NewzIntel.com

Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy announces new Appropriations subcommittee assignments for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced his roles on the funding panel’s subcommittees in the 119th Congress. 
    “It’s an honor and a privilege to represent Louisianians on the Senate Appropriations Committee. I will continue to advocate for the needs of our state through my work on subcommittees that cover disasters, energy, defense, flood mitigation projects, health care, education, transportation, commerce and science and other key issues,” said Kennedy.
    Kennedy’s Appropriations Committee roles now include: 
    Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development,
    Member of the Subcommittee on Defense,
    Member of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security,
    Member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies,
    Member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies
    and Member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. 
    Read more information on these subcommittees here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Army Secretary Nominee Agrees with Warren’s Right to Repair Cost-Cutting Recommendations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    January 30, 2025
    Nominee to lead the Army agrees to work with her on tackling costly repair restrictions for the military, a cost cutting recommendation Warren shared with Elon Musk
    Warren: “[W]hen right-to-repair restrictions are in place, it’s bigger profits for giant defense contractors, but also higher prices for DoD, and longer wait times for service members who need to get equipment repaired so they’re ready to go.” 
    Video of Exchange (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, questioned Mr. Dan Driscoll, nominee for Secretary of the Army, about his views on enhancing the Army’s right to repair its own equipment and his commitments to address the revolving door between the Pentagon and contractors. 
    Earlier this month, Senator Warren wrote to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recommending $2 trillion in proposals to save taxpayers money, including tackling repair restrictions that the Government Accountability Office found “could save billions of dollars.” At the hearing, Mr. Driscoll agreed with this recommendation.
    The Department of Defense pays contractors hundreds of billions of dollars annually to purchase weapons systems and other equipment. However, the equipment is often subject to contractor-imposed restrictions on how servicemembers can diagnose, repair, and maintain their own equipment, leaving servicemembers unable to conduct necessary fixes and beholden to contractors no matter how harsh the environment. Mr. Driscoll “unequivocally” agreed with Senator Warren that right-to-repair restrictions impact national security and military readiness, and said these delays mean equipment deployment is “not scalable in an actual conflict.” 
    A root cause of defense contractor profiteering is the revolving door between senior Pentagon officials and large defense contractors. Senator Warren’s investigation found nearly 700 instances of former high-ranking officials working at the top 20 defense contractors. Mr. Driscoll agreed to work with Senator Warren to address the revolving door issues. 
    Senator Warren secured a provision, with bipartisan support, in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prohibit the Department of Defense from contracting with companies that do not provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. In December 2024, Senator Warren introduced the Servicemember Right-to-Repair Act, which included that provision, and would also require cost-saving proposals to cut sustainment costs without reducing performance requirements, mandate a report on cost-saving strategies to enhance transparency, and require DoD to assess the cost-effectiveness of access to intellectual property throughout a program’s life cycle. 
    Transcript: Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Mr. Daniel P. Driscoll to be Secretary of the ArmySenate Armed Services CommitteeJanuary 30, 2025
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Driscoll. So what I’d like to do is continue the conversation we started in my office. The Army buys a lot of stuff, from tanks to helicopters. They buy a lot of stuff from big defense contractors. Those giant companies often sneak restrictions into the contracts. They hog up the software rights or the technical data, all  to prevent service members from being able to repair their own equipment. So today I would like to talk through an example so we can see the difference in banks with the Army is not hamstrung by right-to-repair restrictions. 
    Last year, the Army needed a new cover for a safety clip, but the contractor told the Army they couldn’t have it for months and these safety clips would cost $20 a pop. Now, thankfully, the Army had managed to keep right-to-repair restrictions out of this contract and was able to 3D-print the part in less than an hour for a total cost of 16 cents. 
    Now, Mr. Driscoll, does being able to get the parts we need in hours – maybe minutes – instead of months, and for nickels instead of dollars help U.S. readiness and national security? 
    Mr. Dan Driscoll, nominee for Secretary of the Army: Unequivocally, Senator. 
    Senator Warren: Good. You know, when right-to-repair restrictions are in place, it’s bigger profits for giant defense contractors, but also higher prices for DoD, and longer wait times for service members who need to get equipment repaired so they’re ready to go. 
    Chairman Wicker has an acquisition reform agenda which calls for a complete review of data rights across the Department of Defense. I think that is exactly right because it would help put the Army fully in command of the equipment that it has paid so much for. 
    So Mr. Driscoll, let me ask you, if confirmed, will you work with this committee to identify more opportunities where the Army can save money and time by making their own parts and fixing their own equipment? 
    Mr. Driscoll: If confirmed, unequivocally, Senator.  
    Senator Warren: Would you like to expand on that at all? 
    Mr. Driscoll: This type of innovation happening in the private sector at scale in a lot of ways seems to have not trickled into the Army as much. If we think about engagement with a peer like China, being able to repair our parts in areas around the world will be crucial to that. And, if we are having six-month delays in CONUS and paying 100x the rate, that is not scalable in an actual conflict, and so I’m totally supportive, Senator.  
    Chair Wicker: That was a very good answer, Mr. Driscoll. 
    Senator Warren: It was an excellent answer. Thank you Mr. Chairman. You know, right-to-repair restrictions have truly gotten out of control. And they threaten our national security. In some cases, the Army cannot even write its own training manual without a signoff off from a contractor. My Servicemember Right to Repair Act would help fix this problem. 
    But a root cause of this defense contractor profiteering is the revolving door between senior Pentagon officials and big defense contractors. Last year, I released a report that found 700 instances of top 20 DoD contractors hiring former high-ranking officials. 
    Do you think this is a problem, Mr. Driscoll? 
    Mr. Driscoll: I do, Senator. 
    Senator Warren: When government officials cash in on their public service by lobbying, advising, or serving as board members and executives for the companies that they used to regulate, it undermines public officials’ integrity and it casts doubt on the fairness of government contracting and it costs DoD a lot of money. We owe it to our taxpayers and we owe it to our men and women in uniform to fix this broken system. I look forward to working with you on this, Mr. Driscoll. 
    Mr. Driscoll: Thank you, Senator. 
    Senator Warren: Thank you. I yield back. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Announces U.S. Military Service Academy Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    01.30.25

    Washington, DC – Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced the names of the young Alaskans she is nominating to the U.S. Military Service Academies for the class of 2029.

    “These young Alaskans have shown exemplary leadership and dedication to their communities, and it is an honor to nominate them to our nation’s military service academies,” said Senator Murkowski. “I extend my congratulations and best wishes to each of them.”

    U.S. Military Service Academy nominees are selected based on their academic record, extracurricular activities, and leadership capabilities. Senator Murkowski’s nominees will now compete against other candidates nationwide for a spot in the entering class. Though a congressional nomination to a service academy is an accomplishment within itself, it does not guarantee admission; service academies will make final decisions. The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require congressional nominations.

    U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO             

    • Alexander Borke – Anchorage
    • Rylan Forth – Anchorage*
    • Alexander Gilley – Thorne Bay
    • Noah Hall – Fort Wainwright*
    • Casey Knapp – Juneau
    • Landon Luebke – Eagle River
    • Donovan Mahoney – Eagle River*
    • Joshua Pak – Anchorage*
    • Madeline Rancourt – Chugiak*
    • Lars Robinson – Anchorage*
    • Katelinn Satterfield, JBER
    • Inca Shannon – North Pole*
    • Dylan Skaggs – Fairbanks
    • Cole Smith – Eagle River*
    • Uno Tate – Eagle River

    U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

    • Sarah Baisden – Kenai
    • Maxwell Carson – Anchorage
    • Landon DeGraff – Anchorage
    • Rylan Forth – Anchorage*
    • Bethany Gravel – Anchorage*
    • Noah Hall – Fort Wainwright*
    • Malia Ilolio – Anchorage
    • Jabari Johnson – Eagle River
    • Dominic Keller – Eielson AFB
    • Mona Koko – Anchorage*
    • Grayson McDowell – Wasilla*
    • Donovan Mahoney – Eagle River *
    • Emma Marsh – Anchorage
    • Christian Mills-Price – Wasilla*
    • Ethan Morico – Anchorage*
    • Joshua Nelson – Anchorage*
    • Thomas Owens – Anchorage*
    • Joshua Pak – Anchorage*
    • Madeline Rancourt – Chugiak*
    • Lydia Schwartz – Soldotna*
    • Inca Shannon – North Pole*
    • Cole Smith – Eagle River*
    • Joe Staheli – Fairbanks
    • Tate Uno – Eagle River*
    • Isaac Winslow – Soldotna*

    U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY

    • Nina Adams – Wasilla
    • Tyler Drake – Anchorage
    • Kydan Echard – Germany
    • Scott Griffith – Anchorage
    • Mona Koko – Anchorage*
    • Christian Mills-Price – Wasilla*
    • Kai Miner – Anchorage
    • Thomas Owens – Anchorage*
    • Joshua Pak – Anchorage*
    • Lars Robinson – Anchorage*
    • Colton Savala – Wasilla
    • Lydia Schwartz – Soldotna*
    • Abigail Smith – Fairbanks
    • Tate Uno – Eagle River
    • Bryce Watts – Eagle River

    U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY                    

    • Rylan Forth – Anchorage*
    • Bethany Gravel – Anchorage*
    • Carvin Hass – Juneau
    • Carter Johnson – Eagle River
    • Gordon Macko – Anchorage
    • Donovan Mahoney – Eagle River*
    • Grayson McDowell – Wasilla*
    • Ethan Morico – Anchorage* 
    • Joshua Nelson – Anchorage*
    • Thomas Owens – Anchorage*

    [*received more than one nomination.]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Phoenix Woman Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Possession of a Machinegun and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Cynthia Solano, 40, of Phoenix, was sentenced this week by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow to 87 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, for her involvement in a transnational firearm smuggling organization. On August 14, 2024, Solano pleaded guilty to Possession of a Machinegun and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.

    Between February 2022 and January 2023, Solano conspired with others to conduct financial transactions which were designed to conceal proceeds generated from the sale of firearms trafficked from the United States into Canada. After the proceeds were received, Solano used the proceeds to purchase additional firearms.

    Beginning in late December 2022, Solano gathered 87 firearms in Phoenix which she intended to deliver to other members of the organization in Michigan.  

    On January 3, 2023, Solano was driving near Springfield, Illinois when she was contacted by the Illinois State Police. The Illinois State Police troopers searched her vehicle and found 87 firearms, individually wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. One of the firearms was equipped with a machinegun conversion device (also known as a “Switch”) attached. A machinegun conversion device converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.

    After Solano was arraigned in Arizona, she was placed on pretrial release. She later removed her electronic monitoring device and fled to Mexico. Through the efforts of the United States Marshals’ Office, she was captured by law enforcement in Mexico and removed to the United States to face prosecution.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    The OCDETF Arizona Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Arizona Army National Guard, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Scottsdale Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-23-00408-PHX-GMS
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-012_Solano

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Province welcomes new Lieutenant Governor

    Premier David Eby offered his congratulations to Wendy Cocchia, CM, OBC, LLD (Hon), on being sworn in on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, as British Columbia’s 31st Lieutenant Governor.

    “It is my honour to welcome Wendy Cocchia as the new Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia,” Premier David Eby said. “Her lifelong leadership and exemplary dedication to community service are examples for us all. I wish her the greatest success in fulfilling her important role as vice-regal representative.”

    Her Honour swore the Oath of Allegiance and the Oaths of Office at an installation ceremony at the Parliament Buildings. The oaths were administered by Chief Justice Leonard Marchand before an audience including family, friends, First Nations leaders, dignitaries and members of the legislative assembly.

    The lieutenant governor’s standard was raised atop the flagpole at the Parliament Buildings as part of a venerable tradition.

    One of the Lieutenant Governor’s first acts was to inspect a 50-person Guard of Honour provided by Maritime Forces Pacific and Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. Her Honour was accompanied by Lt.-Cmdr Marjorie Gaulin-Riffou.

    The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy played The Vice-Regal Salute, which consists of the six opening bars of God Save the King, followed by the four opening and four closing bars of O Canada.

    A 15-gun salute was fired by troopers of the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery.

    The lieutenant governor is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister, usually serving a term of at least five years.

    Her Honour succeeds Janet Austin, OBC, who was sworn in on April 24, 2018, as the monarch’s representative in British Columbia.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: International treaty examination of the NZ – UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments

    Source: New Zealand ParliamentThe Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee is calling for submissions on its international treaty examination of the New Zealand – United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and Agreement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on the Promotion and Protection of Investments.
    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hudson County Man Charged With Online Enticement Of A Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man has been charged with enticing a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Ryan Niksa, 34, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was charged in a one-count complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.  He had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre in Newark federal court on January 29, 2025, and was ordered detained.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Since in or around August 2024, Niksa communicated with a minor victim located in another state through social media applications and text messages. Niksa and the minor victim exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos.  Niksa expressed his desire to live with the minor victim, discussed traveling to the minor victim’s home state to be with her, and discussed running away with the minor victim to another country where they could evade law enforcement.   

    Enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez, with the investigation leading to the charges.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Thompson of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.

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

    25-027                                                             ###

    Defense counsel: Shaiba Rather, Assistant Federal Public Defender

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: AMSC to Report Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results on February 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AYER, Mass., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMSC® (NASDAQ: AMSC), a leading system provider of megawatt-scale power resiliency solutions that orchestrate the rhythm and harmony of power on the grid™ and protect and expand the capability of our Navy’s fleet, announced today that it plans to release its third quarter fiscal year 2024 financial results after the market close on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. In conjunction with this announcement, AMSC management will participate in a conference call with investors and covering analysts beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 6, 2025. On this call, management will discuss the Company’s recent accomplishments, financial results, and business outlook.

    Those who wish to listen to the live or archived conference call webcast should visit the “Investors” section of the Company’s website at https://www.amsc.com. The live call can be accessed 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time by dialing 1-844-481-2802 or 1-412-317-0675 and asking to join the AMSC call.

    A replay of the call may be accessed 2 hours following the call by dialing 1-877-344-7529 and using conference passcode 9514460.

    About AMSC (Nasdaq: AMSC)

    AMSC generates the ideas, technologies and solutions that meet the world’s demand for smarter, cleaner … better energy™. Through its Gridtec™ Solutions, AMSC provides the engineering planning services and advanced grid systems that optimize network reliability, efficiency and performance. Through its Marinetec™ Solutions, AMSC provides ship protection systems and is developing propulsion and power management solutions designed to help fleets increase system efficiencies, enhance power quality and boost operational safety. Through its Windtec® Solutions, AMSC provides wind turbine electronic controls and systems, designs and engineering services that reduce the cost of wind energy. The Company’s solutions are enhancing the performance and reliability of power networks, increasing the operational safety of navy fleets, and powering gigawatts of renewable energy globally. Founded in 1987, AMSC is headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts with operations in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. For more information, please visit www.amsc.com.

    ©2024 AMSC. AMSC, American Superconductor, NEPSI, Neeltran, D-VAR, D-VAR VVO, Amperium, Gridtec, Marinetec, Windtec, Orchestrate the Rhythm and Harmony of Power on the Grid and Smarter, Cleaner … Better Energy are trademarks or registered trademarks of American Superconductor Corporation. All other brand names, product names, trademarks, or service marks belong to their respective holders.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GSI Technology, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GSI Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSIT) today reported financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Summary Financial Results Table (in thousands, except per share amounts)

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023
    Net revenues $ 5,414     $ 4,550     $ 5,318     $ 14,635     $ 16,613  
    Gross margin (%)   54.0 %     38.6 %     55.9 %     46.7 %     55.2 %
    Operating expenses $ 6,978     $ 7,341     $ 9,660     $ 15,400     $ 25,082  
    Operating loss $ (4,055 )   $ (5,584 )   $ (6,685 )   $ (8,559 )   $ (15,917 )
    Net loss $ (4,029 )   $ (5,458 )   $ (6,601 )   $ (8,409 )   $ (15,766 )
    Net loss per share, diluted $ (0.16 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.33 )   $ (0.63 )
                                           

    Lee-Lean Shu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “In the third quarter, revenue reached $5.4 million, up 2% year-over-year and 19% sequentially. Our core SRAM sales are strengthening as customer orders rebound due to normalized inventory levels and increasing demand from a key customer whose systems are integral to manufacturing leading AI chips. We anticipate this customer to become our largest revenue contributor in fiscal 2025.”

    Mr. Shu concluded, “The development of our APU technology is progressing steadily. The Gemini-II chip is on track for a February tape-out with availability in May, aligning with a milestone with the Space Development Agency SBIR. The latest version of Gemini-II takes AI to the next level by combining advanced neural networks with cutting-edge radar imaging technology, like Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), designed to tackle important challenges in defense and aerospace. We can leverage Gemini-II’s architecture to accelerate the development of Plato, our next-generation chip, with a cost-effective, faster-to-market strategy. Plato’s ultra-low-power design will target rapidly growing markets for edge AI and large language model solutions. Additionally, increased operational efficiency and SRAM sales improvement position us for stability as we continue to evaluate strategic alternatives.”

    Commenting on the outlook for GSI’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, Mr. Shu stated, “Our current expectations for the upcoming fourth quarter is for net revenues in a range of $5.4 million to $6.2 million, with gross margin of approximately 55% to 57%.”

    Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Summary Financials

    The Company reported net revenues of $5.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to $5.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and $4.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Gross margin was 54.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to 55.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and 38.6% in the preceding second quarter of fiscal 2025. The sequential increase in gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was primarily due to higher revenue, product mix and severance costs associated with manufacturing workforce reductions in the prior quarter.

    In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, sales to Nokia were $239,000, or 4.4% of net revenues, compared to $807,000, or 15.2% of net revenues, in the same period a year ago and $812,000, or 17.8% of net revenues, in the prior quarter. Military/defense sales were 30.0% of third quarter shipments compared to 28.2% of shipments in the comparable period a year ago and 40.2% of shipments in the prior quarter. SigmaQuad sales were 39.1% of third quarter shipments compared to 46.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and 38.6% in the prior quarter.

    Total operating expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 were $7.0 million, compared to $9.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and $7.3 million in the prior quarter. Research and development expenses were $4.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to $7.0 million in the prior-year period and $4.8 million in the prior quarter. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3.0 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $2.7 million in the prior-year period and $2.6 million in the previous quarter.

    Third quarter fiscal 2025 operating loss was $(4.1) million compared to an operating loss of $(6.7) million in the prior-year period and $(5.6) million in the prior quarter. Third quarter fiscal 2025 net loss included interest and other income of $70,000 and a tax provision of $44,000, compared to $155,000 in interest and other income and a tax provision of $71,000 for the same period a year ago. In the preceding second quarter, net loss included interest and other income of $149,000 and a tax provision of $23,000.

    Net loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was $(4.0) million, or $(0.16) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(6.6) million, or $(0.26) per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and a net loss of $(5.5) million, or $(0.21) per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2025.

    Total third quarter pre-tax stock-based compensation expense was $429,000 compared to $649,000 in the comparable quarter a year ago and $663,000 in the prior quarter.

    At December 31, 2024, the Company had $15.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $14.4 million at March 31, 2024. Working capital was $17.9 million as of December 31, 2024 versus $19.1 million at March 31, 2024. Stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2024 was $29.9 million, compared to $36.0 million as of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

    Conference Call

    Management will conduct a conference call to review the Company’s financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 and its current outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) today.

    To participate in the call, please dial 1-877-407-3982 in the U.S. or 1-201-493-6780 for international approximately 10 minutes prior to the above start time and provide Conference ID 13751185. The call will also be streamed live via the internet at www.gsitechnology.com.

    A replay will be available from January 30, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time through February 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time by dialing toll-free for the U.S. 1-844-512-2921 or international 1-412-317-6671 and entering pin number 13751185. A webcast of the call will be archived on the Company’s investor relations website under the Events and Presentations tab.

    About GSI Technology

    Founded in 1995, GSI Technology, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductor memory solutions. GSI’s resources are focused on bringing new products to market that leverage existing core strengths, including radiation-hardened memory products for extreme environments and Gemini-I, the associative processing unit designed to deliver performance advantages for diverse artificial intelligence applications. GSI Technology is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has sales offices in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.gsitechnology.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding GSI Technology’s expectations, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to GSI Technology as of the date hereof, and GSI Technology assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include those associated with the normal quarterly and fiscal year-end closing process. Examples of risks that could affect our current expectations regarding future revenues and gross margins include those associated with fluctuations in GSI Technology’s operating results; GSI Technology’s historical dependence on sales to a limited number of customers and fluctuations in the mix of customers and products in any period; global public health crises that reduce economic activity; the rapidly evolving markets for GSI Technology’s products and uncertainty regarding the development of these markets; the need to develop and introduce new products to offset the historical decline in the average unit selling price of GSI Technology’s products; the challenges of rapid growth followed by periods of contraction; intensive competition; delays or unanticipated costs that may be encountered in the development of new products based on our in-place associative computing technology and the establishment of new markets and customer and partner relationships for the sale of such products; and delays or unexpected challenges related to the establishment of customer relationships and orders for GSI Technology’s radiation-hardened and tolerant SRAM products. Many of these risks are currently amplified by and will continue to be amplified by, or in the future may be amplified by, economic and geopolitical conditions, such as changing interest rates, worldwide inflationary pressures, military conflicts and declines in the global economic environment. Further information regarding these and other risks relating to GSI Technology’s business is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in such filings.

    Source: GSI Technology, Inc.

    Contacts:

    Investor Relations:

    Hayden IR
    Kim Rogers
    385-831-7337
    kim@haydenir.com

    Media Relations:

    Finn Partners for GSI Technology
    Ricca Silverio
    415-348-2724
    gsi@finnpartners.com

    Company:

    GSI Technology, Inc.
    Douglas M. Schirle
    Chief Financial Officer
    408-331-9802

    GSI TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
                       
            Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
            Dec. 31,
    		   Sept. 30,
    		   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
    		   Dec. 31,
              2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    Net revenues $ 5,414     $ 4,550     $ 5,318     $ 14,635     $ 16,613  
    Cost of goods sold   2,491       2,793       2,343       7,794       7,448  
                       
    Gross profit    2,923       1,757       2,975       6,841       9,165  
                       
    Operating expenses:            
                       
      Research & development   4,037       4,788       6,976       13,039       16,871  
      Selling, general and administrative   2,997       2,553       2,684       8,154       8,211  
      Gain from sale of assets   (56 )     –       –       (5,793 )     –  
          Total operating expenses   6,978       7,341       9,660       15,400       25,082  
                       
    Operating loss   (4,055 )     (5,584 )     (6,685 )     (8,559 )     (15,917 )
                       
    Interest and other income, net   70       149       155       274       306  
                       
    Loss before income taxes   (3,985 )     (5,435 )     (6,530 )     (8,285 )     (15,611 )
    Provision for income taxes   44       23       71       124       155  
    Net loss   $ (4,029 )   $ (5,458 )   $ (6,601 )   $ (8,409 )   $ (15,766 )
                       
                       
    Net loss per share, basic $ (0.16 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.33 )   $ (0.63 )
    Net loss per share, diluted $ (0.16 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.33 )   $ (0.63 )
                       
    Weighted-average shares used in            
         computing per share amounts:            
                       
    Basic     25,546       25,467       25,256       25,463       25,094  
    Diluted     25,546       25,467       25,256       25,463       25,094  
                       
                       
    Stock-based compensation included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:  
                       
            Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
            Dec. 31,
    		   Sept. 30,
    		   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
    		   Dec. 31,
              2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
                       
    Cost of goods sold $ 50     $ 51     $ 51     $ 157     $ 175  
    Research & development   121       336       325       747       1,080  
    Selling, general and administrative   258       276       273       846       890  
            $ 429     $ 663     $ 649     $ 1,750     $ 2,145  
                       
    GSI TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands)
    (Unaudited)
             
        Dec. 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,085   $ 14,429
    Accounts receivable   3,583     3,118
    Inventory   3,885     4,977
    Other current assets   1,267     1,954
    Assets held for sale   –     5,629
    Net property and equipment   883     1,148
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   9,858     1,553
    Other assets   9,572     9,656
    Total assets $ 44,133   $ 42,464
             
    Current liabilities $ 5,900   $ 5,365
    Long-term liabilities   8,300     1,129
    Stockholders’ equity   29,933     35,970
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 44,133   $ 42,464
             

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Hospitals overwhelmed, food running out: Goma faces ‘devastation’

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    After days of intense fighting, the humanitarian situation in Goma, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has reached alarming levels – with humanitarian needs now massive and response capacities severely strained. 

    The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Thursday that food supplies are running dangerously low, as water and electricity outages exacerbate the crisis.

    The seizure and closure of Goma’s airport by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has further interfered with aid delivery, while the blocking of roads and lake transport restrictions have left thousands stranded.

    The rebel group has taken control of most of Goma since entering the city on Monday in the biggest escalation of a decades-long conflict springing from the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis, and a continuing struggle for control of rich mineral resources in the region among a plethora of armed groups.

    Fleeing by boat

    Families attempting to flee the violence across Lake Kivu are resorting to unsafe makeshift boats, putting their lives at risk.

    At the same time, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reports that humanitarian workers have been unable to leave their shelters in Goma for over 24 hours due to the insecurity, severely affecting emergency response efforts.

    Tom Fletcher, the emergency relief chief, has allocated $17 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to support lifesaving assistance – yet access to those in need remains uncertain.   

    Hospitals overwhelmed

    Medical facilities in Goma – and second city Bukavu to the south – are overwhelmed, with over 2,000 injuries reported since the beginning of January, including many from gunshot wounds. Hospitals lack adequate medical supplies, fuel and staff to manage the growing influx of patients.

    The World Health Organization (WHO), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are urgently working to bolster healthcare services, but with supply chains disrupted and facilities at capacity, response efforts are severely strained.

    Additionally, health authorities warn of an increasing risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles and mpox, due to mass displacement, unsafe water sources and inadequate sanitation.

    Escalating insecurity in North Kivu

    In the village of Kiziba, on the outskirts of Goma, civilians are reporting armed men in military uniforms carrying out widespread looting, extortion and sexual violence, according to Radio Okapi, the station run by UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, MONUSCO.

    Meanwhile, Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General Spokesperson reported that other armed groups in the east, including Zaïre and the CODECO militias, have increased attacks against the population in Djugu territory in the past month, robbing civilians.

    At least six people have been killed since last weekend and as a result, many have stopped using roads in the area, which also prevents them from going to their fields or to markets.

    Reports indicate that some roads have reopened, but mass displacement continues, with at least 700,000 people now internally displaced within North Kivu and South Kivu.

    MONUSCO/Aubin Mukoni

    Military uniforms and personal possessions litter the streets of Goma in the eastern DR Congo following an attack by a rebel armed group.

    Peacekeepers’ response

    Peacekeepers with (MONUSCO) have launched the second phase of an operation called Horizon of Peace in Djugu territory, aiming to contain an escalation of violence by armed groups, according to Mr. Dujarric.

    MONUSCO peacekeepers have stepped up patrols on several roads in the territory to support the free movement of people and goods.

    Calls for international action 

    Bruno Lemarquis, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for DR Congo, has issued a strong plea for immediate international support. “I call on the international community to step up its support in the face of a worsening humanitarian crisis,” he stated.

    Emergency food agency WFP has reiterated its readiness to resume food distributions as soon as security conditions permit, but without immediate access, thousands remain at risk of starvation and disease.

    MONUSCO/Aubin Mukoni

    UN peacekeepers return to base after patrolling the streets of Goma.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Expands Educational Opportunities for American Families

    Source: The White House

    DEFENDING PARENTAL RIGHTS AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order expanding educational freedom and opportunity for families. It recognizes that parents, not the government, play a fundamental role in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children.

    • It directs the Department of Education to issue guidance on how the States can use federal funding formulas to support their K-12 scholarship programs.
    • It directs the Secretary of Education to prioritize school choice programs in the Department’s discretionary grant programs.
    • The Order requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on how states receiving block grants for children and families can use those funds to support educational alternatives, including private and faith-based options.
    • It directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a plan to the President for how military families can use Department of Defense funds to send their children to the school of their choice.
    • The Order also directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit a plan to the President for how families with students attending Bureau of Indian Education schools can use federal funds to send their children to the school of their choice.

    EMPOWERING PARENTS AND STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOOL CHOICE: Every child deserves the best education available, regardless of their zip code. However, for generations, our government-assigned education system has failed millions of parents, students, and teachers. This Executive Order begins to rectify that wrong by opening up opportunities for students to attend the school that best fits their needs.

    • According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 70% of 8th graders were below proficient in reading and 72% were below proficient in math. 40% of 4th graders did not even meet the basic reading levels. 
    • Standardized test scores have essentially been flat for over 30 years, despite hundreds of billions of dollars spent on government-run education.
    • A dozen states have universal or near universal school choice programs and 33 states have some form of school choice program.
    • School choice programs have a strong record of improving students’ academic performance.
    • School choice has proven to be cost effective and saves taxpayer dollars.
    • Parents report higher levels of school safety for their children who participate in school choice programs.
    • Support for school choice is overwhelming, with 70% of Democrats, 73% of Black Americans, and 69% of Hispanic Americans in favor of it.
    • President Trump is dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to receive a world-class education.

    FULFILLING THE PROMISE TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATION THROUGH FREEDOM AND OPPORTUNITY: President Trump promised to bring school choice to every family in the Nation. Today’s historic executive order is a critical step in delivering on that promise, and builds on the long list of accomplishments from the first Trump Administration, including:

    • Calling on Congress to pass the School Choice Now Act and the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act.
    • Providing in-person learning options for low-income parents forced to send their children to virtual school during the pandemic.
    • Re-authorizing the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program twice.
    • Investing nearly $1.5 billion in the development of public charter schools, helping this innovative sector grow to 7,500 charter schools serving more than 3 million students.
    • Allowing parents across the nation to withdraw up to $10,000 tax-free per year from 529 education savings plans to cover public, private, or religious K-12 schooling costs, thanks to the President’s historic tax cuts.

    Parents can be confident that under his Administration, President Trump will provide every available opportunity for parents to enrich the education of their children through individual choice.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Gettysburg Holds At-Sea Change of Command Ceremony

    Source: United States Navy

    Hodges assumed command in February 2023 and led the crew throughout the workup cycle leading to the ship’s deployment on Sept. 23, 2024, to the U.S. European and Central Command areas of responsibility as the Air and Missile Defense Commander for the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG).

    “Serving as the commanding officer of this extraordinary crew has been the privilege of a lifetime,” said Hodges. “These amazing men and women represent all that is great about our Navy and it’s been an enormous honor to serve with them.”

    Lucas, Gettysburg’s new commanding officer, completed a successful tour on the Joint Staff, J7 Directorate, before reporting to the ship.

    “What struck me most about this crew was your attitude and resiliency,” said Lucas. “I am motivated, honored, and humbled to be your commanding officer.”

    USS Gettysburg was commissioned June 22, 1991, and is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Mid-air collision in Washington DC

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    1. Home
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    3. Mid-air collision in Washington DC

    Published on January 30, 2025

    Lire la version

    Statements made by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (Paris – January 30, 2025)

    France expresses its deep sadness following the collision between a passenger plane and a U.S. Army helicopter just outside of Washington, DC, on the night of January 29. The crash left several dozen dead.

    France offers its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones, and expresses its solidarity with the American people and authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: AI Visionary James Altucher: Elon Musk’s ‘Project Colossus’ Marks the Beginning of America’s AI Renaissance [Video Presentation]

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renowned AI expert James Altucher has declared Elon Musk’s Project Colossus to be the “single most transformative leap forward in technology since the invention of the Internet.” In a video presentation, he explains that as the United States accelerates its efforts to maintain global dominance in artificial intelligence, Project Colossus stands as the cornerstone of this strategy. Developed by Musk’s xAI and headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the supercomputer’s immense computational power is driving innovation across medicine, energy, and national defense.

    Altucher, a 40-year veteran of emerging technologies, sees Project Colossus as a defining project of the decade. “This isn’t just about AI; this is about leveraging technology to solve humanity’s greatest challenges,” Altucher said. “From extending human lifespans to addressing global energy shortages, this project is putting the United States back on the map as the leader in technological innovation.”

    The Powerhouse of Innovation: Inside Project Colossus
    Located in an unassuming facility in Memphis, Project Colossus boasts over 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs, making it the most powerful supercomputer in the world. It has already surpassed global competitors in computational power, including projects from Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft. Plans are underway to double its capacity in 2025, further cementing its role as the foundation for America’s technological resurgence.

    The Hidden Powerhouse: The Role of a Critical Partner
    While Elon Musk and xAI take center stage, Altucher notes the importance of an often-overlooked technology company that powers Project Colossus. “This company provides the critical infrastructure that allows all of these advanced AI chips to function as a single, unified system,” Altucher revealed. “Without it, Musk’s vision for Project Colossus wouldn’t be possible. It’s the silent enabler behind this revolution.”

    Applications Across Industries
    Altucher highlights Project Colossus’s role in tackling some of America’s most urgent challenges:

    • Healthcare: Accelerating medical research and improving disease detection.
    • Energy: Optimizing energy grids to create sustainable systems.
    • Manufacturing: Boosting efficiency and reducing supply chain bottlenecks.
    • Defense: Strengthening national security through advanced AI-powered analytics.

    “This project is more than just an achievement in computing—it’s a foundation for solving problems that impact everyday Americans,” Altucher said.

    About James Altucher
    James Altucher of Paradigm Press Group is a leading authority on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. With over four decades of expertise, Altucher has helped shape public understanding of transformative trends, making him one of the most trusted voices in the AI space.

    Media Contact:
    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales will provide the French Navy with sovereign anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales will provide the French Navy with sovereign anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys

    • Thales has signed a contract with the French defence procurement agency (DGA) to supply the French Navy with several hundred SonoFlash sonobuoys. ​
    • Manufactured in France in collaboration with French SMEs, the SonoFlash sonobuoy strengthens France’s strategic and capability ambitions in the field of anti-submarine warfare. ​
    • Deployed from a maritime patrol aircraft (such as the ATL2) or a helicopter (for example an NH90), the SonoFlash sonobuoy enables the detection of submarines. It is fully interoperable with the Flash dipping sonar and the CAPTAS family of towed array sonars.

    Thales will enhance the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the French Navy by providing several hundred SonoFlash sonobuoys. These expendable sonar buoy are the only such models to offer both active and passive modes: they are equipped with a powerful low-frequency emitter and a receiver with high directivity.

    Combined with the FLASH dipping sonar, the SonoFlash sonobuoys will enable an airborne platform to search for the presence of submarines over a greater range, and offer greater responsiveness to the evasive manoeuvres of these platforms.

    The high-performance communication systems of the SonoFlash enable all surface ships and aircraft, as well as acoustic support centres equipped with a sonobuoy processing system, to receive the data collected by the buoy.

    “Through its SonoFlash sonobuoy and the CAPTAS and FLASH sonars, Thales is proud to contribute to the development of the French anti-submarine warfare sector. The excellence of Thales’s offerings solutions in this field is recognised worldwide and is being put to the service of the French Navy in a context of renewed tensions at sea.” ​ said Sébastien Guérémy, Vice President of Underwater Systems activities, Thales.

    In March 2021, The French defence procurement agency (DGA) awarded Thales a contract to develop, qualify and manufacture the SonoFlash air-droppable sonobuoy: French Navy strengthens anti-submarine warfare capabilities with SonoFlash sonobuoy from Thales | Thales Group

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialising in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space 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.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Spain’s secure communications satellite SpainSat NG I successfully launched

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Spain’s secure communications satellite SpainSat NG I successfully launched

    • Starting in the second half of this year, SpainSat NG I will provide services to Spain’s Armed Forces, international organizations such as the European Commission or NATO, and governments of allied countries.
    • Thales Alenia Space, together with Airbus Defence and Space, has led the construction of this satellite and its twin, SpainSat NG II, which is also scheduled for launch in 2025.
    • The company has been responsible, among other activities, for the integration of the Communication Module for both satellites along with Airbus in a clean room built for this purpose at its facilities in Tres Cantos, Madrid. To date, this has been the largest satellite system ever integrated in Spain.

    Madrid, January 30, 2025 – The secure communications satellite SpainSat NG I has been successfully launched early this morning by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral (Florida). An unprecedented milestone for the Spanish space sector.

    The SPAINSAT NG program, owned and operated by Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos S.A., comprises two satellites, SpainSat NG I and II. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), together with Airbus Defence & Space, has led the execution and construction of both satellites, SpainSat NG I and its twin, SpainSat NG II, which will be launched this fall. The two satellites will be positioned in different geostationary positions to operate in X-band, military Ka-band, and UHF, providing coverage to two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, from the United States of America to Singapore. It will provide services for the next 15 years.

    Thales Alenia Space in Spain has been responsible for the UHF and military Ka-band payloads and the integration of the Communication Module for the two satellites along with Airbus. The Communication Module is the main body of the satellite, which embarks the communication payloads that give purpose to the mission.

    © Airbus

    Specifically for this mission, the company built an assembly and integration clean room at its site in Tres Cantos, Madrid, inaugurated in 2021, where the Communication Modules of the two satellites have been integrated. These advanced cutting-edge facilities represent a qualitative leap in Spain’s space industry capabilities for the assembly and integration of large space systems, something within the reach of a few space powers worldwide.

    Being the largest satellite system ever integrated in Spain, the SpainSat NG I Communication Module weights more than 2 tons and measures 6 meters high, and is fully equipped with cutting-edge technology in the field of space communications, comprising hundreds of sophisticated electronic units.

    The company has also designed and manufactured in Spain, France, Italy, and Belgium over 200 of electronic and radiofrequency units that are an integral part of the communications payloads and the satellite’s telecommand and telemetry system. Among them are the UHF processor, the heart of the UHF-band payload; the Transparent Digital Processor (DTP) that interconnects the X-band and military Ka-band payloads; and the Hilink unit, responsible for providing a high-speed service link that will facilitate a quick reconfiguration of the payloads.

    The SPAINSAT NG program

    SpainSat NG I is one of the most advanced secure communications satellites in Europe and ranks among the most innovative in the world. It is expected to begin to provide services early in the second half of 2025 to the Spanish Armed Forces, international organizations such as the European Commission in the GOVSATCOM program, NATO, and other allied governments.

    Its mission is to ensure effective command and control of Armed Forces operations over a large portion of the Earth’s surface, guarantee communication capability in theatres of operations lacking communication infrastructure, ensure secure governmental communications in any operational environment (air, maritime, land), and provide strategic space capabilities to third nations.

    The SpainSat NG satellites, which will replace the current Hisdesat communications satellites, Spainsat and XTAR-EUR, will be capable of providing secure satellite communications with maximum protection against interference or other threats, including a high-altitude nuclear event, with maximum flexibility thanks to its real-time software-defined payload.
     

    About Thales Alenia Space

    Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately €2.2 billion in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 8 countries, with 16 sites in Europe.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Meeting of Government with Leaders of Political Parties held today

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Meeting of Government with Leaders of Political Parties held today

    Meeting  attended by 52 Leaders from 36 political parties 

    Posted On: 30 JAN 2025 7:59PM by PIB Delhi

    A meeting was  held under the Chairmanship of Shri Raj Nath Singh, Union Minister of Defence with Leaders of political parties today (30th January, 2025) in Parliament House Complex, New Delhi to discuss issues relating to ensuing Budget Session of Parliament, 2025. The meeting was called by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. The meeting was also attended by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, who is also Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law & Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan.  In total, the meeting was attended by 52 Leaders from 36 political parties including Ministers.

    At the outset, Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence made introductory remarks and welcomed all the Leaders attending the meeting and thereafter, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs conducted the meeting. He informed the leaders that the Budget Session, 2025 of Parliament will commence on Friday the 31st January, 2025 and subject to exigencies of Government Business, the session may conclude on Friday the 4th April, 2025. During this period, both the Houses will be adjourned for recess on Thursday, the 13th of February, 2025 to reassemble on Monday, the 10th of March, 2025 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various Ministries/Departments and make their Reports thereon. The Session will provide a total of 27 sittings (09 sittings in first part and 18 sittings in second part) spread over a period of 64 days.

    Shri Rijiju further stated that Session will mainly be devoted to the Financial Business relating to Union Budget for 2025-26 and discussion on the Motion of Thanks on President’s Address. However, essential Legislative and other Business will also be taken up during the Session. He mentioned that Economic survey of India and Union Budget for 2025-26 will be presented to Parliament on Friday, the 31st of January, 2025 and the Saturday, 1st February, 2025 respectively. He also informed that tentatively 16 items of legislative business and 3 items of financial business have been identified for being taken up during this session.

    The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs also stated that the Government is prepared and ready to discuss any other important issue on the floors of the Houses as per rules of both Houses. Leaders of different political parties expressed their views on various issues likely to be raised by them during the forthcoming Budget Session of Parliament and assured the Government to provide full co-operation. He also thanked all the Hon’ble Leaders for attending the meeting, expressing their views and for their active and effective participation.

    LIST OF BILLS LIKELY TO BE TAKEN UP DURING BUDGET SESSION, 2025

    I – LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

    1. The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    2. The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    3. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    4. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024
    5. The Boilers Bill, 2024
    6. The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024
    7. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    8. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024
    9. The Bills of Lading Bill, 2024
    10. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024
    11. The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024
    12. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024
    13. The Finance Bill, 2025
    14. The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025
    15. The “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University Bill, 2025
    16. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

    II – FINANCIAL BUSINESS

    1. Discussion and voting on Demands for Grants for the year 2025-26 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related Appropriation Bill.
    2. Discussion and voting on Second and Final Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2024-25 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related Appropriation Bill.
    3. Discussion and voting on Demands for Excess Grants for the year 2021-22 and introduction, consideration and passing/return of the related Appropriation Bill.

    *****

    SS/NSK

    (Release ID: 2097713) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: With robust and high end Common computing facility in place, India all set to launch its own safe & secure indigenous AI model at affordable cost soon: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Source: Government of India (2)

    With robust and high end Common computing facility in place, India all set to launch its own safe & secure indigenous AI model at affordable cost soon: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Compared to global models costing 2.5 to 3 dollars per hour usage, India’s AI Model will cost less than less than 100 rupees per hour after 40% government subsidy; Attractive half yearly & annual plans will make it more affordable

    Multiple foundational models for Indian context, in Indian languages, likely to be ready later this year will help researchers, students & people at large for its low cost, fast computing & prompt results.

    To begin with, 18 citizen centric applications pertaining to agriculture sector, learning disability & climate change to be part of this AI Model

    DeepSeek will get hosted on Indian servers after security protocol checks so that users, coders, developers can benefit from its Open Source Code

    Posted On: 30 JAN 2025 6:07PM by PIB Delhi

    India is all set to launch its own safe & secure indigenous AI model at an affordable cost. Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today announced this in New Delhi at Electronics Niketan. Interacting with the media, the Union Minister said that the Indian AI model is a timely step as India is a trusted nation among the comity of nations & therefore it will help India emerge as a more reliable technological powerhouse of ethical AI solutions in the days to come. Backed by a high-end common computing facility, the India AI mission is now closer to customising indigenous AI solutions for the Indian context using Indian languages. He said that scientists, researchers, developers and coders are working on multiple foundational models in this regard & with the given pace, the Union Minister expressed hope that the Indian AI model is likely to be ready within 6 months.

     

    The AI model is beginning with the computation facility of roughly 10000 GPUs. Soon the remaining 8693 GPUs will be added. It will largely benefit researchers, students & developers in the beginning. The Technical partners who are participating in the mission have  expressed a lot of confidence in the ability of the mission to deliver its objective of democratising access to computing & that too at a very competitive rate. Government has decided to give it to the users for less than 100 rupees per GPU after subsidising the 40% of the cost. Compared to global models costing 2.5 to 3 dollars per hour usage, India’s AI Model will cost less than less than 100 rupees per hour after 40% government subsidy. The attractive half yearly & annual plans will further make it more affordable.

     

     

    Within 10 months of the launch of India AI Mission, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, is able to get an unprecedented response & create a high end & robust common computing facility of about 18,693 Graphic Processing Unit, GPUs ready for use. It is about nine times of what Open Source Model DeepSeek has & about two third of what ChatGPT has. Answering queries of the media, the Union Minister said that DeepSeek can get hosted on Indian servers after security checks so that coders, developers & designers can take benefit of its Open Source code.

    Safety and ethical deployment of AI Model remains top priority for the government. Expressing this commitment, the Union Minister announced that India is establishing an AI Safety Institute, adopting a techno-legal approach.

    The Key safety-related projects in this regard include following 8 simultaneous efforts to ensure the privacy of data along with ethical auditing of algorithmic efficiency.

    • Machine Unlearning (IIT Jodhpur)
    • Synthetic Data Generation (IIT Roorkee)
    • AI Bias Mitigation Strategy (NIT Raipur)
    • Explainable AI Framework (Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune & Minecraft Technologies)
    • Privacy Enhancing Strategies (IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, IIT Dharwad & Telecom Engineering Centre, TEC)
    • AI Ethical Certification Framework (Tool Nishpaksh being developed at IIIT Delhi & TEC)
    • AI Algorithm Auditing Framework (Tool Parakh being developed by Civic Data Labs )
    • AI Governance Testing Framework (Amrita Vidyapeetham & Telecom Engineering Centre)

     

    In addition, Watermarking and labeling, Deep fake detection tools, Real time identification and mitigation, AI risk management are five other projects AI Mission is running to make India’s AI model safe & secure from a privacy point of view. This initiative aims to benefit researchers, students, and the public with its low-cost, fast computing capabilities and its prompt results. The Indian AI Model will help promote innovation & develop citizen centric better governance tools including many industrial uses having humongous potential to harness technological benefits for the people at large.

    Common Compute Facility is the strong foundation for Democratic AI Development

    Under the India AI Mission, a huge computing infrastructure has been developed, surpassing global benchmarks in a short time. The facility now houses 18,693 GPUs, including 12,896 H100, 1,480 H200, and 7,200 MI 200 300 units, significantly exceeding the initial target of 10,000 GPUs. To put this capacity into perspective, DeepSeek was trained on 2,000 GPUs, while ChatGPT required 25,000 GPUs. This vast computing power will not only accelerate research, model training, help ethical AI algorithm development and foster innovation in India’s AI ecosystem.

    A common compute platform has been created, ensuring accessibility to all stakeholders. Approximately 10,000 GPUs are already available, and technical partners have expressed confidence in the mission’s capability to deliver world-class AI solutions. Following approval, this facility will soon be operational for widespread use.

    India’s Own AI Model: Built for Local Context

    Over the past one & half year, India has been developing a robust AI ecosystem framework to support its own foundational AI model. This model will address Indian linguistic and contextual needs while eliminating biases, ensuring inclusivity and promoting fairness. Leading developers and researchers are working towards completing multiple foundational models within 8 to 10 months, leveraging algorithmic efficiency to achieve cost-effective and timely development.

    Experts believe that India’s AI model will meet the country’s diverse requirements, bringing forth a high level of innovation tailored for Indian users.

    AI Applications to Benefit Citizens

    The India AI Mission focuses on developing AI applications in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, weather forecasting, and disaster management. Eighteen applications have been identified in these domains to harness AI for societal benefits. The initiative will address challenges such as climate change, learning disabilities, and agritech solutions, ensuring AI contributes to the well-being of millions.

    Affordable Compute Facility for AI Development

    India’s Compute facility is being offered at highly competitive rates. The cost per GPU hour is approximately ₹115.85, significantly lower than the global benchmark of $2.5–$3 per hour. High-end computing will be available at ₹150 per hour, with a 40% government subsidy reducing the cost to less than ₹100 per hour for common Compute access. This affordability ensures democratized AI access, empowering startups and researchers alike.

    The initiative offers competitive six-month and annual compute rate packages. The facility has garnered international appreciation, including recognition at Davos, reinforcing India’s position as a trusted global AI hub.

    Future Roadmap and Sustainability

    The India AI Mission operates under a four-year sunset clause with long-term sustainability. As India advances in its semiconductor journey, the government is strategically developing its ecosystem with clarity and systematic planning. With over $30 billion invested in the semiconductor mission, India’s AI aspirations align with its broader technological vision.

    The Union Minister said that DeepSeek and other foundational models can be hosted on Indian servers, similar to previous initiatives like LLaMA. He added, AI’s real impact lies in industrial applications beyond chatbots and image generation, It will address real-world challenges such as:

    • Health of oil drilling rigs
    • Railway ticketing optimization
    • Soil health monitoring for agriculture
    • Weather and cyclone prediction

    The mission also emphasizes AI safety through real-time detection tools, deep-fake mitigation, and robust AI risk management strategies. Stanford ranks India among the top nations in AI education, with 240 universities offering AI courses and 100 universities equipped with 5G labs.

    With a focus on democratic, inclusivity, affordability, and innovation, India is set to emerge as a global AI powerhouse, shaping the future of artificial intelligence for societal and industrial advancements.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2097659) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on Tragic Collison Near DCA Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on last night’s tragic crash involving a plane and military helicopter at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 
    “The collision at DCA of an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter is a shocking tragedy, and my condolences are with the victims and their families. We don’t yet know the specifics of how this happened, and we are awaiting more details. The National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense have already announced investigations into this terrible incident, which will take time. As we wait, I want to express my gratitude to the emergency responders and dive teams who are on the scene. 
    “Congress has worked to fund and bolster aviation safety measures as well as strengthening Air Traffic Controller (ATC) staffing and training with last year’s passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act, which was a focus of mine as a member of Senate Commerce Committee. That’s now under threat by the Trump Administration. We need to ensure that our aviation safety and staffing measures are as strong as possible to build back the trust of the flying public. We cannot have leaders making detrimental, rash decisions to overhaul critical aspects of our national transportation network for the sake of irrelevant culture wars. We need to immediately confirm a qualified FAA Administrator who is committed to safety and staffing.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance: Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Special Envoy on post-Holocaust issues and Chair of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, Lord Pickles, remarks to OSCE Permanent Council.

    Distinguished friends, your excellencies,

    Today, we gather in the shadow of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Allies and the public had a good idea of the murder of the Jews long before the gates of Auschwitz were opened by Soviet Troops eighty years ago.

    But listening to rumours and reading secret reports does not prepare anyone for the naked brutality. The Nazis and their collaborators are an indelible stain on European Civilisation and on World History.

    We come together to honour the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. But we do not come with clean hands. Many fellow European citizens’ fate was to be shot in ditches, gassed in industrial murder centres or worked to death because World governments turned their backs on the Jews. Migration was restricted, making flight impossible for most. We know the poor results of the Evian Conference encouraged the Nazis into more extreme measures. Appeasement and doing nothing encouraged bullies and fanatics.

    The Nazis did not invent antisemitism, nor did they need to explain it in lands they occupied what antisemitism was.

    As Professor Yehuda Bauer of blessed memory said, “No one comes away clean” from the history of the Holocaust.

    Legislation restricting Jewish employment, property and civil rights was present in countries years before the Second World War. Signs saying, “forbidden for Jews” and “Jews not welcome” were present long before the Nazi occupation. When the Nazis arrived, the restrictions and the notices were quickly adopted.

    While there is no state policy, the signs “Jews not welcome” and “Jew Free Zone” are back on our Streets along with chants and slogans that distort and demean the Holocaust.

    The Holocaust began with words of hatred, laws of exclusion, and acts of humiliation.

    The strength of liberal democracy is tolerance of other people’s views and a willingness to accept some disruption in the interest of free speech.

    Across our member countries, the forces of law and order have floundered against the waves of antisemitism. At times, they seem incapable of identifying breaches. Senior UK police officers saw the slogan “From the River to the Sea” as a harmless folk scene rather than the reality of a chant of ethnic cleansing.

    The risk is that opponents of an open society misread tolerance as weakness and become emboldened to use increasingly extreme language and actions.

    Holocaust distortion has moved from the fringes to mainstream public life.

    Distortion does not deny the Holocaust outright. Instead, it minimises, excuses, or misrepresents it.

    It builds a bridge between mainstream careless indifference and extreme ideologies.

    As the last survivors move from contemporary memory to the pages of history, we are the custodians of the truth.

    The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is committed to countering distortion. We uphold the truth and protect the facts.

    The OSCE’s mission aligns with this responsibility.

    Both our organisations are in the business of building a safer and more inclusive society.

    To support governments in this vital work, IHRA has developed essential tools, including its internationally recognised definitions on antisemitism and on Holocaust denial and distortion.

    These provide governments, institutions, and educators with a framework for identifying and effectively addressing these issues.

    To combat these scourges, we must be able to recognise them.

    Additionally, the IHRA provides comprehensive recommendations for Holocaust education.

    It also provides guidelines for the preservation and accessibility of archives and memorial sites.

    Together, these tools lay the framework for preserving memory and the truth.

    The UK Presidency of IHRA has pursued a triple-track approach to strengthening archives: including sharing of information between institutions and the public, using personal possessions to tell a story in human form, and preserving the sites of murder and destruction.

    Deniers and distorters can lie and twist. We will preserve the memory of the Holocaust by telling the unvarnished truth. And the truth can never hurt us. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Tax Breaks for Businesses Dealing in Russia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.) introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent businesses from claiming a foreign tax credit or deduction against taxes paid to fund the Russian government’s war machine. Currently, businesses paying taxes in foreign countries are eligible to claim a tax credit or deduction in the United States to reduce the burden of double taxation. There are certain hostile countries to which this tax credit does not apply, including North Korea and Iran, and Cortez Masto’s HONOR Act would add Russia to that list.

    In September 2023, Russia President Vladimir Putin illegally suspended the U.S-Russia Tax Treaty. Following a letter from Senators Cortez Masto and Cornyn, the United States Department of the Treasury retaliated by suspending benefits for Russian businesses and investors. The HONOR Act would take this suspension one step further and prevent businesses funding Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine from receiving tax breaks in the United States. This bill would ensure U.S. taxpayers are not subsidizing Putin’s oppressive government.

    “We should not be giving tax breaks to businesses that are funding the Putin regime. It’s that simple,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation expands upon current Treasury Department policy, holds Russia accountable for its criminal activity in Ukraine, and protects American national security.”

    “Businesses that continue to engage with Russia are enriching Putin’s oppressive regime,” said Senator Cornyn. “This commonsense bill would force these businesses to give up their foreign tax credits and deductions for taxes paid to Russia, which subsidize the Russian war apparatus.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has consistently advocated for the U.S. to stand up to Russian aggression and support Ukrainian sovereignty. She has voted to pass bipartisan legislation to support Ukraine and helped pass bipartisan economic sanctions that were signed into law to hold Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. She voted in support of sanctions against Russia and its Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and she supported similar sanctions in the 2020 and 2021 National Defense Authorization Acts.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cracked and Nulled Marketplaces Disrupted in International Cyber Operation

    Source: US State of California

    At Least 17M U.S. Victims Affected

    The Justice Department today announced its participation in a multinational operation involving actions in the United States, Romania, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Greece to disrupt and take down the infrastructure of the online cybercrime marketplaces known as Cracked and Nulled. The operation was announced in conjunction with Operation Talent, a multinational law enforcement operation supported by Europol to investigate Cracked and Nulled.

    Operation Talent Seizure Banner

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas, Assistant Director Brian A. Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Miraglia of the FBI Buffalo Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office made the announcement.

    Cracked

    According to seizure warrants unsealed today, the Cracked marketplace has been selling stolen login credentials, hacking tools, and servers for hosting malware and stolen data — as well as other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud — since March 2018. Cracked had over four million users, listed over 28 million posts advertising cybercrime tools and stolen information, generated approximately $4 million in revenue, and impacted at least 17 million victims from the United States. One product advertised on Cracked offered access to “billions of leaked websites” allowing users to search for stolen login credentials. This product was recently allegedly used to sextort and harass a woman in the Western District of New York. Specifically, a cybercriminal entered the victim’s username into the tool and obtained the victim’s credentials for an online account. Using the victim’s credentials, the subject then cyberstalked the victim and sent sexually demeaning and threatening messages to the victim. The seizure of these marketplaces is intended to disrupt this type of cybercrime and the proliferation of these tools in the cybercrime community.

    The FBI, working in coordination with foreign law enforcement partners, identified a series of servers that hosted the Cracked marketplace infrastructure and eight domain names used to operate Cracked. They also identified servers and domain names for Cracked’s payment processor, Sellix, and the server and domain name for a related bulletproof hosting service. All of these servers and domain names have been seized pursuant to domestic and international legal process. Anyone visiting any of these seized domains will now see a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain has been seized by law enforcement authorities.

    The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating the case.

    Senior Counsel Thomas Dougherty of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly for the Western District of New York are prosecuting the case.

    Nulled

    The Justice Department announced the seizure of the Nulled website domain and unsealed charges against one of Nulled’s administrators, Lucas Sohn, 29, an Argentinian national residing in Spain. According to the unsealed complaint affidavit, the Nulled marketplace has been selling stolen login credentials, stolen identification documents, hacking tools, as well as other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud, since 2016. Nulled had over five million users, listed over 43 million posts advertising cybercrime tools and stolen information, and generated approximately $1 million in yearly revenue. One product advertised on Nulled purported to contain the names and social security numbers of 500,000 American citizens.

    The FBI, working in coordination with foreign law enforcement partners, identified the servers that hosted the Nulled marketplace infrastructure, and the domain used to operate Nulled. The servers and domain have been seized pursuant to domestic and international legal process. Anyone visiting the Nulled domain will now see a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain has been seized by law enforcement authorities.

    According to the complaint, Sohn was an active administrator of Nulled and performed escrow functions on the website. Nulled’s customers would use Sohn’s services to complete transactions involving stolen credentials and other information. For his actions, Sohn has been charged with conspiracy to traffic in passwords and similar information through which computers may be accessed without authorization; conspiracy to solicit another person for the purpose of offering an access device or selling information regarding an access device; and conspiracy to possess, transfer, or use a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid and abet or in connection with any unlawful activity that is a violation of federal law.

    If convicted, Sohn faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in passwords, 10 years in prison for access device fraud, and 15 years in prison for identity fraud.

    The FBI Austin Cyber Task Force is investigating the case. The Task Force participants include the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, among other agencies.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Karthik Srinivasan and Christopher Mangels for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Tindall for the Western District of Texas handling the forfeiture component.

    The Justice Department worked in close cooperation with investigators and prosecutors from several jurisdictions on the takedown of both the Cracked and Nulled marketplaces, including the Australian Federal Police, Europol, France’s Anti-Cybercrime Office (Office Anti-cybercriminalité) and Cyber Division of the Paris Prosecution Office, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) and Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center (Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Frankfurt am Main – ZIT), the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) and Guardia Civil, the Hellenic Police (Ελληνική Αστυνομία), Italy’s Polizia di Stato and the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police (Inspectoratul General al Poliției Romane). The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

    A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: SecDef Hegseth on Guantanamo Bay Operations and Addresses Tragic Mishap Involving US Army Helicopter

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES
    01.30.2025

    SecDef Hegseth Update on Guantanamo Bay Operations and Addresses Tragic Mishap Involving US Army Helicopter

    Video by Chad McNeeley and Staff Sgt. John Wright
    Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSo29xm8yFo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cracked and Nulled Marketplaces Disrupted in International Cyber Operation

    Source: United States Attorneys General 2

    At Least 17M U.S. Victims Affected

    The Justice Department today announced its participation in a multinational operation involving actions in the United States, Romania, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Greece to disrupt and take down the infrastructure of the online cybercrime marketplaces known as Cracked and Nulled. The operation was announced in conjunction with Operation Talent, a multinational law enforcement operation supported by Europol to investigate Cracked and Nulled.

    Operation Talent Seizure Banner

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross for the Western District of New York, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas, Assistant Director Brian A. Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Miraglia of the FBI Buffalo Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office made the announcement.

    Cracked

    According to seizure warrants unsealed today, the Cracked marketplace has been selling stolen login credentials, hacking tools, and servers for hosting malware and stolen data — as well as other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud — since March 2018. Cracked had over four million users, listed over 28 million posts advertising cybercrime tools and stolen information, generated approximately $4 million in revenue, and impacted at least 17 million victims from the United States. One product advertised on Cracked offered access to “billions of leaked websites” allowing users to search for stolen login credentials. This product was recently allegedly used to sextort and harass a woman in the Western District of New York. Specifically, a cybercriminal entered the victim’s username into the tool and obtained the victim’s credentials for an online account. Using the victim’s credentials, the subject then cyberstalked the victim and sent sexually demeaning and threatening messages to the victim. The seizure of these marketplaces is intended to disrupt this type of cybercrime and the proliferation of these tools in the cybercrime community.

    The FBI, working in coordination with foreign law enforcement partners, identified a series of servers that hosted the Cracked marketplace infrastructure and eight domain names used to operate Cracked. They also identified servers and domain names for Cracked’s payment processor, Sellix, and the server and domain name for a related bulletproof hosting service. All of these servers and domain names have been seized pursuant to domestic and international legal process. Anyone visiting any of these seized domains will now see a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain has been seized by law enforcement authorities.

    The FBI Buffalo Field Office is investigating the case.

    Senior Counsel Thomas Dougherty of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly for the Western District of New York are prosecuting the case.

    Nulled

    The Justice Department announced the seizure of the Nulled website domain and unsealed charges against one of Nulled’s administrators, Lucas Sohn, 29, an Argentinian national residing in Spain. According to the unsealed complaint affidavit, the Nulled marketplace has been selling stolen login credentials, stolen identification documents, hacking tools, as well as other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud, since 2016. Nulled had over five million users, listed over 43 million posts advertising cybercrime tools and stolen information, and generated approximately $1 million in yearly revenue. One product advertised on Nulled purported to contain the names and social security numbers of 500,000 American citizens.

    The FBI, working in coordination with foreign law enforcement partners, identified the servers that hosted the Nulled marketplace infrastructure, and the domain used to operate Nulled. The servers and domain have been seized pursuant to domestic and international legal process. Anyone visiting the Nulled domain will now see a seizure banner that notifies them that the domain has been seized by law enforcement authorities.

    According to the complaint, Sohn was an active administrator of Nulled and performed escrow functions on the website. Nulled’s customers would use Sohn’s services to complete transactions involving stolen credentials and other information. For his actions, Sohn has been charged with conspiracy to traffic in passwords and similar information through which computers may be accessed without authorization; conspiracy to solicit another person for the purpose of offering an access device or selling information regarding an access device; and conspiracy to possess, transfer, or use a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid and abet or in connection with any unlawful activity that is a violation of federal law.

    If convicted, Sohn faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in passwords, 10 years in prison for access device fraud, and 15 years in prison for identity fraud.

    The FBI Austin Cyber Task Force is investigating the case. The Task Force participants include the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, among other agencies.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Karthik Srinivasan and Christopher Mangels for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Tindall for the Western District of Texas handling the forfeiture component.

    The Justice Department worked in close cooperation with investigators and prosecutors from several jurisdictions on the takedown of both the Cracked and Nulled marketplaces, including the Australian Federal Police, Europol, France’s Anti-Cybercrime Office (Office Anti-cybercriminalité) and Cyber Division of the Paris Prosecution Office, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) and Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center (Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Frankfurt am Main – ZIT), the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) and Guardia Civil, the Hellenic Police (Ελληνική Αστυνομία), Italy’s Polizia di Stato and the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police (Inspectoratul General al Poliției Romane). The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

    A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Devastating Aviation Accident Wednesday

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    01.30.25
    Cantwell Statement on Devastating Aviation Accident Wednesday
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on Wednesday’s collision between American Airlines flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, operated by the U.S. Army, over the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA):

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Joint Statement by humanitarian, development and human rights organisations in Lebanon: We need a Permanent Ceasefire and a Just Recovery

    Source: Oxfam –

    We, the undersigned organisations operating in Lebanon, urgently call on parties to abide by their commitments towards a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon and appeal to the international community to ensure the respect and full implementation of the temporary ceasefire agreement, now being extended until February 18th 2025.

    While the temporary ceasefire remains in effect and has been extended, we express deep concern about the numerous reported violations that continue to weaken the agreement.. Over 800 violations by Israeli forces[1] and at least one violation by Hezbollah[2] have been reported. As of January 23, 2025 violations by Israeli forces have included indiscriminate ground and air attacks, killing at least 30 people, since November 27, 2024, bringing the total number of people killed by Israeli forces since October 8, 2023 to 4,285, including 241 health care workers, and 17,200 wounded[3]. On Sunday January 26, 2025, alone, Israeli military forces killed 24 individuals, including six women and a Lebanese soldier, and injured 134 including 12 children in the South of Lebanon[4]. Thousands of people, including women and children, older people and people with disabilities have been uprooted from their homes, cut off from food, healthcare and education and exposed to hugely traumatic events – with, so far, no accountability for the destruction or indiscriminate killing.

    This agreement represents a step towards implementing UN Security Resolution 1701 and included a “phased withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces south of the Blue Line and the parallel deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) south of the Litani river” that “should not exceed 60 days”.[5] There is still an opportunity to transform temporary undertakings into longer term commitments.

    While many are attempting to return to their homes, hundreds of thousands of people still face the grim reality of either not being able to return because of ongoing Israeli forces’ ground occupation or because of the scale of destruction. Israeli forces have razed entire villages and destroyed agricultural lands and vital infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. Lands are contaminated by unexploded ordnance posing threats to life and risks for the reconstruction efforts.

    As human rights and humanitarian organisations, we will continue supporting all affected people with emergency assistance, recovery and reconstruction[6], but the humanitarian crisis remains severe. Plans for recovery and reconstruction have begun amidst a lingering socio-economic crisis and skyrocketing poverty rates, with nearly one Third of children in Lebanon facing crisis levels of hunger[7]. The economic losses due to the conflict are estimated at 8.5 billion USD[8], and Lebanon desperately needs support for its recovery. The consequences of this destruction will be felt in Lebanon for years to come, and yet again, with no accountability.

    As humanitarian and human rights organisations involved in the immediate relief, early recovery and reconstruction efforts in Lebanon, we urgently call for:

    1. Immediate, Unconditional and Definitive Ceasefire in Lebanon and the Region:
    • The international community to take every step possible, including through diplomatic and political leverage, to ensure an immediate and definitive ceasefire in Lebanon. The temporary and conditional agreement must allow for a transition to a permanent ceasefire.

    • The international community must also ensure the respect and implementation  of the pause in hostilities in Gaza and an end to excessive use of force in the West Bank, acknowledging that this is essential to protect civilians and prevent further escalation and regional spillover.

    1. Unconditional Humanitarian Access and Scaling Up Assistance:
    • Ensure rapid, unhindered access to conflict-affected areas and safeguard humanitarian facilities and personnel across the country.
    • Fully fund the humanitarian flash appeal to address the acute needs across Lebanon to enable the provision of immediate, flexible funding for gender, age and disability responsive humanitarian responses, including cash assistance, safe shelter, and healthcare.

    • Support reconstruction efforts through grants, not loans, and fund early warning and early action and anticipatory action to mitigate further shocks.

    1. Inclusive Recovery Focusing on Social Cohesion:
    1. Supporting Local and National NGOs in Response Planning and Implementation:

    • Increase financial and logistical support to local and national NGOs[9], including women’s rights and women-led organizations, and ensure these are at the forefront of responding to the crisis and receive direct, timely and flexible funding to meet growing needs.

    1. Halt the Transfer of Arms to Conflict Parties:

    • Suspend immediately the transfer of all weapons, parts, munitions, and ammunition to parties to the armed conflict when there is a risk they might be used to commit or facilitate violations of IHL and IHRL and other further grave violations in Lebanon and the region.

    1. Accountability and Respect for International Law:

    There is cautious optimism following recent political developments, including the appointments of both President and Prime Minister. However, meaningful international support is critical to fulfill the aspirations of the people in Lebanon for sustainable peace and justice. It is the persistent failure to seek accountability for violations that has fuelled cycles of violence now affecting the entire region. The time for action is now to ensure a just recovery and lasting peace in Lebanon and the region.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Situation in Eastern DRC: UK statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has issued a statement following the occupation of Goma in Eastern DRC by M23 and Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF).

    An FCDO spokesperson said:

    “The UK condemns the occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern DRC by M23 and Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) as an unacceptable breach of DRC’s sovereignty and the UN Charter which poses a fundamental risk to regional stability.

    “The UK calls for the immediate withdrawal of all RDF from Congolese territory. On 26 January, the Foreign Secretary told President Kagame that an attack on Goma would provoke a strong response from the international community. On 29 January, Lord Collins made clear to the Rwandan High Commissioner that Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC were unacceptable and expressed deep concern at reports of M23 and RDF advancing through South Kivu towards Bukavu.

    “The humanitarian situation, already dire before M23 and RDF’s latest offensive, is now critical. More than 800,000 people in the area who were prioritised for support may no longer receive vital food and nutritional assistance. The UK calls on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, facilitate humanitarian access, and return to inclusive diplomatic talks. Their engagement in good faith in African-led processes will be key. There can be no military solution.

    “The UK is actively considering next steps, alongside international partners, including the possibility of a review of all UK support to Rwanda.”

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call With NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held an introductory call yesterday to discuss their shared commitment to building a stronger, more lethal NATO Alliance. Both leaders stressed the importance of raising Allied defense spending and expanding defense industrial base capacity on both sides of the Atlantic. Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the United States is fully committed, under President Trump’s leadership, to pursuing these objectives in the face of today’s threats. Both leaders agreed to work closely together and to meet in person soon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Warns Hegseth Against Going After Former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Milley, Demands Reinstatement of Pentagon Watchdog

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    January 30, 2025
    “I am concerned that the removal of the Senate-confirmed IG will result in waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds, undermine accountability, and open the door to an unprecedented politicization of the Defense Department and the armed forces.”
    Text of Letter (PDF) 
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Service Subcommittee on Personnel, wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with concerns following the removal of the Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General (IG), Robert Storch. Senator Warren urged Secretary Hegseth to request President Trump rescind the decision to remove the IG and called out his abuse of power. 
    Mr. Storch was one of over a dozen IG’s that were reportedly fired by President Trump in an illegal “Friday night purge.” Before the president can fire an inspector general, he must provide notice to Congress within 30 days prior, including providing “substantial rationale” for the removal. Congress received no notice, and as of today, has not received a rationale. 
    In written responses to Senator Warren, Secretary Hegseth committed “to protecting the DoD IG’s independence.” During his confirmation hearing, he promised to be a “change agent” who would make sure that “[l]eaders—at all levels—will be held accountable.” These commitments will be impossible without an independent Inspector General. 
    “[N]ow that the IG has been removed, and less than 72 hours after your swearing in ceremony, you appear to be abusing your power to weaponize the government against the President’s political enemies,” wrote Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren also wrote with concerns that Secretary Hegseth reportedly is stripping four-star General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, of his security detail and clearance, as well as directing the acting IG to conduct a review board to demote him. Members of Congress already asked the DoD IG to investigate this issue in 2022. After the IG reviewed “hundreds of pages of documents, including classified and unclassified records,” the IG concluded that “further inquiry…is not warranted.” 
    Retired General Milley is also among several officials provided security due to continued threats to his life from Iran.
    “It is reckless that your actions could pave the way for Iran’s revenge. Any reopening of General Milley’s administratively determined retired grade requires prior notice to Congress, due process for General Milley, and in the case of any redetermination, the advice and consent of the Senate,” said Senator Warren.
    “I am concerned that the removal of the Senate-confirmed IG will result in waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds, undermine accountability, and open the door to an unprecedented politicization of the Defense Department and the armed forces,” concluded Senator Warren. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Deadly Aircraft Collision Near Reagan National Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement today after a regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided in midair with a U.S. Army helicopter carrying three soldiers near Reagan Washington National Airport late last night:
    “Our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing immeasurable loss due to this tragic midair collision.  I am continuing to monitor the situation closely with updates from DOD, FAA, and other agencies.
    “We are truly grateful to the first responders and those who continue working around the clock in difficult conditions to respond to this tragedy.  This was an absolutely devastating incident and our thoughts are with the victims and those impacted.  It’s important to allow experts to drill down and gather all the facts and get people the answers they deserve.”

    MIL OSI USA News –