NewzIntel.com

Category: Aviation

  • MIL-OSI USA: 05.08.2025 Sens. Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Support Veterans Pursuing Aviation Careers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced theAuthorizing Vocational and Instructional Aviation Training for Eligible Veterans Act to allow eligible veterans to use their Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits for non-degree flight training programs expanding opportunities for veterans pursuing commercial aviation careers.
    Sen. Cruz said, “One of the biggest challenges I hear about from veterans in Texas is finding meaningful employment after retiring from active-duty military service. This legislation empowers those who have defended our country by enabling them to pursue commercial aviation careers.”
    Sen. Sheehy said, “As a former Navy SEAL and aviator who created many successful aviation careers for veterans at the aerial firefighting business we started, I’m proud to support veterans getting the training they need to thrive. Veterans know how to work as a team and accomplish the mission, and this bill will help us fill critical aviation workforce shortages and equip veterans with skills needed to prosper in good-paying careers.”
    Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23).
    Read the full text of the bill here.
    BACKGROUND
    Current law prohibits using VR&E benefits for flight training unless offered through a degree-granting institution. This restriction limits opportunities for veterans who wish to pursue aviation careers through FAA-certified flight schools that do not offer traditional degree programs.
    The AVIATE act will: 

    Authorize the VA Secretary to approve non-degree flight training programs under the VR&E program. 
     Provide parity between Chapter 31 (VR&E) and Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) for aviation training. 
     Expand access to FAA-certified flight schools not affiliated with degree-granting institutions. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commercial Aviation Work Group meeting May 22 at Paine Field

    Source: Washington State News 2

    OLYMPIA – The state Commercial Aviation Work Group will host its second public hybrid meeting of 2025 at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at the Paine Field Airport Administration Office in Everett.

    This will be the group’s fifth meeting overall since it was created by the state Legislature in 2023. The work group was formed to evaluate the long-range commercial aviation and transportation needs of the state. Members are asked to research alternatives for more aviation capacity and expanding the use of existing airports and multimodal opportunities. The work group is not tasked with searching for or building a new airport.

    There will be a public comment portion during the meeting for those in person and online via Zoom. Additionally, the public can submit public comments at any time by filling out the work group’s online contact form.

    The public is encouraged to subscribe to the work group’s email updates.

    Commercial Aviation Work Group hybrid meeting details

    When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 22. 

    Where: Paine Field Airport Administration Office at 9901 24th Pl W, Suite A, Everett, WA. Parking is free and does not require a permit. 

    Participants also may attend the meeting online via Zoom (pre-registration is required), or people can watch a live stream on TVW.

    Details: People who wish to provide public comment should note that:

    • Comments are accepted anytime submitted through the online contact form.
    • For the May 22 meeting, there will be 30 minutes on the agenda for public comment. Meeting facilitators will accept requests to speak from participants online and in person. People who wish to comment will be allowed no more than two minutes to provide input. 

    Free, temporary internet access is available for those who do not have broadband service at locations throughout the state. To find the nearest access, visit the drive-in WiFi hotspot list.

    Previous Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission

    The work group is separate from the previous Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission that researched locations to meet the state’s forecast demand for commercial passenger service, air cargo and general aviation. At its final meeting in 2023, the commission focused on providing information to be used by the Commercial Aviation Work Group. The commission released its final report (PDF 613KB) June 15, 2023. The work group has different members and a different mission.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES ON HOUSE FLOOR: “AMERICA IS NOT DOWN WITH MTG”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the House Floor in opposition to the sycophantic bill put forward by Rubber Stamp Republicans to rename the Gulf of Mexico.

    JEFFRIES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the distinguished gentleman, my good friend from the great state of California, for his tremendous leadership and for pushing back against this bill. I urge a strong no against this silly, small-minded and sycophantic piece of legislation.

    When the American people woke up this morning, they could reasonably ask the question, what are their elected representatives on the Floor of the House of Representatives going to be debating? In an environment where the Trump tariffs are costing them thousands of dollars more per year, Republicans are crashing the economy in real time, costs are being raised on hardworking American taxpayers and Republicans are driving us toward a painful recession. What might Members of Congress under this temporary Republican majority be debating on the floor today? Would it be legislation about the economy? Something about healthcare? Anything about Social Security? Perhaps something on public safety? Maybe national security matters? Anything to bring to life the American dream for hardworking American taxpayers? No? What Republicans have decided to spend this entire legislative day doing is to debate a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico.

    Now, in some ways, I guess the American people can be thankful because this week, what Republicans were going to try and do was visit upon the American people the largest Medicaid cut in American history. And because Republicans are on the run, they were forced to take that hearing down. That battle’s not over. So in the absence of their ability to actually jam up hardworking American taxpayers, instead of focusing on things that would make a difference in the lives of the American people, we are here on the House floor more than 400 years after the fact, debating legislation to rename the Gulf of Mexico. 

    And it turns out there’s a lot more foolishness than this particular bill. Apparently, it’s not enough simply to try to rename the Gulf of Mexico. Republicans have introduced an act of Congress to express support for the designation of the first-ever Gulf of America Day. That ingenious piece of legislation was introduced by Representative Mark Alford of Missouri. At a time when Americans are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck, when we are grappling with the high cost of living, don’t worry, Republicans have a solution. Congressman Brandon Gill of Texas has your back with a bill to require the $100 note to include a portrait of Donald J. Trump. No thank you. Not to be outdone, Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina has the Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act. Really? Hard pass. 

    Flight travel has become more dangerous. We have an air traffic control crisis ongoing this week at a major airport in the northeast, central to a lot of the commerce and the functioning of the economy, an economy that Republicans are breaking in real time. What would be the Republican response to the situation in our skies? Representative Addison McDowell of the great state of North Carolina has a bill to designate Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as the Donald J. Trump International Airport. Did Virginia even vote for Donald Trump? Families are confronting thousands of dollars more per year in higher costs thanks to Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs. And instead of pushing back the President and Congress asserting our constitutional authority as it relates to tariffs and trade in the best interests of the American people—no—Republicans have a different approach. Here’s this gem from Representative Anna Paulina Luna of the great state of Florida. She’s got legislation to arrange for the carving of the figure of President Donald J. Trump on Mount Rushmore. Are we living in the times of King Nebuchadnezzar? What are we doing, folks?

    There are serious issues that the American people want us to confront. From the very beginning of this Congress, Democrats have said we will work with anyone to lower the high cost of living, to secure the border, to fix our broken immigration system, to protect communities, to stand up for the healthcare, the safety, the well-being, the national security of the American people. Republicans have no agenda other than the toxic agenda connected to their big ugly bill that they are trying to jam down the throats of the American people. And so when they have to run away from that and push it back, this is what we’re left with. Renaming the Gulf of Mexico, which 70% of the American people reject. That’s according to Fox News, that bastion of progressive politics. And so I’m here strongly urging a no vote against this small-minded, silly and sycophantic bill. And I can say without hesitation, reservation or need for clarification that America is not down with MTG. I yield back.

    Full remarks can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Space, advanced aviation boost economy by $2.5b

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The space and advanced aviation sectors added more than $2.5 billion to the New Zealand economy last year, a report released today by Space Minister Judith Collins shows.

    The Deloitte/Space TrailBlazer Innovation for Growth, Charting the Space and Advanced Aviation Sectors report showed the space sector contributed $2.47b to the economy in the 2023-24 financial year.

    The advanced aviation sector, which includes emerging aviation technologies and overlaps with the space sector, contributed $480 million.

    “The report showed our fast-growing space sector with revenue increasing by 53 percent in the five years to 2024 – a faster rate than the world’s space economy,” Ms Collins says.

    “This is a success story we should be proud as it shows the sector is creating jobs for New Zealanders, attracting billions of dollars of investment into New Zealand, and driving innovation and scientific advancement.

    “We want to keep up the momentum, which is why we set the ambitious target of doubling the size of New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors by 2030.”

    The space sector’s year-on-year revenue growth of nearly 9 percent since 2019 was largely driven by increases in space manufacturing, operations and applications. The report, commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, also found New Zealand’s space sector is commercially led and homegrown, with 78 percent of survey respondents saying more than half their workforce is local.

    “As the sector grows, so does the number of people and communities it supports. The space sector now supports 17,000 jobs in New Zealand’s economy, up from 12,000 in 2019,” Ms Collins says.

    “Whether it’s a research lab, a drone manufacturer, or a rocket launch pad, there are some amazing companies and an immense depth of talent working in the space and advanced aviation sectors throughout the country.

    “Last year the Government signalled our intention to support the sector through a light-touch regulatory approach. We have natural advantages of clear skies and geography, and we want to give innovators the flexibility to test their ideas and continue driving growth.”

    “It’s also important we encourage the next generation to consider careers in the space and advanced aviation sectors.  

    “Applications for the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes open on 12 May. These prizes recognise and encourage innovative expertise for professionals and students, and I’d encourage people to apply,” Ms Collins says.

    The Innovation for Growth, Charting the Space and Advanced Aviation sectors report is available on the MBIE website.

    Note to Editors

    The attached infographic (PDF) shows high-level information on the space and advanced aviation sectors from the report.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: If talks with the US fail, the EU plans to impose duties on US goods worth 95 billion euros and initiate proceedings in the WTO

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BRUSSELS, May 8 (Xinhua) — The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a list of imported U.S. goods worth 95 billion euros (107.2 billion U.S. dollars), warning that they could be the target of retaliatory measures if ongoing talks with the United States fail to produce an agreement, it said in a statement on Thursday.

    The consultations cover a wide range of U.S. industrial and agricultural products, including wine, frozen meats, aircraft, automobiles and auto parts, chemicals, medical products, electrical equipment and machinery.

    In parallel, the European Union is considering the possibility of introducing new restrictions on the export of goods such as scrap steel and chemical products to the United States, worth 4.4 billion euros.

    The U.S. currently imposes 25 percent tariffs on steel, aluminum and cars on the EU, as well as basic 10 percent tariffs on most other goods. The EU is bracing for a possible end to a 90-day “tariff truce” that expires on July 8. If no agreement is reached, the U.S. universal tariffs could rise to 20 percent.

    The European Commission said consultations on retaliatory measures were underway on both the US universal tariffs and the US tariffs on cars and auto parts.

    In the case of a WTO dispute, after the EU formally requests consultations, the parties will have up to two months to reach a mutually acceptable solution. If no agreement is reached, the EU may request the creation of a dispute resolution panel to issue a ruling. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Defense Ministry warns Philippines against any encroachment on China’s core interests

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Philippines against infringing on China’s core interests in any form.

    Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks at a press conference, commenting on the recent appearance of the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong in waters north of the Philippines during joint Philippine-US military exercises, as well as the words of a Philippine navy spokesman about possible joint maneuvers with Taiwanese troops.

    According to the official representative of the PRC Ministry of Defense, the group of ships led by the aircraft carrier Shandong carried out annual training missions in the relevant waters in order to test and improve the comprehensive combat potential of the aircraft carrier group.

    “This is in line with international law and generally accepted international practice and is not directed against any specific country or target,” Zhang Xiaogang stressed.

    He noted that some Filipino figures are colluding with external forces such as the United States, “muddying the waters” for selfish purposes, undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea, and even trying to “play with fire” on the Taiwan issue.

    “We strongly warn the Philippine side to stop violations and provocations, and stop encroaching on China’s core interests in any form,” Zhang Xiaogang said, adding that the Chinese side will continue to take resolute and effective measures to protect China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reconciliation Week in the House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

    After the 119th Congress was sworn in on January 3, House Republicans hit the ground running to deliver on their promise to the American people to lower the cost of living, reduce frivolous government spending, secure our borders, and unleash energy dominance. Since then, every House committee has been working diligently to meet those demands and this week, we kicked off one of the most important steps in the reconciliation process with full committee markups. 

    Before any of this can happen, however, certain House committees are instructed to draft their recommendations to meet the instructions outlined by the budget resolution. Once each committee has passed their legislation package, they will then be submitted to and ultimately combined together by the Budget Committee to become “one big, beautiful bill” that will then make its way to the House Floor for a vote.

    House Republicans have been working for months to finalize legislation that will reduce taxes and cut spending, and now we find ourselves in the first wave of reconciliation markups across several committees. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, it was exciting to participate in our full committee markup, where we were tasked with reducing the federal deficit by no less than $10 billion, and our reconciliation package certainly reached that goal. 

    In fulfilling our mandate to bolster President Trump’s border and national security agenda, the committee is providing historic funding to the U.S. Coast Guard to stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants from entering the country, bolstering the security of our communities and nation. In addition, the committee is providing funds to modernize our severely outdated air traffic control (ATC) technology, ushering our ATC systems into the modern era and strengthening the aviation community. We’re also putting our focus on cutting wasteful spending, rescinding funding for seven unnecessary Green New Deal style programs that were created in the Inflation Reduction Act. And lastly, the committee is ensuring that EVs no longer get a free ride and must begin contributing to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to support our nation’s highway system.

    As House Republicans work together to restore fiscal sanity, protect our borders, and ensure American energy dominance, we will certainly continue in these efforts to close out the reconciliation process, deliver on the mandate from our constituents, and ultimately create a budget that puts Americans – and Arkansans – first.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Yorkers Encouraged to Sign Up for ‘Triple Three Triple One’

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of “Triple Three Triple One” – a new real-time emergency and weather alert system – as part of the State’s Hurricane Preparedness Week recognition efforts. Managed by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), this text option allows New Yorkers to text their county of residence to 3-3-3-1-1-1 to begin receiving real time emergency and weather alerts and updates directly to their phones. In New York City, text the name of your borough with no spaces. The system is not case sensitive. If you want all of metro New York, text NewYorkCity. Additionally, State-initiated hurricane preparedness activities include initiating the distribution of $15 million in flood-related equipment to counties and conducting specialized training for State emergency operations personnel.

    “My highest priority is the safety of New Yorkers, especially during times of severe and unpredictable emergency events,” Governor Hochul said. “To best prepare for inclement weather – especially as hurricane season approaches – I am encouraging all New Yorkers to sign up for alerts so they can remain safe and vigilant when high-impact events occur.”

    It’s easy to get started and free to sign up. New Yorkers can simply text the name of the county they’d like to receive alerts for to 3-3-3-1-1-1. Once the text message is sent, users will automatically be enrolled and begin receiving emergency and weather alerts when they occur in their selected county. In New York City, text the name of your borough with no spaces. For example, StatenIsland. For the entire New York City metro area, text NewYorkCity. The system is not case sensitive. Users can also register to receive alerts for multiple counties by texting additional county names, one at a time. This will allow residents to stay up to date on alerts in areas where their loved ones may live. It is free to sign up for Triple Three Triple One and the service is available on all cellular carriers. Standard text messaging and data rates may apply.

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “As Hurricane Season approaches, the launch of Triple Three Triple One alerting gives New Yorkers access to another tool that they can use to help keep themselves and their loved ones prepared for and safe during severe weather. And, it’s an additional way that we can assist our local emergency management partners. I encourage everyone to take a moment right now and text their county name to Triple Three Triple One.”

    In addition to launching the Triple Three Triple One text alerts, New York State recently signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 51 counties to provide them with $15 million of flood-related equipment and supplies. The equipment, being procured by DHSES includes pumps, generators, chain saws, and flood barrier technology.

    Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. On April 3, Colorado State University released its preseason hurricane forecast, calling for above average activity in the tropical Atlantic with 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes predicted. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to release the 2025 Hurricane Outlook later in May.

    In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced the creation of New York’s State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC) at the State University of New York at Albany. The Center is a first-of-its kind operational collaboration between university researchers and state emergency managers and serves as a clearinghouse for critical weather information. It also works to develop tools to help emergency managers make informed decisions to help protect communities and examines how communicating extreme weather risks to the public can be improved.

    New York State Weather Risk Communication Center Director Dr. Nick Bassill said, “Being prepared is crucial when it comes to extreme weather. New York is no stranger to the impacts hurricanes can have on our communities, so have a plan made ahead of time to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones in the event of an emergency. Follow trusted news sources such as the National Weather Service and state and local government alerts, so you can respond accordingly when severe weather strikes.”

    The National Weather Service said, “Everyone should learn their risk by considering the threats from tropical storms. Threats include storm surge, flooding from heavy rain, strong winds, tornadoes and rip currents. All of these threats can occur far from the center of a storm so pay attention to the latest forecasts and be alert for warnings.”

    State agencies undertake a number of activities to prepare for hurricane season including:

    The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services operates the State Office of Emergency Management (OEM). OEM routinely assists local governments, voluntary organizations, and private industry through a variety of emergency management programs including hazard identification, loss prevention, planning, training, operational response to emergencies, technical support, and disaster recovery assistance.

    In April, OEM launched a weeklong State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Training and Simulation initiative created to introduce new staff to the major functions of the EOC. This initiative included EOC simulations, including one simulation focused on responding to a forecasted tropical storm. This training builds understanding across State OEM personnel so that during a real activation teams are prepared to respond accordingly.

    DHSES also conducts the Citizen Preparedness Corps training program, along with the New York National Guard and the American Red Cross. The course provides an introduction to responding to a natural or human-caused disaster. Participants are advised on how to properly develop family emergency plans and stock up on emergency supplies. To date, more than 400,000 people have been trained.

    The Department of Public Service reports New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State in the event of a hurricane or a major storm. Utilities maintain agreements with external contractors who may be able to assist in restoration efforts. Department of Public Service staff track utilities’ work throughout all events and work to ensure appropriate staffing for regions that experience the greatest impact.

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s hurricane preparedness efforts take place year-round. New and renewed assets are designed to meet or exceed the agency’s climate resilience guidelines, which consider the potential risks of climate change out to 2100. Across the agency’s airports, a host of flood protection measures have been implemented, including flood walls, flood rated doors, and deployable shields. At LaGuardia Airport, electrical substations, pumps, and newly constructed terminals have been elevated or protected to reduce the risk of hurricane flooding, even as sea levels rise. Other flood mitigation projects include installation of flexible floodproof barriers at the Holland Tunnel portals and a water intrusion protection system to seal off the iconic World Trade Center site from coastal storm surge. The Port Authority’s Office of Emergency Management tracks storm development, projecting eventual impacts on the New York and New Jersey region, and communicating with each Port Authority facility, where staff use customized information to respond to rapidly changing conditions.

    For more information, visit the Hurricane Safety page on the DHSES website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces PPG Will Establish Cleveland County Manufacturing Center Creating 110 Jobs

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces PPG Will Establish Cleveland County Manufacturing Center Creating 110 Jobs

    Governor Stein Announces PPG Will Establish Cleveland County Manufacturing Center Creating 110 Jobs
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced that PPG will create 110 jobs in the City of Shelby. The company reports it will invest $380 million to establish a new manufacturing center in Cleveland County, marking the return of the PPG brand name to Shelby, where the company first established a facility in the 1950s.

    “PPG knows what I know: North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state’s workforce is our greatest asset, and I will continue to advocate for more training and education programs so that employees can build a career and employers have the well-trained people they need to get to work.”

    PPG (NYSE: PPG) is an American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. The company operates in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. PPG’s aerospace business is a leading provider of innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket customers, such as airlines and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for commercial, general aviation, and military segments. The company’s aerospace portfolio includes advanced coatings, sealants, transparencies, packaging, chemical services, engineered materials, and specialty products designed to enhance the performance, durability, and safety of aircraft. The company’s new project in Shelby will establish a modern manufacturing facility to produce the full line of PPG’s aerospace coatings and sealants.

    “PPG’s investment in this new manufacturing facility demonstrates the significant demand growth for our world-class technologies and our continued commitment to serving our aerospace customers,” said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “By modernizing and digitizing our facilities, PPG will continue to embody our purpose – to protect and beautify the world – while contributing to the growth and innovation of the aerospace sector.” 

    “It’s great to see another top manufacturing company select North Carolina as a place to do business,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “It’s also gratifying to see a company like PPG, with its historical ties to the region, once again become part of the strong and vibrant community of Shelby.  I look forward to the great things to come from this renewed partnership.” 

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new jobs will be $66,861. The average wage in Cleveland County at the time of the company’s grant application was $48,310.

    A performance-based grant of $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate PPG’s project into Cleveland County, based on a company investment of $221.8 million and the creation of 62 jobs. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment.  All OneNC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    “PPG is a name held in high regard in our area, and we’re all excited to open the next chapter of this partnership for our region and for our state,” said Representative Kelly Hastings. “We welcome these new jobs and investment to our region, and I am especially proud that my mom is a PPG retiree.”

    “Bringing PPG back to Cleveland County and Shelby took a lot of effort by many people and organizations working behind the scenes,” said Senator Ted Alexander. “Our community looks forward to supporting the company as they re-establish operations in our area.” 

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the Commerce Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions, Cleveland Community College, Cleveland County, the City of Shelby, and the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership. 

    May 8, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Military parade held in Kyrgyzstan to mark 80th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BISHKEK, May 8 (Xinhua) — A ceremonial military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War was held in the central Ala-Too Square in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, on May 8.

    The parade was observed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, veterans and servicemen of the armed forces, representatives of other security agencies of the country, representatives of the diplomatic and military-diplomatic corps accredited in the republic, as well as the public, youth and guests of the capital.

    S. Japarov delivered a congratulatory speech in which he noted the historical significance of the Victory, the courage and heroism of the generations that defended peace. “So that future generations never forget the invaluable contribution of our fathers and the consequences of the devastating war that took tens of millions of innocent lives, we must teach young people to value peace and tranquility, to live with an awareness of their true value,” the head of state emphasized.

    As noted by the press service of the country’s Ministry of Defense, the military parade in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory was the largest in the history of independent Kyrgyzstan both in terms of the number of personnel and the quantity and quality of equipment involved in the parade. In total, about 3 thousand servicemen and more than 120 units of military and special equipment, including heavy armored vehicles, artillery, air defense systems and aviation, took part in the parade. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $965,000 for Airport Improvements in Shreveport, Hammond from His Infrastructure Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is granting Louisiana a total of $965,000 from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for airport safety improvements in Shreveport and Hammond.
    “Airports are often the first impression visitors have when traveling to Louisiana for the first time. These projects will make Louisiana’s airports safer and more reliable while creating jobs and boosting local economies,” said Dr. Cassidy. 
    The Shreveport Airport Authority will receive $881,000 in federal funding to install 13,650 feet of wildlife fencing and eight gates at Shreveport Downtown Airport to enhance safety.
    The City of Hammond will receive $84,000 in federal funding to rehabilitate 36,000 feet of taxiways and 640 square yards of the terminal apron at Hammond Northshore Regional Airport to maintain pavement integrity and reduce debris hazards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO addresses electromagnetic interference threats to civil aviation safety

    Source: NATO

    Civil aviation is increasingly affected by jamming and spoofing. The NATO Aviation Committee continues its work to address these threats, in close cooperation with other international organisations, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation and EUROCONTROL.

    Acts of intentional interference carried out by state and non-state actors – for instance deliberate jamming or sending false Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals – can cause delays, rerouting or cancellation of take-offs and landings, and have significant negative economic impact on transport, global trade, and tourism. 

    The NATO Aviation Committee has noted that, as well as happening more often, and across different regions – including in the Baltic, Black Sea and Mediterranean regions – such interference is increasingly sophisticated. This is a cause for concern and warrants further action to make civil aviation more resilient, including by upgrading civil and military mechanisms, deploying ground based infrastructure, developing a more agile reporting and tracking system, and further bolstering cooperation with key international partners to counter GNSS interference.

    The Aviation Committee is the senior civil-military NATO body, which advises the North Atlantic Council on all relevant aspects contributing to aviation safety and security, in support of the full range of NATO’s missions.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Xinjiang commemorates Soviet comradeship in anti-Japanese war through Red Tourism promotion

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, May 8 (Xinhua) — A wooden arch bridge, which has become one of the “calling cards” of Xinjiang’s red tourism, is still carefully preserved on the Baiyang River in Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The 85-year-old structure stands as a silent witness to the desperate story of how Chinese communists organized and protected a vital supply route for the Chinese nation from the Soviet Union through the northwest territory during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

    After the Chinese people’s all-out anti-Japanese war began in 1937, Japanese militarists quickly captured China’s coastal regions, thereby cutting off communications linking the country to the outside world. At such a critical moment for the existence of the Chinese nation, the authorities were forced to organize a new route for the import of ammunition from friendly countries in the country’s northwestern inland region, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

    The first state to assist China in the all-out anti-Japanese war was the USSR, which supplied strategic cargo through Xinjiang by both air and road transport. In particular, cargo was sent by land from Almaty, after crossing the Khorgos border crossing, it passed through Ili, Dihua (present-day Urumqi), Turpan, Hami and other places in Xinjiang, and after leaving Xinjiang, it was delivered to the city of Lanzhou in Gansu Province.

    The length of this transport route exceeded 1,500 km in the section within Xinjiang, and the above-mentioned arch bridge, called “Dabancheng”, became an essential passage on the way between Dihua and Turpan. The bridge was built and opened to traffic in 1940. Its length is 28.5 m, and the width of the deck made of wooden slabs soaked in special oil is 7 m.

    According to published data, during the period 1937-1941, the USSR, with the help of this international corridor, delivered to the Chinese front more than 1,200 aircraft of various types, 82 tanks, over 2,000 vehicles, more than 4,300 artillery units and 14 thousand machine guns, as well as a large quantity of other ammunition.

    According to Mai Yuhua, deputy director of the Research Institute of History at the Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences, of all the international aid and weapons received by China during the anti-Japanese war, 80 percent came from the USSR, and 90 percent of them were delivered to the front lines through Xinjiang. “Therefore, helping the local authorities of Xinjiang to protect and guarantee the continuity of this communication artery was one of the important tasks for the Chinese communists who were in Xinjiang at that time,” he noted.

    Now, a tourist zone has been created around the Dabancheng Arch Bridge, which is included in the list of cultural relics protected at the level of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Here, visitors can view the arch bridge, learn about historical episodes of the Anti-Japanese War, and participate in various interactive activities, including a test of manually transporting strategic cargo in the absence of motor vehicles.

    In recent years, the area has attracted more and more visitors, thanks to efforts by Xinjiang authorities to effectively utilize and promote red tourism resources. Such efforts have also resulted in the improvement and increased visitor numbers of other military and revolutionary memorial sites, including a museum dedicated to the Xinjiang Mission of the Chinese Communist-controlled 8th Army, which was once tasked, among other things, with the extraordinary task of organizing and protecting the “red” logistics route between Yan’an (Shaanxi Province, Northwest China) and Moscow, via Xinjiang.

    Summing up the situation of Xinjiang’s tourism market during the recently concluded International Labor Day holiday (May 1-5), many online platforms reported a significant increase in the number of searches for museums, memorial sites, cemeteries of martyrs, and other red tourism sites.

    According to data from the Urumqi City Museum, which also functions as the Urumqi Revolutionary Historical Memorial Sites Management Center, over 12,000 people visited various museums and memorial sites throughout the city every day from May 1 to 5 as part of the red tourism. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Rideshare Passengers’ Privacy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) reintroduced the Safe and Private Rides Act, bipartisan legislation to require transportation network companies (TNCs) to notify passengers when their driver has a video recording device in the car. The Senators’ legislation would also allow passengers to opt out of riding with a driver with a dashcam, preventing rideshare drivers from violating passengers’ privacy. 
    “Millions of people around the country rely on rideshare services for transportation every day, whether it’s to the doctor, work, or the airport. Folks using rideshare services deserve to have peace of mind about their digital privacy during a ride, which includes knowing if they will be filmed before calling a ride,” said Senator Welch. “Our bipartisan Safe and Private Rides Act gives passengers using rideshare services straightforward privacy protections by allowing the option to opt out of a rideshare using video recording devices that record passengers.” 
    “Passengers shouldn’t have to sacrifice their right to privacy the moment they step into a rideshare vehicle, and they deserve to know when they are being recorded,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Safe and Private Rides Act would increase transparency and ensure that both driver safety and passenger privacy are protected as more Americans take advantage of these services.” 
    51% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 have used a rideshare service, and ridesharing companies are expected to generate $54 billion annually by 2027. As more and more Americans take advantage of these services, safety and privacy must be prioritized. 
    Dashcams, while beneficial for the driver, present privacy concerns for passengers. There have been reported instances of rideshare drivers recording passengers and subsequently releasing the footage online.  
    Rideshares offer convenience and accessibility, and they are an example of American innovation. As they grow, their drivers should be able to use technology to protect themselves. Passengers should also be able to make decisions to preserve their privacy. 
    The Safe and Private Rides Act would increase transparency by giving passengers a choice while preserving the driver’s safety. Specifically, the Safe and Private Rides Act would:  
    Require TNCs to notify passengers when their driver has a video recording device in the car; 
    Require TNCs to allow passengers to opt out of riding with a driver with a recording device in the car; and  
    Grant the Federal Trade Commission the authority to enforce these transparency requirements. 
    Read and download the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Micropolis Unveils Advanced Border Control Robots at Airport Show 2025 in Dubai

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Micropolis Holding Co. (“Micropolis” or the “Company”) (NYSE: MCRP), a pioneer in unmanned ground vehicles and AI-driven security solutions, today unveiled new specialized border control versions of its M1 and M2 robotic mobility platforms at the Airport Show 2025, the region’s leading annual event dedicated to the airports industry, being held on May 6-8 in Dubai. These cutting-edge autonomous vehicles were presented to the UAE National Guard as part of a new pilot initiative aimed at enhancing national border protection capabilities.

    Micropolis is working closely with the UAE National Guard, the official entity overseeing border control across the Emirates, to evaluate the deployment of robotic patrol systems designed to operate in high-security zones, including airports and land checkpoints. These robots are equipped with advanced surveillance sensors, AI-driven behavior analysis, and autonomous navigation systems, enabling them to detect, deter, and report potential threats with minimal human intervention.

    “This marks a pivotal milestone in our defense and homeland security initiatives,” said Fareed Aljawhari, CEO of Micropolis Holding Co. “By integrating robotics into border control operations, we are reshaping the future of national security with intelligent, scalable, and fully autonomous technology.”

    Robotic Platform Highlights:

    • M01 – Designed for open road operations with speeds ranging between 40-47 km/h, making it ideal for faster-paced environments and longer-distance travel.
    • M02 – Crafted for more enclosed settings with a speed range of 10 to 15 km/h, making it ideal for safe, low-speed operations in pedestrian-rich areas.

    The launch comes at a time when governments and security agencies worldwide are increasingly turning to AI-powered systems to improve operational efficiency and reduce dependency on manual surveillance. The Airport Show 2025, a globally recognized event for aviation and security technologies, served as the ideal platform for introducing this innovation to key defense and aviation stakeholders.

    Micropolis continues to expand its global footprint in the security, defense, and smart mobility sectors. The Company remains committed to pioneering autonomous technologies that address some of the world’s most pressing security challenges.

    About Micropolis Holding Co.
    Micropolis is a UAE-based company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), AI systems, and smart infrastructure for urban, security, and industrial applications. The Company’s vertically integrated capabilities cover everything from mechatronics and embedded systems to AI software and high-level autonomy.

    For more information please visit www.micropolis.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements represent Micropolis’ current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed by the Company with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Investor Contact:
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    Valter Pinto, Managing Director
    PH: (212) 896-1254
    Valter@KCSA.com

    Media Contact:
    Jessica Starman
    media@elev8newmedia.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2b68b867-8839-45a1-8a1f-273572319218

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Advancements In Drone Technology Opening Up New Applications as Market Size Estimated to Reach $57 Billion by 2028

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Drone services are progressively replacing legacy services in the commercial sector, such as aerial surveys, filmography, and search and rescue operations. They offer the advantages of prolonged operation, remote control by human operators, or autonomous functioning by onboard computers. The increasing adoption of drone services across various civil and commercial applications can be attributed to their extended endurance and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, IoT (Internet of Things), and cloud computing into drone services is expected to further boost their demand across various sectors. A report from MarketsAndMarkets said that the Global Drone Services Market Size is estimated to reach USD 57.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 27.7% during the forecast period. The report continued: “The drone market size continues to expand as the drone services industry evolves, offering a diverse range of services for both remotely controlled and autonomously flown drones. This industry integrates software-controlled flight plans into drones’ embedded systems, making it a critical component in sectors like agriculture, insurance, construction, marine, aviation, oil & gas, mining, and infrastructure. The demand for these services, which includes tasks such as search and rescue, package delivery, industrial inspections, imaging, and healthcare supply distribution to remote areas, significantly contributes to the growing drone market size.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC).

    MarketsAndMarkets added: “In terms of market segmentation, drone services are categorized by the type of service provided, including platform services (further divided into flight piloting and operation, data analysis, and data processing), maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), and simulation and training. The application-based segmentation encompasses inspection and monitoring, mapping and surveying, spraying and seeding, filming and photography, transport and delivery, as well as security, search, and rescue. The industry-based segmentation covers a wide spectrum of sectors, including construction and infrastructure, agriculture, utility, oil & gas, mining, defense and law enforcement, media and entertainment, scientific research, insurance, aviation, marine, healthcare and social assistance, and transportation, logistics, and warehousing. These industries rely heavily on drones for functions like inspection, monitoring, and photography, further driving the drone market size.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Tests Proprietary Camera Enabling IQ Nano Drone Swarms for US Defense Applications and Blue UAS Submission – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone is testing a new proprietary specialized camera that enables more efficient indoor applications such as inventory and security management, when utilizing IQ Nano drone swarms for commercial and US defense applications. The new camera prototype developed by its Taiwan component manufacturing subsidiary, Spider Vision Sensors, in collaboration with its certified electronics manufacturing partner, Suntek Global, will enable faster and more precise collection of data including multiple bar codes simultaneously scanned by multiple drones in a drone swarm. The company plans to apply for Blue UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) certification that lists and validates drones for military and government use.

    “Our Spider Vision Sensors subsidiary in collaboration with Suntek Global, has helped us speed up development of customized and specialized cameras required for our innovative drone swarm applications for commercial and defense customers. This partnership will continue to be invaluable as we develop our NDAA-compliant supply chain and received Blue UAS certification which will allow military and federal agencies to directly purchase our drones.,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    Military and Defense departments use small autonomous indoor drones like the 10X10 inch IQ Nano for various applications such as inventory management, indoor building reconnaissance, search and rescue, training simulations, and explosives detection. ZenaDrone is also engaged in a paid trial which includes developing drone swarm applications for inventory management and security applications with a multinational auto parts manufacturer customer.

    A drone swarm is a coordinated group of autonomous drones that communicate and work together using AI and real-time data sharing, to perform tasks collaboratively without direct human control. Drone swarms enhance efficiency, accuracy, automation, and performance compared to a single drone. Autonomous drones can rapidly scan thousands of bar codes or RFID tags per second with high accuracy, providing real-time visibility into inventory without disrupting workflows. A drone swarm can also cover more ground simultaneously, dramatically reducing inventory audit times and manual labour while providing near-total inventory visibility.

    An AI drone swarm for indoor security and surveillance enhances coverage, response time, and efficiency by autonomously patrolling large areas, detecting threats, and providing real-time situational awareness. Unlike stationary cameras or human patrols, drone swarms can dynamically adapt to security breaches, track intruders, and coordinate movements to eliminate blind spots. AI-driven analytics enable them to identify anomalies, recognize faces, and detect unauthorized activity with high precision, reducing false alarms and improving security decision-making. Their autonomous nature minimizes human labor costs while ensuring 24/7 monitoring in complex environments like warehouses, data centers, or commercial facilities.

    The ZenaDrone IQ Nano is available in 10×10 and 20×20-inch sizes, designed to perform regular and frequent inspections such as bar code or RFID scanning, facility maintenance inspections, security monitoring, 3D indoor mapping and other applications inside a warehouse, distribution, or plant facility. It is designed for autonomous use featuring integrated sensors, high-quality cameras, data collection and analysis including AI methodologies. Weighing 1.5kg and with a flight time of at least 20 minutes before utilizing the automatic battery recharging station, it is designed for hovering stability and safety with obstacle avoidance capabilities.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Ireland Office Offering Drone as a Service (DaaS) Including Precision Agriculture to a European Market Growing at 28.6% Annually – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces it will be expanding operations and opening a new, larger office and its European Headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. The new hub will facilitate the Company’s drone sales and DaaS drone services — including precision agriculture solutions — to a growing UK and European market. The Company anticipates the official grand opening during the summer of 2025.

    Strategically located near Dublin Airport and accessible via all major motorways, the new office location will serve a growing customer base in Ireland and enable growth across Europe, catering to agriculture as well as construction, renewable energy — including wind and solar farms — golf courses, racecourses, and warehouse and logistics.

    “Expanding our Dublin office and establishing a European HQ marks a new chapter in our strategy to scale our drones and DaaS offerings globally while servicing the fastest growing agricultural drone markets located in Europe. Our AI-powered drone solutions are designed to boost crop yields while reducing operational costs and provide smart, data-driven insights — empowering crop monitoring and health assessment, nutrient and resource optimization, and profitability,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    The European agricultural drone market was valued at approximately USD 4.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 43.23 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.58% according to Market Data Forecast . This growth is fueled by the adoption of drones for crop spraying, mapping, pest control, seeding, and remote sensing, which enhance productivity and resource efficiency in farming. Growth is also supported by favorable European government policies and a strong focus on sustainable farming practices.    Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), has recently announced a number of upgrades to its Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance System to further boost operational effectiveness for warfighters. The enhanced features are being showcased at the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week annual conference at the Tampa Convention Center, May 6 to May 8.

    In development over the past year, the series of improvements include a 50% increase in Black Hornet’s radio communications range from two to three kilometers (in optimal conditions). The BH4’s new Android tablet, part of the ground control station, now has up to twice the battery life, plus a battery heater for charging in cold temperatures. The new tablet also features improved ergonomics, making it easier to use while wearing gloves.

    Black Hornet 4 can operate in 25-knot winds and rain, and extensive testing was performed to validate its already rugged endurance capabilities. The drone itself is now IP-52 rated, able to withstand 7.6 mm of rain per hour while in flight, while the ground control station boasts an IP-54 rating.

    Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), a United States based manufacturer and distributor of drone parts recently has successfully closed a confidentially marketed public offering for the sale of 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at the offering price of $5.00 per share (the “Offering”) resulting in gross proceeds of $40 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The Offering closed on May 7, 2025.

    Allan Evans, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other members of the Company’s Board of Directors and all members of the Company’s advisory board purchased shares in the Offering on the same terms as the other investors. “We are overwhelmed by the level of support from everyone involved in the process,” said Allan Evans “This raise is absolutely a case of everyone putting their money behind accelerating American manufacturing for drones”.

    ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO), an aerospace company focused on safety systems for commercial unmanned aircrafts and defense Counter UAS systems, recently announced that it has received a new order for dozens of units of its innovative SafeAir™ M4 system. The order was placed by a prominent European drone distributor that serves a wide range of commercial, public safety, and enterprise drone operators across the region.

    The SafeAir™ M4, ParaZero’s next-generation autonomous parachute recovery system, is designed for seamless integration with DJI’s Matrice 4 series. It features a newly developed deployment mechanism with real-time telemetry and is designed and expected to comply with the highest European regulatory standards to enable safe flight in urban areas throughout the EU.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven security solutions, recently announced it has successfully completed multiple demonstrations of its patented Safe Pro Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) technology to various branches of the U.S. Department of Defense. Following these briefings, the Company commenced the integration of its SPOTD technology onto the Win-TAK platform, part of the U.S. Army’s Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) software ecosystem.

    As a result of these successful demonstrations, the Company is accelerating additional development efforts that seek to integrate the Company’s SPOTD technology into the full TAK software ecosystem which includes the U.S. Army’s ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit or ATAK) platform. Integration of SPOTD into ATAK is designed to allow detections of small explosive threats instantly identified in drone-based imagery by the Company’s AI technology to be quickly pushed across potentially hundreds of thousands of soldier-carried and vehicle-mounted wireless connected devices widely utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces.

    About FN Media Group:

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

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

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

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    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China warns Philippines against infringing on China’s core interests in any form

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Xinhua | 08. 05. 2025

    Keywords: any form, interests of China, infringement, China, Philippines, warned, Philippines, stern warning, departmental press, Zhang, Shandong, Thursday, exercises, Taiwan, USA, North

    BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Philippines against infringing on China’s core interests in any form.

    Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks at a departmental press conference in response to a question about the appearance of the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong in waters north of the Philippines during recent joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, as well as a statement by a Philippine Navy spokesman about possible joint exercises involving the Philippines and Taiwan. -0-

    Source: Xinhua

    China warns Philippines against infringing on China’s core interests in any form China warns Philippines against infringing on China’s core interests in any form

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aemetis Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • California Ethanol passes $2 billion cumulative revenue milestone.
    • Aemetis Biogas increased sales by 10,100 MMBtu compared with same quarter last year
    • Sales of investment tax credits resulted in cash proceeds of $19.0 million during Q1 2025.
    • India Biodiesel received letters of intent in April for an aggregate of $31 million of biodiesel sales to OMCs for delivery in May, June and July of 2025.

    CUPERTINO, Calif., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on low and negative carbon intensity products that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, today announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    “Revenues during the first quarter of 2025 of $42.9 million reflect continued and strong execution by our California Ethanol and Dairy Renewable Natural Gas segments. After a pause in production and supply under the OMC contracts, our India Biodiesel segment is now approved to return to regular production levels,” said Todd Waltz, Chief Financial Officer of Aemetis. “We look forward to substantial additional revenues when we receive the LCFS provisional pathway approvals that are expected to approximately double our LCFS revenues and receive the federal Inflation Reduction Act Section 45Z production tax credits,” added Waltz.

    “We are pleased with the continued growth of Aemetis Biogas production and continued progress with building a large centralized dairy digester to process waste from four dairies that is expected to be operational in the next few months,” said Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “Our continued focus on significantly improving cash flow from our California Ethanol segment by replacing fossil natural gas with lower carbon electricity is now underway with the fabrication of the equipment for the mechanical vapor recompression project.”

    Today, Aemetis will host an earnings review call at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time (PT).

    Live Participant Dial In (Toll Free): +1-877-545-0523 entry code 761021
    Live Participant Dial In (International): +1-973-528-0016 entry code 761021
    Webcast URL: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2211/52416

    For details on the call, please visit http://www.aemetis.com/investors/conference-calls/

    Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Total revenues during the first quarter of 2025 were $42.9 million compared to $72.6 million for the first quarter of 2024. Delays with the receipt of contracts in India from the government-owned Oil Marketing Companies accounted for the decline in revenue. New OMC letters of intent for $31 million were issued in April 2025 and we started shipments in April. Our Keyes ethanol plant increased revenues by $1.7 million due principally to an increase in the average price of Ethanol from $1.79 during 2024 to $1.98 during the first quarter of 2025. Our Dairy Natural Gas segment sold 70,900 MMBtu of renewable natural gas, an increase of 10,100 MMBtu from the same quarter last year.

    Gross loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $5.1 million, compared to a $0.6 million loss during the first quarter of 2024.

    Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million to $10.5 million during the first quarter of 2025 compared to $8.9 million during the same period in 2024, driven primarily from legal and other transaction costs associated with receiving $18 million of cash proceeds from tax credit sales during the first quarter.

    Operating loss was $15.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to operating loss of $9.5 million for the same period in 2024.

    Interest expense, excluding accretion of Series A preferred units in the Aemetis Biogas LLC subsidiary, increased to $13.7 million during the first quarter of 2025 compared to $10.5 million during the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, Aemetis Biogas recognized $2.3 million of accretion of Series A preferred units during the first quarter of 2025 compared to $3.3 million during the first quarter of 2024.

    Income tax expense included a benefit from the sale of $7.0 million of Investment Tax Credits during the first quarter of 2025.

    Net loss was $24.5 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to net loss of $24.2 million for the first quarter of 2024.

    Cash at the end of the first quarter of 2025 was $500 thousand compared to $900 thousand at the close of the fourth quarter of 2024. We recorded investments in capital projects related to the reduction of the carbon intensity of Aemetis ethanol and construction of dairy digesters of $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, payments of $15.4 million were applied to the repayment of debt during the first quarter.

    About Aemetis

    Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas and renewable fuel company focused on the operation, acquisition, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2006, Aemetis is operating and actively expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas. Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis owns and operates an 80 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin. Aemetis is developing a sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel fuel biorefinery in California, renewable hydrogen, and hydroelectric power to produce low carbon intensity renewable jet and diesel fuel. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com. 

    Company Investor Relations
    Media Contact:
    Todd Waltz
    (408) 213-0940
    investors@aemetis.com

    External Investor Relations
    Contact:
    Kirin Smith
    PCG Advisory Group
    (646) 863-6519
    ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    We have provided non-GAAP measures as a supplement to financial results based on GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included in the accompanying supplemental data. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income/(loss) plus (to the extent deducted in calculating such net income) interest and amortization expense, income tax expense or benefit, accretion expense, depreciation expense, and share-based compensation expense.

    Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income/(loss), operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as an indicator of cash flows or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure because management believes that it is a useful performance measure that is widely used within the industry in which we operate. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA for reviewing financial results and for budgeting and planning purposes. EBITDA measures are not calculated in the same manner by all companies and, accordingly, may not be an appropriate measure for comparison.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to our five-year growth plan; trends in market conditions with respect to prices for inputs for our products versus prices for our products; our ability to fund, develop, build, maintain and operate digesters, facilities and pipelines for our Dairy Renewable Natural Gas segment; our ability to fund, develop and operate our Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Renewable Diesel, and Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects, including obtaining required permits; our ability to receive awarded grants by meeting all of the required conditions, including meeting the minimum contributions; our ability to fund, develop and operate our sustainable aviation fuel and renewable biodiesel projects; our intention to repurchase the Series A preferred units relating to our Aemetis Biogas subsidiary and the expected valuation premium thereof; and our ability to raise additional capital. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “showing signs,” “targets,” “view,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filed documents. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

    (Tables follow)

    AEMETIS, INC.  
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
    (unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)  
                   
            For the three months ended March 31,  
              2025       2024    
                   
    Revenues   $ 42,886     $ 72,634    
    Cost of goods sold     47,966       73,246    
    Gross loss     (5,080 )     (612 )  
                   
    Selling, general and administrative expenses     10,475       8,850    
    Operating loss     (15,555 )     (9,462 )  
                   
    Other expense (income):          
      Interest expense          
        Interest rate expense     11,018       9,092    
        Debt related fees and amortization expense   2,675       1,421    
        Accretion and other expenses of Series A preferred units   2,279       3,311    
      Other (income) expense     (215 )     67    
    Loss before income taxes     (31,312 )     (23,353 )  
      Income tax expense (benefit)     (6,783 )     878    
    Net loss   $ (24,529 )   $ (24,231 )  
                   
    Net loss per common share          
      Basic   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.58 )  
      Diluted   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.58 )  
                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding          
      Basic     52,584       41,889    
      Diluted     52,584       41,889    
                   
             
    AEMETIS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands)
                     
              March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024  
              (Unaudited)      
    Assets              
      Current assets:            
        Cash and cash equivalents     $ 499     $ 898    
        Accounts receivable     1,043       1,805    
        Inventories       22,930       25,442    
        Tax credit sale receivable       –       12,300    
        Prepaid and other current assets       4,021       4,251    
      Total current assets       28,493       44,696    
                     
        Property, plant and equipment, net       199,435       199,392    
        Other assets       14,590       15,214    
      Total assets     $ 242,518     $ 259,302    
                     
    Liabilities and stockholders’ deficit            
      Current liabilities:            
        Accounts payable     $ 32,115     $ 33,139    
        Current portion of long term debt       93,669       63,745    
        Short term borrowings     25,878       26,789    
        Other current liabilities       22,939       20,295    
      Total current liabilities       174,601       143,968    
                     
      Total long term liabilities       348,612       379,262    
                     
      Stockholders’ deficit:            
        Common stock     54       51    
        Additional paid-in capital       313,075       305,329    
        Accumulated deficit     (587,471 )     (562,942 )  
        Accumulated other comprehensive loss       (6,353 )     (6,366 )  
      Total stockholders’ deficit       (280,695 )     (263,928 )  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit     $ 242,518     $ 259,302    
                 
                     
    AEMETIS, INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA TO NET INCOME/(LOSS)
    (unaudited, in thousands)
                 
                 
          For the three months ended March 31,  
      EBITDA Calculation   2025       2024    
                 
      Net income (loss) $ (24,529 )   $ (24,231 )  
      Adjustments        
        Interest and amortization expense   13,705       10,525    
        Depreciation expense   2,357       1,798    
        Accretion of Series A preferred units   2,279       3,311    
        Share-based compensation   2,308       2,969    
        Income tax expense (benefit)   (6,783 )     878    
      Total adjustments   13,866       19,481    
                 
      Adjusted EBITDA $ (10,663 )   $ (4,750 )  
                 
                 
    AEMETIS, INC.
    PRODUCTION AND PRICE PERFORMANCE
    (unaudited)
               
      Three Months ended March 31,  
        2025       2024    
               
    California Ethanol          
    Ethanol          
    Gallons sold (in millions)   14.1       14.1    
    Average sales price/gallon $ 1.98     $ 1.79    
    Percent of nameplate capacity   103 %     103 %  
    WDG          
    Tons sold (in thousands)   93       94    
    Average sales price/ton $ 86     $ 98    
    Delivered Cost of Corn          
    Bushels ground (in millions)   4.8       4.9    
    Average delivered cost / bushel $ 6.63     $ 6.33    
               
    California Dairy Renewable Natural Gas          
    Renewable Natural Gas          
    MMBtu sold (in thousands)   70.9       60.8    
    Average price per MMBtu $ 3.65     $ 4.02    
    MMBtu stored as inventory   33.1       46.8    
    RINs          
    RINs sold (in thousands)   388.2       766.4    
    Average price per RIN $ 2.64     $ 3.08    
    LCFS          
    LCFS credits sold (in thousands)   16.0       18.0    
    Average price per LCFS credit $ 72.50     $ 66.00    
               
    India Biodiesel          
    Biodiesel          
    Metric tons sold (in thousands)   0       27.5    
    Average Sales Price/Metric ton $ –     $ 1,127    
    Percent of Nameplate Capacity   0 %     73.4 %  
    Refined Glycerin          
    Metric tons sold (in thousands)   0.0       2.4    
    Average Sales Price/Metric ton $ –     $ 551    

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BermudAir Partners with Zero Hash to Launch First-of-Its-Kind Stablecoin Payments in Air Travel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BermudAir, Bermuda’s first homegrown airline, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Zero Hash to let customers purchase flights with stablecoins as part of the standard booking flow by the end of 2025. The new feature, which makes BermudAir the world’s first airline to offer native stablecoin payments for tickets during online booking on its website and mobile app, will go live by the end of 2025. The collaboration is being showcased today at the inaugural Bermuda Digital Finance Forum, underscoring the event’s focus on empowering local Bermudian businesses through cutting-edge digital finance innovation.

    This partnership will allow BermudAir passengers to natively pay with stablecoins – digital currencies pegged to fiat value – directly on the airline’s website, just as easily as using a credit card. Once live, travelers can select from over a dozen stablecoin options at checkout, enabling seamless payments that settle nearly instantly across borders.

    “By accepting stablecoins, we’re eliminating the friction of currency exchange and foreign transaction fees for our international passengers,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “As Bermuda’s home airline, we are proud to lead the charge in crypto and stablecoin adoption within aviation. Allowing customers to pay for flights with stablecoins isn’t just about embracing the future of travel – it’s about making the experience faster, cheaper, and more inclusive for travelers worldwide.”

    International visitors represent the majority of Bermuda’s 200,000+ annual air arrivals, many of whom currently face 1–3% foreign transaction fees on credit card bookings.12 By offering a direct stablecoin payment option, BermudAir will offer the opportunity to eliminate those costs and deliver a smoother booking experience for its globally diverse clientele. Stablecoin payments also process 24/7, ensuring ticket purchases can be confirmed in minutes without banking delays, a clear win for travelers and tourism operators.

    Zero Hash, the leading crypto, stablecoin and tokenization infrastructure provider, will power the conversion and settlement of these transactions. Zero Hash Worldwide Ltd., which holds a Class F license issued by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) under the Digital Asset Business Act, will enable BermudAir to accept digital dollar payments in a compliant, secure manner.

    Zero Hash views stablecoins as a core Alternative Payment Method (APM) poised for mass adoption in everyday transactions. The numbers support this shift: over the past 24 months, nearly 750 million people have gained access to stablecoins and crypto via a primary account on platforms like Revolut, NuBank, Robinhood, PayPal, Stripe, and Venmo. In just the last 30 days, 29.2 million unique wallets processed 705 million stablecoin transactions – totaling $3.3 trillion in volume.3

    The travel industry is uniquely positioned to lead this adoption – an early mover in loyalty programs, digital wallets, and cross-border innovation, it has a proven track record of embracing financial infrastructure before the mainstream.

    “Zero Hash is thrilled to power this first-of-its-kind stablecoin payment offering in the airline industry,” said Edward Woodford, Founder and CEO of Zero Hash. “This partnership with BermudAir exemplifies the convergence of digital finance innovation. By leveraging our stablecoin payments infrastructure, BermudAir can deliver the seamless payments and global accessibility that customers expect in the future of travel. It’s a shining example of stablecoins making a real-world impact, and we’re excited to help empower Bermudian businesses through compliant, cutting-edge technology.”

    The announcement comes amid a broader movement to onboard Bermudian businesses into digital finance. Bermuda’s government has cultivated a robust regulatory framework for fintech, making the island a hub for crypto adoption and innovation.

    The Bermuda Digital Finance Forum, hosted by Penrose Partners, SALT and The Decentralized AI Society (DAIS), is bringing community leaders together to empower local businesses and residents to leverage digital finance.

    This effort builds on BermudAir’s track record of innovation in digital finance, including a prior issuance of stablecoin bond tokens in partnership with crypto custodian XBTO.

    BermudAir’s stablecoin payment feature will be accessed by booking on flybermudair.com and the airline’s mobile app. Travelers will simply choose the stablecoin payment option during checkout, and Zero Hash will seamlessly handle the crypto-to-fiat settlement in real time. Both companies anticipate that this convenience will appeal to overseas travelers and business flyers, who can avoid exchanging currencies or incurring bank fees by paying directly in digital dollars.

    About Zero Hash
    Zero Hash is the leading infrastructure provider for crypto, stablecoin, and tokenized assets. Its API and embeddable dev-kit enables innovators to easily launch solutions across cross-border payments, commerce, trading, remittance, payroll, tokenization and on/off-ramps.

    Zero Hash powers solutions for some of the largest and innovative companies including Interactive Brokers, Stripe, Shift4, Franklin Templeton, Felix Pago, Kalshi and LightSpark. Zero Hash Holdings is backed by investors, including Point72 Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and NYCA.

    Zero Hash Worldwide Ltd. holds a Class F license issued by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) under the Digital Asset Business Act 2018 of Bermuda.

    Zero Hash Trust Company LLC has been approved by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks as a non-depository trust company.

    Zero Hash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 U.S. jurisdictions. Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. In Canada, Zero Hash LLC is registered as a Money Service Business with FINTRAC.

    Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange Provider, with DCE registered provider number DCE100804170-001. Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered on the New Zealand register of financial service providers, with Financial Service Provider (FSP) number FSP1004503. Zero Hash Europe B.V. is registered as a Virtual Asset Services Provider (VASP) by the Dutch Central Bank (Relation number: R193684). Zero Hash Europe Sp. Zoo is registered as a VASP by the Tax Administration Chamber of Poland in Katowice (Registration number RDWW – 1212).

    Learn more by visiting zerohash.com or following us on X @ZeroHashX

    About BermudAir
    BermudAir is Bermuda’s airline, committed to redefining the travel experience. With a fleet of Embraer E175 and E190 aircraft renowned for exceptional performance and passenger comfort, BermudAir exemplifies its commitment to excellence. Operating convenient flights to and from Westchester Country Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Charleston International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Bradley International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, and Richmond International Airport. BermudAir enhances connectivity to the U.S. East Coast, contributing to the growth and prosperity of Bermuda. BermudAir also operates flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Canada. With a dedication to exceptional service and curated onboard offerings that showcase the island’s renowned hospitality and varied food and beverages available locally, BermudAir provides an unparalleled travel experience. For more information, and to book flights, please visit www.flybermudair.com.

    1gotobermuda 2024 Visitor Arrivals Report
    2bankrate.com
    3Artemis Terminal

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stack Capital Group Inc. Reports Q1-2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stack Capital Group Inc., (“Stack Capital” or the “Company”) (TSX:STCK; TSX:STCK.WT.A) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Stack Capital reports all amounts in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Company Commentary:

    • As at March 31, 2025, Book Value per Share (BVpS) of the Company was $12.06, compared with $12.29 as at December 31, 2024.
    • Stack Capital had its first portfolio investment, CoreWeave (an AI hyper-scaler) go public on March 28, 2025, an exciting milestone for both the Company and CoreWeave. During the quarter, and prior to the IPO, Stack invested an additional US$2.2 million into CoreWeave.
    • As of March 31, 2025, the Company wrote down its investment in CoreWeave by US$2.4 million to reflect its closing price of US$37.08. Since then, however, CoreWeave’s share price has increased to US$53.60 (as of close on May 7, 2025), representing a 45% gain from March 31, 2025, equating to an estimated $0.45 increase to Stack Capital’s BVpS since quarter end. The Company believes that CoreWeave’s share price has the potential to increase over the next several months as it reports its initial quarterly results, announces potential new business deals, and general market sentiment improves with anticipated resolutions to global trade/tariffs and other geo-political issues.
    • During Q1, Shield AI raised US$240 million at a US$5.3 billion valuation, resulting in an increase to the position value within the portfolio. Shield AI also recently announced significant strategic partnerships with both Boeing (March 2025) and Airbus U.S. Space & Defense (April 2025). Shield AI’s Hivemind solution will be used to improve and expand unmanned capabilities across the aerial programs at both companies, serving to further validate Shield AI’s leadership position in AI pilot technology.
    • Following quarter-end, SpaceX received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to increase the number of its Starship launches to 25 times per year, up from 5 times per annum under its previous license. This increase in launch cadence for future Starship test flights is significant and will eventually benefit Starlink (SpaceX’ satellite communications business) through the faster deployment of its next generation satellites, once Starship becomes fully operational.
    • In March, Locus Robotics unveiled its brand new ‘Array’ autonomous mobile robot at LogiMat in Stuttgart, Germany, and at ProMat in Chicago. As the industry’s most advanced AI-powered, zero-touch fulfillment system, Array eliminates 90% of manual labour for picking, putaway, and returns of merchandise within warehouse and third-party logistics facilities. Leveraging the latest advances in AI vision technology, Array delivers ultra-efficient order picking, unmatched cost per pick, along with the unique ability to pick and consolidate multiple orders simultaneously.
    • Following quarter-end, Omio, a leading multi-modal travel booking platform, announced its expansion into Southeast Asia, unlocking over 14,000 bus routes from over 1,800 transportation providers across Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia, adding to its existing flight options in the region. Omio also plans to add ferry and rail services over the coming months and is aiming to be a comprehensive multi-modal travel provider by Q4-2025, in time for peak season of Southeast Asian travel. Following the announcement, the Omio app now unifies transportation across 3 continents and 45 countries.
    • As at March 31, 2025, the Book Value of the Company was $129.7 million, and the Book Value per Share was $12.06. A detailed summary of Book Value per Share is as follows:
    Breakdown of Book Value per Share as at March 31, 2025:  
    SpaceXi(space exploration & satellite communications) $ 2.18  
    Locus Robotics, Inc. (autonomous robots)   1.32  
    Canva, Inc. (graphic design)   1.29  
    Omio, Inc.ii(travel & leisure)   1.11  
    Hopper, Inc. (travel & leisure)   1.07  
    Newfront Insurance, Inc. (insurance & benefits)   1.07  
    Prove Identity, Inc.iii(cyber-security)   1.02  
    CoreWeave, Inc. (AI hyper-scaler)   1.01  
    Bolt Financial, Inc. (e-commerce)   0.50  
    Shield AI, Inc.iv(military defence)   0.39  
    Varo Money, Inc. (neo-banking)   0.13  
    Cash   1.00  
    Net other assets   (0.03 )
    Book Value per Share $ 12.06  

    i the Company is invested in Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SpaceX”) through a Special Purpose Vehicle, Space LP.
    ii the Company invested in shares of GoEuro Corp. which carries on business as Omio.
    iii the fair value of Prove Identity Inc. includes an unrealized deferred gain of $1,021,025
    iv the Company is invested in Shield AI through a Special Purpose Vehicle, Defence AI LP

    About Stack Capital

    Stack Capital is an investment holding company and its business objective is to invest in equity, debt and/or other securities of growth-to-late-stage private businesses. Through Stack Capital, shareholders have the opportunity to gain exposure to a diversified private investment portfolio; participate in the private market; and have liquidity due to the listing of the Common Shares & Warrants on the TSX. At the same time, the public structure also allows the Company to focus its efforts on maximizing long-term performance through a portfolio of high growth businesses, which are not widely available to most Canadian investors. SC Partners Ltd. acts as the Company’s administrator and is responsible to source and advise with respect to all investments for the Company.

    For more information, please visit our website at www.stackcapitalgroup.com or contact:
    Brian Viveiros
    VP, Corporate Development, and Investor Relations
    647.280.3307
    brian@stackcapitalgroup.com

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    This press release may make reference to the following financial measures which are not recognized under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and which do not have a standard meaning prescribed by IFRS:

    • Book Value – the aggregate fair value of the assets of the Company on the referenced date, less the aggregate carrying value of the liabilities, excluding any deferred taxes or unrealized deferred gains or losses if applicable, of the Company; and
    • Book Value per Share (BVpS) – the Book Value on the referenced day divided by the aggregate number of Common Shares that are outstanding on such day.

    The Company’s Book Value and Book Value per Share is a measure of the performance of the Company as a whole. The Company’s method of determining this financial measure may differ from other issuers’ methods and, accordingly, this amount may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. This financial measure is not a performance measure as defined under IFRS and should not be considered either in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings per share prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release contains forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as “proposed”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will”, and similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained or referred to in this press release includes but may not be limited to the business of Stack Capital and the risks associated therewith, including those identified in the Annual Information Filing under the heading “Risk Factors”.

    Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Stack Capital believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because Stack Capital can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the ability to capitalize on investment opportunities. The forward-looking information in this press release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of Stack Capital based on information currently available to Stack Capital.

    Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Stack Capital disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Egyptian air forces complete joint exercises in Egypt

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — China’s Air Force sent aircraft including J-10C, KJ-500 and YY-20 to participate in a recent joint exercise with the Egyptian army at an Egyptian air base, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said Thursday.

    From April 17 to May 4, 2025, the air forces of the two countries held the first joint exercise, codenamed “Eagles of Civilization-2025,” Zhang Xiaogang informed the media.

    According to him, this is the first time that China has sent a group of military personnel to Africa to participate in joint exercises.

    During the exercise, the two sides conducted training in disciplines such as air superiority operations, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), battlefield search and rescue and combined forces, Zhang Xiaogang said, adding that discussions and exchanges of views on training models, air combat tactics and air refueling were also held.

    The joint exercise enhanced the tactical and technical capabilities of the troops participating in the exercise and strengthened the friendship, mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two armies, and effectively tested the PLA’s long-range force projection, rapid deployment and systemic operations capabilities, Zhang Xiaogang stressed. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis Lease Finance Corporation Moves its Consultancy and Advisory Arm to Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COCONUT CREEK, Fla., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, today announced it has entered into an agreement to sell Bridgend Asset Management Limited, the consultancy and advisory arm of WLFC, to Willis Mitsui & Co. Engine Support Limited (“WMES”), its longstanding joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd (“Mitsui”). This strategic move reflects WLFC’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with its partners and enhancing this joint venture’s capabilities in aviation services. Together, WLFC and Mitsui will focus on significantly expanding WMES’s services offerings and aviation asset portfolio. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

    Established in 2011 and headquartered in Dublin, WMES currently owns and manages assets totaling approximately $360 million. The integration of WLFC’s technical consultancy and record management services will further expand the joint venture’s service offerings, leveraging the combined expertise, global reach and operational efficiencies of both partners. As a 50% owner of WMES, WLFC plans to continue utilizing WMES for its services and to leverage synergistic benefits.

    “We think this transaction is a real win for our shareholders,” said Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer of WLFC. “Not only does the expansion of WMES allow for a premium return on equity when considering earnings plus fees, but the transaction itself unlocks fresh capital that can be reinvested to accelerate WLFC’s portfolio growth.

    “We see tremendous opportunity in the commercial aviation space, and this transaction provides us the substance to drive growth for our global platform,” said Yuichi Nagata, General Manager of Aerospace Business Division of Mitsui & Co. “This transaction will continue to strengthen Mitsui’s and WLFC’s long-term relationship.”

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services. Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.

    Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

     CONTACT: Lynn Mailliard Kohler
      Director, Global Corporate Communications
      (415) 328-4798

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Philippines should stop offending China’s core interests in any form: Defense Spokesperson 2025-05-08 17:58:59 “We sternly warn the Philippine side to cease its infringements and provocations, and stop offending China’s core interests in any form,” said Chinese defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang at a press brief on Thursday.

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

      BEIJING, May 8 –“We sternly warn the Philippine side to cease its infringements and provocations,  and stop offending China’s core interests in any form,” said Chinese defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang at a press brief on Thursday.

      It is reported that during the Philippines-US “Balikatan” exercise, the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong appeared in the waters to the north of the Philippines. Some analysts believe this might be a response to the Philippines-US military exercise, or to the Philippine patrol vessel’s entering into the waters near Huangyan Dao. Furthermore, the Philippine Navy spokesperson claimed that the Philippine military and the troops in Taiwan are only one step away from holding joint exercise.

      In response to a related query, Snr. Col. Zhang Xiaogang said that the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was conducting its annual training mission in relevant waters to further test and enhance the integrated combat capabilities of the carrier task group. It is in accordance with international law and common practice, and is not directed at any specific country or target.

      The spokesperson pointed out that certain individuals in the Philippines are colluding with external forces, such as the US, to “stir up the sea” for selfish gains, undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea region. They even attempt to play with fire on the Taiwan question.

      “We sternly warn the Philippine side to cease its infringements and provocations, and stop offending China’s core interests in any form. China will continue to take resolute and forceful measures to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” said Snr. Col. Zhang Xiaogang.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 27th China Beijing International High-Tech Expo kicks off

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

    The 27th China Beijing International High-Tech Expo opened Thursday at the National Convention Center and will run through May 11. 

    This year’s event features over 600 new products across six themed exhibition zones of information technology, smart manufacturing, healthcare, green development, the digital economy, and regional innovation. 

    More than 800 enterprises and organizations from home and abroad are participating, with the total exhibition area reaching about 50,000 square meters – more than doubled that of last year. 

    International exhibitors from countries including Russia, France, Japan, the U.S., and ASEAN nations occupy over 3,000 square meters, according to a Beijing municipal official responsible for promoting international trade. 

    Headline exhibits include China’s first 1,000-qubit coherent optical quantum computer, capable of accelerating tasks like drug discovery; AI-powered orthopedic surgical robots already in clinical use at over 100 hospitals; wall-climbing robots for infrastructure inspections; and a new generation of humanoid robots. 

    The expo also showcases key breakthroughs driving emerging industries. Highlights include a domestically developed fuel cell air compressor that lowers hydrogen fuel costs, a turboshaft engine built for unmanned helicopters and eVTOL aircraft, and the first bioengineered heart valve product developed specifically for infants.

    In parallel with the exhibition, a series of trade and investment promotion events are being held, covering themes such as international investment, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei trade cooperation, and international business law.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia launches Aurelis Optical LAN, a future-ready fiber solution for in-building enterprise connectivity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia launches Aurelis Optical LAN, a future-ready fiber solution for in-building enterprise connectivity

    • Nokia Aurelis Optical LAN is a next generation, fiber-based solution purpose-built to deliver simple, reliable and future-proof LAN connectivity for enterprises.
    • Optical LAN uses up to 70% less cabling and 40%* less power than copper-based technologies, with fiber lasting 50+ years – enabling up to 50% savings in TCO.
    • Nokia´s optical LAN technology is already adopted by 700 hotels, hospitals, university campuses, and airports worldwide.

    8 May 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced the launch of Aurelis Optical LAN, its next-generation fiber-based LAN solution developed to meet the evolving demands of enterprise connectivity. Designed as a future-ready solution, it brings fiber’s unmatched longevity, performance and efficiency to in-building and campus environments.

    Optical LAN offers a significant leap forward, requiring up to 70% less cabling and 40% less power compared to traditional copper-based LAN networks. With a lifespan of more than 50 years, Optical LAN delivers up to 50% reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

    Nokia’s Aurelis Optical LAN is built for simplicity, reliability and long-term performance. Supporting current speeds of 1Gb/s, 10Gb/s and 25Gb/s with a clear upgrade path to 50Gb/s and 100Gb/s, Aurelis Optical LAN ensures enterprises are ready for what’s next. Open APIs allow seamless integration with existing enterprise environments while advanced automation features help to simplify and streamline operations. Six-nines availability and robust security ensure it can deliver fast and seamless LAN connectivity, essential for Wi-Fi 7 and other high-bandwidth applications.  

    With over 700 installations across hotels, university campuses, airports, hospitals and more, Nokia’s Optical LAN technology is already helping organizations around the globe stay ahead in an evolving digital world.

    “Deploying Optical LAN across our campus was a strategic move to modernize connectivity across multiple buildings. It gives us a reliable, high-performance backbone for Wi-Fi, printers, and all our office endpoints—while significantly lowering power and cabling needs. The fiber-based infrastructure supports our long-term vision for a more efficient, future-ready network,” said Daniel Schach, Head of OT-Infrastructure at FairNetz GmbH

    “Aurelis Optical LAN delivers the simplicity, reliability, and scalability enterprises need to succeed in a digital-first world. With a 50+ year lifespan, fiber infrastructure ensures you’re ready for whatever comes next—without the disruption and cost of constant upgrades. Optical LAN gives enterprises a future-proof foundation for connectivity, at a dramatically lower total cost,” said Geert Heyninck, General Manager of Broadband Networks at Nokia.

    Multimedia, technical information and related news 
    Product Page: Nokia Aurelis Optical LAN solution

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. 

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: 31 civilians killed, 57 injured in Indian attack, border clash with Pakistan: Official

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

    Thirty-one people were killed and 57 others injured in an Indian attack on Pakistani territory and subsequent exchange of fire between Pakistani and Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border that divides the disputed region of Kashmir, a spokesperson for the Pakistani army’s media wing said on Wednesday.

    India carried out large-scale “ceasefire violations” in border areas throughout the day on Wednesday, following attacks on houses and mosques that targeted civilians in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and the eastern Punjab province during Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, told the media during a briefing.

    He stated that Pakistan responded effectively by targeting an Indian brigade headquarters, a battalion headquarters, and multiple military posts across the LoC in the Kashmir region, and along the working boundary between Pakistan’s Punjab and India-controlled Kashmir during the day-long exchange of fire.

    The ISPR chief said that Indian jet fighters struck six locations within Pakistani territory, but the Pakistani Air Force responded by shooting down five Indian fighter jets with precision.

    In addition, the Pakistani army shot down seven Indian spy and combat drones and captured two more using advanced technology, he added.

    “We were well-prepared. Pakistan did not suffer any combat casualties during the exchange of fire, and the Air Force did not lose any aircraft or assets in the strikes,” he said.

    India had accused Pakistan of hosting terrorist camps, but after Pakistan invited both local and foreign media to inspect the alleged sites, India launched a surprise night-time attack on those locations, he added.

    Pakistan reserves the right to respond in self-defense at a time of its choosing, he said, adding that the country’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness.

    While Pakistan seeks regional stability, it will not hesitate to act decisively if provoked, Chaudhry said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Secretary Wright Testifies Before House Appropriations Subcommittee on FY2026 Budget Request

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright testified today before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, outlining the Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.

    The FY2026 Budget reflects President Trump’s directive to unleash American energy, eliminate wasteful spending and refocus the Department on its core mission. It brings non-defense discretionary spending to its leanest level since 2017 and eliminates over $15 billion in Green New Scam funding that supports more expensive, less reliable energy sources. For more details, view the budget toplines here.

    Secretary Wright’s opening remarks:

    Chairman Fleischmann, Ranking Member Kaptur, and Members of the Committee, it is an honor to appear before you and this Committee today to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget request for the Department of Energy.

    I’m especially honored to be at my first hearing before you as U.S. Secretary of Energy. I want to commend this Committee for its longstanding commitment to energy policy and to the mission of the Department of Energy.

    Energy is the backbone of civilization. It is the essential catalyst of human progress— enabling everything that we do, from the lights in our home, the process heat in our factories and the innovation in our national laboratories. I’ve dedicated my life to increasing access to energy, and I’m thrilled to carry my work forward at the Department of Energy at this pivotal moment in our history.

    My priorities for the Department are clear — to unleash a golden era of American energy dominance, strengthen our national security, and lead the world in innovation. A reliable and abundant energy supply is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation– it drives our economy, safeguards our freedoms and fuels breakthroughs that improve our lives. When America leads in energy, we lead in prosperity, security and human flourishing.

    Achieving this vision means fully leveraging the resources that have powered our country for generations. The United States is blessed with the abundance of coal, oil, and natural gas, and the Trump administration is committed to using them to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy for the American people.

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

    The President’s FY2026 budget will ensure taxpayer resources are allocated appropriately and cost-effectively. This budget will return DOE to its core mission of advancing energy innovation and global competitiveness through research and development. We will invest DOE’s resources in sources and technologies that support affordable, reliable, and secure energy and provide a return on investment for the American taxpayers.

    Just last week, the Trump administration celebrated its 100th day in office, and the Department of Energy has been hard at work to deliver on these goals of unleashing energy expansion while improving operational efficiency. I am proud to report that we have officially ended the previous administration’s reckless pause on LNG export permits and returned DOE to regular order for reviewing and approving new permits. Since January, the Department has approved applications for projects that will export more than 9.5 billion cubic feet per day of LNG, adding nearly as much incremental capacity as the world’s leading LNG exporting countries.

    We are advancing President Trump’s pledge to lower the cost of living and expand consumer choice for all Americans by rightsizing DOE’s regulatory approach to home efficiency standards. This ensures that the American people can choose which appliances work best for their homes and budgets.

    While we actively work to strengthen America’s role as the world’s leader in oil and natural gas production and lower costs for all Americans, we are also taking steps to accelerate innovation in the commercial nuclear development. America must lead the commercialization of affordable and abundant nuclear energy. DOE is working to advance the rapid deployment and export of next-generation nuclear technology, including small modular reactors. Small modular reactors will provide reliable power for our Nation’s growing energy demands, with the added benefits of flexible deployment due to their compact size and modular design.

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

    We also need to unleash American energy innovation, and the National Labs are the engine that drives research and development to further this aim. When it comes to our National Labs, we are capable of doing more with less. We can both increase efficiency and drive innovation. We will prioritize research that supports true technological breakthroughs, such as nuclear fusion, high-performance computing, quantum computing, and AI, which will maintain America’s global competitiveness.

    AI is the next Manhattan Project. AI technology will define the future of the world, and it is essential that the U.S. leads in the development of this technology. DOE has a significant role to play in driving AI innovation for scientific discovery, energy innovation, and national security. Our agency has the world-class high-performance computing capabilities that enable fast and efficient AI research and development, including four of the world’s top ten supercomputers. We need all energy sources to power the global AI race and meet growing energy demand while also ensuring the security of the grid.

    America doesn’t back down from big challenges or big builds. If we want abundant, affordable, and secure energy, we must invest in the transmission, generation, and innovation that get us there. We are working to accelerate projects through permitting reform. We need to break ground faster with streamlined permitting, standardized designs, and public-private partnerships to build at the speed of national need.

    DOE will also work to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The SPR is a national asset that protects our security in times of crisis. The last administration’s politically motivated depletion of 180 million barrels has significantly degraded SPR infrastructure, brought storage levels to historic lows, and weakened America’s ability to respond to new geopolitical oil market shocks.

    As Secretary of Energy, I am honored by the responsibility to help meet the American people’s growing energy needs and lead the world in energy development. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before this subcommittee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 15 killed, over 50 wounded in India, Pakistan Kashmir clashes

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

    Indian paramilitary troopers inquire a motorcyclist at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At least 15 civilians were killed and over 50 others wounded Wednesday in clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, local media reported.

    The clashes started shortly after the Indian military carried out airstrikes inside Pakistan and the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir during the early hours on Wednesday.

    According to state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR), 15 civilians were killed after Pakistani troops initiated artillery firing in frontier districts.

    Officials said all the deaths were reported from the worst-hit Poonch district, 185 km southwest of Srinagar city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Forty people were also wounded and dozens of houses and vehicles were damaged.

    Apart from this, 10 people, including five minor children, were wounded in cross-border shelling in the Uri sector of Baramulla district, while three others were wounded in Rajouri district.

    Indian army officials said they were effectively responding to the shelling and firing from the Pakistani side.

    Wednesday marks the 13th straight day of ceasefire violations on the LoC, according to the Indian side.

    The Pakistani army said that 26 people, including women and children, were killed and 46 others injured when India attacked civilian settlements in six areas of Pakistan on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. In a retaliatory move, Pakistan Air Force shot down five Indian fighter jets, said an army official.

    Indian media reported that three unidentified aircraft, two in Indian-controlled Kashmir and one in Punjab, were found crashed. So far, there are no official comments on the crashes.

    Reports said over 200 flights were cancelled and 25 airports temporarily shut down across northern and western India on Wednesday due to the prevailing situation.

    Meanwhile, mock drill exercises were conducted in several parts of India to evaluate civil defence preparedness. This was the first nationwide exercise at such a scale in the past several decades, according to media reports.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China, Russia find right path of state-to-state interactions between neighboring major countries 2025-05-08 03:06:31 Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Wednesday that China and Russia have found a right path of state-to-state interactions between neighboring major countries.

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

    Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow, Russia, May 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

    MOSCOW, May 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Wednesday that China and Russia have found a right path of state-to-state interactions between neighboring major countries.

    He made the remarks in a written statement upon his arrival in Moscow for a state visit to the country and attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    Xi noted that the two sides, as good neighbors that cannot be moved away, true friends who share weal and woe, and good partners of mutual achievement, have forged a spirit of strategic coordination for a new era, which features permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    The independent, mature and resilient bilateral relationship, Xi said, not only brings great benefits to the two peoples, but also makes important contributions to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, he noted.

    China and Russia, both major countries of the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, will join hands to safeguard the victorious outcome of World War II, firmly safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism, and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, Xi said.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow, Russia, May 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)

    The Chinese president also said that during the visit he will have in-depth communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral relations, practical cooperation as well as major international and regional issues of common concern, which will inject strong impetus into the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

    Noting that he will attend Russia’s May 9th Victory Day celebrations again after a decade, Xi said he looks forward to working with leaders of other countries and the Russian people to deeply commemorate the martyrs who heroically sacrificed their lives for the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, and send out a strong voice of the times to safeguard international fairness and justice.

    Xi’s plane was escorted by Russian Air Force aircraft after it entered the country’s airspace.

    When Xi arrived at the Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, he was warmly welcomed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and other senior government officials.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Direct international air route between Hainan and London officially launched

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HAIKOU, May 8 (Xinhua) — A new direct air route connecting Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province, and London in the United Kingdom was launched on Wednesday.

    The round trip routes will be operated by Hainan Airlines using a wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft once a week on Wednesdays.

    Flight HU7911 will depart Haikou Meilan International Airport at 13:45 Beijing Time and arrive at London Heathrow Airport at 19:30 local time on the same day. The return flight HU7912 will depart London at 22:00 local time and arrive in Haikou at 16:55 Beijing Time on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, the Meilan Airport Authority also said it plans to increase the frequency of flights between Haikou and Kuala Lumpur, as well as between Haikou and Hong Kong SAR, to make the international and regional air network denser.

    These efforts are aimed at accelerating the development of Meilan Airport into a regional aviation hub for the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, and promoting the establishment of an international tourism and consumption center on the island. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –