Category: Aviation

MIL-OSI China: Cultural beats greet Milan Ballet at Xinjiang airport

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

Italy’s Milan Ballet arrived in Urumqi, Xinjiang, on July 21, to participate in the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival. At the airport, they were welcomed by Xinjiang Urumqi Art Theatre with a traditional ethnic-style dance.

Members of the Urumqi Art Theatre performed a variety of ethnic dances, while the Milan Ballet dancers joyfully echoed their movements. Transcending language barriers through body language, they created an atmosphere of “shared harmony through dance” and mutual appreciation.

The 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival opened in Urumqi on July 20 and will run until Aug. 5. The event brings together Chinese and foreign groups, including eight international teams and 16 domestic troupes. A total of 52 performances, covering various forms such as dance dramas, operas, ballets and modern dances, will be staged at the main venue in Urumqi and six sub-venues in cities including Yili and Hotan.

An Italian dancer from the Milan Ballet and a dancer from Xinjiang Urumqi Art Theatre dance together at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, Xinjiang, July 21, 2025. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

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MIL OSI China News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Russian navy conducts large-scale July Storm drills

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

The Russian Navy has launched the large-scale operational exercise July Storm, involving forces from the Northern, Pacific, Baltic Fleets and the Caspian Flotilla, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday.

Guided by Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, the drills will run from July 23 to 27 across several maritime regions, including waters of the Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Baltic Sea and Caspian Sea.

According to the ministry, more than 150 warships and support vessels, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal defense missile systems, around 950 units of military and specialized equipment, and over 15,000 personnel are participating in the exercise.

The exercise is intended to test the readiness of naval groupings to respond to non-standard operational scenarios as well as the integrated use of long-range precision weapons, unmanned systems and other advanced military technologies, according to the ministry.

The agenda includes crew deployment to designated combat zones, anti-submarine operations, and the defense of naval bases and key maritime economic zones.

MIL OSI China News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Festive procession, competitions and concert: the Northern River Terminal will celebrate Navy Day

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On July 27, the Northern River Terminal will host a festive program dedicated to the Day of the Russian Navy. Congratulations will be received by all who serve or have served in the navy, including representatives of naval aviation, coastal troops and shipbuilders.

“Thanks to the large-scale work that we have carried out under the leadership of Sergei Sobyanin, the capital can once again be called the port of five seas. The Northern River Terminal is now not only an important transport facility, but also a popular place for residents and visitors to spend their leisure time. This Sunday, the Navy Day celebration will take place here. Visitors will enjoy a rich program both on land and on water,” said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

Maxim Liksutov.

The celebration will begin with a water sports program on the embankment. From 10:30 to 12:45 there will be a ceremonial flag raising, as well as a procession of Navy veterans, cadets and students of maritime educational institutions. At 11:00 there will be a demonstration swim organized by the Winter Swimming Federation, at 11:30 boats will appear on the water under the control of students from the Peter the Great Children’s Marine Center, and at 11:45 guests will see academic rowing. At 12:00 competitive races will begin. They will take place on YAL-6 boats and academic rowing boats.

A festive concert will be held on the main square of the Northern River Terminal from 13:00 to 16:00, and at 14:00 the award ceremony for the participants of the competitive races will take place.

In addition, from 12:00 to 16:00, anyone can view an exhibition of ship models and diving equipment in the side galleries of the station, take part in a creative master class on tying sea knots, play tug-of-war and throw legos – thin ropes with a small load for mooring a ship.

Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Russian Navy begins conducting operational exercises “July Storm” – Defense Ministry

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, July 23 (Xinhua) — From July 23 to 27, under the general leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, the naval operational exercise “July Storm” is being conducted in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Baltic and Caspian Seas, involving forces from the Northern, Pacific, Baltic fleets and the Caspian flotilla. This was reported on the website of the Russian Defense Ministry on Wednesday.

As noted, during the exercise, the ships’ crews will practice deployment to combat areas, anti-submarine operations, defense of base areas and areas of maritime economic activity, repelling attacks by air attack vehicles, unmanned boats and unmanned aerial vehicles of a simulated enemy, ensuring the safety of navigation, and delivering single and joint strikes on enemy targets and naval groups, including with the use of long-range precision weapons.

More than 150 warships and support vessels, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal missile systems, 950 units of military and special equipment, and over 15,000 military personnel are involved in the exercises. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
Students protest in Bangladesh after air force jet crash kills 31, mostly children

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Police used tear gas to disperse angry students in Bangladesh on Tuesday who demanded answers from the interim government after an air force fighter jet crashed into a Dhaka school and killed 31 people, at least 25 of them children.

The children, many aged under 12, were about to return home from class on Monday when the Chinese-manufactured F-7 BGI Bangladesh Air Force jet ploughed into their school and burst into flames, trapping pupils in the fire and debris.

The military said it had suffered mechanical failure.

Students from the school and others from nearby colleges protested as two government officials visited the crash site, demanding an accurate death toll and shouting, “Why did our brothers die? We demand answers!”

Elsewhere in the capital, hundreds of protesting students, some of them waving sticks, broke through the main gate of the federal government secretariat, demanding the resignation of the education adviser, according to local TV footage.

Police baton charged them, fired tear gas and used sound grenades to disperse the crowd, leaving dozens injured, witnesses said. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman said they had to use tear gas to disperse the protesters. He said he did not have information on the number of injured.

Rescue workers continued to scour the charred buildings for debris on Tuesday as distressed residents of the area looked on. Some parents were inconsolable.

Abul Hossain broke down as he spoke about his nine-year-old daughter, Nusrat Jahan Anika, killed in the crash. “I took her to school yesterday morning like every day. I had no idea it would be the last time I would be seeing her,” he said.

She was buried on Monday night.

Rubina Akter said her son Raiyan Toufiq had a miraculous escape after his shirt caught fire when he was on a staircase.

“He sprinted to the ground floor and jumped on the grass to douse it,” she said. “He tore his shirt and vest inside, which saved him from severe burns.”

The jet had taken off from a nearby air base on a routine training mission, the military said. After experiencing mechanical failure the pilot tried to divert the aircraft away from populated areas, but it crashed into the campus. The pilot was among those killed.

On Tuesday, the military said in a statement that 31 people had died and 165 had been admitted to hospitals in the city. The health ministry said 68 remained in hospital and the condition of 10 of them was critical.

STUDENT DEMANDS

The government announced a day of mourning, with flags at half-mast and special prayers at all places of worship.

Pope Leo said he was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life in the crash and prayed that families and friends may be consoled in their grief, and for the healing and comfort of the injured, according to a Vatican statement.

The protesting students called for those killed and injured to be named, the decommissioning of what they said were old and risky jets, and a change in air force training procedures.

A statement from the press office of Muhammad Yunus, the country’s interim administrator, said that the government, the military, school and hospital authorities were working together to publish a list of victims.

It also said the air force will be told not to operate training aircraft in populated areas.

The F-7  BGI is the final and most advanced variant in China’s Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft family, according to Jane’s Information Group. Bangladesh signed a contract for 16 aircraft in 2011 and deliveries were completed by 2013.

The Chengdu F-7 is the licence-built version of the Soviet era MiG-21.

The incident comes as neighbour India is still grappling with the world’s worst aviation disaster in a decade after an Air India plane crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad last month, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground.

Bangladesh has faced months of political uncertainty after then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country last August following weeks of deadly student protests.

The interim government of Nobel laureate Yunus has promised to hold elections next year amid mounting demands from political parties to advance them.

-Reuters

July 23, 2025
India extends airspace ban on Pakistani aircraft till Aug 23 amid security concerns

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India on Tuesday extended its ban on Pakistani aircraft entering Indian airspace till August 23, amid continued tensions between the two neighbours.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said in a post on X, “Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace has been officially extended until 23rd August 2025.”

“This extension reflects continued strategic considerations and is in line with prevailing security protocols. Stay tuned for further updates,” the minister added.

The move follows Islamabad’s decision last week to extend its own airspace restrictions on Indian carriers till August 24. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said the ban will remain in effect until 5:19 a.m. (IST) on August 24.

Meanwhile, India has issued a separate NOTAM for a large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise in Rajasthan, along the Pakistan border, from July 23 to 25. The exercise will cover areas from Barmer to Jodhpur.

A NOTAM is issued when a specific airspace needs to be cleared of civilian air traffic. Similar notices were issued during previous tensions with Pakistan to ensure that no passenger aircraft would be caught in the middle of potential aerial operations. It helps prevent civilian casualties by keeping commercial aircraft away from zones of military activity.

The latest NOTAM was issued against the backdrop of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched on May 7 in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 civilians.

IANS

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Time for China, EU to broaden consensus on navigating next 50 years of relations

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

The upcoming China-EU Summit presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on the experience and insights gained from 50 years of bilateral ties. It offers a platform to build consensus and chart a stable and healthy path forward that benefits both sides and the world.

The summit comes at a time when geopolitical tensions, protectionism and unilateralism are increasingly fragmenting global relations. Furthermore, China-EU relations are at a critical juncture, presenting opportunities for deepening pragmatic cooperation while also highlighting the need for strengthened strategic communication to address global challenges and effectively manage differences.

In this context, there is hope that the meeting will convey clear and positive messages to advance win-win cooperation based on mutual respect and openness. The summit aims to chart a course for the next 50 years of bilateral relations, safeguard free trade and multilateralism, and provide certainty and positive energy in a world facing mounting challenges.

The past half century has witnessed remarkable developments of China-EU cooperation. The bilateral trade volume of goods increased from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars in 1975 to 785.8 billion dollars in 2024. Two-way investment stock has grown from nearly zero to 260 billion dollars. China and the EU are each other’s second-largest trading partners, with economic complementarity being a key feature of their cooperation.

China-EU cooperation serves as a prime example of mutually beneficial cooperation in the era of economic globalization, despite differences in history, culture, social systems and development stages.

Airbus illustrates this partnership well. Since entering the Chinese mainland market 40 years ago, the European aircraft manufacturer has seen its market share in China grow to more than 50 percent.

In 2003, China and the EU established a comprehensive strategic partnership. They have established over 70 consultation and dialogue mechanisms that cover various fields such as politics, economy and trade, humanities, science and technology, energy, and the environment. Additionally, the two sides have increased cooperation in the areas of digital and green transition.

Some valuable experience for comprehensive development includes the commitments to mutual respect, mutually beneficial cooperation, and free trade. These principles are the cornerstones of future China-EU ties, which is among the most influential relations worldwide.

Fruitful China-EU cooperation has contributed to the development and progress of both sides, delivering tangible benefits for nearly two billion people in China and the EU, and greatly promoted world peace and development.

However, in recent years, the bilateral relationship has faced difficulties and challenges, due to various frictions and differences on issues like trade. This has been particularly evident since the EU adopted a “partner-competitor-systemic rival” framework for characterizing bilateral relations in 2019. Some describe the EU’s positioning of China as akin to having all traffic lights (green, yellow and red) on at the same time. This approach not only fails to direct traffic, but will inevitably cause disruption.

Chinese culture holds that complaining about others will not lead to self-improvement. Given the scale of bilateral trade and the growing competitiveness of some of China’s industries, it is natural for some differences and frictions to arise. Solutions lie in dialogue and consultation.

The EU side has expressed concerns about its trade deficit with China. Yet, a thorough examination of the trade imbalance reveals that the situation is more complex than the deficit figure suggests. Three facts offer different perspectives. Firstly, the EU has long enjoyed a surplus in services trade with China. Secondly, it restricts the export of high-tech products to China. Thirdly, over one-third of exports from EU companies in China are sold to Europe, which means European companies get many of the benefits of the trade surplus.

There is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and the EU, but rather extensive common interests. Greater benefits will only come from partnership rather than rivalry. Bilateral cooperation was not — and will never be — a zero-sum game. To truly understand China-EU relations, it is important to hold a long-term, strategic and comprehensive perspective.

The world is currently experiencing significant turbulence and change. As China and the EU prepare for the next 50 years of cooperation, it is particularly important to reflect on and adhere to the original aspirations that guided the establishment of bilateral relations. This includes promoting values such as mutual benefit, solving problems through consultations, and opposing hegemony.

By learning from the past, the 25th China-EU Summit on Thursday should rise above differences and pool consensus to open up a new chapter of bilateral relations.

MIL OSI China News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Moolenaar Votes for Funding for Military Readiness and Service Member Pay Raise

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

Headline: Moolenaar Votes for Funding for Military Readiness and Service Member Pay Raise

Last night, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of H.R. 4016, The Defense Appropriations Act, 2026. The legislation contains key provisions to advance American interests, strengthens America’s national security, deters our adversaries, and invests in military readiness through funding exercises like Northern Strike in Michigan. It also delivers significant support for servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise, and provides increased support for their families.

“The Defense Appropriations Act passed today restores peace through strength, gives a well-deserved pay raise to our troops, and supports Northern Strike right here in Michigan,” said Moolenaar. “It ensures our military remains the most capable in the world by funding next generation aircraft, missile defense, and space capabilities to deter our adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party. This critical legislation puts our service members and their families first, with funding for equipment upgrades and enhanced quality of services so they can continue to keep America safe.”

Exercise Northern Strike is a semi-annual military training hosted by the Michigan National Guard. The Defense Appropriation Act, 2026 allocates increased funding for personnel and operations, maintaining Northern Strike as a premier joint readiness exercise for American military personnel and our allies.

The legislation passed the House of Representatives in a vote of 221 to 209. More information about the Defense Appropriations Act can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China-made tonne-class eVTOL delivered

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

The V2000CG CarryAll, a tonne-class electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, conducts a flight demonstration at a flight test base in Kunshan, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on July 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A Chinese tech startup on Tuesday delivered a tonne-class electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a breakthrough in the application of large eVTOLs.

Developed by the Shanghai-based company AutoFlight, the V2000CG CarryAll boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 2 tonnes.

Following the acquisition of the type certificate and production certificate last year, along with the airworthiness certificate acquired on Monday, the unmanned aircraft will be operated by a Guangzhou-based low-altitude transportation business.

The all-electric V2000CG CarryAll has a payload capacity of up to 400 kg with a maximum cruising speed of 200 km per hour and a range of 200 km. It features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and a fixed-wing cruising design, enabling its applications in low-altitude logistics, emergency response and other fields.

Xie Jia, senior vice president of AutoFlight, said that the aircraft type has so far completed more than 40,000 km of safe flights over various terrains across China and other countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Japan, which help validate its performance and explore its potential application scenarios.

The eVTOL’s delivery comes as China’s low-altitude economy is entering a stage of rapid growth. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the market value of the sector will soar from 500 billion yuan (about 70 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023 to 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025, and that number could reach an astounding 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.

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MIL OSI China News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Omar Introduces Five Amendments to FY 2026 Defense Appropriations Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON–Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced five amendments to the FY 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The amendments aim to center human rights; redirect funds to critical medical research; destroy chemical agents and munitions; stop military funding to Israel; fund environmental restoration to clean up hazardous substances, pollutants, and munitions from former defense sites; and prohibit the United States Northern Command from unlawfully operating inside Mexico.

“We have a moral responsibility to reduce our defense budget and invest in our communities,” said Rep. Omar. “It’s way past time we stop writing blank checks for endless wars that only hurt our reputation abroad and do not make us safer. I introduced five amendments to bring us in line with a more just defense budget–one that centers the needs of the American people and addresses past harms. Earlier this month, Congress greenlit an additional $150 billion to our defense budget to fund Trump’s police state. At a time when the United States spends more on our defense than the next nine highest-spending countries combined, it is more important than ever to reorient our budget to address the pressing issues facing our communities instead of appeasing warmongers.”

The amendments introduced by Rep. Omar include:
• Omar #122 – transfers $5 million from defense-wide operation and maintenance to defense health programs.
• Omar #123– transfers $5 million from defense-wide operation and maintenance to chemical agents and munitions destruction account.
• Omar #168– strikes military funding to Israel.
• Omar #169– transfers $5 million from Army aircraft procurement to Army environmental restoration.
• Omar #211– strikes the exemption for Executive Order 14167 in the prohibition on Northern Command activities with respect to Mexico.

Additionally, Rep. Omar is cosponsoring the following amendment:
• Gosar #126– prohibits funds to carry out section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.

The full text of the amendments is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: McCaul Votes to Pass Defense Appropriations Bill in Support of U.S. Servicemembers, Strengthen National Security
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee — voted for the fiscal year 2026 Defense appropriations bill.

“After four years of President Biden’s weak leadership that fueled global chaos, the Trump administration has worked swiftly to reassert U.S. military superiority and restore peace through strength,” said Rep. McCaul. “Today, I was proud to help advance their work at this crucial moment in history by voting to fully fund our Department of Defense. This bill not only honors the brave service men and women who defend our freedoms each day, but it also readies our military with best-in-class defense technology, infrastructure, and training to ensure the U.S. will continue to lead on the world stage and deter our adversaries’ aggression.”

The FY26 Department of Defense Appropriations Act will support our servicemembers and strengthen U.S. national security by:
- Raising all military personnel pay by 3.8 percent;
- Funding border security and measures to counter drug trafficking;
- Prioritizing fiscal sanity by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse at the Pentagon;
- Drives a major shift to embed AI and advanced tech into defense by rapidly scaling innovation programs, streamlining procurement, and leveraging commercial breakthroughs to outpace future threats;
- Investing in critical ships, aircraft, and next-generation military assets, including unmanned aerial systems, hypersonics, and missile warning systems; and
- Bolstering medical and health programs and improving quality of life for servicemembers and families.
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MIL OSI USA News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Chu and Senator Padilla and Colleagues Join Union Workers to Introduce Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

Rep. Chu and Senator Padilla and Colleagues Join Union Workers to Introduce Legislation to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

WATCH: Rep. Chu’s remarks on pushing for enforceable workplace heat stress protections after hottest year on record

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, following yet another extreme heat wave in California, U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), joined by co-leads Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.-03), Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), stood alongside union leaders, including Yaisy Villalobos of the United Farm Workers (UFW), Dorothy Bryant of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and Roy Houseman of the United Steelworkers (USW) to announce their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish an enforceable federal workplace heat protection standard.

To address the increasing risks from extreme temperatures, the lawmakers introduced the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, legislation to protect the safety and health of indoor and outdoor workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace. The legislation would protect workers against occupational exposure to excessive heat by requiring the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish an enforceable federal standard to protect workers in high-heat environments with common sense measures like paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, limitations on time exposed to heat, and emergency response for workers with heat-related illness. The bill would also direct employers to provide training for their employees on the risk factors that can lead to heat illness and guidance on the proper procedures for responding to symptoms.

The bill is named in honor of Asunción Valdivia, who died in 2004 in California after picking grapes for 10 hours straight in 105-degree temperatures. Mr. Valdivia fell unconscious, but instead of calling an ambulance, his employer told Mr. Valdivia’s son to drive his father home. On his way home, he died of heat stroke at the age of 53.

Ever since the United Farm Workers first shared Asunción Valdivia’s story with her, Rep. Judy Chu has been a tireless advocate to protect workers from dangerous heat exposure. She helped pass into law a state heat standard for outdoor workers when she was in the California state legislature. And she will continue to introduce this federal legislation each session of Congress until workers finally have a federal law protecting them from heat-related illness, injury, or death while on the job.

“As we continue to experience record-breaking summer heat waves, we’re also seeing a distressing increase in cases of workers collapsing and even losing their lives due to excessive heat. I will never forget people like Asunción Valdivia or Esteban Chavez Jr., who passed away in Pasadena, California in 2022 after a day of delivering packages in 90-degree heat in a truck without air conditioning. Unfortunately, their tragic deaths were entirely preventable,” said Representative Chu. “Whether on a farm, driving a truck, or working in a warehouse, workers like Asunción and Esteban keep our country running while enduring some of the most difficult conditions—often without access to water or rest. To protect our workforce and save lives, we must pass this bill into law and establish comprehensive and enforceable federal standards addressing heat stress on the job.”

“Asunción Valdivia’s death was completely preventable, yet his story is sadly not unique. As the planet continues to grow hotter, there is still no federally enforceable heat safety standard for workers. That’s not just dangerous for the farm workers and construction workers who work all day outside in the sun — it’s also dangerous for the factory and restaurant workers in boiling warehouses and kitchens,” said Senator Padilla. “Every family deserves to know that even on the hottest day, their loved one will come back home. A national heat safety standard would provide that peace of mind and finally give workers the safety they deserve.”

“This summer, Americans across the country are grappling with some of the hottest temperatures on record. Yet workers in this country still have no legal protection against excessive heat—one of the oldest, most serious, and most common workplace hazards. Heat illness affects workers in our nation’s fields, warehouses, and factories, and climate change is making the problem more severe every year,” said Ranking Member Scott, House Committee on Education and Workforce. “This legislation will require OSHA to issue a heat standard on a much faster track than the normal OSHA regulatory process. I was proud to advance this important bill in 2022, and I urge Chairman Walberg and Committee Republicans to do so again this Congress. Workers deserve nothing less, particularly as heat-related illnesses and deaths rise.”

“Even as heat waves become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more severe, red state politicians are rolling back heat protections and child labor protections across the country. It’s not rocket science—you cannot be pro-worker if you are anti-heat protection,” said Senator Markey. “Our legislation would provide workers with basic, effective protections: access to water, access to shade, time limits on high heat exposure, and procedures for emergency medical response. Every worker deserves to know when they clock in that they will return home safe at the end of their shift. The thermometer is rising and the clock is ticking. Republicans want to sacrifice working Americans. Let’s save our workers instead.”

“As we face record temperatures, it has never been more important that we protect our workers facing extreme heat in the workplace,” said Representative Adams. “Last year, a North Carolina postal worker Wendy Johnson lost her life to heat illness after spending hours in the back of a postal truck on a 95-degree day with no air conditioning. Her death was entirely preventable, and Wendy should still be with us today. I’m proud to introduce this bill so we can honor her memory and ensure every worker has the protections from extreme heat that Wendy deserved.”

“From farmhands to construction workers, America’s essential workforce is doing important work while under extreme heat conditions,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Temperatures continue to reach record highs in Nevada and across the United States. We must act now to protect our communities’ vital workers.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 was the warmest year on record for the United States. The past decade, including 2024, was the hottest on record, marking a decade of extreme heat that will only get worse. Heat-related illnesses can cause heat cramps, organ damage, heat exhaustion, stroke, and even death. Farm workers and construction workers suffer the highest incidence of heat illness. And no matter what the weather is outside, workers in factories, commercial kitchens, and other workplaces, including ones where workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), can face dangerously high heat conditions all year round. From 2011-2020, heat exposure killed at least 400 workers and caused nearly 34,000 injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work; both are likely vast underestimates. The Washington Center for Equitable Growth estimates hot temperatures caused at least 360,000 workplace injuries in California from 2001 to 2018, or about 20,000 injuries a year. The failure to implement simple heat safety measures costs U.S. employers nearly $100 billion every year in lost productivity.

The Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act has the support of a broad coalition of over 250 groups, including: Rural Coalition, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO, UNITE HERE!, AFSCME, Communication Workers of America, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Sierra Club, United Farm Workers, Farmworker Justice, Public Citizen, National Employment Law Project, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, United Auto Workers, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Union of Concerned Scientists, United Steelworkers, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, National Resources Defense Council, Service Employees International Union, American Lung Association, and Health Partnerships.

“Every worker safety rule in America is written in blood,” said UFW President Teresa Romero. “The UFW has been fighting for heat safety protections for decades. Over 20 years later, Asuncion Valdivia’s death still hurts. There are so many other farm workers — many whose names we do not know — who have also been killed by extreme heat on the job in the years since. Enough is enough. Every farm worker deserves access to water, shade, and paid rest breaks — it’s past time for Congress get this done.”

“Too many workers – including AFSCME members – have lost their lives on the job as a result of blistering heat waves and record-breaking temperatures,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “As the number of heat-related illnesses and fatalities continue to rise, it is well past time we adopt nationwide safeguards to better protect the workers who maintain our infrastructure, keep our streets clean, harvest our food, and keep our economy moving. We at AFSCME thank Senator Padilla and Representative Chu for introducing the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, which will ensure essential workers who brave the heat can do their jobs safely and effectively, and most importantly, make it home alive.”

“For the Steelworkers Union, we represent workers in manufacturing settings and in a host of other areas where not only is it hot outside, but the areas that they work around are as hot as up to 3,000 degrees and they must wear protective equipment. The Asunción Valdivia Heat, Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act is important because it will provide a basic standard for not just outdoor, but indoor workplaces as well to ensure that there is proper rest breaks and the ability to stay cool. The Steelworkers are absolutely supportive of this bill and are going to work with Republicans and Democrats to ensure that heat illness is the last thing a worker should worry about,” said Roy Houseman, Legislative Director of United Steelworkers.

“Everyone deserves safe working conditions, but powerful corporations have not done enough to protect their workers from hot working environments, exacerbated by the climate crisis,” said Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO. “Extreme heat is increasingly causing indoor and outdoor workers to collapse or even die on the job, and our union family has already lost too many members to preventable, work-related heat illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must issue a strong heat rule, not a weak one, to ensure workers have specific protections they need and to be able to raise unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation.”

“It’s long past time for meaningful legislation to protect Teamsters and other workers from the effects of prolonged heat exposure and dangerous heat levels while at work,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, and limitations on time exposed to heat are simple common sense steps that should be mandated immediately. Waiting to implement these measures is unacceptable and will result in the further loss of lives.”

“Workers in America are facing unprecedented dangers from climate-driven heat and extreme weather, and things are only getting worse. It is far past time for a strong national standard to protect workers from illness and death caused by exposure to extreme heat. The provisions mandated in this bill, including temperature triggers, acclimatization, water, shade and paid rest breaks, would save countless lives. They represent a common sense and common decency approach that employers could quickly adopt. American workers deserve no less, and they urgently need it. Today, OSHA is in the final stage of issuing a final rule on this issue. It is imperative that the rule maintain the integrity and high standards called for in the Asuncíon Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act. We applaud Senators Padilla, Markey, and Cortez Masto and Representatives Chu, Adams, and Scott, as well as the dozens of Senators and Congresspersons who have joined them in this long effort. It’s time to bring a high quality, protective standard to the finish line for American workers,” said Ernesto Archila, Climate and Financial Regulation Policy Director, Public Citizen.

“Every summer high temperature records get broken in states across the country, and while public health officials urge residents to stay inside and stay safe millions of workers have to report for work. From fields to warehouses, airports to schools, construction sites to manufacturing plants, and many more industries, too many workers are at risk of not getting home safely at the end of the day due to exposure to heat on the job. We know how to prevent these dangers. In fact, both outdoor and indoor workers in states like Oregon, California, and Maryland have strong, enforceable protections in place already. And in Washington, Colorado, and Minnesota at least some categories of workers are being kept safe from heat. But millions labor in other states where there are no protections; worker safety is left to the federal government in these states, and absent strong rules workers are left to protect themselves and hope for the best. We must extend workplace protections from heat to all workers. The National Employment Law Project thanks Senator Padilla and Representative Chu, as well as the dozens of Senators and Congresspersons who have cosponsored the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2025,” said Anastasia Christman, Senior Policy Analyst, National Employment Law Project.

This bill is originally cosponsored by 90 House Members, including Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03)*, Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12)*, Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-01), Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07), Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35), Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06), Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Rep. Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Rep. Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Rep. Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Al Green (TX-09), Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Rep. Michael Lawler (NY-17), Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Rep. John Mannion (NY-22), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06), Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04), Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04), Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06), Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Rep. Luz Rivas (CA-29), Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35), Rep. Derek T. Tran (CA-45), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (NY-07), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

A one-pager on the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act is available here.

A section-by-section of the bill is available here.

Full text of the bill is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: UK bans Gaza protest group – could the same thing happen in Australia?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Bosch, Associate Professor (Law), Edith Cowan University

More than 100 people were arrested in the United Kingdom on the weekend for supporting Palestine Action, a protest group that opposes Britain’s support of Israel.

Palestine Action was recently proscribed as a terrorist organisation, placing it in the same category as Hamas, al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Many of those arrested were simply holding signs that read: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”. They were predominantly aged over 60.

In recent weeks, an 83-year-old vicar, a former government lawyer and various pensioners have been taken into custody and could be jailed for up to 14 years if found guilty of belonging to the protest group.

Simply holding a sign or wearing a T-shirt with the words “Palestine Action” could be punishable with a six-month jail term.

The protesters say they refuse to be silenced:

If we cannot speak freely about the genocide that is occurring […], if we cannot condemn those who are complicit in it […] then the right to freedom of expression has no meaning, and democracy and human rights in this country are dead.

Police arresting protestors calling for the terrorism ban to be overturned.

So what is Palestine Acton and why is “middle England” up in arms over its designation as a terrorist group?

Activist network

Palestine Action is a UK-based activist network founded in 2020 with the stated aim of “ending global participation in Israel’s genocidal and apartheid regime”.

The group views the British government as complicit in Israeli war crimes in Gaza. It also aspires to halt UK arms exports through disruptive protests and vandalism.

Members have generally targeted Israeli-linked businesses, such as defence company Elbit Systems, by damaging equipment or blocking entrances.

Supporters include grassroots activists, civil liberties advocates, health professionals, clergy and prominent figures such as Pink Floyd musician Roger Waters.

Serious concerns

Palestine Action was officially proscribed in the UK on July 5, after campaigners sprayed paint into the engines of two Voyager aircraft at an air force base.

The final vote was overwhelming: 385 MPs supported the ban, while just 26 opposed it.

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, membership, support, or public endorsement of a proscribed group is a criminal offence punishable by sentences up to 14 years.

The UK government argues the group’s actions exceeded legal protest and raised serious security concerns.

Since then, scores of people have been searched and arrested at rallies in support of Palestine Acton.

Blurring the lines

Critics, including Amnesty International, civil liberties groups and The Guardian editorial board warn the ban blurs the line between non-violent civil disobedience and terrorism. They argue it also threatens democratic dissent through a statutory abuse of power.

Counter-terrorism laws permit extraordinary interference in due process and other fundamental human rights protections. Consequently, they must always be used with the highest degree of restraint.

The UK already had legislation in place to deal with criminal damage and violent disorder.

United Nations legal and human rights experts have spoken out against treating the actions of protesters who damage property without the intent to injure people as terrorism:

According to international standards, acts of protest that damage property, but are not intended to kill or injure people, should not be treated as terrorism.

Abuse of power

Designating Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation appears to be aimed at curtailing free expression, the assembly and association of those who support the protest action against Israel’s war on Gaza.

Placing it in the same legal category as Hamas seems designed to reduce public sympathy for the group.

Palestine Action is challenging its proscription in the UK High Court. Lawyers for the group argue the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has assessed the vast majority of its activities to be lawful:

On nature and scale, the home secretary [Yvette Cooper] accepts that only three of Palestine Action’s at least 385 actions would meet the statutory definition of terrorism […] itself a dubious assessment.

The lawyers further argue proscription was “repugnant” and an “authoritarian abuse of power”.

Australian version?

There are no indications from the intelligence community that any direct affiliate of Palestine Action (UK) operates in Australia.

However, there are pro-Palestinian activist organisations, including a Palestine Action Group Sydney, which is part of the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN).

Broader solidarity movements such as Students for Palestine, are active in protests on university campuses and against arms shipments to Israel.

Domestic terrorism powers

Traditional boundaries between “activism”, “extremism”, “hate-crime” and “terrorism” are rapidly blurring in Australia.

The attorney general may list (“proscription” is a UK term) any organisation as a “terrorist organisation” if they are satisfied it is “advocating terrorism”. This would mean criminalising the expression of support, instruction, or praise of terrorist acts or offences.

The latest addition to the 31-member list is Terrorgram, an online terrorism advocacy chatroom.

Australia’s extensive definition of “terrorist act”, currently under review, expressly excludes

advocacy, protest, dissent or industrial action and which is not intended to cause serious or life-endangering harm or death or to create a serious risk to the safety or health of the public.

This suggests an Australian version of a Palestine Action undertaking similar conduct to its UK cousin would not meet the legal threshold for listing.

However, the recent Terrorgram listing makes reference to advocacy for “attacks on minority groups, critical infrastructure and specific individuals”.

This suggests the UK and Australian governments are becoming more aligned in interpreting “violent” protest to include violence against property, rather than just against people.

Short of listing, a significant suite of investigative, coercive and preventative executive exists that could be deployed if a similar organisation appears in Australia.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. UK bans Gaza protest group – could the same thing happen in Australia? – https://theconversation.com/uk-bans-gaza-protest-group-could-the-same-thing-happen-in-australia-261562

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Volunteers celebrated at Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) was crowned supreme Porirua winners at the 2025 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards last night.

The event, held at Pātaka Art + Museum, highlighted outstanding volunteers and organisations making a difference in Porirua with their dedication and passion.

Category winners were:

Education and Child/Youth Development – 41 (City of Porirua) Squadron Air Training Corp (runner-up Holy Family Parish Youth Ministry)

Health and Wellbeing – Foundation for Equity and Research NZ (runner-up Waitangirua Market)

Arts and Culture – Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) (runner-up Malaga Sā)

Sport and Leisure – Plimmerton Boating Club (runner-up Porirua City Aquatics Learn to Swim programme)

Heritage and Environment – Whitireia Park Restoration Group (runner-up Tū Matau Ora)

Rising Star – Heavy Hitterz (runner-up O Le Nu’u Trust)

Supreme Award – Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub)

Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) was established in 2017 by locals wanting to bring the community together to share skills and build resilience. Last winter, their innovative ‘Pop-Up Parlour’ transformed St Marks Church into a central hub with 48 diverse events held over a five-week period.

Porirua City Council’s General Manager Community & Partnerships, Reuben Friend, said the awards are a chance to show off how diverse groups are making our a better place for us to live.

“Everyone nominated demonstrates their love for Porirua and its people through their ongoing commitment – they show innovation, effectiveness, perseverance, impact and activity within our communities,” he said.

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Porirua over the previous 12 months.

“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community. Congratulations to all nominees and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Passenger Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault Charges During Flight From Montana to Texas

Source: US FBI

MISSOULA – A New Jersey man accused of sexual assault while flying from Bozeman, Montana to Dallas, Texas admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Bhaveshkumar Dahyabhai Shukla, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Shukla faces up to 2 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for November 19, 2025. Shukla was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on January 26, 2025, Shukla was flying from Bozeman to Dallas on American Airlines. He was seated next to Jane Doe and Doe’s daughter. Jane Doe had a coat on her lap because she was cold. Shukla also placed his coat on his lap and initially acted as if he was sleeping but began using his right hand to rub Jane Doe’s left leg near her pocket on her hip. Jane Doe initially thought Shukla was trying to pick her pocket, so she and her daughter got up and went to the restroom to diffuse the situation.

Shukla continued rubbing Jane Doe’s inner and outer thigh throughout the flight. Doe was scared and firmly told him to “stop touching me.” Shukla said he was sorry and attempted to offer her something out of his bag. He also tried to talk to Jane Doe’s daughter, and Doe responded, “she’s fine. Don’t talk to my daughter.” As the flight continued, the plane hit some turbulence and the flight crew remained seated. Shukla continued to rub Jane Doe’s thigh and, frightened, she turned her back to him, at which point he started rubbing her lower back and buttocks.

A witness seated in the row behind Shukla and Jane Doe confirmed that Shukla inappropriately touched Jane Doe for a large portion of the flight.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI, ICE and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Police conducted the investigation.

XXX

MIL Security OSI –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Colleagues Demand Answers from Delta on Use of AI to Set Individualized Ticket Prices

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) along with his colleagues Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Richard Blumental (D-CT) led their colleagues in demanding answers from Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian after the company announced that it plans to ramp up its use of Artificial Intelligence to set surveillance-based ticket prices.

“Individualized pricing, or surveillance-based price setting, eliminates a fixed or static price in favor of prices that are tailored to an individual consumer’s willingness to pay. Delta’s current and planned individualized pricing practices not only present data privacy concerns, but will also likely mean fare price increases up to each individual consumer’s personal “pain point” at a time when American families are already struggling with rising costs,” wrote the senators. “The technology making that determination is trained using “all the data we can get our hands on” according to Fetcherr CEO Roy Cohen, and the company’s website claims that AI adoption and usage could increase aviation industry profits by up to $4.4 trillion annually.”

“The implications for individual consumer privacy are severe on their own. Surveillance pricing has been shown to utilize extensive personal information obtained through a variety of thirdparty channels, including data about a passenger’s purchase history, web browsing behavior, geolocation, social media activity, biometric data, and financial status,” they continued. “Former FTC Chair Lina Khan has cautioned against a particularly egregious but conceivable example of an airline using AI to charge a higher fare to a passenger ‘because the company knows that they just had a death in the family and need to fly across the country.’”

In the letter, the senators demanded answers on the company’s plans to protect Americans from pricing discrimination. They also requested answers to a series of questions around the types and sources of data Delta will use to train this AI system, how many passengers and which routes will be impacted, and what steps the company has taken to ensure compliance will follow all applicable federal and state laws.

The full text of the letter is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: US deploys nuclear weapons in UK for first time since 2008 – media

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

LONDON, July 22 (Xinhua) — Several U.S. nuclear bombs have been delivered to a British air base, marking the first deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons on British soil since 2008, local media reported Tuesday.

As reported by the UK Defence Journal on July 20, the US-run Royal Air Force Lakenheath air base in Suffolk, East Anglia, received B61-12 thermonuclear bombs. These are free-fall nuclear bombs weighing about 320 kg, designed to be dropped from aircraft.

The bombs were allegedly delivered from the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center in New Mexico using a C-17 military transport aircraft. The aircraft was flying with its transponders on, making it easy for foreign governments and air traffic monitors to track its movements.

As the Times newspaper clarified, citing military experts, the nature of the American transport plane’s flight indicated a “one-way delivery,” which indicates a permanent placement of weapons, rather than a routine movement.

Neither the US Department of Defense nor the UK Defense Ministry commented on the incident.

Ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague in June, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the purchase of at least 12 new F-35A fighter jets from the US for a total of almost £1 billion (about $1.35 billion). –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Joint Statement on Framework for United States-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
Source: US Whitehouse
Today, the United States of America (the United States) and the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesia) agreed to a Framework for negotiating an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade to strengthen our bilateral economic relationship, which will provide both countries’ exporters unprecedented access to each other’s markets. The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade will build upon our longstanding economic relationship, including the U.S.-Indonesia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, signed on July 16, 1996.

Key terms of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Indonesia will include:
- Indonesia will eliminate approximately 99 percent of tariff barriers for a full range of U.S. industrial and U.S. food and agricultural products exported to Indonesia.
- The United States will reduce to 19 percent the reciprocal tariffs, as set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, on originating goods of Indonesia, and may also identify certain commodities that are not naturally available or domestically produced in the United States for a further reduction in the reciprocal tariff rate.
- The United States and Indonesia will negotiate facilitative rules of origin that ensure that the benefits of the agreement accrue primarily to the United States and Indonesia.
- The United States and Indonesia will work together to address Indonesia’s non-tariff barriers that affect bilateral trade and investment in priority areas, including exempting U.S. companies and originating goods from local content requirements; accepting vehicles built to U.S. federal motor vehicle safety and emissions standards; accepting FDA certificates and prior marketing authorizations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals; removing certain labeling requirements; exempting U.S. exports of cosmetics, medical devices, and other manufactured goods from certain requirements; taking steps to resolve many long-standing intellectual property issues identified in USTR’s Special 301 Report; and addressing U.S. concerns with conformity assessment procedures. Indonesia will work to address barriers for U.S. exports, including through the removal of import restrictions or licensing requirements on U.S. remanufactured goods or their parts; the elimination of pre-shipment inspection or verification requirements on imports of U.S. goods; and the adoption and implementation of good regulatory practices.
- The United States and Indonesia have also committed to address and prevent barriers to U.S. food and agricultural products in the Indonesian market, including exempting U.S. food and agricultural products from all import licensing regimes, including commodity balance requirements; ensuring transparency and fairness with respect to geographical indications; providing permanent Fresh Food of Plant Origin (FFPO) designation for all applicable U.S. plant products; and recognizing U.S. regulatory oversight, including listing of all U.S. meat, poultry, and dairy facilities and accepting certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities.
- Indonesia has committed to address barriers impacting digital trade, services, and investment. Indonesia will provide certainty regarding the ability to transfer personal data out of its territory to the United States. Indonesia has committed to eliminate existing HTS tariff lines on “intangible products” and suspend related requirements on import declarations; to support a permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the WTO immediately and without conditions; and to take effective actions to implement the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, including submitting its revised Specific Commitments for certification by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Indonesia commits to join the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity and take effective actions to address global excess capacity in the steel sector and its impacts.
- Indonesia commits to protecting internationally recognized labor rights. Indonesia will, among other commitments, adopt and implement a prohibition on the importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor; amend its labor laws to ensure that workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are fully protected; and strengthen enforcement of its labor laws.
- Indonesia commits to adopt and maintain high levels of environmental protection and to effectively enforce its environmental laws, including by taking measures to improve forest sector governance and combat trade in illegally harvested forest products; encourage a more resource efficient economy; accept and fully implement the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies; and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and illegal wildlife trade.
- Indonesia will remove restrictions on exports to the United States of industrial commodities, including critical minerals.
- The United States and Indonesia are committed to strengthening economic and national security cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation through complementary actions to address unfair trade practices of other countries, and through cooperation on export controls, investment security, and combatting duty evasion.
- In addition, the United States and Indonesia take note of the following forthcoming commercial deals between U.S. and Indonesian companies:
  
  Procurement of aircraft currently valued at 3.2 billion USD.
  
  Purchase of agriculture products, including soybeans, soybeans meal, wheat, and cotton with an estimated total value of 4.5 billion USD.
  
  Purchases of energy products, including liquefied petroleum gas, crude oil, and gasoline, with an estimated value of 15 billion USD.
In the coming weeks, the United States and Indonesia will negotiate and finalize the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, prepare the Agreement for signature, and undertake domestic formalities in advance of the Agreement entering into force.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Introducing Surface Laptop 5G: Seamless connectivity, built for business

Source: Microsoft

Headline: Introducing Surface Laptop 5G: Seamless connectivity, built for business

We’re excited to announce the expansion of our Surface Copilot+ PC portfolio for business customers. The new Surface Laptop 5G, 13.8-inch powered by Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, will begin shipping Aug. 26, and the new Surface Laptop, 13-inch and Surface Pro, 12-inch are available starting today.[1]

AI is every organization’s competitive edge—but only when it’s accessible the moment it’s needed. Surface Laptop 5G delivers that advantage with a 40+ trillion operations per second (TOPS) Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that powers fast, on-device intelligence, making everyday workflows more intuitive and efficient. Whether it’s staying focused in meetings, finding and acting on information faster, or reducing routine tasks, AI accelerates what matters most. With an integrated 5G modem, users stay continuously connected to Microsoft 365 Copilot[2] and other cloud tools, enabling deeper insights and real-time collaboration.

Adding 5G to Surface Laptop has been one of the most requested features from our business customers. But the ask was never just about adding a modem—it reflected a deeper need to eliminate friction, with the ability to connect instantly, securely and reliably without worrying about signal strength or searching for a hotspot.

Meeting that need was the driving force behind the design of Surface Laptop 5G. We set out to build the best 5G-connected laptop—one where connectivity fades into the background. Whether you’re a consultant joining a Teams call on a train, a field engineer uploading site data from the field or a sales leader finishing a proposal in a hotel lobby, Surface Laptop 5G keeps business moving wherever work happens.

Surface Laptop 5G represents Microsoft’s end-to-end innovation in action. Hardware, software and cloud services come together to deliver intelligent, secure and connected experiences for today’s mobile workforce. The Surface for Business portfolio offers a complete solution for every user scenario, from tablet-first flexibility to high-performance laptops, all supported by Microsoft’s modern management and industry-leading security.

Engineered for seamless 5G performance

Adding 5G to Surface Laptop required more than just dropping in a modem. Every layer of Surface Laptop 5G was reengineered to deliver a seamless, reliable and secure experience, while preserving the design, performance and portability our customers expect.

Dynamic antenna system

At the heart of Surface Laptop 5G is a dynamic antenna system that continuously adapts to its environment. With six strategically placed antennas, the device automatically adjusts signal paths and power based on how it’s being held or used, ensuring strong, reliable connectivity exactly when and where it’s needed.[4] As users move between environments, the device seamlessly transitions between 5G and Wi-Fi networks, keeping a steady and secure connection to cloud-based apps, updates, and corporate resources. This innovative antenna design also enables Surface Laptop 5G to act as a mobile hotspot, securely sharing its 5G connection with other devices when Wi-Fi isn’t available.[3]

Thoughtfully designed hardware

Many laptops place antennas near the base, where signals are more likely to be blocked by objects or the user’s legs. Surface Laptop 5G was designed differently, with antennas strategically positioned higher on the device to reduce interference and maintain a strong, reliable and consistent connection.

This design required a new material, one that allows radio signals to pass through without impacting performance, while still delivering the durability, premium feel and lightness our customers are looking for. We developed a custom multi-layered laminate that meets all of these needs, enabling reliable 5G performance without compromising portability or design.

Surface Laptop 5G also includes both NanoSIM and eSIM options, integrated to preserve its slim profile while enabling global connectivity.[4] Weighing under 3 pounds, it is light and easy to carry across campuses, through airports or from meeting to meeting.

Tested for the real world

In Surface we don’t just simulate real-world use, we build for it. Surface Laptop 5G was tested in homes, apartments and active office environments replicating everyday scenarios. Moving between rooms, switching networks, multitasking and working from laps helped us fine-tune antenna placement, thermal performance and connectivity behavior to reflect how people actually work.

To ensure global performance, the 5G hardware was field-tested with over 100 mobile operators across more than 50 countries. The result is reliable 5G connectivity that travels with your workforce around the world.[5]

Secure and connected for smarter management

With support for 5G built-in, Surface Laptop devices stay continuously connected, enabling IT to deliver security updates, enforce policies and access real-time insights, from almost anywhere. This integration is possible because Surface is engineered in partnership with Windows and Intune, combining hardware, software and cloud-based management into a unified Microsoft solution.

IT can remotely deploy and manage eSIM profiles, allowing cellular connectivity to be preconfigured and pushed to enrolled Surface devices.⁶ Paired with Windows Autopilot, it enables a true zero-touch deployment experience where devices arrive fully configured, secured and ready to use.

The Surface Management Portal within the Intune Admin Center provides centralized visibility into device health, compliance and usage across the Surface fleet. Now with Security Copilot integrated, IT can act faster with AI-powered tools to detect issues, assess risk and respond with greater confidence.

For an extra layer of protection, the PanzerGlass Privacy Screen Protector helps safeguard on-screen information and can reduce the risk of visual data exposure when working in public spaces.[6]

Surface is where Microsoft’s hardware, software and cloud come together to deliver an experience that’s easy to manage, safe to deploy and ready for AI from day one.

A connected future, built for business

Surface offers powerful protection that safeguards your data and privacy while enabling your employees to achieve more.

Surface Laptop 5G joins a growing portfolio of Copilot+ PCs designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. With the Surface Pro for Business, 12-inch and Surface Laptop for Business, 13-inch now shipping, and Surface Laptop 5G arriving on Aug. 26, organizations have more choice than ever to modernize their device fleets with powerful, secure and AI-ready tools.

When paired with Verizon’s secure, reliable 5G network, Surface devices unlock even greater productivity. The combination of Surface Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft 365 Copilot and high-speed mobile connectivity enables a seamless experience that helps businesses work easier and efficiently, in the office or out in the field. In the U.S., Surface for Business devices are available through a broad network of partners, including Verizon Business, with selected Verizon stores rolling out in the coming months.

With support ending for Windows 10 PCs on Oct. 14, 2025, now is the time to begin the transition to a modern Windows experience—one that’s optimized for AI, secured by design and built for mobility.

To learn more about the new Surface Laptop 5G, Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch visit Surface.com/Business to find an authorized reseller, or visit the Microsoft Store. When you shop at Microsoft.com, you’ll get free shipping and an extended 60-day price protection and return window. For a deeper technical dive, see the Surface IT Pro Blog.

[1] 5G will be available later in 2025 and only on specific SKUs of Surface Laptop for Business 13.8-inch | Intel, but not in all areas; compatibility and performance depends on carrier network, plan and other factors. See carrier for details and pricing.

[2] Per user license sold separately; also requires eligible Microsoft 365 plan.

[3] Mobile hotspot support may vary by country and/or carrier; additional fees may apply.

[4] eSIM support and availability may vary by carrier and country.

[5] Service availability and performance subject to service provider’s network. Contact your service provider for details, compatibility, pricing, SIM card and activation. See all specs and frequencies at surface.com. Availability of data plans for eSIM varies by market and by carrier.

[6] Sold separately.

MIL OSI Economics –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Air India plane’s auxiliary power unit catches fire after landing

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

NEW DELHI, July 22 (Xinhua) — An Air India passenger plane, flight AI-315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi, caught fire in its auxiliary power unit shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, the Indian capital, on Tuesday, officials said.

The fire was discovered as passengers were preparing to exit the plane.

Air India said no passengers or crew were injured, but the fire caused some damage to the aircraft itself.

Another Air India flight from Cochin to Mumbai skidded off the runway while landing on Monday, causing damage to both the plane and the road surface, according to media reports. Last month, an Air India flight to London crashed shortly after takeoff in the city of Ahmedabad, killing all 241 people on board. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Engineer pleads guilty to stealing trade secret technology designed for missile launch detection

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

LOS ANGELES — A Santa Clara County man and former engineer at a Southern California company pleaded guilty July 21 to stealing trade secret technologies developed for use by the United States government to detect nuclear missile launches, track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, and to allow U.S. fighter planes to detect and evade heat-seeking missiles.

Chenguang Gong, 59, of San Jose, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of trade secrets. He remains free on $1.75 million bond.

According to his plea agreement, Gong — a dual citizen of the United States and China — transferred more than 3,600 files from a Los Angeles-area research and development company where he worked — identified in court documents as the victim company — to personal storage devices during his brief tenure with the company last year.

The files Gong transferred include blueprints for sophisticated infrared sensors designed for use in space-based systems to detect nuclear missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as blueprints for sensors designed to enable U.S. military aircraft to detect incoming heat-seeking missiles and take countermeasures, including by jamming the missiles’ infrared tracking ability. Some of these files were later found on storage devices seized from Gong’s temporary residence in Thousand Oaks.

In January 2023, the victim company hired Gong as an application-specific integrated circuit design manager responsible for the design, development and verification of its infrared sensors. Beginning on approximately March 30, 2023, and continuing until his termination on April 26, 2023, Gong transferred thousands of files from his work laptop to three personal storage devices, including more than 1,800 files after he had accepted a job at one of the victim company’s main competitors.

Many of the files Gong transferred contained proprietary and trade secret information related to the development and design of a readout integrated circuit that allows space-based systems to detect missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles and a readout integrated circuit that allows aircraft to track incoming threats in low visibility environments.

Gong also transferred files containing trade secrets relating to the development of “next generation” sensors capable of detecting low observable targets while demonstrating increased survivability in space, as well as the blueprints for the mechanical assemblies used to house and cryogenically cool the victim company’s sensors. This information was among the victim company’s most important trade secrets that are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Many of the files had been marked “[VICTIM COMPANY] PROPRIETARY,” “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY,” “PROPRIETARY INFORMATION,” and “EXPORT CONTROLLED.”

Law enforcement also discovered that, between approximately 2014 and 2022, while employed at several major technology companies in the United States, Gong submitted numerous applications to ‘Talent Programs’ administered by the People’s Republic of China government. The PRC government has established these talent programs as a means to identify individuals who have expert skills, abilities, and knowledge of advanced sciences and technologies in order to access and utilize those skills and knowledge in transforming the PRC’s economy, including its military capabilities.

In 2014, while employed at a U.S. information technology company headquartered in Dallas, Gong sent a business proposal to a contact at a high-tech research institute in China focused on both military and civilian products. In his proposal, translated from Chinese, Gong described a plan to produce high-performance analog-to-digital converters like those produced by his employer.

In another Talent Program application from September 2020, Gong proposed to develop “low light/night vision” image sensors for use in military night vision goggles and civilian applications. Gong’s proposal included a video presentation that contained the model number of a sensor developed by an international defense, aerospace, and security company where Gong worked from 2015 to 2019.

Gong travelled to China several times to seek Talent Program funding in order to develop sophisticated analog-to-digital converters. In his Talent Program applications, Gong underscored that the high-performance analog-to-digital converters he proposed to develop in China had military applications, explaining that they “directly determine the accuracy and range of radar systems” and that “[m]issile navigation systems also often use radar front-end systems.” In a 2019 email, translated from Chinese, Gong remarked that he “took a risk” by traveling to China to participate in the Talent Programs “because [he] worked for…an American military industry company” and thought he could “do something” to contribute to China’s “high-end military integrated circuits.”

According to his plea agreement, the intended economic loss from Gong’s criminal conduct exceeds $3.5 million.

United States District Judge John F. Walter scheduled a September 29 sentencing hearing, at which time Gong will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office through the Counterintelligence Task Force in partnership with the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations is investigating this matter. The FBI’s San Francisco Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California also provided substantial assistance.

Assistant United States Attorneys David C. Lachman of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Nisha Chandran of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case, with valuable assistance from Department of Justice Trial Attorney Brendan P. Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

As a member of the FBI Counterintelligence Task Force, HSI contributes to the whole-of-government efforts to defeat hostile intelligence activities targeting the U.S., to include countering the proliferation of sensitive technology to potential adversaries. This case highlights the partnership between HSI, the FBI and DSS, each leveraging their unique capabilities and authorities, to disrupt insider threats at U.S. technology companies and to safeguard sensitive U.S. technology.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s X-59 Makes a Move

Source: NASA

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft completed its first low-speed taxi test at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, on July 10, 2025. This marked the first time the one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft has ever moved under its own power. 
During the test, engineers and flight crews monitored the X-59 as it moved across the runway, working to validate critical systems like steering and braking. The taxiing represents the start of the X-59’s final series of ground tests before first flight. 
The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight by reducing the loud sonic boom to a quieter “thump.”
Image Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: MBA’s Michael Bozzi Named Honorary Commander of Air National Guard Unit

Source: US State of Connecticut

Michael Bozzi, an adjunct faculty member in the MBA program and the Director of the MBA Office of Student Services, has been selected as the Honorary Commander for the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Maintenance Group.

He is the first civilian to receive the appointment. During his three-year tenure, he will share his leadership knowledge and expertise with the 250-member maintenance group, attend many of their social functions, and go on a training flight to learn more about their work.

“This is truly the honor of a lifetime,’’ Bozzi said. “We have so many UConn alumni and students who are in the Guard. I’m happy to share my knowledge with them on topics that will be helpful.’’

“In exchange, I will certainly develop a broader view of leadership, a deeper understanding of how the military works, and I will be better equipped to engage our students who are veterans or currently serving in the military,’’ he said.

Bozzi Nominated by Air National Guard Colonel

Above, Bozzi sits in the pilot’s seat of a military aircraft for the first time, as he develops a sense of what the Air Force service members experience. (Contributed Photo)

Bozzi was nominated for the honorary commander position by Col. Paul Fiasconaro, who took the professor’s Managing Organizations (MENT5138) course in the spring. Fiasconaro, who commands the 103rd Maintenance Group, dubbed the Flying Yankees, found the coursework extremely beneficial.

“His teaching style and discussions resonated with me. They were interesting and engaging. He makes you want to learn more,’’ said Fiasconaro, who has two master’s degrees from other institutions and is completing a project management certificate at UConn. He described Bozzi as among the best educators he’s met.

Bozzi was sworn in on June 8 in front of 700 people at the unit’s Family Day, which gave him a chance to meet the servicemembers and their families. The civilian-military partnership is designed to build stronger community connections and give leaders the opportunity to engage more deeply with the service men and women.

Bozzi recently delivered a presentation on leadership to the servicemembers, whose backgrounds range from corporate executives to recent high school graduates.

He spoke about the five basic principles of leadership and how it is relevant to all of them.

“In the Guard, everyone is a leader,’’ Bozzi said. “Certainly there is a chain of command, but every person must be progressive and forward thinking.’’

The presentation offered something for service members at all levels, Fiasconaro said, and centered around the need to always keep in mind the problem that you’re trying to solve. Many service members stayed to talk with Bozzi and mentioned how much they enjoyed the program.

Some members of the unit are preparing to deploy to Africa, and Bozzi will teach them about anxiety and stress mitigation prior to their departure.

‘Who We Are and What We Do’

Fiasconaro said the Guard is eager to increase knowledge of “who we are and what we do,’’ among the civilian community. “This type of connection brings in a second look from the outside and a partnership that is mutually beneficial,’’ he said.

Fiasconaro, who will soon be retiring from the military and returning to civilian work, said there are many parallels between the two entities.

“The similarities between the military and business are significant,’’ he said. “Both operate within structured hierarchies, rely heavily on strong leadership, and demand strategic thinking to achieve their objectives.’’

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: MTA Expands Accessibility With 12 More Stations
Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) continued its celebration of Disability Pride Month with the announcement of an additional 12 stations across four boroughs to receive elevators and other accessibility upgrades as part of the 2025-2029 Capital Plan. The Capital Plan calls for at least 60 more stations to be made ADA-accessible. This will ensure that nearly 70 percent of all subway rides will take place to or from accessible stations.

“Every New Yorker deserves an accessible, safe, and reliable transit system, and today’s announcement represents real progress towards a better subway for everyone,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to record investment in the MTA’s current capital plan and funding from congestion pricing, dozens of station accessibility projects across the city are already underway. By including 12 more stations to our accessibility program, this historic pace of upgrades will only get better.”

These stations were selected using legislatively mandated criteria including geographic coverage, demographics, ridership, transfers and priority destinations. And for the first time, the MTA used a public tool to allow riders to submit their accessibility priorities, which garnered more than 2,000 responses across all five boroughs. This adds to the previous 43 stations the MTA has committed to upgrading with elevators or ramps in the 2025-2029 Capital Plan. The 2025-2029 Capital plan also includes the replacement and modernization of 45 subway station elevators.

New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill Ridley said, “With this announcement comes the news that all New Yorkers, both with and without disabilities, families and visitors to this great state will soon have more access to the subway station that connects so many important parts of this city. I commend the Governor Hochul and the MTA for making accessibility one of its priorities that everyone will benefit from.”

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “When it comes to accessibility, the MTA is delivering much more than ever before – both in terms of dollars and number of ADA stations. And thanks to our fully funded Capital Plan, we are going to keep moving forward at the same pace – five times faster than ever before – until we achieve full accessibility.”

MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, “Nearly a quarter of every accessible station in the system has been built in the last five years. We’re on an unprecedented streak of success in bringing our system to everyone, and we can’t wait to keep the momentum going. This next batch of stations presents new opportunities to expand access, and we’re ready to complete the projects better, faster, and cheaper.”

MTA Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor Quemuel Arroyo said, “This is the next step in our journey to make transit accessible for everyone, including riders with disabilities, seniors, families with strollers, and visitors. These stations serve tens of thousands of daily riders, and I’m thrilled to see how these upgrades will improve their customer experience.”

The stations receiving accessibility upgrades are:
- 53 St R
- 63 Dr-Rego Park MR
- 190 St A
- Bedford-Nostrand Avs G
- Botanic Garden S
- Cathedral Pkwy (110 St) 1
- Eastchester-Dyre Av 5
- Fordham Rd BD
- Franklin Av-Medgar Evers College 2345
- Grand Army Plaza 23
- Grand Av-Newtown MR
- Woodlawn 4
The MTA also announced the launch of a revamped Elevator and Escalator Status tool, making it easier for riders to check the status of any elevator or escalator. Improvements were made to the interface, navigation and search functionality, which allows customers to save favorite stations. This tool allows customers to make travel decisions with real-time information about the status of machines throughout the MTA system.

The MTA is also using funds from congestion pricing to invest in transit improvements, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades at 23 subway stations, including new elevators and reconstructed platforms. The MTA is delivering accessibility projects at an unprecedented pace, completing 36 ADA stations since 2020, double the number of ADA stations completed in the previous six years.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “These much-needed accessibility upgrades at subway stations across the city are key to modernizing the system and making public transit more accessible for the whole riding public. New Yorkers with disabilities, including many seniors, have long suffered from poor access to our region’s mass transit. I’m proud to support the MTA’s accessibility projects with the federal funding needed to deliver these critical upgrades.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Every New Yorker, regardless of age or disability, deserves an accessible and inclusive public transportation network. Renovated platforms, new elevators, and other upgrades will make our subway stations more accessible for riders with disabilities, families, seniors, and travelers with luggage. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee and Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, I will continue to fight for federal funding for vital ADA upgrades and other improvements to New York City’s public transit infrastructure.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “I am grateful that the MTA continues to make investments in accessibility and has included the Bedford-Nostrand Avenue station among its planned improvements in the 2025-2029 Capital Plan. The G train is an incredibly important part of the transportation infrastructure of Bed-Stuy and these upgrades will provide more of the people I am privileged to represent with the ability to travel freely throughout our great city.”

Representative Adriano Espaillat said, “Public transportation is the lifeline of my district and New York City and ensuring accessibly to the 190th street station’s A line platform and Fordham Road station’s B/D line platform are welcomed news for the residents of Upper Manhattan and the Northwest Bronx. I commend Governor Hochul, Janno Lieber, community advocates, and the entire MTA team for advancing these much-needed improvements as a part of the broader effort to make New York City’s subway the most accessible system in the world.”

Representative Jerrold Nadler said, “Thanks to congestion pricing, MTA stations will become more accessible. It is great to see that Cathedral Parkway–110th Street station is in the first batch of stations to be making accessibility improvements. Congestion pricing is delivering for all New Yorkers — from improving traffic conditions to providing the funding needed to ensure that everyone has the ability to ride mass transit.”

Representative Dan Goldman said, “I’m thrilled to hear that the MTA has expanded the number of stations included in their Accessibility Plan. New York City has the most comprehensive public transit system in the nation, and it’s imperative that we ensure accessibility and equitable access for all. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, I’m excited to see the MTA’s commitment to strengthening New York’s infrastructure to guarantee affordable, accessible, and reliable public transportation for everyone.”

Representative George Latimer said, “I applaud the MTA for making these much-needed ADA upgrades that will make subway stations more accessible. People with disabilities, parents with strollers, people who are elderly, and people hauling large bags to train stations and airports will benefit from these upgrades, and I hope it will incentivize even more people to take public transportation”

State Senator Liz Kreuger said, “I am happy to see the MTA making continued progress on ADA accessibility for our subway system. Every station that becomes ADA accessible means life got made significantly easier for the many New Yorkers who rely on that stop to get to work, to do their grocery shopping, and to spend hard-earned free time with friends and family. This improvement will help disabled and older New Yorkers and families with young children in strollers to use our vital subway system. Accessibility at these stops is another step toward system-wide ADA compliance for public transit, which is an essential part of keeping our city a thriving, just, and affordable place to live for all New Yorkers.”

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, “I commend the MTA for its continued efforts to enhance subway accessibility for all New Yorkers, especially my constituents. The installation of elevators and accessibility improvements at these stations represents a fundamental advancement towards enabling people with mobility issues to travel more easily throughout the city. I am especially grateful to the MTA for proceeding with the elevator project at the station within my district, located in my hometown of Ozone Park. I’m pleased to see the use of public input in prioritizing projects and the progress made in increasing ADA-accessibility across the system. These collective efforts advance us toward establishing a transit network which provides equal access to all residents.”

State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said, “Expanding the accessibility of our subway system is one of the most important investments we can make in transit. I look forward to the installation of elevators at these 12 stations, and to all of the benefits they will bring to riders who live and work nearby.”

State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions, I commend the MTA for its continued commitment to expanding accessibility across our transit system. The inclusion of the Grand Avenue, Newtown and 63rd Drive Rego Park stations in Queens reflects the power of advocacy and public input in shaping a more equitable transit network. For too long, far too many New Yorkers, particularly seniors, people with disabilities, and families have faced unnecessary barriers just getting to where they need to go. This investment is another step toward a transit system that works for all New Yorkers.”

State Senator Robert Jackson said, “Accessibility isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and dignity for every New Yorker. I commend the MTA for taking this critical step to expand access across our transit system. I’m proud that communities in my district will directly benefit from these upgrades, which help ensure that no rider is left behind. This investment brings us closer to a system that reflects the full dignity and diversity of its riders. I look forward to continuing to work with the MTA to ensure these promises become reality — and to building a city where accessibility is the standard, not the exception.”

State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “The subway belongs to every New Yorker, and every New Yorker should be able to access it. These new elevators bring us one step closer to a truly accessible transit system, and I was proud to vote for them in this year’s state budget. Whether you use a wheelchair, push your child in a stroller, travel with luggage or simply struggle climbing the stairs, these elevators are for you. Thanks to the MTA for their work to expand subway access — I look forward to continuing to work together as we create a transit system that works for every New Yorker.”

State Senator Zellnor Myrie said, “Even as we recognize there is more work to do, I’m pleased the MTA’s Capital Plan includes ADA upgrades at stations in Central Brooklyn. These upgrades are made possible by congestion pricing, which allows us to invest in mass transit improvements while reducing traffic and improving air quality. I’m grateful to the MTA for prioritizing these improvements for Brooklyn commuters.”

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “I am incredibly excited that the MTA is prioritizing the Bronx by planning accessibility upgrades at the Woodlawn 4 station and the Fordham Road B/D station in my district. These stations will receive significant infrastructure upgrades including elevators to make them accessible to seniors and disabled folks in our community. I look forward to continued progress to make our public transportation system more inclusive and accessible for all New Yorkers.”

Assemblymember Ed Braunstein said, “Today’s announcement that 12 additional stations will be included in the MTA’s accessibility expansion will significantly improve the quality of life for numerous transit-dependent New Yorkers. I thank MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber for working to ensure that our city has an accessible and reliable public transit system.”

Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “I am thrilled that we are continuing to add to the list of ADA compliant stations throughout New York City. The addition of ADA compliance at the Woodlawn station will help hundreds of residents, most notably my constituents, daily in their attempts to commute via public transit. I have been a longstanding advocate for ADA compliance in my district, and I applaud the MTA in their efforts to make public transportation more accessible to all New Yorkers.”

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “New Yorkers deserve a transit system that works for everyone, including riders with disabilities, older adults, and parents with strollers. These upgrades bring us one step closer to creating a subway system that truly serves us all. I applaud the MTA for accelerating its commitment to accessibility and pushing for a more equitable future in public transit.”

Assemblymember Micah Lasher said, “Every New Yorker deserves a transit system that works for them. I’m proud to see the MTA prioritizing accessibility, especially with the inclusion of the 110 St 1 line in this next round of ADA upgrades. This investment will make a real difference in the lives of riders in our community and bring us closer to a more equitable and inclusive city.”

Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest said, “Residents of Central Brooklyn need and deserve access to a more accessible transit system, particularly along busy corridors like Nostrand Avenue and Franklin Avenue. I’m so happy that they will soon have accessible stations at these locations. This clearly demonstrates the importance of adequately funding ADA upgrades to our public transportation system. I look forward to collaborating with the MTA and all other stakeholders to ensure these upgrades are delivered smoothly and quickly.”

Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said, “I’m thrilled that Fordham Road is included in the MTA’s latest round of accessibility upgrades. This is a major win for our community, especially for seniors, families with strollers, and New Yorkers with disabilities who rely on public transit every day. I commend the MTA for listening to riders and prioritizing the needs of our neighborhoods in the Bronx.”

Assembly Member Rev. Dr. Al Taylor said, “I commend the MTA for prioritizing accessibility with this latest round of ADA station upgrades, including the 190 St A train station in my district. For far too long, residents living in the surrounding hills of Washington Heights and visitors to Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters have faced steep barriers, literally and figuratively, when using public transit. These upgrades are not just about elevators; they are about equity, dignity, and ensuring all New Yorkers, including our seniors and neighbors with disabilities, can move through the city with ease. I’m proud to support this step forward.”

New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said, “Every New Yorker deserves a transit system that is safe, reliable, and accessible — regardless of ability. These investments are essential for creating an equitable system that works for everyone, and I applaud the MTA for including community voices in the process. As Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I look forward to working with the MTA to ensure these improvements are delivered on time and with real impact for riders.”

New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz said, “I’m thrilled that the MTA’s ’25-29 Capital Plan includes much-needed accessibility upgrades to the Woodlawn 4 station. For too long, seniors, parents with strollers, and New Yorkers with disabilities have faced unnecessary barriers in our transit system. I fought for accessibility at the Mosholu train stop and I’m happy to hear these upgrades are coming to Woodlawn as well. The city is finally working to ensure our subway stations comply with ADA accessibility standards, and I thank the MTA for their commitment to ensure residents can move through our city with dignity and ease.”

New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson said, “The New York City subway sees over a billion rides each year and remains the backbone of our city’s public transit system. With the largest underground rail system in the country, it is essential that we make it safe and accessible for all New Yorkers. I am thrilled that the MTA will bring long-overdue ADA upgrades to twelve stations , including three in my district. These improvements are a critical step toward making our transit system truly equitable, and I will continue to push for even more MTA accessibility upgrades across New York City.”

New York City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa said, “We are elated that another one of our train stations Uptown will receive ADA improvements under the new capital plan. We have a largely aging community with varying disabilities and families who need better access to the largest transit system in the world. The 190th A train station deserves all of the love it can get, and we are excited to offer new accessible options for District 10 strap-hangers.”

New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés said, “I am extremely pleased to know that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is centering the needs of Sunset Park residents in their 2025-29 Capital Plan. The allocated elevator upgrades will be meaningful in our community, enabling all residents to access reliable transportation. Every step towards an accessible New York is a step towards a New York that works for everyone. These upgrades are making inclusivity a reality. I look forward to working with the MTA to engage our community around these projects over the coming years.”

New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley said, “Accessibility is a cornerstone of equity. Many families, seniors, and people with disabilities in our communities have long encountered barriers to fully accessing our transit system. This commitment by the MTA is a powerful step toward ensuring that all New Yorkers can move through our city with dignity and independence. I also commend the MTA for continuing to prioritize accessibility improvements in neighborhoods across the city as we work toward a more inclusive and equitable transit future. I’m proud to see the Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station—right here in our Northeast Bronx community—included in this initiative, receiving the critical investment our residents deserve and rely on.”

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “New Yorkers deserve to move through our boroughs with ease and comfort. This investment will continue to break down long-standing barriers for Brooklynites. I am thankful to the MTA for making equity a priority in this project and moving us a step closer to building the accessible, world-class transit system our city needs.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “It’s great to see an additional 12 stations across the city to receive elevators and other accessibility upgrades, especially Grand Avenue-Newtown in Elmhurst and 63 Drive-Rego Park Station in Rego Park in Queens. Now, more people will be able to use our subway system. We must continue to work together to ensure all New Yorkers, regardless of ability, can access the subway system and the rest of the city with these important upgrades.”

Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum said, “Transit riders organized and won historic subway upgrades that will make it possible for all New Yorkers to get around safely and affordably underground. Congestion pricing is working and thanks to bold leadership in Albany, New York is funding long awaited station accessibility improvements across the city. Accessibility is the law and elevators are for everyone.”

New Yorkers Regional Plan Association Executive Vice President Kate Slevin said, “Whether at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn or at MTA stations across the city, each new elevator brings the transit system one step closer to being fully accessible to all. These are the types of projects that the MTA can deliver thanks to a fully funded capital program.”

Tri-State Transportation Campaign Director of Climate and Equity Policy Jaqi Cohen said, “Every New Yorker deserves equal access to our subway system. These new accessible stations are long overdue, and we’re proud to see real progress made toward greater transit equity. When we invest in greater transportation accessibility, we invest in a more livable, vibrant, and inclusive New York.”

MIL OSI USA News –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Popular Tunisian island’s cultural heritage at risk due to tourism, neglect and climate change

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Majdi Faleh, Academic Fellow & Lecturer in Architecture and Cultural Heritage, Nottingham Trent University

The Sidi Yati mosque in Djerba, which dates back to the 10th century, has been damaged by coastal erosion. Mehdi Elouati, CC BY-NC-ND

Nestled in the southern Mediterranean, off the south-east coast of Tunisia, lies the island of Djerba. With a rich cultural and religious history, it has been a crossroad of many civilisations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, and is home to many unique architectural sites. These include the Sedouikech underground mosque, St Joseph’s Church and the El Ghriba Synagogue.

But, for many years, Djerba’s cultural heritage has been in danger. This is due to a combination of over-tourism, environmental change and human neglect.

An underground mosque on the island of Djerba.
Mariana Delca / Shutterstock

By the 1990s to early 2000s, when Djerba was at the height of its popularity, the island was attracting between 1 million and 1.5 million visitors each year. It is one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist areas, with more hotels than any other destination in the country.

Tourism has resulted in excessive tourist traffic in Djerba, particularly during the summer. It has also contributed to other problems such as water stress and waste generation. According to figures from 2020, hotels alone generate between 35% and 40% of all the waste on the island.

But the development of tourism has, above all, altered Djerba’s cultural landscape. In some areas of the island, Djerba’s traditional housing – houmas, menzels and houchs – have given way to more modern tourist infrastructure.

This has accelerated since Tunisia’s 2011 revolution, when long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was ousted. Weak institutional oversight has led to vandalism, illegal construction on archaeological sites and unauthorised demolitions.

The development of tourism on Djerba has also eroded traditional ways of life. The island has experienced significant changes due to tourism, with the development of roads, ferries, an airport and the internet leading to a decline in traditional activity. Livelihoods like agriculture, fishing and artisanal crafts have declined and are often now showcased only in tourist areas.

Life on Djerba has changed since it was opened up for tourism.
BTWImages / Shutterstock

Climate change has worsened Djerba’s problems. Rainfall patterns have changed across the island over recent decades, with models suggesting that annual precipitation rates could drop 20% by the end of the century. More frequent and prolonged droughts are expected.

At the same time, rising sea levels and increasingly common storm surges are affecting the island. Research from 2022 found that 14% of Djerba’s beaches are now highly vulnerable to submersion and coastal erosion.

Several historical monuments on Djerba have already experienced periodic flooding and saltwater intrusion. The ruins of Sidi Garous and the shrine of Sidi Bakour are now entirely underwater and have been replaced by memorials.

Other archaeological sites located near the coast like Haribus, Meninx, Ghizene and Edzira, some of which date back to the Roman era (eighth century BC to fifth century AD), are now partially or fully submerged. Studies by Tunisia’s National Institute of Heritage suggest that many of these sites have been lost permanently to the encroaching sea.

World heritage site

Significant portions of Djerba’s cultural heritage have already been erased by sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Future losses could be even more severe. The island’s cultural heritage will only grow more precarious without meaningful preservation and climate adaptation efforts.

However, many of Djerba’s monuments, historical buildings and traditional dwellings have suffered from years of neglect. A chronic lack of local and international funding, as well as weak institutional frameworks for heritage management, mean some of the island’s historic structures have been abandoned. Many other buildings have deteriorated due to a lack of protective measures and maintenance.

Community organisations such as the Association for the Safeguarding of the Island of Djerba have tried to step in to fill the void left by weak institutional frameworks. Their work ranges from delivering public awareness campaigns to local young people to efforts like re-purposing ancient rainwater tanks to manage periods of drought.

But these grassroots efforts alone are not enough to stop Djerba’s cultural heritage from deteriorating at its current pace.

The ruins of a Housh, a traditional dwelling, on the island of Djerba.
Ahmed Bedoui, CC BY-NC-ND

In September 2023, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) announced that it was adding Djerba to its list of world heritage sites. Tunisia’s culture ministry welcomed the decision. It followed years of efforts by local groups and government officials to add Djerba to the list.

Djerba’s inclusion offers hope for the long-term preservation of the island’s heritage. A world heritage site designation increases global recognition and enables improved access to sources of funding.

And since Djerba’s classification, there has been some progress. The culture ministry has established a task force to monitor the construction of buildings and other infrastructure, collect data on designated protected areas, and prepare projects to preserve heritage sites.

But Djerba’s cultural heritage remains in danger. Improved preservation of these sites will require continuous funding and stringent regulation of tourism and construction activities.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Popular Tunisian island’s cultural heritage at risk due to tourism, neglect and climate change – https://theconversation.com/popular-tunisian-islands-cultural-heritage-at-risk-due-to-tourism-neglect-and-climate-change-223612

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Peters Leads Colleagues in Urging FAA to Expedite Delivery of Federal Resources for Michigan Airports

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

Published: 07.22.2025

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) led a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite the disbursement of grant funding that helps upgrade airport infrastructure and makes air travel more efficient. In a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, Peters expressed the importance of investments from both the Airport Improvement Plan (AIP) and Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) programs, which provide formula-based funding awards to nearly 3,300 public-use airports across the nation, including Michigan’s 18 commercial airports and nearly 70 additional public use airports across the state. Despite these investments being made annually, funding is often not available to airports until late June or July, which impacts some airports’ ability to fully leverage these investments.

“For small airports with limited resources and in states with truncated construction seasons due to severe weather, this delay poses significant challenges,” the senators wrote. “It results in project cancellations, increased costs, and makes each federal dollar less effective.”

The Senators went on to highlight the role that airports play in stimulating economic growth and job creation, arguing that more timely investments from AIP and AIG would help improve economic development initiatives in communities across the country.

The Senators continued: “Small and large airports alike are also critical arteries for interstate commerce, tourism travel, and local economic growth. Recent reports show U.S. commercial airports supported 12.8 million jobs and produced $1.8 trillion in economic output in 2024 and general aviation supported over 1.3 million jobs and $339.2 billion in total economic output in the U.S. We all have a vested interest in reducing red tape and maximizing the effectiveness of AIP and AIG entitlement funds. Doing so would ensure airports can deliver projects without unnecessary delays or cost escalations and provide greater benefits to the constituents we all serve.”

The letter is supported by the Michigan Department of Transportation, National Association of State Aviation Officials, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the Transportation Construction Coalition.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Galileo launches first worldwide authentication service

Source: European Union 2

EUSPA today announced the forthcoming official launch of the Galileo Open Service – Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA), a new authentication mechanism that lets OS users verify the authenticity of the data used for the GNSS positioning and timing on 24 July.

Coming at a time when attacks on GNSS signals, such as spoofing, are on the rise, OSNMA provides a critical layer of protection. Spoofing involves the transmission of counterfeit satellite signals that deceive GNSS receivers, potentially resulting in false and unreliable positioning. These events can affect critical applications in transportation, finance, telecommunications, information technology, energy, utilities, manufacturing, health services, emergency services and law enforcement, in which GNSS, and in particular Galileo, is used. In sectors such as aviation or maritime, this can lead to serious safety risks.

The Galileo OSNMA mitigates these threats by allowing users to confirm that the data they receive is genuinely from Galileo and has not been tampered with. It works by embedding cryptographic data, or a digital signature, into the navigation message (I/NAV) broadcast on the E1-B signal.
Because the OSNMA is transmitted in the Galileo Open Service signal, which is already used in most devices, receivers only need to implement the protocol and download the certified public keys from the European GNSS Service Centre (GSC) website. OSNMA service relies as well on the implementation of dedicated logic on the receiver side to guarantee the end-to-end authentication process. The service does not require the storage and management of secret keys on the user side, which facilitates the adoption in different communities. Importantly, the OSNMA mechanism does not alter Galileo’s existing signal structure, ensuring that Open Service navigation performance remains unaffected.

While OSNMA does not prevent spoofing or jamming, it makes spoofing significantly harder by authenticating the data and making the Galileo signal unpredictable and harder to replicate. It also enhances the system’s resilience, giving users an important tool in detecting and responding to threats.

“Stakeholders have clearly articulated a need for more robust GNSS services. The Galileo OSNMA delivers this robustness and, in doing so, provides enhanced security in positioning and timing solutions.“ Rodrigo DA COSTA, EUSPA Executive Director

“The OSNMA Initial Service declaration has been authorised by the EU Space SAB following independent security checks and cooperation with the Programme to define risk mitigation measures. The cooperation between the SAB, the Commission and EUSPA was instrumental to getting through this very important milestone.” Philippe BERTRAND, EU Space Security Accreditation Chair

The launch of Galileo OSNMA marks another milestone in the EU’s commitment to secure and reliable space-based services.

The OSNMA declaration of service follows an extensive testing phase in which GNSS manufacturers, integrators, and application developers assessed the service across diverse scenarios using the Signal in Space (SiS). With this launch, Galileo becomes the first GNSS in the world to offer authentication globally as part of its Open Service — a major step in reinforcing Europe’s leadership in secure satellite navigation.

The OSNMA is provided by EUSPA, the operational service provider for Galileo.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Carrier Strike Group contributes to Exercise Talisman Sabre
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

News story

UK Carrier Strike Group contributes to Exercise Talisman Sabre

The UK Carrier Strike Group has led a major British contribution to the large multinational exercise in Australia.
Crown copyright

More than 3,000 British forces are taking part in the largest military exercise Australia has ever hosted, as the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG25) demonstrates Britain’s unwavering commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

The Carrier Strike Group is in Australia as part of Operation Highmast, the major global deployment that demonstrates Britain’s strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific.

From British Gurkhas to US Marines to Australian Defence Force amphibious specialists, Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 serves as one of the deployment’s key moments, bringing together multinational forces to strengthen and test how nations can work together to safeguard global trade routes and maintain regional stability.

Spanning across a vast area in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales, the Australian-US led biennial exercise is bigger than ever, involving over 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations – making Talisman Sabre the largest exercise of the CSG’s deployment and one of the largest military exercises in the world this year. For the first time, offshore activities will also be conducted in Papua New Guinea.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

The historic bonds between Britain and Australia run deep, and through AUKUS and exercises like Talisman Sabre we are strengthening these ties for the challenges of tomorrow.

Our commitment to the Indo-Pacific is unwavering, as this huge military exercise demonstrates. The unprecedented scale showcases the growing importance of cooperation in addressing shared challenges. We will continue to work alongside our closest allies to maintain the security and stability that underpins global prosperity.

Commodore James Blackmore said:

This is a real demonstration of the UK and our partners’ warfighting capabilities.

As the first UK-led multinational Carrier Strike Group to Talisman Sabre this is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Exercise Talisman Sabre is also an opportunity for the UK to develop new levels of integration between systems and capabilities with the US, Australia, and other partners, enhancing our interoperability even further and to unprecedented levels.

All three branches of the UK Armed Forces are engaged, with the Royal Marines playing a central role throughout the exercise alongside a Ranger Battalion from the Army and RAF Voyager aircraft.

The exercise strengthens operational cooperation with international partners, ensuring our collective ability to maintain the rules-based international order that underpins global trade and security.

The Royal Navy, alongside its AUKUS partners, is testing cutting-edge sub-sea and seabed warfare capabilities, showcasing interoperability across our navies. Additionally, for the first time, AUKUS nations will demonstrate the ability to remotely control Extra Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (XL-UUVs) from a remote operating centre.

Through DSTL via the Resilience Autonomy and AI Technology collaboration, nations tested autonomy-enabled systems able to find and strike an advancing adversary. This experimentation provided a realistic combat environment for AUKUS to operate as an AI-enabled, integrated force, exploiting cutting-edge technology to ensure strategic advantage against a range of simulated adversaries.

The CSG25 deployment reinforces the government’s Plan for Change by strengthening international partnerships that underpin economic growth and national security, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad. Operation Highmast occurs against the backdrop of the government’s landmark commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.6% of GDP.

This historic investment underpins the government’s mission-led approach to securing Britain’s future, providing the economic stability necessary for growth whilst ensuring the UK maintains cutting-edge capabilities such as the Carrier Strike Group to meet emerging global threats.

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Updates to this page

Published 22 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: LanzaTech Awarded Significant Grant by UK Government to Propel Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNZA) (“LanzaTech” or the “Company”) a leader in carbon management solutions, announced it has received a grant of £6.4 million from the UK government’s Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF), operated by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The grant will accelerate the development of LanzaTech’s innovative DRAGON 1 & 2 projects, each playing a crucial role in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the UK. Project DRAGON stands for Decarbonizing and Reimagining Aviation for the Goal Of Netzero.

The DRAGON 1 project is LanzaTech’s existing UK SAF project that will convert recycled carbon fuel ethanol (including ethanol from LanzaTech’s gas fermentation process) into Advanced SAF in Port Talbot, South Wales, using the LanzaJet® Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) process.

The DRAGON 2 project is a Power-to-Liquid (PtL) facility that will convert waste carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into ethanol for subsequent conversion into PtL SAF at an adjacent facility using the LanzaJet® Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) process. The location for DRAGON 2 in the UK will be determined during this grant-funded project.

Integrating LanzaTech’s gas fermentation process with LanzaJet’s AtJ technology gives this approach a distinctive edge. By turning regional waste resources into valuable SAF, LanzaTech facilitates the production of low Carbon Intensity (CI) fuels, contributing positively to the UK’s SAF Mandate and supporting economic growth and job creation in industrial zones in the UK.

“The future of aviation fuel is ethanol-to-SAF and LanzaTech is at the forefront,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. “Our commitment to enabling cleaner jet fuel is bolstered by the UK government’s continued support and confidence in LanzaTech as a leader in the sector. This funding not only affirms the value of our unique technology and feedstock approach but also propels our mission to integrate air travel into a circular carbon economy. DRAGON 1 & 2 are set to drive the global SAF market forward and exemplify the UK’s commitment to leading SAF innovation on the global stage.”

The UK government’s significant investment in these projects underscores their confidence in LanzaTech’s proven, commercial-scale technology and its potential to substantially boost the UK’s SAF production. This endorsement not only solidifies LanzaTech’s reputation as a leader in advancing global clean energy initiatives but also emphasizes the crucial role of feedstock providers. By leveraging low-cost, sustainable inputs for SAF production, LanzaTech is poised to play a key role in aiding the aviation sector’s pursuit of its net-zero commitments.

Separately, Project Speedbird by LanzaJet, in which LanzaTech holds a 36% ownership stake, also received recognition and £10 million in funding from the Advanced Fuels Fund, further testament to the government’s trust in the Lanza technology portfolio. In 2024, LanzaTech and LanzaJet partnered to create CirculAir™, that transforms nearly any form of waste carbon (including CO₂, MSW, agri residues) into SAF, combining the groundbreaking technologies of both companies to provide the aviation industry with a solution to produce waste-based SAF on a global scale.

Today’s allocation boosts total government contributions through the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) to £198 million, aimed at expanding cleaner aviation technologies. This strategic investment is a testament to the UK government’s comprehensive approach to environmental strategies, aligning with initiatives like the recently enacted SAF Mandate. This funding round notably supports a broad spectrum of pathways and feedstocks for SAF production—an inclusive move by the UK government that recognizes the need for varied solutions in the pursuit of net-zero aviation.

LanzaTech is committed to continuing its collaborative efforts with the UK government, industry partners, and the global community to scale solutions that can transform waste carbon into an opportunity for sustainable growth. We are proud to be recognized as part of the diverse array of solutions required to achieve a sustainable future for aviation.

About LanzaTech

LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNZA) is a carbon management solutions company that transforms industrial emissions, gasified solid waste and carbon dioxide into recycled carbon ethanol via proprietary bio-fermentation technology. Ethanol is a crucial building block in the world – a key feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other downstream chemical derivatives. Operating commercially at six assets today, the expanding project pipeline is set to meet growing SAF demand on a global scale in the coming years. LanzaTech’s technology unlocks value across the supply chain, reducing the carbon footprint of hard-to-abate sectors while shepherding recycled carbon fuels and products to the world, building a circular carbon economy.

Investor Relations
John Ragozzino
Lanzatech@icrinc.com

Public Relations
Matt Dallas
Lanzatech@icrinc.com

The MIL Network –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: ODYSIGHT.AI AND A MULTINATIONAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP SIGN STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AGREEMENT AIMED TO DEPLOY PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE CAPABILITIES ACROSS MULTIPLE PLATFORMS

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OMER, Israel, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Odysight.AI Inc. (NASDAQ: ODYS) is proud to announce a commercial collaboration agreement with a multinational technology group to deploy one or more proof-of-concepts using Odysight.AI’s systems. The initial deployment will focus on select heavy vehicles across the fields of defense, mining, agriculture and heavy autonomous vehicle sectors. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, aimed to expand Odysight.AI’s predictive maintenance technology beyond the aviation vertical at scale in the multinational technology group’s line of products.

The collaboration agreement follows successful trials of Odysight.AI’s system on a critical aviation component manufactured by the global partner and tested under extreme conditions. The trials, conducted at advanced facilities worldwide, validated the system’s robust performance under prolonged stress and harsh environments, confirming its unique value in challenging operational contexts.

Following the success of the trials, both parties are already exploring expanded deployments in aviation in addition to heavy vehicles with broader collaborative opportunities across a wide range of customers and use cases. Integration of the Odysight.AI solution is expected to provide real-time monitoring and predictive analytics designed to enhance platform safety, reduce maintenance demands, reduce costs and improve overall operational efficiency across the partner’s product lines.

“As a trusted supplier to leading aerospace and mobility platform manufacturers, our global partner is known for innovation and quality,” said Yehu Ofer, CEO of Odysight.AI. “Their decision to partner with us and lead customer demonstrations is a strong vote of confidence in our technology. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to driving smarter, safer, and more sustainable operations across industries, verticals and target markets at scale.”

Our global partner plays a key role in delivering engineered materials and smart solutions for mobility and energy applications, as well as high-performance industrial technologies, with aerospace among its core technological pillars. Strongly aligned with our strategic focus on safety, operational efficiency, and technological sophistication in defense mobility, we believe this collaboration with our global partner enhances their offering with advanced predictive maintenance capabilities, which can help customers prevent failures and avoid costly downtime.

About Odysight.AI

Odysight.AI is pioneering the Predictive Maintenance (PdM) and Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) markets with its visualization and AI platform. Providing video sensor-based solutions for critical systems in the aviation, transportation, and energy industries, Odysight.AI leverages proven visual technologies and products from the medical industry. Odysight.AI’s unique video-based sensors, embedded software, and AI algorithms are being deployed in hard-to-reach locations and harsh environments across a variety of PdM and CBM use cases. Odysight.AI’s platform allows maintenance and operations teams visibility into areas which are inaccessible under normal operation, or where the operating ambience is not suitable for continuous real-time monitoring. For more information, please visit: https://www.Odysight.AI or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to future events or our future performance. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s expectations regarding its collaboration with a multinational technology group. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Those statements are based on information we have when those statements are made or our management’s current expectation and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward- looking statements. Factors that may affect our results, performance, circumstances or achievements include, but are not limited to the following: (i) market acceptance of our existing and new products, including those that utilize our micro Odysight.AI technology or offer Predictive Maintenance and Condition Based Monitoring applications, (ii) lengthy product delays in key markets, (iii) an inability to secure regulatory approvals for the sale of our products, (iv) intense competition in the medical device and related industries from much larger, multinational companies, (v) product liability claims, product malfunctions and the functionality of Odysight.AI’s solutions under all environmental conditions, (vi) our limited manufacturing capabilities and reliance on third-parties for assistance, (vii) an inability to establish sales, marketing and distribution capabilities to commercialize our products, (viii) an inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, (ix) our efforts obtain and maintain intellectual property protection covering our products, which may not be successful, (x) our reliance on a single customer that accounts for a substantial portion of our revenues, (xi) our reliance on single suppliers for certain product components, including for miniature video sensors which are suitable for our Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor technology products, (xii) the fact that we will need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future and that such capital raising may be costly, dilutive or difficult to obtain, (xiii) the impact of computer system failures, cyberattacks or deficiencies in our cybersecurity, (xiv) the fact that we conduct business in multiple foreign jurisdictions, exposing us to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, logistical, global supply chain and communications challenges, burdens and costs of compliance with foreign laws and political and economic instability in each jurisdiction and (xv) political, economic and military instability in Israel, including the impact of Israel’s war against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. These and other important factors discussed in Odysight.AI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 26, 2025, and our other reports filed with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Odysight.AI undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Company Contact:

Einav Brenner, CFO
info@Odysight.AI

Investor Relations Contact:
Miri Segal
MS-IR LLC
msegal@ms-ir.com
Tel: +1-917-607-8654

The MIL Network –

July 23, 2025