.
    • The domestic economy is projected to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace in a highly uncertain global environment.
    • There are significant external downside risks to growth and public finances, which are vulnerable to external trade and tax policy shifts.

    Washington, DC: On June 6, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Ireland.[1]

    The Irish economy has performed well. The domestic economy, as measured by the Modified Gross National Income, is estimated to have grown by about 4 percent in 2024. Robust consumption and strong net exports, dominated by foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs), contributed positively to growth. Headline inflation has fallen to target, while service inflation has been more persistent. The labor market remains tight, although pressures appear to be easing. The general government balance continued to register a sizeable surplus in 2024, supported by large corporate income tax receipts from multinational enterprises. Bank lending growth has strengthened, largely driven by housing and consumer loans.

    The domestic economy is projected to continue to grow, though at a slower pace in a highly uncertain global environment. The strong labor market and rising real incomes, as well as anticipated pick up in housing investment and government capital spending would support domestic demand. While the direct effect of the announced tariff measures is projected to be contained, heightened global uncertainty would though weigh on household and business spending decisions.

    There are significant downside risks to the growth outlook. The concentration of activity in a small number of MNEs leaves the economy and public finances vulnerable to external trade and tax policy shifts and firm- or sector-specific shocks. More broadly, a sustained reversal of globalization would put at risk the Irish economic model which has benefitted from free trade and capital flows. Domestically, supply-side constraints could delay the attainment of infrastructure and housing goals.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors welcomed the strong economic performance, which has been underpinned by robust domestic demand and prudent policies. Directors highlighted that while the outlook remains positive, there are considerable downside risks, given high global uncertainty and Ireland’s significant exposure to trade and investment shocks. Accordingly, Directors emphasized the need to maintain fiscal prudence, safeguard financial stability, and advance structural reforms to support resilience and growth.

    Directors recommended that fiscal policy continue to focus on building buffers, stepping up public investment, and reducing revenue uncertainty. Noting that the economy is operating at full capacity, Directors agreed that a broadly neutral fiscal stance with increased capital expenditure is appropriate as it would allow Ireland to address infrastructure needs without adding to aggregate demand. Important measures include enhancing public spending efficiency and broadening the tax base to reduce reliance on uncertain corporate tax revenue. Directors agreed that Ireland would benefit from a strengthened national fiscal framework that further ensures long-term fiscal sustainability and enhances the credibility and predictability of fiscal policy.

    Directors recognized the resilience of the financial sector, while underscoring the importance of continued close monitoring of financial stability risks. Noting the high global uncertainty, Directors emphasized the need for continued vigilance, as shocks to the non-bank sector could be transmitted to other parts of the financial system and the real economy. Directors agreed that the macroprudential stance is appropriate and that measures should continue to be reassessed as conditions evolve. While welcoming progress on reducing risks from the non-bank sector, Directors urged continued efforts to improve regulation and supervision and address data gaps in collaboration with international regulators and other jurisdictions.

    Directors emphasized the importance of enhancing resilience and competitiveness, amid external policy shifts and deepening geoeconomic fragmentation. Measures to promote linkages between domestic and multinational firms in innovation cooperation and improve infrastructure would help foster increased competitiveness. Directors also encouraged continued engagement in the EU to further strengthen the single market. Noting the potential dividends for growth, Directors acknowledged that Ireland is well-positioned to harness the benefits of digitalization and AI. They also highlighted the need to address supply-side constraints in housing, including by boosting productivity in the construction sector and enhancing housing policy certainty.

    Ireland: Selected Economic Indicators, 2021–30
         

    Projections

    		  
     

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030
     

    (Annual percentage change, constant prices, unless otherwise indicated)
     

    Output/Demand

    		                    

    Real GDP 1/

    16.3

    8.6

    -5.5

    1.2

    3.2

    2.1

    2.1

    2.2

    2.1

    2.3

    Real GNI* (growth rate) 2/

    13.9

    4.6

    5.0

    3.7

    2.4

    2.2

    2.0

    2.2

    2.3

    2.3

    Domestic demand

    -16.4

    8.0

    6.0

    -11.9

    7.6

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    2.5

    2.5

    Public consumption                 

    6.3

    3.0

    4.3

    4.3

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Private consumption                 

    8.9

    10.7

    4.8

    2.3

    2.3

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.1

    2.1

    Gross fixed capital formation

    -39.4

    3.7

    2.8

    -25.4

    20.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    Exports of goods and services

    14.1

    13.5

    -5.8

    11.7

    3.1

    2.2

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Imports of goods and services

    -8.7

    16.0

    1.2

    6.5

    4.9

    2.4

    2.8

    2.7

    2.8

    2.7

    Output gap

    3.4

    3.1

    1.0

    1.2

    0.9

    0.6

    0.3

    0.1

    0.0

    0.0
                         

    Contribution to Growth

    		                    

    Domestic demand

    -13.1

    4.7

    3.5

    -7.7

    4.4

    1.4

    1.4

    1.4

    1.5

    1.5

    Consumption

    3.0

    3.0

    1.6

    1.1

    1.0

    0.9

    0.9

    0.9

    0.9

    0.9

    Gross fixed capital formation

    -16.3

    0.8

    0.6

    -5.9

    3.4

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    Inventories

    0.2

    0.9

    1.3

    -3.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Net exports

    29.1

    3.3

    -9.1

    9.3

    -1.0

    0.7

    0.7

    0.8

    0.7

    0.8

    Residual

    0.3

    0.6

    0.1

    -0.3

    -0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0
                         

    Prices

    		                    

    Inflation (HICP)

    2.4

    8.1

    5.2

    1.3

    1.9

    1.7

    1.8

    1.9

    2.0

    2.0

    Inflation (HICP, core)

    1.6

    5.0

    5.1

    2.4

    2.1

    2.2

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    GDP deflator

    1.1

    6.8

    3.6

    3.3

    1.9

    1.4

    1.8

    2.1

    2.0

    2.0
                         

    Employment

    		                    

    Employment (% changes of level, ILO definition)

    6.5

    6.9

    3.4

    2.7

    1.5

    1.1

    0.8

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    Unemployment rate (percent)

    6.3

    4.5

    4.3

    4.3

    4.5

    4.7

    4.8

    4.8

    4.8

    4.8
                         
     

    (Percent of GDP)

    Public Finance, General Government

    		                    

    Revenue

    22.2

    22.3

    24.3

    27.8

    25.6

    25.7

    25.7

    26.1

    26.2

    26.2

    Expenditure

    23.5

    20.6

    22.7

    23.5

    24.2

    24.4

    24.6

    24.8

    24.9

    25.0

    Overall balance

    -1.4

    1.7

    1.5

    4.3

    1.4

    1.3

    1.1

    1.3

    1.3

    1.2

    in percent of GNI*

    -2.7

    3.3

    2.7

    7.4

    2.4

    2.3

    1.9

    2.3

    2.3

    2.0

    Primary balance

    -0.6

    2.3

    2.2

    4.9

    2.0

    1.9

    1.7

    2.0

    2.1

    2.0

    Cyclically adjusted primary balance

    -1.6

    1.4

    1.9

    4.4

    1.7

    1.7

    1.6

    1.9

    2.1

    2.0

    Structural primary balance 3/

    -0.6

    -0.6

    -0.4

    -0.8

    -0.9

    -0.9

    -0.9

    -0.8

    -0.7

    -0.7

    General government gross debt

    52.6

    43.1

    43.3

    40.9

    36.4

    34.4

    33.1

    31.6

    30.2

    29.0

    General government gross debt (percent of GNI*)

    102.3

    84.2

    75.9

    70.0

    62.8

    59.3

    57.1

    54.5

    52.1

    50.1
                         

    Balance of Payments

    		                    

    Trade balance (goods)

    37.5

    39.4

    30.6

    33.1

    36.6

    36.1

    35.7

    35.6

    35.8

    35.8

    Current account balance

    12.2

    8.8

    8.1

    17.2

    12.2

    11.6

    11.1

    10.6

    9.9

    9.2

    Gross external debt (excl. IFSC) 4/

    284.9

    229.9

    218.9

    198.0

    179.9

    166.4

    153.3

    140.6

    129.3

    118.9
                         

    Saving and Investment Balance

    		                    

    Gross national savings

    35.3

    31.7

    34.4

    34.6

    31.5

    30.9

    30.3

    29.9

    29.3

    28.8

    Private sector

    35.5

    29.0

    31.8

    29.2

    29.1

    28.6

    28.4

    27.7

    27.2

    26.8

    Public sector

    -0.2

    2.7

    2.6

    5.3

    2.4

    2.2

    2.0

    2.2

    2.2

    2.0

    Gross capital formation

    23.1

    22.9

    26.3

    17.4

    19.3

    19.2

    19.3

    19.2

    19.4

    19.5
                         
                         

    Memorandum Items:

    		                    

    Nominal GDP (€ billions)

    449.2

    520.9

    510.0

    533.4

    561.2

    581.1

    603.9

    630.2

    656.8

    685.2

    Nominal GNI* (€ billions)

    230.8

    267.0

    290.9

    311.8

    325.3

    337.0

    349.8

    364.9

    380.7

    397.2

    Modified domestic demand (percentage change) 5/

    8.0

    8.8

    2.6

    2.7

    2.1

    2.1

    2.2

    2.2

    2.3

    2.3
                         

    Sources: CSO, DoF, Eurostat, and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    		      

    1/ Real GDP growth is reported in non-seasonally adjusted terms. 

    		  

    2/ Nominal GNI* is deflated using GDP deflator as proxy, since an official GNI* deflator is not available.

    		      

    3/ Excludes estimated windfall CIT receipts. In 2024 also excludes CIT receipts of 2.5 percent of GDP following judgment by the Court of Justice of the EU.

    		  

    4/ IFSC indicates international financial services.

    		      

    5/ Modified Domestic Demand (MDD) measures Ireland’s domestic economic activity by excluding certain capital investment items such as aeroplanes purchased by leasing companies in Ireland and Intellectual Property purchases of foreign-owned corporations from final domestic demand.

    		  

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/10/pr25189-ireland-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation-with-ireland

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Expands Footprint and Embraces Partner Network at InfoComm 2025

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics is showcasing its latest display technologies, solutions and partner-integrated offerings at InfoComm, the largest professional audio-visual industry trade show in North America, held in Orlando, Fla., from June 11 to 13. This year, Samsung is expanding its presence across the show floor through strategic partner collaborations and a dedicated meeting space (Room W206BC).
    “The future of connected experiences lies in bringing together the best in display technology, immersive sound and collaboration tools,” said David Phelps, Head of Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “By integrating partner technologies into our display ecosystem, we’re helping businesses rethink how they engage employees, serve customers, deliver content and optimize their spaces. Whether it’s flexible meeting rooms, interactive classrooms or seamless retail environments, we’re setting new standards for experience-led innovation.”
    Cisco and Samsung showcase stunning collaboration experiences
    During Infocomm, Samsung and Cisco (Booth #3381) will debut a new collaboration featuring the Samsung 105-inch 5K UHD Smart Signage display, which will be the first 21:9 screen to receive certification from Cisco. To harness the capabilities of the ultra-wide screen, Cisco has optimized RoomOS for its devices to support the 21:9 aspect ratio natively, resulting in a better view of meeting participants and shared content in Microsoft Teams Rooms and Webex Meetings. The widened display area allows new ways to display both meeting participants and shared content on a single display in an engaging meeting experience.

    Additionally, large supersized displays, like the new Samsung 136-inch The Wall 16:9 All-in-One LED paired with Cisco collaboration devices, and the newly announced Cisco Room Vision PTZ cameras, delivers a highly immersive large-screen meeting experience. Stunning video quality with natural, eye-level views are possible with a solution that’s simple to install. Deploy in hours, not days with Samsung’s modular all-in-one screen assembly and Cisco’s single-cable power over ethernet (PoE) cameras.

    “We are delighted that the innovative partnership between Cisco and Samsung continues to deliver the most engaging and inclusive employee experiences in the industry,” said Espen Løberg VP Product Management, Cisco. “Our certification program creates a solid foundation for seamless integrations that reduce complexity and enable scalable deployment and maintenance of collaboration rooms.”
    Together, Samsung and Cisco are raising the bar on the collaboration experience possible with these advanced displays. Powered by NVIDIA chipsets and Cisco RoomOS software, Cisco collaboration devices intelligently track, group and frame meeting participants, optimizing the use of screen real-estate afforded by Samsung Smart Signage displays, ensuring everyone can be seen in amazing detail.
    Samsung’s 136-inch The Wall with 16:9 aspect ratio, and 105-inch 5K UHD Smart Signage 21:9 aspect ratio will be on display in Cisco’s Partner Lounge (W203A) at Infocomm. During the show, demonstrations will highlight how Samsung displays paired with Cisco’s solutions and cameras optimize the meeting experience in corporate workspaces. Demonstrations will take place on Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. ET.
    Logitech and Samsung redefine the modern workplace
    Building on their five-year-long partnership in video conferencing and productivity, Samsung and Logitech are collaborating to showcase joint solutions for Microsoft Teams and Copilot. These integrated offerings will be on display at Logitech’s booth (#3012). Highlights include an entry-level Teams Room setup featuring the Logitech MeetUp 2 and Tap with USB Kit, paired with a Samsung 65-inch display. Attendees can also view a demonstration of multi-stream functionality in Teams Rooms on Windows, also utilizing a Samsung 65-inch display. Additionally, the booth will present a desktop productivity package that combines Logitech’s MK955 keyboard-mouse combo—with dedicated Windows and Copilot keys—with Samsung monitors, offering an optimized Microsoft 365 Copilot experience for enterprise users. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation, simplicity and enhanced productivity in modern work environments.

    “Our enduring partnership with Samsung has always centered on transforming workplace experiences through smarter, more seamless solutions,” said Sudeep Trivedi, Head of Alliances and Go-to-Market, Logitech. “By innovating on solutions for Microsoft Teams and Copilot, we’re making significant gains in addressing the needs of Microsoft 365 users. Together, we’re redefining productivity and enabling businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic work environments.”
    Integrated partner display solutions drive customer success
    Throughout the show floor, InfoComm attendees can explore how Samsung’s portfolio of commercial display products integrates seamlessly with best-in-class technologies from its ecosystem partners. These integrated solutions are designed to elevate customer and employee engagement, streamline operations and drive better business outcomes across industries.
    For instance, FORTÉ (Booth #1742), the leading provider of communication and collaboration solutions designed to transform the modern workplace, will feature the Samsung 146-inch The Wall All-In-One 4K and WMB Interactive Display in its booth. Vu Technologies, another key partner of Samsung, will showcase its all-in-one studio solution, Vu One Mini, integrated with the Samsung 146-inch The Wall display. The activation will be fully powered by Vu’s proprietary production software, Vu Studio.
    ADI Global Distribution (Booth #3728), the leading distributor of security, AV and low-voltage products, will showcase the WAD Interactive Display and The Wall All-In-One 4K on the show floor.
    InfoComm attendees can experience how Samsung displays and solutions empower businesses to redefine visual engagement and operational efficiencies at additional partners’ booths, including:

    Bluestar (Booth #980)
    TD Synnex (Booth #1900)
    United Communication (Booth #3817)

    Elevating corporate, retail, educational and other business environments with display innovations
    In its dedicated meeting room W206BC, Samsung will showcase recently launched displays, including the Color E-Paper, 105-inch 5k UHD Smart Signage and WAF Interactive Display, as well as software solutions like the Visual eXperience Transformation (VXT) platform and SmartThings Pro. Welcoming guests at the entrance of the meeting space is a larger-than-life 136-inch model of The Wall that delivers stunning picture quality with optimized brightness and contrast powered by the advanced NQM AI Processor.

    Launched on June 5, Samsung Color E-Paper expands upon its portfolio of energy-efficient digital signage. Featuring digital ink technology, this latest model delivers ultra-low power consumption, high visibility and a lightweight design, offering businesses a sustainable and flexible display alternative. With a fully charged integrated battery, users have the ability to install and use Color E-Paper freely without being connected to a power source. During content updates, the display still uses significantly less energy than LCD digital signage, which helps reduce operational costs.
    The Samsung 105-inch 5K UHD Smart Signage display elevates workplace collaboration and audience engagement. At just 48.1mm in depth, the display’s slim design makes it a perfect fit for sleek and modern workspaces, retail stores and high-traffic places such as airports, rail stations or sports arenas. Users can make a big impression by installing the QPD-5K display vertically, with its screen reaching eight feet tall in portrait mode. The 105-inch display’s expansive, ultra-wide screen is an ideal solution for video conferencing in modern meeting spaces. Ultra-clear 5K resolution and non-glare technology ensure crisp, vivid visuals to deliver important information from every angle.
    Available in 65-, 75- and 86-inch models, the WAF Interactive Display delivers a captivating classroom experience for students. Powered by the Android 14 operating system, the WAF builds on the successes of Samsung’s first Google Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement (EDLA)-certified classroom display, the WAD series, and introduces new features to enhance classroom instruction and engagement. The “Annotation” button empowers users to take notes anytime without interruptions, even over videos and other visuals on the screen, making collaborating and engaging during lessons more seamless and less intrusive. The Note app on the display has been updated to allow multiple students to use the whiteboard at once. Dr. Micah Shippee, Director of Education Solutions & Channel Sales, Samsung, will be in the Samsung meeting room and at the Cisco, TD SYNNEX and Bluestar booths demonstrating the WAF’s capabilities.

    Samsung solutions unlock the full potential of display ecosystems
    The newest iteration of VXT, a cloud-native Content Management Solution (CMS) that combines content and remote B2B screen management, adds expanded compatibility and app enhancements to streamline operations management and a new hybrid cloud deployment option. The solution is compatible with Samsung’s latest digital signage products and offers robust screen management for Android and Windows devices within an organization’s B2B display network.

    Users can now remotely adjust screen settings, including backlights and screen orientation, and security controls. Scheduling allows remote control of screen operations based on business hours or holidays to help optimize energy usage. Additionally, VXT provides over 200 templates and Pre-Integrated Repeatable Solutions (PIRS) apps created by Samsung and its partners to simplify custom content development.
    Samsung has launched the VXT CMS Transformer, an innovative application designed to help users transition smoothly from the legacy Samsung MagicINFO digital signage platform to VXT. To make the transition even easier, Samsung now offers a powerful on-premise compatibility analysis tool that automatically scans users’ existing MagicINFO setup to identify which devices and content are ready for VXT, flag potential compatibility issues and generate a clear, actionable migration-readiness report—all without requiring server access.
    For a limited time, Samsung is offering a special migration incentive to help users get started with minimal cost and maximum value. To take advantage of this offer, simply download the VXT CMS Transformer and run the compatibility analysis report today.
    Newly launched integrations between PIRS apps and the SmartThings Pro IoT platform enable dynamic automation, allowing screens to display content based on sensor triggers, such as exit directions in the event of an emergency. SmartThings Pro extends Samsung’s hyper-connected smart home technology to business environments, providing a scalable platform for intelligent device management. With its intuitive dashboard, users can monitor, control and create custom automations for connected devices across their business. It also features an AI Energy Mode, an intelligent power-saving technology that reduces energy consumption based on ambient brightness, content analysis and motion detection.

    Samsung’s commitment to delivering sustainable signage has earned a Silver rating from the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), an environmental rating system managed by the Green Electronics Council (GEC) in the United States. EPEAT evaluates products across a range of sustainability criteria, including hazardous substance use, energy efficiency, recycled packaging and corporate social responsibility. This recognition is especially noteworthy as every model in Samsung’s standalone signage lineup is now certified with a Silver rating.
    Samsung offers special savings this summer
    Samsung is running special promotions in June and July on select displays to show its support for small businesses. Throughout June, Samsung is offering up to $1,000 off its 105-inch 5K UHD Smart Signage and up to $500 off the Color E-Paper display. Additionally, Samsung is offering up to $400 off its LCD Video Walls, which create a virtually seamless large-format viewing experience to elevate any business setting, and up to $280 off the Samsung Kiosk, which meets the demands of any high-traffic self-service environment. Business owners can enjoy up to $200 off Samsung Pro TVs — which range from 43- to 85-inches — to match the screen size requirements of any location.
    From now until the end of July, customers can also take advantage of the buy one WAF Interactive Display, get one Samsung Pro TV free promotion.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Air Astana is interested in strengthening its position in the Chinese market

    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 11 (Xinhua) — Air Astana is interested in strengthening its position in the Chinese market, Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster said Wednesday at a press conference in Guangzhou, southern China’s Guangdong Province, to mark the launch of its Guangzhou-Almaty route.

    The opening of the said air route is reported to be a new milestone for Air Astana in expanding its route network in China, writes the Zhuxinshe news agency.

    The Guangzhou-Almaty route is Air Astana’s fifth direct route between Kazakhstan and China and the airline’s first route connecting southern China and southern Kazakhstan.

    China is a strategically important market for Air Astana. The opening of the new route marks a very important step for the airline in expanding its route network in China, which is in line with its long-term growth objectives, said Peter Foster.

    Since the launch of the Almaty-Beijing route more than 20 years ago, Air Astana has been steadily expanding its route network in China. Currently, the airline’s aircraft, mainly Airbus A321LR, operate 23 flights weekly on five routes linking Kazakhstan and China, namely Almaty-Beijing, Almaty-Urumqi, Almaty-Sanya, Almaty-Guangzhou and Astana-Beijing. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Facilitation measures for cross-boundary goods vehicles

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Yim Kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):

    Question:

    It has been reported that the Government will announce the details of Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles within this year, and only non-commercial small passenger vehicles will be allowed to apply under the first phase of implementation. Some members of the logistics and transport industries expect the Government to make good use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and take the opportunity of implementing Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles to enhance the relevant policy on Guangdong/Hong Kong cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles, so as to further consolidate Hong Kong’s role as the prominent hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to drive the development of the Hong Kong International Airport (the airport), container terminals, and the entire logistics industry. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether the Government will, in the course of formulating the policy on Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles, discuss with the Mainland authorities the enhancement of the relevant policy on cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles (including the quota system coordinated by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong), so as to facilitate cross-boundary goods vehicles in travelling between the Mainland and Hong Kong; if so, of the details, including the expected time of announcing the relevant policy;

    (2) whether the Government will enhance the application process for southbound cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles or introduce new measures, e.g. making reference to the existing system of “closed road permits” while streamlining the application process therein, such that a certain number of Mainland goods vehicles will be allowed to reach designated major cargo hubs in Hong Kong (including the cargo terminals of the airport and container terminals) directly via designated routes; and

    (3) whether the Government will make reference to the experience of other places (e.g. the “Green Card system” (a kind of cross-border motor insurance card system) in Europe) and promote a mutual recognition mechanism for motor insurance among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, so as to achieve “one insurance policy for all”?

    Reply:

    President,

    The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) attaches great importance to the development of modern logistics, and is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international smart logistics hub. To this end, the Government promulgated the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development in 2023, which proposed to enhance Hong Kong’s role as the gateway and key transshipment hub for cargoes to and from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by improving multimodal transport. In particular, cross-boundary land freight transport is a major mode of freight transport between Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA, as well as an important component of the “rail-sea-land-river” intermodal transport system between Hong Kong and the Mainland. On the other hand, cross-boundary goods vehicles are also a major means for transporting daily supplies and are of crucial importance to the livelihood of Hong Kong people. Hence, the TLB has always placed strong emphasis on improving cross-boundary land freight transport arrangements. In handling matters related to cross-boundary goods vehicles, the TLB always adheres to the policy principle of “maintaining capacity and stability” and takes into account the views of different stakeholders, so as to ensure smooth operation and adequate capacity of cross-boundary land freight transport, thereby providing staunch support for strengthening and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre, international aviation hub and international logistics hub.

    Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and the Transport Department (TD), our reply to various parts of the Hon Yim’s question is as follows:

    (1) and (2) Cross-boundary goods vehicles are subject to the regulation of the quota system which is agreed and jointly administered by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong. If the Mainland goods vehicles need to apply for Hong Kong permit/licence, holders of the Mainland goods vehicle quotas must first apply to the relevant Mainland authority for the Mainland Approval Notice (commonly known as MAN) for their goods vehicles. The quota holders should also apply to the TD for vehicle approval and vehicle examination for their goods vehicles; upon passing the vehicle examination, they could proceed with vehicle registration and licensing as well as apply for Closed Road Permit (CRP). The TD would issue CRPs according to the approved boundary crossing(s) recorded on the MAN so that cross-boundary goods vehicles concerned could ply between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the designated boundary crossing(s). Besides, drivers from the Mainland driving the goods vehicles concerned should hold a full Hong Kong driving licence for the corresponding vehicle class(es) (such as light, medium or heavy goods vehicles). From 2022 to April 2025, the number of cross-boundary goods vehicles with valid CRPs maintained at about 10 000, among which goods vehicles from the Mainland have increased.

    Guangdong and Hong Kong have been maintaining close liaison, and will review and enhance relevant facilitation measures for cross-boundary goods vehicles as appropriate subject to the development of freight logistics, local traffic capacity and trade’s responses in both places. Guangdong and Hong Kong also keep reviewing the number of quotas for cross-boundary goods vehicles from time to time. If the Mainland authorities seek to increase the quotas, Hong Kong will expedite the vetting with enhanced efficiency. Besides, the TD has enhanced the arrangement of vehicle approval for cross-boundary goods vehicles with a view to completing the relevant process with enhanced speed. In general, if all the documents required are in order and accurate, the time needed for completion of vehicle approval, examination, registration and licensing, as well as CRP application has been greatly shortened to as fast as three to four weeks.

    (3) The Insurance Authority has been in discussion with relevant authorities and the insurance industry on the insurance arrangement for cross-boundary vehicles, with a view to providing facilitation and appropriate insurance products. Take Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles as an example, the Government has at the same time implemented the “unilateral recognition” arrangement for cross-boundary motor insurance, which allows Hong Kong private cars driving into Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to extend the coverage of their third-party liability insurance purchased from Hong Kong insurers to the Mainland, thereby eliminating the need for separate policies in both places and facilitating travel between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The Government will continue to monitor the development of the cross-boundary freight and logistics industry, and review the relevant measures in a timely manner.

    Ends/Wednesday, June 11, 2025
    Issued at HKT 11:43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB triples financing for banks to provide liquidity to SMEs in the supply chain of Europe’s defence industry, signs first deal with Deutsche Bank

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB increases intermediated loans and guarantees available for key defence-industry segment to €3 billion from €1 billion.
    • Move to support small and medium-sized businesses that serve major European defence manufacturers in partnership with commercial banks across EU.
    • First agreement with Deutsche Bank to enable €1 billion financing for defence research, as well as military and police infrastructure.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is tripling to €3 billion the intermediated financing available to Europe’s defence-industry suppliers in a fresh move to bolster security on the continent. The EIB is also triggering the new facility through an inaugural agreement with Deutsche Bank, providing long-term liquidity earmarked for security and defence investment projects.

    The EIB’s increase in intermediated financing targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are a pillar of Europe’s defence industrial base. The EIB is providing a €500 million loan to Deutsche Bank, in a partnership that will enable €1 billion in financing and working capital for SMEs throughout the European Union security and defence supply chain, as well as military and police infrastructure such as training facilities for military personnel.

    The new partnership was unveiled at the European Defence and Security Summit in Brussels today by EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. It will support improved access to finance for security and defence projects, addressing the urgent need for investment in innovation, supply chain resilience, and strategic autonomy amid increased geopolitical uncertainty. 

    “Strengthening Europe’s security and defence is central to our mission,” said President Nadia Calviño. “We’re scaling up financing to record levels, and through intermediated lending and partnerships with banks across the EU, we ensure that SMEs in the defence supply chain have access to the financing they need.”

    “With this framework loan, Deutsche Bank will be able to deploy capital to clients at all stages of the supply chain throughout Europe, where it is most needed,” said Fabrizio Campelli, Deutsche Bank’s Head of Corporate Bank and Investment Bank and Member of the Management Board of Deutsche Bank AG. “It will support the comprehensive efforts our bank is deploying to advise and finance the sector at this crucial moment for Europe. Deutsche Bank is honoured to be the first European bank to partner with the EIB under its Pan-EU Security & Defence Lending scheme. The message is clear: we stand ready to reinforce the resilience of Europe’s security and defence.”

    The threefold increase in the EIB’s  €1 billion “Pan-European Security and Defence Lending Envelope” approved in December 2024 reflects exceptionally strong interest by commercial banks across Europe in leveraging the EIB’s resources, freeing up liquidity to support investments in the sector. The defence financing cooperation with Deutsche Bank is the first with a commercial bank under the EIB’s expanded lending scheme, with further partnerships currently due to follow shortly.

    It follows the agreement announced last week between the EIB and the national promotional institutions of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain on a pan-European approach to strengthening European security and defence. Ther EIB and the five long term investors – Caisse des Depôts, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) and Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) – agreed to work together on areas of investment and on potential joint financing in sectors such as research and development, industrial capacity, and infrastructure.

    The EU has more than 2,500 SMEs that are essential suppliers for major defence manufacturers such as Airbus, Thales, Rheinmetall and Leonardo. The SMEs provide key components, technologies and services, underpinning jobs, innovation and growth in the sector.

    The boost in potential EIB lending to defence SMEs is meant to help them counter traditional funding obstacles that larger companies in Europe are generally spared. The move also covers Mid-Caps, another segment of the EU defence industry that has faced financing hurdles on the market.  

    Background information

    About the EIB   

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The EIB finances investments in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.    The EIB Group stepped up its support to Europe’s security and defence industry in 2024 by enlarging the scope of projects eligible for financing and setting up a one-stop shop to streamline processes, doubling investment to €1 billion. The EIB Group expects to multiply this amount in 2025 to new record.

    The Board of Directors in March approved a series of additional measures to further contribute to European peace and included peace and security as a cross-cutting Public Policy Goal to finance large-scale strategic projects in areas such as land-border protection, military mobility, critical infrastructure, military transport, space, cybersecurity, anti-jamming technologies, radar systems, military equipment and facilities, drones, bio-hazard and seabed infrastructure protection, critical raw materials and research. 

    In addition to financing, the EIB offers advisory services that help public and private partners develop and implement high-quality, investment-ready projects. In 2024 alone, EIB advisory teams helped mobilise over €200 billion of investment across Europe and beyond.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here. 

    About Deutsche Bank

    Deutsche Bank provides retail and private banking, corporate and transaction banking, lending, asset and wealth management products and services as well as focused investment banking to private individuals, small and medium-sized companies, corporations, governments and institutional investors. Deutsche Bank is the leading bank in Germany with strong European roots and a global network.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: OSS’s BRESSNER Receives the 2024 EMEA Growth Partner of the Year Award from Digi International

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ESCONDIDO, Calif., June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS or the Company) (Nasdaq: OSS) today announced that its subsidiary, BRESSNER Technology GmbH, a leading specialized high-performance computing supplier in Europe, has been named Digi International’s 2024 EMEA Growth Partner of the Year.

    Digi International’s prestigious Global Channel Awards are given annually to Digi’s most impactful worldwide channel partners, celebrating their leadership, innovation, customer-first mindset, and outstanding contributions to the expansion of connected technologies.

    “Digi is a long-standing partner, and we are honored to be named their 2024 EMEA Growth Partner of the Year,” said Martin Stiborski, Managing Director of BRESSNER. “This award reflects our commitment to providing state-of-the-art hardware solutions for demanding applications.”

    “Our channel partners are at the heart of Digi’s global success,” said Ron Konezny, President and CEO of Digi International. “Each award recipient has demonstrated unmatched dedication to advancing IoT and infrastructure management, while delivering exceptional value to customers in every region we serve. Their commitment and results speak volumes — and together, we are empowering digital transformation across industries and geographies.”

    To learn more and view this year’s additional winners, visit:
    https://www.digi.com/company/press-releases/2025/digi-celebrates-2024-global-channel-awards   

    About BRESSNER Technology GmbH
    As a system integrator, manufacturer, value-added distributor, and system house for industrial hardware solutions, components, accessories, and built-to-order solutions, BRESSNER offers an extensive portfolio for various applications in the industrial environment. Tailored solutions for machine automation, logistics & transport, and production are part of the company’s range of services, as well as comprehensive support for topics such as AI applications, machine/deep learning, networks, intelligent retail, communication, and security. The company’s headquarters is located in Germany, with its parent company, One Stop Systems, based in the USA.

    About One Stop Systems
    One Stop Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSS) is a leader in AI enabled solutions for the demanding ‘edge’. OSS designs and manufactures Enterprise Class compute and storage products that enable rugged AI, sensor fusion and autonomous capabilities without compromise. These hardware and software platforms bring the latest data center performance to harsh and challenging applications, whether they are on land, sea or in the air.

    OSS products include ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, flash storage arrays, and storage acceleration software. These specialized compact products are used across multiple industries and applications, including autonomous trucking and farming, as well as aircraft, drones, ships and vehicles within the defense industry.

    OSS solutions address the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training and large-scale inference, and have delivered many industry firsts for industrial OEM and government customers.

    As the fastest growing segment of the multi-billion-dollar edge computing market, AI enabled solutions require-and OSS delivers-the highest level of performance in the most challenging environments without compromise.

    OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com. You can also follow OSS on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    One Stop Systems cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by One Stop Systems or its partners that any of our plans or expectations will be achieved, including but not limited to the potential and/or the results participating in the ROTH Conference, any results relating to one-on-one meetings with management, and the expansion of the Company’s offerings and/or relationship with commercial customers and/or investors. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risk and uncertainties inherent in our business, including risks described in our prior press releases and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

    Media Contacts:
    Robert Kalebaugh
    One Stop Systems, Inc.
    Tel (858) 518-6154
    Email contact

    Investor Relations:
    Andrew Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    Tel (216) 464-6400
    Email contact

    The MIL Network –

  • 11 years of Modi govt: India’s civil aviation sector soars to new heights

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s civil aviation sector has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past 11 years, emerging as a vital pillar of the country’s infrastructure growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From just 74 operational airports in 2014, the number has more than doubled to 160 by March 2025, including 145 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes.

    A major thrust has been on regional connectivity and inclusive development. Under the UDAN scheme, 625 new air routes have been operationalised, connecting 88 unserved and underserved airports, benefiting over 1.51 crore passengers. The scheme has received over ₹5,000 crore in funding, targeting difficult terrains, including the Northeast, tribal belts, and hilly regions.

    Several greenfield airports have become operational during this period, including Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Kurnool, Kushinagar, Sindhudurg, Donyi Polo (Itanagar), and the MoPA Airport in Goa, significantly boosting regional tourism and trade.

    Digital reforms have been a key driver of efficiency. The eGCA platform has digitized nearly 300 aviation services, while Digi Yatra—adopted by over 5.2 crore passengers—has enabled seamless travel through facial recognition. Enhanced security measures like the biometric AEP and paperless e-BCAS system have further modernized airport operations.

    India’s drone ecosystem has seen rapid policy and industrial support, with over 32,000 drones registered and more than 26,000 remote pilot certificates issued. The government has also introduced the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 to modernize aviation laws and boost indigenous manufacturing under Make in India.

    Flagship schemes like Krishi UDAN, Lifeline UDAN (launched during COVID-19), and HEMS (India’s first air ambulance pilot project in Uttarakhand) are addressing agriculture, emergency response, and remote healthcare needs.

    Social inclusion has also been prioritized. India now leads globally in women pilots (15%) and aims to grow the women workforce in aviation to 25% by 2025. Passenger services have improved, with baggage turnaround times now under 30 minutes at major airports, and UDAN Yatri Cafés launched to offer affordable meals.

    Recent Cabinet decisions have cleared major expansion projects, including airport upgrades in Varanasi (₹2,869 crore), and new civil enclaves at Bihta (Patna) and Bagdogra, with investments exceeding ₹2,900 crore.

    India’s civil aviation sector is poised to be a key enabler in the country’s journey toward Viksit Bharat@2047, driving economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and strengthening national integration.

  • 193 contracts, ₹1.27 lakh crore production: a decade of defence transformation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government completes 11 years in office, India’s defence sector marks a decade-long shift towards self-reliance, driven by focused policy interventions, enhanced budget allocations, and institutional reforms.

    The defence budget has increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in 2025–26. The sharp rise in allocations reflects a sustained push towards capacity building and indigenisation in the sector. Over the years, a strong emphasis has been placed on developing a domestic ecosystem that supports manufacturing, innovation, and exports.

    In 2023–24, India registered its highest-ever defence production, reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore. This marks a 174 percent increase over the ₹46,429 crore recorded in 2014–15. The growth is attributed to policies promoting indigenous manufacturing and procurement.

    The Ministry of Defence signed 193 contracts worth ₹2,09,050 crore in 2024–25, the highest recorded in a single financial year. Of these, 177 contracts were awarded to domestic industries, accounting for ₹1,68,922 crore. This aligns with the government’s priority for domestic procurement under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.

    To support defence manufacturing infrastructure, two dedicated Defence Industrial Corridors have been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. As of February 2025, these corridors have attracted investments worth ₹8,658 crore, with 253 Memorandums of Understanding signed. The total investment potential is estimated at ₹53,439 crore.

    The government has released five Positive Indigenisation Lists, covering over 5,500 items. As of February 2025, 3,000 of these items had been indigenised. The lists include key technologies such as artillery guns, assault rifles, radars, light combat helicopters, armoured platforms, and communication systems.

    Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), launched in April 2018, has played a central role in promoting innovation. Grants of up to ₹1.5 crore have been extended to startups, MSMEs, and research entities. As of February 2025, 549 problem statements have been published, with 430 contracts signed involving 619 participants. The armed forces have procured 43 items worth over ₹2,400 crore from iDEX-supported firms.

    For the financial year 2025–26, ₹449.62 crore has been allocated to iDEX, including its sub-scheme ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX).

    Among infrastructure initiatives, the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) aims to support the creation of eight greenfield testing and certification facilities. Seven of these have already been approved, focusing on domains such as electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and communication technologies.

    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector was liberalised in September 2020. The policy now permits up to 74 percent FDI through the automatic route and more than 74 percent through the government route. Since April 2000, the sector has received FDI worth ₹5,516.16 crore.

    The Tata Aircraft Complex, inaugurated in October 2024 in Vadodara, is manufacturing C-295 transport aircraft. Of the 56 aircraft under the programme, 40 are being built in India.

    Manthan, an annual innovation event held during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, has continued to provide a platform for collaboration among startups, academia, and defence stakeholders.

    For 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has allocated 75 percent of its modernisation budget—₹1,11,544 crore—for procurement from domestic sources, reinforcing its focus on building an indigenous defence industrial base.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists of the State University of Management are expanding their partnerships: meetings were held with the management of the Leningrad Region Committee for Transport and the Belarusian State Technical University “VOENMEKH”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On June 10, 2025, as part of expanding opportunities for solving strategic tasks to achieve technological leadership of the Russian Federation and in accordance with existing competencies, scientists and specialists of the State University of Management visited the Leningrad Region Committee for Transport and the BSTU “VOENMEKH” named after D.F. Ustinov.

    The Committee is a sectoral body of the executive power of the Leningrad Region and a structural element of the Administration of the Leningrad Region. Among the tasks of the Committee’s work is the implementation of powers to organize transport services for the population of the region, as well as the formation of a strategy for the development of the transport complex, the development of forms and methods for its implementation based on forecasting, planning and program-target management, coordination and methodological guidance of work on the implementation of the strategy at the municipal level.

    The delegation of the State University of Management included: Vice-Rector Maria Karelina, Chief Researcher of the Scientific Research Coordination Department Aleksey Terentyev and Head of the Department Maxim Pletnev.

    The Chairman of the Committee Mikhail Prisyazhnyuk spoke about the main goals and objectives of the organization. Particular attention was paid to infrastructure projects and the formation of the digital contour of the Leningrad Region. The parties discussed the main areas of interaction and agreed to sign a framework agreement on cooperation. As part of the training of highly qualified personnel, it is planned to develop a network-based postgraduate program in the direction of “Logistics Transport Systems”. The Transport Committee has an extensive practical base, which will allow dissertation research to be carried out in close connection with the needs of the transport industry of the Leningrad Region. The Head of the Committee accepted the offer to participate in the educational process of the State University of Management in the programs “Transport Systems Management”, “Transport and Logistics”.

    Another direction for expanding the scope of scientific projects was worked out with the BSTU “VOENMEKH” named after D.F. Ustinov. The university is one of the leading defense and technical universities in the country and trains specialists for enterprises of the defense-industrial complex in the field of aircraft manufacturing and astronautics, radio engineering, energy, mechatronics and robotics, IT technologies.

    The meeting was attended by the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Maria Karelina, the Director of the Engineering Project Management Center Vladimir Filatov, the Researcher of the Center Dmitry Rybakov, the Junior Researcher of the Reverse Engineering Laboratory Nikita Akinshin. From BSTU “VOENMEKH” the negotiations were attended by the Acting Vice-Rector for Research and Innovative Development Vladimir Voronov and the Head of the Rocketry Department Vyacheslav Borodavkin.

    The parties exchanged achievements in the field of scientific research, experience in implementing projects and discussed prospects for joint work on R & D. A representative of the real sector of the economy, Mikhail Petrov, Director of Development of the Petersburg Machine-Building Plant, took part in the meeting. The plant specializes in the production of tractors and agricultural machinery. The meeting participants discussed a joint project to develop a new type of equipment.

    Representatives of BSTU “VOENMEKH” and the Petersburg Machine-Building Plant were invited to the State University of Management to sign a cooperation agreement, get acquainted with the Student Design Bureau at the university and the results of the work on the Large Scientific Project. Colleagues from BSTU “VOENMEKH” were also interested in the competencies of the State University of Management specialists in the field of machine vision.

    Within the framework of the agreement, it is planned to implement network programs in the field of scientific projects – the State University of Management has serious competencies in the field of project management, including scientific projects.

    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 –

  • India sees radical change in transport infrastructure over the last decade

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ndia has witnessed an unprecedented scale of infrastructure development over the past decade, driven by the success of a holistic and integrated approach under major national initiatives like PRAGATI, PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and UDAN, according to an official report released on Wednesday.

    The report encapsulates the rapid transformation that has taken place in the country’s transport infrastructure across the highways, railways, maritime and civil aviation sectors of the economy on the back of massive investments made by the Central government in the last 10 years.

    The report highlights that PM GatiShakti unified planning across 44 ministries and 36 states/UTs on a GIS-based platform. Launched in 2021, the PM GatiShakti national master plan is a comprehensive initiative to improve multimodal infrastructure connectivity across India’s economic zones. Rs 100 lakh crore is being efficiently utilised through this integrated platform. Anchored on seven key sectors — railways, roads, ports, waterways, airports, mass transport, and logistics infrastructure — it promotes synchronised development across ministries and state governments.

    The length of India’s national highways network increased by 60 per cent from 91,287 km to 1,46,204 km during the last decade, with the pace of highway construction accelerating to 34 km/day from 11.6 km/day in 2014. There is an increase of 6.4 times in the Centre’s investment in road infrastructure between 2013-14 and 2024-25. The road transport and highway budget has shot up by 570 per cent from 2014 to 2023-24.

    The budget for Indian Railways has increased by more than nine times since 2014. The higher investment is reflected in the introduction of new Vande Bharat semi-high-speed trains covering 24 states/UTs along with 333 districts. A total of 68 Vande Bharat Trains are currently operational in the country, while another 400 world-class Vande Bharat trains are planned to be manufactured.

    More than 31,000 km of new tracks have been laid since 2014, and over 45,000 km of tracks have been renewed since 2014. The pace of electrification of the track network has jumped from 5,188 route km between 2004-14 to more than 45,000 route km being electrified in 2014-25. Electrification has enabled annual savings of Rs 2,960 crore for railways (up to February 2025), ensuring greater financial efficiency, the report states.

    It further highlights that the country’s port capacity has doubled to 2,762 MMTPA in the last 10 years, with the overall turnaround time for ships improving from 93 to 49 hours. As many as 277 projects have been completed under Sagarmala in the big push to port infrastructure.

    The report also lists major projects that have been completed in the ports sector, including the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport. Inaugurated on May 2, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this Rs 8,800 crore project is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port. Strategically located near international shipping routes, it can host the world’s largest cargo ships. The port significantly reduces India’s reliance on foreign ports and enhances economic activity in Kerala.

    The New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1,800 crore, with a length of 310 meters and a depth of 13 meters. It is capable of handling aircraft carriers of up to 70,000 tons. Besides, an international Ship Repair Facility has been set up in Cochin.

    India’s Inland waterways cargo has risen by 710 per cent (from 18 MMT to 146 MMT) in the last 10 years. Approval has also been given for Rs 5,370 crore investment to augment the capacity of National Waterway-1 (Haldia to Varanasi), this major inland navigation initiative enhances cargo movement on the Ganga River, the report points out.

    The report also highlights that new routes and new airports have been added to the civil aviation landscape of the country. The number of airports operational in India has gone from 74 in 2014 to 160 in 2025. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the revival and development of unserved and underserved airports at a total cost of Rs 4,500 crore. In addition, the Expenditure Finance Committee also approved an amount of Rs 1,000 crore for the development of 50 more airports, heliports and water aerodromes under the UDAN scheme. This flagship scheme, launched in June 2016 to create affordable, yet economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes, has been a big success with over 1.51 crore passengers having flown on these regional flights, the report added.

    (IANS)