Category: Aviation

India sees radical change in transport infrastructure over the last 10 years

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India 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)

June 11, 2025
PM Modi hails 11 years of infra revolution, calls it foundation for self-reliant India

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the massive infrastructure transformation that has taken place over the past 11 years, calling it a cornerstone of India’s growth and self-reliance.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “It’s been 11 Years Of Infra Revolution, with outstanding infrastructure being added that has enhanced India’s growth trajectory. From railways to highways, ports to airports, India’s rapidly expanding infra network is boosting ‘Ease of Living’ and enhancing prosperity.”

The prime minister added that the country’s focus on next-generation infrastructure is rooted in sustainability and long-term planning. “It is laying the foundations of a self-reliant India,” he said.

The PM outlined key aspects of this transformation, including the development of modern highways and ropeways, the unlocking of India’s maritime potential, and affordable air travel under the UDAN scheme. He also pointed to major upgrades in the rail sector, such as the rollout of Vande Bharat trains, the launch of the Amrit Bharat Express, and the modernisation of stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme.

The BJP-led NDA government has completed 11 years in office, with infrastructure projects being a key focus of its development agenda. PM Modi, who assumed office on May 26, 2014, has described this period as a “transformative decade of development.”

In celebration of this milestone, the government has been highlighting achievements across sectors — with infrastructure at the forefront as a symbol of India’s march towards becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.

IANS

June 11, 2025
India’s defence exports surge 34-fold in 11 years of Modi government

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past eleven years, with exports reaching a record high of ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25. This marks a 34-fold increase from ₹686 crore in 2013–14, underlining the Modi government’s commitment to making India self-reliant and globally competitive in defence manufacturing.

The growth in defence exports has been the result of focused policy reforms, a clear strategic vision, and consistent efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities. Over the years, the government has taken several initiatives to ease export procedures, encourage private sector participation, and expand the range of products available for the international market.

In the financial year 2024–25 alone, India granted 1,762 export authorisations, reflecting a 16.92 percent rise from the previous year. The number of defence exporters also saw an increase of 17.4 percent, pointing to the growing participation of Indian firms in the global defence supply chain.

Defence exports from the private sector stood at ₹15,233 crore, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed ₹8,389 crore. In comparison, the previous year had seen exports worth ₹15,209 crore from private players and ₹5,874 crore from DPSUs. The 42.85 percent increase in DPSU exports is seen as a strong indication of growing international trust in Indian defence products and the deepening integration of Indian manufacturing into global supply chains.

India’s export portfolio has diversified significantly over the last decade. Today, the country supplies bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, radars, and lightweight torpedoes to over 100 countries. The United States, France, and Armenia have emerged as key buyers, reflecting India’s growing reputation as a reliable defence partner.

A landmark development came in January 2022, when BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited signed a $375 million deal with the Philippines for the supply of a Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System. The contract was a major step forward in India’s efforts to promote responsible defence exports and showcased the technological maturity of Indian systems.

As the Modi government marks 11 years in office, the defence sector stands out as a clear success story. With a target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, India is steadily moving towards becoming a global hub for defence production.

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific and cultural exchanges between Chinese and Russian youth took place in Heilongjiang Province

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) — Wudalianchi City Publicity Department of the CPC Wudalianchi Municipal Committee in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province said that events in the field of popular science and cultural exchanges between Chinese and Russian youth were held in Wudalianchi from June 4 to 5, 2025.

On the evening of June 4, the opening ceremony was held at the Wudalianchi Cultural and Sports Center, where young people from the two countries in national costumes presented dance and song numbers. The melodic sounds, combined with the rhythmic performances of the kuaiban (recitative accompanied by an instrument made of bamboo planks), conveyed youthful enthusiasm and passion to the applause of the audience.

During the events, the participants visited the city’s science and technology museum, where they immersed themselves in the world of space and conducted experiments with interactive exhibits. Then, at Xinrui Primary School, the Russian guests viewed an exhibition of creative projects, watched a show of robots and aircraft models, and tried their hand at Chinese calligraphy and playing traditional Chinese instruments. Then the participants learned about the principles of volcano formation, as well as the unique geological structure and evolution of the region.

During the two-day exchange, the youth of the two countries not only enriched their scientific knowledge, but also laid a solid foundation for friendship. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Calvert Votes to Provide Historic Tax Relief for Americans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued the following statement after voting to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

“I promised voters that if they sent me back to Congress, I would fight to keep their taxes low – and that’s exactly what this One Big Beautiful Bill does. The passage of the bill will prevent the looming tax increase that would be the largest in our nation’s history. Job growth, take-home pay, and economic opportunities hit historic highs following the passage of the 2017 tax cuts. This bill extends and expands those pro-worker and pro-family policies.

To support American workers, the bill eliminates federal income taxes on tips and overtime. To support retirees, the bill includes new tax relief for seniors. To support families, the bill increases the state and local taxes (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 as well as extends and expands the child tax credit that Republicans doubled in 2017. To support job creators, the bill expands and makes permanent the small business deduction and allows 100% immediate expensing.

The One Big Beautiful Bill includes resources that will allow the Trump Administration to solidify the tremendous progress made in securing our border by completing the southern Border Wall and investing in our Border Patrol. To secure America and support our military, the bill will allow the Defense Department to acquire ships, aircraft, and other essential weapons systems as well as invest in the innovation entities within the Department focused on deploying vital capabilities in a time frame of relevance.

I have made it clear throughout this process that I would not support cuts to Medicaid for seniors, children, mothers, and the disabled. The One Big Beautiful Bill protects these populations and does NOT cut Medicaid for seniors, children, mothers, and the disabled. The bill makes NO changes to Social Security, Medicare, or veterans’ benefits.

The changes to Medicaid strengthen the program by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. The bill ensures federal tax dollars are not used to provide Medicaid benefits for illegal immigrants through new immigration status check rules. The bill also implements sensible 20-hour per week work requirements – which can be satisfied through either employment, volunteering, or education – for able adults without children under 65 years of age. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the only individuals estimated to lose Medicaid benefits because of the bill are illegal immigrants, ineligible recipients who will lose coverage due to better enforcement of eligibility rules, and able adults without children who refuse to satisfy the new work requirements. These are reasonable, responsible Medicaid reforms that protect the most vulnerable as well as taxpayers.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Found Missing Person

Source: New Zealand Police

Missing US aviation student, William Henry Johnson, has been located and Police have confirmed they have no concern for his welfare.

24-year-old Johnson was reported missing by his family on 9 June, after not contacting them for several days.

Enquiries by Police have enabled them to make contact and confirm he is now safe and with his family.

ENDS

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 11, 2025
From barriers to battalions: the rise of women in India’s armed forces

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

As the Modi government marks the completion of eleven years in office, one of the most striking shifts in India’s defence landscape has been the growing presence of women in uniform. From policy reforms to breaking long-standing barriers, the journey over the past decade has redefined the role of women in the armed forces, both symbolically and structurally.

Back in 2014, the number of women officers across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force stood at just around 3,000. Today, that figure has crossed 11,000, signalling not only a change in numbers but also in the institutional mindset. Over the years, the government has opened new avenues for women in defence, including extending permanent commission to women officers—a long-pending demand that was finally addressed. As of now, 507 women officers have been granted permanent commission, allowing them to pursue full careers and assume leadership positions across various branches.

Perhaps the most visible testament to this transformation came with the historic decision to induct female cadets into the National Defence Academy (NDA). The Academy, long considered the cradle of military leadership in India, admitted its first batch of 17 female cadets in August 2022 as part of the 148th course. Since then, the number has grown steadily, with 126 female cadets joining across four batches till the 153rd course.

The moment reached its culmination on May 30, 2025, when the pioneering group of 17 women graduated alongside 319 male cadets from the 148th Course – Spring Term 2025. This landmark event, while ceremonial in nature, carried immense symbolic weight. It reflected the Armed Forces’ growing commitment to inclusion and merit, and the belief that strength, resilience, and leadership are not confined to any one gender.

Beyond training academies, the presence of women has expanded across various roles, including combat support and aviation. From piloting fighter jets in the Indian Air Force to handling operational command in naval and ground units, women officers today are occupying spaces once deemed inaccessible.

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China Southern Airlines ramps up flights to Belt and Road countries as summer travel boom approaches

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) — China Southern Airlines, based in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, plans to open or increase the frequency of some international and regional air routes to prepare for the summer travel peak and contribute to the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, the China Daily reported.

According to the airline, a new direct flight Beijing-Dushanbe will be launched on June 16 this year, with flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Starting from June 25, a new direct flight Guangzhou-Almaty is expected to open, which will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Starting from June 30, China Southern Airlines will start operating direct flights between Guangzhou and Tashkent. And starting from July 1, a new direct flight is expected to open, which will connect Harbin /Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China/ and Vladivostok and will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

In addition, China Southern Airlines will increase the frequency of flights to popular destinations. In particular, from June 11, its planes will fly more often on the route between Urumqi /Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Northwest China/ and Yerevan. From July 1, the number of flights on the Urumqi-Baku route will increase from three to five per week.

With the launch of new flights and the consolidation of the schedules of the above-mentioned airlines, the number of international and regional routes of China Southern Airlines will reach 150, and the weekly number of flights will reach 2,000. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 11, 2025
US, China reach deal to ease export curbs, keep tariff truce alive

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

U.S. and Chinese officials said on Tuesday they had agreed on a framework to put their trade truce back on track and remove China’s export restrictions on rare earths while offering little sign of a durable resolution to longstanding trade differences.

At the end of two days of intense negotiations in London, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the framework deal puts “meat on the bones” of an agreement reached last month in Geneva to ease bilateral retaliatory tariffs that had reached crushing triple-digit levels.

But the Geneva deal had faltered over China’s continued curbs on critical minerals exports, prompting the Trump administration to respond with export controls of its own preventing shipments of semiconductor design software, aircraft and other goods to China.

Lutnick said the agreement reached in London would remove some of the recent U.S. export restrictions, but did not provide details after the talks concluded around midnight London time (2300 GMT).

“We have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus and the call between the two presidents,” Lutnick said. “The idea is we’re going to go back and speak to President Trump and make sure he approves it. They’re going to go back and speak to President Xi and make sure he approves it, and if that is approved, we will then implement the framework.”

In a separate briefing, China’s Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang also said a trade framework had been reached in principle that would be taken back to U.S. and Chinese leaders.

The dispute may keep the Geneva agreement from unravelling over duelling export controls, but does little to resolve deep differences over Trump’s unilateral tariffs and longstanding U.S. complaints about China’s state-led, export-driven economic model.

The two sides left Geneva with fundamentally different views of the terms of that agreement and needed to be more specific on required actions, said Josh Lipsky, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center in Washington.

“They are back to square one but that’s much better than square zero,” Lipsky added.

The two sides have until August 10 to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement to ease trade tensions, or tariff rates will snap back from about 30% to 145% on the U.S. side and from 10% to 125% on the Chinese side.

Investors, who have been badly burned by trade turmoil before, offered a cautious response and MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.57%.

“The devil will be in the details, but the lack of reaction suggests this outcome was fully expected,” said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone in Melbourne.

“The details matter, especially around the degree of rare earths bound for the U.S., and the subsequent freedom for U.S.-produced chips to head east, but for now as long as the headlines of talks between the two parties remain constructive, risk assets should remain supported.”

RESOLVING RESTRICTIONS

Lutnick said China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals and magnets to the U.S. will be resolved as a “fundamental” part of the framework agreement.

“Also, there were a number of measures the United States of America put on when those rare earths were not coming,” Lutnick said. “You should expect those to come off … in a balanced way.”

U.S. President Donald Trump’s shifting tariff policies have roiled global markets, sparked congestion and confusion in major ports, and cost companies tens of billions of dollars in lost sales and higher costs. The World Bank on Tuesday slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by four-tenths of a percentage point to 2.3%, saying higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a “significant headwind” for nearly all economies.

A resolution to the trade war may require policy adjustments from all countries to treat financial imbalances or otherwise greatly risk mutual economic damage, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on a rare visit to Beijing on Wednesday.

PHONE CALL HELPED

The second round of U.S.-China talks was given a major boost by a rare phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, which Lutnick said provided directives that were merged with Geneva truce agreement.

Customs data published on Monday showed that China’s exports to the U.S. plunged 34.5% in May, the sharpest drop since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic.

While the impact on U.S. inflation and its jobs market has so far been muted, tariffs have hammered U.S. business and household confidence and the dollar remains under pressure.

Lutnick was joined by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the London talks. Bessent departed hours before their conclusion to return to Washington to testify before Congress on Wednesday.

China holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, a crucial component in electric vehicle motors, and its decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets upended global supply chains.

In May, the U.S. responded by halting shipments of semiconductor design software and chemicals and aviation equipment, revoking export licences that had been previously issued.

China, Mexico, the European Union, Japan, Canada and many airlines and aerospace companies worldwide urged the Trump administration not to impose new national security tariffs on imported commercial planes and parts, according to documents released Tuesday.

Just after the framework deal was announced, a U.S. appeals court allowed Trump’s most sweeping tariffs to stay in effect while it reviews a lower court decision blocking them on grounds that they exceeded Trump’s legal authority by imposing them.

The decision keeps alive a key pressure point on China, Trump’s currently suspended 34% “reciprocal” duties that had prompted swift tariff escalation.

(Reuters)

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s amphibious AG600 aircraft greenlighted for mass production

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

China’s AG600 large amphibious aircraft are pictured at a flight test base in Pucheng County of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, July 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China’s domestically developed AG600 “Kunlong” amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday.

MIL OSI China News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: June 10th, 2025 Heinrich Presses USDA Secretary on Threats to Public Health and Safety Following DOGE Actions

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins on the harmful impacts of the “Department of Government Efficiency’s” (DOGE) actions on the United States Forest Service (USFS). The letter stresses the USFS’ operational failures that are occurring due to new layers of red tape required by DOGE, such as accumulating garbage at recreational sites and a lack of firefighting equipment in preparation of wildfires.
“I write to express deep concern regarding the devastating impact of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) actions at the United States Forest Service (USFS). New layers of red tape installed by DOGE have created dysfunction, confusion, and uncertainty at the agency,” Heinrich began. “Elon Musk and DOGE promised to make government more efficient and to root out waste. Instead, their actions have made the agency less efficient, and as a result, critical supplies are missing and garbage is piling up across the National Forest System.”
USFS manages more than 30,000 recreation sites around the country. Recreation on the National Forest System draws in 160 million visitors annually, which contributes over $13 billion to the economy and supports more than 160,000 jobs. As a result of President Trump’s Executive Order 14222, DOGE is now required to approve new or extended contracts at the Forest Service, even for routine activities or critical supplies.
Heinrich continued, “Contracts for janitorial services that previously received approval in mere days are now reportedly taking a month or longer to complete. The delay has led to garbage piling up at recreation sites and toilets going uncleaned or unemptied. The threat to public health and safety from contracting delays is not limited to custodial services. The additional levels of review mandated by DOGE have also reportedly slowed down or halted wildfire preparedness efforts, including the acquisition of firefighting equipment and helicopters.”
“Despite your assurances, it is clear that massive staff reductions, coupled with operational delays at USFS, have left the agency ill-prepared to meet the many challenges brought on by the summer months,” Heinrich pressed, citing Rollins’ recent comments at an event with Secretary Burgum, where she expressed that her agency is taking the fire season very seriously, and that federal wildland firefighters are ready to respond.
Heinrich concluded the letter by requesting detailed answers from Rollins on the Forest Service’s current contracting and procurement procedures, including approval timelines, personnel involved, and the status or justification for contract modifications, terminations, or denials related to firefighting and support services.
Read the full letter here and below:
Dear Secretary Rollins:
I write to express deep concern regarding the devastating impact of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) actions at the United States Forest Service (USFS). New layers of red tape installed by DOGE have created dysfunction, confusion, and uncertainty at the agency. Elon Musk and DOGE promised to make government more efficient and to root out waste. Instead, their actions have made the agency less efficient, and as a result, critical supplies are missing and garbage is piling up across the National Forest System.
As you know, USFS manages more than 30,000 recreation sites around the country where Americans hike, bike, picnic, camp, fish, and engage in other recreational activities. Nearly 160 million people visit the National Forest System annually. A visit to our public lands not only improves visitors’ physical and mental health, but also provides access to cultural and heritage opportunities that build community and a sense of national pride. The economic benefits associated with the National Forest System are equally as pronounced. Outdoor recreation on the Nation Forest System alone contributes over $13 billion to the economy and supports more than 160,000 jobs. Despite the clear benefits of a fully-functioning USFS, DOGE has undermined the agency at every turn and prevented USFS from carrying out its core responsibilities.
According to a recent report, USFS has suffered significant operational failings since DOGE personnel arrived at the agency. New processes instituted by DOGE have led to lengthy approval times for contracts, significantly diminishing the agency’s ability to meet basic functions and needs. Contracts for janitorial services that previously received approval in mere days are now reportedly taking a month or longer to complete. The delay has led to garbage piling up at recreation sites and toilets going uncleaned or unemptied.
The threat to public health and safety from contracting delays is not limited to custodial services. The additional levels of review mandated by DOGE have also reportedly slowed down or halted wildfire preparedness efforts, including the acquisition of firefighting equipment and helicopters. Firefighting operations are extremely equipment intensive and must often set up in remote locations. Operational flexibility and contracting speed are therefore critical to successful firefighting efforts and public safety.
You appeared with Secretary Burgum at an event last month and said, “[w]e are taking this fire season very seriously, and our federal wildland firefighters are prepared to respond.” Despite your assurances, it is clear that massive staff reductions, coupled with operational delays at USFS, have left the agency ill-prepared to meet the many challenges brought on by the summer months.
In light of these concerns, I request responses to the following questions by June 24, 2025:
1. According to recent reporting, the process for getting new procurements or contracts approved has changed several times. Please describe in detail the process for getting new procurements approved at the agency. In responding to this question, please include the following:
a. The amount of time typically needed to receive approval.
b. How many personnel are required to approve procurements or contracts related to routine equipment replacement or maintenance.
c. Whether the approval chain includes the General Services Administration or other personnel outside the Forest Service.
2. Please describe in detail the process for getting modifications to existing contracts approved.
a. The amount of time typically needed to receive approval.
b. How many personnel are required to approve procurements or contracts related to routine equipment replacement or maintenance.
c. Whether the approval chain includes the General Services Administration or other personnel outside the Forest Service.
3. In February 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order (EO) 14222 establishing requirements for new and existing contracts.9 Please provide the following information:
a. The EO states, “[e]ach Agency Head, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, shall conduct a comprehensive review of each agency’s contracting policies, procedures, and personnel. Each Agency Head shall complete this process within 30 days of the date of this order and shall not issue or approve new contracting officer warrants during the review period, unless the Agency Head determines such approval is necessary.” Have you completed this process? Did you determine any contract approvals were necessary during the review period? b. The EO states, “[f]ollowing the review specified in subsection (c) of this section, and prior to entering into new contracts, each Agency Head shall, in consultation with the agency’s DOGE Team Lead, issue guidance on signing new contracts or modifying existing contracts to promote Government efficiency and the policies of my Administration. The Agency Head may approve new contracts prior to the issuance of such guidance on a case-by-case basis.” Did you approve any new contracts or modifications prior to the issuance of guidance?
4. Please provide a list of all Department contracts for goods and services DOGE has identified for termination or renegotiation. In responding to this question, please provide the following information:
a. A description of each contract DOGE has identified for termination or renegotiation and the current status.
b. DOGE’s justification for terminating or renegotiating the contract.
5. Since January 20, 2025, has the Department terminated or recompeted any contract for goods and services? If so, please provide the following information for each contract terminated or recompeted:
a. A description of the contract terminated or recompeted.
b. The reason the Department terminated or recompeted the contract.
6. Since January 20, 2025, has the Department entered into any new contracts for goods and services? If so, please provide detailed information.
7. Since January 20, 2025, has the agency received any complaints from staff about lengthy times to get janitorial services contracts approved or awarded? If so, please explain.
8. DOGE reportedly denied funding to continue using smoke detection devices called “sniffers.” The agency also reportedly got rid of support for a platform used by firefighters to acquire equipment and track critical supplies.10 Are these reports accurate? If so, please explain your rationale.
9. Is DOGE approval required each time contracted fire aviation assets are mobilized for water or fireretardant drops?
10. Is DOGE approval required for each contract for locally-owned equipment that the Forest Service can mobilize through individual contracts with farmers and ranchers, such as bulldozers and backhoes?
11. Is DOGE approval required for fire camp contractors, such as caterers, medical personnel, or providers of portable toilets and showers?
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my staff at (202) 224-4971.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Delivers Opening Remarks at SASC Navy Posture Hearing

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF KAINE’S EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE HERE.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), delivered opening remarks at the SASC hearing on U.S. Navy posture. During his remarks, he discussed his concerns about President Trump and Secretary Hegseth activating thousands of National Guard members and 700 Marines in California—over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—in response to immigration protests.

“I have a lot of experience in dealing with the [National] Guard as a former mayor and governor,” said Kaine. “The genius of the Guard is that it is a partnership between the President and the Governors and Guardsmen and women… The President’s decision to deploy thousands of Guardsmen and women to quell protests in Los Angeles—without a request by the California Governor and in fact, over the objection of the California Governor—is nearly unprecedented.”

Kaine continued, “We are in very, very dangerous territory. I think my colleagues and I are right to be concerned about this. The American public is concerned about this.”

“To deploy active duty Marines to quell civilian protests is, in my view, very, very dangerous,” said Kaine. “It’s dangerous beyond the escalatory effects that both the Governor and Mayor of Los Angeles are warning us about. If we screw up the balance of how we use the Guard or how we use the military in the instance of civilian protests that local law enforcement can handle, we will regret that for a very, very long time.”

“Many Americans are worried now that if they express dissenting voices to policies and the Administration, they’re concerned that the military may be deployed against them,” Kaine continued. “We’re coming up on the commemoration of 250 years of American democracy. It’s on the shoulders of this generation to decide whether the commemoration will be a celebration or a requiem or a wake or a coronation. We need to make it a celebration, and for that, we need brave and patriotic citizens who are willing to, without fear, exercise rights that were guaranteed to them from the very first days of this country.”

Then, Kaine rebutted comments from his colleague erroneously comparing Trump’s decision to activate the National Guard in California to President Dwight Eisenhower’s activation of the Arkansas National Guard to ensure the integration of Central High School in Little Rock.

“The issue is not is there lawless behavior that can be controlled by local law enforcement. You either believe in a federal system or you don’t where a Governor requests the National Guard or doesn’t, and you either believe in a civilian military division or you don’t,” Kaine said.

“Senator Cotton brings up the example of Little Rock. President Eisenhower, Republican President, did federalize the Guard in that instance. Why? Because it was the Governor that was violating federal law. There is no suggestion that Governor Newsom is violating federal law. In fact, he said, arrest me if I’m violating the law—and yesterday, the chief border agent for the United States said there is no cause to arrest you. You are not violating federal law,” said Kaine.

Kaine continued, “The right balance in this instance is to let a local official—mayor, governor—seek assistance if they need it. If the President decides if more assets are needed, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion if he sent in federal law enforcement—FBI, DEA. We’re having this discussion because the President in an unprecedented way, without a request and over the objection of the local elected leadership decided to send in the United States military.”

Kaine also raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s failure to submit a full budget request; delays with naval shipbuilding programs, including Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines and amphibious assault ships; and the lack of the nomination from the Administration for a new Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). He also expressed his commitment to continuing to work with the Department of the Navy and other services on the implementation of provisions from the Brandon Act, which he helped get signed into law to make it easier for servicemembers to access mental health care.

“The Navy does remain the finest maritime force in the world, but it’s struggled to grow and maintain the fleet… Many vessels—aircraft carriers, multiple destroyers and frigates, and some of the air platforms—are behind schedule,” Kaine said. “In particular, the Virginia-class fast attack subs and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are so critical and prioritized very highly by all of you, are delayed and face budgetary challenges… We need to do more. I continue to believe that the most significant challenge we have is a workforce challenge.”

“The Brandon Act was passed by this body a number of years back—named after a young sailor, Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in Norfolk,” said Kaine. “There were a lot of challenges and problems with, frankly, lack of access to mental health services, and it was a pivotal step toward improving access to mental health services, not just for the Navy, but everybody in the service. The implementations across the Armed Services—we’ve seen fits and starts, but some critical gaps in effectiveness, fragmented implementation, undefined procedures for mental health requests, lack of policies tailored toward the National Guard and Reserves… I would really love your help working to continue to implement this.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

June 10, 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today hosted members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in his Washington office to discuss economic development and infrastructure investment in Central Illinois. During the meeting, Durbin and the local leaders spoke about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which Durbin has helped secure more than $247 million in federal funding to complete. Durbin also responded to the organization’s concerns that the Trump Administration will continue to delay or slash federal grants that have helped support the state’s education programs, airport renovations, and infrastructure upgrades for waterlines, emergency services, and the electric grid.

“Rightfully, local leaders with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce are concerned about the future of federal funding for local projects and priorities in Central Illinois,” said Durbin. “While the Trump Administration is a force of chaos and uncertainty, I will continue to be a voice for Illinoisans and securing the resources our state needs to thrive.”

Photos of the meeting are available here.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland to host UK’s national supercomputer as Chancellor confirms £750 million investment
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

Scotland to host UK’s national supercomputer as Chancellor confirms £750 million investment

Scotland will become home to the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million for the project confirmed in the Spending Review.
Scotland to host the UK’s most powerful supercomputer.

Up to £750 million for a new supercomputer in Edinburgh will be confirmed by the Chancellor at Spending Review – giving scientists across the UK access to compute power found in only a handful of other nations.

Commitment follows the Prime Minister committing an extra £1 billion of funding to ramp up the UK’s AI compute power twenty fold as he opened London Tech Week.

AI Research Resource coming into operation soon, as Isambard supercomputer named one of the most powerful in the world.

Scotland will be home to the UK’s most powerful supercomputer to drive forward innovations that grow our economy and ensure people are better off, putting Edinburgh at heart of the UK’s plans to unlock a decade of national renewal through artificial intelligence.

The news comes after the Prime Minister kicked off London Tech Week by unveiling £1 billion of extra funding to scale up the country’s AI compute power twenty-fold. Following that announcement, the Chancellor has now confirmed up to a further £750 million to build the UK’s new national supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh, strengthening Britain’s position as an AI-maker and research power, with researchers and start-ups backed to deliver new waves of innovations and discoveries.

Edinburgh’s new supercomputer will give scientists from across the UK the compute power they need for cutting edge research and making the next big breakthrough – whether that’s personalised medical treatments, making air travel more sustainable, or modelling climate change. This will form part of the Chancellor’s commitment to investing in Britain’s renewal at the Spending Review today (Wednesday), ensuring the British people are better off – from better health to economic growth.

The supercomputer will work alongside the AI research resource, a network of the UK’s most powerful supercomputers that were built to bolster scientific research. The AI Research Resource, which is due to come into operation soon, is already being used to research Alzheimer’s vaccines and treatments for cancer by simulating how drugs work inside the body and ‘testing’ millions of potential drugs virtually to speed up the creation of new medicines.

Ahead of that moment, the Isambard system has this week been ranked in the top ten globally and top 5 in Europe for publicly available supercomputers. According to the latest Top500 rankings, it also ranks as a leader in terms of efficiency, setting a clear benchmark of how the UK government is delivering on its AI ambitions while driving forward its mission to become a clean energy superpower.

UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said:

From the shipyards of the Clyde to developments in steam engine technology, Scottish trailblazers were central to the industrial revolution – so the next great industrial leap through AI and technology should be no different.

Basing the UK’s most powerful supercomputer in Edinburgh, Scotland will now be a major player in driving forward the next breakthroughs that put our Plan for Change into action.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

We are investing in Scotland’s renewal, so working people are better off.

Strong investment in our science and technology sector is part of our Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth, and as the home of the UK’s largest supercomputer, Scotland will be an integral part of that journey.

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

This is a landmark moment and will place Scotland at the forefront of the UK’s technological revolution. The £750 million investment in Edinburgh’s new supercomputer places Scotland at the cutting edge of computing power globally.

This will see Scotland playing a leading role in creating breakthroughs that have a global benefit – such as new medicines, health advances, and climate change solutions. This is the Plan for Change – delivering real opportunities and economic growth for communities across Scotland.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson said:

This significant investment will have a profoundly positive impact on the UK’s global standing, and we welcome the vast opportunities it will create for research and innovation.

Building on the University of Edinburgh’s expertise and experience over decades, this powerful supercomputer will drive economic growth by supporting advancements in medicine, bolstering emerging industries and public services, and unlocking the full potential of AI. We look forward to working alongside the UK government and other partners to deliver this critical national resource.

The new supercomputer will vastly exceed the capacity of the UK’s current national supercomputer, ARCHER2.

The government will set out more details about the system in our upcoming Compute Roadmap, which we will publish this summer. It will outline the government’s strategic approach to building world-class compute infrastructure in the UK – which will include the new national supercomputer in Edinburgh and our investment to expand the AI Research Resource by at least 20 times by 2030.

DSIT and UKRI will work to ensure that the Edinburgh supercomputer’s system size represents value for money on our investment and meets the needs of the diverse user groups of the UK’s compute infrastructure.

DSIT media enquiries

Email press@dsit.gov.uk

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 11 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Calls for the Next FAA Administrator to Protect the 1,500-Hour Pilot Training Requirement

Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) released the following statement regarding the importance of the 1,500-hour in-flight pilot training requirement and urges the next FAA Administrator to remain committed to enforcing this law.

“As Chair of the Aviation Safety Caucus, I applaud President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy for their bold vision to take American air travel into the future by modernizing our outdated air traffic control system. Their commitment to finally delivering this long-overdue, critical upgrade is exactly what we need to restore American excellence in aviation.

“The next FAA Commissioner will be pivotal in executing this transformative undertaking. I believe Mr. Bedford has the potential to be a strong steward of the President’s vision, however, to truly ensure safety in our skies, he must commit to upholding the lifesaving 1,500-hour in-flight pilot training requirement. This law was passed in the wake of the tragic Flight 3407 crash that exposed serious deficiencies in pilot training for regional carriers. Thanks to the incredible advocacy of the Flight 3407 victims’ families, the standards were strengthened, and the results speak for themselves: there has not been a single commercial airline crash due to pilot error since it was enacted. That’s not coincidence – that’s policy working as it was intended.

“In last year’s FAA reauthorization, Congress expressly upheld these standards. If confirmed, I strongly urge Mr. Bedford to enforce the law as written. We must ensure that our progress never comes at the cost of passenger safety, and I will fight every day to make sure we do.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Representative Cory Mills along with a group of bi-partisan legislators just introduced the COLLISION-LIMITING OPERATIONAL UPGRADE FOR DOD (CLOUD) AIRCRAFT ACT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Cory Mills Florida (7th District)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CLOUD Aviation Act

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Cory Mills along with a group of bi-partisan legislators just introduced the COLLISION-LIMITING OPERATIONAL UPGRADE FOR DOD (CLOUD) AIRCRAFT ACT.

This bill directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, to conduct a feasibility study on equipping all Department of Defense (DoD) fixed and rotary wing aircraft that operate in highly trafficked domestic airspaces with air-to-air and air-to-ground collision detection systems. These systems must be compatible with civilian commercial aircraft.

This initiative comes in response to the tragic accident on January 29, 2025, between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk PAT-25, which resulted in the deaths of 67 passengers. Currently, not all DoD aircraft are required to have the same type of collision detection or avoidance systems that are compatible with civilian commercial aircraft.

Moreover, these systems are not always activated while flying in congested city airspace or the airspace of large commercial airports. This discrepancy has contributed to unsafe flying conditions, putting service members, civilians, and emergency responders at unnecessary risk. The proposed bill aims to address this issue by mandating a comprehensive study to determine the feasibility, costs, associated operational risks, and implementation timelines of equipping military aircraft with the appropriate collision detection and/or avoidance systems. By doing so, the study will help increase safety for all aircraft operating in the same congested airspace as civilian commercial aircraft.

Congressman Cory Mills said, “As an Army combat veteran, I understand the importance of equipping our servicemen with the tools they need to operate both safely and effectively. After the tragic loss of 67 lives earlier this year in the collision at Reagan National Airport, it is important we enhance safety for our troops, our civilians, and our first responders who share our busy domestic airspaces. This bill strengthens our military’s readiness while ensuring the DoD has the resources to keep our citizens and skies safe. This is a critical first step toward broader aviation safety reforms to prevent future tragedies and improve airspace coordination nationwide.”

“As a 25-year Army veteran and a Virginian, I know how critical it is to my community and our country that we ensure the safety of both military and civilian aircrafts operating in shared airspace. The CLOUD Aircraft Act is a smart, commonsense step to prevent avoidable tragedies and save lives. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to modernize our aviation safety standards,” said Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07).

“As a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know how critical safety is in every phase of military aviation. The CLOUD Aircraft Act is a commonsense step toward enhancing flight safety for our service members and the communities they operate near. By studying the feasibility of equipping military aircraft with modern collision detection systems, we can reduce risk in crowded airspaces, align with FAA best practices, and help prevent tragic accidents before they happen. I’m proud to support this effort to bring greater safety, accountability, and modernization to our skies,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02).

“As a Marine aviator and a House Armed Services Committee member, I am committed to the safety of our servicemembers and civilians. The tragic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and Army Black Hawk PAT-25 highlights the urgent need for action. That’s why I am proud to cosponsor the CLOUD Aircraft Act, directing the Secretary of Defense to study equipping military aircraft with collision detection systems compatible with civilian aircraft. This crucial step will enhance safety in congested domestic airspaces, prevent future tragedies, and protect those who serve alongside the American people. I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation,” said Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07).

“My home district leads the way in the aviation industry, so I have a particular interest in exploring any opportunity to improve our outdated systems. Secretary Duffy and Administrator Rocheleau share our focus on the modernization of the National Airspace System, and I believe that this bill is a critical step in the right direction. That is why I am so glad to work with Mr. Mills on such a proactive and prudent piece of legislation,” said Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03).

Co-Sponsors: Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07), Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03).

###

For inquires contact julie.singleton@mail.house.gov or jillian.anderson@mail.house.gov

About Cory Mills: Congressman Cory Mills represents Florida’s 7^th Congressional District and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mills is committed to protecting American sovereignty, strengthening national security, and promoting economic opportunity for a

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Navy Secretary Declares Support for Legislation to Guarantee the Military’s Right to Repair Its Own Equipment

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
June 10, 2025
Secretary Phelan: “I am a huge supporter of right to repair.”
Chairman Wicker: “I look forward to working with my two colleagues on a workable solution.”
Video of Exchange (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Navy Secretary John Phelan told U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) that he is a “huge supporter of right to repair” and expressed support for a bill guaranteeing the military can repair its own equipment and requiring contractors to offer repair materials for a fair and reasonable price.
Defense contractors have a history of sneaking fine print into contracts that limits troops’ ability to repair equipment at crucial moments. These restrictions also mean that the U.S. government often has to cover the cost of sending a contractor to the field to perform even minor fixes or has to ship equipment back to the U.S. for repairs. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that flying a contractor out for maintenance can add up to as much as $1.2 million in travel costs. In Okinawa, Japan, Marines were forced to send engines in need of repair back to contractors in the U.S., turning the repair into a lengthy process that could have been completed more quickly on-site by Marines.
Secretary Phelan stated that the Navy’s current repair rules “make no sense” and agreed the money wasted on travel costs for contractors could be better spent training service members on how to fix equipment themselves. Secretary Phelan highlighted additional examples of instances in which contractor-imposed repair restrictions have hurt readiness: in one instance, six out of eight ovens on a 5,300-person aircraft carrier were not working, and instead of having a service member fix them, they had to wait for a contractor to fly out. Secretary Phelan also noted that, because of repair restrictions, an elevator outage requires five contractors to fly out just to diagnose the issue.
“It is crazy. We should be able to fix this,” said Secretary Phelan.
Asked by Senator Warren, Secretary Phelan said he supports a bill to help the services better negotiate for repair rights at a fair and reasonable price. Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) expressed interest in the bill, stating, “I look forward to working with my two colleagues on a workable solution, particularly since the Secretary is so supportive of that concept.”
“This is an opportunity to stand up for our sailors and Marines as well as for the taxpayers, and I look forward to working with [Secretary Phelan]…[t]o make sure that our service members have the tools they need to be able to repair their own equipment,” concluded Senator Warren.
In a recent Fox News op-ed, Senators Warren and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) underscored how right to repair restrictions imposed by defense contractors hurt the military’s ability to respond to threats and called for every service of the military to follow Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s lead and ensure the military has the right to repair the equipment it owns. The senators also announced an upcoming new bipartisan bill to make securing the right to repair at a fair and reasonable price the policy across all of the military services. During the hearing, Secretary Phelan expressed support for this legislation.
Transcript: Hearings to examine the posture of the Department of the Navy in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense ProgramSenate Armed Services CommitteeJune 10, 2025
Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, for years, giant defense contractors have been sneaking fine print into contracts that prevent sailors and Marines from maintaining their own equipment. These restrictions increase costs, they hurt readiness, and they make a lot of money for the contractors.
During your confirmation process, Secretary Phelan, you committed to explore how to “best leverage right to repair and technical data rights within acquisition contracts to enable organic repair capacity.” I wrote it down. So, I want to make sure that that maintains as a priority.
Marines in Okinawa, Japan, had to send back engines to contractors in the U.S. for repairs, a process that took months, when the Marines could have done it themselves onsite, but they had to do that because that is what the contract said, and when it’s a ship, the United States government actually foots the bill to send the contractor out to sea. GAO found that travel costs to have a contractor complete repairs for one order on the USS Montgomery in Singapore would cost about $1.2 million. That’s just for the travel costs.
So, Secretary Phelan, would you agree that the Navy could be using those millions of dollars to train service members on the skills they need so they can fix their own equipment, rather than spending that money to fly contractors to provide tech support?
Secretary John C. Phelan: Senator, thank you for the question. I know it’s very important to you. What we do makes no sense to me. Okay, and so I am a huge supporter of right to repair. I went on the Ford carrier. They had eight ovens. This is a ship that serves 15,300 meals a day. Only two were working. Six were out. And I said, “You’ve got 5300 people on the ship. You’re telling me someone can’t fix an oven. We got a lot of engineers.” We can, but we need to wait for the contractor to get out. I asked the question about our elevators. If an elevator goes out, what happens? We’ve got to call Huntington. They’ve got to call the four other people. They have to come out and diagnose the problem, and then they’ll fix it. It is crazy. We should be able to fix this. And my other hot button, which I know is another one of yours and this committee’s, is IP and our intellectual property rights. We end up paying for a lot of things that we don’t control, and we need to change that. And so contracting in general is something we’re looking at very hard, and we need to really try to ensure going forward we control our IP and we have the ability to fix things, because if we’re in a fight, how do we not? How do we fix it then?
Senator Warren: You have this so right. The importance, not only of doing it on a day-by-day basis, but you need all of that muscle memory of how to fix things in case you’re under much more adverse circumstances and don’t have time to let something lie there unused while you try to fly in somebody from halfway around the world.
So, let me just make sure I’ve got you on the record here. Do you agree that the Navy needs to negotiate for comprehensive repair rights so that contractors cannot find shady ways both to insist on their ability to do the repairs, but also to keep the data that you need away from you so that you can’t do it yourself?
Secretary Phelan: Senator, I agree, we need to repair the right to repair our ships. How we specifically go about that, I need to look at and understand better. But trust me, you and I are simpatico on this.
Senator Warren: Okay, and then I will ask you, while we’re being so simpatico here, let me ask you one more: Do you support Congress passing a law that will help you negotiate repair rights at a fair and reasonable price?
Secretary Phelan: Yes, I do.
Senator Warren: Okay. I really do appreciate this, you know, and so do 70% of voters, according to recent polling. And this is why Senator Sheehy and I are introducing the Warrior Right to Repair Act to make sure that every service follows the Army’s lead of securing repair rights and requiring contractors to offer those rights at fair and reasonable prices. This is an opportunity to stand up for our sailors and Marines as well as for the taxpayers, and I look forward to working with you. I know that Senator Sheehy does as well. And we want to work with all of our colleagues to make sure that our service members have the tools they need to be able to repair their own equipment. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Roger Wicker: Thank you, Senator Warren. Secretary Phelan, have you had a chance, or has your team had a chance, to look at the specifics of the language of the Warren-Sheehy bill that has been referred to?
Secretary Phelan: I have not, Senator.
Chairman Wicker: Okay, will you please do that, and comment about the specifics on the record? It would be very helpful to us.
Secretary Phelan: Absolutely.
Chairman Wicker: Thank you. And I look forward to working with my two colleagues on a workable solution, particularly since the Secretary is so supportive of that concept.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with U.S. Navy Secretary and U.S. Marine Corps Commandant

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to receive an update on U.S. Naval operations. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville spoke with Secretary of the Navy John Phelan about the implementation of AI in shipbuilding. Additionally, he spoke with General Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, about the mistreatment of an Alabama constituent.
Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.
ON IMPLEMENTING AI IN SHIPBUILDING
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a quick statement, Secretary Phelan. Everything we read obviously is China’s using AI on almost everything that they do. They can build a bridge in three months that takes us three years. I’m sure ship building is part of that. And your travels, hopefully, we’re getting into that. I don’t know how far and how impressed you have been with that. Any thoughts?”
PHELAN: “So, Senator, thanks for that. We’re slowly adapting and getting there. I think that there is more that we need to do, and we’re focused in the public shipyards trying to get that done. You know, I saw at Fincantieri (Marine Group), actually, they have these 3D goggles where you can actually look at where they’re welding and how it matches up, versus the blueprint to make sure that they’re not off because the precision of this manufacturing is incredibly intense. I mean, these are very complicated things. So, we’re getting there, and I think implementing AI even just basically digital twinning of projects there are a number of things we have to do to get in and done that I think will speed up construction, make design faster. We spend way too much time in requirements and design. This needs to move much, much quicker. So, streamlining that, I think, will be helpful as well.”
TUBERVILLE: “Just what I read, it looks like we’re just falling farther and farther behind, you know, the Chinese, and we can’t deal with that too much.”
ON MISHANDLING INVESTIGATION OF ALABAMA MARINE
TUBERVILLE: “General Smith, I’d like just to make a statement here and discuss [with] you about a constituent matter. Normally, this would be handled in the emails and conversations between our staffs. And after more than seven months of headquarters of the Marine Corps being evasive and unresponsive to my questions, here we are. A little over two years ago, we had an F-35 crash in Charleston, South Carolina. The pilot, an Alabama constituent who entered service from my state, had been selected for a very important command and was in the process of converting from another aircraft and staying current for his new job.”
“This mishap got a lot of attention because the pilot ejected, the aircraft continuing to fly for an extended period of time before it eventually hit the ground. Of course, there was no way for the pilot to know that this would happen. If he had, he would have remained in the aircraft. What the pilot knew at the time was that the weather was bad. He had no visual reference with the ground and his primary and secondary instruments had completely failed. Disoriented by the cascading failures and [being] low to the ground he ejected.”
[…]
“It is important to emphasize that all information on this mishap and the investigation had been available to headquarters of the Marine Corps for more than eight months by this point, and it was also available when this family was moved across the country. During the video call relieving him, this marine was told by the deputy commandant for aviation that ‘you’ve done nothing wrong, you’re doing a great job.’ But the commandant had decided ‘you could not stay in command.’ I wonder what the reasons were for this erratic and hasty decision. The officer who conducted the command investigation inappropriately offered his opinion.”
[…]
“General Smith, I’d like you to get answers to these questions I’ve been asking since October. I’d prefer it to happen through normal means instead of a hearing. But I am chairman of the subcommittee on personnel, and we can arrange that. But to Tre and Jess Del Pizzo and their family, thank you for your many years of service and sacrifice to this great nation. I think you deserve much better here. There is no excuse to treat a Marine and his family this way. So, I look forward to hearing from you, General Smith. Thank you.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Update 3: Alberta wildfire update (June 10, 3 p.m.)
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
While some communities have allowed residents to return, evacuation orders and alerts remain in other places. Additional firefighting resources are coming from across North America.

Current situation (as of 3 p.m., June 10)
- There are 60 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area, and three mutual aid fires.
  
  25 are classified as out of control, seven are being held and 28 are under control.
  
  Two wildfires near the Peerless Trout and Chipewyan Lakes First Nations have merged and are expected to grow over the next few days.
- Since January 1, there have been 545 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, burning more than 619,000 hectares.
- More than 1,000 Alberta firefighters, contract firefighters and imported firefighters are currently battling wildfires across the province.
- Resources currently being used include heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters and night vision helicopters.
- Alberta has imported firefighters and aircraft from Yukon, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Hawaii.
- Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Orders and alerts
- Updates on evacuation orders are available on www.alberta.ca/emergency.
- On June 10, the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16 issued an evacuation order for everyone between the Smoky River and the Forestry Trunk Road, along all points accessed from the Forestry Trunk Road from kilometre 70 to kilometre 126.
- On June 9, Saddle Hills County issued an evacuation order for everyone located between Range Road 95 and Highway 725, and Township Road 794 and Township Road 802, including Moonshine Lake Provincial Park. This evacuation order was expanded on June 10 to include everyone located between Township Road 794 and Highway 49, between Range Road 94 and Range Road 85.
  
  Reception centre at Blueberry Mountain Hall, located at Highway 680 and Range Road 82.
- On June 9, Lac La Biche County downgraded its evacuation order for southern Winefred Lake and Grist Lake to an evacuation alert.
- On June 9, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo lifted its evacuation alert for the Conklin area.
- On June 8, the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 expanded its evacuation order to include everyone north of Township Road 700 to Highway 43, and east of the border with British Columbia to Range Road 130.
  
  Reception centre at Hythe Community Library, 10013 100 Street, Hythe.
- The Dene Tha’ First Nation’s evacuation order for the community of Chateh remains in effect.
  
  Registration centre at the Bushe River Administrative Office in High Level.
- The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council’s evacuation orders for Loon Lake 235, Peerless Lake and Trout Lake remain in effect.
  
  Registration centre at 10451 170 Street, Edmonton.
- The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation order for Red Earth Creek remains in effect.
  
  Reception centre at the Baytex Energy Centre, 9810 73 Avenue, Peace River.
- The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake also remains in effect.
  
  Reception centre at Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca-Desmarais.
- Evacuation alerts are currently in effect for:
  
  Hamlet of Marten Beach – Municipal District of Slave River
  
  Hamlet of Peers and area – Yellowhead County
  
  Hawk Hills area – County of Northern Lights
  
  Southern Winefred Lake and Grist Lake – Lac La Biche County
  
  The area between Range Road 95 and Highway 725, and Township Road 802 and 810; everyone outside the expanded evacuation zone between Range Road 95 and Highway 725, and Township Road 794 and Highway 49; and the area between Township Road 802 and Highway 49, and Highway 725 and Range Road 82 – Saddle Hills County
  
  North of Township Road 710 to 752 east of Range Road 130 to Range Road 124 – County of Grande Prairie No. 1
  
  Town of Swan Hills
- Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued by local authorities and are updated at their discretion. For the best source of information on the status of evacuation orders and alerts, residents are encouraged to follow their local authorities’ preferred communication channels for updates.
- People living in Alberta are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.
Eligibility for Emergency Evacuation Payments
- Alberta’s government provides a one-time emergency evacuation payment to residents who had to leave their communities for seven or more days due to mandatory evacuation orders.
- Eligible adults receive $1,250 and $500 for each dependent child under the age of 18.
- Evacuees are encouraged to apply for these emergency payments online at evacuationpayment.alberta.ca, by calling the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or by visiting an Alberta Supports office for assistance. Locations can be found at alberta.ca/alberta-supports.
- Those in need of immediate emergency financial assistance can contact the Income Support Emergency Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135. The contact centre operates 24/7.
Air quality
- Visit Wildfire Smoke Information for air quality monitoring information to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to protect your health. While wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in parts of Alberta, the presence of smoke does not necessarily mean there is fire near your community. Find information about the status of active wildfires and wildfire updates at Alberta Wildfire.
Fire bans
- A fire ban is in effect for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
- Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited, and existing fire permits are suspended.
- Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at alberta.ca/fire-bans.
- Fire bans outside the Forest Protection Area are the responsibility of municipalities and counties.
- Everyone has a role to play in wildfire prevention. Follow all fire bans and restrictions to avoid new fire starts. If you see smoke or flames in the forest, call 310-FIRE to report it.
- Applying FireSmart principles to homes and property can mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Removing flammable materials and vegetation around the property and preventing embers from accumulating can help protect your home from wildfires. To learn more, visit FireSmart Alberta.
Roads and highways
- Highway 35 between the junction with Highway 692 and Highway 695, north of Manning, is open. Drivers should expect reduced visibility due to smoke. The highway may close without warning if fire conditions change.
- Highway 686 between Red Earth Creek and Trout Lake is currently closed due to a wildfire.
- Highway 671/Kelly Lake Road at the Alberta/B.C. border to Range Road 130, southwest of Hythe, is closed due to a wildfire in BC.
- 511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.
- Alberta highways that are affected by the wildfires will open and close frequently depending on safety and weather conditions. Be patient and respect the staff at the closure/detour sites – they are there with your safety in mind.
Health
- The Swan Hills Emergency Department is now open. The Swan Hills Healthcare Centre continues to work towards a full reopening.
- For information about wildfire resources, including mental health, visit Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services
Education
- Six schools are currently closed in response to community evacuations:
  
  Dene Tha’ Community School, in Chateh
  
  Kateri School, in Trout Lake
  
  Elizabeth Quintal Schools, in Peerless Lake
  
  Clarence Jaycox School, in Loon Lake
  
  Red Earth Creek School, in Red Earth Creek
  
  Chipewyan Lake School, in Chipewyan Lake
- Swan Hills School, in Swan Hills, reopened on Monday, June 9.
- Parents and guardians should reach out to local school authorities for the most current information on impacts to schooling.
- All impacted school authorities had plans in place to ensure displaced students have access to educational programming.
Child care
- One child-care centre is currently closed in response to community evacuations:
  
  Opportunity Childcare, in Red Earth Creek
- Licensed child-care programs are required to notify Child Care Connect if they close unexpectedly.
- Parents and guardians should reach out to their child-care provider for information on closures.
Justice
- The Chateh and Red Earth Creek courthouses are closed until further notice due to evacuations. Visit the Alberta Courts website for the most current information regarding court scheduling.
Heritage Sites
- Alberta’s government is offering free general admission to our world-class museums and historic sites in support of displaced Albertans who must leave their homes due to wildfires.
- Alberta’s heritage sites offer informative and enjoyable activities and exhibits suitable for the whole family: https://www.alberta.ca/historic-sites-museums.
- Visitors to provide their postal code or government ID to verify their evacuation status.
- Sites will continue to offer free admission until evacuees are able to return home.
- Sites offering free admission:
  
  Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton
  
  Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller
  
  Reynolds Museum, Wetaskiwin
  
  Remington Carriage Museum, Cardston
  
  Oil Sands Discovery Centre, Fort McMurray
  
  Rutherford House, Edmonton
  
  Stephansson House, Red Deer County
  
  Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Crowsnest Pass
  
  Fort George and Buckingham House, St. Paul
  
  Historic Dunvegan, Fairview
  
  Victoria Settlement, County of Smoky Lake
  
  Turner Valley Gas Plant, Diamond Valley
  
  Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, Fort Macleod
Emergency Preparedness
- Get ready for emergencies and disasters by taking simple steps now. To be prepared, ensure you know what to do, where to go and have enough supplies for a week or more. Supplies include food, water, medications and important documents. Include supplies for pets as well.
- Read more about emergency preparedness.
Related information
- Active emergency updates
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts app
- Download the Alberta Wildfire app
- Wildfire smoke information
MIL OSI Canada News –
June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Energy Secretary Wright Testifies Before House Energy Subcommittee on FY2026 Budget Request

Source: US Department of Energy

WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright testified today before the U.S. House Energy Subcommittee on the Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.

Last month, Secretary Wright testified before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development to outline the Department’s priorities and provide an overview of the FY2026 request.

The FY2026 Budget aligns with President Trump’s directive to restore American energy dominance and rein in bloated federal spending. It brings non-defense discretionary spending to the most disciplined level since 2017 and redirects more than $15 billion away from Green New Scam programs that drive up costs and weaken the U.S. energy system. For more details, view the budget toplines here.

Secretary Wright’s opening remarks:

Thank you Chairman Latta, Chairman Guthrie, Ranking Member Castor, and Ranking Member Pallone, and Members of the Committee. It is an honor to appear before you today as Secretary of Energy to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget request for the Department of Energy.

Under President Trump’s leadership, our priorities for the Department are clear – to unleash a golden era of American energy dominance, strengthen our national security, and lead the world in innovation. A reliable and abundant energy supply is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation. When America leads in energy, we lead in prosperity, security and human flourishing.

America has a historic opportunity to secure our energy systems, propel scientific and technological innovation, including AI; maintain and strengthen our weapons stockpiles; and meet Cold War legacy waste commitments. The Department of Energy will advance this critical mission while cutting red tape, increasing efficiency, and ensuring we are better stewards of taxpayer dollars.

The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget will ensure taxpayer resources are allocated appropriately and cost-effectively. We will invest DOE’s resources in sources and technologies that support affordable, reliable, and secure energy and provide a return on investment for the American taxpayers. We will return the Department to its core mission and eliminate spending on projects that fail to provide such a return, fail to advance our energy needs, and fail the test of economic viability.

It is deeply concerning how many billions of dollars were rushed out the door without proper due diligence in the final days of the Biden administration. DOE is undertaking a thorough review of financial assistance that identifies waste of taxpayer dollars, protects America’s national security and advances President Trump’s commitment to unleash American energy dominance. As a result, we recently announced the termination of 24 projects totaling over $3.7 billion in taxpayer-funded financial assistance. These projects failed to meet the economic, national security or energy security standards necessary to sustain DOE’s investment, and the taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize them.

Instead, we are advancing a policy of energy addition – fully leveraging affordable, reliable and secure resources that have powered our country for generations. The United States is blessed with an abundance of coal, oil, and natural gas, and our Administration is committed to using them to meet growing energy needs of the American people.

Every one of these resources was unleashed through the world-changing power of American innovation. Our National Labs are the engine that drives research and development to expand our energy dominance. We will prioritize research that supports true technological breakthroughs and maintains America’s global competitiveness.

America must play a leading role commercializing of reliable, safe and secure nuclear energy, and we are taking steps to accelerate innovation in this sector. DOE is working to advance the rapid deployment of next-generation nuclear technology, including small modular reactors.

I am proud to report that we have officially ended the previous administration’s reckless pause on LNG export permits and have returned to regular order for reviewing and approving new permits. DOE will also work to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve – a national asset that protects our security in times of crisis. I want to thank this committee for prioritizing funding to refill the SPR in the One Big Beautiful Bill as well.

We are advancing President Trump’s pledge to lower the cost of living and expand choice by rightsizing DOE’s approach to home efficiency standards and regulations. Under the President’s direction, we’ve begun slashing more than 47 regulations as part of the largest deregulatory effort in history. These actions are projected to save the American people approximately $11 billion while restoring consumer freedom and lowering costs.

The responsible stewardship and modernization of the nation’s nuclear weapons system is paramount for this Administration. DOE is focused on addressing critical upgrades for the U.S. nuclear stockpile and maintaining our engine powerhouses for submarines and aircraft carriers. Both tasks will be even more crucial in the next few years.

Our nuclear innovation as a nation began with the Manhattan Project, and the next Manhattan Project is clearly AI. DOE has a significant role to play in driving AI innovation for scientific discovery and national security. Our agency has world-class high-performance computing capabilities, including four of the world’s top ten supercomputers.

Harnessing our energy potential to power global AI leadership while meeting growing energy demand will be the challenge of our time. But America doesn’t back down from big challenges or big builds.

As Secretary of Energy, I am honored by the responsibility to help meet the American people’s growing energy needs and lead the world in energy development. I appreciated the opportunity to work with many of you on this committee to unlock America’s full energy potential and drive down costs for families with the One Big Beautiful Bill, and I look forward to continuing to work together to achieve President Trump’s energy dominance agenda.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify before this committee.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Sending Delegation on Business Recruitment Mission to the Paris Air Show
Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he will be joining a delegation of Connecticut state officials and business leaders at the 2025 Paris Air Show as part of a business recruitment mission intended to strengthen and support the state’s aerospace industry and the thousands of local jobs that it supports.

The aerospace industry employs nearly 30,000 people in Connecticut, the third highest concentration of aerospace employment in the U.S. The aerospace and defense industry accounts for more than 32% of Connecticut’s total exports.

“Connecticut is one of the top places in the world for aerospace companies to grow and develop, and it is our mission to help our state’s existing aerospace companies thrive and meet with international companies that are looking to establish operations in the U.S. market,” Governor Lamont said. “We want more of the world’s aerospace products to be made in Connecticut, where the world’s best and most talented workforce is located.”

The Paris Air Show is considered one of the most important tradeshows of its kind in the world and is attended by world leaders, governors of several U.S. states, military officials, and some of the top business executives of the commercial aerospace and defense industry. More than 2,454 aerospace and defense companies from throughout the world will be exhibiting.

Governor Lamont will be attending from June 15 to June 17, and his schedule includes attending industry networking events and meeting with several aerospace companies that have expressed interest in establishing operations in the United States. Other officials who are part of Connecticut’s delegation include Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe, Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, and Advance CT President and CEO John Bourdeaux.

The State of Connecticut is sponsoring its own booth that will be occupied by ten aerospace companies with operations in the state, whose executives will be working to secure contracts for their products and services. These companies include:
- Air Industries Group
- Enjet Aero
- Precision Sensors
- NE-XT Technologies
- Jonal Laboratories
- Forecast International
- Reno Machine
- Production Metals, A Division of Ryerson
- Mott Corporation
- New England Airfoil Products (NEAP)
“We are excited to be in Paris with a full delegation to demonstrate the critical role Connecticut plays in the aerospace industry,” Commissioner O’Keefe said. “We are here to support our aerospace manufacturers, compete for businesses, introduce the show’s participants to our world-class workforce, and make sure that global companies know that our state is one of the top aerospace markets in the world.”

“We are here because Connecticut is an important player in the global aerospace ecosystem,” Bourdeaux said. “We invest a lot of time and resources into the Paris Air Show because it is a place where business gets done. We must be here to compete against other states, and I am proud to say that Connecticut competes very well in this industry. We have a strong track record in the aerospace sector, and we continue to be successful at bringing new corporate investors to our state.”

Connecticut is the #1 state in the U.S. for aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing, which contributes more than $6.6 billion to Connecticut’s GDP. Airbus North America Chairman and CEO Robin Hayes called Connecticut the company’s #1 supplier state, with more than one-third of their total U.S. spend going to Connecticut.

Connecticut has been participating in the Paris Air Show and the Farnborough International Air Show in England, which are held in alternating years, since 2006. These two tradeshows are considered the two most important events in the world for the global aerospace industry.

At the 2023 Paris Air Show, conversations between Governor Lamont, AdvanceCT, and Hanwha Aerospace resulted in Hanwha relocating its International Engines Business from South Korea to Cheshire, Connecticut.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA F-15s Validate Tools for Quesst Mission

Source: NASA

High over the Mojave Desert, two NASA F-15 research jets made a series of flights throughout May to validate tools designed to measure and record the shock waves that will be produced by the agency’s X-59 quiet supersonic experimental aircraft.
The F-15s, carrying the recording tools, flew faster than the speed of sound, matching the conditions the X-59 is expected to fly. The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission to gather data that can help lead to quiet commercial supersonic flight over land.
The team behind the successful test flight series operates under the Schlieren, Airborne Measurements, and Range Operations for Quesst (SCHAMROQ) project at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. There, they developed tools that will measure and visualize the X-59’s unique shock waves when it flies at Mach 1.4 and altitudes above 50,000 feet. For a typical supersonic aircraft, those shock waves would result in a sonic boom. But thanks to the X-59’s design and technologies, it will generate just a quiet thump.
Cheng Moua, engineering project manager for SCHAMROQ, described the validation flight campaign as “a graduation exercise – it brings all the pieces together in their final configuration and proves that they will work.”
NASA began to develop the tools years ago, anchored by the arrival of one of the two F-15s – an F-15D from the U.S. Air Force – a tactical aircraft delivered without research instrumentation.
“It showed up as a former war-fighting machine without a research-capable instrumentation system – no telemetry, no HD video, no data recording,” Cheng said. “Now it’s a fully instrumented research platform.”
The team used both F-15s to validate three key tools:

A shock wave-measuring device called a near-field shock-sensing probe
A guidance capability known as an Airborne Location Integrating Geospatial Navigation System
An Airborne Schlieren Photography System that will allow the capture of images that render visible the density changes in air caused by the X-59

Before the F-15D’s arrival, Armstrong relied on the second F-15 flown during this campaign – an F-15B typically used to test equipment, train pilots, and support other flight projects. The SCHAMROQ project used the two aircraft to successfully complete “dual ship flights,” a series of flight tests using two aircraft simultaneously. Both aircraft flew in formation carrying near-field shock-sensing probes and collected data from one another to test the probes and validate the tools under real-world conditions. The data help confirm how shock waves form and evolve during flight.

For the Quesst mission, the F-15D will lead data-gathering efforts using the onboard probe, while the F-15B will serve as the backup. When flown behind the X-59, the probe will help measure small pressure changes caused by the shock waves and validate predictions made years ago when the plane’s design was first created.
The schlieren photography systems aboard the F-15s will provide Quesst researchers with crucial data. Other tools, like computer simulations that predict airflow and wind tunnel tests are helpful, but schlieren imagery shows real-world airflow, especially in tricky zones like the engine and air inlet.
For that system to work correctly, the two aircraft will need to be precisely positioned during the test flights. Their pilots will be using a NASA-developed software tool called the Airborne Location Integrating Geospatial Navigation System (ALIGNS).
“ALIGNS acts as a guidance system for the pilots,” said Troy Robillos, a NASA researcher who led development of ALIGNS. “It shows them where to position the aircraft to either probe a shock wave at a specific point or to get into the correct geometry for schlieren photography.”
The schlieren system involves a handheld high-speed camera with a telescopic lens that captures hundreds of frames per second and visualizes changes in air density – but only if it can use the sun as a backdrop.

“The photographer holds the camera to their chest, aiming out the side of the cockpit canopy at the sun, while the pilot maneuvers through a 100-foot-wide target zone,” said Edward Haering, a NASA aerospace engineer who leads research on schlieren. “If the sun leaves the frame, we lose that data, so we fly multiple passes to make sure we capture the shot.”
Aligning two fast-moving aircraft against the backdrop of the sun is the most challenging part. The photographer must capture the aircraft flying across the center of the sun, and even the slightest shift can affect the shot and reduce the quality of the data.
“It’s like trying to take a photo through a straw while flying supersonic,” Robillos said.
But with ALIGNS, the process is much more accurate. The software runs on ruggedized tablets and uses GPS data from both aircraft to calculate when the aircraft are in position for probing and to capture schlieren imagery. Giving pilots real-time instructions, enabling them to achieve precise positioning.
The X-59 team’s validation milestone for the schlieren imaging and other systems confirms that NASA’s core tools for measuring shock waves are ready to study the X-59 in flight, checking the aircraft’s unique acoustics to confirm its quieter sonic “thump.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: World’s most powerful ex-New Yorker gets a DC military parade, not a ticker-tape celebration in Manhattan’s Canyon of Heroes

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lincoln Mitchell, Lecturer, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

Heavy equipment and military vehicles arrive in Jessup, Md., for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14, 2025, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump’s plan for a military parade on June 14, 2025, officially to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army as well as coinciding with the president’s 79th birthday, is yet another indication of his affinity for authoritarian leaders and regimes.

Although the parade, which will include 6,000 soldiers, 150 military vehicles and 50 helicopters − and will temporarily close Reagan National Airport and cost more than US$45 million − is ostensibly to celebrate the military, the idea is pure Trump.

When pressed about his desire for the parade, the president has explained his reasoning for having the parade.

“We had more to do with winning World War II than any other nation. Why don’t we have a Victory Day? So we’re going to have a Victory Day for World War I and for World War II.”

While big military parades in Washington, D.C., other than immediately following a major military victory, are largely without precedent, there is another American city that has a much richer tradition of parades. That city is New York.

Melania Trump and President Donald Trump joined French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, to watch the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris on July 14, 2017, an event that inspired Trump to seek a parade in Washington, D.C.
Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Trump vs. NYC

New York is a parade town. It’s also a city with which Trump has a long, complex relationship.

Trump was born in New York and began his business career there. Before Trump was a politician, or even a reality TV star, he was a fixture in the New York tabloids. His marriages, divorces, dating life and business successes and failures were splashed across more headlines than can be easily counted beginning in the early 1980s, but Trump was always presented as a clownish figure, albeit a very rich one.

In those years, continuing into the first decade of this century, the local media always presented him as gaudy, loud and not quite as business savvy as he claimed – hence the coverage of his bankruptcies.

While much of the rest of the country bought the Trump narrative that he was a brilliant businessman surrounded by beautiful women, doting staff and fawning celebrities, many New Yorkers never did.

New Yorkers, including me, remembered an earlier Trump who almost ran the family business into the ground over many years. Nonetheless, New York has always been important to Trump. Although he still is a well-done steak with ketchup kind of guy, while New York is a soup dumplings, or bagels and lox, or arroz con pollo, or even caviar kind of town, Trump still has a connection to this city and wants to be celebrated here.

Politicians, heroes and ticker tape

And the city celebrates with big parades honoring everything from sports championships, which used to be much more common for New York teams, to the U.S. winning wars, most recently following the first Gulf War in 1991. Additionally, New York has parades for many of the hundreds of ethnic groups that make up the city.

For decades on Thanksgiving Day, as they roast their turkey, prepare the stuffing and finalize preparations for the traditional feast, millions of Americans have watched the Thanksgiving parade, which is always held in Manhattan, frequently referred to as the Macy’s Day parade because Macy’s has long sponsored the event.

In many of New York City’s legendary parades, including those celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, St. Patrick’s Day, West Indian American Day and others, politicians march, often in the lead, alongside their constituents.

Some, like the Thanksgiving parade, have their own rituals, such as watching the balloons being inflated behind the American Museum of Natural History on the evening before Thanksgiving.

However, the most famous of all parade types in New York is the ticker-tape parade. Dating from the days when paper, not computers, dominated trading floors and offices, people would throw ticker tape and other papers out their windows as the parade passed through the Financial District area that became known as the Canyon of Heroes.

Not all New York parades are the same. Some, like the Thanksgiving parade, are simply fun and celebratory. Ticker-tape parades honor individuals or groups that have accomplished something significant, like landing on the Moon or winning the Super Bowl. They can recognize important foreign guests and dignitaries, while other parades celebrate the contributions of various peoples or groups of New Yorkers.

But New Yorkers never throw parades for their politicians and tend to favor drums and floats rather than tanks and soldiers at these events.

An avalanche of confetti rains down on Aug. 13, 1969, honoring the three astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission, who became the first people to walk on the Moon.
Bettman/Getty Images

No ticker tape for Trump

While there are parades for all kinds of people and events in New York, there has never been a parade there for Donald Trump. There was a pretty massive street party in the city when it was announced that Trump had lost the 2020 election.

Although Trump changed his primary residence to Florida in 2019, Trump was a New Yorker for many years and like many longtime residents had the chance to see many heroes – Mickey Mantle, John Glenn, Tom Seaver, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, Nelson Mandela, American war veterans, numerous foreign leaders and many others – feted with a parade down the Canyon of Heroes. Jeter was celebrated five times, John Glenn and Mickey Mantle twice.

It is impossible to know Trump’s motivations for pushing the parade in the nation’s capital. But we also know that he is a man who holds himself in high regard and craves attention. Trump will likely never get a parade in his erstwhile hometown, so Washington must be the next best thing.

Trump’s newfound parade fetish underscores his love-hate relationship with New York.

New York is the city that made him famous and made his family, primarily because of his father’s work, very rich. It is also the city that has repeatedly rejected Trump. It is the home of some of his worst real estate deals, the place where the business community lost patience with his antics and unwillingness to pay contractors, and where three times the voters turned out in huge numbers against him.

A Washington, D.C., parade celebrating an unappreciated New Yorker who years ago decamped to Florida and Washington is a pale imitation of the Canyon of Heroes, where New Yorkers honor beloved leaders, war heroes, explorers and their favorite sports stars. But it is all Trump has.

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

– ref. World’s most powerful ex-New Yorker gets a DC military parade, not a ticker-tape celebration in Manhattan’s Canyon of Heroes – https://theconversation.com/worlds-most-powerful-ex-new-yorker-gets-a-dc-military-parade-not-a-ticker-tape-celebration-in-manhattans-canyon-of-heroes-258110

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall
Source: Apple

Headline: Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall

June 10, 2025

UPDATE

Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall

New features include AutoMix and updates to Lyrics in Apple Music; preferred routes and Visited Places in Apple Maps; easy-to-track orders with Apple Intelligence in Apple Wallet; the introduction of Digital ID; and more

With the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 this fall, Apple is bringing exciting new features and adding more intelligence across its services, delivering even greater everyday functionality to users. This includes an enhanced listening experience in Apple Music; easier navigation with preferred routes and Visited Places in Apple Maps; new ways to make and track purchases with Apple Intelligence in Apple Wallet; customized playback experiences with Apple Podcasts; a refreshed boarding pass in Wallet; the introduction of Digital ID; and more.

“Apple’s services are integral to many parts of a user’s day, and we’re excited to bring features that pack even more power and fun into their everyday moments,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “These updates will help users better navigate and explore the world around them with Apple Maps, offer an enhanced Apple Music experience, elevate how they shop with Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, and so much more.”

“AI and machine learning are a core part of what makes Apple’s services feel so personal and intuitive to our users around the world,” said Jeff Robbin, Apple’s vice president of Services Engineering. “They love the ease and simplicity that intelligent features like natural language search and App Store review summaries have brought, and we’re excited to continue adding thoughtful, tailored experiences to Apple’s services — including AutoMix, which mixes songs like a DJ in Apple Music, the option to use Enhance Dialogue to isolate voices and make them sound clearer in Apple Podcasts, and more.”

Apple Music Introduces AutoMix, Upgrades to Lyrics, and More

Apple Music delivers an elevated listening experience with AutoMix, which mixes one song into the next, just like a DJ. Using AI to analyze audio features, it crafts unique transitions between songs with time stretching and beat matching to deliver continuous playback and an even more seamless listening experience.

This fall, Apple Music brings Lyrics Translation, which lets users understand the meaning of their favorite songs, and Lyrics Pronunciation, which enables users to sing along when lyrics are in another language. The new features use machine learning to translate lyrics — with fine-tuning from language experts — to ensure the emotion, cultural context, and lyrical intent are fully preserved.

With Sing, the sing-along experience reaches a whole new level, allowing users to transform iPhone into a handheld microphone for Apple TV and have their voice amplified as they belt out their favorite songs with friends. And with real-time lyrics and visual effects that light up the screen, Sing reaches a new level of fun.

Additionally, users can pin their favorite music to the top of their Library in Apple Music for easy access.

Apple Maps Gets More Intelligent and Personalized with Preferred Routes and Visited Places

Apple Maps makes everyday life easier with new enhancements that help users navigate their preferred routes and keep track of places they’ve previously visited, all while protecting user privacy.¹ iPhone can now use on-device intelligence to learn and understand the routes users take between the places they frequently visit, like home and work. The Maps widget then shows users a preview of their commute so they know what to expect before they leave, and commute notifications alert users of significant delays and offer alternate routes, even before their journey begins.

With Visited Places, users can allow iPhone to intelligently detect the places they visit and spend time in — like restaurants or shops — and they’ll automatically be saved to Maps. Users can search for places they’ve visited, and easily share them with family and friends. Visited Places are built with privacy in mind; they’re protected with end-to-end encryption, cannot be accessed by Apple, and can be easily removed with just a swipe.

A Customized Playback Experience with Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts delivers more customization to the listening experience, including a wider range of playback speeds and Enhance Dialogue. Users will be able to find the perfect listening speed for them, with speed options from 0.5x to 3x, and save their preferred setting for each show. Using real-time audio processing and machine learning, users can turn on Enhance Dialogue to hear speech more clearly over background sounds.

New Ways to Track Orders with Apple Intelligence and Apple Wallet, and Make Purchases with Apple Pay

Apple Wallet now uses Apple Intelligence to automatically identify, summarize, and display order tracking details from emails sent from merchants or delivery carriers. This works across all orders, giving users the ability to see their full order details, progress notifications, and more, all in one place.

Additionally, Apple Pay expands the ability to pay with rewards and installments to in-store purchases for added flexibility and choice. Users can view and pay with rewards — as well as access installment loan offers from eligible credit or debit cards — when making an Apple Pay purchase in person with iPhone.

The ability to access installments from credit and debit cards, including from pay-over-time providers, when making an in-store Apple Pay purchase will roll out in the U.S. with Affirm, Cash App Afterpay, Klarna, Synchrony, and U.S. Bank; in the UK with Monzo and Klarna; and in Canada with Klarna. The ability to redeem rewards for in-store purchases with Apple Pay will be available beginning in the U.S. with Synchrony and U.S. Bank.²

Send and Receive Money in Group Chats with Apple Cash

Apple Cash provides a convenient way for users to request, send, and receive money directly within group conversations in Messages, making it easier to settle up after dinner or pay friends back for concert tickets.³ Users can send money to an individual or request money from everyone in the group.

More Convenient Travel with a Refreshed Boarding Pass Experience and Digital ID in Wallet

In Apple Wallet, a refreshed boarding pass experience delivers rich, relevant information straight to users’ fingertips with Live Activities that offer real-time updates about their flights. For added convenience, users can also share their flight’s Live Activities so friends and family can stay up to date on their journeys.

Refreshed boarding passes also allow users to conveniently access Maps to navigate airports and explore local recommendations, all in one place from their pass; quickly use Find My to track important items and report lost baggage; view key services on an airline’s app, such as seat upgrades and standby lists; and more. Refreshed boarding passes will be available starting with Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Australia.

Digital ID offers a secure and private new way for users to store and present their ID information using their iPhone and Apple Watch. Users can seamlessly create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport.

With REAL ID implementation in effect, at launch, Digital ID provides another way for users to conveniently and securely present an ID in person at select TSA checkpoints for identity verification purposes during domestic travel. Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport, and cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a U.S. passport. Like all IDs in Apple Wallet, this new solution takes advantage of the privacy and security features already built into iPhone and Apple Watch.

Additionally, Verify with Wallet on the Web enables users to seamlessly and securely present their eligible driver’s license or state ID in Wallet to websites for age and identity verification, starting with Chime, Turo, Uber Eats, and U.S. Bank, as well as the Arizona MVD, Georgia DDS, and Maryland MVA.

Ready-Made Custom Plans Unlock Consistent Routines in Apple Fitness+

Custom Plans in Apple Fitness+ make it simpler than ever to follow a personalized schedule, automatically creating plans based on users’ workout and meditation preferences, including their top activities, durations, trainers, music, and more.

To keep users motivated, Stay Consistent provides a premade schedule of activities that matches their current routine. With Push Further, users receive a plan that increases the time of each day’s workout sessions — or even adds another day — making it perfect for those looking to challenge themselves. For anyone new to Fitness+, Get Started provides a ready-made plan built from selected interests or popular activities, giving users a helpful starting point. Additionally, Custom Plans are now centrally located in a dedicated Plans page.

A New Daily Puzzle Brings a Fresh, Friendly Challenge to Apple News+

Apple News adds Emoji Game to Apple News+ Puzzles, joining Crossword, Mini-Crossword, Quartiles, and Sudoku. Emoji Game brings to life one of users’ favorite ways to communicate in a fun and engaging way, with players challenged to use emoji to complete three phrases, with the goal of solving the puzzle in as few moves as possible. Users can share puzzles, track stats and streaks, and compete with others through Game Center leaderboards. Emoji Game features a daily puzzle available in the U.S. and for English-speaking users in Canada, and can be accessed from the Following tab in the News app.

Apple’s services make everyday activities more personal, productive, and enjoyable, and these new features and additional intelligent updates continue to deliver thoughtful, tailored experiences to users across the globe.

Availability

The Apple Intelligence features detailed require supported devices, which include all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later that have Apple Intelligence enabled and Siri and device language set to the same supported language: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese (simplified). More languages will be coming by the end of this year: Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (traditional), and Vietnamese. For more information, visit apple.com/apple-intelligence. Features are subject to change. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.
1. Preferred routes and Visited Places are not available in all regions.
2. Available on cards from participating banks and card providers in certain markets. Subject to eligibility and approval. In the U.S., Apple Pay is a service provided by Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. Neither Apple Inc. nor Apple Payments Services LLC is a bank. Any card used in Apple Pay is offered by the card issuer.
3. Apple Cash services are provided by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC. Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc., is a service provider of Green Dot Bank for Apple Cash accounts. Neither Apple Inc. nor Apple Payments Services LLC is a bank. Learn more about the terms and conditions. Only available in the U.S. on eligible devices.
Press Contacts

Heather Norton

Apple

heather_norton@apple.com

Kimberly Mai

Apple

k_mai@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com
MIL OSI Economics –
June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Minister of National Defence in response to the Auditor General of Canada’s report on Delivering Canada’s Future Fighter Jet Capability
Source: Government of Canada News

June 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Following the tabling of the Auditor General of Canada’s (AG) report on Canada’s fighter force, the Minister of National Defence, The Honourable David McGuinty, issued the following statement:

“I welcome the AG’s report on the administration of the fighter project. It lays out the tireless efforts by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Government of Canada to implement the fighter capability on time.

“As articulated in Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and reaffirmed in our 2024 defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is investing in a modern fleet of fighter jets to support RCAF operations now and into the future.

“The aim is to provide the RCAF with a fighter fleet that will be capable, lethal, survivable, upgradeable, resilient, and interoperable with our allies’ and partners’ fleets. This will enable Canada to continue to meet its North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments, and execute any other missions assigned to Canada.

“The Government of Canada takes these findings seriously, and is taking several steps to address the AG’s recommendations:
- We have put in place an approved and updated risk management plan to formally and regularly identify all known Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) risks ensuring there are appropriate mitigation strategies in place.
- We will update and refine a master implementation plan to manage project activities in accordance with the Integrated Master Schedule. As with all major projects, the plans for the FFCP are evergreen, and will continue to be monitored and updated when required.
- We will review the FFCP cost estimates on an annual basis, or more frequently should significant issues be identified.
- Additionally, we will communicate on milestones achieved on discrete projects in order to be transparent in public reporting.
“The Future Fighter Capability Project value— which includes the costs for 88 fighter aircraft, associated equipment, sustainment set-up and services, training and information services, as well as construction of Fighter Squadron Facilities—has increased since initial estimates.

“The increased cost to the FFCP is the result of external economic conditions driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, including global supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and increased inflation and foreign exchange rates. In combination with increased global tensions and related impacts on the availability and demand for materials, we would not have been able to deliver the full scope of this project under our previous budget. This increase included additional contingency funding to enable our ability to better mitigate potential economic risks and uncertainty in the future.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to actively manage costs throughout the duration of this project to ensure that the best value is being provided to Canadians. The FFCP represents the greatest investment in the RCAF since the Second World War. This project will provide Canada with an invaluable air defence capability that will continue to support the RCAF well into the future.

“It is critical to note that Canada needs fighter aircraft to protect the sovereignty of Canadian airspace and ensure the safety and security of Canadians. Through the NORAD alliance, the RCAF makes substantial contributions to continental defence, generating the vital capabilities required to detect, deter, and defeat threats to Canada and, by extension, North America. Abroad, fighter aircraft are a critical contribution to NATO operations or other Coalition operations, where they operate to deter aggression or conducting air campaigns.

“Additionally, I would like to highlight that the Government of Canada is currently reviewing the defence procurement system, including examining internal processes used by the Department of National Defence to define requirements and approve projects, and looking at the broader set of rules, regulations, and policies that govern military procurement. This effort will clarify mechanisms to facilitate the timely delivery of military equipment and look at how best to leverage existing programs to strategically invest in the domestic capacity building.

“I will ensure that the AG’s recommendations are fully integrated and that the best value continues to be provided to Canadians.”

Associated Link

2025 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada

MIL OSI Canada News –
June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cohen, Duckworth, Kustoff and Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Improve Roadways Around Airports

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing funding to improve ground transportation into and out of busy airports

WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and David Kustoff TN-8) and Senators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee today introduced legislation to help improve ground transportation into and out of our nation’s busy airports. The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to create an incentive for surface transportation projects at and within five miles of a public airport that improve access, reduce congestion or rehabilitate roads, rail or transit, making catching a flight or coming home from the airport easier and faster for Americans across the country.

“Improving access and reducing congestion to our nation’s airports through our next surface transportation reauthorization bill makes good economic sense,” Congressman Cohen said. “Our Memphis International Airport, the nation’s busiest cargo airport, is at the confluence of river, rail and highway circuits we call ‘America’s Distribution Center.’ Updates to the ground infrastructure in Memphis and around the country through grants authorized under the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act will modernize and improve the air traveler’s experience.”

“We’ve all been there—you’re rushing to the airport but then get stuck in traffic outside while worrying that your flight is going to take off without you,” Duckworth said. “Airports like Chicago O’Hare and so many others are building to keep up with the growing passenger demand, but our surface transportation leading into and out of our airports needs to keep pace. That’s one reason why I’m proud to introduce the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act to help make it easier, faster and more reliable for traveling Americans to get into and out of our airports.”

“Our nation’s airports are working overtime to meet growing passenger demand, and our airports in Tennessee are no exception,” Blackburn said. “The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to boost infrastructure projects at and near airports to reduce congestion and make it easier for Americans to catch their flights.”

“Memphis International Airport is the second busiest cargo airport in the world. It is imperative that shipments can get in and out of Memphis quickly and effectively,” said Kustoff. “The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act is critical legislation that will ensure federal funding is used to modify surface transportation around our nation’s busiest airports and help carry us further into the 21st century.”

Our nation’s already-busy airports continue to grow—enplanements at U.S. airports are projected to grow from nearly 945 million in 2023 to 1.4 billion in 2040 and to 1.7 billion in 2050. An estimated $19.3 billion is needed to improve access to and from facilities across the country over the next five years.

The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would create a discretionary grant program using existing Highway Trust funds for road, bridge, tunnel, passenger rail or transit projects that make improvements at and within 5 miles of a public airport that reduce congestion, expand capacity, expand access or rehabilitate surface transportation infrastructure. The Highway Trust Fund is an existing federal account under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.

This legislation is endorsed by Air Line Pilots Association, Airports Council International, American Association of Airport Executives, Allied Pilots Association, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Association of Professional Flight Attendants and Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI China: PLA Navy aircraft carriers conduct training in the Western Pacific 2025-06-10 21:37:37 Aircraft carriers Liaoning (Hull 16) and Shandong (Hull 17) attached to the Navy of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted training exercise in the Western Pacific and relevant sea areas in recent days.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
loading…

MIL OSI China News –
June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI: KuppingerCole Recognizes Regula as One of the Innovation Leaders in Identity Verification
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RESTON, Va., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification (IDV) solutions, has made its inaugural appearance in the KuppingerCole Leadership Compass for Identity Verification 2025. Mentioned in the Innovation Leaders category, the company is recognized for its 100% in-house R&D, forensic-grade technology, global document coverage, and advanced liveness detection capabilities.

Image: Regula’s innovative in-house technology powers fast, seamless identity checks—now recognized by KuppingerCole Analysts

Specializing in IDV and cybersecurity industry analysis, KuppingerCole forecasts that the global IDV market will grow from $18.4 billion in 2025 to $50.07 billion by 2030, driven by increasing identity fraud, compliance requirements, user expectations, and technological advancements.

As identity verification rapidly shifts toward fully remote and automated environments, innovation has become a key differentiator. According to KuppingerCole, innovation leaders in IDV are defined by taking a customer-oriented upgrade approach, delivering customer-requested and forward-thinking features, while ensuring seamless compatibility with existing systems.

Positioning Regula in the Innovation Leaders category, KuppingerCole analysts highlight: “Regula’s products are mature and often used to supplement other identity verification vendors’ offerings. While not as feature complete as other offerings, Regula is a best-of-breed document and biometric verification solution with strong global coverage. With expertise across diverse industries and a global reach, Regula is positioned as a verification provider with in-house expertise for adaptable and scalable solutions.”

In their Leadership Compass, KuppingerCole analysts pay special attention to the fact that IDV vendors have in-house technology development, strong data privacy policies, wide geographical coverage for their ID databases, and automation and machine learning (ML) to facilitate processes and user experience. On these fronts, Regula stands out by:
- Best-of-breed on-premises document and biometric verification solution.
- Comprehensive ID template database made of 15,000+ templates from 251 countries and territories.
- In-house R&D capabilities with significant domain-specific expertise.
- Advanced liveness detection technology supporting enhanced security.
- A mature organization with products often used to supplement other IDV vendor offerings.
At the heart of Regula’s recognition are its flagship software products, which serve clients in finance, government, healthcare, education, aviation, and more. Regula Document Reader SDK provides automated reading and comprehensive verification of all types of identity documents. It reads data in all document zones, verifies security features—including dynamic ones such as holograms—and cross-checks all the data to spot forgery.

For biometric checks, Regula Face SDK enables real-time face matching, image quality assessment, and both passive and active liveness detection—the latter tested and certified under iBeta’s Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) Level 1 and 2. The solution supports 1:1 face matching and 1:n face identification with advanced spoof detection via texture and movement analysis, using both 2D and 3D methods.

Importantly, Regula’s solutions are designed for privacy-first deployments. All biometric templates are managed locally by the customer, with no data processed or stored by Regula. The face-matching algorithms undergo continuous testing and are benchmarked through programs like the NIST Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT).

“Being named an Innovation Leader by KuppingerCole is a significant milestone for us. It highlights our decades-long commitment to building all our solutions in-house, from document verification to biometrics, and doing so with the precision and trustworthiness that customers demand. As identity verification principles and standards rapidly evolve, our focus remains the same: delivering technology that’s not only robust but also deeply practical, scalable, and privacy-conscious,” says Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula.

Recently, Regula has:

The full copy of the KuppingerCole Leadership Compass for Identity Verification is available on the official website. To learn more about Regula’s technologies, visit the company’s website.

About KuppingerCole

Founded in 2004, KuppingerCole is a global, independent analyst organization headquartered in Europe. We specialize in providing vendor-neutral advice, expertise, thought leadership, and practical relevance in Cybersecurity, Digital Identity & IAM (Identity and Access Management), Cloud Risk and Security, and Artificial Intelligence, as well as technologies enabling Digital Transformation. We assist companies, corporate users, integrators, and software manufacturers to address both tactical and strategic challenges by making better decisions for their business success. Balancing immediate implementation with long-term viability is central to our philosophy.

For further information, please contact clients@kuppingercole.com.

About Regula

Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

Contact:
Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46aa9326-8a08-4693-b92e-b87af6dfa369

The MIL Network –
June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ positions US energy to be more costly for consumers and the climate

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Cohan, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University

Proposed revisions to U.S. energy policy would likely raise consumer prices and climate-warming emissions. zpagistock/Moment via Getty Images

When it comes to energy policy, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” – the official name of a massive federal tax-cut and spending bill that House Republicans passed in May 2025 – risks raising Americans’ energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The 1,100-page bill would slash incentives for green technologies such as solar, wind, batteries, electric cars and heat pumps while subsidizing existing nuclear power plants and biofuels. That would leave the country and its people burning more fossil fuels despite strong popular and scientific support for a rapid shift to renewable energy.

The bill may still be revised by the Senate before it moves to a final vote. But it is a picture of how President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans want to reshape U.S. energy policy.

As an environmental engineering professor who studies ways to confront climate change, I think it is important to distinguish which technologies could rapidly cut emissions or are on the verge of becoming viable from those that do little to fight climate change. Unfortunately, the House bill favors the latter while nixing support for the former.

Renewable energy

Wind and solar power, often paired with batteries, are providing over 90% of the new electricity currently being added to the grid nationally and around the world. Geothermal power is undergoing technological breakthroughs. With natural gas turbines in short supply and long lead times to build other resources, renewables and batteries offer the fastest way to satisfy growing demand for power.

However, the House bill rescinds billions of dollars that the Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in 2022, devoted to boosting domestic manufacturing and deployments of renewable energy and batteries.

It would terminate tax credits for manufacturing for the wind industry in 2028 and for solar and batteries in 2032. That would disrupt the boom in domestic manufacturing projects that was being stimulated by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Deployments would be hit even harder. Wind, solar, geothermal and battery projects would need to commence construction within 60 days of passage of the bill to receive tax credits.

In addition, the bill would deny tax credits to projects that use Chinese-made components. Financial analysts have called those provisions “unworkable,” since some Chinese materials may be necessary even for projects built with as much domestic content as possible.

Analysts warn that the House bill would cut new wind, solar and battery installations by 20% compared with the growth that had been expected without the bill. That’s why BloombergNEF, an energy research firm, called the bill a “nightmare scenario” for clean energy proponents.

However, one person’s nightmare may be another man’s dream. “We’re constraining the hell out of wind and solar, which is good,” said Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican backed by the oil and gas industry.

Wind turbines and solar panels generate renewable energy side by side near Palm Springs, Calif.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Efficiency and electric cars

Cuts fall even harder on Americans who are trying to reduce their carbon footprints and energy costs. The bill repeals aid for home efficiency improvements such as heat pumps, efficient windows and energy audits. Homeowners would also lose tax credits for installing solar panels and batteries.

For vehicles, the bill would not only repeal tax credits for electric cars, trucks and chargers, but it also would impose a federal $250 annual fee on vehicles, on top of fees that some states charge electric-car owners. The federal fee is more than the gas taxes paid by other drivers to fund highways and ignores air-quality and climate effects.

Combined, the lost credits and increased fees could cut projected U.S. sales of electric vehicles by 40% in 2030, according to modeling by Jesse Jenkins of Princeton University.

Nuclear power

Meanwhile, the bill partially retains a tax credit for electricity from existing nuclear power plants. Those plants may not need the help: Electricity demand is surging, and companies like Meta are signing long-term deals for nuclear energy to power data centers. Nuclear plants are also paid to manage their radioactive waste, since the country lacks a permanent place to store it.

For new nuclear plants, the bill would move up the deadline to 2028 to begin construction. That deadline is too soon for some new reactor designs and would rush the vetting of others. Nuclear safety regulators are awaiting a study from the National Academies on the weapons proliferation risks of the type of uranium fuel that some developers hope to use in newer designs.

The House-passed bill would protect government subsidies for existing nuclear power plants, like the one in the background, while limiting support for wind turbines.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Biofuels

While cutting funding for electric vehicles, the bill would spend $45 billion to extend tax credits for biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

Food-based biofuels do little good for the climate because growing, harvesting and processing crops requires fertilizers, pesticides and fuel. The bill would allow forests to be cut to make room for crops because it directs agencies to ignore the impacts of biofuels on land use.

Hydrogen

The bill would end tax credits for hydrogen production. Without that support, companies will be unlikely to invest in the seven so-called “hydrogen hubs” that were allocated a combined $8 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. Those hubs aim to attract $40 billion in private investments and create tens of thousands of jobs while developing cleaner ways to make hydrogen.

The repealed tax credits would have subsidized hydrogen made emissions-free by using renewable or nuclear electricity to split water molecules. They also would have subsidized hydrogen made from natural gas with carbon capture, whose benefits are impaired by methane emissions from natural gas systems and incomplete carbon capture.

However it’s made, hydrogen is no panacea. As the world’s smallest molecule, hydrogen is prone to leaking, which can pose safety challenges and indirectly warm the climate. And while hydrogen is essential for making fertilizers and potentially useful for making steel or aviation fuels, vehicles and heating are more efficiently powered by electricity than by hydrogen.

Still, European governments and China are investing heavily in hydrogen production.

As Congress deliberates on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the nation’s energy agenda is one of many issues being hotly debated.
Kevin Carter/Getty Images

Summing it up

The conservative Tax Foundation estimates that the House bill would cut the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits by about half, saving the government $50 billion a year. But with fewer efficiency improvements, fewer electric vehicles and less clean power on the grid, Princeton’s Jenkins projects American households would pay up to $415 more per year for energy by 2035 than if the bill’s provisions were not enacted. If the bill’s provisions make it into law, the extra fossil fuel-burning would leave annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 1 billion tons higher by then.

No one expected former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to escape unscathed with Republicans in the White House and dominating both houses of Congress. Still, the proposed cuts target the technologies Americans count on to protect the climate and save consumers money.

Daniel Cohan receives funding from the Carbon Hub at Rice University.

– ref. How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ positions US energy to be more costly for consumers and the climate – https://theconversation.com/how-the-big-beautiful-bill-positions-us-energy-to-be-more-costly-for-consumers-and-the-climate-257783

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 11, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese aircraft carriers conduct training in the Western Pacific

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 10 (Xinhua) — Two squadrons of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy), led by the aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong, conducted training in the western Pacific Ocean and other waters recently, PLA Navy spokesman Wang Xuemeng said on Tuesday.

According to his report, the training was aimed at testing the defensive capabilities of warships in the distant sea zone and their ability to conduct joint combat operations.

This is another training that was organized within the framework of the annual plan and in accordance with international law and practice. The maneuvers are not aimed at any specific country or target, Wang Xuemeng emphasized. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 11, 2025