Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Krishnamoorthi and Oversight Democrats Call on HHS Secretary RFK Jr. to Stop Purge of FDA Staff, Warn of Dangers from Potential Contaminated Food Outbreaks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined his colleagues on the House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform in urging Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to stop his dangerous purge of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) staff. In the letter to the secretary, Congressman Krishnamoorthi raised the concern of increased outbreaks and more contaminated food and foodborne illness if President Donald Trump and his administration continue their mass firings of staff and threats to the agency’s funding. Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services, was joined on the letter by Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Ranking Member of the full Oversight Committee, and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Military and Foreign Affairs.

    “We write with concern that the Trump Administration’s decision to fire thousands of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) staff will cause rampant outbreaks of foodborne illness and make food products less safe for consumers. Staff reductions like those championed by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk will undermine FDA’s ability to ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply,” the Members wrote. “We request information pertaining to the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate FDA staff responsible for monitoring the safety of our food supply and preventing foodborne illness.” 

    On March 24, 2025, HHS announced plans to purge 3,500 people from FDA, a 20% cut to the agency’s workforce. These dramatic cuts include more than 170 FDA staff from the Office of Inspections and Investigations, despite the fact that food safety programs at FDA have been chronically underfunded for decades.  

    In 2024, FDA employed only 443 food safety inspectors to inspect every food processing facility in its jurisdiction—far short of the 1,500 inspectors the agency estimates it would need to inspect 36,600 food facilities in the United States and abroad.   

    “We urge you to halt all further cuts to FDA personnel. FDA workers protect the safety of our food and ensure that companies do not profit from lax oversight at the expense of American consumers. FDA should continue to use every tool in its arsenal to protect our most vulnerable. Cutting food safety personnel when foodborne illnesses are on the rise directly contradicts the agency’s mission of protecting public health,” the Members concluded. 

    The Members requested that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. provide documents and information by April 22, 2025.

    Click here to read the letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Surge In Global Defense Budgets Having Significant Impact On The Global Military (UAS) Drone Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global unmanned aerial system (UAS) military drones market has been rising steadily over the past years and it is projected to continue substantially into the next decade at least. A recent report from one such industry insider said that the surge in global defense budgets has had a significant impact on the global market. As political tensions rise worldwide, nations are investing in cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to bolster their defense and security capabilities. Increased defense expenditure has allowed countries like the United States, China, and other NATO members to allocate substantial funds to advanced drone programs, enhancing surveillance, supporting combat missions, and improving autonomous drone features.  Geopolitical tensions, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, are driving a significant demand for military drones. As nations seek to strengthen their surveillance, intelligence, and tactical capabilities, military drones have become integral to modern defense strategies.  Active companies in the markets this week include: Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).

    The report continued: “North America, with the United States leading the charge, dominates the military drone market. This leadership is driven by significant investments in advanced military technologies, a strong defense budget, and the presence of key industry players like General Atomics and Northrop Grumman. The U.S. military continues to strengthen its drone capabilities, emphasizing the development of state-of-the-art systems for a range of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Moreover, the country is strategically investing in autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, ensuring its drones remain at the forefront of modern warfare and maintain a technological edge on the global stage… The U.S. military remains the largest operator of drones… These drones play a vital role in a wide range of operations, including reconnaissance, surveillance, combat, and logistics.”

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) and SafeLane Global Enter into Multi-Year Agreement with Draganfly as the Preferred Global Provider of Landmine Mapping Drones and Aerial Survey Services – First Ukraine Landmine Aerial Survey Contract Underway Draganfly Inc. (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced that it has been selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider.

    SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist in explosive threat mitigation, is one of only two private organizations licensed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to conduct landmine and explosive ordnance clearance operations in Ukraine. With over 30 years of experience across more than 60 countries, SafeLane supports governments, humanitarian organizations, and commercial clients in the clearance and disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive remnants of war (ERW), both on land and underwater.

    Under the agreement, Draganfly will provide advanced drone solutions, including UAVs, specialized sensors, and data analysis services, to support SafeLane’s global mine action initiatives. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments.

    “We are honored to be selected as SafeLane’s UAS partner,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “This partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage Draganfly’s technology to support critical humanitarian and defense efforts. Together, we will work to deliver scalable, innovative solutions for global landmine action.”

    The companies will co-develop joint intellectual property and standard operating procedures tailored for aerial mine detection and clearance. SafeLane will lead proposal submissions and operational deployment, while Draganfly will provide technology, mission planning, piloting, and survey analysis.

    According to the Landmine Monitor 2023, more than 60 million landmines remain buried across over 60 countries, posing a persistent threat to civilians, especially children, who account for nearly half of the casualties. Ukraine is currently one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world.

    “Draganfly’s drone-based technology will significantly increase the safety and efficiency of our operations,” said Asa Gilbert, Director of Business Development at SafeLane. “This partnership is a critical step in helping communities recover from the legacy of conflict.”

    The collaboration further positions Draganfly as a key player in the defense and humanitarian sectors, supporting efforts to create safer environments in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.  CONTINUED Read this full press release and more news for Draganfly at:  https://draganfly.com/news/

    Other recent developments in the defense/military industries of note include:

    Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), a drone and drone components manufacturer, recently announced it filed its Form 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and provided the following letter to its shareholders from CEO Allan Evans.  Dear Shareholders,  This shareholder letter follows the completion of our fiscal year 2024. This is our first year being public. It has been an excellent fourth quarter and an incredible year. We continue to see great interest in the company and receive questions from shareholders. We would like to take this opportunity to provide context and deeper insights into our operations and what these represent for Unusual Machines’ future.

    Unusual Machines revenue for the fourth quarter revenue was over $2.0 million which represents a sequentially quarter over quarter increase of approximately 31%. This is our best revenue quarter of all time (again) and was done while improving gross margins slightly to 28%. With the launch of our Blue Framework products, approximately 15% of our Q4 revenue was from enterprise sales. Our total revenue of $5.65M for FY2024 exceeded our target of $5M for 2024 by 13%. This growth was achieved without customer concentration as no single customer represented more than 5% of our total revenue for 2024.

    Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, recently announced the groundbreaking of Kratos’ Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility (IPIF) in Crane, Indiana. This state-of-the-art 68,000-square-foot office, laboratory, integration and test complex will support critical hypersonic vehicle and payload activities and systems for the Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Testbed (MACH-TB) program. The project demonstrates Kratos’ commitment to advancing hypersonic system payload integration and test capabilities and expanding crucial infrastructure needed to accelerate the time to Mach 5+ flight testing.

    Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said: “The Kratos Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility represents a strategic investment in our Nation’s hypersonic infrastructure, workforce and capabilities. Kratos is committed to achieving, if not exceeding, the MACH-TB program’s primary goals, which include, increasing the cadence of flight tests and to mature and qualify advanced hypersonic technologies. Kratos’ IPIF will provide a vital commercial launch vehicle environmental test and assembly capability to supplement existing DoD and NASA facilities.”

    Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently announced that it will webcast live its first quarter 2025 earnings results conference call (listen-only mode) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET.  James Taiclet, chairman, president and CEO; Jay Malave, chief financial officer; and Maria Ricciardone, vice president, Treasurer and Investor Relations, will discuss first quarter 2025 results, provide updates on key topics and answer questions.  First quarter 2025 results will be published prior to the market opening on April 22.

    The live webcast will be available at www.lockheedmartin.com/investor and the accompanying presentation slides and relevant financial charts will also be available on the same website prior to market open.

    An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available through Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at www.lockheedmartin.com/investor, and a podcast will be available here.

    General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), recently announced that it has expanded its technology partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) through a new Strategic Collaboration Agreement to drive digital modernization, deliver efficiencies and advance government missions.

    GDIT and AWS will collaborate to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud migration and modernization solutions to accelerate digital transformation for defense, intelligence and civilian agencies. Government agencies will benefit from AWS’s cloud computing environment, widely considered to be one of the most secure available today, to support their unique missions. GDIT will leverage its research and development labs to collaborate with AWS on emerging technologies such as quantum, edge computing and high-performance computing.

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: Texas National Guard boat teams provide border security on the Rio Grande

    Source: US National Guard (video statements)

    Texas Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force East, Transportation Company, Boat Platoon, patrol the Rio Grande near McAllen, Texas, as part of Operation Lone Star, March 21-22, 2025. The boat crews conduct day and night operations and aim to deter illegal border crossings and support state and federal law enforcement partners. These operations highlight interagency collaboration and security measures in support of border security. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. 1st Class Christy Sherman)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQR-9cRCffQ

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons and Moran, Reps. Pingree and Lawler introduce NO TIME TO Waste Act to combat American food loss and waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) reintroduced today the bipartisan, bicameral New Opportunities for Technological Innovation, Mitigation, and Education To Overcome Waste, or NO TIME TO Waste Act. The bill would reduce food loss and waste in the United States in an effort to increase food security, foster productivity, promote resource and energy conservation, and address climate change. This reintroduction comes during National Food Waste Prevention Week (April 7-13) to raise awareness around the issue of food waste and highlight bipartisan opportunities to find solutions.
    “Food waste exacerbates hunger, pollutes the environment, and undercuts our economy,” said Senator Coons. “As we celebrate National Food Waste Prevention Week, I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill that takes commonsense steps to tackle food waste. Together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve health outcomes, and ensure food reaches the communities across Delaware and the nation who need it most.”
    “Kansas is the breadbasket of the country, helping feed the nation and the world,” said Senator Moran. “However, nearly 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. goes to waste while many Americans face hunger and food shortages. This legislation would require collaboration between agencies to help cut food waste and support partnerships to feed those in need.”
    “With food insecurity on the rise across the country and the cost of groceries continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever that we develop whole-of-government solutions and strategies to prevent food loss and waste, encourage greater food recovery, and ensure that no one in this country goes hungry. This bill is a big step in the right direction,” said Congresswoman Pingree, co-founder of the bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus and member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Our NO TIME TO Waste Act would strengthen the federal government’s approach to food loss by tackling waste in every step of our food system—from prevention research to composting and education programs. Food waste isn’t just an economic or environmental issue; it’s a moral one—and it’s long past time that we address it.”
    “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Pingree and Senators Coons and Moran in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral NO TIME TO Waste Act to cut food waste and fight hunger. From Rockland to Putnam to Westchester, I’ve seen local food banks and community groups doing incredible work—and this bill gives them the tools, funding, and federal support they need to do even more,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17).
    Each year, 30 to 40% of the U.S. food supply is lost or wasted—133 billion pounds. Meanwhile, 47 million Americans go hungry, including 7 million children, often in rural communities. In the United States, food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, generating methane gas as it decomposes, a greenhouse gas approximately 28% more potent than carbon dioxide. In response, the United States committed in the 2018 Farm Bill to cut food loss and waste (FLW) in half by the year 2030 through the U.S. 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal, the first-ever domestic goal to reduce FLW.
    Specifically, the NO TIME TO Waste Act would: 
    Improve federal coordination by formally authorizing the existence of collaboration between the USDA, EPA, and FDA to reduce FLW by 50% by 2030
    Establish an Office of Food Loss and Waste at USDA to support the role of the Food Loss and Waste Liaison, strengthen research on FLW and new technologies, and quantify the impact of current FLW policies on greenhouse gas emissions
    Strengthen current USDA research programs to include FLW as part of their priorities and support states’ efforts to assist local food recovery infrastructure and coordination
    Launch a national public awareness and education campaign to educate households on practical ways to reduce waste at home, the impacts of FLW, methods for preserving and storing foods, tips for identifying whether food is still safe and edible, and developing educational materials
    The NO TIME TO Waste Act is endorsed by the Zero Food Waste Coalition (Natural Resources Defense Council, Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, World Wildlife Fund, ReFED), Upcycled Food Association, Plastic Free Delaware/Zero Waste First State, and Health Care Without Harm.
    “Food waste is a systemwide problem that requires systemwide action to solve, said Renee Albrecht, Co-Chair Federal Working Group, Zero Food Waste Coalition. “The bipartisan NO TIME TO Waste Act provides commonsense solutions to tackle waste throughout the food system and deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.” 
    “With the massive scale of wasted food comes tremendous opportunity for transformative bipartisan food systems change,” said Amanda Oenbring, CEO, Upcycled Food Association. “EPA’s Food Waste Scale identifies upcycling as a ‘most-preferred’ pathway alongside donation to managing wasted food because it displaces the need for additional food production while ensuring food reaches its highest and best use in the human food system. The NO TIME TO Waste Act will increase collaboration support for the entrepreneurs and innovators rescuing nutrition from half of food surplus that is excess and byproducts while educating consumers about the value these ingredients and products bring to our tables. In doing so we can scale efforts to stop food waste and realize greater social, economic and environmental benefits across the US and beyond.”
    “Plastic Free Delaware (aka Zero Waste First State) applauds our Delaware Senator Coons, and Senator Moran, for pursuing the goals inherent in the NO TIME TO Waste Act,” said Dee Durham, Plastic Free Delaware/Zero Waste First State. “The Act would bolster our efforts on the ground in Delaware to reduce food waste and divert organics from Delaware’s landfills, saving Delawareans money, conserving resources, and reducing emissions of methane which is a significant climate change component.”
    A one-pager is available here. 
    You can read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy Task Force 70, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 join Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for bilateral training after memorandum signing

    Source: United States Navy

    PHILIPPINE SEA – The U.S. Navy’s expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131, operating under Task Force 70, joined surface and air forces from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for bilateral training south of Okinawa, Japan, on April 3, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood concludes his visit to Tunisia

    Source: NATO

    NATO’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Mr Javier Colomina, travelled to Tunis on 7-8 April 2025. This was his first visit to Tunisia in his new capacity. He met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti, the Minister of National Defence Khaled Sehili, and the National Security Advisor to the President of the Tunisian Republic Abderraouf Atallah, to discuss NATO’s relations with Tunisia, and exchange views on regional security issues.

    Special Representative Colomina highlighted the long-term importance of the committed partnership between NATO and Tunisia, notably in the context of current regional security challenges, including developments in the Sahel region. Taking stock of the cooperation to date, Special Representative Colomina and the Tunisian authorities discussed opportunities to further deepen political dialogue and enhance practical cooperation, on the basis of NATO’s strengthened approach to the southern neighbourhood, approved at the NATO Summit in Washington, in July 2024. Noting the links between regional and global security, the NATO Special Representative said: “Strengthening our partnership is of great value for both NATO and Tunisia. The challenges we face are global and interconnected; we can better address them and ensure stability through international cooperation.” 

    “Tunisia is one of the most ambitious partners within the Mediterranean Dialogue and we value the country’s active involvement. Under the Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Package, NATO and Tunisia are deepening their cooperation,” he added. The DCB package includes important initiatives on defence and security, fostering interoperability with NATO and enabling cooperation  in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, countering-improvised explosive devices, women peace and security, building integrity and defence against chemical and biological agents. Tunisia is also enhancing its role as a regional capacity-building hub and contributes greatly to regional stability, including through military education programmes supported by NATO and open to African countries.

    Tunisia joined the Mediterranean Dialogue in 1995. This NATO partnership framework aims to contribute to regional security and stability in the Mediterranean through political dialogue and practical cooperation.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Despite Volatility in the Markets Global Drone Market Is Expected to Achieve Remarkable Growth as Usage Skyrockets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Manufactures are projected to see increased manufacturing and sales in the global drone market for the coming several years. Rapid advancements in drone technology are significantly contributing to the drones market growth. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and improved sensor technology have enhanced the capabilities of drones, enabling them to perform more complex tasks with greater precision and efficiency. The integration of AI and ML, for instance, allows drones to analyze data in real-time, optimize flight paths, and make autonomous decisions. Furthermore, advancements in battery technology and propulsion systems have improved the endurance and range of drones, allowing them to operate for longer periods and cover greater distances. With the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly drones, market players are focusing on delivering drones with enhanced payload capacities, durability, and flight times. A report from Research And Markets said that the global drones market size aided by the increasing adoption of drones across various sectors, including agriculture, defense, logistics, and entertainment, the market is projected to continue to grow at a CAGR of 22.4% through 2032 to reach a value of USD 244.95 billion by 2032.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA).

    The report said: “As per the global drones market analysis, the increasing interest in urban air mobility (UAM) and the potential for passenger drones and air taxis represent a transformative opportunity for the transportation sector. Several companies and startups are already developing drone-based urban transport solutions, which could redefine urban mobility and create new market segments in the coming years. In conclusion, the global drones market value is set to increase in the coming years, driven by advancements in technology, expanding applications, and increasing demand across a wide range of sectors. Despite facing regulatory challenges and high costs, the market is set to witness robust expansion as drones become an integral part of modern industries, from agriculture to logistics to entertainment. By 2032, the market is expected to achieve remarkable growth, providing numerous opportunities for innovation, investment, and development across the globe.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Closes Miller Land Surveying Corporation, a Third Southeast Acquisition and a Fourth Nationally for the Drone as Service (DaaS) Rollout – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces the closing of its acquisition of Miller Land Surveying Corporation (“Miller”) of Lake Worth, Florida, a land survey and mapping company with a 40 year history and deep portfolio of business customers in the Palm Beach County area of South Florida.

    This is ZenaTech’s third acquisition in the Southeast region as part of a larger national roll-up strategy to disrupt the land survey industry by accelerating the use of drones for their speed and accuracy benefits. The acquisition also furthers the Company’s national Drone as a Service, or DaaS, business rollout as the fourth US acquisition.

    “Miller Land Surveying brings a wealth of experience and customer relationships as a second-generation company known across Palm Beach County for quality land surveys and mapping. Their pioneering team is well suited to helping us bring drone innovation to premium residential and business land surveys. This acquisition is another step towards our vision to create a national DaaS business, bringing AI drone efficiencies and precision to a variety of legacy business verticals and manual tasks,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    ZenaTech’s DaaS business will incorporate the ZenaDrone 1000 and the IQ series of multifunction autonomous drones to provide a variety of service solutions from land surveys to power line inspections or power washing, made accessible and cost effective through an Uber-like business model on a regular subscription or pay-per-use basis. Customers can conveniently access drones for eliminating manual or time-consuming tasks achieving superior results, such as for surveying, inspections, security and law enforcement, or precision farming applications, without having to buy, operate, or maintain the drones themselves.

    The DaaS business model offers customers such as government agencies, real estate developers, construction firms, farmers or energy companies reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, as well as convenience, as there is no need to manage maintenance and operation. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and enables access to advanced drone technology sensors or attachments like spraying, without the need for specialized training.

    Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, designing, and executing of roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Domestic Manufacturing for US Commercial Customers and US Defense Without Needing to Increase Prices – ZenaTech, Inc. (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, today provides an update on its US-based ZenaDrone subsidiary’s expansion plans for “Made in America” manufacturing in light of the recent expanded tariffs announced by the current US Administration. ZenaTech maintains its commitment to domestic manufacturing for US defense drone solutions, including strategic local investments and military-compliant supply chains. ZenaDrone will now move some of its commercial drone production for US commercial customers to Arizona, meaning no need to increase prices for customers to offset tariff costs.

    ZenaDrone’s headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona, which includes sales, administration, research and development, and aerial testing operations. The company plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities over the next two months to produce drones for US commercial customers in addition to planned production for the US military. This expansion will include up to 2,000 additional square feet of production space. This will be the second global manufacturing facility; the company currently has development and production facilities for the ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drones at its 10,000-square-foot facility in Sharjah, UAE.

    In response to the evolving trade landscape, ZenaTech also expects that the expansion of its Phoenix-based manufacturing facility will bring over 150 new jobs to the region by the end of 2026.

    “While tariffs can be challenging, they also reveal which companies are truly agile. ZenaTech has always been long-term in our thinking; engaging in smart resource management and supply chains and prepared to navigate global shifts,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “With increased US bans on Chinese drones and components and local incentives for domestic production, we are well-positioned to expand our manufacturing in Arizona, also creating more high-quality American jobs,” added Mr. Passley. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leading innovator in AI-powered defense and security technologies, recently announced a service expansion for its Airborne Response drone services subsidiary. Under its existing multi-year agreement with one of Florida’s largest electric utilities, Airborne Response will now deliver enhanced drone-based critical infrastructure assessment services in addition to its routine monitoring and pre/post-hurricane recovery programs.

    This new order builds on an established partnership and expands Airborne’s role beyond standard visual inspections and hurricane recovery efforts to advanced “Condition Assessment” (CA) services—a mission-critical capability for modern grid resilience. It is anticipated that future assessments could leverage proprietary AI imaging technology to proactively detect faults across transmission lines, substations, and pole infrastructure. As such, the Company intends to explore further support for high-value assessment work in the future utilizing in-house resources such as its Safe Pro AI unit and its patented artificial intelligence (AI)-powered imagery processing technology or through the formation of development partnerships with third-party solution vendors.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, recently announced the appointment of Steve Mathias as Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development and Erik de Badts as Global Head of MicaSense Sales.

    AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “As we execute a multi-faceted strategic growth plan focused on expanding our global footprint, the addition of both Steve and Erik’s impressive pedigrees will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure that we remain agile in an evolving UAS marketplace. Steve brings multi-decade expertise in military and commercial aviation, both crewed and uncrewed, while Erik is a true subject matter expert in multi-spectral sensing. We are confident their leadership will help strengthen key partner relationships, unlock new opportunities, and accelerate revenue growth.”

    Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions through its Ondas Networks and Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) business units, reported financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    “Ondas entered 2024 with deepening customer engagement and a growing business pipeline at OAS, allowing us to end the year with $10 million in backlog at OAS. We believe 2025 will be a record year with OAS expected to contribute at least $20 million in revenues of the expected Ondas Holdings revenue of $25 million,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings. “Our momentum in 2024 was supported by securing two key programs with a major military customer for our Optimus and Iron Drone platforms, opening the large and fast-growing global defense markets. Additionally, we fortified our financial position by securing $35 million of capital in the fourth quarter, supporting our strong growth outlook.

    Avionics specialist Aerium recently launched a compact carrier board for the NVIDIA Jetson family of computers-on-modules (COMs), designed for being installed on-board drones to deliver in-flight machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML and AI) capabilities: the Lumen.

    “The Lumen carrier board serves as the ideal partner for unlocking the full potential of Jetson modules, offering an array of features and functionalities tailored for diverse AI and edge computing applications,” claims Aerium of its creation. “The Lumen carrier board provides seamless compatibility and integration with NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) Jetson modules, delivering an optimal platform for developers, researchers, and enthusiasts to harness the power of AI at the edge.”

    NVIDIA’s ever-growing Jetson family of computers-on-modules put the company’s in-house Arm-based processor cores, high-end graphics cores, and dedicated machine learning and artificial intelligence acceleration cores on a small board designed to drive everything from autonomous vehicles to advanced robotics — and when paired with a carrier like the Aerium Lumen, brought to our attention by CNX Software, drones.

    About FN Media Group:

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    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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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Silynxcom Receives $1.1 Million Order from Israel Defense Forces

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Significant New Order Further Strengthens Silynxcom’s Position as a Trusted Supplier of Advanced Tactical Communication Solutions

    Netanya, Israel, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silynxcom Ltd. (NYSE American: SYNX) (“Silynxcom” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, today announced it has received a new purchase order valued at approximately $1.13 million from the Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”).

    The Company believes that this significant new order underscores the IDF’s continued confidence in Silynxcom’s advanced tactical communication solutions and further solidifies the Company’s position as a trusted supplier to one of the world’s most technologically advanced military forces.

    “We are pleased to announce this substantial new order from the IDF, which highlights the critical role our tactical communication systems play in enhancing operational capabilities for military personnel,” said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. “Our ongoing relationship with the IDF continues to validate the effectiveness and reliability of our products in the most demanding environments. We believe that this order reinforces our strong position in the global defense market as we continue to deliver innovative communication solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern military forces.”

    Silynxcom’s ruggedized tactical communication headset devices provide superior audio clarity, enhanced situational awareness, and exceptional hearing protection while maintaining clear communication in high-noise environments. The Company’s products have been field-tested and combat-proven, designed to perform reliably under the most challenging operational conditions.

    This order follows several significant contracts announced by the Company in recent months, further demonstrating the growing demand for Silynxcom’s advanced tactical communication solutions across military and law enforcement organizations worldwide.

    About Silynxcom Ltd.

    Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Company’s in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Company’s In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360° situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Company’s products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers “in the field.” The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.

    For additional informaiton about the company please visit: https://silynxcom.com

    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 and other federal securities laws and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. For example, the Company uses forward-looking statements when it discusses: the belief that the order underscores the IDF’s continued confidence in the Company’s advanced tactical communication solutions and solidifies the Company’s position as a trusted supplier to the IDF, that this order highlights the critical role the Company’s tactical communication systems play in enhancing operational capabilities for military personnel, the belief that the Company’s relationship with the IDF continues to validate the effectiveness and reliability of its products in the most demanding environments, the belief that this order reinforces its strong position in the global defense market, the belief in the effectiveness of the Company’s products, and the belief that recent orders demonstrate growing demand for the Company’s advanced tactical communication solutions across military and law enforcement organizations worldwide. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 30, 2024, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Capital Markets & IR Contact
    Michal Efraty
    ir@silynxcom.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: US, Republic of Korea Navy Divers Kick Off SALVEX Korea 2025

    Source: United States Navy

    CHINHAE NAVAL BASE, Republic of Korea – U.S. Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 and divers from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) kicked off Salvage Exercise (SALVEX) Korea, April 07, 2025, in Chinhae, South Korea.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Deputy Director of Security Intelligence Department appointed

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    9 Aprile 2025

    With a Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (‘DPCM’) signed by President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni, the Deputy Commander General of the Carabinieri Corps, Army Corps General Mario Cinque, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Security Intelligence Department (‘Dipartimento delle informazioni per la sicurezza’, ‘DIS’).

    The Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (‘Comitato parlamentare per la sicurezza della Repubblica’) has been informed of the appointment.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s nomination for NASA leader boasts business and commercial spaceflight experience during a period of uncertainty for the agency

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, Air University

    Jared Isaacman, the nominee for next NASA administrator, has traveled to orbit on two commercial space missions. AP Photo/John Raoux

    Jared Isaacman, billionaire, CEO and nominee to become the next NASA administrator, faced questions on April 9, 2025, from members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during his confirmation hearing for the position.

    Should the Senate confirm him, Isaacman will be the first billionaire – but not the first astronaut – to head NASA. Perhaps even more significant, he will be the first NASA administrator with significant ties to the commercial space industry.

    As a space policy expert, I know that NASA leadership matters. The head of the agency can significantly shape the missions it pursues, the science it undertakes and, ultimately, the outcome of America’s space exploration.

    Jared Isaacman speaks at a news conference in 2024, before his Polaris Dawn mission.
    AP Photo/John Raoux, File

    An unconventional background

    At 16 years old, Isaacman dropped out of high school to start a payment processing company in his basement. The endeavor succeeded and eventually became known as Shift4.

    Though he found early success in business, Isaacman also had a love for aviation. In 2009, he set a record for flying around the Earth in a light jet, beating the previous record by more than 20 hours.

    While remaining CEO of Shift4, Isaacman founded another company, Draken International. The company eventually assembled the world’s largest fleet of privately owned fighter jets. It now helps to train U.S. Air Force pilots.

    In 2019, Isaacman sold his stake in Draken International. In 2020, he took Shift4 public, making him a billionaire.

    Isaacman continued to branch out into aerospace, working with SpaceX beginning in 2021. He purchased a crewed flight on the Falcon 9 rocket, a mission that eventually was called Inspiration4. The mission, which he led, represented the first private astronaut flight for SpaceX. It sent four civilians with no previous formal space experience into orbit.

    Following the success of Inspiration4, Isaacman worked with SpaceX to develop the Polaris Program, a series of three missions to help build SpaceX’s human spaceflight capabilities. In fall 2024, the first of these missions, Polaris Dawn, launched.

    Polaris Dawn added more accomplishments to Isaacman’s resume. Isaacman, along with his crewmate Sarah Gillis, completed the first private spacewalk. Polaris Dawn’s SpaceX Dragon capsule traveled more than 850 miles (1,367 kilometers) from Earth, the farthest distance humans had been since the Apollo missions.

    The Polaris Dawn mission launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in September 2024.
    AP Photo/John Raoux

    The next adventure: NASA

    In December 2024, the incoming Trump administration announced its intention to nominate Isaacman for the post of NASA administrator.

    As NASA administrator, Isaacman would oversee all NASA activities at a critical moment in its history. The Artemis program, which has been in progress since 2017, has several missions planned for the next few years.

    This includes 2026’s Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts to orbit the Moon. Then, in 2027, Artemis III will aim to land on it.

    If the mission proceeds as planned, the Artemis II crew will fly in an Orion crew capsule, pictured behind them, around the Moon in 2026.
    Kim Shiflett/NASA via AP, File

    But, if Isaacman is confirmed, his tenure would come at a time when there are significant questions about the Artemis program, as well as the extent to which NASA should use commercial space companies like SpaceX. The agency is also potentially facing funding cuts.

    Some in the space industry have proposed scrapping the Artemis program altogether in favor of preparing to go to Mars. Among this group is the founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk.

    Others have suggested canceling NASA’s Space Launch System, the massive rocket that is being used for Artemis. Instead, they argue that NASA could use commercial systems, like SpaceX’s Starship or Blue Origin’s New Glenn.

    Isaacman has also dealt with accusations that he is too close to the commercial space industry, and SpaceX in particular, to lead NASA. This has become a larger concern given Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration and its cost-cutting efforts. Some critics are worried that Musk would have an even greater say in NASA if Isaacman is confirmed.

    Since his nomination, Isaacman has stopped working with SpaceX on the Polaris Program. He has also made several supportive comments toward other commercial companies.

    But the success of any of NASA’s plans depends on having the money and resources necessary to carry them out.

    While NASA has been spared major cuts up to this point, it, like many other government agencies, is planning for budget cuts and mass firings. These potential cuts are similar to what other agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services have recently made.

    During his confirmation hearing, Isaacman committed to keeping the Artemis program, as well as the Space Launch System, in the short term. He also insisted that NASA could both return to the Moon and prepare for Mars at the same time.

    Although Isaacman stated that he believed NASA had the resources to do both at the same time, the agency is still in a time of budget uncertainty, so that may not be possible.

    About his relationship with Musk, Isaacman stated that he had not talked to Musk since his nomination in November, and his relationship with SpaceX would not influence his decisions.

    Additionally, he committed to carrying out space science missions, specifically to “launch more telescopes, more probes, more rovers.”

    But since NASA is preparing for significant cuts to its science budget, there is some speculation that the agency may need to end some science programs, like the Hubble space telescope, altogether.

    Isaacman’s future

    Isaacman has received support from the larger space community. Nearly 30 astronauts signed a letter in support of his nomination. Former NASA administrators, as well as major industry groups, have signaled their desire for Isaacman’s confirmation.

    He also received the support of Senator Ted Cruz, the committee chair.

    Barring any major development, Isaacman will likely be confirmed as NASA administrator by the Senate in the coming weeks. The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation could approve his nomination once it returns from a two-week break at the end of April. A full vote from the Senate would follow.

    If the Senate does confirm him, Isaacman will have several major issues to confront at NASA, all in a very uncertain political environment.

    Wendy N. Whitman Cobb is affiliated with the US School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Her views are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense or any of its components.

    ref. Trump’s nomination for NASA leader boasts business and commercial spaceflight experience during a period of uncertainty for the agency – https://theconversation.com/trumps-nomination-for-nasa-leader-boasts-business-and-commercial-spaceflight-experience-during-a-period-of-uncertainty-for-the-agency-254274

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Versatility Of Commercial Drones Performing Growing Number of Tasks is Driving Rapidly Increasing Adoption Rate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Commercial Drones are remotely piloted, optionally piloted, or fully autonomous aerial vehicles that play a significant role in the commercial sectors. They are commonly termed drones and are mostly known for their wide usage in various functions, such as Surveying & Mapping, Inspection & Monitoring among others. These vehicles are also used for mapping, surveying, and determining the weather conditions of a specific area. Drones are being increasingly adopted in industries such as agriculture for crop monitoring, in construction for site inspection, in energy for inspecting power lines among others. The versatility of drones to perform various tasks efficiently is driving their adoption. A report from MarketsAndMarkets said that the Commercial Drone market is projected to grow from USD 5.32 billion in 2024 to USD 9.34 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2024 to 2030. The report said: “As drone technology advances, regulatory bodies globally are proactively shaping clearer and more supportive regulations to facilitate drone operations. This strategic initiative aims to lower operational barriers and enhance safety, thereby accelerating the adoption of drones across various sectors. Enhanced regulatory frameworks are anticipated to unlock significant business opportunities and drive innovation in drone applications.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH).

    The report continued: “Drones are particularly important for inspecting difficult-to-reach locations at certain altitudes or in contaminated surroundings. The use of drones has modernized the telecommunication tower scrutiny as they can be used to carry out supervision of these towers cost-effectively and in less time. Drones can also be employed for aerial evaluation of buildings and other infrastructures, such as pipelines, electric grids, offshore plants, and solar plates. They can use thermal imaging cameras to detect hotspots on solar plates; spots where energy is not spreading evenly. This can enhance the productivity of solar power plants by the instant identification of potentially problematic areas. For instance, the Lockheed Martin Procerus Technologies Indago quadrotor can be used for inspections near energy generation plants. Drones can be used to deliver medical supplies in difficult terrains. Drones are considered the future of the last-mile delivery for consumer supplies since they will reduce cost per delivery, along with delivery time. As the wages of delivery persons persist to rise, autonomous delivery or human-less services will become gradually advantageous, especially in developed countries. The major players in the Commercial Drone market have adopted various growth strategies such as contracts, joint ventures, partnerships & agreements, acquisitions, and new product launches to further expand their presence in the Commercial Drone market.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Closes Miller Land Surveying Corporation, a Third Southeast Acquisition and a Fourth Nationally for the Drone as Service (DaaS) Rollout – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces the closing of its acquisition of Miller Land Surveying Corporation (“Miller”) of Lake Worth, Florida, a land survey and mapping company with a 40 year history and deep portfolio of business customers in the Palm Beach County area of South Florida.

    This is ZenaTech’s third acquisition in the Southeast region as part of a larger national roll-up strategy to disrupt the land survey industry by accelerating the use of drones for their speed and accuracy benefits. The acquisition also furthers the Company’s national Drone as a Service, or DaaS, business rollout as the fourth US acquisition.

    “Miller Land Surveying brings a wealth of experience and customer relationships as a second-generation company known across Palm Beach County for quality land surveys and mapping. Their pioneering team is well suited to helping us bring drone innovation to premium residential and business land surveys. This acquisition is another step towards our vision to create a national DaaS business, bringing AI drone efficiencies and precision to a variety of legacy business verticals and manual tasks,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    ZenaTech’s DaaS business will incorporate the ZenaDrone 1000 and the IQ series of multifunction autonomous drones to provide a variety of service solutions from land surveys to power line inspections or power washing, made accessible and cost effective through an Uber-like business model on a regular subscription or pay-per-use basis. Customers can conveniently access drones for eliminating manual or time-consuming tasks achieving superior results, such as for surveying, inspections, security and law enforcement, or precision farming applications, without having to buy, operate, or maintain the drones themselves.

    The DaaS business model offers customers such as government agencies, real estate developers, construction firms, farmers or energy companies reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, as well as convenience, as there is no need to manage maintenance and operation. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and enables access to advanced drone technology sensors or attachments like spraying, without the need for specialized training.

    Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, designing, and executing of roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Domestic Manufacturing for US Commercial Customers and US Defense Without Needing to Increase Prices – ZenaTech, Inc. (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, today provides an update on its US-based ZenaDrone subsidiary’s expansion plans for “Made in America” manufacturing in light of the recent expanded tariffs announced by the current US Administration. ZenaTech maintains its commitment to domestic manufacturing for US defense drone solutions, including strategic local investments and military-compliant supply chains. ZenaDrone will now move some of its commercial drone production for US commercial customers to Arizona, meaning no need to increase prices for customers to offset tariff costs.

    ZenaDrone’s headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona, which includes sales, administration, research and development, and aerial testing operations. The company plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities over the next two months to produce drones for US commercial customers in addition to planned production for the US military. This expansion will include up to 2,000 additional square feet of production space. This will be the second global manufacturing facility; the company currently has development and production facilities for the ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drones at its 10,000-square-foot facility in Sharjah, UAE.

    In response to the evolving trade landscape, ZenaTech also expects that the expansion of its Phoenix-based manufacturing facility will bring over 150 new jobs to the region by the end of 2026.

    “While tariffs can be challenging, they also reveal which companies are truly agile. ZenaTech has always been long-term in our thinking; engaging in smart resource management and supply chains and prepared to navigate global shifts,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “With increased US bans on Chinese drones and components and local incentives for domestic production, we are well-positioned to expand our manufacturing in Arizona, also creating more high-quality American jobs,” added Mr. Passley. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, recently released that they have been selected as the primary UAS provider by Balko Technologies, an industry-leading company specializing in the design and manufacture of high-performance LiDAR payloads and post-processing software.

    This announcement follows the integration and testing of Balko LiDAR products on the Draganfly Commander 3XL and Apex UAS, providing Balko customers with a suite of modular LiDAR and Drone platforms supporting a wide variety of performance requirements, budgets, and operating scenarios.

    Under this agreement, Balko becomes an official distributor of Draganfly’s products throughout North America, expanding access to cutting-edge drone technology for industrial, energy, and environmental monitoring applications. Since signing the agreement, multiple customers have issued purchase orders for the Draganfly Commander 3XL to be paired with Balko’s innovative modular Connectiv LiDAR sensor with one delivery completed in Q1.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently announced the appointment of Shawn Webb as President of FlightWave Aerospace Systems Corporation (“FlightWave”), a Red Cat company, effective immediately.

    Webb brings more than 25 years of experience leading operational strategy and engineering across commercial and military aerospace sectors. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations at AeroVironment Inc., where he led the largest capacity and revenue expansion in the history of the company’s Loitering Munition Systems Business Segment.

    Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (“Liberty” or the “Company”) recently announced that The Honorable Mary Beth Long, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and Independent Director of AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) has joined our new Strategic Advisory Board. This new Board will help focus and guide Liberty Defense in scaling its groundbreaking technology globally and executing its growth strategy as a leader in security and detection applications.

    Mary Beth Long served as US Assistant Secretary of Defense under Secretary Robert Gates, making her the first woman confirmed to a four-star military equivalent position in U.S. history, and also served as the Chair of NATO’s Nuclear and Missile Defense High-Level Group. Before that, she served as a career clandestine CIA officer, and she has been deeply involved in aviation and related security matters for nearly two decades.

    EHang (NASDAQ: EH) recently announced that recent tariff developments between China and the United States are not expected to have any material impact on the Company’s operations.

    Recent U.S. tariff adjustments on certain Chinese goods have triggered global market volatility, and EHang has experienced short-term share price fluctuations driven by market sentiment. In response, the Company hereby clarifies the following: Recent tariff measures announced by both governments are not expected to have any material impact on EHang’s operations. The Company does not currently export its autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) or related products to the U.S. market, nor does it rely on U.S.-origin components in its manufacturing processes. We do not use U.S.-restricted semiconductors, aerospace components, or other controlled technologies. Our supply chain remains secure and independent, ensuring no operational disruption due to trade policy changes.

    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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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Scientists should try to repeat more studies, but not those looking for a link between vaccines and autism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Kolstoe, Associate Professor of Bioethics, University of Portsmouth

    SamaraHeisz5/Shutterstock

    Scientists, professors, engineers, teachers and doctors are routinely ranked among the most trustworthy people in society. This is because these professions rely heavily on research, and good research is viewed as the most reliable source of knowledge.

    But how trustworthy is research? Recent news from the US suggests that the Trump administration wants to fund more “reproducibility studies”.

    These are studies that check to see if previous results can be repeated and are reliable. The administration’s focus seems to be specifically on studies that revisit the debunked claim of a link between vaccines and autism.

    This is a worrying waste of effort, given the extensive evidence showing that there is no link between vaccines and autism, and the harm that suggesting this link can cause. However, the broader idea of funding studies that attempt to repeat earlier research is a good one.

    Take research on Alzheimer’s disease as an example. In June 2024, Nature retracted a highly cited paper reporting an important theory relating to the mechanism of the disease. Unfortunately, it took 18 years to spot the errors and retract the paper.

    If influential studies like this were regularly repeated by others, it wouldn’t have taken so long to spot the errors in the original research.

    Alzheimer’s is proving a particularly tricky problem to solve despite the large amounts of money spent researching the disease. Being unable to reproduce key results contributes to this problem because new research relies on the trustworthiness of earlier research.

    More broadly, it has been known for almost ten years that 70% of researchers have problems reproducing experiments conducted by other scientists. The problem is particularly acute in cancer research and psychology.

    The Trump administration wants to fund more ‘reproducibility studies’.
    Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock

    Research is difficult to get right

    Research is complicated and there may be legitimate reasons research findings cannot be reproduced. Mistakes or dishonesty are not necessarily the cause.

    In psychology or the social sciences, failure to reproduce results – despite using identical methods – could be due to using different populations, for instance, across different countries or cultures. In physical or medical sciences problems reproducing results could be down to using different equipment, chemicals or measurement techniques.

    A lot of research may also not be reproducible simply because the researchers do not fully understand all the complexities of what they are studying. If all the relevant variables (such as genetics and environmental factors) are not understood or even identified, it is unsurprising that very similar experiments can yield different results.

    In these cases, sometimes as much can be learned from a negative result as from a positive one, as this helps inform the design of future work.

    Here, it is helpful to distinguish between reproducing another researcher’s exact results and being given enough information by the original researchers to replicate their experiments.

    Science advances by comparing notes and discussing differences, so researchers must always give enough information in their reports to allow someone else to repeat (replicate) the experiment. This ensures the results can be trusted even if they may not be reproduced exactly.

    Transparency is therefore central to research integrity, both in terms of trusting the research and trusting the people doing the research.

    Unfortunately, the incentive structure within research doesn’t always encourage such transparency. The “publish or perish” culture and aggressive practices by journals often lead to excessive competition rather than collaboration and open research practices.

    One solution, as new priorities from the US have suggested, is to directly fund researchers to replicate each other’s studies.

    This is a promising development because most other funding, alongside opportunities to publish in the top journals, is instead linked to novelty. Unfortunately, this encourages researchers to act quickly to produce something unique rather than take their time to conduct thorough and transparent experiments.

    We need to move to a system that rewards reliable research rather than just novel research. And part of this comes through rewarding people who focus on replication studies.

    Industry also plays a part. Companies conducting research and development can sometimes be guilty of throwing a lot of money at a project and then pulling the plug quickly if a product (such as a new medicine) seems not to work. The reason for such failures is often unclear, but the reliability of earlier research is a contributing factor.

    To avoid this problem, companies should be encouraged to replicate some of the original findings (perhaps significant experiments conducted by academics) before proceeding with development. In the long run, this strategy may turn out to be quicker and more efficient than the rapid chopping and changing that occurs now.

    The scale of the reproducibility, or replicability, problem in research comes as a surprise to the public who have been told to “trust the science”. But over recent years there has been increasing recognition that the culture of research is as important as the experiments themselves.

    If we want to be able to “trust the science”, science must be transparent and robustly conducted.

    This is exactly what has happened with research looking at the link between vaccines and autism. The topic was so important that in this case the replication studies were done and found that there is, in fact, no link between vaccines and autism.

    Simon Kolstoe works for the University of Portsmouth, and is a trustee of the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO). He receives research and consultancy funding from charities, universities and government. He chairs research ethics committees for the UK Health Research Authority, Ministry of Defence and Health Security Agency.

    ref. Scientists should try to repeat more studies, but not those looking for a link between vaccines and autism – https://theconversation.com/scientists-should-try-to-repeat-more-studies-but-not-those-looking-for-a-link-between-vaccines-and-autism-253696

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific Regiment. Architect Alexander Sokolov preserved and restored cultural heritage

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Alexander Sokolov

    Every day for almost 70 years, thousands of people pass between the main building of SPbGASU and the Technological Institute metro station. At one time, among them was the architect, dean of the urban planning faculty of LISI (now SPbGASU), the author of the project for this station (co-authored with A.K. Andreev) Alexander Mikhailovich Sokolov (1906-1984). It was largely thanks to him that the cultural heritage of Leningrad was preserved during the Great Patriotic War.

    Study and work

    Alexander Sokolov entered the preparatory course of the Institute of Civil Engineers (IGI, now SPbGASU) in 1920 after graduating from the Tikhvin Real School, where, according to historical sources, “training was thorough, especially in mathematics and physics,” and the Tikhvin Second Soviet Labor School of the 2nd level, where he studied art history as one of the main subjects. In Petrograd, he worked as an installer, then as a draftsman. At the same time, he began studying in the workshop of Professor I. A. Fomin at the Free Art School of the People’s Commissariat of Education of the RSFSR (Academy of Arts). Until 1923, he studied at two universities, and then gave preference to the Academy of Arts. He would return to LISI years later as a teacher.

    Famous projects of the architect

    Aleksandr Sokolov was forced to combine his studies with work. He worked as a foreman (leader of a group of workers) in the Leningrad Commercial Port Administration, as a draftsman at the construction of the I. I. Mechnikov Hospital, and as an assistant to the architect S. O. Ovsyannikov during the construction of the Krasnoye Znamya factory. As a student, he designed an administrative building that was built in 1923–1924 on the territory of the commercial port (it has not survived).

    Later, the architect’s famous works included projects for the Vyborg District Sound Cinema with 1,300 seats in Leningrad, the House of the Government of Abkhazia, the building of the All-Union Institute of Experimental Medicine in Moscow, ground pavilions of the Lenin Library metro stations in Moscow and Moskovskie Vorota in Leningrad, and a hotel for sailors in Murmansk.

    In the siege of Leningrad and after the war

    In 1941, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Sokolov was engaged in research work in the archives of the Pavlovsk Palace Museum. With the outbreak of the war, he took an active part in the evacuation of valuables from the palace and the shelter of the park sculptures. During the siege, he worked in the Inspectorate for the Protection of Monuments, where he took part in the work of the city commission to identify the damage caused to the architectural heritage of Leningrad. The sketches of facades and interiors and design work he made during this period played a major role in the revival of the city. In particular, Aleksandr Sokolov supervised the restoration of the Mariinsky Theater. In 1943, Sokolov was awarded the medal “For the Defense of Leningrad”, in 1946 – the medal “For Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945”.

    In early 1944, the primary task was to develop master plans for the affected cities of the Leningrad, Novgorod and Pskov regions. This work was carried out by the workshop of the Leningrad Regional Department of Architecture and the Lenproekt and Lenoblproekt trusts. The architectural planning workshop of the latter was headed by Alexander Sokolov in 1944–1948. Among other things, he worked on the master plan for his native Tikhvin, every corner of which he had known since childhood.

    Lecturer, Dean, Professor of LISI

    In 1931, Alexander Mikhailovich Sokolov began teaching architectural design at the Faculty of Architecture of the Leningrad Institute of Municipal Construction (now SPbGASU). In 1943–1946, he headed the course “Introduction to Architecture”. In 1946, he defended his PhD dissertation on “Architectural Structures of Pavlovsk Park”. In 1962–1969, he held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Urban Planning. Then, until 1983, he was a professor at the Department of History and Theory of Architecture.

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    Nineteen-year-old machine gunner stormed Berlin

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    The Zazersky architects built and defended the city on the Neva

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    He went from being a technical lieutenant to a galaxy of mathematicians

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    Scientific Regiment. Volunteer Mikhail Laletin: “After the front – to a university, and then, perhaps, to become an officer”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sudan civil war: despite appearances this is not a failed state – yet

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Willis, Professor of History, Durham University

    Over the past fortnight, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have regained control of almost all of the country’s capital, Khartoum. Much of the city had been in the hands of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. Now the SAF are reportedly driving out the last outposts of the RSF from the fringes of the sprawling city.

    When it began the war against its former SAF allies in April 2023, the RSF seized almost all of the city. But its presence was an occupation rather than a government. Looting, murder and rape were widely reported. No wonder, then, that many have welcomed the return of the SAF as a liberation.

    But not everyone will celebrate. The SAF claims to be the rightful government of Sudan. But its leader, Abdel Fattah Burhan, himself seized power in 2021 by throwing out a transitional civilian government that was supposed to be leading Sudan back to democracy.

    That was in the wake of the popular uprising in 2018-19 that ended the long authoritarian regime of Omar al-Bashir. So, the legitimacy of the SAF’s claim to power is questionable.

    To complicate matters further, the SAF’s military success has come through alliance with local militias, whose fighters have been active in the struggle for Khartoum. Troubling accounts have emerged of arrests and summary executions by the SAF and allied military – sometimes allegedly targeted at people from southern or western Sudan, who are accused of supporting the RSF.

    The RSF, meanwhile, keeps up its occupation of much of the west of Sudan, and its murderous siege of the western city of El Fasher. It has also continued to launch drone assaults on cities along the Nile.

    Despite recent positive statements from the SAF, the war seems far from over. The SAF and RSF denounce one another. Each – with good reason – accuses the other of relying on foreign support, and each insists it should – and will – rule all of Sudan.

    Military dominance

    The Egyptian branch of the Ottoman empire created Sudan through conquest in the 19th century. It was then ruled as an Anglo-Egyptian “condominium” for the first half of the 20th century.

    That vast territory in north-east Africa was formally divided when its southern third became the independent state of South Sudan in 2011, after years of struggle against the central government. Now it seems the north is also fragmenting, torn to pieces by the ambitions of rival military leaders and the unruly militias they have spawned. So, can there be a future for Sudan?

    It would be easy to answer that with a simple “no”. Some might even welcome the end of a state that began in colonial violence and has seen multiple regional revolts and movements of secession. Others might argue that Sudan is simply too diverse to be viable. But its current plight was not inevitable, nor is its fate settled.

    Sudan has long been burdened with a hyperactive military. That is partly a colonial legacy – the army has always been at the heart of the state.

    After independence, soldiers saw themselves as not simply the guardians of the state, but as its embodiment. They were at first suspicious – and then increasingly contemptuous – of civilian politicians they regarded as self-interested, prone to factionalism, and chronically unable to agree on major issues, from the place of religion in the state to the nature of local government.




    Read more:
    Sudan’s entire history has been dominated by soldiers and the violence and corruption they bring


    Three times, the soldiers seized power: in 1958, 1969 and 1989. Each time, they stayed in power for longer, and sought to impose their visions of what Sudan should be. Though these varied from conservative to socialist to Islamist, they always imagined a Sudan united by authoritarian rule, with uniformed men at its heart.

    When popular uprisings threatened this military rule, the soldiers were adept at temporary concessions – removing the leader of the regime and cooperating with civilians for a few years, before seizing power again. Sudan’s soldiers saw the state as their possession.

    Yet they struggled to rule it. There were struggles within the military itself over who should be in charge – the long rule of Jaafar Nimeiri was punctuated by repeated coup attempts. Omar al-Bashir in turn sought to manage rivals in the military by creating additional security forces and setting the soldiers against one another.

    When unrest grew at the margins of Sudan, in the south and then the west, the soldiers were unable to contain this. So they armed and encouraged militias, exploiting and militarising local tensions and conflicts. As they did so, they unwittingly undermined their own claim to be the only legitimate wielders of violence.

    Sudan’s soldiers insisted the state was theirs. But they squabbled over control of it and pulled both local militias and external powers into their struggles. This made their wars more lethal – but not more conclusive. Time and again, powerful men made decisions that drove conflict when they could have acted otherwise.

    Sense of a nation

    To recount this history is not simply to explain where Sudan is now. It is to remember this is not where it has to be. Sudan could yet mean more than this militarised vision of imposed unity. In the popular uprisings, protesters wrapped themselves in the Sudanese flag – evoking a vision of Sudan that celebrated its diversity, rather than treating this as a problem.

    Some of that was romanticised or idealistic. The earnest expressions of national solidarity tended to gloss over profound differences in wealth and opportunities. Yet since its independence, the idea of Sudan has repeatedly inspired civilian protest and hopes of a better future.

    The local resistance committees whose members made the uprising of 2018-19 imagined a more inclusive and just Sudan. That hope now drives the “emergency response rooms” that ordinary people have organised over the past two years – often in the face of extreme danger – to shelter and feed civilians.

    Those brave enough to pursue that future deserve more than a condescending shrug from international analysts, and an assumption that Sudan is doomed to failure.

    Justin Willis has in the past received funding from the UK government to undertake research on elections in Sudan; and from UK research councils for research on the history of state authority in Sudan.

    ref. Sudan civil war: despite appearances this is not a failed state – yet – https://theconversation.com/sudan-civil-war-despite-appearances-this-is-not-a-failed-state-yet-254216

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: USAID: the human cost of Donald Trump’s aid freeze for a war-torn part of Sudan

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Naomi Ruth Pendle, Lecturer in International Development, University of Bath

    The day of Donald Trump’s second inauguration, his incoming administration abruptly paused the work of USAID, while also claiming that it would preserve USAID’s “lifesaving and strategic aid programming”. These dramatic, overnight cuts were an unprecedented – and deadly – experiment in relation to aid spending which will have a catastrophic effect on the lives of those who depended on it.

    The sudden suspension of USAID is set to make the famine in Sudan the deadliest for half a century. Since the announcement I’ve been working to see the impact of these cuts with a team of Sudanese researchers in South Kordofan State (Sudan), including from the South Kordofan-Blue Nile Coordination Unit, as part of my famine-focused project.

    When war erupted in Khartoum in April 2023, the southern region of South Kordofan was relatively peaceful, so large numbers of people fled there for safety. But most fled with no food, so local people had to work out how to support the new arrivals. Many decided to host families, sharing what little food they had for themselves, believing that international aid would be made available.

    Without this aid, these local humanitarians are now themselves also facing serious shortages. The timing and abrupt nature of the shuttering of USAID has made this particularly dangerous.

    South Kordofan sits on the border with South Sudan. Like much of the country, it’s an agricultural region and in times of peace, people are able to grow crops and raise livestock. The region also has a long history of exporting livestock and commercially grown crops.

    However, this food trade has been largely extractive as it followed colonial agricultural schemes run by British imperial agents and their elite indigenous associates that often left locals in poverty.

    Sudan: one of Africa’s largest and most diverse countries.
    gt29/Shutterstock

    After independence, the region suffered through decades of war between the Sudan government to the north and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) which fought a campaign that culminated in the foundation of South Sudan in 2011 (with the support of the US). South Kordofan and its SPLA supporters were trapped in the middle.

    People in South Kordofan long for peace and a state that provides them with basic services, so they wouldn’t depend so heavily on humanitarian support. Since the 1980s, famine mortality has been dramatically reduced by international aid.

    In fact, the US response to the famine of the mid-1980s under the then president, Ronald Reagan, whose administration provided more than US$1 billion (£766 million), saved hundreds of thousands of lives. This period became known in Sudan as “Reagan’s famine”.

    ‘Hemedti famine’

    Now in South Kordofan they are calling the hardship created by the influx of starving people fleeing fighting further north the “Hemedti famine”, after Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF is fighting the national army, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) run by rival warlord General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

    Many of those who have fled from urban centres lack the skills to survive and are far from their family networks, making them particularly vulnerable. Sudanese people have a strong moral sense – and sometimes a legal obligation to help family members.

    This clearly doesn’t necessarily apply to most of those fleeing the fighting. But there is also a strong tradition of helping all people and even strangers in need, which people in South Kordofan have had to navigate.

    Many locals chose to provide lifesaving local humanitarian support. But that is of necessity and finite. There is now a desperate need for a massive increase in aid. In such emergencies, international aid plays a key role in topping up the food that people grow and gather for themselves, and has made the difference between life and death.

    Why is the USAID freeze so deadly?

    This is why the curtailing of USAID support is so catastrophic. Even if US support were to be fully restored, the pause has already had deadly consequences. The sudden stopping of many local NGO worker salaries, a key source of income in the region, is another disaster. Each salary supported dozens of family members.

    The 2025 aid cuts are set to be devastating for more people. Things are already critical. It has been estimated that half a half a million people died from hunger and disease across Sudan in 2024 alone.

    I’m now getting reports from South Kordofan of households not lighting a fire for up to four days at a time, which means the family is not eating. And, as ever, it is the children and the elderly who are particularly vulnerable.

    The consequences of famine are lasting. People in South Kordofan are reporting an increase in criminality as people steal in order to survive, which leaves lasting mistrust and social division. Famine also leaves a legacy of shame because people are witnessing their loved ones suffer and die. When people die in times of famine the living often do not even have the energy or resources to provide a dignified burial.

    The Trump administration could not have turned off USAID support at a worse time. Aid logistics in Sudan follow a seasonal cycle. In the wetter months from May to November, the roads to South Kordofan that aid organisations depend on for food distribution become impassable.

    So aid for the hungriest months from April to August, when stores are running low but the harvest in September has not yet come, must be delivered in the driest months before the rains start. USAID was halted in January, at the heart of the dry season, so this opportunity has been missed.

    Meanwhile north-south flights in Sudan have been prohibited by the Sudan government since the civil war flared in 2023. There has been a report that the government will also ban incoming aid flights from Kenya due to Nairobi’s alleged support for the RSF.

    Last month, the founder of Sudanese thinktank Confluence Advisory, Kholood Khair, told journalists: “It’s difficult to overstate how devastating the USAID cut will be for Sudan, not just because Sudan is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis but also because the US was Sudan’s largest humanitarian donor.” We’re now seeing that devastation getting worse by the day.

    Naomi Ruth Pendle receives funding from the British Academy and the European Research Council.

    ref. USAID: the human cost of Donald Trump’s aid freeze for a war-torn part of Sudan – https://theconversation.com/usaid-the-human-cost-of-donald-trumps-aid-freeze-for-a-war-torn-part-of-sudan-254215

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Video: Conquer the Queen!

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    : U.S. Army video by Braxton Lee

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
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    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4ZTtuq0C1s

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and France convene first Defence Ministers’ Ukraine Coalition of the Willing meeting

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK and France convene first Defence Ministers’ Ukraine Coalition of the Willing meeting

    UK and France convene defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels to progress planning to support a lasting peace in Ukraine

    Operational discussions to plan for a multinational reassurance force to support Ukraine in securing a lasting peace will progress today [April 10] with 30 defence ministers set to attend the latest Coalition of the Willing meeting.

    The Defence Secretary, John Healey, and his French counterpart, Minister Sébastien Lecornu, will host around 30 nations involved in planning for the Coalition of the Willing in Brussels later today.

    The meetings will focus on how the capabilities of each nation in the Coalition could be best used in supporting Ukraine’s long-term defence and security.

    The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have both been clear that a lasting peace in Ukraine will require credible security assurances to deter Russian aggression. The UK has been stepping up to lead international support to keep Ukraine in the fight now and put them in the strongest possible position to secure peace.

    Addressing the meeting, Defence Secretary John Healey MP is expected to say:

    A couple of weeks ago, I visited the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters where military leaders from around 30 nations were developing options and progressing plans. I was struck by their sense of historic responsibility to secure the peace in Ukraine and to strengthen European security for all our nations.

    We cannot jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war, so we must put even more pressure on Putin and step up our support for Ukraine – both in today’s fight and the push for peace. Our commitment is to put Ukraine in the strongest position to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and deter future Russian aggression.

    The meeting today comes after the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, travelled to Kyiv with French military chiefs last weekend to meet President Zelenskyy, Defence Minister Umerov, and Ukrainian military leaders to update and discuss planning.

    Tomorrow, the Defence Secretary and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will chair the 27th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, bringing together around 50 nations to drive forward additional military support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian attacks.

    The UK convened and chaired the group in its latest format for the first time in February, with 46 nations in attendance, raising an extra 1.5 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine. These latest meetings come after the UK set the path to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence from 2027, and a boost to defence spending of £5 billion for this financial year, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    This work delivers on the Prime Minister’s four-point plan to support Ukraine by ramping up delivery of weapons and equipment, boosting Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the long term, working with allies to develop robust security assurances, and keeping up pressure on Putin.

    The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to secure peace and is stepping up support – providing £4.5 billion of military support this year – more than ever before.

    This support is vital to European security but is also supporting growth across the UK, with defence as an engine for growth. Last month, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6 billion deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine – creating 200 new jobs and supporting a further 700. Defence supports more than 434,000 skilled jobs in the UK.

    The UK has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with a £150 million package including drones, tanks and air defence systems announced on 12 February 2025, a £225 million package including drones, boats and munitions announced on 19 December 2024, and 650 lightweight multirole missiles announced on 6 September 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Draganfly and SafeLane Global Enter into Multi-Year Agreement with Draganfly as the Preferred Global Provider of Landmine Mapping Drones and Aerial Survey Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Ukraine Landmine Aerial Survey Contract Underway

    Tampa, FL, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced that it has been selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider.

    SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist in explosive threat mitigation, is one of only two private organizations licensed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to conduct landmine and explosive ordnance clearance operations in Ukraine. With over 30 years of experience across more than 60 countries, SafeLane supports governments, humanitarian organizations, and commercial clients in the clearance and disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive remnants of war (ERW), both on land and underwater.

    Under the agreement, Draganfly will provide advanced drone solutions, including UAVs, specialized sensors, and data analysis services, to support SafeLane’s global mine action initiatives. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments.

    “We are honored to be selected as SafeLane’s UAS partner,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “This partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage Draganfly’s technology to support critical humanitarian and defense efforts. Together, we will work to deliver scalable, innovative solutions for global landmine action.”

    The companies will co-develop joint intellectual property and standard operating procedures tailored for aerial mine detection and clearance. SafeLane will lead proposal submissions and operational deployment, while Draganfly will provide technology, mission planning, piloting, and survey analysis.

    According to the Landmine Monitor 2023, more than 60 million landmines remain buried across over 60 countries, posing a persistent threat to civilians, especially children, who account for nearly half of the casualties. Ukraine is currently one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world.

    “Draganfly’s drone-based technology will significantly increase the safety and efficiency of our operations,” said Asa Gilbert, Director of Business Development at SafeLane. “This partnership is a critical step in helping communities recover from the legacy of conflict.”

    The collaboration further positions Draganfly as a key player in the defense and humanitarian sectors, supporting efforts to create safer environments in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

    About Draganfly

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8A) is a pioneer in drone solutions, AI-driven software, and robotics. With over 25 years of innovation, Draganfly has been at the forefront of drone technology, providing solutions for public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying. The Company is committed to delivering efficient, reliable, and industry-leading technology that helps organizations save time, money, and lives.

    For more information, visit www.draganfly.com

    For investor details, visit:
    CSE
    NASDAQ
    FRANKFURT

    Media Contact
    media@draganfly.com

    Company Contact
    info@draganfly.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking ‎‎‎‎information” as ‎‎‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information can ‎‎‎‎generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎‎‎‎“may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎‎‎‎“estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar ‎‎‎‎terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information are based on forecasts of future ‎‎‎‎results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎‎‎assumptions that, while believed by ‎‎‎‎management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎‎‎business, economic and ‎‎‎‎competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎include, but are not ‎‎‎‎limited to, statements with respect to the ability to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments. Forward-‎‎‎‎looking statements and information are subject to various ‎known ‎‎and unknown risks and ‎‎‎‎‎uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to ‎control or ‎‎predict, that ‎‎‎‎may cause ‎the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be ‎materially ‎‎different ‎‎‎‎from those ‎expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions ‎about ‎‎such ‎‎‎‎risks, uncertainties ‎and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎impact of epidemics, ‎pandemics or other public health crises, including the ‎COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial ‎‎‎‎condition; the ‎‎‎successful integration of ‎technology; the inherent risks involved in the general ‎‎‎‎securities markets; ‎‎‎uncertainties relating to the ‎availability and costs of financing needed in the ‎‎‎‎future; the inherent ‎‎‎uncertainty of cost estimates; the ‎potential for unexpected costs and ‎‎‎‎expenses, currency ‎‎‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, ‎competition, loss of key ‎‎‎‎employees and other related risks ‎‎‎and uncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in the Company’s most recent filings filed ‎‎‎with securities regulators in Canada on ‎the SEDAR ‎‎‎‎website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking information represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking ‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to ‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ‎‎‎information.‎

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi signs order on enforcing drug administration law in military

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

    BEIJING, April 10 — Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has signed an order to release revised guidelines on the enforcement of the drug administration law in the Chinese armed forces.

    China’s State Council and the CMC have jointly published the document.

    Premier Li Qiang also signed a State Council decree to release the document.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat Holdings Announces $30 Million Registered Direct Offering of Common Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, announced today that the Company has entered into securities purchase agreements with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 4,724,412 shares of common stock, pursuant to a registered direct offering, expected to result in gross proceeds of approximately $30 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The offering is expected to close on or about April 11, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    The Company intends to use net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including working capital.

    Northland Capital Markets is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the transaction.

    The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-283242), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 11, 2024. A final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the registered direct offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Additionally, when available, electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, from Northland Securities, Inc., 150 South Fifth Street, Suite 3300, Minneapolis, MN.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing of the offering and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offerings, and our intended use of proceeds from the offering. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-KT filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Contact:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA:
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Will there be leadership changes on both sides of politics next parliamentary term?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    When Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor met for this week’s treasurers’ debate, the moderator observed that in three or six years they might be facing each other as prime minister and opposition leader.

    Election results trigger, or subsequently lead to, leadership resets. Even in the turmoil of a campaign, players will also have their eyes on the future.

    After two weeks, the election campaign appears to have shifted more clearly in Labor’s direction. The uncertainty caused by Donald Trump is making some voters inclined to stick with the status quo, and the Liberal campaign has appeared faltering. Things could change, but as of now, Labor is better placed.

    Assuming Anthony Albanese wins, the dynamics within Labor will be different according to whether his government is in minority or majority.

    Albanese’s negotiating skills were evident during the last minority Labor government, and would likely come to the fore again if Labor had to wrangle crossbenchers in the House of Representatives.

    But regardless of majority or minority, there would probably be pressure for a leadership change at some point during the next term. It is hard to see Albanese, 62, taking Labor into the 2028 election.

    Chalmers, 47, is the obvious frontrunner to succeed him, but not the only horse in the field. And, apart from Chalmers, other aspirants might be concerned time would pass them by if there was not a transition next term.

    Home Affairs minister Tony Burke, 55, from the right in NSW, is ambitious and canny; he has delivered to the unions and could look to support from that quarter. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, 57, who hails from the Victorian right, also sees himself as a potential successor.

    The left’s Tanya Plibersek, 55, is a favourite with the party rank and file but could struggle to get enough backing in a leadership transition during a second term. Energy Minister Chris Bowen, 52, has had a tough time selling the government’s energy transition policy; in the past he was seen as a serious leadership contender, but doesn’t make it into dispatches these days.

    If the Labor leadership is contested, the rules provide for a ballot of the rank and file. That contributes 50% of the result, with caucus providing the other 50%. A transition in government during the term either would not involve a formal ballot or, if it did, the rules would be changed to override the provision for a long grass roots contest.

    The dynamic between Chalmers and Albanese in a second-term government would be closely watched. There have been some differences between the two over the past three years, notably over the recalibration of the Morrison government’s tax cuts. Chalmers eventually won his push to change them. The treasurer’s loyalty to Albanese has not been in question. But the contrast in their communication skills has been widely remarked on.

    The usual pattern of these things is that a treasurer who sees himself as a future prime minister becomes increasingly impatient as time goes on. Paul Keating, who eventually toppled Bob Hawke, and Peter Costello, who never got to the point of challenging John Howard, are examples.

    While Albanese has obviously not had to watch his back this term, the dynamic would be different next time around. The example of Scott Morrison is instructive. After he unexpectedly won the 2019 election, Morrison was seen as untouchable. Fast forward to before the following election and some in the Liberal party approached treasurer Josh Frydenberg to try to replace Morrison. He rebuffed them.

    Looking across the board, it’s notable that the most impressive Labor leaders currently are two state premiers, Chris Minns in NSW and Peter Malinauskas in South Australia. Both are centrist, pragmatic, unifying figures who come across well. Many in Labor might regret they are not in the federal parliament (although the leadership aspirants would be relieved).

    On the other side of politics, if 54-year-old Peter Dutton loses, what happens with the Liberal leadership? The size of the loss would be crucial. If Labor remained in majority, that would be such a major failure Dutton would surely be replaced immediately. If he picked up a respectable number of seats, on the other hand, he would likely be kept on. He has worked his relationships within the Liberal party well; he is seen as more consultative than, for example, Morrison or Malcolm Turnbull.

    But how long would he last as leader? If the Coalition was only a whisker away from power, he might get a second crack in 2028. However if Labor, although in minority, was looking solid, the Liberals would start thinking about a new leader.

    Their problem is that there is a dearth of frontbench talent.

    Taylor, 58, certainly has ambition. But he has not performed well as shadow treasurer, and is not a good retail politician. Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley, 63, is scatty and widely criticised by colleagues. Defence spokesman Andrew Hastie, 42, hasn’t broadened out as much as might have been expected this term, and has the disadvantage of coming from Western Australia, which has limited his visibility.

    The loss of Frydenberg at the last election has left the Liberals with a long-term succession problem.

    Partly, though not entirely, this goes back some way, to the sort of candidates selected in former years. This is an increasing challenge for both “parties of government”. The talent pool is narrowing.

    Fewer potential high flyers are wanting to enter politics. A toxic political culture and greater media intrusion contribute to this. Politicians might never have commanded great respect but they are accorded even less these days, and there are larger rewards elsewhere. Also, political staffs are bigger, and these young hustlers are well placed to secure preselection.

    There is another factor. Nowadays there’s more pressure to put forward “local champions” – people who are deeply embedded in their communities. We’ve seen this in the success of the “community candidates” movement – many voters respond to them.

    With fewer “safe” seats and this desire for localism, the major parties cannot so easily parachute high flyers into seats in which they don’t live. Labor notoriously tried this with Kristina Keneally, a former senator and former NSW premier, at the last election, and managed to lose what had been the solid Labor seat of Fowler.

    The political move to local champions and community candidates, whatever pluses it might have, will over time erode the potential leadership pools of the major parties.

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

    ref. Grattan on Friday: Will there be leadership changes on both sides of politics next parliamentary term? – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-will-there-be-leadership-changes-on-both-sides-of-politics-next-parliamentary-term-254203

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Allies discuss military mobility with EU Transport Commissioner

    Source: NATO

    Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska welcomed the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas to the NATO Headquarters on Thursday (10 April 2025) for a meeting with Allies in the North Atlantic Council.

    They discussed practical ways to step up NATO-EU cooperation, focusing on military mobility. The Deputy Secretary General highlighted the important role that the EU can play in making sure that NATO Allies can deploy and sustain their forces rapidly to and throughout the whole of Europe.

    Ms Shekerinska thanked Commissioner Tzitzikostas for an insightful presentation to the North Atlantic Council. She stressed  that exchanges with the EU are essential to foster transparency on issues of common interest between both organisations and to explore what more NATO and the EU can do together.

    The meeting was part of NATO’s close cooperation with EU counterparts. At the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers on 3-4 April NATO Allies met with EU High Represenative Kaja Kallas and on 26 March NATO Allies received a briefing by Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Armed Forces must operate jointly & remain future-ready in today’s ever-evolving multi-domain environment: Raksha Mantri at DSSC, Wellington

    Source: Government of India

    Armed Forces must operate jointly & remain future-ready in today’s ever-evolving multi-domain environment: Raksha Mantri at DSSC, Wellington

    “Govt transforming the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force”

    “Building an indigenous future-ready defence ecosystem is a strategic necessity”

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 12:52PM by PIB Delhi

    “Armed Forces must operate jointly and remain future-ready in today’s ever-evolving multi-domain environment where cyber, space & information warfare etc. are as potent as conventional operations,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the Armed Forces officers of India and friendly countries during the Convocation Ceremony of the 80th Staff Course of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, Tamil Nadu on April 10, 2025.

    Raksha Mantri pointed out that today’s global geopolitics is being redefined by three key metrics: a major pivot towards prioritising national security, a technological tsunami sweeping the global landscape, and accelerating innovation. He urged the officers to study the nuances of these trends in-depth to stay ahead on strategic-military change curve, adding that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government is leaving no stone unturned to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.

    Highlighting that Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies are revolutionising deterrence and war-fighting in critical ways, Shri Rajnath Singh termed the power of technological innovation in combat theatres as breathtaking. “In the Ukraine-Russia conflict, drones have virtually emerged as a new arm, if not a transformative science. The majority of losses of soldiers and equipment have been attributed neither to traditional artillery nor to armour but to drones. Similarly, space capacities in the Low Earth Orbit are transforming military intelligence, persistent surveillance, positioning, targeting and communications, thus taking combat to a new high,” he said.

    Raksha Mantri stressed that the world is in the age of Grey Zone and Hybrid warfare where cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic warfare have become tools that can achieve politico-military aims without a single shot being fired. He added that India faces persistent threats along its borders, which are further compounded by the challenge of proxy war and terrorism emanating from its neighbourhood.

    Shri Rajnath Singh also spoke of the impact of the conflict in West Asia and the geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific on the overall security calculus, in addition to non-traditional security threats such as natural disasters and climate change. He stressed on the need to vigorously pursue the transformation of the Armed Forces to remain capable and relevant for future wars, stating that PM Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 rests firmly on two foundational pillars – Surakshit Bharat and Sashakt Bharat.

    Raksha Mantri pitched for the development and modernisation of the Armed Forces through self-reliance. “Lessons of the ongoing conflicts teach us that building a resilient, indigenous, and future-ready defence technological & manufacturing ecosystem is not an option, but a strategic necessity. There is a need to develop low-cost high-tech solutions and enhance the fighting capability of the Armed Forces. Our forces must not only keep pace with technological changes, but also lead it,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh also batted for enhanced synergy among all components to ensure national security. Fostering a ‘Whole of Nation’ approach while undertaking actions in the entire spectrum of diplomatic, informational, military, economic and technological domains is key to ensuring success in this endeavour, he said.

    Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) for the Global South, Raksha Mantri stated that achieving a better future and prosperity for the nations will always remain a collective pursuit. “Increasing connectivities and dependencies among countries and people implies that the multitude of challenges are better faced together than individually. Mutual interests and synergies will help us achieve our goal at sub regional, regional and even global levels,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh exhorted the officers to focus on five ‘A’s – Awareness, Ability, Adaptability, Agility and Ambassadors – to tackle future challenges. “As warfighters and protectors of national security, you need to remain aware of the environment and its implications. You must acquire the ability and skill set required by future leaders. You must imbibe adaptability and agility as key virtues. The battlefield of tomorrow will require leaders who can adapt to unforeseen circumstances, leverage technology to their advantage and come out with innovative solutions. You must become Ambassadors of your respective Armed Forces. Be an ambassador of change and the perfect role model amongst the society at large,” he added.

    Raksha Mantri began his address by expressing solidarity and support of the people of India to Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of the recent massive earthquake. “India has always stood by its friends as a first responder in times of crisis and we consider it as our duty to be able to deliver timely relief to the people of Myanmar,” he said.

    The 80thStaff Course comprises 479 student officers, including 38 personnel from 26 friendly countries. Three women officers are also participating in the course.

    Ahead of the ceremony, Shri Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Madras Regiment War Memorial and paid homage to the bravehearts. He also interacted with the veterans, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the nation. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

    Established in 1948, DSSC is a premier Tri-service training institution that imparts professional education to select middle-level officers of the Indian Armed Forces and friendly countries. It aims to enhance their professional competencies for assuming higher responsibilities. Over the years, more than 19,000 Indian officers and 2,000 international officers have graduated from DSSC, many of whom have risen to become heads of states and military forces worldwide.

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AUSTRALIA’S BUDGET REINFORCES LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO SAMOA AND THE PACIFIC

    Source:

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    [PRESS RELEASE – 28 March 2025] – Australia’s 2025–26 Budget delivers a record AUD$2.2 billion in development assistance to the Pacific, reinforcing Australia’s enduring position as the region’s largest development partner.

    In a time of global uncertainty and tightening donor budgets, Australia is strengthening its support for a stable, resilient and prosperous Pacific. This reflects a clear focus on where the need is greatest and where Australia’s interests are most closely tied.

    For Samoa, bilateral support will focus on shared objectives outlined in the recently published

    Development Partnership Plan: www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australia-samoa-

    development-partnership-plan-2024-2030.pdf.

    This includes continued commitment for spending on two flagship programs: Tautai –Governance for Economic Growth (AUD$45 million, 2022-30), Tautua – Human Development for All (AUD$40 million, 2021-29); direct budget support (AUD$105.5 million, 2023-31); and the construction of the Legislative Assembly Office (AUD$30 million, 2024-26 – due for completion April 2026).

    Additionally, Australia continues to invest in Australia Awards scholarships and maintain our strong security partnerships with Samoa through our long-term Australian Federal Police, Australian Defence Force, and Australian Border Force presence.

    On a regional level, investments include:

    – AUD$1 billion Economic Resilience Package to support jobs, skills and inclusive growth

    – AUD$81 million Health Resilience Package to bolster health systems and pandemic readiness

    – AUD$355 million Climate Action Package to help communities respond to climate-related shocks.

    Australia’s total global Official Development Assistance for 2025-26 has increased to AUD$5.1 billion – with the Pacific receiving the largest share.

    Australia continues to work closely with Samoa and Pacific partners to deliver support that reflects local priorities. In a shifting global landscape, Australia remains committed to shared progress across the region.

    END

    SOURCE – Australian High Commission, Samoa

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European military mobility infrastructure – E-000700/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission recognises the critical role of high-quality infrastructure in ensuring connectivity and rapid response to crises at the EU’s borders.

    In the Multiannual financial framework ( MFF) 2021-2027 negotiations, the Commission initially proposed EUR 6.5 billion for dual-use transport infrastructure under Connecting Europe Facility — Transport (CEF-T), but the final budget concluded by the Member States in the Council was reduced to EUR 1.7 billion.

    Since the adoption of the current MFF, geopolitical circumstances have changed significantly. In response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Commission accelerated the implementation of the military mobility budget, fully allocating it over three calls (2021 -2023), supporting 95 projects in 21 Member States.

    The 2023 call alone saw funding requests totalling EUR 3.7 billion, demonstrating the increased urgency and the scale of investment needs.

    To enhance coordination and prioritisation, the Commission, in cooperation with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), identified four EU military mobility corridors, endorsed by the EU Military Committee in October 2024.

    These corridors were included in the revised Annex II to the Military Requirements for Military Mobility[1], adopted by the Council on 17 March 2025.

    Work is ongoing to assess main bottlenecks and investment needs on these corridors, particularly for short-term upgrades to enhance resilience and adapt to dual-use standards (e.g. rail capacity increase, tunnel widening, bridge reinforcements).

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=celex:52025JC0011

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Alarmist nonsense’: Labor and Coalition dismissed security risks over the Port of Darwin for years. What’s changed?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Laurenceson, Director and Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute (UTS:ACRI), University of Technology Sydney

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have both committed to stripping a Chinese company, Landbridge, of the lease to operate Darwin Port. Landbridge paid A$506 million for the 99-year lease from the Northern Territory government in October 2015.

    In Australia’s political system, democratically elected representatives like Albanese and Dutton have the power to make such decisions. Still, Australians would hope and expect these decisions were driven by the best available advice, not domestic political sparring ahead of a federal election.

    This is particularly so when such a move would likely elevate fears among foreign investors around sovereign risk.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles has refused to say if security agencies are recommending Australia retake control of the port, nor has the Coalition provided a reason for its new stance.

    Media reports often cite “defence experts” who claim Chinese ownership of the lease involves unacceptable risks.

    However, it has been the long-standing and consistent advice of Australia’s most senior national security officials that this is not the case.

    Earlier concerns batted away

    Landbridge did not need Canberra’s approval when it secured the port lease in 2015. Nonetheless, the company notified the Foreign Investment Review Board of its interest in submitting a competitive bid for the lease four months before the deal was sealed.

    The Department of Defence and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) “examined it thoroughly”. The then-secretary of the Department of Defence, Dennis Richardson, said:

    We are at one in agreeing that this was not an investment that should be opposed on defence or security grounds.

    Richardson told Senate Estimates in 2015 he was “not aware of any concerns” among the senior leadership in the Australian Defence Forces (ADF), either.

    The chief of the ADF, Mark Binskin, said in the same hearing:

    If [ship] movements are the issue, I can sit at the fish and chip shop on the wharf […] and watch ships come and go, regardless of who owns it.

    Some analysts raised concerns after the sale, but these were borderline ridiculed by officials with access to the most highly classified national security information.

    Analysts at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, for example, warned that a Chinese company holding the lease “could facilitate intelligence collection” of ADF operations and US Marine deployments.

    Richardson said it was “amateur hour” to suggest Chinese spies could use the port for this purpose. He added: “It’s as though people have never heard of overhead imagery” from spy satellites.

    Analysts also suggested China could acquire valuable knowledge of the types of signals an Australian or US warship would “emit through a variety of sensors and systems”. Richardson dismissed this as “absurd”.

    Even more ludicrous were claims the port deal would provide the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) with “facilitated access to Australia”.

    Richardson labelled this as “alarmist nonsense”. Any visits by foreign naval vessels cannot be approved by a commercial port operator, he said. They must be signed off on by the Department of Defence.

    Analysts also contended that Landbridge’s chairman, Ye Cheng, was a “senior Communist Party official” and the company was a “commercial front intimately tied to state-owned operations, the party and the PLA”.

    This was debunked by a Chinese law and corporate governance expert.

    Tellingly, when Landbridge found itself in financial difficulty in 2017, it was forced to borrow in high-interest rate debt markets. This is common for privately owned Chinese firms, but not those with close state and party connections. They would be able to access subsidised loans from state-owned banks.

    Successive reviews have reaffirmed the decision

    When Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was asked in 2018 whether she had any lingering security fears about the Darwin Port lease, she replied the Department of Defence “had no concerns […] and that is still the case”.

    As the China-Australia relationship deteriorated in the ensuing years, the Morrison government reviewed the deal in 2021. It found there were still no national security grounds sufficient to overturn the lease.

    Yet another review by the Albanese government just 18 months ago also deemed it “not necessary to vary or cancel the lease”. It concluded:

    there is a robust regulatory system in place to manage risks to critical infrastructure, including the Port of Darwin.

    In announcing his pledge to reacquire the Darwin Port last weekend, Dutton alluded to “advice of the intelligence agencies”, pointing to a deterioration in Australia’s strategic circumstances.

    However, the Coalition had apparently not yet received an intelligence briefing on any security risks specifically connected to the Port of Darwin when Dutton made this pledge. Opposition leaders only made a request for the national security advice underpinning Albanese’s promise to reacquire the port in a letter to the government on Monday.

    The reality is that if Albanese and Dutton now suddenly and genuinely believed that Darwin might need to serve as a staging post for military conflict with China, forcing the sale of a few commercial wharves currently operated by a Chinese company would be a woefully inadequate response.

    They would instead be committing to a massive infrastructure upgrade, most likely in the form of an entirely new port facility. Planning for such a facility was already being mooted in 2019.

    The fact that they aren’t says a lot.

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

    ref. ‘Alarmist nonsense’: Labor and Coalition dismissed security risks over the Port of Darwin for years. What’s changed? – https://theconversation.com/alarmist-nonsense-labor-and-coalition-dismissed-security-risks-over-the-port-of-darwin-for-years-whats-changed-253941

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nuclear Taskforce lead appointed to speed up nuclear renaissance

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Nuclear Taskforce lead appointed to speed up nuclear renaissance

    Nuclear Taskforce lead appointed to accelerate UK’s nuclear renaissance.

    • John Fingleton CBE appointed as head of government’s nuclear taskforce 
    • Taskforce will accelerate reforms of regulation needed to build new nuclear plants as part of clean energy superpower mission   
    • part of Plan for Change to get Britain building with clean, homegrown power

    John Fingleton CBE has been appointed as the lead for the Prime Minister’s Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce to speed up new nuclear plants and deliver a ‘nuclear renaissance’ as part of the government’s Plan for Change. 

    The appointment is the latest step in the Prime Minister’s ambitious plan to call time on a planning system that has held back new nuclear for too long, unleashing nuclear from cumbersome planning burdens to build new plants, driving energy security and economic growth. 

    As former boss of the Office of Fair Trading and the Board of UK Research and Innovation, John Fingleton CBE brings significant experience from outside the nuclear industry. He will lead a panel of nuclear experts to help unlock economic growth and accelerate towards net zero. 

    The independent taskforce will identify how nuclear regulation can better incentivise investment to deliver new projects more quickly and cost efficiently, simplify processes, and reduce duplication, all whilst upholding high safety and security standards.   

    This follows the reform package laid out by the Prime Minister in January, which included plans to scrap the set list of 8-sites which means nuclear sites could be built anywhere across England and Wales; and removing the expiry date on nuclear planning rules – so projects don’t get timed out and industry can plan for the long term. 

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    “Our Plan for Change and clean energy mission means it is time to build, build, build – it is time for a nuclear renaissance in this country, and that can only happen if we move further and faster to break down the barriers.

    “John is equipped with the right experience to drive this review with the urgency required to deliver on our nuclear ambitions.” 

    Nuclear Regulation Taskforce lead John Fingleton CBE said: 

    “I am very pleased to lead this important work to improve how the UK delivers new nuclear capacity. 

    “I will work closely with business, regulators and other interested individuals and groups to identify how regulation can better enable and incentivise investment in this area. 

    “New nuclear power is essential to deliver greater productivity growth for the UK economy and greater prosperity for workers and consumers across the UK.  The taskforce will work hard to ensure that we can achieve those goals.” 

    Britain is currently considered one of the world’s most expensive countries in which to build nuclear power. The taskforce will look at how to speed up the approval of new reactor designs and streamline how developers engage with regulators.  

    The recommendations from the taskforce into nuclear regulation will cover both civil and defence nuclear to support both energy security and national security, and help unlock economic growth.   

    The taskforce will help reinforce the importance of our Defence Nuclear Enterprise, which supports delivery of the government’s triple-lock commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

    It will also explore better international alignment so reactor designs approved abroad could be green lit more quickly, minimising expensive changes. 

    This is part of the government push to drive growth – building on the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this year to overhaul the legal challenges to major infrastructure projects including nuclear – with Sizewell C having suffered increased legal costs and uncertainty as a result of local activists taking them to court.   

    Since July, the government has committed to driving forward new nuclear – including a further £2.7 billion committed to Sizewell C last month. 

    Great British Nuclear also continues to progress the small modular reactor competition, with contract negotiations currently underway.   

    Notes to editors 

    The panel of nuclear experts will be appointed in due course.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom