NewzIntel.com

Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Global: Colombia’s fragile peace process in danger as guerrilla violence rises

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dale Pankhurst, PhD Candidate and Tutor in the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen’s University Belfast

    Colombia has experienced an upsurge in political and criminal violence over the past few months. In late February, the National Liberation Army (ELN) leftist guerrilla insurgent group carried out four bombings in Cúcuta, a city on the border with Venezuela. Several people were left injured by the attacks, and 1,200 soldiers were subsequently deployed across the city.

    Then, in early March, dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) Marxist-Leninist rebel group captured 29 members of the security forces in the Cauca region, including a police lieutenant colonel and an army major. The renegade faction expressed anger at government efforts to eradicate 8,000 hectares of coca in the area.

    Colombia’s fragile peace process, in which the government has sought to bring the country’s multiple armed groups to the negotiating table, looks to be in danger. Some leftist insurgent groups remain active, while drug cartels and offshoots of Colombia’s former right-wing paramilitaries, such as the Clan del Golfo, continue to expand their influence.

    Colombia suffered Latin America’s longest-running insurgency. In the 1960s, Farc emerged with the goal of overthrowing the Colombian state and establishing a communist government.

    It wasn’t until the late 1990s, when the drug trade emerged as a funding source, that the Farc insurgency became a serious threat to Colombia’s government. Farc took over large parts of rural Colombia, forcing state control to retreat to the urban centres of regional towns and cities. By 2001, Farc was operating in the periphery of Colombia’s capital, Bogotá.

    At the same time, the Colombian security forces also battled other left-wing insurgent forces. These included the 19th of April Movement (M-19), the Popular Liberation Army (EPL) and the ELN, which is now Colombia’s largest active guerrilla insurgent group.

    In response to the revolutionary Marxist threat, anti-insurgent paramilitaries coalesced under the banner of the United Self-Defense Forces. These paramilitary groups both collaborated and conflicted with the state, before the vast majority disbanded through a government demobilisation programme between 2002 and 2006.

    It is estimated that the decades-long armed conflict in Colombia resulted in the deaths of over a quarter of a million people, with many more injured and displaced from their homes. Tens of thousands are still missing.

    The insurgency was officially brought to an end in 2016, when the Colombian government signed a peace agreement with Farc. The group was to be demobilised, victims of the conflict would receive justice, and the government promised significant investment in rural areas previously under Farc control.

    It also guaranteed seats for former Farc rebels in the Colombian Senate and House of Representatives for two terms, starting in 2018. In its new incarnation as a political party, Farc would then have to secure seats through engaging in elections.

    Despite the peace agreement and demobilisation programmes, there are a variety of armed groups across Colombia still intent on collapsing the peace process. The ELN, for example, has rejected every peace deal since its inception in 1964.

    It continues to carry out attacks and seeks to control territory throughout Colombia, particularly in regions where the drug trade proliferates. In 2019, the ELN carried out a suicide car bombing at the General Santander National Police Academy in Bogotá, killing 21 people as police cadets readied for their graduation ceremony.

    Several Farc fronts also rejected the 2016 peace agreement and formed their own dissident factions, including the so-called Central General Staff and the Segunda Marquetalia. Farc dissidents and the ELN have clashed over the years, but have both used neighbouring Venezuela as a launch pad to conduct attacks into Colombia.

    Demobilised Farc combatants face assassinations and threats from dissident rebel factions who view former militants that are now pro-peace as traitors. These threats may encourage some demobilised groups to rearm in the future.

    Alongside the growing insurgent threat, Colombia’s security forces are also dealing with neo-paramilitary factions which are, like the remaining dissident guerrillas, heavily involved in drug trafficking.

    Groups such as the Clan del Golfo seek to generate wealth and power through criminality while also attacking rebel groups such as the ELN and Farc dissidents. These neo-paramilitary groups have an estimated membership of 6,000 volunteers spread throughout Colombia.

    Establishing ‘total peace’

    Following the 2022 election of Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, a new peace strategy was announced that was designed to disarm and demobilise the remaining leftist insurgents, neo-paramilitary factions and organised crime cartels. Petro, himself a former M-19 guerrilla and the country’s first leftist president, sought to use his plan for “total peace” to end Colombia’s remaining violent campaigns.

    It was hoped that peace talks between Petro’s government and rebel factions may have produced better outcomes than previous attempts due to Petro’s left-wing politics and his history as a rebel combatant in the 1980s. However, attempts at establishing peace have repeatedly collapsed.

    The decision by the US president, Donald Trump, to cut foreign aid to Colombia has also heightened fears that groups such as the ELN will benefit as a result. The funding that has been slashed primarily focused on helping communities living in poverty and isolation as well as supporting anti-gang and pro-peace programmes.

    Government initiatives to secure peace continue to stall. But community organisations at a regional and local level have achieved success in transitioning demobilised combatants back into civilian life.

    Groups such as the Medellín-based Peace Classrooms Foundation have used the experiences of former paramilitary members and rebels to warn of the dangers of violence. These groups may hold the key to addressing some of the social injustices that encourage dissent and violence in Colombia.

    The continued violence in Colombia should remind anyone with an interest in wanting peace to succeed that the internal armed conflict is far from settled.

    Dale Pankhurst 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. Colombia’s fragile peace process in danger as guerrilla violence rises – https://theconversation.com/colombias-fragile-peace-process-in-danger-as-guerrilla-violence-rises-252582

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How a new wave of fighter jets could transform aerial combat

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Bacci, Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Thermofluids Laboratory, University of Oxford

    The most advanced fighter jets in the world are known as “fifth generation”. They contain technologies developed in the first part of the 21st century. Examples of fifth generation fighter jets include America’s F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, China’s Chengdu J-20 and Russia’s Sukhoi SU-57.

    Now, however, nations are moving ahead with the sixth generation of combat jets. In the past few months, China has flown its J36 and J50 prototype jets. Meanwhile, the US has selected Boeing to build a new fighter aircraft called the F-47.

    As with previous generations, the sixth will incorporate major advances in aircraft design, onboard electronics (avionics) and weapon systems.

    But how will the new generation of jets stand out from the previous one? Future combat jets will not see dramatic increases in maximum speed, nor in flight performance. Instead, the true innovations will be in how these systems operate and achieve dominance in aerial combat.

    Like the fifth generation, the sixth will be dominated by stealth technology. This helps fighters jets to reduce their chances of being detected by infrared and radar sensors, to the point that when their signatures are eventually picked up, the opponent has no time to act.

    Stealth is achieved through particular shapes of airframe (such as diamond shapes) and coatings on the aircraft – called radar absorbing materials. The airframe is the fundamental structural framework of an aircraft, encompassing the fuselage, wings, tail assembly and landing gear.

    The diamond-like shapes that already characterise fifth generation jets are likely to remain in the upcoming generation of fighter, but they will evolve.

    A common feature we’re likely to see is the reduction or complete removal of vertical tails at the back of the aircraft and their control surfaces. In current aircraft, these tails provide directional stability and control in flight, allowing the aircraft to maintain its course and manoeuvre.

    However, sixth generation jets could achieve this control with the help of thrust vectoring – the ability to manipulate the direction of engines and therefore the direction of thrust (the force that moves the jet through the air).

    The role of vertical tails could also be partially replaced by devices called fluidic actuators. These apply forces to the the wing by blowing high speed and high pressure air on different parts of it.

    F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. Vertical tails can be seen at the rear of this fifth generation jet.
    US Air Force / Paul Holcomb

    The removal of the vertical tails would contribute to the fighter’s stealth. The new generation of fighters is also likely to see the use of novel radar absorbing materials with advanced capabilities.

    We’ll see the introduction of what are known as adaptive cycle engines on sixth generation fighters. These engines will feature what’s known as a three stream design, which refers to the airstreams blowing through the engine. Current jets have two airstreams: one that passes through the core of the engine, and another that bypasses the core.

    The development of a third stream provides an extra source of air flow to increase the engine’s fuel efficiency and performance. This will allow both the capability to cruise efficiently at supersonic speed and deliver a high thrust during combat.

    It is likely that China and the US will build two separate fighters with different airframes. One will have a bigger airframe, designed for use in an area like the Pacific Ocean region. Here, the ability to fly further and carry a heavier payload will be key, because of the distances involved. Airframes designed for this region will therefore be larger.

    Another fighter jet carrying a smaller airframe will be designed for use in areas such as Europe where agility and manoeuvrability will be more important.

    The next wave of jets will have a system in the cockpit that gathers lots of information from other aircraft, ground surveillance stations and satellites. It would then integrate this data to give an enhanced situational awareness to the pilot. This system would also able to actively jam enemy sensors.

    Another key feature will be the deployment of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (Ucavs), a form of drone aircraft. The piloted fighter jet would be able to control a variety of Ucavs, ranging from loyal wingmen to cheaper, unpiloted fighter jets that will assist the mission, including protecting the piloted fighter.

    This will all be the responsibility of something called the advanced digital cockpit, a software-driven system that will use virtual reality and allow the pilot to effectively become a battle manager. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a key feature of the support systems for the drones. This will allow them to be controlled with complete autonomy. The pilot will assign the main task – such as, “attack that enemy jet in that sector” – and the system will carry out the mission without any further input.

    Another advancement will be the weapon systems, with the adoption of missiles that not only will be capable of travelling at hypersonic speeds, but will also incorporate stealth features. This will further reduce the reaction times of enemy forces. Directed energy weapons systems, such as laser weapons, could potentially appear in later stages, as this technology is under study.

    Under America’s sixth generation fighter programme, the US Navy is working on a separate jet called the F/A-XX, complementing the F-47.

    The UK, Italy and Japan are also working on a jet project known as the global combat air programme (GCAP). This will replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in service with the UK and Italy and the Mitsubishi F-2 in service with Japan.

    Germany, Spain and France are working on a fighter programme called the future combat air system (FCAS). This could supersede Germany and Spain’s Typhoons and France’s Rafale.

    The path for sixth generation fighter jets seems to have already been traced, but uncertainties remain. The feasibility of some of the characteristics described and development times and costs are not yet well defined. This interval of time was more than ten years for fifth generation fighter jets – and the sixth is going to be far more complex in terms of requirements and capability.

    A new generation of fighter jet is expected to remain on active duty for something like 30 years. But warfare across the world evolves rapidly. It is unclear whether the design requirements we are fixing today remain relevant over the coming years.

    David Bacci is affiliated with Cranfeild Defence & Security (CRanfield University) – Visiting Research Fellow

    – ref. How a new wave of fighter jets could transform aerial combat – https://theconversation.com/how-a-new-wave-of-fighter-jets-could-transform-aerial-combat-252949

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NASA, DoD Medical Components Integrate Aboard USS Somerset in Preparation for Artemis II Mission

    Source: United States Navy

    SAN DIEGO — At a moment’s notice, aeronautical capsules carrying astronauts streak through Earth’s atmosphere, landing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. When a space module carrying astronauts splashes down, a joint recovery team from the Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA springs into action. The two organizations have collaborated on multiple missions throughout the years, prioritizing speed and, most importantly, safety.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middlesex County Man Charged for Making False Statement About Terrorist Organization Association on U.S. Citizenship Application

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury in the District of New Jersey returned a two-count indictment against a New Jersey man for falsely stating on an application for naturalization that he had never been associated with a terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced. 

    Gafur Abdudzhamilovich Aliev, 44, of Edison, New Jersey, is charged with one count of making a false statement on an application for naturalization and one count of perjury. Aliev is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor via videoconference. 

    According to the indictment, between in or around January 2018 and in or around January 2020, Aliev was a moderator and/or member of numerous channels on a social media application with encryption features that targeted members, associates, supporters, and potential recruits of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”).  On or about August 7, 2020, Aliev told Individual-1, in substance, that he previously sent money to ISIS for the purchase of weapons, and on or about August 16, 2020, Aliev additionally told Individual-1, in substance, that sending even a small amount of money ($100 to $400) to ISIS was “ok.”  On or about September 28, 2020, Aliev further told Individual-1, in substance, that those who commit jihad in the name of Allah should commit jihad financially and physically and that without financial support, jihad could not be performed, as money was needed to purchase equipment to conduct jihad.

    On or about December 26, 2020, Aliev, under penalty of perjury, falsely stated in his application for naturalization that he had never been a member of, or in any way associated with, a terrorist organization.

    The false statement on a naturalization application count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  The perjury count carries a maximum potential penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, deportation officers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, and the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Bryan, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for its assistance with the case. 

    The government is represented by Joyce M. Malliet, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                          ###

    Defense counsel: Naz Ahmad, Esq.

                               Linda Foster, AFPD, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: UN relief chief demands ‘answers and justice’ following killings of first responders

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Humanitarian Aid

    The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on Monday called for “justice and answers” after Israeli forces killed eight Palestinian medics, six civil defence first responders and a UN staff member in an attack in southern Gaza.

    The clearly identified humanitarian workers from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Palestinian Civil Defence and the UN had been despatched to collect injured people on 23 March in the Rafah area of southern Gaza, when they came under fire from Israeli forces who were advancing in the area, said the UN aid coordination office’s (OCHA) top official in the Palestinian Occupied Territory in a detailed post on X.

    Jonathan Whittall said that on the day of the attack, five ambulances, a fire truck – and a clearly marked UN vehicle which arrived following the initial assault – were all hit by Israeli fire, after which contact was lost with teams.

    No access for days

    “One survivor said Israeli forces had killed both of the crew in his ambulance. For days, OCHA coordinated to reach the site but our access was only granted five days later,” Mr. Whittall said.

    When UN staff then travelled to the area they encountered hundreds of civilians fleeing under Israeli fire.

    “We witnessed a woman shot in the back of the head. When a young man tried to retrieve her, he too was shot. We were able to recover her body using our UN vehicle,” he added.

    ‘Devastating scene’

    He said aid workers we were finally able to reach the site on Sunday, discovering “a devastating scene: ambulances, the UN vehicle, and fire truck had been crushed and partially buried. After hours of digging, we recovered one body – a civil defence worker beneath his fire truck.”

    The Palestine Red Crescent Society – part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – expressed outrage on Sunday over the deaths, adding that a ninth staff member is still missing.

    “These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people…They wore emblems that should have protected them; their ambulances were clearly marked. They should have returned to their families: they did not,” said IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain.

    Humanitarian law ‘could not be clearer’

    “Even in the most complex conflict zones, there are rules,” he added. “These rules of International Humanitarian Law could not clearer – civilians must be protected; humanitarians must be protected. Health services must be protected.”

    The incident represents the most deadly attack on Red Crescent Red Cross workers since 2017.

    Israeli forces said the emergency responders had been fired on after their vehicles “advanced suspiciously”, according to news reports, adding that a Hamas operative had been killed along with “eight other terrorists”.

    The attack occurred following the collapse of the fragile two-month ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants on 18 March. On Monday, Israel issued a new mass evacuation order for the whole of the Rafah region.

    ‘This should never have happened’

    OCHA’s Jonathan Whittall reiterated on Sunday that first responders should never be a target.

    “Today, on the first day of Eid, we returned and recovered the buried bodies…They were killed in their uniforms. Driving their clearly marked vehicles. Wearing their gloves. On their way to save lives. This should never have happened.”

    The UN Humanitarian Affairs chief, Tom Fletcher, on Monday send condolences to the families of all who had been killed

    “They were killed by Israeli forces while trying to save lives. We demand answers and justice,” he said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dstl to tackle emerging health threats

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Dstl to tackle emerging health threats

    A new collaboration between The Pandemic Institute (TPI) and Dstl, is set to fund vital research into emerging infectious diseases.

    Researchers from both organisations aim to strengthen the UK’s ability to detect, understand and combat known and emerging pathogens.

    Bringing together experts in infectious diseases and pandemic research from different organisations is essential for improving the UK’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from these threats.

    This collaboration will support several research projects drawing on the expertise of both organisations. This includes developing new diagnostic tests, evaluating new therapeutics and using cutting edge technology to better understand viral pathogens.

    There are 9 projects in total. One of which will use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict virus-host interactions, aiding the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics.

    Professor Tom Solomon CBE, Director of The Pandemic Institute, emphasised the importance of the collaboration:

    “The recent global health crises have shown us that we must be proactive rather than reactive when dealing with infectious threats. This collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will ensure that we are at the forefront of scientific innovation, developing tools that could be crucial in preventing future pandemics.”

    Dr Stuart Perkins, Programme Manager at Dstl stated:

    “This joint programme encourages and supports our scientists to work within national multidiscipline teams and will allow Dstl to access novel tools and products, being developed within academia, that could be utilised within the defence and security arena.

    “It generates value for money and ensures cohesion across defence and academic research.

    “The programme strengthens Dstl’s mission to ensure our armed forces maintain operational effectiveness at all times, even in the event they were exposed to infectious agents.”

    This partnership represents an exciting step forward in pandemic preparedness, and helps the UK remain at the cutting edge of infectious disease research.

    Find out more about Dstl’s work and funded projects at TPI.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kweisi Mfume Introduces Legislation to Commemorate African American World War II Hero Doris Miller

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on National Medal of Honor Day, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) announced the introduction of a pair of bills to commemorate the life and legacy of African American Mess Attendant Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mess Attendant Miller manned an anti-aircraft gun and downed enemy planes, despite the fact that the racially segregated steward’s branch of the Navy was not trained to use anti-aircraft guns. Congressman Mfume’s bills seek to award the Medal of Honor and a Congressional Gold Medal to Mess Attendant Miller. 

    “Today is ‘Dorie Miller Day’ on Capitol Hill. Dorie Miller protected America, and we are all the beneficiaries of his bravery. His valiance is even more admirable because he courageously worked to save a democracy that he could not fully enjoy at that time, as the United States military did not become fully integrated until almost seven years after his heroism in World War II,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I am honored to continue the work of my friend, the late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, who had fought to give Mess Attendant Miller’s legacy the celebration of the Medal of Honor since 2001. While the Trump administration shamefully seeks to eviscerate Black history from the American story, I am introducing my dual-tracked legislative effort to award both the Medal of Honor and a Congressional Gold Medal to Dorie Miller so he can finally be recognized with an American salute that is long overdue,” he concluded.   

    This legislation’s introduction comes in the wake of reports that most U.S Department of Defense webpages chronicling the heroism of Mess Attendant Miller had been eliminated following a directive to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content from Pentagon platforms.  

    The Life of Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller 

    Background 

    • Born in Waco, Texas on October 12, 1919.
    • Son of Connery and Henrietta Miller.
    • Dropped out of school to support the family farm, worked part-time as a cook in a small restaurant in Waco.

    Military Career 

    • Enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1939.
    • After bootcamp training, was assigned to the USS West Virginia as a messman.
    • Quickly moved up in the ranks from messman to ship’s cook, third class, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor.
    • Black sailors serving in the racially segregated steward’s branch of the Navy were not trained to use anti-aircraft guns.
    • On December 7, 1941, Doris Miller was doing laundry at around 8:00 a.m. when a Japanese torpedo hit his ship, anchored in Pearl Harbor.
    • He rushed to the main deck to help move his mortally wounded captain out of harm’s way and attend to other wounded sailors.
    • He then manned a 0.50-calibre anti-aircraft gun and fired at the attacking planes.
    • According to news stories and other sailors’ accounts, Doris Miller downed 2 to 5 enemy planes before he was forced to abandon ship.

    National Awards and the Medal of Honor  

    • Doris Miller was awarded a commendation from the Secretary of the Navy as well as the Navy Cross on May 27, 1942, in a ceremony at Pearl Harbor.
    • In 2017, the town of Waco, Texas unveiled a riverside memorial featuring a 9-foot-tall, 700-pound bronze sculpture of hometown hero Doris Miller.
    • In 2020, the Navy commissioned an aircraft carrier to be named after Doris Miller.
    • Doris Miller has yet to receive the Navy’s highest award, the Medal of Honor.
      • Mr. Miller’s family and friends have fought for decades to convince the Navy to award Doris Miller with the Medal of Honor posthumously.
      • More than 15 cities have expressed support, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution endorsing the effort in 2001.
      • Congress has introduced a resolution in support of the Navy awarding Doris Miller the Medal of Honor every year since 2015.
      • Decisions on military honors are typically reserved for the military, and the Navy has not yet decided to change course on Doris Miller’s status.

    Medal of Honor Bill – Doris Miller 

    • This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States Armed Forces, to Mess Attendant Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller.
    • The late Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson had fought to give Mess Attendant Miller’s legacy this recognition since 2001.
    • This legislation is endorsed by the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETs) and the Dorie Miller Medal of Honor Committee. 

    Congressional Gold Medal Bill – Doris Miller 

    • The second bill of this dual-tracked legislative effort to federally recognize Doris Miller awards him posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the United States.
    • If approved by Congress, Doris Miller’s family would receive the medal and it would be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Declaration by the Foreign Ministers of the Weimar +

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Joint Declaration by the Foreign Ministers of the Weimar +

    Joint Declaration by the Foreign Ministers of United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain as well as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in Madrid (31st March 2025)

    30/03/2025. Madrid, Spain. Foreign Secretary David Lammy poses for family photo ahead of Weimar+ meeting. Picture by Ben Dance / FCDO

    Three days after the anniversary of the Bucha massacre, we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, building on our Warsaw Declaration of 19 November, our Berlin Declaration of 12 December and our Paris Declaration of 12 February.

    Ukraine has shown its strong commitment to peace, also by agreeing to a full ceasefire without preconditions. However, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has not ceased. Instead of imposing new conditions and launching continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure that cause more and more victims, Russia must now show it is serious about ending its war.  We call on Russia to stop its delaying tactics and reciprocate by agreeing without delay, as Ukraine has done, to an immediate unconditional ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We need to see progress within a clear timeframe.

    Building on the recent meetings in Paris and London, we took forward the discussion on how best to support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which is vital for Ukraine, for Europe and for the whole international community.

    We remain committed to further political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, together with our international partners. To this end, we will strengthen Ukraine through significant short and long-term military support, also in the framework of Capability Coalitions and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which will hold its next meeting on 11 April. Many European partners, including the members of this group, have made substantive additional pledges to support Ukraine militarily and are planning similar commitments in the future.

    We also stand ready to apply further pressure on Russia using all tools available, including by adopting new sanctions, to hinder its ability to wage its war of aggression and to ensure Ukraine is placed in the best position possible to secure a just and lasting peace. We reiterate that Russia’s assets should remain immobilized until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused.

    We are also strongly committed to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The progress made on establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, within the framework of the Council of Europe, is an important step.

    A credible pathway to peace must include humanitarian relief efforts, notably the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilians and the return of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully deported and transferred to Russia and Belarus.

    We support efforts for a ceasefire that can lead to the establishment of a just and lasting peace. We welcome recent progress to define the essential elements for a viable and sustainable ceasefire, including a clear framework of monitoring and verification.

    Peace must be sustainable, backed by effective guarantees to prevent further acts of aggression. Real, robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine are an indispensable element of a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine’s sovereign right to determine its security relationships with its partners, and on the duty of the international community to prevent future Russian aggression. We stand ready to play a leading role in this regard.

    Peace must be just, and Russia’s war of aggression cannot end with a reward to the aggressor. There can be no agreement that compromises on Euro-Atlantic security and the independence, sovereignty territorial integrity of Ukraine. We will not accept any agreement that restricts Ukraine’s military and defence industry or the military presence of partner countries in Ukraine.

    We stand ready to do our share in order to achieve this peace. Europe now provides almost two thirds of all support to Ukraine, and 60% of military aid. We reiterate our ironclad commitment to NATO as the bedrock of Euro-Atlantic security and commit to take on greater responsibility for the future of the security and defense of the European continent, aiming at a significant result at the summit in The Hague.

    We reiterate the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and to defend its democracy. Ukraine’s future is in Europe and in the European Union, and Ukraine’s future is crucial for the security of Europe. Europe must be fully involved in the negotiations and will make its own decisions.  

    We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners.

    We reaffirm our commitment to our democratic values, and to further engage with our global partners in order to promote together a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the universal principles of the United Nations Charter.

    We reaffirm that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security and become better equipped and deal with immediate and future challenges.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Travis Credit Union Earns 2025 Great Place To Work Certification™

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VACAVILLE, Calif., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Travis Credit Union (TCU) proudly announces it has been Certified™ by Great Place To Work®, a distinction based on feedback from current employees regarding their experiences at TCU. According to a survey, 81% of employees said TCU is a great place to work, 24 points higher than the average U.S. company.

    “We are proud to have achieved this certification based on our people, our culture, and our benefits. What makes it even more special is that 87% of employees surveyed feel good about the ways we contribute to the community,” said Catherine (CJ) Johnson, Travis Credit Union Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. “We actively support and reinvest in the communities we serve. This is the heart of Travis Credit Union.”

    Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

    “Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Travis Credit Union stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

    According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

    To view TCU’s survey results, click here.

    About Travis Credit Union 
    Travis Credit Union, based in Vacaville, Calif., has been recognized at the federal, state and local levels for its longstanding financial education and financial advocacy efforts. In 2022, TCU was once again selected as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes. It has also earned the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year award in recent years. Founded in 1951 on Travis Air Force Base, TCU today serves 12 Northern California counties. It is the twelfth largest credit union in California, with 250,000 members and $5 billion in assets. Learn more about our mission at traviscu.org. 

    We’re Hiring!

    Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers page at:

    https://www.traviscu.org/careers/why-travis/

    About Great Place to Work Certification™

    Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified.

    About Great Place To Work®

    As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

    Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Department of Defense Completes Underway Recovery Test 12 with NASA

    Source: United States Navy

    SAN DIEGO — NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Landing and Recovery team and the Department of Defense successfully completed the third recovery test for the crewed Artemis II mission aboard amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) off the coast of San Diego, March 31.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s article on building strong country in science, technology to be published

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

    BEIJING, March 31 — An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on forging ahead toward the grand goal of building a strong country in science and technology will be published on Tuesday.

    The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year’s seventh issue of Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

    The article notes that since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has vigorously implemented an innovation-driven development strategy, setting the goal of building China into a sci-tech powerhouse by 2035. Meanwhile, it has been deepening reforms in the sci-tech system, unleashing the enthusiasm and creativity of sci-tech personnel, and advancing self-reliance and strength in science and technology, leading to historic achievements and transformation in the sector.

    Chinese modernization must be underpinned by advancements in scientific and technological modernization, and achieving high-quality development relies on new growth drivers cultivated by innovation in science and technology, says the article. It stresses the importance of fully acknowledging the strategic leading position and fundamental supporting role of science and technology.

    The article outlines key elements for building China into a sci-tech powerhouse, including strong basic research and original innovation capabilities, a robust capacity to achieve breakthroughs in key and core technologies, significant global influence and leadership that make China a major scientific and innovation hub, strong ability to attract and nurture top-tier talent, and outstanding governance systems and capabilities in science and technology.

    The article also proposes key measures to accelerate sci-tech development, including leveraging the advantages of the new system to mobilize resources nationwide for major tasks to boost high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology, promoting the integration of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation to help develop new quality productive forces, and deepening reforms of sci-tech systems and mechanisms to fully unleash the vitality of innovation.

    Such measures also include promoting coordinated development of education and talent cultivation, and advancing international sci-tech cooperation with the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, according to the article.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence mark 15th anniversary of the end of Operation Hestia

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, ON – Today, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence, issued the following statement:

    “Fifteen years ago, one of the deadliest earthquakes in history struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The need for urgent, international aid was clear, and Canada answered the call.

    “The earthquake left more than 200,000 people dead and destroyed or damaged most of the buildings in the capital of Port-au-Prince. More than a million Haitians became instantly homeless, and one-third of the population was affected by the quake as water, power and other basic services collapsed and healthcare facilities became swamped.

    “Within less than a week, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed Joint Task Force Haiti (JTFH) to bring critical aid to the country. The frigate His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax and the destroyer HMCS Athabaskan, carrying a CH-124 Sea King helicopter detachment, brought emergency medical services, engineering expertise, mobility by sea, land and air, and security and defence support. The JTFH also included Search and Rescue technicians and firefighters, a field hospital, the Disaster Assistance Response Team, and security and defence personnel.

    “At its peak, JTFH included some 2,050 personnel from many branches of our military.

    “For two months, the Canadian contingent delivered food, clean water, and medical and security services. They set up a military clinic on the beach in Jacmel and food distribution points in Léogâne. Airport operations personnel and others worked to restore critical airport infrastructure so they could be operated safely.

    “While their mission ended 15 years ago today, their contributions demonstrate Canada’s enduring commitment of being a good neighbour.

    In 2025, Veterans Affairs Canada will focus on commemorating the efforts of the Canadian Armed Forces in the Americas. In addition to Haiti, our troops have helped provide aid in the United States after Hurricane Katrina, and in places like Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.

    “Today, we pause to remember and thank Veterans and the brave members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their dedication and professionalism toward others in need.”

    Associated Links

    Haiti – Veterans Affairs Canada

    Operation HESTIA – Canada.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO reaffirms its commitment to Western Balkans stability, as Secretary General Rutte wraps up visits to Sarajevo and Pristina

    Source: NATO

    On 10 and 11 March 2025, NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte, visited Sarajevo and Pristina. In Sarajevo, he met high-level officials from Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Chair and members of the Presidency, the Chair of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defence, and the Acting Minister of Security, as well as with the Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Commander of the EUFOR mission. The Secretary General also engaged with students at the University of Sarajevo.

    During his visit, Mr. Rutte highlighted that “NATO remains firmly committed to the stability of this region and to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” He added that “the Dayton Peace Agreement is the cornerstone of peace in this country and must be respected; and we support the Office of the High Representative; any actions that undermine Dayton, the constitutional order, or national institutions are unacceptable; inflammatory rhetoric and actions are dangerous; they pose a direct threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina stability and security.” The NATO Secretary General also underscored the need for political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina “to do their share” and “take responsibility” for the progress and stability of their country. He made it clear that “this is not 1992” and that NATO and its international partners are present and engaged in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and “will not allow a security vacuum to emerge.” Finally, he emphasised that the Alliance stands committed to its cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We already have a solid partnership, and we are prepared to build on NATO’s long-standing support to a unified BiH Armed Forces and to defence and security reforms, through our Headquarters in Sarajevo, our newly established Political Cell, and our Defence Capacity Building Package,” he said. 

    In Pristina, the Secretary General led a visit of the North Atlantic Council and troop contributing partners to the NATO-led KFOR mission and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team. Together with the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, and the Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, they met with the leadership and personnel of KFOR and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT). They also had an exchange of views with the Heads of Mission of the European Union, the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission of UNMIK, and the Acting Head of Mission of the OSCE. Furthermore, the Secretary General met with representatives of the Institutions in Kosovo, for bilateral discussions.

    “NATO has supported peace and stability in the Western Balkans region for thirty years; our commitment remains strong today, spearheaded by KFOR, which is our longest and currently largest mission. Under the excellent leadership of Major General Enrico Barduani, our KFOR troops work relentlessly to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, in line with KFOR’s long-standing UN mandate; and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team continues to support the security organisations in Kosovo, through capacity-building, education and training coordination; a secure Western Balkans region means more security across the whole Euro-Atlantic area,” Secretary General Rutte said. “NATO will continue to play its part, in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, in our respective roles as security responders,” he added. “The solution leading to long-lasting peace is political; NATO will continue to fully support the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, led by the European Union; this is the only way to solve pending issues, and secure a stable future, ensuring that the rights of all communities are respected and safeguarded; to move the Dialogue forward, both sides must show flexibility, make the necessary compromises, and focus on the long-term gains,” he pointed out.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General visits the United States of America

    Source: NATO

    On Thursday 13 and Friday 14 March [2025] NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Washington DC to meet the President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump.

    Discussions throughout the trip centred on the urgent need to increase defence spending and production, bring a lasting end to the war against Ukraine, and on other priorities for the forthcoming NATO Summit in The Hague.
     
    On Thursday, the Secretary General participated in a bilateral meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office of the White House. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Counselor of the State Department Michael Needham, US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Lieutenant General (ret.) Keith Kellogg, and Ambassador-Nominee Matthew Whitaker, were in attendance. Mr Rutte praised the President for his pivotal role in accelerating Allied defence investment and breaking the deadlock on the war in Ukraine. The conversation continued over a working lunch.
     
    While in Washington, Mr Rutte also met with Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, and a number of other Senators, both Republican and Democrat, and took part in a working lunch hosted by the Atlantic Council.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Chiefs of Defence’s (virtual) meeting

    Source: NATO

    Brussels, NATO HQ, 18 March 2025 – Led by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, the 32 NATO Chiefs of Defence, together with Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, Admiral Pierre Vandier, met (via VTC) today, to discuss the current global security environment.

    The NATO Military Committee regularly meets several times a week at Military Representative level, and at least three times a year at Chiefs of Defence level. 

    Following their last meeting in January, the Chiefs of Defence are scheduled to hold another in-person session, together with the Supreme Commanders, in Brussels, this May 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Innovation Hackathon recognises advanced technologies for defence

    Source: NATO

    From 11 to 18 March 2025, NATO and the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) brought together more than 60 companies from across the Alliance to compete in the first NATO Innovation Hackathon. The aim was to uncover new technological solutions to improve intelligence gathering and Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV) and electronic warfare system detection, including in degraded visual environments, such as at night.

    Challenges run during the competition were directly drawn from those faced daily in war zones such as Ukraine. To address these challenges, contestants were assisted by mentors from DIANA and the Ukrainian innovation ecosystem. 

    The hackathon rewarded ten companies for their proposed technological solutions in areas such as AI, acoustic sensors, robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) detection. In addition to up to 20,000 EUR funding, the winning teams were also offered the opportunity to further engage with DIANA.

    The NATO Innovation Hackathon underscores NATO’s commitment to accelerating the development and adoption of innovative defence technologies. It also contributes to the implementation of the NATO-Ukraine Innovation Cooperation Roadmap and actively supports Ukraine’s needs from the battlefield.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Deputy Secretary General to participate in a committee meeting at the European Parliament

    Source: NATO

    On Thursday, 20 March 2025, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms Radmila Shekerinska, will take part in a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) for an exchange of views.

    Media advisory

    10:00 (CET) Deputy Secretary General’s remarks followed by an exchange of views with parliamentarians.

    Media coverage

    The event will be streamed live on the Multimedia Centre portal of the European Parliament.

    Transcripts of the Deputy Secretary General’s remarks, as well as photographs, will be available on the NATO website.

    For more information:

    For general queries: Contact the NATO Press Office

    Follow us on X: @NATO, @DepSecGenNATO and @NATOPress

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Schellman Now Authorized to Conduct Classified DoD Assessments; also Reauthorized as a CMMC 3PAO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Schellman, a leading provider of attestation and compliance services and a top 50 CPA firm, is pleased to announce that it has received a Facility Security Clearance (FCL), enabling the company to expand its offerings to perform classified assessments for its clients. As an accredited FedRAMP® Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), this enables Schellman to perform Department of Defense (DoD) Impact Level 6 (IL6) assessments as well as other NIST-based assessments, SOC 2 examinations, and penetration testing for classified systems. This milestone strengthens Schellman’s position as a trusted assessment partner for government and defense-related classified environments.

    In addition, Schellman has been reauthorized as a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) under the finalized CMMC Program. As one of the original C3PAOs, Schellman had the privilege of performing the first assessment under the Joint Voluntary Surveillance Assessment (JVSA) program and has performed multiple assessments for large and small contractors alike. This reauthorization reinforces Schellman’s role in supporting defense contractors as they navigate evolving cybersecurity requirements set by the Department of Defense.

    DoD IL6 is designed for cloud environments handling classified information at the Secret level, requiring rigorous cybersecurity standards to protect highly sensitive government data. With this new capability, Schellman can now audit providers and their offerings for authorization against the complex security requirements necessary for IL6, ensuring compliance with the highest federal security standards. As a long-standing FedRAMP and DoD assessment organization, this expansion reinforces Schellman’s expertise in high-impact cloud security assessments.

    “Schellman has been a strategic 3PAO partner for Palantir consistently delivering exceptional assessment services. We are excited to see them expand their capabilities into cleared environments,” said Kevin Carr, US Government Cloud Compliance Lead at Palantir.

    Schellman’s status as the leading FedRAMP 3PAO in the FedRAMP marketplace along with its cross-compliance expertise in ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and HITRUST assessments, combined with their deep understanding of CMMC requirements, positions Schellman uniquely to support their clients’ compliance needs.

    “We continue to invest in our federal and DoD capabilities to ensure that these agencies can trust the cloud providers and contractors they work with to protect our critical national security data,” said Doug Barbin, President of Schellman & Company, LLC. “These milestones reflect our commitment to quality and diligence at the highest levels of security and protection of classified information.”

    To learn more about Schellman’s Federal suite of services and how it can help an organization’s compliance journey, visit schellman.com.

    About Schellman

    “Schellman” is the brand name under which Schellman & Company, LLC and Schellman Compliance, LLC provide professional services. Schellman stands as a leading global provider of attestation, compliance, and certification services. Operating under two distinct entities, Schellman & Company, LLC (a top 50 firm) and Schellman Compliance, LLC (a globally accredited compliance assessment firm which is not a licensed CPA firm). The services provided by the Schellman entities include acting as a CPA firm (Schellman & Company, LLC Florida license number AD62941) as a leading provider of SOC reports, an ISO Certification Body, a PCI Qualified Security Assessor Company, a HITRUST assessor, a FedRAMP 3PAO, being among the pioneering CMMC C3PAOs, as well as offering international certification services including TISAX and HDS.

    Renowned for its professionals’ expertise combined with practical experience, Schellman delivers superior client service while upholding steadfast independence. The company’s approach fosters successful, long-term relationships, enabling clients to achieve multiple compliance objectives through a single trusted third-party assessor. For further information about the services provided, please visit schellman.com.

    Contact
    V2 Communications
    schellman@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Aviation Committee meets in New Zealand to discuss future cooperation on air activities

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Aviation Committee was hosted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force in Christchurch, on 18-20 March 2025. This was the first time a NATO senior policy level committee met in the Indo-Pacific region, and a demonstration of NATO’s commitment to boosting cooperation with its four Indo-Pacific partners (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea).

    Over 100 participants – including from partner countries and international organisations – shared views on the challenges faced by the military aviation of Allied and partner countries, and on the prospects of enhanced resilience, interoperability and civil-military cooperation.

    In the margins of the meeting, a NATO Industry Seminar brought together senior civil and military officials and industry leaders from the region, to better understand the strategic importance of aviation and space capabilities, share lessons learned, and enhance the safe development of cutting-edge commercial innovation. NATO officials also engaged with government officials and representatives of local universities to discuss NATO’s relations with New Zealand.

    In the current context of increasing geopolitical competition, NATO and New Zealand have been strengthening their relations to address shared security challenges and to contribute to defending international law. They also cooperate as part of NATO’s broader relations with its partners in the Indo-Pacific region. New Zealand has made valuable contributions to NATO-led operations and missions for many years, and in support to Ukraine – including through the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) – following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    “The Euro-Atlantic region and the Indo-Pacific region are closely interlinked; we have had historic links for decades, and currently we face many of the same security challenges, and share the same values and the same strong interest in protecting international law,” NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment, Taja Jaakkola highlighted. “Let me be clear: this is not about NATO going to the region. NATO is and will remain a regional alliance whose aim is to protect its own region – North America and Europe; but we need to have a global outlook, and we see our partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region as key in the current context; we have had closer dialogue in the last three NATO Summits with the leaders of Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand; this dialogue is very important to better understand the challenges we face in our respective regions, and share best practices about how we deal with them,” she underscored.

    “NATO is a longstanding and likeminded security partner for New Zealand; our enduring partnership is key to providing the doctrine, tactics, training and procedures that underpin the New Zealand Defence Force’s interoperability with key partners; the finalisation last year of the New Zealand NATO Individually Tailored Partnership Programme demonstrates our intent to continue partnering with the Alliance on shared security challenges, including emerging disruptive technologies, cyber defence, industrial cooperation and climate change,” said New Zealand’s Associate Minister of Defence, Chris Penk. “With the launch last year of the ‘New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy’ New Zealand aims to have an aviation regulatory environment that supports innovation while maintaining safety and protecting our national interests, including national security and New Zealand’s foreign policy interests; this strategy will support the growth and development of New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors, with a view to New Zealand becoming an even greater hub of space and aviation activity,” he added.

    The Aviation Committee advises the North Atlantic Council on a “Total System Approach to Aviation (TSAA)” in support of NATO’s core tasks (collective deterrence and defence, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security). It contributes to making Allied air activities more effective and to mitigate hazards, safety and security risks to air activities. It is NATO’s primary forum for the engagement of international aviation organisations and institutions at the policy and technical levels.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Deputy Secretary General welcomes renewed European defence efforts at the European Parliament

    Source: NATO

    On Thursday (20 March), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed the European Parliament’s Security and Defence Committee (SEDE). She commended Europeans for stepping up investment in defence to deliver security, praised cooperation with the European Union (EU) and answered questions from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

    Ms. Shekerinska hailed initiatives at the European and national levels to boost defence spending, capabilities and readiness, while noting that the transatlantic relationship remains the cornerstone of European security. In her remarks to MEPs, she stressed the need for a stronger European pillar within a strong NATO.

    The Deputy Secretary General emphasised the importance of continuing to strengthen NATO-EU cooperation. She underscored that NATO and the EU are natural and indispensable partners, and that the EU can use its unique economic leverage to boost defence production, innovation, and military mobility in line with NATO’s military plans, capabilities, and standards. In this regard she also pointed to the need to involve non-EU allies as much as possible in the EU’s initiatives on defence. Ms. Shekerinska welcomed the ReArm Europe plan, as well as European support for Ukraine.  

    In a security context where Europe faces instability and threats from many directions, the Deputy Secretary General highlighted that “keeping our people safe is our most sacred duty.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General meets the Minister of Defence of Romania

    Source: NATO

    On Tuesday, 25 March 2025, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, will receive the Minister of Defence of Romania, Mr Angel Tîlvăr, at NATO Headquarters, in Brussels.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Allies discuss boosting defence spending and industrial capacity with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday (26 March 2025), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska welcomed the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, to NATO Headquarters for a meeting with Allies in the North Atlantic Council.

    Ms. Shekerinska emphasised the need for Europe to boost defence spending and ramp up defence production, noting that a stronger European defence will also contribute to a stronger Alliance. Recognising that NATO and the EU are natural and indispensable partners, she stressed that efforts directed toward the European defence industry and capability development need to be complementary, coherent and interoperable with NATO, and involve non-EU Allies as much as possible.

    The Deputy General Secretary also highlighted the decisive role that NATO and the EU have played in helping Ukraine defend itself. She underscored the importance of further strengthening Ukraine both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.

    Ms. Shekerinska underlined the importance of continued NATO-EU exchanges to foster transparency on the issues of clear common interest and to explore further avenues of cooperation. She welcomed the White Paper for European Defence, and looked forward to working in “a truly collaborative way” during its implementation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General reaffirms transatlantic unity in Warsaw: There is no alternative to NATO

    Source: NATO

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Warsaw on Wednesday (26 March 2025), where he met Polish President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. The Secretary General then gave a speech at a public event co-hosted by the Warsaw School of Economics and the Polish Institute of International Affairs.

    Secretary General Rutte praised Poland for its leadership within the Alliance, including its strong support to Ukraine and record-high defence spending, set to reach 4.7% of GDP this year. “Poland’s investment in defence is an example to all Allies. Not only do you top the NATO charts, you plan to spend even more,” he said. 
     
    In his keynote speech, the Secretary General underlined the strength of the transatlantic bond and laid out NATO’s path to the upcoming Summit in The Hague.
     
    “When it comes to keeping Europe and North America safe, there is no alternative to NATO,” he said, stressing that it is not possible to imagine the defence of Europe without the Alliance.

    As Russia’s war against Ukraine rages on and its military cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea intensifies, Mr Rutte warned that President Putin “has not given up on his ambition to reshape the global security order.” He underlined that a strong transatlantic Alliance remains the foundation of European security and that stronger European Allies are a unique strategic asset to the United States – allowing America, he said, to “promote peace through strength on the global stage.”

    Secretary General Rutte reiterated his confidence in the United States’ continued commitment to NATO and Article 5. “Listen to President Trump, who has repeatedly stated his commitment to a strong NATO. Listen to the strong bipartisan support in the US Congress,” he said. “And listen to the American people,” three-quarters of whom support NATO according to a recent Gallup poll.

    Mr Rutte also emphasised that the US commitment to NATO comes with a clear expectation: that European Allies and Canada take on greater responsibility for our shared security.

    Looking ahead to the NATO Summit in The Hague, the Secretary General said the Alliance would “begin a new chapter for our transatlantic Alliance. Where we build a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO, to face a more dangerous world.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Military Committee visits Sweden

    Source: NATO

    From 26 to 28 March, the NATO Military Committee visited the Island of Gotland and Luleå in Sweden, on an invitation by the Swedish Chief of Defence, General Michael Claesson. This was the first visit of the Military Committee to Sweden, since the country became the 32nd member of the NATO Alliance, in March 2024.

    Throughout the visit, the Military Committee was briefed on Sweden’s security and defence strategy, its geostrategic environment, total defence concept and modern military capabilities. Sweden’s bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation with regional and international allies were also discussed.

    The Chair of the Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, underscored “the importance of this visit in witnessing first-hand the high-level of Sweden’s defence capabilities, the professionalism of its military and civilian personnel, and how all this contributes significantly to the Alliance’s collective defence”. Admiral Cavo Dragone emphasized the security of Sweden’s position within NATO, and the commitment of guaranteeing security shared among all 32 Allies.

    On Wednesday 26th March, the Military Committee visited Swedish military facilities on the Island of Gotland, a site of geostrategic importance in the Baltic sea region for strengthening NATO’s north-eastern flank. The Military Committee also had the opportunity to meet with the 18th Armoured Regiment Gotland, and learn more about Sweden’s maritime and land capabilities.

    The Military Committee also visited Luleå, hosted by the Chief of the Air Force, Major General Jonas Wikman, and the Chief of the Army, Major General Jonny Lindfors, where they learned more about how Sweden’s specialised capabilities are  adapted to the High North strategic environment. In Luleå, admirals and generals from the Military Committee had the opportunity to engage with conscripts, and were briefed on Sweden’s whole-of-society approach and investment in future force capabilities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: DOMINATE the skies! #Army250

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    by Defense Media Activity

    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
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #BeAllYouCanBe

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG8cTtxrNXs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK nuclear deterrent: the mutual defense agreement is at risk in a Trumpian age

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Becky Alexis-Martin, Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford

    Keir Starmer aboard one of the UK’s Vanguard class submarines. CC BY-NC-ND

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently boarded one of the UK’s four nuclear-armed submarines for a photo call as part of his attempts to demonstrate the UK’s defence capabilities as tensions with Russia continue.

    However, Starmer faces a problem. The submarine, and the rest of the UK’s nuclear fleet, is heavily reliant on the US as an operating partner. And at a time when the US becomes an increasingly unreliable partner under the leadership of an entirely transactional president, this is not ideal. The US can, if it chooses, effectively switch off the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

    British and US nuclear history is irrevocably interwoven. The US and UK cooperated on the Manhattan project, under the 1943 Quebec agreements and the 1944 Hyde Park aide memoire. This work generated the world’s first nuclear weapons, which were deployed on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

    It also led to the first rupture. In 1946, the US classified UK citizens as “foreign” and prevented them from engaging in secret nuclear work. Collaboration with the UK immediately ceased.

    The UK decided to develop its own arsenal of nuclear weapons. The successful detonation of the “Grapple Y” hydrogen bomb in April 1958 cemented its position as a thermonuclear power.

    In the meantime, however, Russia’s launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 had demonstrated the lethal reach of Soviet nuclear technology. This brought the US and UK back together as nuclear partners.

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    Talks on how to counter the Russian threat became the foundation of an atomic partnership that endures to the present day. This mutual defence agreement, signed in 1958, has provided the UK with affordable access to the latest nuclear technology and a reliable western ally. The treaty has been amended and adapted over time to reflect changes in the US-UK working relationship and the two are now so entangled that it is very hard to leave the co-dependent relationship.

    Both sides have benefited from security and protection, especially during the cold war. However, Trump’s new “special relationship” with Russia’s Vladimir Putin has reconfigured the global order of geopolitics.

    Serious concerns are now being raised about the UK’s nuclear capacity, given the unpredictability and potential unreliability of the new US administration. Trump could ignore or threaten to terminate the agreement in a show of power or contempt.

    The UK’s nuclear subs

    The UK’s Trident nuclear deterrence programme consists of four Vanguard nuclear-powered and armed submarines. The UK has some autonomy, as it is operationally independent and controls the decision to launch.

    However, it remains dependent on the US because the nuclear technologies at the heart of the Trident system are US designed and leased by Lockheed Martin – and there is no suitable alternative. The Trident system therefore relies on the US for support and maintenance.

    The UK is currently in the process of upgrading the current system. But its options seem limited. If the US were to renege on its commitments, the UK would either have to produce its own weapons domestically, collaborate with France or Europe or disarm. Each scenario creates new issues for the UK. Manufacturing nuclear weapons from scratch in the UK, for example, would be a costly and protracted activity.

    Technical collaboration with France seems the most plausible back-up option at the moment. The two countries already have a nuclear collaboration treaty in place. France has taken a similar submarine-based approach to deterrence as the UK and French president Emmanuel Macron has suggested its deterrent could be used to protect other European countries. Another alternative would be to spread the cost across Europe and create a European deterrence – but both strategies just re-embed the UK’s current nuclear reliance.

    The UK is reliant on others for its nuclear deterrent.
    Number 10/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND

    While these weapons may deter a hostile nuclear strike, they have failed to prevent broader acts of aggression. Nuclear weapons have not been used in warfare for 80 years. Perhaps it is time to completely and permanently unshackle the UK from nuclear deterrence, and consider alternative forms of defence.

    The UK’s nuclear arsenal is expensive to maintain. The cost of replacing Trident is £205 billion. In 2023, the Ministry of Defence reported that the anticipated costs for supporting the nuclear deterrent would exceed its budget by £7.9 billion over the next ten years. This funding could be channelled into more pressing security threats, such as cybersecurity, terrorism or climate change.

    Nuclear weapons will become strategically redundant if the UK cannot act independently. As Nato and the US dominate the global nuclear stage, the UK’s capacity to respond has become contested. The time has come to decide whether the US is really our friend – or a new foe.

    Becky Alexis-Martin 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. UK nuclear deterrent: the mutual defense agreement is at risk in a Trumpian age – https://theconversation.com/uk-nuclear-deterrent-the-mutual-defense-agreement-is-at-risk-in-a-trumpian-age-252674

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN – “South Sudan risks becoming a battlefield for foreign interests, and this will have devastating consequences for future generations”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 31 March 2025

    Juba (Agenzia Fides) – South Sudan risks becoming a battlefield for foreign forces. This is the warning of the bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Sudan and South Sudan (SSCBC) in light of the situation in the young country following the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar (see Fides, 27/3/2025). “The arrest of opposition leaders and the involvement of foreign military forces, especially the deployment of the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), has only served to heighten fears and mistrust. Such actions risk turning our beloved country into a battleground for external interests and political manipulation,” reads the statement issued on March 28 on the escalation of violence and political tensions in South Sudan. “We warn our leaders: If South Sudan falls back into large-scale violence, the consequences will be catastrophic,” reads the document sent to Fides. “The loss of life, the breakdown of national unity, and the collapse of already fragile institutions will have devastating consequences for future generations.” The bishops call on civil society groups, young people, women’s organizations, and the international community to join forces against the war and for peace. They urge the people of South Sudan to resist incitement to hatred, incitement to tribal conflict, and disinformation, especially on social media. “We remain ready to mediate dialogue, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to work hand in hand with all who seek genuine peace,” reads the message signed by Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, President of the Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Juba. Meanwhile, on March 28, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga traveled to Juba to meet with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. Odinga, who had been tasked by IGAD (the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union’s regional economic community) to mediate between Kiir and Machar, was unable to meet with the latter.The former Kenyan prime minister then traveled to Uganda for a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni. At the end of the Angelus prayer yesterday, Sunday, March 30, Pope Francis “once again I renew my heartfelt appeal to all leaders to do their utmost to lower the tension in the country.””We must put aside our differences and, with courage and responsibility, sit around a table and engage in constructive dialogue. Only in this way will it be possible to alleviate the suffering of the beloved South Sudanese people and to build a future of peace and stability,” the Pope said. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 31/3/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: BOS Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Net Income Rises 14.7% Year-Over-Year on Increased Gross Margin, Efficient Operations

    Provides Initial 2025 Outlook for Further 10% Growth in Sales and Net Income

    RISHON LE ZION, Israel, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BOS Better Online Solutions Ltd. (“BOS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BOSC) reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024.

    Year 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Revenues declined by 9.7% to $39.9 million from $44.2 million in 2023. Revenue results in 2023 benefitted from one-time post-COVID restocking activities at multiple customers.
    • Gross profit margin increased to 23.3% compared to 20.8% in the preceding year, demonstrating improved operating efficiency.
    • Operating profit decreased to $1.4 million from $2.5 million in 2023, due to $1.2 million non-cash impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets in 2024.
    • EBITDA increased to $3.25 million compared to $3.06 million in 2023.
    • Financial expenses decreased to $139,000 from $441,000 in the prior year.
    • Non cash income from taxes amounted to $1 million in year 2024.
    • Net income increased by 14.7% to $2.3 million, or $0.40 per basic share, compared to $2.0 million, or $0.35 per basic share, in the year 2023.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Revenues declined by 4.6% to $10.4 million from $10.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Gross profit margin increased to 22.9% compared to 19.2% in the comparable quarter last year.
    • Operating loss amounted to $616,000 compared to an operating income of $400,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023, due to a $1.2 million non-cash impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets included in the results of the fourth quarter of 2024.
    • EBITDA amounted to $715,000 compared to $562,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Financial income amounted to $99,000 compared to financial expenses of $31,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Non cash income from taxes in the amount of $1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.
    • Net income amounted to $485,000 or $0.08 per basic share compared to $427,000 or $0.07 per basic share in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Eyal Cohen, BOS’ CEO, stated: “BOS improved profitability on an operating basis across all of our business units in 2024, leveraging our favorable sales mix and lean cost structure to increase gross margin to 23.3% and net income to $2.3 million. That momentum has carried into 2025 as we continue to scale the business, manage costs effectively and drive operating leverage. We are starting the year with a 35% increase in backlog, at $27 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $20 million as of December 31, 2023, plus significant new defense customer orders announced in the first quarter to date. As a result, our 2025 outlook calls for a 10% year-over-year increase in both sales and net income to $44 million of revenues and $2.5 million of net income.

    “BOS’ growth strategy remains focused on deepening our penetration in the defense sector, where we have strong customer relationships at both the primary and subcontractor levels. We expect robust ordering patterns across the strategic defense industry to continue in 2025, and we are progressing our sales strategy to enter new overseas markets by leveraging our relationships with Israeli defense customers that operate globally. We also continue to seek accretive strategic opportunities where we can deploy our strong balance sheet to expand BOS’ capabilities and reach in the growing global defense market.”

    Board Updates
     On March 19, 2025, BOS announced the appointment of Osnat Gur, an independent director since 2021, as Board Chair and the appointment of Avi Dadon as a new independent director.

    Ms. Gur brings extensive management and leadership experience to BOS, having served as CEO of a global B2B marketing agency, an RFID technology company, and a dietary supplements manufacturer over the course of her career. She also serves as a board director in multiple Israeli companies.

    Mr. Dadon brings decades of experience in military leadership, defense procurement, supply chain management and logistics to BOS. He served as Head of Procurement for the Israeli Ministry of Defense from 2017 to 2023 and is a retired Colonel in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), with 28 years of military service.

    “We are excited to congratulate Osnat in her new role as Board Chair, and look forward to working with her to plan BOS’s next chapter of growth and earnings as we continue to execute our growth strategy,” said Cohen. “We also welcome Avi to the board and look forward to leveraging his decades of experience with the IDF and Ministry of Defense procurement to support BOS’s continued success.” 

    About BOS Better Online Solutions Ltd.
    BOS integrates cutting-edge technologies to streamline and enhance supply chain operations across three specialized divisions:

    • Intelligent Robotics Division: Automates industrial and logistics inventory processes through advanced robotics technologies, improving efficiency and precision.
    • RFID Division: Optimizes inventory management with state-of-the-art solutions for marking and tracking, ensuring real-time visibility and control.
    • Supply Chain Division: Integrates franchised components directly into customer products, meeting their evolving needs for developing cutting-edge products.

    For additional information, contact:
    Matt Kreps, Managing Director
    Darrow Associates
    +1-214-597-8200
    mkreps@darrowir.com

    Eyal Cohen, CEO
    +972-542525925
    eyalc@boscom.com

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
    BOS reports financial results in accordance with US GAAP and herein provides some non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, nor are they a substitute for, GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures are intended to supplement the Company’s presentation of its financial results that are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses the non-GAAP measures presented to evaluate and manage the Company’s operations internally. The Company is also providing this information to assist investors in performing additional financial analysis that is consistent with financial models developed by research analysts who follow the Company. The reconciliation set forth below is provided in accordance with Regulation G and reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

    Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect management’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of BOS. These risk factors and uncertainties include, amongst others, the dependency of sales being generated from one or few major customers, the uncertainty of BOS being able to maintain current gross profit margins, inability to keep up or ahead of technology and to succeed in a highly competitive industry, inability to maintain marketing and distribution arrangements and to expand our overseas markets, uncertainty with respect to the prospects of legal claims against BOS, the effect of exchange rate fluctuations, general worldwide economic conditions, the continued availability of financing for working capital purposes and to refinance outstanding indebtedness; and additional risks and uncertainties detailed in BOS’ periodic reports and registration statements filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including risks related to Israel’s conflicts with Hamas and other parties in the region.
    BOS undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    U.S. dollars in thousands
           
      Year ended
    December 31,    		   Three months ended
    December 31,
      2024
    		   2023     2024
    		   2023
      (Unaudited)
    		   (Audited)
    		     (Unaudited)
    		     (Audited)
    		  
           
    Revenues $ 39,949     $ 44,179     $ 10,388     $ 10,886  
    Cost of revenues 30,655     34,970     8,007     8,796  
    Gross profit 9,294     9,209     2,381     2,090  
    Operating costs and expenses:                      
    Research and development 175     158     50     44  
    Sales and marketing 4,394     4,891     1,118     1,278  
    General and administrative 2,113     1,762     656     420  
    Other income, net –     (52)     –     (52)  
    Impairment of intangible assets and Goodwill 1,173     –     1,173     –  
    Total operating costs and expenses 7,855     6,759     2,997     1,690  
                           
    Operating income (loss) 1,439     2,450     (616)     400  
    Financial income (expenses), net (139)     (441)     99     31  
    Income before taxes on income 1,300     2,009     (517)     431  
    Income taxes benefits (expenses) 1,000     (4)     1,002     (4)  
    Net income $ 2,300     $ 2,005     $ 485     $ 427  
                           
    Basic net income per share $ 0.40     $ 0.35     $ 0.08     $ 0.07  
    Diluted net income per share $ 0.39     $ 0.34     $ 0.08     $ 0.07  
    Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic net income per share 5,756     5,727     5,776     5,748  
    Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted net income per share 5,887     5,905     5,975     5,856  
                         
    Number of outstanding shares as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 5,793     5,748     5,793     5,748  
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (U.S. dollars in thousands)
           
      December 31, 2024
    		   December 31, 2023
      (Unaudited)
    		   (Audited)
    ASSETS      
               
    CURRENT ASSETS:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,368     $ 2,344  
    Restricted bank deposits 185     217  
    Trade receivables 11,787     12,424  
    Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses 1,150     963  
    Inventories 7,870     6,070  
               
    Total current assets 24,360     22,018  
               
    LONG-TERM ASSETS 177     196  
               
    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 3,417     3,268  
               
    OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS, NET 779     1,026  
               
    DEFERRED TAX ASSETS 1,000     –  
               
    OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET 422     1,078  
               
    GOODWILL 4,188     4,895  
               
    Total assets $ 34,343     $ 32,481  
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (U.S. dollars in thousands)
           
      December 31,
    2024    		   December 31, 2023
      (Unaudited)   (Audited)
           
                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
           
    CURRENT LIABILITIES:      
    Current maturities of long-term loans $ 439     $ 170  
    Operating lease liabilities, current   176       235  
    Trade payables   6,362       7,710  
    Employees and payroll accruals   1,087       980  
    Deferred revenues   2,003       600  
    Advances net of inventory in progress   –       137  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   598       1,072  
           
    Total current liabilities   10,665       10,904  
           
    LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:      
    Long-term loans, net of current maturities   980       1,150  
    Operating lease liabilities, non-current   576       759  
    Long-term deferred revenues   293       339  
    Accrued severance pay   498       490  
           
    Total long-term liabilities   2,347       2,738  
           
           
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   21,331       18,839  
           
           
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 34,343     $ 32,481  
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED EBITDA
    (U.S. dollars in thousands)
           
      Year ended
    December 31,    		   Three months ended
    December 31,
      2024
    		   2023
    		   2024   2023
                   
    Operating income (loss) $ 1,439     $ 2,450     $ (616 )   $ 400  
    Add:              
    Impairment of Goodwill and other intangible assets   1,173       –       1,173       –  
    Amortization of intangible assets   190       168       47       48  
    Stock-based compensation   74       98       11       24  
    Depreciation   370       342       100       90  
    EBITDA $ 3,246     $ 3,058     $ 715     $ 562  
    SEGMENT INFORMATION
    (U.S. dollars in thousands)
                       
      RFID   Supply
    Chain Solutions    		   Intelligent 
    Robotics    		   Intercompany   Consolidated
      Year ended December 31,
      2024
                       
    Revenues $ 12,877   $ 25,829     1,410   (167)   $ 39,949
    Cost of revenues   9,344     19,763     1,079   (167)     30,019
    Allowance for slow inventory   –     636     –   –     636
    Gross profit   3,533     5,430     331         9,294
                       
    Allocated operating expenses   2,273     3,338     274         5,885
                       
    Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets   984     189     –         1,173
                       
    Unallocated operating expenses*       –     –         797
                       
    Operating income $ 276   $ 1,903   $ 57         1,439
                       
    Financial expenses and income tax benefits                   861
                       
    Net income                 $ 2,300
      RFID   Supply Chain
    Solutions    		   Intelligent
    Robotics
    		   Intercompany
    		   Consolidated
      Year ended December 31,
      2023
                       
    Revenues $ 13,713   $ 28,845     1,742   (121)   $ 44,179
    Cost of revenues 10,534   22,830     1,557   (121)   34,800
    Allowance for slow inventory –   170   –   –   170
    Gross profit 3,179   5,845     185       9,209
                       
    Allocated operating expenses 2,150   3,675     258       6,083
                       
    Unallocated operating expenses*     –   –       676
                       
    Operating income (loss) $ 1,029   $ 2,170   $ (73)       2,450
                       
    Financial expenses and tax on income                 (445)
                       
    Net income                 $ 2,005
                       

    *Unallocated operating expenses include costs not specific to a particular segment but are general to the group, such as expenses incurred for insurance of directors and officers, public company fees, legal fees, and other similar corporate costs.

    SEGMENT INFORMATION
    (U.S. dollars in thousands)
                       
      RFID   Supply
    Chain Solutions    		   Intelligent Robotics   Intercompany   Consolidated
        Three months ended December 31,
    2024
                       
    Revenues $          3,445   $         6,806   $         171   (34)   $         10,388
    Cost of revenues 2,294   5,170   127   (34)   7,557
    Allowance for slow inventory –   450   –   –   450
    Gross profit 1,151   1,186   44   –   2,381
                       
    Allocated operating expenses 605   883   84   –   1,572
                       
    Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets 984   189   –       1,173
                       
    Unallocated operating expenses*                 252
                       
    Operating income (loss) $         (438)   $         114   $         (40)       (616)
                       
    Financial income and income tax benefits                 1,101
                       
    Net income                 $         485
      RFID   Supply
    Chain Solutions    		   Intelligent Robotics   Intercompany   Consolidated
        Three months ended December 31,
    2023
                       
    Revenues $          3,622   $         7,017   $         279   (32)   $         10,886
    Cost of revenues 2,897   5,797   171   (32)   8,833
    Allowance for slow inventory –   (37)   –   –   (37)
    Gross profit 725   1,257   108   –   2,090
                       
    Allocated operating expenses 513   974   72   –   1,559
                       
    Unallocated operating expenses*                 131
                       
    Operating income $         212   $         283   $         36       400
                       
    Financial income and tax on income                 27
                       
    Net income                 $         427
                       

    *Unallocated operating expenses include costs not specific to a particular segment but are general to the group, such as expenses incurred for insurance of directors and officers, public company fees, legal fees, and other similar corporate costs.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025: Undersea Communications and Autonomy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025: Undersea Communications and Autonomy

    AUKUS partners are seeking to research and develop innovations to enable the synchronisation and teaming of multiple undersea systems.

    • DASA has launched a new AUKUS Competition: Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025.
    • This is the second iteration of AUKUS Pillar 2’s Innovation Challenge Series which will run concurrently in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
    • The UK competition run by DASA is open to all nations, although entrants from Australia or the United States can refer to their national competition page if they prefer.
    • Up to $8m USD in funding is available.

    The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch the Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025 as a new AUKUS Competition. Following the ministerial announcement in December 2023 to launch an innovation challenge series under the AUKUS partnership, this competition is the second iteration of AUKUS Pillar 2’s Innovation Challenge Series. The challenge has been trilaterally agreed and is being run as a single multi-stage competition, across the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) in Australia, the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) in the United Kingdom and the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) in the United States.

    What is AUKUS?

    AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US to support a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening regional global security.  Through Pillar 2, AUKUS partners seek to strengthen trilateral capabilities in cutting-edge military technologies, increase interoperability, and drive knowledge-sharing and innovation.

    What are we looking for?

    AUKUS partners are seeking to research and develop innovations to enable the synchronisation and teaming of multiple undersea systems. We invite innovations that enable some or all of the following Desired Capability Effects:

    1. Provide near real time communications between Undersea Vehicles (UVs)
    2. Provide near real time communications from UVs to Command and Control (C2) Systems /Battle Management System (BMS)
    3. Provide near real time communications between seabed systems to UVs and C2 System and BMS
    4. Provide a system that can optimally allocate the right asset to the right task in a dynamic and complex environment
    5. Provide optimal bandwidth utilisation and effective range, and perform in a contested/congested environment

    Successful proposals to this competition should seek to tackle one or more of the above Desired Capability Effects (1-5).

    We are looking for:

    • Proposals that describe how their solution will perform at various depths and hydrographic conditions
    • Solutions that exploit the right mode of communication at every point of the mission to optimise the chance of mission success
    • Solutions that could be applied to attritable or survivable systems
    • Technologies that are Secure By Design

    Key dates and funding

    • Up to $8m USD in funding is available to fund multiple proposals.
    • The deadline to submit a proposal for Stage 1 is midday 28 April 2025 (BST).

    Do you have an innovation? Read the full competition document and submit a proposal.

    Supporting event

    Launch Webinar: 3 April 2025

    A dial-in session providing further detail on the problem space and a chance to ask questions in an open forum. If you would like to participate, please register on the Eventbrite page.

    Submit a proposal

    Do you have an innovative technology that could help provide Defence with a competitive advantage with undersea systems?

    Read the full competition document to learn more and submit a proposal.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Army solar project generates green energy for Larkhill Garrison

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Army solar project generates green energy for Larkhill Garrison

    Construction works have completed on the installation of over 1,370 roof-mounted solar panels at Larkhill Garrison.

    Maj Gen Richard Clements CBE, Director Basing & Infrastructure and representatives from Army, DIO and Aspire Defence beside new roof mounted PV at Larkhill Garrison. Aspire Defence Ltd.

    The Photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity to run buildings at Larkhill, with any surplus being fed through the private wire network for reuse across Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down. The works have been completed under the army’s Project Prometheus, which is delivering both ground and roof mounted solar arrays at a number of sites across the army estate in the coming years.

    The solar panels support the army’s commitment to operate more sustainably and reach net zero by 2050.

    At the official switch-on of the PV panels at Larkhill Garrison on Wednesday 26 March, Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing & Infrastructure and the army’s sustainability champion, said:

    I am delighted to see the successful completion of our latest solar installation project. By increasing green energy supply, we are building a more sustainable, cost-effective army estate that protects both our future capability and the environments in which soldiers live, work and train.

    Almost 11,000 PV panels have been installed in recent years on vehicle garaging, offices, stores and training assets at Salisbury Plain Training Area garrisons, covering over 18,000m2 of roof space. This saves 600 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to the annual absorption of 27,000 trees.

    All the construction has been carried out by Aspire Defence Services Ltd, contracting to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) under Project Allenby/Connaught.

    Barry Ray, DIO Regional Delivery Lead, said:

    It’s fantastic to see the completion of the latest solar panel installation under Project Prometheus, through the Aspire Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and the tireless efforts of the whole team. We’re happy to be playing our part in the MOD’s efforts to meet the government’s net zero targets and make the Defence estate as sustainable as we can. The energy generated will help to power the buildings at Larkhill and any extra can be used to meet demand elsewhere on the PFI estate, so the benefit will be widely felt.

    Richard Tindal, Capital Projects Director, Aspire Defence Services Ltd, said:

    We are very pleased to support the army and DIO in this latest stage of the journey towards decarbonising their estate. Our long-term collaborative relationship has enabled us to work together, identifying the opportunities to support sustainability ambitions as funding becomes available. I look forward to continuing this into the future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –