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Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: RFK Jr., Whose Dangerous Lies Fueled Measles Outbreak in Samoa & Caused Preventable Deaths, Unqualified To Lead HHS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) underscored the troubling record of President Donald Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose efforts in Samoa to deceive families about measles vaccines led to a deadly outbreak that killed more than 80 people, many of whom were young children. Schatz urged his colleagues to vote against RFK Jr. in tomorrow’s confirmation vote.

    “It’s not often that the stakes of a vote to confirm a cabinet nominee are this high. But tomorrow, when we vote on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the stakes will be life or death,” said Senator Schatz. “ Mr. Kennedy, in his words, but more importantly in his actions, has proven over and over that he is a unique danger to society. But he’s on the edge of becoming the country’s top health leader with the power to unleash bygone diseases and undermine trust in science for generations to come.”

    “For the first time ever, we will have a Health Secretary who has actively helped cause outbreak instead of to contain them,” he continued. “We’ll have someone in charge of medical research who’s taken every opportunity to undermine science instead of promoting it. We’ll have someone who’s never come across a wacky idea that he didn’t like, whether it’s that antidepressants are causing mass shootings or that chemicals in the water are turning kids gay… Those two things should be immediately disqualifying.”

    Schatz recounted the story of how Kennedy traveled to Samoa in 2019 to discourage people from taking the measles vaccine which ultimately led to an outbreak in which thousands of people were infected and 83, mostly children, died.

    “It is so chilling to contemplate the idea that someone as recognizable as a Kennedy would fly across an ocean to a small, developing country and basically tell everybody, ‘Be afraid of this lifesaving medicine’,” Schatz concluded. “If you think it’s a good idea to leave all of these diseases in the rearview mirror, then this is a very bad person to have running the Department of Health and Human Services.”

    Video of Senator Schatz’s remarks is available here.

    The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks, as delivered, is below.

    It is not often that the stakes of a vote to confirm a cabinet nominee are this high. But tomorrow, when we vote on the nomination of RFK Jr. to be the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the stakes will be life and death. Mr. Kennedy, in his words, but more importantly in his actions, has proven over and over again that he is a unique danger to society.

    But he is on the edge of becoming the country’s top health leader, with the power to unleash bygone diseases and undermine trust in science for generations to come. For the first time ever, we will have a Health Secretary who has actively helped to cause outbreak instead of to contain them. We’ll have someone in charge of medical research who has taken every opportunity to undermine science, instead of promoting it.

    We’ll have someone who’s never come across a crazy idea that he didn’t like, whether it’s that antidepressants are the cause of mass shootings or chemicals in the water are turning children gay.

    This is the Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department. Those two things right there should be immediately disqualifying. This should be 100 to 0. This guy used to be a Democrat. This guy was pro-choice. This guy was for clean energy. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue except to say for HHS, you need somebody who has devoted their life and hopefully has some expertise in the area of public health.

    And it’s not just that we didn’t get someone who has expertise in public health. We have someone who has caused disease and death. And I say those words with precision. I understand that both sides of the aisle are prone to exaggerating their case, and being apocalyptic. When we describe a pending vote, I’ve been here for a while, and everything is always the most important vote that we will ever cast.

    And I don’t know if this is the most important vote we’ll ever cast. I do think, gosh, I hope I’m wrong. I really do hope I’m wrong. But I do think this is likely the Cabinet Secretary vote that is likely to age the most poorly, because this person has the potential to actually cause diseases like rubella, like mumps, like measles, like polio, that have been gone for many generations because we have a vaccine regime.

    And I want to tell you what he did in Samoa. In 2019, he flew to Samoa to discourage people from taking the measles vaccine. And the reason was that he wanted to run a quote, natural experiment to see how people would fare against the disease without protections. Now, some of you may know this. My father was the first whistleblower against the Tuskegee experiments in which the United States Public Health Service did a similar thing.

    They knew that penicillin cured syphilis, and they knew that for the most part, untreated syphilis caused death. But the US Public Health Service decided to divide a cohort of African-American men into two parts. One would receive the medicine and be safe and be cured, and another cohort would receive a placebo and not get the lifesaving cure for syphilis.

    And why did they do that? To quote, “observe the disease process”.

    To observe the disease process. So when you when you investigate whether or not a medicine works, there’s a whole process to it, right? The FDA double blind studies all the rest of it. But the basic idea is you’re trying to get to some level of reliability and statistical significance so that you can project out into the population what’s going to work and what’s not.

    Now, the second way to do this is say you can achieve statistical significance until you just let a bunch of people get sick and figure out what happens. The United States Congress, led by someone with whom I served for a couple of years, Tom Harkin, when they found out about the Tuskegee experiments, made a law against the U.S. Public Health Service ever doing that again because it’s immoral.

    It’s bad science. Sure. But more than that, it treated these African-American men as if they were worth experimenting on, as if this this category of human beings in the United States were expendable for scientific research purposes. And that’s exactly what happened in Samoa. And it’s exactly what happened in Samoa.

    6000 people got the measles. 83 people died. 79 of them were kids. It is so chilling to contemplate the idea that someone as recognizable as a Kennedy would fly across an ocean to a small, developing country and basically tell everybody, be afraid of this lifesaving medicine. And it’s saw he did that once and said, I’m sorry I misunderstood or I’m being misunderstood.

    This dude actually sells onesies on his website saying, I think it’s like “unvaxxed and unafraid” for a little baby. This guy has views that are out of the mainstream of, I would guess, 99 out of 100 United States senators. And I do understand the pressure that some of my colleagues are facing. They’re being told if you vote against one Trump nominee, you will be primaried.

    So that’s not a small amount of pressure. But this one, I just promise you, it’s not going to age well.

    Some of my colleagues are expressing reservations in private. And I think that’s better than not expressing any reservations at all. And some of them are getting private assurances from Mr. Kennedy that he does not, in fact, hate all vaccines. He just wants to answer questions and all the rest of it. I am not reassured. I think this person has demonstrated over a pretty long career that he says whatever is convenient in the moment, right?

    This is like an unreconstructed, he’s a Kennedy. He was running for president in the Democratic primary, and now he’s a Trump guy, like ten months later. What does that mean? It means he’s got no core values, right? Like there’s just no way to go from over here to over here politically in such a short period of time, except that he was offered something, and he was offered this job.

    And why does he want this job? Because he’s got a very specific view about public health.

    And I just want to make one other point. The problem of our food system. Right. The problem of the extent to which we subsidize ultra-processed foods that are coming from commodities that are subsidizing the farm bill and causing people to get increasingly diabetic, and all the related health problems that happen related to that. Like, that’s a really legitimate place to do some good bipartisan work.

    And I would love to do that. It’s also not what the HHS secretary does, what the United States Department of Agriculture does, for the most part, and it’s what the Congress does. The problem is the farm bill. The problem is you get what you subsidize. And we are subsidizing all the corn products and all the soy products and all the sugar products that go into the lab tested extra delicious, extra bad for you, extra addictive stuff that is making us all.

    Even though we’re the wealthiest country in human history, a very unhealthy country. And so if that’s all this guy we’re working on, you can count me in. But if your idea of public health has to do with healthy food, has to do with prevention, has to do with understanding that our food system and our agricultural system and our USDA and our farm bill process is essentially broken.

    You don’t actually have to purchase this kind of crazy, evil stuff. You just don’t you don’t have to do it. There’s lots of good people on the food system side. You can work with, work for, cheer on, organize with. But this man is going around… he’s not talking about the COVID vaccine.

    He’s not talking about whether or not it’s appropriate to require masks in public, where Democrats and Republicans are, like, still arguing about stuff like that. He’s talking about stuff that like, if you’re a parent and now you don’t know whether when your kid goes to school, they’ve reached herd immunity for stuff that is like way, way, way generations back in the rearview mirror.

    And so I don’t know if this is going to mark one of the most important public health moments in American history, but I can’t think of another time where we actually have the technology, we have the medicine, we have the science, we have the distribution system, we have the public infrastructure to keep people safe. And we just decide by a vote of 53 to 47 to make people unsafe.

    So Secretary of Defense, DNI, all these are important. Treasury. Every cabinet position is important. It’s going to be a little more challenging to know whether your vote is vindicated in the sweep of history. I think this guy is going to age very poorly in the job, because I think we are going to see bad public health outcomes very, very shortly.

    This really is a matter of life and death. And I understand what I have learned over the last ten days is if Republicans are going to display courage, it’s not going to be on the cabinet. There are a few that have voted, you know, not with their party, but for the most part, like they’re in line, and Trump is going to get his cabinet.

    But let this be a marker for everybody. Let today be a marker for everybody. If you even if you voted for Trump, if you didn’t vote for Trump, if you’re not a voter, it doesn’t matter. If you think it’s a good idea to leave all of these diseases in the rearview mirror, then this is a very, very bad person to have running the Department of Health and Human Services.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Political solution to end war in Yemen is achievable, UN envoy says

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    A lasting peace is still possible in Yemen but requires commitment, courage, and action from all sides, the UN Special Envoy for the country told the Security Council on Thursday. 

    Hans Grundberg briefed on latest political developments in the country, where Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, and Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have been battling for power for more than a decade.

    He spoke alongside UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher who updated on the “perilous” humanitarian situation there and the need for the Council’s support. 

    Respite in the region 

    Mr. Grundberg highlighted recent events that have occurred in the region.

    “We have witnessed a significant, albeit fragile, development in the Middle East with the ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.

    “We have also seen a cessation of attacks by Ansar Allah on vessels in the Red Sea and targets in Israel. This tentative reduction in hostilities, along with the release of the crew of the Motor Vessel Galaxy Leader, is a welcome relief.”

    He urged the international community to build on this opportunity for further de-escalation, while also acknowledging the magnitude of remaining challenges. 

    Detentions threaten aid delivery 

    He noted, however, that January saw a “fourth wave of arbitrary detentions” of UN staff by the Houthis, which was “a deeply troubling development.”  

    The Houthis are holding dozens of personnel from the UN, national and international non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions – some for years.

    He said these detentions are not only a violation of fundamental human rights but also a direct threat to the UN’s ability to provide humanitarian assistance to millions. 

    “Even more deplorable is the death, while detained by Ansar Allah, of a UN colleague working for the World Food Programme (WFP),” he said. 

    He joined the UN Secretary-General in calling for an investigation into the death, and for anyone found responsible to be brought to justice. 

    Military operations and hardships continue 

    The Special Envoy noted that regrettably, military activity has continued in Yemen, with reports of movement of reinforcements and equipment towards the frontlines, as well as shelling, drone attacks and infiltration attempts by the Houthis on multiple frontlines.  

    “I call on the parties to refrain from military posturing and retaliatory measures that could lead to further tension and risk plunging Yemen back into conflict,” he said. 

    He also expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating economic situation, affecting both Government- and Houthi-controlled areas. 

    For example, the city of Aden, which is under Government control, went without electricity for three consecutive days last week, prompting people to take to the streets.  Moreover, the continued depreciation of the Yemeni Riyal has also sent prices soaring. 

    “These hardships are symptoms of the failure to achieve a sustainable political resolution. Without the prospect of peace, there can be no prosperity,” he said.  

    US terrorist designation 

    Mr. Grundberg also addressed the recent move by the United States to re-designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.  President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order on 22 January that is scheduled to take effect within 30 days.

    He stressed that while clarifications are being sought, “it is important that our efforts to advance the peace process are protected.” 

    Over the past month, the UN envoy has continued active engagement with all regional and international actors, most recently in Washington.  

    “My message to all remains that only a political settlement of the conflict will support the Yemenis in their aspirations for lasting peace. It is achievable, it is possible, and it is pragmatic,” he insisted. 

    Follow the roadmap 

    He said the elements of the roadmap for peace already provide a framework for the way forward, and the parties committed to a nationwide ceasefire as the first step. This would in turn pave the way to a structured political process through inclusive negotiations under the auspices of the UN. 

    Concluding his remarks, Mr. Grundberg was adamant that a sustainable resolution to the conflict is still possible, saying the parties must engage in good faith and take the necessary steps to turn commitments into reality. 

    “I am aware that some think that they could get a better outcome through the resumption of full-scale military operations. I want to be clear: this would be a mistake for Yemen, and a mistake for the stability in the wider region,” he warned. 

    Millions in need 

    Mr. Fletcher, the UN’s top aid official, also highlighted the death of the WFP staff member in Yemen and the need to protect humanitarian workers. He said the latest humanitarian appeal for the country shows that 19.5 million people require support. 

    “Millions are hungry and at acute risk of life-threatening illness. Children and women make up more than three-quarters of those in need,” he said. 

    Last month, WFP reported that 64 percent of the population was unable to meet their minimum food needs, up three percentage points from November. He feared this will again increase due to lean season scarcity and rising food prices. 

    Meanwhile, some 3.2 million children are not in school, while half of all under-fives are acutely malnourished. Seventy per cent of three and four-year-olds have not been fully vaccinated, and youngsters under five “are dying at a horrific rate, mainly from preventable or treatable conditions – in 2023, an average of five every hour. “ 

    Temporary aid freeze in Sa’ada 

    Mr. Fletcher said that despite significant risks, humanitarian operations are largely continuing, however the detention of more UN staff has led to some “tough decisions”.   

    The UN has been forced to temporarily pause operations in Sa’ada governorate due to safety and security risks but is taking steps towards resuming once security guarantees have been obtained. 

    “Globally, humanitarians are overstretched, underfunded and under attack,” he said. “We face this growing challenge in a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism, guided by the urgent needs of those we serve.” 

    Appeal for support 

    Mr. Fletcher said that “the situation in Yemen is perilous,” and asked Council members to help release UN and civil society staff, return UN operations to full capacity, and to avoid taking actions which affect access of civilians to essential services. 

    “Political and security decisions should not punish affected communities by limiting the flow of essential commodities into Yemen,” he said.  

    “This is a tough place for us to deliver humanitarian support. And I recognize that it is a tough place for you to get the political judgements right,” he added. “But we must be brave, principled, and unflinching in our effort to save lives.” 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Kennedy, Moran Champion Bill to Protect Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA) and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to ensure veterans do not lose their Second Amendment right to purchase or own firearms when they receive help managing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

    Because of the VA’s interpretation of current law, the VA sends a beneficiary’s name to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) whenever a fiduciary is appointed to help a beneficiary manage his or her VA benefit payments. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting a veteran’s personal information to NICS unless a relevant judicial authority rules that the beneficiary is a danger to himself or others.

    “Veterans must not be required to forfeit the Second Amendment without a careful, constitutional process. Attempting to deprive former servicemembers of firearms for protection or recreation simply because they require assistance managing the benefits they have earned is bureaucracy at its worst. Our legislation would correct this injustice and preserve these law-abiding patriots’ rights,” said Boozman.

    “Our veterans should not receive less due process rights than other Americans just because they served our country and asked the federal government for a helping hand. Under the VA’s interpretation of the law, however, unelected bureaucrats punish Louisiana and America’s veterans by forcing them to choose between their Second Amendment rights and getting the help they need as they manage their financial affairs. I’m proud to introduce the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to stand up for veterans’ constitutional rights by ending this unfair practice,” said Kennedy.

    “Veterans should never be forced to choose between receiving assistance from VA to manage their benefits and their fundamental Second Amendment rights. Our nation should be encouraging veterans to utilize VA services, not discouraging them by denying them due process. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act makes certain that the rights of those who have served are protected, and that veterans are not penalized for receiving support that they have earned and deserve,” said Moran.

    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jim Banks (R-IN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT). 

    Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act is endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Black Veterans Empowerment Council, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, AMAC Action, Turning Point Action, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, National Disability Rights Network and the National Association for Gun Rights.

    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Ramaphosa officiates repartition & memorial service for SANDF troops killed in Eastern DRC

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    President Cyril Ramaphosa as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) officiates the handover of the mortal remains of SANDF members who lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the families who have lost loved ones.

    President Ramaphosa pays his respects to the families of the departed soldiers alongside Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya at the Air Force Base Swartkops. #GovZAUpdates #RIPSASoldiers

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pRnkk3CZxQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Leads Effort to Ease Burdens on Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, introduced commonsense legislation to ease burdens and shield small businesses from excessive legal red tape. The Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025 would extend the filing deadline for businesses to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) until January 1, 2026, giving the U.S. Department of Treasury more time to educate business owners on the new reporting requirements, assess Biden administration BOI decisions, and ensure small businesses are not overburdened – and potentially held liable – with unclear and unnecessarily complicated regulations.
    Senate Banking Committee members, including Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), joined Senator Scott on the legislation. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) also signed onto the bill.
    “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to ensure they have the necessary time and information to comply with reporting requirements from the federal government. This commonsense bill will ensure small businesses are protected and not overly burdened by unclear and unnecessarily complicated regulations – allowing them to focus on serving their customers while following the law,” said Senator Scott.
    “The beneficial ownership reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) are excessive and overly burdensome, particularly for small businesses,” said Senator Tillis. “This commonsense legislation delays these unreasonable standards until January 1, 2026 for small business owners, providing further time for the courts to continue their examination of the constitutionality of the CTA.”
    “Wyoming’s small businesses are the cornerstone of our state’s economy, yet Biden-era red tape continues to threaten Main Street,” said Senator Lummis. “It’s time for us to dethrone Biden’s unelected bureaucrats and cut red tape to create an environment where small businesses thrive, not drown in a sea of regulations.”
    “Alabama’s small businesses do more than just keep our state running — they employ our friends and neighbors, provide invaluable goods and services, and make our communities and state so special,” said Senator Britt. “This commonsense legislation would pare back unnecessary and costly regulations while providing needed clarity and reprieve to job creators across Alabama and the nation.”
    “Small businesses create jobs and power our economy,” said Senator Ricketts. “They deserve fair and clear rules, not burdensome and costly regulations. This bill cuts red tape and ensures our job creators can focus on growing their businesses, not navigating bureaucratic hurdles.”
    “Small businesses are the backbone of our rural communities, and with limited staff and resources, the current reporting requirements place an unnecessary burden on our businesses,” said Senator Moran. “Extending the filing deadline allows small businesses the additional time they need to comply with updated guidelines and avoid harmful penalties.”
    Representative Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) led companion legislation in the House, which passed on Monday by a vote of 408-0.
    “Iowa’s economy is driven by small businesses – more than half of Iowans are employed by Main Street,” said Representative Nunn. “D.C. bureaucrats insist businesses comply with onerous red tape without considering the burden it puts on business operations. That has to change. Thank you, Chairman Scott, for joining me in this fight to roll back unnecessary regulations and simplify requirements for job creators while still adhering to the law.” 
    BACKGROUND: The Corporate Transparency Act was signed into law as part of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act and established new reporting requirements around beneficial ownership for businesses.
    During implementation of the rule, the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) failed to notify small businesses of the new reporting requirements. According to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), 80% of NFIB members have never heard of the new reporting requirements. Complicating matters further, according to the National Small Business Association (NSBA), the average small business owner will spend nearly $8,000 to comply with these new reporting requirements in the first year alone. 
    On January 23, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block the enforcement of these filing requirements. Now, small businesses across the country are expected to comply immediately or face harsh penalties. The Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025 would extend the filing deadline until January 1, 2026.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 65th Medical Brigade Hosts Republic of Korea Army Leaders for Medical Capabilities Overview

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

    The 65th Medical Brigade hosted senior leaders from the Republic of Korea Army Feb. 6 for a briefing and static display walk-through at the 135th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment. The visit highlighted the ongoing partnership between U.S. and ROK medical forces and their efforts to modernize battlefield medical capabilities.

    “As our partnership with the Republic of Korea Army continues to strengthen, we are working together to modernize battlefield medical capabilities,” said Col. Edgar G. Arroyo, commander of the 65th Medical Brigade. “The exchange of knowledge and experience between our forces ensures that we remain ready to provide life-saving care in any operational environment.”

    As the ROKA transitions from its Mobile Army Surgical Hospital model to adopt the U.S. Army’s FRSD structure, the engagement provided an in-depth look at how expeditionary surgical teams deliver advanced combat casualty care in austere environments. The event included a briefing on FRSD operational capabilities and a static display walk-through to showcase how this capability enhances battlefield survivability.

    Two senior ROKA generals attended the visit. Brig. Gen. Seo, the ROKA equivalent of the U.S. Army surgeon general, plays a pivotal role in shaping medical doctrine and force modernization. Brig. Gen. Jeon, head of the ROKA Analysis and Evaluation Department, oversees the assessment and implementation of force structure advancements. Additional attendees included commanders from ROK 7th Corps, 2nd Operational Command and 5th Corps, along with representatives from the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff, Armed Forces Medical School and other ROK medical institutions.

    “The ability to sustain the fight starts with effective medical care,” Arroyo said. “Through engagements like this, we are reinforcing our shared commitment to ensuring our warfighters have access to the best possible battlefield medical support, no matter the conditions.”

    This event supports bilateral efforts to enhance interoperability and improve combined medical readiness. By sharing best practices and demonstrating the effectiveness of the FRSD, U.S. and ROK forces continue to improve their ability to respond to future operational challenges.

    For imagery, please visit:

    The 65th Medical Brigade hosted senior leaders from the Republic of Korea Army on Feb. 6 for a briefing and static display walk-through at the 135th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment. The visit highlighted the ongoing partnership between U.S. and ROK medical forces and their efforts to modernize battlefield medical capabilities. Photo courtesy of Cpl. Yum Jin-young, 65th Medical Brigade

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI from Bloomberg: “Markwayne Mullin’s Personal Bond Propels Him to Trump Confidant”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI from Bloomberg: “Markwayne Mullin’s Personal Bond Propels Him to Trump Confidant”

    Washington, D.C. – ICYMI, Bloomberg Government published the following story this morning crediting U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as, “one of the most influential lawmakers in Trump’s second term.” Bloomberg notes Mullin’s position as a powerful nexus lawmaker among the White House, GOP House majority, and the Republican-led Senate. The story also includes that Mullin, “played a pivotal role” in getting some of Trump’s cabinet nominees across the finish line, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and HHS pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr., among others.
    Read the full Mullin profile story from Bloomberg Government HERE and below:
    Markwayne Mullin’s Personal Bond Propels Him to Trump ConfidantBy Ian Kullgren | February 13, 2025 5:00AM ET 
    Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is an unconventional leading ally for President Donald Trump. As Trump prepared to return to Washington, plenty of Republicans with higher profiles and deeper pockets were jockeying to be his congressional facilitator-in-chief. 
    To understand Mullin’s rise from congressman to senator to Trump confidant, it must be recognized this isn’t a relationship built on politics — rather one forged in the deeply personal throes of a tragedy deferred.
    In early 2020, Mullin’s 15-year-old son, Jim, suffered a life-threatening blow to the head while wrestling, his pulse faint as paramedics airlifted him to a Tulsa hospital. When Trump learned what Mullin’s family was facing, he began calling.
    He never stopped. 
    “He was at rehab for 18 months,” Mullin said in an interview with Bloomberg Government on Capitol Hill. “The president called every week. He flew to Bakersfield, California, to see him. He offered to help us financially, which we didn’t need, but he offered to help us financially with it. He still asks about him. Every time we talk, he still asks how my boy is doing.”
    “You just see a different side of the guy. Not everybody sees it.”
    ‘Significant Relationship’ 
    Mullin’s bond with the president has positioned him to be one of the most influential lawmakers in Trump’s second term, with both a direct line to the president and congressional ties to help shape his legislative agenda. He stuck by Trump during the times when the president’s political career seemed over — through Jan. 6, a second impeachment, and the barrage of criminal charges. In doing so, as Trump returned to the White House, Mullin had demonstrated the attribute he values above all: loyalty.
    “There’s no question he has a significant relationship with the president,” Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), Mullin’s close friend and roommate in Washington, told Bloomberg Government. “I know that to be certain.”
    On the surface, Trump and Mullin look like opposites. Trump, as a boy in New York, had a chauffeur, while Mullin grew up with six siblings in rural Oklahoma.
    The Oklahoman wears square-toed cowboy boots, a look his male staffers copy but one Trump wouldn’t be caught dead in. “And no, I don’t play golf,” Mullin said.
    Despite lacking the name recognition of some of Trump’s other allies, his close ties to the House — where he served for a decade before becoming one of the youngest senators at 45 years old in 2023 — give him a level of influence across the Capitol few senators have. 
    Mullin still leads a bipartisan workout group at 6:30 a.m. in the House gym, a group that included former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), who was confirmed on Wednesday as Trump’s director of National Intelligence, and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. It has become his forum for maintaining relationships and building new ones, Smith said.
    “There’s not one senator over there that has better relationships with as many House members as Markwayne, and there is not a senator over there that campaigned more for Donald Trump,” Smith said.
    Frequent Fighter 
    At the same time, he’s one of Trump’s most effective attack dogs. He posts on X frequently — often more than a dozen times a day — defending the administration’s policies, talking up his nominees, and slapping down the “woke” mob out to get Trump. 
    He spent weeks on the road campaigning for Trump last fall, and as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, he’s one of the few Native Americans in Congress — an attribute that has made him a credible attack dog in Trump’s anti-DEI crusade.
    “I grew up in Indian Country, living on the same land my ancestors were forced to move to,” Mullin posted on X last month. “I was born with bowed [legs] and a bad speech impediment. I lived in a barn. I NEVER let that be an excuse.”
    Mullin also played a pivotal role in getting some of Trump’s nominees across the line, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, according to a senior White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy. The official described him as working tirelessly and being “energetic” in advancing Trump’s goals.
    “President Trump loves people who are fighters,” said Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.). “Clearly, Markwayne Mullin is a fighter.” 
    Mullin’s pugilistic nature was on show in 2023 when he threatened to fight Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a committee hearing. The two nearly came to blows until Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) intervened. The clip went viral on social media, raising the profile of both men. 
    As far as the president is concerned, Mullin has distinguished himself as a resource, Justin Clark, a former Trump White House official who later worked for Mullin’s campaign, said. He is one of a few senators who had direct access to Trump, meaning he can call him directly rather than go through handlers, and has established a regular back-and-forth where the two exchange ideas.
    Yet despite that access, Mullin doesn’t over-communicate — even as countless others constantly fight to get in the president’s ear.
    Mullin said he talks to Trump a few times a week. The two had spoken that morning, he said. However, Mullin wouldn’t say what was discussed — offering a hint at why the relationship has blossomed.
    “There’s a trust factor there, too,” he said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Integration of Emerging Technologies for Military Drone Market Presenting a Significant Growth Opportunity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The surge in global defense budgets has had a significant impact on the Global Military Drone Market. As political tensions rise worldwide, nations are investing in cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to bolster their defense and security capabilities. Increased defense expenditure has allowed countries like the United States, China, and other NATO members to allocate substantial funds to advanced drone programs, enhancing surveillance, supporting combat missions, and improving autonomous drone features. A recent report from an industry expert said that: “The growing demand for real-time intelligence in dynamic, complex military environments has significantly increased the need for sophisticated drones equipped with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Military drones are now integrated with cutting-edge technologies such as high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, and other advanced systems that enhance situational awareness for both tactical operations and comprehensive intelligence gathering. For instance, the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk is capable of surveying over 40,000 square miles in a single day, providing extensive monitoring of large areas. This level of surveillance is invaluable for sustained military operations in regions like Ukraine and other conflict zones, where real-time intelligence is crucial for strategic decision-making and operational effectiveness.”   Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX), Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC).

    The article continued: “The integration of emerging technologies into military drones presents a significant growth opportunity for the market. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, autonomous navigation systems, and advanced sensors are revolutionizing the capabilities of military drones. AI-driven systems, for instance, can enable drones to analyze vast amounts of real-time data, enhancing decision-making and targeting accuracy. Autonomous navigation allows drones to operate with minimal human intervention, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk to personnel. For example, the U.S. military has incorporated AI into its MQ-9 Reaper drones to enhance autonomous targeting and surveillance capabilities, allowing for more precise missions in complex environments.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Subsidiary Develops and Tests Proprietary Drone Communications System Enabling Secure and Reliable Communications for US Defense Applications – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has developed and is currently testing a proprietary drone communications management system called “DroneNet” that enables direct and secure drone communications in situations without reliable internet, cellular or satellite communications. The internally developed system is specifically built for use with the Company’s ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drone products. A drone communications system is a two-way link between a drone and its base station used to direct the drone and relay real-time drone video and sensor data.

    “We believe our proprietary DroneNet communications system will improve both the reliability and performance of our drones ensuring we are not dependent on third-party products with compatibility issues. This internal development ensures we gain more customization of our products, cost management, and control of our supply chain, all of which results in what we believe to be superior drone solutions. Once we’ve tested this initial version, our plan for future advancements includes developing and testing our own microchips with multilayer encryption suitable for NDAA-compliant use required for US Defense applications,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    Drones used by the military for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications require reliable communications systems for uninterrupted data transmission, mission effectiveness, and operational security. Drones must relay real-time video, sensor data, and telemetry to command centers, allowing defense operators to make time-sensitive decisions. This is especially critical for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, where drones operate over longer distances often in harsh or contested environments. Without secure and resilient communications links, drones risk losing control, can face signal jamming, or data latency, which can compromise mission success. Advanced proprietary communication solutions, using satellite and 4G help ensure connectivity in GPS-denied or high-interference environments and can safeguard data against jamming and cyber threats.

    The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous drone, in a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) quadcopter design with eight rotors; it is considered a medium-sized drone measuring 12X7 feet in size. It is designed for stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities up to 40 kilos, incorporating innovative software technology, AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial and defense use.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), through its wholly owned subsidiary Arcturus UAV, has recently been awarded a contract by the Danish Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) with a contract ceiling value of $181 million to deliver the JUMP® 20 medium uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to the Danish Armed Forces. This 10-year program of record will equip the Danish Army with JUMP 20 systems to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, reinforcing AV’s position as a global leader in advanced autonomous solutions.

    JUMP 20 is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), fixed-wing UAS with 13+ hours of endurance and an operational range of 185 km (115 mi). Runway independent, the system is easily storable and transportable, and can autonomously launch and land at speed without personnel intervention, making it ideal for on-the-move operations.

    Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in Defense, National Security and Global Markets, recently announced a $34,856,449 award modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the U.S. Marine Corps. The expanded scope is to support the XQ-58A Unmanned Aerial Systems mission systems and subsystems integration for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary (MUX) Tactical Aircraft (TACAIR).

    Since 2022, Kratos and its industry partner, Northrop Grumman, have been working with the U.S. Marine Corps to define operational requirements for the MQ-58 Valkyrie variant. The team recently demonstrated advanced collaborative capabilities during the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer Portfolio (PAACK-P) program, which is transitioning to MUX TACAIR in 2025. The modification contract provides the additional non-recurring engineering and material to support the planned spiral developmental efforts, as well as additional flight tests for the continuing capability enhancement of the Valkyrie system.

    L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has recently introduced AMORPHOUS™, its new software that features a single user interface to operate thousands of autonomous assets simultaneously. Designed with an open architecture, this software enables the United States and allied militaries to control a mix of uncrewed platforms, payloads and systems, even if another manufacturer produces them.

    AMORPHOUS, which stands for Autonomous Multi-domain Operations Resiliency Platform for Heterogeneous Unmanned Swarms, includes an intuitive and distributed command-and-control interface to give operators the flexibility to conduct a wider array of intricate military missions. This collaborative autonomy at scale will provide warfighters with a decisive overmatch capability.

    Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC) has recently announced the signing of a binding agreement to acquire of Aloft Technologies, Inc. (https://www.aloft.ai/), the leading FAA-approved provider of unmanned aerial system (UAS) services to enterprise, public safety, and government customers. The acquisition is almost all in stock, valued at $14.5M.

    The proposed acquisition brings together companies that share commitment to strengthening the U.S. drone industry. Aloft Technologies has long been recognized as the leader in the drone fleet and airspace management sector, powering more than 70% of all FAA-approved Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) airspace authorizations in the United States. Aloft has provided more than more than 1.6 million authorizations in total, with 400,000 authorizations provided in 2024.

    Aloft has been able to leverage the data collected through millions of safe flights and airspace interactions to launch Air Boss, their new real-time UAS air traffic management (UTM) software. With the FAA forecasting more than 3 million drones in the airspace by 2028, outnumbering traditional aircraft more than 10-to-1, the coordination and integration of all aircraft is critical to national security and the national economy.

    About FN Media Group:

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

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

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

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NMCB 11 Seabees help stranded motorists

    Source: United States Navy

    The Seabees were convoying home from an exercise when they noticed a submerged vehicle near the site of a collision and quickly rushed to the aid of the two elderly occupants inside.
    “We spotted the car while stopped for a routine check and ran straight over,” said Builder 2nd Class Thomas McLaughlin, who helped with the rescue. “The occupants were frightened but felt reassured when they saw us get into the water to help.”
    After carrying the motorists to safety through waist-deep mud and water, the Seabees returned to the vehicle to retrieve personal belongings.
    Now safe on dry land, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Marcos Ramirez assessed all motorists involved in the three-car accident for injuries while Equipment Operator 1st Class Andrew Warren coordinated with emergency services.
    Once first responders took over the scene, the convoy was back on the road and returned safely to Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Mississippi.
    NMCB-11, assigned to Naval Construction Group (NCG) 2, is homeported in Gulfport as part of the Naval Construction Force.
    The mission of NCG 2 is to organize, man, train, maintain, and equip Naval Construction Regiments (NCRs), NMCBs, the Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU), and the Underwater Construction Team (UCT) to provide supported commanders with expeditionary engineering forces capable of general engineering and construction, and limited combat engineering across the full range of military operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Unveils Managed Safety and Response (MSR) Connected Ecosystem in Virginia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Following Governor Youngkin’s November announcement, Early Adopter Program Launches in Virginia, Highly Anticipated Defense Tech Drones, Body Cameras, AI Integration and International Expansion to Follow

    This news follows: Wrap Technologies Launches Go-Forward Strategy, Advancing End-to-End Public Safety and Defense Solutions with New Virginia Facility

    NORTON, Va., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”) today announced the launch of its highly anticipated Managed Safety and Response (MSR) Connected Ecosystem in Virginia, with the aim of delivering a modern approach for law enforcement training, defensive tactics and real-time safety solutions. With past vocal support of Governor Glenn Youngkin and Virginia’s public safety institutions, Wrap hopes to establish the Commonwealth as a leader in next-generation policing solutions.

    As early adopters, Virginia agencies will be the first to benefit from Wrap’s integrated approach, which combines enhanced training, automated support systems and a scalable ecosystem designed to seamlessly integrate follow-on technologies.

    The Company is evolving to meet agency demand for integrated service delivery of disparate support technologies and embedded recurring training. This approach will see Wrap invest in a core group of world-class professional services leaders and then digitize value delivery through AI-powered workflows, ensuring exemplary customer satisfaction in its MSR service.

    This announcement highlights Wrap’s strategic vision for the future of public safety, including:

    • A TAA-compliant, NON-Chinese supply chain for body cameras, aiming to ensure secure and reliable technology for law enforcement agencies advancing a first-in-class Made in America supply chain.
    • Newly Developed AI-powered reporting, leveraging body-worn camera audio to instantly generate high-quality, detailed incident reports—with the goal of reducing administrative workload and increasing accuracy.
    • The upcoming launch of a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, featuring advanced payloads that enhance situational awareness, rapid response, and officer safety.
    • Advanced Defensive Tactics & Training – structured follow-on actions after BolaWrap deployment, aiming to ensure proper de-escalation techniques.
    • Connected Training, including in-person officer instruction and an exclusive video training library designed to coach officers in BolaWrap de-escalation approaches that align with today’s modern safety standards.
    • Comprehensive VR Training Expansion – all of our de-escalation scenarios are now included in Wrap’s immersive VR training system with opportunities for custom environment development.

    Scot Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We’ve listened to our customers. We heard their concerns and understood the challenges of adopting technologies due to complexity and lack of resources. Wrap is addressing this pain point by aiming to deliver a trusted, fully managed service that consolidates fragmented technologies into a cohesive solution. We believe our first-in-class MSR Connected Ecosystem simplifies adoption, reduces operational burden, and exceeds current market offerings thereby ensuring agencies have the tools, training, and support needed to enhance officer safety and effectiveness.”

    Wrap is deeply committed to supporting law enforcement by delivering innovative, practical, and effective solutions that focus on officer safety, improving public trust, and streamlining operations. Wrap recognizes the challenges agencies face in adopting new technologies, integrating disparate tools, and ensuring officers receive the training and resources needed to operate effectively in the field.

    Wrap’s MSR Connected Ecosystem is designed to bridge these gaps, which we believe provides a seamless, scalable, and intelligent platform that empowers officers to make better decisions, reduce risk, and enhance de-escalation efforts. By prioritizing trust, reliability, and continuous support, Wrap is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that truly serve those who protect and serve.

    Governor Youngkin’s support to relocate Wrap’s facility to Southwest Virginia indicates alignment for this expansion to leverage innovative technologies that enhance public safety. By integrating advanced solutions like the MSR Connected Ecosystem, the Commonwealth aims to set a new standard in law enforcement practices, ensuring safer communities for all Virginians.

    The MSR Connected Ecosystem is designed to reduce cognitive load and simplify decision-making in critical moments, transforming the way officers operate in the field. Wrap is advancing law enforcement capabilities by delivering fully managed safety services alongside essential response tools like BolaWrap, ensuring officers have the support they need when it matters most.

    To learn more about Wrap Technologies and the Managed Safety and Response Connected Ecosystem, visit www.Wrap.com.

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.

    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a leading global provider of advanced public safety solutions, integrating ultramodern technology, cutting-edge tools, and comprehensive services to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations around the world. Guided by a no-harm principle, Wrap is dedicated to developing groundbreaking solutions that empower public safety agencies to safeguard the communities they serve in a manner that fosters stronger relationships, driving safer outcomes, empowering public safety and communities to move forward together.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® solution encompasses an innovative and patented hand-held remote restraint device, strategically engineered with Wrap’s no-harm guiding principle to proactively deter escalation by deploying a Kevlar® tether that safely restrains individuals from a distance. Combined with BolaWrap® training, certified by the esteemed International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), Wrap enables officers from over 1000 agencies across the U.S. and 60 countries around the world, with the expertise to effectively use BolaWrap® as an early intervention measure, mitigating potential risks and injuries, averting tragic outcomes, with the goal to save lives with each wrap.

    Wrap Reality™, the Company’s advanced virtual reality training system, is a fully immersive training simulator and comprehensive public safety training platform that equips first responders with the discipline and practice to prevent escalation, de-escalate conflicts, and apply appropriate tactical use-of-force measures to better perform in the field. By offering a growing range of real-life scenarios, Wrap Reality™ addresses the dynamic nature of modern law enforcement situations for positive public safety outcomes, building safer communities one decision at a time.

    Wrap’s Intrensic solution is a comprehensive, secure and efficient body worn camera and evidence collection and management solution designed with innovative technology to quickly capture, safely handle, securely store, and seamlessly track evidence, all while maintaining full transparency throughout the process. With meticulous consolidation and professional management of evidence, confidence in law enforcement and the justice system soars, fostering trust and reliability in court outcomes. Intrensic’s efficient system streamlines the entire process seamlessly, empowering all public safety providers to focus on what matters, expediting justice with integrity.

    Connect with Wrap:
    Wrap on Facebook
    Wrap on Twitter
    Wrap on LinkedIn

    Trademark Information

    Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality™ and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad.  All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    (800) 583-2652
    ir@wrap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Military Billion Dollar Drone Market Expecting Substantial Growth Opportunity as Usage Skyrockets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The Military Drone Market is expected to see substantial growth in the coming years. A recent report from Straits Research. Said that the global military drone market size was valued at USD 21.81 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 24.25 billion in 2025 to reach USD 56.69 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.20% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The report said: “A military drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is a type of aircraft that operates without a human pilot on board. These drones are equipped with advanced technologies for surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and, in some cases, targeted strikes. Military drones are used extensively in modern warfare for a variety of roles, including combat, surveillance, logistical support, and search-and-rescue missions. The global market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing global demand for enhanced surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities. As nations recognize the strategic advantages of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in military operations, drones are increasingly deployed in both combat and non-combat roles. This expansion is further supported by rising defense budgets, particularly in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Despite the promising growth, there are significant challenges facing the global market, including complex regulatory issues and ethical concerns surrounding the use of autonomous weapons. However, innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), miniaturization, and battery life are expected to open new growth opportunities, enabling more advanced, efficient, and versatile drone capabilities in the near future.” Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA).

    Straits Research continued: “Geopolitical tensions, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, are driving a significant demand for military drones. As nations seek to strengthen their surveillance, intelligence, and tactical capabilities, military drones have become integral to modern defense strategies. For example, the Indo-Pacific region increasingly views drones as vital for maintaining a strategic balance in contested areas. Similarly, Russia’s actions in Ukraine have highlighted the tactical advantages of drones, prompting Eastern European nations near the conflict zone to prioritize drone investments to enhance border security and ensure readiness in case of escalations.

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Subsidiary Develops and Tests Proprietary Drone Communications System Enabling Secure and Reliable Communications for US Defense Applications – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has developed and is currently testing a proprietary drone communications management system called “DroneNet” that enables direct and secure drone communications in situations without reliable internet, cellular or satellite communications. The internally developed system is specifically built for use with the Company’s ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drone products. A drone communications system is a two-way link between a drone and its base station used to direct the drone and relay real-time drone video and sensor data.

    “We believe our proprietary DroneNet communications system will improve both the reliability and performance of our drones ensuring we are not dependent on third-party products with compatibility issues. This internal development ensures we gain more customization of our products, cost management, and control of our supply chain, all of which results in what we believe to be superior drone solutions. Once we’ve tested this initial version, our plan for future advancements includes developing and testing our own microchips with multilayer encryption suitable for NDAA-compliant use required for US Defense applications,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    Drones used by the military for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications require reliable communications systems for uninterrupted data transmission, mission effectiveness, and operational security. Drones must relay real-time video, sensor data, and telemetry to command centers, allowing defense operators to make time-sensitive decisions. This is especially critical for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, where drones operate over longer distances often in harsh or contested environments. Without secure and resilient communications links, drones risk losing control, can face signal jamming, or data latency, which can compromise mission success. Advanced proprietary communication solutions, using satellite and 4G help ensure connectivity in GPS-denied or high-interference environments and can safeguard data against jamming and cyber threats.

    The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous drone, in a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) quadcopter design with eight rotors; it is considered a medium-sized drone measuring 12X7 feet in size. It is designed for stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities up to 40 kilos, incorporating innovative software technology, AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial and defense use. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) recently announced it recently completed a successful demonstration of its eBee VISION Intelligence Safety and Reconnaissance (ISR) UAS platform for key officials of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

    AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “As we continue to expand our presence in the defense sector, this demonstration underscores AgEagle’s commitment to delivering innovative UAV solutions that meet the rigorous demands of diverse military applications. By providing enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the eBee VISION ensures our defense customers have the operational efficiency and situational awareness information they require for mission success.”

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH) recently announced the launch of its Exhibition (Experience) Center in Shenzhen’s Luohu Sports and Leisure Park. It is the world’s first EH216-S takeoff and landing site featuring a fully automated vertical lift vertiport. It also marks a new smart infrastructure in Shenzhen dedicated to the commercial operations of the EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicle, establishing a groundbreaking model for electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft operations in urban areas.

    The Luohu UAM Center, designed by EHang, boasts an automated three-dimensional vertical lift vertiport. This innovative facility reduces labor costs and optimizes space usage through its automated operations. The Luohu UAM Center, spanning approximately 753 square meters, has brought this advanced design to life. The first floor is dedicated to a hangar and boarding area, providing passengers with a seamless and comfortable experience. The integrated takeoff and landing pad with the hangar enables rapid charging, thereby streamlining flight operations. During the launch ceremony on January 21, an EH216-S aircraft was lifted from the first to the second floor by the vertical lift platform. It then took to the skies, completing a lap over the Luohu Sports and Leisure Park before landing smoothly, marking its first flight at the Luohu UAM Center. The demonstration received widespread acclaim from attendees.

    Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has successfully completed the second stage of piloted thrustborne testing of its full scale VX4 prototype. The company is now preparing for a new chapter in its history, with the VX4 entering the penultimate phase of flight testing: wingborne flight. This phase will mark a defining moment in the VX4’s development, pushing beyond the limits of the secure airspace of Cotswold Airport’s airfield and into real-world operating conditions for the first time.

    During Phase 2, the aircraft completed over thirty piloted test flights. Flight tests included completing successful hover and low speed flight maneuvers, as well as executing handling and performance procedures including roll, yaw, and spot-turns.

    Shift5, the observability platform for onboard operational technology, and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) have recently entered into a global strategic reseller partnership to offer Shift5’s Compliance Module to automate Aircraft Network Security Program (ANSP) compliance efforts for commercial and civil aviation operators. The partnership will drastically reduce the time and manual effort required by maintenance and security teams to identify and report anomalies in onboard data in e-enabled aircraft, allowing them to address credible cyber threats and potential safety issues to improve the safety and operations of fleets.

    Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) guidelines in Advisory Circular (AC) 119-1 and European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) guidelines in Common Requirements Regulation (EU) 2017/373 and the Single European Sky Framework require operators flying connected or e-enabled aircraft with advanced connectivity capabilities to create an ANSP to ensure their safety, integrity, and reliability are in alignment with regulatory standards.

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

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: SecDef Pete Hegseth delivers opening remarks at the 26th UDCG meeting in Brussels, Feb. 12, 2025

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers opening remarks at the 26th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, Feb. 12, 2025
    —————
    Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hadw9YOCBrk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Week Charts Course to Tucson February 17-23

    Source: United States Navy

    This year’s Tucson Navy Week holds special significance as it coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday — a historic milestone celebrating a quarter-millennium of maritime excellence, national security and global leadership.

    “As we celebrate 250 years of naval tradition and excellence as a maritime nation, we recognize it’s the combination of the world’s most sophisticated weapons systems, and more importantly our highly skilled people – at sea and ashore – who provide an unmatched advantage in promoting prosperity and security, deterring aggression, and protecting the American way of life,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director. “Your Sailors continue a tradition of decisive power from seabed to space and we’re thrilled to bring them to Tucson so you can witness their treendous character, competence, and dedication firsthand.”

    Tucson Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2025, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.

    During Tucson Navy Week, more than 50 Sailors, to include those with direct ties to Tucson, will engage in education and community outreach events throughout the city.

    “Participating in Tucson Navy Week is important to me because it brings me back to where it all started,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Sherman, from the city of Tucson, assigned to Naval Information Force Reserve. “Growing up in Tucson, we went to air shows and had a ton of exposure to the Air Force, which is world-class in many respects, but young men and women from Arizona need to know the Navy provides opportunities and experiences that simply cannot be matched by other services. I want to tell them about it firsthand.”

    Tucson Navy Week events include a Navy Week proclamation and recognition ceremony at the Arizona Heroes Memorial; Discovery Night at the Children’s Museum; Navy Day at the Reid Park Zoo; 100th La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo; the Pima Air and Space Museum; and free live music at venues throughout the city performed by Navy Band Southwest. Sailors will also volunteer with organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs; Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids (TRAK); StandUp for Kids; YMCA; Habitat for Humanity; Market on the Move; GAP Ministries; Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona; and Tucson Bicycle Classic, among others.

    Tucson Navy Week senior executive, Vice Adm. James Pitts, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, will participate in community engagements and meet with local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders.

    Other Navy Week Sailors include those from the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770), Virginia-class fast-attack submarine pre-commissioning unit USS Arizona (SSN 803), Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), USS Constitution, Naval Talent Acquisition Group Phoenix, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, Naval History and Heritage Command, Navy Band Southwest, Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, Vietnam War Commemoration, Navy eSports, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and The Strike Group virtual reality activation.

    Media organizations wishing to cover Tucson Navy Week events, to include interviewing hometown heroes and the senior Navy executive, should contact Ensign Jordyn Diomede at (901) 232-4450 or jordyn.s.diomede.mil@us.navy.mil.

    Stories featuring Sailors from the Tucson area:

    Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Sherman – 2000 Tucson Accelerated High School graduate

    https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/02/tucson-accelerated-high-alum-returns.html

     

    Lt. j.g. Gina Gulli – 2018 Cienega High School graduate

    https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/02/cienega-high-alum-returns-home-for.html

     

    Petty Officer 2nd Class Mason Bricker – 2020 Amphitheater High School graduate

    https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/02/amphitheater-high-alum-returns-home-for.html

     

    Petty Officer 2nd Class Abrianna Thompson – 2015 Buena High School graduate

    https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/02/sierra-vista-native-returns-home-for.html

     

    For a list of public events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Tucson-2025/

    Follow Navy Outreach on social media:

    About Navy Week:

    Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has brought the Navy’s mission, people, and capabilities to hundreds of communities nationwide, inspiring new generations and strengthening the bonds between the Navy and the American people.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NPS Develops AI Solution to Automate Drone Defense with High Energy Lasers

    Source: United States Navy

    To counter the rapidly mounting threats posed by the proliferation of inexpensive uncrewed autonomous systems (UAS), or drones, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) researchers and collaborators are applying AI to automate critical parts of the tracking system used by laser weapon systems (LWS). By improving target classification, pose estimation, aimpoint selection and aimpoint maintenance, the ability of an LWS to assess and neutralize a hostile UAS greatly increases. Enhanced decision advantage is the goal.

    The tracking system of an LWS follows a sequence of demanding steps to successfully engage an adversarial UAS. When conducted by a human operator, the steps can be time consuming, especially when facing numerous drones in a swarm. Add in the challenges of an adversary’s missiles and rockets traveling at hypersonic speeds, efforts to mount proper defenses become even more complicated, and urgent.

    Directed energy and AI are both considered DOD Critical Technology Areas. By automating and accelerating the sequence for targeting drones with an AI-enabled LWS, a research team from NPS, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) developed an approach to have the operator on-the-loop overseeing the tracking system instead of in-the-loop manually controlling it.

    “Defending against one drone isn’t a problem. But if there are multiple drones, then sending million-dollar interceptor missiles becomes a very expensive tradeoff because the drones are very cheap,” says Distinguished Professor Brij Agrawal, NPS Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, who leads the NPS team. “The Navy has several LWS being developed and tested. LWS are cheap to fire but expensive to build. But once it’s built, then it can keep on firing, like a few dollars per shot.”

    To achieve this level of automation, the researchers generated two datasets that contained thousands of drone images and then applied AI training to the datasets. This produced an AI model that was validated in the laboratory and then transferred to Dahlgren for field testing with its LWS tracking system.

    Funded by the Joint Directed Energy Transition Office (DE-JTO) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR), this research addresses advanced AI and directed energy technology applications cited in the CNO NAVPLAN.

    During a typical engagement with a hostile drone, radar makes the initial detection and then the contact information is fed over to the LWS. The operator of the LWS uses its infrared sensor, which has a wide field of view, to start tracking the drone. Next, the high magnification and narrow field of view of its high energy laser (HEL) telescope continues the tracking as its fast-steering mirrors maintain the lock on the drone.

    With a video screen showing the image of the drone in the distance, the operator compares it to a target reference to classify the type of drone and identify its unique aimpoints. Each drone type has different characteristics, and its aimpoints are the locations where that particular drone is most vulnerable to incoming laser fire.

    Along with the drone type and aimpoint determinations, the operator must identify the drone’s pose, or relative orientation to the LWS, necessary for locating its aimpoints. The operator looks at the drone’s image on the screen to determine where to point the LWS and then fires the laser beam.

    Long distances and atmospheric conditions between the LWS and the drone can adversely affect the image quality, making all these identifications more challenging and time consuming to conduct.

    After all these preparations, the operator cannot just simply move a computerized crosshair across the screen onto an aimpoint and press the fire button as if it were a kinetic weapon system, like an anti-aircraft gun or interceptor missile.

    Though lasers move at the speed of light, they don’t instantaneously destroy a drone like the way lasers are depicted in sci-fi movies. The more powerful the laser, the more energy it delivers in a given time. To heat a drone enough to cause catastrophic damage, the laser must be firing the entire time.

    But there’s a catch. The laser beam must be continually held at the same spot. If the drone turns and the laser beam doesn’t adjust, the initial spot it was targeting will no longer heat up. Whatever new spot now hit by the laser beam will start to heat, but it might not be the aimpoint.

    If the drone continuously moves, then the laser beam will wander along its surface if not continuously re-aimed. In this case, the laser’s energy will be distributed across a large area instead of concentrated at a single point. This process of continuously firing the laser beam at one spot is called aimpoint maintenance.

    In 2016, construction of the High Energy Laser Beam Control Research Testbed (HBCRT) was completed by the NPS research team. The HBCRT was designed to replicate the functions of an LWS found aboard a ship, such as the 30-kilowatt, XN-1 Laser Weapon System operated on USS Ponce (LPD 15) from 2014 to 2017.

    Early on, the HBCRT was utilized at NPS to study adaptive optics techniques to correct for aberrations from atmospheric conditions that degrade the quality of the laser beam fired from an LWS. Later, the addition of state-of-the-art deformable mirrors built by Northrup Grumman allowed NPS researchers to investigate further impacts of deep turbulence.

    Over the years, 15 masters and 2 PhD degrees have been earned by NPS officer-students contributing their interdisciplinary research into hardware and software related to the HBCRT. Investigations by U.S. Navy Ensigns Raymond Turner, MS astronautical engineering in 2022, and Raven Heath, MS aeronautical engineering in 2023, added to this research. Turner helped integrate AI algorithms into the HBCRT for aimpoint selection and maintenance, and Heath used deep learning to research AI target key points estimation.

    Now the HBCRT is also being used to create catalogs of drone images to make real-world datasets for AI training.

    Built by Boeing, the HBCRT has a 30 cm diameter, fine-tracking, HEL telescope and a course-tracking, mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) sensor. The pair is called the beam director when coupled together on a large gimble that swivels them in unison up-and-down and side-to-side.

    “The MWIR is thermal,” says Research Associate Professor Jae Jun Kim, NPS Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, who specializes in optical beam control. “It looks at the mid-wavelength infrared signal of light, which is related to the heat signature of the target. It has a wide field of view. The gimbal moves to lock onto the target. Then the target is seen through the telescope, which has very small field of view.”

    A 1-kilowatt laser beam (roughly a million times more powerful than a classroom laser pointer) can fire from the telescope. If the laser beam were to be used, it’s generated by a separate external unit and then directed into the telescope, which then projects the laser beam onto the target. However, its use with the HBCRT isn’t required for the initial development of this research, which allows the work to be easily conducted inside a laboratory.

    With a short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) tracking camera, the telescope can record images of a drone that is miles away. Although necessary, replicating the view of a distant drone in a small laboratory is impossible. To resolve this dilemma, researchers mounted 3D-printed, titanium miniature models of drones fabricated by AFRL into a range-in-a-box (RIAB).

    Constructed on an optical bench, the RIAB accurately replicates a drone flying miles away from the telescope by using a large parabolic mirror and other optical components. This research used a miniature model of a Reaper drone. When a SWIR image is taken of the drone model by the telescope, it appears to the telescope as if it were seeing an actual full-sized Reaper drone.

    The drone model is attached to a gimble with motors that can change its pose along the three rotational flight axes of roll (x), pitch (y) and yaw (z). This allows the telescope to observe real-time changes in the direction that the drone model faces.

    Simply put, pose is the orientation of the drone that the telescope “sees” in its direct line of sight. Is the drone heading straight-on or flying away, diving or climbing, banking or cruising straight and level, or moving in some other way?

    By measuring the angles about the x-, y- and z-axes for a drone model in a specific orientation, the pose of the drone can be precisely defined and recorded. This important measurement is called the pose label.

    The NPS researchers created two large representative datasets for AI training to produce the AI model for automating target classification, pose estimation, aimpoint selection and aimpoint maintenance. The AI training used convolutional neural networks with deep learning, which is a machine learning technique based on the understanding of neuropathways in the human brain. A recent journal article in Machine Vision and Applications by NPS faculty Leonardo Herrera, Jae Jun Kim, and Brij Agrawal describes the datasets and AI training in detail.

    Each piece of data in the dataset contained a 256´256-pixel image of a Reaper drone in a unique pose with its corresponding pose label. Lockheed Martin used computer generation to create the synthetic dataset, which contained 100,000 images. Created with the HBCRT and RIAB at NPS, the real-world dataset contained 77,077 images.

    “If we train on only clean pictures, it won’t work. That is a limitation,” says Agrawal. “We need a lot of data with different backgrounds, intensities of the sun, turbulence and more. That’s why when using AI, it takes a lot of work to create the data. And the more data you have, the higher the fidelity.”

    For the AI model, three different AI training scenarios were generated and compared to determine which scenario performed the best. The first scenario only used the synthetic dataset, the second used both the synthetic and real-world datasets, and the third only used the real-world dataset.

    Because the large sizes of datasets and their individual pieces of data required enormous amounts of computational power for the AI training, the researchers used an NVIDIA DGX workstation with four Tesla V100 GPUs. NPS operates numerous NVIDIA workstations. And in December 2024, to continue advancing AI-based technologies, NPS formed a partnership with NVIDIA to become one of its AI Technology Centers.

    “Once we’ve generated a model, we want to test how good it is,” says Agrawal. “Assume you have a dataset with 100,000 data. We’ll train on 80,000 data and test on 20,000 data. Once it’s good with 20,000 data, we’re finished training it.”

    U.S. Navy Ensign Alex Hooker, a Shoemaker Scholar who recently earned his M.S. in astronautical engineering from NPS and is now a student naval aviator, contributed to testing the pose estimations of the AI model.

    “A way to improve the reliability of the model at predicting the pose of a UAS in 3D space by taking 2D input images is detecting what’s called out of distribution data,” he says. “There are different ways to detect whether an image can be trusted or whether it is out of distribution.”

    By feeding the test data images from the dataset into the existing AI model and then comparing the output poses from the AI model to pose labels of the test data images, Hooker could continually train and refine the AI model itself.

    Working now with Agrawal is NPS Space Systems Engineering student U.S. Navy Ensign Nicholas Messina, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in aerospace engineering last year and is a Boman Scholar headed for the Nuclear Navy career track after NPS.

    “My thesis is a little bit of a sidestep in the way that I am working with artificial intelligence and optics, but Dr. Agrawal and Dr. Herrera have been great,” said Messina. “My research is specifically working on optical turbulence prediction and classification. I train my AI models off large image datasets and am working to improve accuracy in how the model predicts the wavefronts from a picture.”

    One of the biggest challenges that has faced automated image-based drone identification and classification is pose ambiguity. This occurs when the pose of the actual drone in the distance is indistinguishable from one or more of its other poses.

    Because an LWS views the 3D drone flying far away as 2D images in the infrared spectrum, the features of the drone’s shape effectively disappear into a silhouette. For example, the silhouette of a drone flying directly head-on would look the same as if it were flying away in the exact opposite direction.

    The researchers solved pose ambiguity for the AI model by introducing radar cueing. Tracking data from a radar can reveal if a drone is approaching, withdrawing or moving in some other way. For the AI training, the pose labels of the drone images were used to mimic real radar sensor output. The team also developed a separate method to simulate the radar data and provide radar cuing during LWS operation if actual radar data is not available.

    Overall, the AI model from the scenario using only the real-world dataset performed best by producing the least amount of error. 

    For the next phase of the research, the team transferred the AI model to Dahlgren for field testing on its LWS tracking system.

    “Dahlgren has our model, which we trained on the dataset collected indoors on the HBCRT and complemented with synthetic data,” says Leonardo Herrara, who runs the AI laboratory at NPS and is a faculty associate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. “They can collect live data using a drone and create a new dataset to train on top of ours. That’s called transfer learning.”

    Creating more data under additional conditions and of other drone types will also continue at NPS. Just because the AI model is already trained on a Reaper doesn’t mean it’s reliable for other drones. But even before the AI model can be deployed, it must first be integrated into Dahlgren’s tracking system.

    “We now have the model running in real-time inside of our tracking system,” says Eric Montag, an imaging scientist at Dahlgren and leader of a group that developed an LWS tracking system currently in use by High Energy Laser Expeditionary (HELEX), which is an LWS mounted on a land-based demonstrator.

    “Sometime this calendar year, we’re planning a demo of the automatic aimpoint selection inside the tracking framework for a simple proof of concept,” Montag adds. “We don’t need to shoot a laser to test the automatic aimpoint capabilities. There are already projects—HELEX being one of them—that are interested in this technology. We’ve been partnering with them and shooting from their platform with our tracking system.”

    When field testing occurs, HELEX will start tracking from radar cues and use pose estimation to automatically select an aimpoint. The tracking system of HELEX will be semi-autonomous. So, instead of manually controlling aspects of the tracking system from in-the-loop, the operator will oversee it from on-the-loop.

    Besides LWS, this research also opens other possibilities for use throughout the fleet. Tracking systems across other platforms could also see potential benefit from this type of AI-enabled automation. At a time when shipboard defenses can be threatened by massive waves of drones, missiles and rockets, a jump in the efficiency of determining friend or foe, and engaging hostile threats, could be a game-changer to speed decision-advantage.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hate speech on X surged for at least 8 months after Elon Musk takeover – new research

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Michael Jensen, Associate professor, Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, University of Canberra

    Kemarrravv13/Shutterstock

    Hate speech on X was consistently 50% higher for at least eight months after tech billionaire Elon Musk bought the social media platform, new research has found.

    The research looked at the prevalence of overt hate speech including a wide range of racist, homophobic and transphobic slurs.

    The study, published today in PLOS ONE, was conducted by a team of researchers led by Daniel Hickney from the University of California, Berkeley.

    It clearly demonstrates how a platform initially invented to help friends and family stay in touch has now metamorphosed into a place where hate speech is prolific. This is especially concerning given hate speech online has been linked to violent hate crimes offline.

    A long list of promises

    On October 27 2022, Musk officially purchased X (then known as Twitter) for US$44 billion and became its CEO. His takeover was accompanied by promises to reduce hate speech on the platform and tackle bots and other inauthentic accounts.

    But after he bought X, Musk made several changes to the platform to reduce content moderation. For example, in November 2022 he fired much of the company’s full time workforce. He also fired outsourced content moderators who tracked abuse on X, despite research showing social medial platforms with high levels of content moderation contain less hate speech.

    The following month, Musk also disbanded the platform’s Trust and Safety Council – a volunteer advisory group of independent human rights leaders and academics formed in 2016 to fight hate speech and other problems on the platform.

    Previous research has shown hate speech increased on X immediately after Musk took over. So too did the prevalence of most types of bots.

    This new study is the first to show that this wasn’t an anomaly.

    Hate speech including homophobic, racist and transphobic slurs was significantly higher on X after Elon Musk bought the platform. The black lines represent standard errors.
    Hickey et al., 2025 / PLOS One

    More than 4 million posts

    The study examined 4.7 million English language posts on X from the beginning of 2022 through to June 9 2023. This period includes the ten months before Musk bought X and the eight months afterwards.

    The study measured overt hate speech, the meaning of which was clear to anyone who saw it – speech attacking identity groups or using toxic language. It did not measure covert types of hate speech, such as coded language used by some extremist groups to spread hate but plausibly deny doing so.

    As well as measuring the amount of hate speech on X, the study also measured how much other users engaged with this material by liking it.

    The researchers’ access to X data was cut off during the study due to a policy change by the platform, replacing free access to approved academic researchers with payment options which are generally unaffordable. This significantly hampered their ability to collect sample posts. But they don’t mention whether it affected their results.

    A clear increase in hate

    The study found “a clear increase” in the average number of posts containing hate speech following Musk’s purchase of X. Specifically, the volume of posts containing hate speech was “consistently” 50% higher after Musk took over X compared to beforehand – a jump from an estimated average of 2,179 to 3,246 posts containing hate speech per week.

    Transphobic slurs saw the highest increase, rising from an average of roughly 115 posts per week before Musk’s acquisition to an average of 418 afterwards.

    The level of user engagement with posts containing hate speech also increased under Musk’s watch. For example, the weekly rate at which hate speech content was liked by users jumped by 70%.

    The researchers say these results suggest either hate speech wasn’t taken down, hateful users became more active, the platform’s algorithm unintentionally promoted hate speech to users who like such content – or a combination of these possibilities.

    The study also detected no decrease in the activity of inauthentic accounts on X. In fact, it found a “potential increase” in the number of bot accounts partly based on a large upswing in posts promoting cryptocurrency, which are typically associated with bots.

    An important data-driving deep dive

    There were a number of limitations to the study. For example, it only measured hate speech posts in English, which accounts for only 31% of posts on the platform.

    Even so, the study is an important, data-driven deep dive into the state of X. It shows it is a platform where hate speech is prolific. It also shows Musk has failed to fulfil his earlier promises to address problems on X such as hate speech and bot activity.

    As Musk himself said at the White House earlier this week: “Some of the things I say will be incorrect and should be corrected”.

    Michael Jensen receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Bayer, and the Australian Department of Defence Science and Technology Group.

    – ref. Hate speech on X surged for at least 8 months after Elon Musk takeover – new research – https://theconversation.com/hate-speech-on-x-surged-for-at-least-8-months-after-elon-musk-takeover-new-research-249603

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 60 years of progress in expanding rights is being rolled back by Trump − a pattern that’s all too familiar in US history

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Philip Klinkner, James S. Sherman Professor of Government, Hamilton College

    There’s a long history in the U.S. of denying the rights, liberties and benefits of democracy to some Americans. rob dobi/Getty Images

    For many Americans, Donald Trump’s head-spinning array of executive orders in the early days of his second term look like an unprecedented effort to roll back democracy and the rights and liberties of American citizens.

    But it isn’t unprecedented.

    As we have written, American history is not a steady march toward greater equality, democracy and individual rights. America’s commitment to these liberal values has competed with an alternative set of illiberal values that hold that full American citizenship should be limited by race, ethnicity, gender and class.

    The most famous example of this conflict is the Jim Crow era after Reconstruction, when many of the political and legal rights gained by African Americans in the Civil War era were swept away by disenfranchisement, segregation and discrimination. From roughly 1870 until 1940, democracy and equal rights were retreating, not advancing, leaving what was described in the 1960s by President Lyndon Johnson as “the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice.”

    Today, the Trump administration is seeking to roll back America’s commitment to equality and engaging in a broad effort to limit – if not outright deny – the rights, liberties and benefits of democracy to all Americans.

    President Donald Trump attacked the FAA’s DEI initiatives during a press conference on the D.C. plane crash.

    Progress, then rollbacks

    The biggest gains in African American rights came during the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War II and the Cold War, when the United States confronted enemies that Americans believed contradicted its liberal values – the British monarchy, Southern slaveholders, fascist dictators and communist tyrants. The United States highlighted its commitments to democracy and human rights as a way of contrasting itself from its enemies.

    But once the pressures of war faded, America’s illiberal values reasserted themselves. With the end of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, the movement for greater equality stalled and many of the previous gains were rolled back.

    The onset of World War II and then the Cold War forced Americans to renew their commitment to democracy and human rights for all Americans. This period is often described as the Second Reconstruction.

    Like the First Reconstruction a century earlier, the federal government helped to ensure civil and voting rights for African Americans. These efforts laid the groundwork for advancing the political and civil rights of women, other racial and ethnic groups, immigrants, disabled persons and, eventually, members of the gay and lesbian community.

    But like the First Reconstruction, these changes generated intense backlash.

    Bigger than anti-DEI

    Since the demise of the Cold War over 30 years ago, the Republican Party has increasingly sided with those seeking to roll back the gains of the Second Reconstruction.

    Even before Trump first ran for president, the Republican Party began adopting nativist, anti-immigration policies. In 2012, a Republican-dominated Supreme Court gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, the landmark 1965 law barring racial discrimination in voting that was one of the signal achievements of the Second Reconstruction.

    In 2016, Trump rose to the Republican nomination by expressing and amplifying the racist and xenophobic views of many white Americans, including the claim that Barack Obama was born outside of the U.S., that Mexican immigrants were criminals and rapists, and that the U.S. should close its borders to anyone from Muslim countries.

    Since his second inauguration, Trump has mounted a full-scale effort to undermine the policies of the Second Reconstruction. This effort has been masked as an attack on diversity, equity and inclusion – or DEI – policies. According to Trump and other critics of DEI, these policies are themselves racist, since they allegedly single out white Americans for shame and scorn.

    As scholars of race and American politics, we believe that, overall, DEI initiatives have combated racial discrimination and expanded the pools of talented people who can contribute to the nation’s progress.

    The Trump administration’s effort to end DEI programs is really an attack on decades of efforts by the federal government to make good on the promise of America: to engage in rigorous nondiscrimination efforts and open up opportunities for all.

    One of Trump’s first executive orders, which prominently featured abandonment of DEI policies, also repealed a 60-year-old executive order signed by President Johnson mandating “affirmative action” to end widespread discrimination by the federal government and its contractors.

    Antidiscrimination is discrimination?

    These diversity initiatives have for more than 50 years included requirements that beneficiaries of these policies must be qualified for the benefits they obtain.

    But to Trump and many conservatives, such policies force employers to engage in racial and gender quotas to prove that they don’t discriminate. Furthermore, these efforts to end discrimination, according to Trump’s executive order, “diminish the importance of individual merit, aptitude, hard work, and determination,” leading to “disastrous consequences.”

    In other words, Trump and others claim that efforts to end discrimination are themselves a form of discrimination and force the hiring of unqualified and incompetent people.

    Trump made this view clear in his comments on the recent collision between a passenger airliner and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C. Before any formal investigation, Trump alleged that the crash resulted from Obama and Biden administration efforts to diversify the Federal Aviation Administration staff. Such efforts, he suggested, elevate unqualified people.

    “If they don’t have a great brain … they’re not going to be good at what they do and bad things will happen,” he said.

    Efforts to reverse DEI have been accompanied by other antidiversity moves. One example: According to a news release, the Defense Department will no longer use “official resources” to mark “Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month.”

    Undoing 19th-century advances

    The attack on DEI goes beyond the federal government. Other executive orders mandate that K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities end DEI programs, since they are “anti-American, subversive, harmful, and false ideologies.”

    Instead, Trump insists that schools engage only in “patriotic education.”

    Such a policy will almost certainly prevent schools from honestly addressing the ways in which racial, ethnic and gender discrimination have influenced America’s past and present.

    The Trump administration is attacking the First Reconstruction as well. Another Trump executive order seeks to end birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized alien residents.

    That move would limit the 14th Amendment, one of the constitutional cornerstones of the First Reconstruction. Passed in 1868 in order to guarantee citizenship rights for African Americans, it begins by stating:

    “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

    This provision was included in order to explicitly overturn the notorious 1857 Supreme Court decision, Dred Scott v. Sandford, that ruled that African Americans were not citizens and consequently “they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.”

    Pushback capacity

    A protester at a demonstration against the Trump administration at the Texas State Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
    Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    How far can the Trump administration go in its efforts to undo the Second Reconstruction?

    Numerous legal challenges have already been filed. In the case of the executive order limiting birthright citizenship, a lower federal court judge appointed by President Ronald Reagan blocked the order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”

    Many of these cases will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, which under Chief Justice John Roberts has been willing to overturn long-established equal rights precedents. Besides its 2012 gutting of the Voting Rights Act, in 2022 the court limited the reproductive rights of women by overturning its 1973 decision, Roe v. Wade. Most recently, in 2023 the court ended a 45-year precedent that allowed colleges and universities to engage in limited forms of affirmative action in order to achieve more student diversity.

    Yet despite years of attacks by conservatives and now the Trump administration, most efforts to end discrimination and open doors to all Americans, including DEI, remain popular. And the groups empowered by the Second Reconstruction – racial and ethnic minorities, women, immigrants, the LGBTQ community – are far more numerous and have far more legal and political resources available with which to fight back than those that were aided by the First Reconstruction.

    There are now no government pressures driving Americans to make greater progress toward democracy and equal rights for all, as in the relatively brief earlier periods of significant reform in America.

    But those reforms have given many more Americans the capacity to push back against policies that violate both American values and American interests.

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

    – ref. 60 years of progress in expanding rights is being rolled back by Trump − a pattern that’s all too familiar in US history – https://theconversation.com/60-years-of-progress-in-expanding-rights-is-being-rolled-back-by-trump-a-pattern-thats-all-too-familiar-in-us-history-248526

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Meeting With the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence John Healey

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    On February 12, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with his United Kingdom counterpart, Secretary of State for Defence John Healey at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The two Secretaries discussed the UK-hosted Ukraine Defense Contact Group that followed their meeting that day and the need to set the stage for negotiations to stop the fighting and reach an enduring peace. Ahead of Thursday’s NATO Defense Ministerial, the two leaders also highlighted the need for increased Allied defense investments and greater burden-sharing by European Allies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Most SEARCHED Army questions 2024

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    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 #2024 #MostAskedQuestions

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgG6hGDPO1s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Meeting With German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    On February 12, on the margins of the UDCG and NATO Defense Ministerial at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a bilateral meeting with his German counterpart, Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius. The Secretary and the Minister discussed supporting diplomatic efforts to achieve a durable peace in Ukraine, the need for European leadership on continental security, and the close friendship between the German people and U.S. service members and their families in Germany. Both leaders affirmed that a strong focus on Allied defense spending—including meeting a spending target aligned with the demands of the strategic environment—is necessary for Europe’s long-term defense and deterrence goals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: I Am Navy Medicine: Hospital Corpsman Third Class Cohwen Houchin

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point bid Fair Winds and Following Seas to Hospital Corpsman Cohwen Houchin on Wednesday, February 12 and recognized him for his outstanding service.

    Houchin served aboard the facility from May 2023 to February 2025 in the Pharmacy and Materials Management Departments. During his time here, he processed over 6,200 prescriptions and facilitated the distribution of over $500,000 in supplies to support 24 departments.

    He was also a member of the facility’s Honor Guard and displayed exceptional military bearing and professionalism during 21 events. Cohwen received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in recognition of his exceptional service.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Flirting with Fraud: Why Sextortion Is the Most Devastating Dating Scam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sextortion has emerged as one of the most dangerous forms of romance scams, preying on online daters and, tragically, claiming the lives of teenagers. Fraudsters use fake profiles to lure victims into sharing intimate content, only to threaten exposure unless a ransom is paid. Regula, a global developer of identity verification (IDV) solutions, shares a vision of how social media and dating platforms can strengthen protections to safeguard users.

    Romance scams come in many forms, exploiting trust and emotional vulnerability to defraud victims. Their common tactics include:

    • Catfishing: Scammers create fake identities to build trust and manipulate victims.
    • Military Scams: Fraudsters pose as deployed soldiers seeking financial assistance.
    • Inheritance Scams: Victims are deceived with false claims of large inheritances requiring upfront fees.
    • Pig-Butchering (Crypto Investment) Scams: Scammers feign romantic interest to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes.

    However, according to reports from leading child safety organizations, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Thorn, sextortion is one of the most severe threats, with cases surging at an alarming rate. The FBI reported over 12,000 complaints in 2023 alone, resulting in millions in financial losses, severe psychological trauma, and, in some cases, even fatalities. Younger users and those new to online dating are particularly vulnerable.

    Common sextortion tactics include:

    • Fake Identities: Scammers pose as attractive singles, influencers, or even celebrities to build quick trust.
    • Rapid Escalation: Conversations quickly shift from introductions to intimate exchanges.
    • Blackmail Threats: Once explicit content is shared, scammers demand money, cryptocurrency, or further compromising images under the threat of exposure.
    • AI-Driven Deception: Some scams leverage deepfake videos or AI-powered chatbots to manipulate victims.

    The Role of Identity Verification in Preventing Sextortion

    Sextortion thrives in environments where fake profiles and anonymity enable bad actors to operate freely. Social media and dating platforms play a critical role in combating this threat—through proactive moderation, AI-powered content monitoring, and user education. Stronger identity verification during registration is also a valuable tool in this arsenal, but it must be implemented thoughtfully, balancing fraud prevention with user privacy and accessibility.

    Different online platforms use varying levels of verification, ranging from strongest to weakest:

    1. ID & Biometric Verification – Matching government-issued IDs with real-time selfies for authentication.
    2. Real-Time Selfies Without ID Validation – Confirming a live presence but without a verified identity document.
    3. Basic Checks – Verification through phone numbers, email, or linked social media accounts.
    4. Self-Reported Identity Without Validation – The least secure method, relying solely on user-provided information.

    How Biometric and ID Verification Strengthens Security:

    • Eliminating Fake Profiles: Biometric checks make it significantly harder for scammers to create fake accounts.
    • Anti-Spoofing Technology: Prevents impersonation by detecting fraudulent attempts using photos or masks.
    • Liveness Detection: Confirms a real person is present, preventing AI-generated deception.

    “When faced with strong verification measures, scammers don’t simply disappear—they move to less secure platforms where they can continue their schemes unchecked. Standardizing biometric ID verification across multiple platforms would make it significantly harder for them to do so, creating a safer ecosystem across social media, dating apps, and other online services.” – Jan Stepnov, Identity Verification Expert at Regula.

    Empowering Users to Stay Safe

    While platforms must take stronger security measures, users can also protect themselves by:

    • Being Cautious of Fast-Moving Relationships: Avoid engaging in intimate exchanges early in conversations.
    • Interacting with Verified Users: Prioritize connections with verified profiles.
    • Reporting Suspicious Activity: Flagging blackmail attempts and scam behavior.
    • Never Paying Ransoms: Complying with extortion often leads to further threats.

    For more insights on how identity verification is transforming online dating security, visit Regula’s blog.

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

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d16b999-71c6-46ed-a789-1848992ac0a1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales, Amelia and Breakthrough Energy Contrails launch one of world’s largest Contrail Avoidance campaigns

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales, Amelia and Breakthrough Energy Contrails launch one of world’s largest Contrail Avoidance campaigns

    • Thales, in collaboration with the airline Amelia, and Breakthrough Energy Contrails, announces the large-scale deployment of a contrail avoidance solution, which has already been tested on the flight routes from Paris and Valladolid (Spain). Contrails are one the major challenges in the ecological transition in aviation and this initiative has helped avoid more than 20 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) in 2024, reducing the climate impact1 of each flight by up to 40%.
    • By modifying the altitude of the planes rather than their lateral trajectory, the solution optimizes flight plans and thus limits the potential overconsumption of fuel to under 3%. Amelia plans to further expand this initiative in 2025, progressively applying it to most of its eligible flight operations, making this experiment one of the largest in the world.
    • With this solution, Thales, a key player in more sustainable aviation, offers a systematic approach that can be quickly integrated by all airlines, seeking to reduce their environmental impact as of today.
    Embraer ERJ145 ​ © Nuno SELETTI” id=”image-1c147064-50ec-4ee9-986b-d5d9003dca99″ data-id=”1c147064-50ec-4ee9-986b-d5d9003dca99″ data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/1c147064-50ec-4ee9-986b-d5d9003dca99/-/inline/no/%28c%29+Nuno+SELETTI.png” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/1c147064-50ec-4ee9-986b-d5d9003dca99/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/” alt=”Embraer ERJ145 © Nuno SELETTI”/>
    Embraer ERJ145 ​ © Nuno SELETTI

    Thales, in partnership with Amelia and Breakthrough Energy Contrails, takes a major step towards more environmentally friendly aviation, by implementing an innovative contrail avoidance solution.

    Since June 2024, Thales’ contrail avoidance solution has been deployed on all Paris-Valladolid flights operated by Amelia, using Embraer ERJ145 aircraft. This initiative is part of the DECOR project, supported by France’s 2030 investment plan.

    Contrails, the artificial clouds produced by aeroplanes, trap heat from the sun, playing a role similar to that of greenhouse gases and thus significantly contributing to global warming. The impact of contrails can represent a significant part of the total climate footprint of aviation, rivalling even that of CO2.

    By integrating its solution with Amelia’s Operational Control Center (OCC) tools, Thales enables OCC operations agents to directly obtain alternative trajectories to their flight plans, combining controlled operational impact and a significant reduction in contrails.

    When a significant impact of contrails is detected, the Thales solution, Flights Footprint, suggests flight alternatives that allow for a significant reduction in climate impact, with a minimum average decrease of up to 40% in the total climate impact of the flight. This flight optimization relies solely on adjustments to the aircraft’s altitude, without changing their route, which helps to keep additional fuel consumption to below 3%.

    Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice-President, Avionics, Thales said: “Thales’ contrail avoidance solution is a first for France. It is fully aligned with Thales’ strategy aiming to transform the aerospace industry towards a more environmentally-friendly future through technology, for more sustainable and responsible aviation”.

    Based on proven scientific principles, this innovative solution utilizes the latest weather forecasts and the most advanced climate models provided by Breakthrough Energy Contrails to optimize the flight plan. At the end of each flight, these climate models, enriched by meteorological reanalysis data, are applied to the actual flight path of the aircraft to assess the effectiveness of avoiding contrail formation areas. Additionally, the installation of a ground camera, supplied by Reuniwatt, enables the solution’s effectiveness to be validated through the direct observation of contrails, thanks to the analyses conducted in partnership with the digital services company SII.

    This project has prevented an average of more than 4 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) per flight, initially affected by contrails. Amelia has decided to extend this system to eligible flights in 2025, becoming the first airline to systematically implement a contrail avoidance approach.

    Adrien Chabot, Director of Sustainable Development at Amelia said: “Taking condensation trails into account allows for the analysis of the total climate impact of our operations and thus a better optimization of them. The challenge is to significantly and quickly reduce our impact on climate change by continuing the deployment of the Thales solution initiated in 2022. Today, it is probably one of the most promising approaches in terms of cost/benefit regarding climate impact.”

    This solution, accessible and easily deployable, creates new horizons for all airlines, paving the way for more sustainable and responsible aviation on a global scale.

    Matteo Mirolo, Head of Strategy at Breakthrough Energy Contrails said: “The impact of contrails on the climate, similar to that of CO2, is one of the major challenges of the ecological transition in aviation. We are delighted to collaborate with Thales to implement large-scale pilot avoidance campaigns, like this one done with Amelia, which are crucial when considering the eventual deployment of systematic avoidance measures.”

    1 Cumulative impact of CO2 and non-CO2 effects.

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.

    It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

    The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

    Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

    About Amelia

    A major player in the aviation industry in Europe and Africa since 1976, Amelia is a French aeronautics group that ensures flight operations and the monitoring and maintenance of its aircraft.

    Amelia’s fleet, consisting of 18 aircraft, meets the needs of its various activities, chartering on behalf of major international airlines, medical evacuations, and charter flights.

    Amelia is a member of IATA since November 2022, endorsing the wider Fly Net Zero commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

    Press contact : communication@flyamelia.com

    About Breakthrough Energy Contrails

    Breakthrough Energy Contrails is a non-profit initiative aimed at transforming contrail research into climate action. 

    Partnering with academic institutions, airlines, and technology companies, the team develops forecasting and flight planning tools to help airlines avoid high-impact contrail formation. 

    As part of the Breakthrough Energy platform, the initiative integrates technology, operations, and policy expertise to deliver scalable solutions for a clean aviation future.

    For more information, visit contrails.org.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 25 Years Ago: STS-99, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

    Source: NASA

    On Feb. 11, 2000, space shuttle Endeavour took to the skies on its 14th trip into space on the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The international STS-99 crew included Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Gerhard Thiele of Germany representing the European Space Agency, Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, who served as payload commander on the mission, and Mamoru Mohri of the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, now the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.  
    During their 11-day mission, the astronauts used the radar instruments in Endeavour’s payload bay to obtain elevation data on a near global scale. The data produced the most complete, high-resolution digital elevation model of the Earth. The SRTM comprised a cooperative effort among NASA with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, managing the project, the Department of Defense’s National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the German space agency, and the Italian space agency. Prior to SRTM, scientists had a more detailed topographic map of Venus than of the Earth, thanks to the Magellan radar mapping mission. 

    NASA assigned the STS-99 crew in October 1998. For Kregel, selected by NASA as an astronaut in 1992, STS-99 marked his fourth trip to space, having served as pilot on STS-70 and STS-78 and commanded STS-87. Gorie and Kavandi, both selected in 1994, previously flew together as pilot and mission specialist, respectively, on STS-91, the final Shuttle Mir docking mission. Voss, selected in 1990, served as a mission specialist on STS-57 and STS-63, and as payload commander on STS-83 and STS-94. NASDA selected Mohri as an astronaut in 1985 and he previously flew as a payload specialist on STS-47, the Spacelab-J mission. Selected as an astronaut by the German space agency in 1987, Thiele joined the European Astronaut Corps in 1998, completing his first spaceflight on STS-99.  
    The SRTM used an innovative technique called radar interferometry to image the Earth’s landmasses at resolutions up to 30 times greater than previously achieved. Two of the synthetic aperture radar instruments comprising the SRTM payload had flown previously, on the STS-59 Shuttle Radar Laboratory-1 (SRL-1) and the STS-68 SRL-2 missions in April and October 1994, respectively.  A second receiver antenna, placed at the end of a 200-foot deployable mast, enabled the interferometry during SRTM. 

    Workers rolled Endeavour to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Dec. 2 for mating with its external tank and solid rocket boosters, and then out to Launch Pad 39A on Dec. 13. The astronauts traveled to Kennedy to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test Jan. 11-14, returning afterwards to Houston for final training. They traveled back to Kennedy on Jan. 27 for the first launch attempt four days later. After two launch attempts, the STS-99 mission prepared to liftoff on Feb. 11, 2000. 

    At 12:43 p.m. EST, Endeavour thundered into the sky from Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A to begin the STS-99 mission. Thirty-seven minutes later, a brief firing of the orbiter’s two engines placed Endeavour in the proper 145-mile orbit for the radar scanning. 

    Shortly after reaching orbit, the crew opened the payload bay doors and deployed the shuttle’s radiators.   Kavandi and Thiele turned on the instruments, deployed the 200-foot mast, and conducted initial checkouts of the radars. The crew split into two shifts to enable data collection around the clock during the mission. After overseeing the initial activation of the radars, the red shift of Kregel, Kavandi, and Thiele began their first sleep period as the blue shift of Gorie, Voss, and Mohri picked up with activation and began the first data takes. 
    The major crew activity for SRTM involved changing tapes every 30 minutes. The SRTM generated 332 high density tapes during more than 222 hours of data collection and these recordings covered 99.96 percent of the planned observations. Data collection finished on the mission’s 10th flight day, after which the astronauts reeled the mast back into its container in the payload bay. 

    NASA’s EarthKAM program enabled middle school students to remotely take photographs of the Earth using an electronic still camera mounted in one of the shuttle’s windows. The University of California at San Diego houses the control center for EarthKAM, linked with middle schools via the Internet. Students choose Earth targets of interest, and the camera takes photos of that region as the shuttle passes overhead. A then-record 75 schools from around the world participated in the EarthKAM project on STS-99, the camera returning 2,715 images of the Earth. 
    The STS-99 astronauts also spent time taking photographs of the Earth using handheld cameras and the high inclination orbit enabled views of some parts of the Earth rarely seen by shuttle astronauts. 

    On Feb. 22, the crew closed Endeavour’s payload bay doors, donned their launch and entry suits, and strapped themselves into their seats for entry and landing. Kregel piloted Endeavour to a smooth landing on Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew had flown 181 orbits around the Earth in 11 days, 5 hours, and 39 minutes. Enjoy the crew narrate a video about the STS-99 mission.  
    Postscript 

    During the 11-day mission, SRTM collected more than one trillion data points, generating 12.3 terabytes of 3-D data of the Earth. Earnest Paylor, SRTM program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., called the mission “a magnificent accomplishment.” He cited that SRTM imaged by radar equatorial regions of the Earth previously unmapped due to constant cloud cover. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.12.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 12, 2025

    Kate Hoit, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Hoit has been the PACT Act Enterprise Program Management Office Communications and Outreach Lead at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since 2023. She was a Communications Lead in the Veteran Experience Office, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2021 to 2023. Hoit was the California State Director at the Vet Voice Foundation from 2018 to 2021. She was the Military Marketing Manager at National University from 2017 to 2018. Hoit was the Director of Content and Communications at Got Your 6 from 2014 to 2017. She was a Public Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2011 to 2014. Hoit served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2001 to 2009. She is a Pat Tillman Scholar and a member of the Truman National Security Project. She earned her Master of the Arts Degree in Non-Fiction Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of the Arts in Journalism from the University at Albany, State University of New York. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $154,860. Hoit is a Democrat.

    Shaun Spillane, of Gold River, has been appointed Chief Deputy Inspector General at the Office of the Inspector General, where he has been Chief Counsel since 2023, and was Attorney IV from 2013 to 2023. Spillane was Labor Relations Counsel II at the California Department of Human Resources from 2009 to 2013. He was a Graduate Student Assistant in the Office of the Inspector General from 2007 to 2009. Spillane earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $201,972. Spillane is registered without party preference.

    Michael “Mike” Detoy, of Hermosa Beach, has been appointed to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Administration. Detoy has been Councilmember and Mayor of the City of Hermosa Beach since 2019. He has been Fire Captain for the City of Riverside since 2011. Detoy is President of the Riverside City Firefighters Association. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from California Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Santa Clara University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Detoy is a Democrat.

    Christopher Gonder, of Brawley, has been appointed to the Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training. Gonder has been a Correctional Officer at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2016. He is the Vice President of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Calipatria Chapter and President of the Chicano Correctional Workers Association, Calipatria Chapter. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Gonder is registered without party preference.

    Hellen Hong, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the Civil Rights Council, where she has served since 2021. Hong has been Chief Executive Officer at CalBar Connect since 2020. She was the Director at the Office of Access and Inclusion at the State Bar of California from 2019 to 2020. Hong held multiple executive positions at First Place for Youth from 2014 to 2019. She was the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice from 2007 to 2014. Hong was a Public Interest Attorney from 2004 to 2007. She was Assistant Director of State Government Relations at the University of California from 2002 to 2004. Hong earned her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hong is a Democrat

    Hugh Crooks, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the California Veterans Board, where he has served since 2017. Crooks was a Human Resources Operations Manager at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk from 2000 to 2005. Crooks was Head of Administrative and Facility Services at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History from 1991 to 2000. He was Safety Police Chief III for the Protective Services Division at the Los Angeles County Safety Police from 1969 to 1991. Crooks was a Rifleman in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 9th Infantry Division Society, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Advisory Group. Crooks was a National Executive Committeeman and Chief Financial Officer of the American Legion, Department of California. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Crooks is a Democrat. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 11, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Karen Morrison, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Morrison has held multiple positions at the Department of Pesticide…

    Feb 11, 2025

    News What you need to know: Across all of state government, highly-specialized personnel and response equipment are on the ground working to protect communities statewide from storm impacts.  Los Angeles, California – With another significant winter storm system…

    Feb 11, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order today ordering the state to ensure that childcare providers impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles are aware of their potential eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka and ASBBC Okinawa Successfully Complete Groundbreaking Blood Drive

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    YOKOSUKA, Japan – U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka, in partnership with the Armed Services Blood Bank Center (ASBBC) Okinawa, successfully hosted a groundbreaking two-day blood drive, marking the first-ever mobilization of the ASBBC Okinawa team to Yokosuka, Jan. 29 and 30.

    The event saw more than 200 potential donors, resulting in 110 successful whole blood donations. This initiative plays a critical role in strengthening blood sustainment efforts within the IndoPacific region at far forward military treatment facilities (MTF).

    “All the hard work, meticulous planning, and collaborative coordination from all teams and partners were truly worthwhile,’ said USNH Yokosuka’s Laboratory department head Lt. Sheryll Tagura. “Our ultimate goal is to support not only our warfighters at sea, on land, and in the air but also their families at the home front.”

    Extensive Planning and Coordination

    The success of the blood drive was made possible through six months of meticulous planning and coordination. The USNH Yokosuka laboratory team, with essential support from the 374th Medical Group’s lab team at Yokota Air Base team, was responsible for the logistics of hosting the ASBBC Okinawa team. More than 33 personnel, including American Red Cross Yokosuka volunteers, dedicated over 500 man-hours to execute the event.

    During the drive, the hospital’s laboratory staff processed over 600 blood samples and managed the storage of 110 whole blood units. Additionally, the team facilitated training and education for the hospital’s Walking Blood Bank team. A Walking Blood Bank (WBB) is a system where pre-
    screened individuals, usually military personnel or members of a community, can donate fresh whole blood in emergency situations. While screening samples during the blood drive, the WBB program added 37 successful prescreens to their inventory.

    “I want to thank our partners: ASBBC, Yokota AFB Laboratory, 613TH Air Operations Center, Yokota Air Base, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Yokosuka’s Officers’ Club, American Red Cross, Navy Commissary, Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, and most especially our blood donors,” said Tagura. “If our efforts save even one life, then it was all worth it.”

    Collaboration with ASBBC Okinawa

    The collaboration with ASBBC Okinawa proved to be an exceptional experience for the USNH Yokosuka team. “We had the opportunity to observe their extensive expertise and professionalism in action,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class David Sisto. “Their team is highly trained and operates with remarkable efficiency. We look forward to future opportunities to work together.”

    The ASBBC Okinawa team consisted of 14 personnel, including 12 enlisted members from the Air Force, Army, and Navy, one officer from the Air Force, and one civilian technical supervisor. Their involvement was crucial in executing the drive effectively.

    Strategic Importance of Mainland Blood Drives

    The ASBBC Okinawa team emphasized the significance of conducting blood drives in mainland Japan, as they provide an underutilized resource for sustaining blood supply in the Indo-Pacific region. This effort follows a previous mainland blood drive at Yokota Air Base, further expanding the reach and capabilities of ASBBC.

    “Executing this blood drive in Yokosuka has provided us with invaluable knowledge on mobilizing off-island and within mainland Japan,” said U.S. Indo-Pacific ASBBC Deputy Director Air Force Capt. Yessenia Greene. “This experience has strengthened our ability to operate in emergency and contested environments while building a joint network across military services for large-scale blood drives.”

    Looking Ahead

    Given the success of this inaugural event, ASBBC Okinawa anticipates conducting more blood drives on mainland Japan in the future.
    “We had a great experience working with USNH Yokosuka,” Greene added. “The team was phenomenal, and leadership was incredibly supportive. This initiative has set the stage for future mobilizations, and we hope to return to Yokosuka for another blood drive soon.”

    ASBBC Okinawa is the sole source of fresh blood in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet and all Defense Health Agency military treatment facilities in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Calian Reports Results for the First Quarter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    (All amounts in release are in Canadian dollars)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian® Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), a diverse products and services company providing innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions, today released its results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Q1-25 Highlights:

    • Revenue up 3% to $185 million
    • Gross margin at 31.8%, slightly down from 32.5% last year
    • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $18 million, down from $21 million last year
    • Operating free cash flow1 of $13 million, down from $17 million last year
    • Net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 ratio of 0.6x
    • Repurchased 101,350 shares in consideration of $4.9 million
    • Guidance reiterated
    • Announced new U.S. subsidiary to focus on U.S. government and defence
       
    Financial Highlights Three months ended
    (in millions of $, except per share & margins) December  31,
      2024   20232   %
    Revenue 185.0   179.2   3 %
    Adjusted EBITDA1 17.8   21.4   (17) %
    Adjusted EBITDA %1 9.6 % 11.9 % (230)bps
    Adjusted Net Profit1 10.5   14.0   (25) %
    Adjusted EPS Diluted1 0.88   1.17   (25) %
    Operating Free Cash Flow1 13.1   17.2   (24) %
           
           

    1 This is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to the section “Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to most comparable IFRS measures” at the end of this press release.
    2 Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to align with the current year’s presentation. For more information, please see the selected consolidated financial information section of the management discussion and analysis.

    Access the full report on the Calian Financials web page.
    Register for the conference call on Thursday, February 13, 2025, 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

    “We closed the quarter as expected and are seeing positive momentum across our diverse end markets, while continuing to benefit from the strong contributions of our recent acquisitions in UK, the U.S. and Canada,” said Kevin Ford, Calian CEO. “The accelerating global demand for defence solutions positions Calian’s expanding footprint to play a critical role in the years ahead. Additionally, discussions among Canadian leaders about increasing military investment and accelerating initiatives are a welcome development. We remain on track to deliver another record year and are making progress against our long-term objectives.”

    First Quarter Results

    Revenues increased 3%, from $179 million to $185 million, representing the highest first quarter revenue on record. Acquisitive growth was 8% and was generated by the acquisitions of Decisive Group, the nuclear assets from MDA Ltd and Mabway. Organic growth was down 5%, as growth generated in global Defence was offset by declines in the pace of domestic Defence training and delays in large projects in its Space and IT infrastructure markets.

    Gross margin stood at 31.8% and represents the 11th quarter above the 30% mark. Adjusted EBITDA1 stood at $18 million, down 17% from $21 million last year, primarily impacted by revenue mix and increased investments in our sales and delivery capacity. As a result, adjusted EBITDA1 margin decreased to 9.6%, from 11.9% last year.

    Net profit stood at $(1) million, or $(0.08) per diluted share, down from $6 million, or $0.46 per diluted share last year. This decrease in profitability is primarily due to increases in accounting charges related to amortization and deemed compensation expenses from acquisitions as well as increased operating expenses, which was offset by higher gross profit. Adjusted net profit1 was $10 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, down from $14 million, or $1.17 per diluted share last year.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    “In the first quarter we generated $13 million in operating free cash flow1, representing a 73% conversion rate from adjusted EBITDA1,” said Patrick Houston, Calian CFO. “We used our cash and a portion of our credit facility to pay contingent earn out liabilities for $11 million and make capital expenditure investments for $1 million. We also provided a return to shareholders in the form of dividends for $3 million and share buybacks for $5 million. We ended the quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 ratio of 0.6x, well-positioned to pursue our growth objectives,” concluded Mr. Houston.

    Normal Course Issuer Bid

    In the three-month period ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 101,350 shares for cancellation in consideration of $4.9 million.

    Announced U.S. Subsidiary to Focus on U.S. Government and Defence

    On December 4, 2024, Calian announced the launch of an independent U.S.-focused subsidiary, Calian US, Inc. It is committed to securing U.S. government contracts by ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulations. To facilitate this, Calian US will be established as an independent subsidiary and will pursue the necessary certifications to operate effectively within the U.S. market.

    Quarterly Dividend

    On February 12, 2025, Calian declared a quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share. The dividend is payable March 12, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 26, 2025. Dividends paid by the Company are considered “eligible dividend” for tax purposes.

    Guidance Reiterated

    The table below presents the FY25 guidance based on the new definition of adjusted EBITDA.

      Guidance for the year ended September 30, 2025 FY24 Results   YOY Growth at Midpoint
    (in thousands of $) Low   Midpoint   High    
    Revenue 800,000   840,000   880,000   746,611   12 %
    Adj. EBITDA1 96,000   101,000   106,000   92,159   10 %
                       
                       

    This guidance includes the full-year contribution from the Decisive Group acquisition, closed on December 1, 2023, the nuclear asset acquisition from MDA Ltd., closed on March 5, 2024 and the Mabway acquisition, closed on May 9, 2024. It does not include any other further acquisitions that may close within the fiscal year. The guidance reflects another record year for the Company and positions it well to achieve its long-term growth targets.

    At the midpoint of the range, this guidance reflects revenue and adjusted EBITDA1 growth of 12% and 10%, respectively, and an adjusted EBITDA1 margin of 12.0%. It would represent the 8th consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth and record revenue and adjusted EBITDA1 levels.

    About Calian

    www.calian.com

    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. 

    Media inquiries:
    media@calian.com
    613-599-8600

    Investor Relations inquiries:
    ir@calian.com

    —————————————————————————–
    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    CALIAN GROUP LTD.
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
    As at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024
    (Canadian dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                   
      December 31,   September 30,
      2024   2024
    ASSETS              
    CURRENT ASSETS              
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 61,040     $ 51,788  
    Accounts receivable   157,542       157,376  
    Work in process   20,205       20,437  
    Inventory   29,442       23,199  
    Prepaid expenses   23,805       23,978  
    Derivative assets   31       32  
    Total current assets   292,065       276,810  
    NON-CURRENT ASSETS              
    Property, plant and equipment   41,234       40,962  
    Right of use assets   41,746       36,383  
    Prepaid expenses   7,157       7,820  
    Deferred tax asset   3,376       3,425  
    Investments   3,875       3,875  
    Acquired intangible assets   123,297       128,253  
    Goodwill   213,925       210,392  
    Total non-current assets   434,610       431,110  
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 726,675     $ 707,920  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
    CURRENT LIABILITIES              
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 123,945     $ 124,884  
    Provisions   2,454       3,075  
    Unearned contract revenue   40,263       41,723  
    Lease obligations   5,556       5,645  
    Contingent earn-out   29,709       39,136  
    Derivative liabilities   169       92  
    Total current liabilities   202,096       214,555  
    NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES              
    Debt facility   115,750       89,750  
    Lease obligations   39,425       33,798  
    Unearned contract revenue   17,256       14,503  
    Contingent earn-out   2,773       2,697  
    Deferred tax liabilities   23,738       25,862  
    Total non-current liabilities   198,942       166,610  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   401,038       381,165  
                   
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
    Issued capital   227,561       225,747  
    Contributed surplus   4,555       6,019  
    Retained earnings   84,038       91,268  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   9,483       3,721  
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   325,637       326,755  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 726,675     $ 707,920  
    Number of common shares issued and outstanding   11,765,055       11,802,364  
    CALIAN GROUP LTD.
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET PROFIT
    For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
    (Canadian dollars in thousands, except per share data)
           
      Three months ended
      December  31,
      2024     2023
    Revenue $ 185,047     $ 179,179  
    Cost of revenues   126,246       120,961  
    Gross profit   58,801       58,218  
           
    Selling, general and administrative   38,105       34,145  
    Research and development   2,896       2,719  
    Share based compensation   1,091       1,190  
    Profit before under noted items   16,709       20,164  
           
    Restructuring expense   692       —  
    Depreciation and amortization   11,540       9,006  
    Mergers and acquisition costs   2,320       1,980  
    Profit before interest income and income tax expense   2,157       9,178  
           
    Interest expense   1,783       1,547  
    Income tax expense   1,350       2,106  
    NET PROFIT (LOSS) $ (976)     $ 5,525  
           
    Net profit (loss) per share:      
    Basic $ (0.08)     $ 0.47  
    Diluted $ (0.08)     $ 0.46  
    CALIAN GROUP LTD.
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
    (Canadian dollars in thousands)
               
      Three months ended
      December 31,
        2024       2023  
    CASH FLOWS GENERATED FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
    Net profit $ (976 )   $ 5,525  
    Items not affecting cash:          
    Interest expense   1,295       1,098  
    Changes in fair value related to contingent earn-out   558       726  
    Lease obligations interest expense   488       449  
    Income tax expense   1,350       2,106  
    Employee share purchase plan expense   174       162  
    Share based compensation expense   917       1,013  
    Depreciation and amortization   11,540       9,006  
    Deemed compensation   1,563       604  
        16,909       20,689  
    Change in non-cash working capital          
    Accounts receivable   (167 )     (11,189 )
    Work in process   232       (898 )
    Prepaid expenses and other   (2,739 )     (74 )
    Inventory   (6,241 )     (2,590 )
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (858 )     15,516  
    Unearned contract revenue   1,294       206  
        8,430       21,660  
    Interest paid   (1,783 )     (1,547 )
    Income tax paid   (2,265 )     (2,575 )
        4,382       17,538  
    CASH FLOWS GENERATED FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
    Issuance of common shares net of costs   881       694  
    Dividends   (3,292 )     (3,314 )
    Draw on debt facility   26,000       56,000  
    Payment of lease obligations   (1,442 )     (1,171 )
    Repurchase of common shares   (4,926 )     (1,357 )
        17,221       50,852  
    CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
    Business acquisitions   (11,215 )     (47,457 )
    Property, plant and equipment   (1,136 )     (2,400 )
        (12,351 )     (49,857 )
               
    NET CASH INFLOW (OUTFLOW) $ 9,252     $ 18,533  
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   51,788       33,734  
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 61,040     $ 52,267  
                   

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to Most Comparable IFRS Measures

    These non-GAAP measures are mainly derived from the consolidated financial statements, but do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS; therefore, others using these terms may calculate them differently. The exclusion of certain items from non-GAAP performance measures does not imply that these are necessarily nonrecurring. From time to time, we may exclude additional items if we believe doing so would result in a more transparent and comparable disclosure. Other entities may define the above measures differently than we do. In those cases, it may be difficult to use similarly named non-GAAP measures of other entities to compare performance of those entities to the Company’s performance.

    Management believes that providing certain non-GAAP performance measures, in addition to IFRS measures, provides users of the Company’s financial reports with enhanced understanding of the Company’s results and related trends and increases transparency and clarity into the core results of the business. Adjusted EBITDA excludes items that do not reflect, in our opinion, the Company’s core performance and helps users of our MD&A to better analyze our results, enabling comparability of our results from one period to another.

    Adjusted EBITDA

         
        Three months ended
        December 31,
        2024       20231  
    Net profit $ (976 )   $ 5,525  
    Share based compensation   1,091       1,190  
    Restructuring expense   692       —  
    Depreciation and amortization   11,540       9,006  
    Mergers and acquisition costs   2,320       1,980  
    Interest expense   1,783       1,547  
    Income tax   1,350       2,106  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 17,800     $ 21,354  
                   

    Adjusted Net Profit and Adjusted EPS

         
        Three months ended
        December 31,
        2024       20231  
    Net profit $ (976 )   $ 5,525  
    Share based compensation   1,091       1,190  
    Restructuring expense   692       —  
    Mergers and acquisition costs   2,320       1,980  
    Amortization of intangibles   7,334       5,325  
    Adjusted net profit   10,461       14,020  
    Weighted average number of common shares basic   11,773,465       11,812,574  
    Adjusted EPS Basic   0.89       1.19  
     Adjusted EPS Diluted $ 0.88     $ 1.17  
                   

    Operating Free Cash Flow

         
        Three months ended
        December 31,
        2024       20231  
    Cash flows generated from operating activities (free cash flow) $ 4,382     $ 17,538  
    Adjustments:          
    M&A costs included in operating activities   199       650  
    Change in non-cash working capital   8,479       (971)  
    Operating free cash flow $ 13,060     $ 17,217  
    Operating free cash flow per share – basic   1.11       1.46  
    Operating free cash flow per share – diluted   1.10       1.44  
    Operating free cash flow conversion   73 %     81 %
                   

    Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

       
       
      December 31,     September 30,
        2024       20231  
    Cash $ 61,040     $ 52,267  
    Debt facility   115,750       93,750  
    Net debt (net cash)   54,710       41,483  
    Trailing twelve month adjusted EBITDA   88,602       65,987  
    Net debt to adjusted EBITDA   0.6       0.6  
                   

    Operating free cash flow measures the company’s cash profitability after required capital spending when excluding working capital changes. The Company’s ability to convert adjusted EBITDA to operating free cash flow is critical for the long term success of its strategic growth. These measurements better align the reporting of our results and improve comparability against our peers. We believe that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-GAAP measures in the evaluation of issuers. Management also uses non-GAAP measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess our ability to meet our capital expenditure and working capital requirements. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for or be considered in isolation from measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Investors are encouraged to review our financial statements and disclosures in their entirety and are cautioned not to put undue reliance on non-GAAP measures and view them in conjunction with the most comparable IFRS financial measures. The Company has reconciled adjusted profit to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as shown above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ukraine’s resilience remains nothing short of extraordinary: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says nobody desires peace more than Ukraine, yet peace must be just and sustainable. It is our responsibility to ensure that they do not stand alone.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. As we approach the fourth year of Russia’s illegal war of aggression, Ukraine’s resilience remains nothing short of extraordinary. Despite immense challenges, Ukraine continues to demonstrate an unbreakable spirit and an unyielding commitment to its sovereignty, freedom, and the rules-based international order.

    Last week at the FSC, the Russian Delegation stated that they owned ‘the strategic initiative along the entire line of contact’. But Ukrainian forces continue to hold their ground, not only defending their homeland but also reclaiming and securing additional territory, including in Kursk. Russian open sources report the Russian VDV 11th Airborne brigade commander has been relieved of duty following his failure to stop this recent Ukrainian counterattack. DPRK Troops deployed to the frontlines in December 2024, were withdrawn from their positions to recuperate following heavy losses. As of mid-January 2025, DPRK forces had highly likely sustained c4,000 casualties, more than one third of the 11,000 troops deployed to Kursk. Far from maintaining the ‘strategic initiative’, Russia has to resort to recklessly deploying DPRK troops to the front line, showing a complete disregard for human life, whilst not even officially acknowledging their presence on the battlefield.

    There is no evidence of a Russian willingness to compromise. Russia spoke of being ‘open to reasonable initiatives to achieve a peaceful resolution’. But when examining the options available, Moscow has chosen a path of aggression, regardless of the catastrophic loss of life on both sides. There is no sense of reason. This is not a ‘special military operation’. It is a full-scale invasion and occupation attempt, a blatant violation of international law, and a direct challenge to global stability.

    No one desires peace more than Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have suffered relentless bombardment and forced displacement, and we see the UN reports of war crimes committed by Russian forces. Yet peace must be just and sustainable. A truly just and lasting peace means one that respects the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. Ukraine cannot be expected to surrender its sovereignty or accept a dictated settlement that rewards Russian aggression. The Russian delegation in this forum said there will be no ‘freeze along the line of contact’. We would agree. Russia must withdraw from all of Ukraine’s sovereign territory. Any peace that fails to hold Russia accountable will only invite further aggression – not just against Ukraine, but against other nations that dare to assert their independence.

    President Putin’s war is built on a demand for total submission through violence. No sovereign nation could or should, accept such terms. The international community has a moral and strategic obligation to stand with Ukraine. Our commitment to Ukraine remains absolute. We will continue to confront Russian aggression through military, economic, and diplomatic means. We will hold President Putin and his regime accountable for their war crimes. We will ensure that Ukraine has the resources necessary to defend itself for as long as it takes. Ukraine’s courage and determination have already defied expectations. It is our responsibility to ensure that they do not stand alone. Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Technologies Awarded Tolling Agreements for Two Energy Storage Facilities in Israel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ORA), (“Ormat” or the “Company”) a leading geothermal and renewable energy technology company, today announced that it has won a tender issued by the Israeli Electricity Authority and has been awarded two separate 15-year tolling agreements for two Energy Storage facilities. The facilities under the tolling agreements are expected to have a combined capacity of approximately 300MW/1200MWh.

    These projects are developed in partnership with Allied Infrastructure LTD (“Allied”), a leading infrastructure company in Israel. The ownership of the projects will be shared, 50/50 between Ormat and Allied. This marks Ormat’s and the partnership’s first major entry into the Israeli utility scale energy storage market. The partnership intends to develop this activity and develop additional Energy Storage facilities.

    The parties are in advanced stages of obtaining the interconnection for the two projects, and the necessary land use permits ahead of starting construction. Commercial operation date is expected during 2028. The tolling agreement includes an option for termination of the initial contract and move to participation in the merchant market.

    “We are delighted to announce the award of these two tolling agreements, marking another key strategic milestone for our growing Energy Storage business,” said Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies. “These long-term agreements highlight our team’s ability to advance and execute Ormat’s Energy Storage portfolio expansion strategy. The tolling agreements for these two assets will further enhance the Company’s portfolio profitability and add stability to margin performance, each a key element of our growth strategy in our storage business.”

    Blachar concluded, “These energy storage contracts mark the Company’s first owned project in Israel, and we look forward to continuing to work with Allied as Ormat’s capabilities and assets will now help drive Israel’s efforts to achieve its renewable energy and energy continuity goals.”

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1.5GW with a 1.2GW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 290MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ABOUT THE ISRAELI ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY

    The Israeli Electricity Authority is a government authority charged with providing utility services, setting tariffs, regulation, and oversight of the electricity market in Israel.

    ABOUT ALLIED INFRASTRUCTURE LTD

    Allied Infrastructure LTD is a multi-disciplined specialist contractor working primarily in the Airports, Highways, Defense and Construction sectors. Allied is delivering innovative and quality services using specially developed materials to offer complete solutions to preserve, protect, maintain and restore infrastructure assets, especially in the airside environment.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 2024, and in Ormat’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

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    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
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    Alpha IR Group
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAF Digby personnel to benefit from £65 million new accommodation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Defence Infrastructure Organisation has awarded a contract to construct 276 single occupancy bedrooms at RAF Digby.

    Artist’s impression of the new blocks. (Copyright Galliford Try/Arcadis)

    The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire.

    RAF Digby is the RAF’s oldest station, established in 1918, but is now operated by Strategic Command. The contract was awarded to Galliford Try with Arcadis as a Technical Support Provider and will see 4 new blocks of bedrooms created for junior ranks.

    Each block contains a kitchenette, drying rooms, laundry rooms and social spaces, as well as 69 single ensuite rooms.

    The buildings have been designed to be as carbon efficient as possible as part of MOD and wider government push towards net zero. They will benefit from solar panels and be heated using air source heat pumps.

    Other energy efficiency measures include:

    • provision for a system to recover heat from the waste water in the showers
    • temperature-controlled heating zones
    • energy efficient LED lighting
    • electric car charging points

    The contract value also includes provision of car parking, street lighting and landscaped outdoor communal areas. The contractors will be using local suppliers and labour as much as possible to benefit the local economy.

    John Weatherby, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said:

    It’s fantastic to have reached this important milestone in our goal to transform the accommodation provision at RAF Digby with some high-quality new rooms for junior ranks serving at the station. We look forward to working with Galliford Try on the designs as we prepare for the start of construction in the coming months.

    Wing Commander Neil Hallett, Station Commander RAF Digby, said:

    This is an eagerly anticipated announcement welcomed by the service men and women stationed here. Having modern Single Living Accommodation will significantly improve the lived experience and there is buzz of excitement across the station following this contract award.

    This investment into Royal Air Force Digby is a clear demonstration by the MOD of its intent to enhance the accommodation offer to our personnel while making buildings more sustainable.

    Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said:

    We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DIO to deliver this much-needed facility for those serving at RAF Digby. We have a strong track record in providing this kind of facility to the armed forces and look forward to ensuring the personnel receive the high-quality living spaces they deserve.

    Construction is expected to start in March.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 80 years since the liberation of Budapest

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On February 13, 1945, the Budapest operation of Soviet troops during the Great Patriotic War ended, as a result of which the central regions of Hungary, including its capital, were liberated, and the puppet “Government of National Unity” lost power over the country.

    By the end of 1944, Germany’s position was already unenviable, it had to fight on three fronts: in Italy, France and against the Red Army rapidly advancing from the east. The defense of Budapest was of paramount importance, because its loss meant the loss of the last major source of oil, so Hitler even declared that it was better to surrender Berlin than to lose Hungarian oil. The Germans built three lines of defense around Budapest and significantly fortified the city itself, which was defended by Army Group South and the remnants of the Hungarian armed forces.

    The Soviet offensive on Budapest began on October 29. They failed to take the city on the move. The second attempt also met with fierce resistance. In December, the Germans even attempted to counterattack and pushed the Russians back in some areas of the front. However, on December 26, their forces were completely surrounded, with 188,000 people trapped in the cauldron. And they had no intention of surrendering; moreover, they shot the envoys sent with an ultimatum to capitulate. Their counterattacking tanks numbered 50-60 units per kilometer of front – a density of equipment unseen throughout the war. Having had the bloody experience of the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Kursk, the Red Army responded with a deeply echeloned defense, effective reconnaissance, and preemptive strikes. The Germans were unable to break out of the encirclement, and in early February, their counteroffensive finally petered out in all directions.

    The heaviest urban battles in some areas began on January 18. That same day, our troops liberated about 70,000 Jews from the Budapest ghetto. Now, when the organized counteroffensive of the Germans had failed, they rushed out of Budapest chaotically and with particular despair. From the memoirs of Soviet Major General Andrei Kovtun-Stankevich:

    “Everyone takes part in the battle, including the telephone operators. Telephone operator Zoya Vasilchenko destroyed up to 15 fascists with a machine gun. The battalion captured more prisoners than it had personnel.”

    “The commander of the medical battalion, Krutilov, arrived and proudly handed me a “combat” report. It turns out that the medical battalion had fought a battle today, as a result of which 49 Germans were killed and 56 were taken prisoner. Everyone took part in the battle, including the wounded who were able to fire. Even the pharmacist, an elderly woman, fired a pistol.”

    On February 13, 1945, the German group in Budapest was finally liquidated. The commander, SS-Obergruppenführer Karl Pfeffer-Wildenbruch, dressed in a soldier’s uniform along with all the staff officers, surrendered on his own initiative to the head of the chemical service of the 180th rifle division, Major Skripin.

    In honor of this victory, a salute of 24 salvos from 324 guns was given in Moscow. The result of the successful operation was the complete liquidation of the enemy forces and the withdrawal of Hungary from the war. In addition, the advancement on the remaining sections of the Soviet-German front was noticeably facilitated by the transfer of German troops to Budapest. A threat was created to the Balkan group of the Wehrmacht, which was forced to accelerate its withdrawal from Yugoslavia.

    The State University of Management congratulates on this memorable date and recalls our scientific regiment – employees awarded the medal “For the capture of Budapest”:
    -Hero of the Soviet Union, Alexander Davydov, Guard Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Head of the Nile MIE-MIU department from 1962 to 1985;
    -Gennady Belykh, Colonel, Head of the educational and methodological department of the MIU;
    -Peter Burov, Major Engineer, Vice-Rector for the Academic Affairs of MIEI from 1952 to 1962;
    -Ivan Steel, Major Engineer, chief of staff of the railway troops of the 3rd Ukrainian Front, associate professor of the Department of structures and structures of MIEI.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/13/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –