NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Fatal crash following fleeing driver incident, Penrose

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Inspector Kevan Verry, Counties Manukau CIB:

    Police are continuing with a critical incident investigation surrounding the events leading up a fatal crash in Penrose yesterday afternoon.

    One person has died, and another person remains in a critical condition after a driver allegedly fled from Police and crashed on Great South Road just before 2pm.

    Today, Police are in a position to release some further information as our enquiries continue.

    A 22-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court on Friday charged with reckless driving causing death and reckless driving causing injury following yesterday’s incident.

    Shortly before 2pm, a Police officer sighted a vehicle travelling at excess speed along Vestey Drive.

    Moments later the vehicle crossed the centre line and crashed into two other vehicles near the intersection of Great South Road, Penrose and Sundown Lane.

    A passenger from one of the vehicles struck was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the same vehicle was transported to hospital where they remain in a critical condition.

    The driver of the other vehicle hit sustained minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.

    The driver of the speeding vehicle was transported to hospital in a critical condition, and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

    We would like to acknowledge the impact that yesterday’s events will have had on the community and our thoughts are with everyone involved.

    We are providing support to those affected and their families, as well as our staff who were impacted.

    Until the next of kin notifications have been carried out, further details regarding the deceased are unable to be released.

    There are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation.

    As is standard procedure, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has also been notified.

    A scene examination was completed yesterday and the Serious Crash Unit and staff are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

    Police are also appealing to any witnesses who may have seen the a grey Holden Commodore in the Panama Road, Great South Road and Vestey Drive areas between 1.30pm-2pm yesterday.

    Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Police to assist with the investigation.

    Please update Police online or call 105 and use the reference number 250316/5377 or cite ‘Operation Kershaw ’.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: How China is lifting consumer spending to boost its growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Vowing to make domestic demand “the main engine and anchor of economic growth”, China’s policymakers have sent fresh and firm signals on empowering the vast number of consumers to spend, countering skepticism about the country’s shift toward a consumption-driven economy.

    China will “place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending”, according to this year’s Government Work Report submitted on March 5 to the National People’s Congress, the national legislature, for deliberation.

    Boosting consumption is hardly a fresh concept in the Chinese policy toolbox, and consumer spending has played an increasingly vital role in China’s economy. In 2024, final consumption contributed 44.5 percent to China’s economic growth, surpassing investment and exports, and drove GDP up by 2.2 percentage points.

    This year, however, the push has been particularly important as China’s economy contends with rising trade protectionism and global headwinds, while the domestic shift from traditional growth drivers, such as real estate, to new and more sustainable ones poses new challenges.

    “Expanding domestic demand through stimulating consumption can effectively counter external uncertainties, and it stabilizes short-term growth while aiding structural shifts over time,” said Yang Decai, a national political advisor and economics professor at Nanjing University, during the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and political advisory body, known as the two sessions.

    To support this pivotal transition, the Government Work Report unveiled stronger supportive measures, including issuing ultra-long special treasury bonds of 300 billion yuan ($41.3 billion) to back the consumer goods trade-in program, doubling the scale from last year.

    The trade-in program, launched a year ago, has played a vital role in revitalizing consumer markets. In 2024, it led to sales exceeding 1.3 trillion yuan, including over 6.8 million vehicles, 56 million home appliances and 1.38 million e-bikes. More items have been added to the list of subsidized products this year.

    “The trade-in program is more than just an economic policy,” Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao told a news conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th NPC on March 6, noting that it has fostered new development engines and improved the quality of life for millions of households.

    Wang pointed out that the primary issue constraining goods consumption is the ability and willingness to spend, while the main challenge for services consumption is the lack of high-quality supply.

    To tackle these weaknesses, the Chinese government, in addition to clinching cheaper deals for consumers, aims to lift consumer confidence by bolstering people’s well-being, with a focus on creating jobs, raising incomes and easing their financial burdens.

    More funds and resources will be used to serve the people and meet their needs, according to the Government Work Report.

    Targeting over 12 million new urban jobs this year, the government will provide stronger support for full and higher-quality employment, according to the report. It also pledged to raise the minimum basic old-age benefits for rural and non-working urban residents as well as the basic pension benefits for retirees.

    “Raising farmers’ pension payments may be the most effective way to boost consumption because it will significantly reduce the savings rate and boost consumption for half of China’s population,” said Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura, who expects more will be done in this regard in coming years.

    Government spending on education will rise by 6.1 percent this year and that on social security and employment by 5.9 percent, with strong gains also expected in healthcare and housing, Finance Minister Lan Fo’an revealed at the news conference on March 6.

    Chinese policymakers have also tied consumption to lifestyle upgrades, not just spending volume, as the Government Work Report highlighted the need to create new consumption scenarios to accelerate the growth of digital, green, smart, and other new types of consumption.

    It promised to improve the leave system and ensure its implementation to unlock consumption potential in sectors like culture, tourism and sports, which are among the most powerful service consumption engines.

    Meanwhile, new consumption trends, from winter sports boom to silver-haired consumer spending upsurge, are already stoking fresh growth.

    The silver economy, which caters to China’s aging population, could reach 30 trillion yuan by 2035 and create at least 100 million jobs by 2050, according to national political advisor Jin Li, vice-president of Southern University of Science and Technology.

    Sun Guangzhi, head of the provincial culture and tourism department of the ice and snow-rich Jilin province, said the northeastern province sparked over 100 million yuan in direct spending by issuing consumption vouchers in the latest snow season.

    “This demonstrates the combined benefits of policy incentives and local resource strength,” said Sun, a national lawmaker.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hundreds of livestock breeds have gone extinct – but some Australian farmers are keeping endangered breeds alive

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catie Gressier, Adjunct Research Fellow in Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia

    Berkshire pigs JWhitwell/Shutterstock

    It took thousands of years to develop the world’s extraordinary range of domesticated farm animals – an estimated 8,800 livestock breeds across 38 farmed species.

    But this diversity is dwindling fast. Advances in selective breeding and artificial insemination have fuelled the global spread of a small number of profitable livestock types. Their popularity has left ever more heritage breeds at risk of extinction.

    Why does this matter? Each breed represents vital genetic diversity for the livestock species on which we rely, known as agrobiodiversity. As the number of breeds shrink, we lose their genetics forever.

    There are bright spots amid the decline. Hundreds of passionate farmers are working hard to keep heritage breeds alive around Australia. As my new book shows, they do it primarily for love.

    Which livestock breeds are disappearing – and why?

    Cattle have experienced the highest number of extinctions, with at least 184 breeds lost globally.

    Of all chicken breeds, one in ten is now extinct, and a further 30% are endangered.

    Sheep are also rapidly losing diversity, with 160 breeds now extinct. The rise of synthetic materials has endangered the remaining breeds producing carpet wool in New Zealand and Australia, including the unique Tasmanian Elliottdale.

    The fleece of Elliotdale sheep has been used to make woollen carpets.
    Sue Curliss, CC BY-NC-ND

    Pigs fare little better. Australia’s 2.5 million pigs are predominantly Large White, Landrace and Duroc crossbreeds, while none of the eight remaining purebred pig breeds in Australia currently has more than 100 sows registered with the Rare Breeds Trust. While not all sows are registered, we know breeds such as Tamworths are at dangerously low numbers.

    How did this happen? Over the past century, the goal of animal husbandry has shifted from breeding hardy, multipurpose animals to increasing performance for economic gain. For livestock, performance means more of what humans value, such as pigs with extra ribs, prolific egg-laying hens and sheep with finer wool.

    Huge sums have been spent on selective breeding and artificial insemination technologies. This, in turn, has made it possible for a small number of profitable livestock types to be farmed globally.

    For instance, when you buy a roast chicken, it will likely be one of just two types of fast-growing broilers (meat chickens), the Ross or the Cobb. Their genetics are developed and trademarked by two multinational agribusinesses who dominate the global broiler market.

    Chicken breed numbers have shrunk too, risking rare breeds such as Transylvanian naked neck cockerel bantams.
    Scott Carter, CC BY-NC-ND

    It’s hard to overstate how big the increases in production have been from reproductive technologies. In the dairy industry, for instance, milk yield per cow has doubled in the past 40 years. These volumes are around six times greater now than a century ago.

    Holsteins, the top dairy breed, have become globally dominant. Almost 1.4 million of Australia’s 1.65 million dairy cows are Holsteins. But as Holstein numbers soar, other breeds dwindle. Many farmers have simply stopped rearing other breeds, leading to many becoming endangered or extinct.

    For Holsteins themselves, this has come with a cost. Selective breeding for high milk volume has meant Holsteins suffer more medical issues such as metabolic diseases and frequent mastitis. They also have reduced fertility and longevity.

    Researchers have found 99% of Holstein bulls produced by artificial insemination in the United States are descended from just two sires. This wide dissemination of limited bloodlines has led to the spread of genetic defects.

    Holstein cows produce much more milk – but there’s a cost.
    VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock

    What is at stake?

    Our food systems face growing threats. Genetic diversity provides a safeguard for livestock species against lethal animal diseases such as H5N1 bird flu and African swine fever.

    If we rely on just a few breeds, we risk a wipe out. The Irish potato famine is a catastrophic example. In the 1800s, Irish farmers took up the “lumper” variety of potatoes to feed a growing population. But when fungal rot struck in the 1840s, it turned most of the crop to mush – and led to mass starvation.

    Some breeds have very useful traits, such as resistance to particular pests and diseases.

    Chickens and other birds die in swathes if infected by Newcastle disease, one of the most serious bird viruses. But breeds such as the hardy Egyptian Fayoumi survive better, while the European Leghorn – whose genetics are used in commercial egg-laying breeds – is highly susceptible.

    Local breeds can also have better resistance to endemic pests. The Indian zebu humped cattle breed, for example, is less prone to tick infestation than crossbreeds.

    Climate change is also making life harder for livestock, and some breeds are better adapted to heat than others.

    For different cultural groups, local heritage breeds also have unique symbolic and culinary value.

    While it’s well-known eating less meat would benefit ecosystems, animal welfare and human health, eating meat remains entrenched in our diets and the economy. Pursuing more sustainable and higher-welfare approaches to livestock production is crucial.

    Some Aussie farmers love heritage breeds

    A cohort of Australian farmers is working hard to conserve dozens of endangered livestock breeds such as Large Black pigs, Shropshire sheep and Belted Galloway cattle.

    A rare Belted Galloway cow with a one week old calf.
    Scott Carter, CC BY-NC-ND

    But these farmers are hampered by our reluctance as consumers to pay more to cover the cost of raising slower-growing breeds in free-range environments. Not only that, but meat processors are increasingly closing their doors to small-scale producers.

    Why persevere? For four years, I’ve conducted ethnographic research with Australia’s heritage breed farmers. I found they were motivated by one of the most powerful conservation tools we have: love.

    Of his endangered English Leicester sheep, one farmer told me:

    I consider them to be family; they have been our family for over 150 years. I talk to them, and the rams in particular talk to me. Sorry if I sound like a silly old man, but you must talk to them. I gave myself a 60th birthday present by commissioning a large portrait of an English Leicester head, which hangs in our kitchen (I do not have a painting of my wife).

    Love doesn’t often feature in agricultural research. But it is an important force. We know from wildlife conservation that humans will act to save what they love. This holds for livestock, too.

    What can you do? If you eat meat or work with wool, seek out rare breeds and join organisations such as the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance who back farmers supporting breed diversity.

    Catie Gressier receives funding from the Australian Research Council’s Discovery Project scheme as well as the European Research Council. She is affiliated with the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance.

    – ref. Hundreds of livestock breeds have gone extinct – but some Australian farmers are keeping endangered breeds alive – https://theconversation.com/hundreds-of-livestock-breeds-have-gone-extinct-but-some-australian-farmers-are-keeping-endangered-breeds-alive-250393

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Luxon meets Modi: why a ‘good’ NZ-India trade deal is preferable to a ‘perfect’ one

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Ogden, Associate Professor in Global Studies, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Some have said Christopher Luxon’s pledge to get a free trade deal between New Zealand and India over the line in his first term as prime minister was overly optimistic. But not all trade deals are the same, and Luxon may yet get to claim bragging rights.

    Already he is managing expectations, saying a “good” deal will be better than waiting a long time for a “perfect” one. And with formal negotiations confirmed not long after Luxon touched down in New Delhi, we can perhaps expect genuine movement.

    At the same time, India’s negotiating style is notoriously rigid, with its bilateral investment treaty model having proved a stumbling block to deals with many other nations or blocs, including the United Kingdom and European Union.

    New Zealand first held formal negotiations with India over a decade ago. But talks derailed in 2015 over the inclusion of dairy products in any agreement. We can be fairly sure this will be the compromise Luxon’s government is ready to make now.

    One model might be Australia’s Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, which leaves out dairy, too. And New Zealand was able to sign a free trade deal with China in 2008 that excluded diary, with those restrictions removed in a 2022 upgrade.

    Beyond the economic implications, of course, lie domestic political calculations. Luxon needs a win to counter flatlining poll numbers and speculation about his leadership future. Good news in India offers just that.

    Playing the Indo-Pacific card

    Using diplomatic language that plays up New Zealand being part of the Indo-Pacific region – rather than the traditional Western alliance – will be essential.

    New Zealand – despite its relatively small size – is still a significant regional player, with the Indo-Pacific’s fourth highest GDP per capita.

    In the context of an imminent “Asian Century”, and the region becoming a crucial zone for economic and military power, New Zealand also provides a strategic pathway into the Pacific, where India is becoming increasingly involved.

    All of this will influence Luxon’s keynote address today at the 10th Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship multilateral conference on global politics and economics. He is the first leader not governing a European country to make such a speech, and is also the chief guest at the dialogue.

    Luxon is already on the record as saying New Zealand and India are “very aligned” on Indo-Pacific security and concerns over Chinese regional influence, with scope for more joint defence exercises. This linkage between security and trade mirrors Wellington’s recent relations with Beijing, which have become increasingly difficult to navigate.

    Solid foundations

    But there is a long way to go. In 2024, India-New Zealand trade was worth a combined NZ$3.14 billion – a fraction of the $208.46 billion generated by trade with China in the same year.

    Nevertheless, Luxon and his ministers have made undeniable progress. His “recalibration of a relationship that has long been neglected” bore fruit in October last year when he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ASEAN summit, and the countries announced their intention to take the relationship to “greater heights”.

    The previous Labour government helped set the scene with a succession of high-level diplomatic visits and parliamentary exchanges. In 2023, the Indian government described relations with New Zealand as having “an upward trajectory”.

    And there are clearly good foundations to build on – especially the 292,000 people of Indian ethnicity in New Zealand, who contribute US$10 billion to the New Zealand economy.

    Great expectations

    Trade is ripe for expansion, too. New Zealand primarily exports wool, iron and steel, aluminium, fruits and nuts, wood pulp and recovered paper, and imports Indian pharmaceuticals, machinery, precious metals and stones, textiles, vehicles and clothing.

    There’s potential to grow trade with India in tourism (especially attractive to India’s growing middle class), and collaboration on space technology, renewable energy and agritech.

    There were 8,000 Indian students in New Zealand last year, a number that may well grow given a relative drop in student numbers from China. With the US and UK becoming more hostile to immigration, New Zealand can offer a relatively safe and tolerant alternative.

    In many ways, India is the new China. In 2023, India’s GDP was US$14.54 trillion, making it the world’s fourth largest economy. New Delhi is on the cusp of becoming a great power, and is being courted by all countries, big and small.

    As such, while Luxon has momentum on a trade deal, he is also part of a long queue. Given the relative power imbalance between the two countries, the weight of expectation sits squarely on his shoulders.

    Chris Ogden is a Senior Research Fellow with The Foreign Policy Centre, London.

    – ref. Luxon meets Modi: why a ‘good’ NZ-India trade deal is preferable to a ‘perfect’ one – https://theconversation.com/luxon-meets-modi-why-a-good-nz-india-trade-deal-is-preferable-to-a-perfect-one-252036

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: CYCJET Yuchang Industry invites you to attend CHINAPLAS 2025 International Rubber and Plastics Exhibition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, March 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exhibition name: The 37th China International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition (CHINAPLAS 2025)
    Exhibition time: April 15-18, 2025
    Exhibition location: Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center (Bao’an New Hall)
    CYCJET booth number: 8W81

    1. About CHINAPLAS 2025
    Founded in 1983, CHINAPLAS is one of the most influential exhibitions in the global plastics and rubber industry. The 2025 exhibition will focus on sustainable development and innovation, with an exhibition area of 380,000 square meters and more than 4,000 well-known exhibitors.

    The exhibition not only brings together the latest technologies and products in the industry, but also holds the Global Rubber and Plastic Industry Development Trend and Technology Summit Forum at the same time, focusing on emerging industries such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, wind power, hydrogen energy, and discussing hot topics such as digital empowerment and green energy. In addition, the exhibition is expected to attract 250,000 professional buyers from 150 countries and regions, of which overseas visitors account for about 25%, this is not only a weather vane for the development of the industry, but also an excellent opportunity for companies to demonstrate their strength and expand the market, and fully demonstrate the high-value utilization and high-tech production of plastic recycling.

    2. About CYCJET

    CYCJET Yuchang Industrial Co., Ltd., as a leader in product identification solutions, has participated in the CHINAPLAS International Rubber and Plastics Exhibition for six consecutive years. With its outstanding laser inkjet technology and product performance, CYCJET has accumulated rich experience in the field of identification equipment and has won wide market recognition. At this exhibition, we will bring star products such as CYCJET series UV inkjet printers, laser machines, portable handheld inkjet printers, etc. to present you with the latest technological achievements.

    1. UV inkjet printer: It adopts advanced UV inkjet technology to achieve high-precision inkjet coding, can perform high-precision coding on the surface of various materials, and can dynamically adjust the content according to the real-time needs of the production line. It is widely used in packaging identification in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries.

    2. Laser marking machine: It adopts non-contact processing method, which will not cause physical damage to the workpiece and ensure the original accuracy of the workpiece. In addition, the laser marking machine supports real-time data printing, which can meet the needs of complex industrial production. It can engrave clear and permanent marks on the surface of metal, plastic and other materials, and is widely used in automotive parts, electronic components and other industries.

    3.Portable handheld inkjet printer: It is small and portable, flexible to operate, suitable for printing on the surface of various materials, and can meet the needs of rapid on-site marking.

    In addition to these star products, there are also small character inkjet printers, automatic inkjet equipment, etc. These products reflect CYCJET’s unremitting pursuit of logo quality and in-depth insight into customer needs. At the same time, CYCJET’s inkjet printer technology has demonstrated excellent performance and wide application value in many fields such as cartons, medical treatment, lithium batteries, roll film, rulers, pipes, beverage bottles, plastic bags, wood, metal, tires, rulers, etc. It not only improves production efficiency, but also enhances the added value and brand image of products.

    In addition, CYCJET’s technical team has rich experience and expertise, and can provide customers with customized solutions and comprehensive technical support to ensure that any problems encountered by customers during use can be solved promptly and effectively.

    CHINAPLAS 2025 is an excellent platform for gathering industry elites and displaying cutting-edge technologies. CYCJET Yuchang Industrial looks forward to meeting you at the exhibition to discuss industry development trends and share technical experience. Our booth 8W81 will provide you with a full range of product displays and technical support, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of CYCJET’s strength and innovation. Let us work together to create a better future for the rubber and plastics industry!

    CYCJET is the brand name of Yuchang Industrial Company Limited. As a manufacturer, CYCJET have more than 20 years of experience for R& D different types of handheld inkjet printing solution, Laser printing solution, and portable marking solution, High Resolution Printing solution in Shanghai China.

    Contact Person: David Guo
    Telephone: +86-21-59970419 ext 8008
    MOB:+86-139 1763 1707
    Email: sales@cycjet.com
    Web: https://cycjet.com/
    Reference Video: https://youtu.be/OMlO1H74_U8
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100064098422560/videos/1797672731079290
    Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7301173476332109824
    Ins: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGnJl7hR7RM/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    Keywords :  
    CHINAPLAS2025
    UV inkjet printer
    Laser marking machine
    CO2 laser marking machine
    Laser marking equipment
    Flying laser printer
    Plastic pipe laser marking machine
    Inkjet printer
    High resolution inkjet printer
    Online inkjet printer
    Industrial inkjet printer

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a8d1cd9-11c9-46af-bd44-7920c1fa9daa

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5a18db9-a63e-497d-8550-115f19c1a2d0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1212ca9-6b14-42b4-942b-71fd8a50eaaa

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9ceb1a0-cb61-43c7-91da-69d13d22ad8b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Airports report record aeronautical revenues despite slower growth in passenger numbers

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    Click to enlargeAustralia’s four largest airports, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, each reported their highest ever aeronautical revenues in 2023-24, the ACCC’s latest Airport Monitoring Report shows.

    The 24.3 per cent increase in revenues to $2.6 billion occurred despite the four major airports collectively handling fewer passengers than before the pandemic. While domestic and international passengers grew by 13.7 per cent to 114.6 million since 2022-23, passenger numbers remained 4.7 per cent below 2018-19 levels.

    “The increase in aeronautical revenues in 2023-24 was driven in large part by the continued recovery in international passenger numbers, which rose by 32.1 per cent at the four airports monitored in our report,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

    “Domestic passenger numbers also grew by 6.7 per cent.”

    Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne airports also substantially increased their operating profits from aeronautical activities in 2023-24.

    “Sydney Airport was once again clearly the most profitable of the four major airports for aeronautical services in 2023-24, both in aggregate and on a per-passenger basis,” Ms Brakey said.

    In 2023-24 Sydney Airport recorded an aeronautical operating profit of $570.5 million, which represented a 20.2 per cent return on its aeronautical assets. Sydney Airport advised that both its aeronautical revenues and operating profits in the year were inflated by back-payments received during the 2023-24 financial year from its contractual agreements with airlines. The agreements started on 1 July 2022, but the terms were not agreed to until the 2023-24 financial year.

    Brisbane and Melbourne airports reported aeronautical operating profits of $194.7 million and $198.9 million respectively, despite Brisbane Airport catering to far fewer passengers than Melbourne Airport. Both airports reported a 64.1 per cent increase in aeronautical operating profit in 2023-24.

    Perth Airport was the only monitored airport to report a fall in aeronautical profits, down by 29.1 per cent to $70.7 million after a significant increase in security and depreciation expenses.

    Car parking profits and ‘landside access’ revenues up

    Operating profits from car parking grew for all four airports in 2023-24. Brisbane Airport made the largest profits, increasing by 21.1 per cent to $113.4 million. Melbourne Airport made an operating profit of $108.1 million from car parking, followed by Sydney Airport with $95.6 million and Perth Airport with $70.7 million.

    All four monitored airports reported operating profit margins above 60 per cent for the second year in a row for their car parking operations.

    “Car parking remains a very profitable business for the monitored airports as they report strong demand for parking,” Ms Brakey said.

    “Brisbane Airport made an operating profit of 76.6 cents for every dollar of revenue it collected from car parking.”

    Sydney Airport was the most expensive for 30 to 60 minute parking and parking for up to 24 hours at the terminal, while Melbourne Airport was the cheapest in both categories.

    Long-term parking at a distance from the terminal booked online was most expensive at Perth and Sydney airports and cheapest at Melbourne Airport.

    “To save money, motorists are encouraged to book online, if possible, instead of paying the drive-up rates, and should consider using free waiting zones at the airports,” Ms Brakey said.

    Revenues from landside transport access services, such as rideshare operators, taxis and buses, grew by 18 per cent to $69.6 million, as vehicle numbers rebounded. All four airports continued to report a growth in rideshare services.

    Airports maintain their ‘good’ quality of service rating, despite falling satisfaction from airlines

    All four airports maintained an average overall rating of ‘good’ for the quality of service and facilities in 2023-24.

    These results were mainly due to high ratings by passengers, continuing consistent trends over the last 10 years.

    Ratings by airlines generally fell, and all four airports received only a ‘satisfactory’ result. The most common airline concerns related to aircraft parking facilities, baggage facilities, common user check-in facilities, aerobridges and public amenities.

    “The airports all maintained their ‘good’ rating for quality of service, which is based on surveys of passengers and airlines, as well as objective measures such as the number of check-in kiosks per passenger,” Ms Brakey said.

    “However, the falling satisfaction from airlines indicates the airports have some work to do.”

    Airports have recommenced investment after Covid

    After years of relatively little investment due to the pandemic, the airports have invested $985.1 million in aeronautical facilities in 2023-24, a figure set to increase in coming years.

    Melbourne airport’s $502.3 million investment accounted for more than half the total investment in aeronautical assets in 2023-24. This included work on runway overlays, taxiways and terminals, such as the replacement of passenger screening equipment as well as works to resurface the north-south runway and replace the lighting system.

    Other major projects underway, or recently announced, include new runways for Melbourne and Perth, new terminals for Perth and Brisbane, upgrades to terminals in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

    A new airport will also open at Western Sydney in 2026.

    “While the four major airports held back on investment during the pandemic period, this is starting to change now there is more certainty around demand for travel,” Ms Brakey said.

    “These significant capital works should help increase capacity at our major airports, leading to more flight options for travellers.”

    Background

    Under direction from the Australian Government, the ACCC monitors the prices, costs and profits of aeronautical and car parking services at Australia’s four largest airports. The ACCC also monitors the quality of these services under the Airports Act.

    The possible ratings for airport quality of services are ‘very poor’, ‘poor’, ‘satisfactory’, ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

    The ACCC measures operating profit by earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation (EBITA). Operating profit margin is EBITA as a percentage of revenue.

    Aeronautical operations are those that directly relate to providing aviation services, including runways, aprons, aerobridges, departure lounges and baggage handling equipment.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police get whiff of dodgy deal

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A member of the public’s spidy senses and an officer’s keen sense of smell has assisted Police in locating more than 70 bags of drugs inside a car in Beachlands overnight.

    At about 2.20am, Police received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on Wakelin Road with the engine running.

    Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook, says Police arrived quickly and spoke to a man who was sitting in the vehicle passengers’ seat believed to be under the influence of drugs.

    “Upon seeing Police, the man has attempted to get into he driver’s seat and drive off, however he was quickly taken into custody.

    “Officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and a search of the vehicle located a large quantity of cannabis.”

    Inspector Cook says more than 44 bags of cannabis were found, along with 30 bags of what appeared to be cocaine and MDMA.

    “Also found was an air rifle, cash and what appears to be stolen property.

    “It was also established this person has numerous warrants for his arrest.

    “We’re very happy to have what appears to be a considerable amount of cannabis and other drugs that were set for sale now off the streets.

    “This was a good example of proactive Police work that has resulted in a safer community.”

    A 20-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with possession for supply of cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy, possession of utensils for cannabis and two counts of failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US airstrikes target Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. warplanes launched extensive airstrikes across northern Yemen on Saturday night, targeting multiple Houthi-controlled locations in a large-scale operation. According to Houthi estimates on Sunday, the bombardment resulted in at least 31 deaths and 101 injuries.

    Widespread military campaign

    American fighter jets carried out approximately 40 airstrikes targeting multiple locations across six Houthi-controlled governorates in northern Yemen. The coordinated assault struck sites in the capital Sanaa as well as Dhamar, Al-Bayda, Marib, Hajjah, and Saada provinces, according to the Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah TV.

    In Sanaa, the strikes focused on strategic military installations including the Jabal Attan area housing missile brigade headquarters, the Jarban area in Sanhan district east of the capital, and Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in the north, which reportedly contains significant Houthi political offices.

    The bombing campaign extended to critical civil infrastructure in Saada province, the Houthi main stronghold in Yemen’s far north, where the U.S. warplanes targeted a key power plant in Dahyan area.

    Additional targets included sites in Marib’s oil-rich Majzar district, areas in central Al-Bayda province, positions in the outskirts of Dhamar province and military sites in Hajjah province.

    The U.S. Central Command publicly announced the large-scale operation against “Iranian-backed Houthi targets” via social media, stating the mission aims to “defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.”

    This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office in January and redesignated the group as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

    Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the “terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom.”

    He also warned the Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks “starting today … hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.”

    Civilian impact & casualties

    The strikes on residential areas, particularly in Sanaa’s Al-Jarraf neighborhood, caused widespread panic among civilians. One resident, speaking under the pseudonym Ahmed Hayani, described the terrifying experience to Xinhua: “I was at home with my children when suddenly we heard a huge explosion and the glass of the house’s windows fell on us, as if an earthquake had struck.”

    He recounted four massive explosions that followed within minutes as missiles struck a building in the neighborhood. Security forces quickly cordoned off streets leading to the targeted structure while ambulances rushed to retrieve victims. The resident noted significant damage to nearby homes and the traumatic night experienced by all neighborhood inhabitants.

    Following Saturday’s night bombardment, witnesses reported that huge explosions continued on early Sunday in Faj Attan, generating powerful shockwaves that affected scores of businesses in neighboring areas and shattering storefront windows. Ambulances were seen rushing to the targeted neighborhoods following the attacks.

    The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health in Sanaa reported this morning that most casualties were women and children, describing the attacks as “a full-fledged war crime.”

    Houthi response & regional implications

    In response to the U.S. strikes, the Houthi Supreme Political Council — the group’s highest governing authority — vowed a “painful” retaliation, framing the American attacks as support for Israel and warning they would “drag the situation to a more severe and painful level.”

    In a statement, the council said “the aggressors against Yemen will be punished in a professional and painful manner,” while calling on the international community to address what it termed “U.S.-Israeli recklessness.”

    The Houthi leadership also confirmed that its naval operations would continue until the blockade on Gaza is lifted, and humanitarian aid is permitted entry.

    Fatima Asrar, research director at the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies, told Xinhua that the Houthis are unlikely to be deterred by these strikes.

    “The Houthis have a known pattern of escalation, and they will not yield to deterrence,” she explained, predicting the group may target Israel directly “to justify their position of weakness and frame it as support for the Palestinians so that they can garner sympathy.”

    The renewed conflict comes after Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, coinciding with the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

    On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the crossings of Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in.

    From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The attacks later expanded to include U.S. and British ships after the U.S.-British navy coalition started to intervene, launching air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group.

    The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect.

    The Houthi group has maintained control of Sanaa and most of northern Yemen for more than a decade with strong ties to Iran.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with trafficking following vehicle search

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Man charged with trafficking following vehicle search

    Monday, 17 March 2025 – 10:39 am.

    A man has been charged with trafficking after police seized quantities of methamphetamine and MDMA during a vehicle search on Friday evening.
    Police from Central North intercepted the vehicle on Mole Creek Road just before 7.30pm, locating and seizing the drugs as well as ammunition and a stolen firearm part.
    During a subsequent search of a private residence at Gravelly Beach, members of Central North, Northern Criminal Investigation Division and Launceston Uniform located and seized further quantities of MDMA, further ammunition, and two firearm silencers.
    A 26-year-old Gravelly Beach man was arrested and charged with trafficking, firearms offences and minor drug offences.
    He will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in May.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police detect 43 speeding drivers during targeted operation in North

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Police detect 43 speeding drivers during targeted operation in North

    Monday, 17 March 2025 – 10:47 am.

    Police detected 43 speeding drivers during a three-hour highway operation in the North on Friday afternoon.
    Members of Northern Road Policing Services targeted speeding during the operation, with one driver caught overtaking an unmarked police vehicle while travelling at 138km/h. 
    The driver – who was intercepted by police – was already disqualified from driving.  
    He will appear in court at a later date.
    Police also intercepted a P1 licence holder – with a 100km/h restriction on their licence -who was travelling at 125km/h. 
    The P-plater was fined $353.50 and received three demerit points.
    In addition to the 43 speeding drivers, police also intercepted  a driver whose vehicle registration had been expired for nine months.
    Acting Sergeant Daniel Midson said the results were disappointing. 
    “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we are urging all road users to make safer choices,” he said.
    “Tasmania Police is committed to reducing the number of deaths and injuries on our roads, which is why we conduct a range of enforcement activities to make our roads safer for everyone.”
    To report dangerous driving, call police on 131 44 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
    Footage can also be uploaded to the Tasmania Police evidence portal at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/report/

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: SUNDAY SHOWS: American Strength Is Back Under President Trump

    Source: The White House

    This morning, the Trump Administration took to the TV networks to make clear to the country and world that American strength is back – and no longer will terrorist attacks on U.S. troops and vital international commerce be tolerated.

    Here’s what you missed:

    President Trump on Full Measure

    • On securing the border: “You just needed a new president … I said, ‘close the border’ — and they closed the border.”
    • On tariffs: “We have companies moving into the United States at levels that has never been seen before.”

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Face the Nation

    • On Houthi terrorist attacks in the Red Sea: “In the last 18 months, the Houthis have struck or attacked … the U.S. Navy 174 times, and 145 times, they’ve attacked commercial shipping. So, we basically have a band of pirates with guided precision anti-ship weaponry exacting a toll system in one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. That’s just not sustainable.”
    • On revoking visas for terrorist sympathizers: “When you apply to enter the United States and you get a visa, you are a guest … If you tell us when you apply for a visa, ‘I’m coming to the U.S. to participate in pro-Hamas events,’ that runs counter to the foreign policy interest of the United States … If you had told us you were going to do that, we never would have given you the visa.”
    • On tariffs: “I understand why these countries don’t like it — because the status quo of trade is good for them. It benefits them … We are going to set a new status quo … We have de-industrialized the United States of America. There are things we can no longer make.”

    Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Sunday Morning Futures

    • On U.S. strikes against Houthi terrorists: “An era of peace through strength is back … This campaign is about freedom of navigation and restoring deterrence … The minute the Houthis say ‘we’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop shooting at your drones,’ this campaign will end. But until then, it will be unrelenting.”
    • On President Trump’s agenda: “Shipbuilding, long-range munitions, hypersonics, long-range drones, a Golden Dome, southern border – the president has laid out very clearly his agenda to rebuild the U.S. military … We have revived the warrior ethos.”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on This Week

    • On U.S. strikes against Houthi terrorists: “These were not pinprick, back and forth, what ultimately proved to be feckless attacks. This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out.”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on Fox News Sunday

    • On negotiations for peace in Ukraine: “As both President Putin and Zelensky said on our first call just a few weeks ago, only President Trump could drive this to an end … We know who we’re dealing with on all sides.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent on Meet the Press

    • On President Trump’s economic agenda: “One week does not the market make… It would have been very easy for us to come in, run these reckless policies that have been happening before. We’ve got these large government deficits… We are bringing those down in a responsible way.”
    • On tariffs: “Chinese manufacturers will eat the price … I believe that the currency adjusts … If we’re de-regulating, if we’re getting energy prices down, then if we look across the spectrum, Americans will realize lower prices and better affordability.”

    Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on State of the Union

    • On negotiations to end the war in Ukraine: “Before this visit, there was another visit, and before that visit, the two sides were miles apart … The two sides are, today, a lot closer … We’ve narrowed the differences.”
    • On when a deal to end the war could be possible: “The president uses the timeframe weeks — and I don’t disagree with him. I am really hopeful that we’re going to see some real progress here.”
    • On dealing with Hamas: “What happened with the Houthis yesterday, what happened with our strike, ought to inform as to where we stand with the regard to terrorism and our tolerance level for terrorist actions — and I would encourage Hamas to get much more sensible.”

    Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Sunday Morning Futures

    • On securing our homeland: “The president signed a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act against Tren de Aragua members who have invaded our country … The president invoked this authority to deport nearly 300 of them who are now in El Salvador, where they will be behind bars where they belong.”
    • On activist legal challenges: “President Trump is not shy of resistance … Clearly, there are left-wing activists who sit behind a bench in a courthouse who don’t like this president and his policies, but the fact is everything President Trump is doing is within his executive authority.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Brace yourself – Windy weather ahead for Wellington drivers

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    Wellington drivers will need to take extra care on the region’s roads with wind weather warnings in force.

    The Metservice has issued a Strong Wind Watch for the region from one am Tuesday morning to one pm Tuesday afternoon. North to northwest winds are forecast to approach severe gale in exposed places.

    It means drivers will need to exercise caution on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully.

    This particularly applies to drivers of high-sided vehicles (eg trucks and vans), light and towing vehicles, and motorcycles.

    Strong winds increase the risk of treefalls, downed powerlines and wind-blown debris. Road users should be ready for such hazards and should check road and weather conditions before they travel.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Safety switch: Date set for Average Speed Camera trial

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 16 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Minister for Roads

    Average speed cameras will be switched on to warning mode for light vehicles in two key regional locations from 1 May.

    The trial, a recommendation from the 2024 NSW Road Safety Forum, will see the NSW Government flick the switch on cameras which measure a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes and cameras on the Hume Highway which measure a 16km stretch between Coolac and Gundagai to capture speeding light vehicles.

    These two stretches have been chosen based on several factors, including known crash history. There were a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022 at these locations.

    In NSW average speed cameras only enforce speeding offences for heavy vehicles, however data shows that in the past five years (2018-2022) almost 80% of all fatalities and serious injuries across all existing 31 average speed camera lengths in NSW did not involve a heavy vehicle.

    NSW is unique in that it’s the only place known to use these cameras for just a subset of vehicles. Most other Australian jurisdictions either use Average Speed Cameras for all vehicles or plan to do so in the future. Studies from around the world have shown that average speed enforcement for all vehicles leads to significant reductions in crash-related injuries and fatalities.

    The trial will have a two-month warning letter period for light vehicle drivers caught speeding on both lengths of road before it is switched to full enforcement mode. From 1 July, those detected speeding will face fines and demerit point penalties. Existing enforcement of heavy vehicle offences at these sites will be unaffected by the trial.

    A comprehensive communications campaign will begin to roll out before the warning letter period to help alert motorists to the trial.

    Road signs will notify all drivers that their speed is being monitored by the cameras on the trial stretches, giving them the opportunity to adjust their speed as needed.

    The average speed camera trial builds on other road safety initiatives introduced by the Minns Labor Government, including:

    • seatbelt enforcement by the existing mobile phone camera detection network
    • removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
    • the demerit return trial that rewarded more than 1 million drivers for maintaining a demerit-offence-free driving record during the second year of the trial
    • doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with the addition of 2,700 new locations where a camera can be deployed. Enforcement hours will remain the same
    • hosting the state’s first Road Safety Forum with international and local experts
    • signed National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth

    Minister for Roads, John Graham said:

    “We know that speed remains our biggest killer on the road, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.

    “Studies from around the world show that using average speed enforcement cameras for all vehicles reduces the road toll, and road trauma.

    “We know the trial will be a change for motorists in New South Wales, so it will be supported by community and stakeholder communications. All average speed camera locations have warning signs installed.

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

    “Regional NSW is home to a third of the population but is where two-thirds of all road deaths happen.

    “With the majority of road trauma occurring in our regions we have chosen two regional locations to test the impact these cameras could have on road safety for all road users.

    “I know this trial will be a change, particularly for regional people who travel through the areas where these two camera lengths are in place, which is why we are committed to ensuring that the community is aware of what we are doing.

    “We will have a communications strategy in place including the use of print, radio and social media as well as variable messaging signs and mobile billboards to help communicate the trial details to drivers and riders.

    “We will also have clear warning signs installed before the enforcement sites, but most importantly we will have a 60 day warning period in place so that people have an opportunity to adjust their driving behaviour before they receive a penalty.”

    Background

    • Enforcement of average speed is generally considered a fair form of enforcement as drivers demonstrate intentional and consistent speeding behaviour over a long length of road and/or time, not only at a single point.
    • Research conducted in New South Wales in 2024 found that 68 per cent of respondents thought that average speed cameras were important in making New South Wales roads safer.
    • A 2015 study in Norway found that average speed cameras cut deaths and serious injuries by 49%. Similarly, a 2016 study in the United Kingdom showed a 36% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes with the use of average speed cameras.
    • Average speed cameras in NSW have cut fatalities and serious injuries from crashes involving heavy vehicles. There was a reduction on fatalities and serious injuries from crashes involving heavy vehicles at average speed camera locations of about 50%, when data from the five years before they were installed is compared to the five years after installation.
    • The Road Transport Act 2013 (the Act) was amended in October 2024 so that average speed cameras can enforce speeding by all vehicle types.
    • The trial will run for 14 months in total. (2 months in warning mode, 12 months in enforcement)
    • Warning mode will begin on 1 May, enforcement mode will begin on 1 July.
    • The NSW Government will report back to Parliament on the outcomes of the trial in 2026, consistent with legislative changes made in late 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Custom designed armoured vehicles handed over to NSW Police Force

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 17 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism

    The NSW Government is today launching five new Tactical Armoured Vehicles, which will significantly strengthen the capability of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) to respond to high-risk, tactical and counter-terrorism situations.

    The armoured Lenco ‘Bearcat’ vehicles were custom designed and custom built for the specific needs of the NSWPF – at a total cost of $3.5 million.

    All five Bearcats will be strategically positioned across NSW to support the work of Tactical Police and Police Negotiaters.

    Key features include ballistically rated steel and glass with riot shield covers, rotating roof hatches, spotlights, external speakers, high-tech camera systems and advanced technical and communication capabilities.

    In an Australian first, one of the new Bearcats is equipped with an extendable ramp to allow police to quickly and safely access multi-storey buildings and aircraft. This vehicle will be stationed in Sydney, the other four vehicles will be stationed in northern, western and southern regions – allowing the Tactical Operation Unit and Tactical Operations Regional Squads to quickly respond to high-risk situations.

    The five new Bearcats bring the total number of specialised armoured vehicles in NSW to six and will further allow officers to swiftly and effectively respond to high-risk and counter-terrorism situations, ensuring the safety of the people of NSW.

    Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

    “These custom vehicles will greatly improve the capability of the Tactical Operations Unit to respond to and disrupt high-risk situations across the state.

    “The NSW Police Force is world class so it’s only fitting it has modern resources and technology to fight crime and keep our community safe.

    “Only a Labor Government backs our hardworking police 100% and ensures they have the capability they need.”

    NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:

    “These vehicles are deployed by the Tactical Operation Unit during high-risk situations.

    “This is about protecting our specialist officers.

    “All of these vehicles are bullet and blast resistant and have the capacity to transport hostages or injured personnel.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Road blitz delivers for south-east Melbourne

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are fixing roads across Victoria, improving safety and better connecting Melbourne’s suburbs, Victoria’s regions, and surrounds.

    The Australian and Victorian Governments will deliver two new road projects in a big win for the south-east:

    • Nepean Highway and Overton Road Intersection Upgrade ($50 million)
    • McLeod Road and Mornington Peninsula Freeway Intersection Upgrade ($25 million)

    The Nepean Highway and Overton Road Intersection Upgrade will enhance road safety for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists by installing traffic signals and improving footpath connectivity to the existing Kananook Creek Trail.

    The McLeod Road and Mornington Peninsula Freeway Intersection Upgrade will deliver improvements to this intersection, supporting journeys between the south-east suburbs and the coast.

    These will be transformative projects for Melbourne’s south-east, improving the lives of residents from Carrum to Frankston and beyond.  

    The projects are part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $1 billion Road Blitz, matching the existing near-billion dollar road blitz campaign by the Allan Labor Government, who have since added an additional $200 million.

    This money is ready, right now, to fix roads in need of critical upgrades.

    This follows funding already allocated to three projects under the Road Blitz, including:

    • Sealing and upgrading 5.6km of Old Sydney Road from the Mitchell/Hume boundary, Mickleham, to Camerons Lane, Beveridge.
    • Completing the duplication of Evans Road, Cranbourne, between Duff Street and Central Parkway.
    • Delivering further works at the intersection of McLeod Road and Station Street, Carrum, including adjustments to improve signalisation and traffic flow.

    Delivery timeframes for the projects will be determined in consultation with the Victorian Government.

    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

    “My Government is building Australia’s future – and that means building Victoria’s future too. We want to make sure all Victorians have the services and the infrastructure they need now and into the future.

    “We will continue to partner with the Victorian Government to deliver critical road upgrades to provide immediate congestion relief now.

    “This is good for local jobs, good for local businesses and good for commuters.”

    Quotes attributable to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan:

    “Every Victorian wants to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with family – that’s why we’re delivering major road upgrades across Melbourne’s south-east and faster and safer journeys for decades to come.”

    “As we build more homes, we are making sure our fastest growing communities have the transport infrastructure they deserve now and into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “We’re fixing roads right across Victoria; from Ararat to Gippsland to Melbourne, we’re giving Victorians the infrastructure they deserve after being short-changed by the former Coalition government. 

    “These will be transformative projects for Melbourne’s south-east, better connecting these growing suburbs with the city and the region.

    “The Road Blitz will fund projects to improve network efficiency, travel times and road safety in key areas of Melbourne and its surrounds, to match the Victorian Government’s Road Blitz which is largely focused on the regions.

    Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams:

    “After ten years of neglect from the federal Liberal National Party, it’s fantastic to have a partner in Canberra that can find Victoria on a map and deliver critical investments to keep our state moving.”

    “Our growing communities deserve the very best road connections, which is why we are investing more to improve traffic flow and boost safety.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea:

    “As a local who travels frequently across our community, I know this investment will make a major difference for pedestrians and road users.

    “These upgrades will enhance safety for pedestrians and road users in our local community.

    “These upgrades will make our local roads safer and get people moving faster.

    “This money is ready right now, to deliver two major road upgrades in our community.

    “Only the Albanese Labor Government is continuing to invest in roads and infrastructure in our local community, building Australia’s future.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Mike Kehoe Provides Update on Missouri’s Storm Response and Recovery Efforts

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 16, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe provided an update on Missouri’s recovery efforts following the devastating tornadoes that struck on March 14, leaving widespread destruction across 27 counties.

    The storm has resulted in 12 confirmed fatalities, with one person still missing. Hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses have been either destroyed or severely damaged. At the height of the storm, more than 140,000 homes and businesses were without power, and 101 roads were closed due to debris, flooding, and structural damage. While significant progress has been made, approximately 47,000 customers remain without power as crews continue restoration efforts. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also had reports of over 130 wildland fires on Friday, some of which damaged homes and structures.

    “The scale of devastation across our state is staggering,” said Governor Kehoe. “While we grieve the lives of those lost, we are also focused on action—getting power restored, clearing debris, and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to recover. The strength and resilience of Missourians are already on display, and we will be with them every step of the way.”

    Ahead of the storm on Friday, Governor Kehoe issued a State of Emergency declaration, which allowed first responders, road crews, and emergency management officials to move quickly. The Missouri’s State Emergency Operations Plan remains in effect.

    • Damage Assessments and Federal Support: SEMA regional coordinators continue working swiftly with local emergency managers to make initial damage assessments in preparation for a federal major disaster declaration request. To expedite the process, SEMA has shifted additional regional coordinators into the most heavily impacted areas of the state. SEMA staff are coordinating resource requests from local emergency managers for needed supplies, materials, and support services with sheltering, debris clearance, damage assessments, and other needs.
    • White House Coordination: Governor Kehoe has been in direct contact with the White House and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, who have assured him they are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to assist as soon as Missouri request is submitted.

    Governor Kehoe and state officials spent yesterday surveying some of the hardest-hit areas, including Wayne, Butler, and Jefferson counties. Wayne County alone saw six of the 12 reported fatalities, underscoring the storm’s devastating impact.

    All levels of government are fully engaged, and recovery efforts continue across the state.

    • The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) and Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) crews have all been deployed to clear debris, reopen roadways, and ensure the safety of Missourians across all affected counties.
    • Utility companies, including investor-owned, municipal, and cooperative providers, are working around the clock to restore power.
    • Emergency shelters remain open in impacted areas, offering food, medical support, and temporary housing for displaced residents.

    SEMA also continues to coordinate with volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist residents over the coming days and weeks. The American Red Cross of Missouri has opened shelters at the following locations for individuals and families that have been displaced or otherwise impacted:

    • Franklin County: Moose Lodge | 905 Highway 50, Union, MO 63084
    • Howell County: First United Methodist Church | 503 W Main St., West Plains, MO 65775
    • Jefferson County: St. David’s Catholic Church | 2334 Tenbrook Rd., Arnold, MO 63010
    • Phelps County: First Baptist Church | 801 N Cedar St., Rolla, MO 65401
    • Louis County: North County Rec Plex | 2577 Redman Avenue, St Louis MO 63136

    Residents who have experienced damage to their homes, cars and property should contact their insurance company and document damage with photographs. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Gordie Howe’s elbows are Canada’s answer to Donald Trump

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Stacy L. Lorenz, Vice Dean and Professor, Physical Education and History, Augustana Campus, University of Alberta

    When Canadian ice hockey centre Connor McDavid scored in overtime to lead Canada to victory over the United States in the National Hockey League’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on social media, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.”

    Trudeau’s comment was a direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated denigration of the prime minister as the “governor” of the “51st state.” It captured the escalating tensions between the two countries over trade, tariffs and Trump’s threats to annex Canada.

    Meanwhile, the tournament itself, which pitted the top Canadian and American players against one another for the first time in more than a decade, became a representation of these deepening political divisions and showed that hockey isn’t as politically neutral as is often suggested.

    Since the 4 Nations Face-Off ended, hockey analogies and imagery continue to dominate the conversation around Canada-U.S. relations. This time the focus is on Gordie Howe (or “Mr. Hockey” as he was widely known), whose strategic use of elbows on the ice has become a political rallying cry for Canadians.

    A CBC News report on ‘Elbows Up’ becoming a rallying cry against Trump.

    Canada is “elbows up”

    During his professional career from 1946 to 1980, Howe combined skill and scoring ability with toughness, physicality and a willingness to fight when necessary.

    In particular, Howe’s practice of keeping his “elbows up” in the corners to ward off belligerents on the opposing team has become a focal point for Canadians’ actions against Trump’s aggression.

    The hashtag #ElbowsUpCanada has been trending on social media. Howe’s guidance has been echoed by Canadian comedian Mike Myers on Saturday Night Live and by Trudeau at the Liberal leadership convention that marked the transition to Prime Minister Mark Carney.

    In his first speech as Liberal leader, Carney made another hockey reference when he said:

    “We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. So the Americans, they should make no mistake: In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”

    While it may be surprising to see such enthusiasm for an “elbows up” approach and for “dropping the gloves” as one would in a hockey fight, this kind of strategic employment of violence fits perfectly with Howe’s longstanding brand of hockey manhood.

    “Mr. Elbows” and the “Bashful Basher”

    Although Howe’s early nickname of “Mr. Elbows” has received the bulk of the public’s attention recently, his other moniker used extensively by the Detroit media during his first season in the NHL — the “Bashful Basher” — captures even more effectively the style of masculinity that Canadians are currently calling upon in their clash with Trump.

    Writing in the Detroit Free Press in 1947, reporter Marshall Dann invited readers to “Meet Red Wings’ Bashful Basher.” Alongside a photo of a youthful Howe innocently sipping a milkshake through a pair of straws, Dann noted:

    “Howe not only had proven himself an exceptionally promising rookie, but he also had established the fact that while he might be a malted milk devotee off the ice, he positively was no milk-sop on a hockey rink.”

    Howe’s brand of violence was careful and calculated, rather than reckless or emotional. Even when he used his fists to batter an opponent — such as in his famous 1959 fight with New York Rangers enforcer Lou Fontinato — Howe presented himself as a reluctant and reasonable fighter who conformed to the idealized, manly “code” of hockey.

    He resorted to fighting only to defend smaller teammates and to deter even more harmful forms of violence, such as stick attacks or overly aggressive hits. Far from a wild brawler, Howe was a calm protector, governed by a sense of honest accountability for his actions.

    Author Don O’Reilly’s 1975 biography Mr. Hockey also highlights the image of “two Gordie Howes — quiet, unassuming, and bashful off the ice and aggressive and competitive on the ice.”

    O’Reilly contrasts “the mild-mannered, smiling, innocent-faced Howe, the clean-cut All-Canadian-American boy” with his more ruthless counterpart: “The guy who excels with his elbows as weapons, a man who, his opponents say, is skilled with the illegal high stick and so devious that the officials often fail to see the offense.”

    Likewise, a 1962 Time magazine profile quoted a rival coach as saying:

    “When Howe gets knocked down, he looks like he doesn’t care. But when he’s getting up, he looks for the other guy’s number. A little later, the guy will have four stitches in his head.”

    Mr. Hockey and Canadianness

    A combination of humble manliness and controlled violence firmly established Howe’s masculine credentials within the culture of hockey. More broadly, Mr. Hockey became an admirable embodiment of the most valued manly qualities of the postwar period in North America.

    Howe’s strategic use of fighting also normalized the high level of violence in hockey by showing that it could be measured and purposeful, in accordance with the informal code of expectations that governed the game.

    Although critics of fighting and violence have become more outspoken in recent years, these values remain integral to hockey culture at the highest level and an influential point of reference for what it means to be a “true” hockey fan and a patriotic Canadian.

    In the current political climate, it is perhaps the title of the story that appeared in Life magazine in 1959 that resonates most clearly: “Don’t mess around with Gordie. Hockey’s tough guy (Lou Fontinato) discovers that the game’s best player (Gordie Howe) is a rough man in a fight.”

    With their “elbows up,” Canadians are counting on a Gordie Howe-style response — rational, expert and effective — in a trade war with the United States that may just be getting started.

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

    – ref. Why Gordie Howe’s elbows are Canada’s answer to Donald Trump – https://theconversation.com/why-gordie-howes-elbows-are-canadas-answer-to-donald-trump-252167

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Former US envoy slams air attacks on Houthis – NZ protesters recite poetry

    Asia Pacific Report

    A former US diplomat, Nabeel Khoury, says President Donald Trump’s decision to launch attacks against the Houthis is misguided, and this will not subdue them.

    “For our president who came in wanting to avoid war and wanting to be a man of peace, he’s going about it the wrong way,” he said.

    “There are many paths that can be used before you resort to war.” Khoury told Al Jazeera.

    The danger to shipping in the Red Sea was “a justifiable reason for concern”, Khoury told Al Jazeera in an interview, but added that it was a problem that could be resolved through diplomacy.

    Ansar Allah (Houthi) media sources said that at least four areas had been razed by the US warplanes that targeted, in particular, a residential area north of the capital, Sanaa, killing 31 people.

    The Houthis, who had been “bombed severely all over their territory” in the past, were not likely to be subdued through “a few weeks of bombing”, Khoury said.

    “If you think that Hamas, living and fighting on a very small piece of land, totally surrounded by land, air and sea, and yet, 17 months of bombardment by the Israelis did not get rid of them.

    ‘More rugged space’
    “The Houthis live in a much more rugged space, mountainous regions — it would be virtually impossible to eradicate them,” Khoury said.

    “So there is no military logic to what’s happening, and there is no political logic either.”

    Providing background, Patty Culhane reported from Washington that there were several factual errors in the justification President Trump had given for his order.

    “It’s important to point out that the Houthi attacks have stopped since the ceasefire in Gaza [on January 19], although the Houthis were threatening to strike again,” she said.

    “His other justification is saying that no US-flagged vessel has transited the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden safely in more than a year.

    “And then he says another reason is because Houthis attacked a US military warship.

    “That happened when Trump was not president.”

    Down to 10,000 ships
    She said the White House was now putting out more of a communique, “saying that before the attacks, there were 25,000 ships that transited the Red Sea annually. Now it’s down to 10,000 so, obviously, sort of shooting down the president’s concept that nobody is actually transiting the region.

    “And it did list the number of attacks. The US commercial ships have been attacked 145 times since 2023 in their list.”

    Meanwhile, at least nine people, including three journalists, have been killed and several others wounded in an Israeli drone attack on relief aid workers at Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, according to Palestinian media.

    The attack reportedly targeted a relief team that was accompanied by journalists and photographers. At least three local journalists were among the dead.

    The Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Centre said in a statement that Israel had killed “three journalists in an airstrike on a media team documenting relief efforts in northern Gaza”, reports

    “The journalists were documenting humanitarian relief efforts for those affected by Israel’s genocidal war,” the statement added, according to Anadolu.

    In a statement, the Israeli military claimed it struck “two terrorists . . .  operating a drone that posed a threat” to Israeli soldiers in the area of Beit Lahiya.

    “Later, a number of additional terrorists collected the drone operating equipment and entered a vehicle. The [Israeli military] struck the terrorists,” it added, without providing any evidence about its claims.

    ‘Liberation’ poetry
    In Auckland on Saturday, protesters at the Aotearoa New Zealand’s weekly “free Palestine” rallies gave a tribute to poet Mahmoud Darwish — the “liberation voice of Palestine” — by reciting peace and justice poetry and marked the sixth anniversary of the Christchurch mosque massacre when a lone white terrorist gunned down 51 people at Friday prayers.

    This was one of more than 20 Palestinian solidarity events happening across the motu this weekend.

    Two of the pro-Palestine protesters hold West Papuan and Palestinian flags – symbolising indigenous liberation – at Saturday’s rally in Auckland. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll from US overnight airstrikes on Yemen rises to 31

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken by a mobile phone shows smoke rising after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, on March 15, 2025. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

    The death toll from U.S. overnight airstrikes on Houthi sites across northern Yemen has risen to 31, with at least 101 others wounded, Al Jazeera reported Sunday.

    The death toll is expected to rise further as U.S. airstrikes continue across Yemen.

    The casualties were reported across multiple locations, including the capital Sanaa, the northern province of Saada, a Houthi stronghold, as well as other Houthi-controlled Yemeni provinces.

    The military campaign, which started Saturday evening, struck the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa, followed by several bombardments on the Shoab residential area in eastern Sanaa, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

    Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province’s namesake central city Saada, the group’s northern main stronghold.

    According to local residents, the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. A white smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighborhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses said.

    This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office in January and redesignated the group as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

    Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the “terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom.”

    He also warned the Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks “starting today … hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.”

    In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command posted footage on X showing warplanes taking off a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, saying that it “initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.”

    Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks, saying “this aggression will not pass without a response,” and that the group is “fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation,” the Houthis’ political bureau said in a statement aired by al-Masirah TV.

    On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the Gaza Strip’s crossings are reopened and aid allowed in.

    From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, had launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash blocks Auckland Northern Motorway, Dairy Flat

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    The Auckland Northern Motorway is partially blocked heading southbound near the Wilks Road Overbridge following a crash.

    The crash, involving multiple vehicles, was reported just before 11:20am.

    Two people have been moderately injured.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: Great South Road, Penrose

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Great South Road, Penrose is closed at the intersection with Southdown Road following a crash.

    The three-vehicle crash was reported to Police just after 2pm.

    Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed following crash, SH2, Waioeka

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists are advised to expect delays after a crash on Waioeka Road (SH2) this evening.

    Emergency services were called to the scene, between Waiata Road and Waioeka Pa Road, about 5.30pm, after a truck rolled.

    One person has sustained minor injuries. The road is completely blocked and has been closed.

    Anyone travelling through the area is advised to take an alternate route, or expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash following fleeing driver incident, Penrose

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Inspector Peter Raynes of Tāmaki Makaurau Police:

    One person has died, and two others have been critically injured, after a driver allegedly fled from Police and crashed early this afternoon.

    Shortly before 2pm, a Police vehicle sighted a car travelling at excess speed along Great South Road, Penrose, and signalled for it to stop.

    It failed to do so and instead fled, crashing with two other cars.

    The driver of the vehicle which allegedly failed to stop was transported to hospital in a critical condition.

    One person from one of the other vehicles died at the scene, while another was also critically injured.

    Another person was in moderate condition.

    The Serious Crash Unit is examining the scene, and the road remains closed.

    A Critical Incident Investigation has been launched and staff are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

    We are also working to support those affected and their families, as well as our staff who were involved.

    Police have also referred this matter to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 30.8 kg of heroin seized in central Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Myanmar authorities have seized 30.8 kg of heroin and 154,000 stimulant tablets in central Myanmar’s Mandalay region, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) said on Saturday.

    Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Pyigyitagon township of Mandalay region on March 9 and confiscated the narcotics, and arrested three suspects.

    Three other suspects in connection with the case were later arrested.

    The seized narcotics are approximately worth over 1 billion kyats (about 476,190 U.S. dollars).

    The suspects have been charged under the country’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were ongoing. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Television interview – Sunday Agenda, Sky News

    Source: Minister for Trade

    Andrew Clennell: The Trade Minister, Don Farrell, joins me now from Adelaide. Don Farrell, thanks for your time. You’re due to talk to the US Trade Ambassador tomorrow.

    Minister for Trade: Pleased to be with you.

    Andrew Clennell: And you spoke at two o’clock Friday morning to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. How did your chat with Mr Lutnick go and what are you hoping to achieve with Mr Greer?

    Minister for Trade: Look, Andrew, I did speak with Commerce Secretary Lutnick. That’s the second contact we’ve had with one another since he just recently was appointed to that position. I obviously expressed my disappointment that we had not been able to reach an agreement over the suspension of tariffs on steel and aluminium. But I did say that there’s obviously a further review, and you’ve talked about some of the issues that potentially arise, that the U.S. Government is undertaking by the early part of April. I indicated to him that we want to continue to talk with them. I find that discussion is the best way to resolve these issues. Not retaliatory tariffs, but discussion. What we need to do, Andrew, is find out what it is that the Americans want in terms of this relationship between Australia and the United States and then make President Trump an offer he can’t refuse.

    Andrew Clennell: And did Howard Lutnick give you any indication of what they might be after? Because obviously you offered them some form of critical minerals deal. Did he give any, any ray of light you had a chance? I mean, I think you’ve said that President Trump allowed Australia or the Prime Minister to believe there was a chance when there wasn’t. Has he given you any suggestion there’s a chance, or was he holding the line and saying, look, this is our America First policy, that’s it.

    Minister for Trade: Look, it wasn’t a pessimistic conversation, I’m pleased to say, Andrew. but look, he gave, you know, no assurances about what might happen in the next round of negotiations. Our job is to sit down and continue to talk. I think the important thing here to understand, Andrew, is that when President Trump, in his first iteration, gave Australia an exemption to Prime Minister Turnbull, it was one of over 30 exemptions that the United States gave to a range of countries around the world. So, more than 30 countries, including most of our competitors in the American market, were able to get an exemption. On this occasion, not one country, not one country got an exemption on either steel or aluminium. Now, that’s obviously, we think that’s bad news. We think it’s bad news, obviously, for the companies that trade in Australia with the United States. It’s also bad news for the Americans because what that has done is simply pushed up the price of steel and aluminium in the US market and that has to have an impact both on, on inflation and on jobs. So, part of my job is to continue to put the arguments to the Americans that in fact, this is the wrong policy to adopt. We should actually be doing the opposite. We should be making more free trade, more fair trade, rather than less trade.

    And of course, one of the things that we’ve done in government is diversify our trading relationship. So, we have new agreements with the United Kingdom, we’ve got new agreements with India. I think we’re just about to get another offer from the Indians to even expand our trading relationship with India. We’ve signed a new agreement with the United Arab Emirates. This is like dealing with the Woolies warehouse of the Middle East. If you can get your products into the United Arab Emirates, then you can get it all around the Middle East. On Tuesday night, I spoke with my Korean counterpart, Mr. Ahn, and we’ve got identical problems with the United States. Of course, they sell a lot more steel into the United States than we do. But we are talking about how we can expand our relationship with Korea so that we can sell more product into Korea.

    So, it’s a two-pronged approach. Andrew, we are continuing the discussions with the United States. We’ll continue to discuss. We’re not going down the track of some countries in applying retaliatory tariffs. I don’t think that will work, it hasn’t worked for any other country, why would it work for us? We want to explain our position and we want to get those exemptions for Australian companies because it’s good for prosperity in the United States, but it’s also good for prosperity in Australia.

    Andrew Clennell: Well, I think you’ve got Buckley’s chance of arguing free and fair trade to the Trump administration, to be frank Minister, but what’s the worst-case scenario here? What’s the worst-case scenario? $30 billion, our exports to the U.S. Could we lose it all?

    Minister for Trade: Look, I don’t believe so, Andrew. And just on that first point you made, Buckley’s chance. When I came to this job three years ago, we had $20 billion worth of trade bans in China. People told me, look, you will never, never, ever get that trade back. At the end of last year, the last of the products that had been subject to those trade impediments, namely crayfish, we got back into China. And since then, in the first month of that new trade, we got $188 million of crayfish sold into China. You can reverse these decisions, Andrew, so, don’t give up on us just yet. You can get countries to realise. You can get countries if you keep talking to them and you keep making your arguments, which is exactly what I intend to do. If you keep making your arguments, you can in fact convince countries that the policies that they are adopting are in fact counterproductive, just as they were with China.

    Andrew Clennell: Okay, but what’s the worst-case scenario? What’s the worst-case scenario here?

    Minister for Trade: Look, I wish I could tell you exactly what the American Government is finally going to do. To be honest with you, I suspect they don’t even know themselves right now. They’re conducting this review. They’re conducting the review in respect of every single trade agreement they have. It’s not just Australia, it’s every country. And my job in the discussions that go on in this coming week and in the weeks ahead is to get the best result for Australian producers, and that’s what I intend to do. And it’ll only be by reaching out, by having discussions, by putting our point of view that we’re going to get an acceptable outcome here.

    Andrew Clennell: In any of these discussions, do you talk about the prospect of a phone call between Prime Minister Albanese and President Trump?

    Minister for Trade: Oh, that’s way above my pay grade, I’m afraid, Andrew.

    Andrew Clennell: Is it though? Kevin Rudd asks.

    Minister for Trade: Well, he’s the ambassador, of course he asks, and that’s the job of the ambassador to do that representation on behalf of the Australian Prime Minister.

    Andrew Clennell: How many times has he asked, do you know?

    Minister for Trade: No, I don’t know the answer to that question, Andrew. But you know, we were amongst the first countries to ring President Trump when he was elected and congratulated him. The Prime Minister did that. And we of course got a second phone call with him to express our concerns about the direction that he was taking in respect of tariffs.

    To the best of my knowledge, we were the only country in the world where he said, I’m going to give some consideration to not applying these tariffs to you. Now, I know we didn’t get the exemption in the end, but we were the only country that at least got him to say, look, we’re going to give some consideration to this. Ultimately, the consideration was that they would not do it.

    As I’ve said on Sky previously, the people around President Trump, particularly Mr. Navarro, I think, were determined that they weren’t going to go down the track that they went down last time. So, I mentioned before over 30 countries got exemptions for steel and aluminium. They were determined, the people around President Trump were determined not to go down that track again. They were going to apply the tariffs, the 25 per cent tariffs, and no country was going to get an exemption. But look, we will continue to talk. As I said, I’ve spoken to Commerce Secretary Lutnick on Friday morning, tomorrow US time, so, Tuesday morning, I think 7:30, I’m going to have my conversation with Jamieson Greer. We’re going to work out firstly what it is that the Americans want out of this arrangement, because it’s still not clear to me what it is that they are seeking. But once we find that out, we’ll work through this issue and we’ll work through it in Australia’s national interest.

    Andrew Clennell: Why haven’t you been to the US, yourself?

    Minister for Trade: Look, can I say this, Andrew, modern communications these days, a telephone call, a video conference, which is what I’ll be doing with Jamieson Greer, Ambassador Greer, on Tuesday, we’re getting our message across. After that first conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese, we embarked on a course of action which was determined in consultation with the officials in the United States about how best to progress our concerns about the introduction or the reintroduction of tariffs. We followed that. We followed that course of action and we followed it until last Wednesday when it became clear that the Americans were not going to give us an exemption. So, we had a plan. We had a plan for how we deal with this issue. We were hopeful, certainly based on early discussions, that we would get a successful result here. In the event that that didn’t happen. But we’re not giving up. We’re continuing the talks. And in fact, in lots of ways, the talks will be beefed up in the weeks and the months ahead as we try and resolve all of these issues, but these are not easy issues, Andrew.

    Andrew Clennell: No, they’re not. But Peter Dutton says you haven’t got the relationships. He’s pointed the finger at Kevin Rudd. The suggestion is Albanese, the Prime Minister, was seen as too close to Joe Biden. Penny Wong found out from the media that this had occurred. What do you say to all that? I mean, his contention as we go into an election campaign is their government would have better luck with the US Administration. What do you say to that?

    Minister for Trade: Look, Peter Dutton couldn’t go two rounds with a revolving door Andrew. What happened? When we came to government, there were $20 billion worth of tariffs and trade impediments with the Chinese. If Peter Dutton’s so good at building relationships and solving problems, they didn’t get a cent, they didn’t get a cent or a single tariff removed in that previous three years in government. We got the best result or the best response of any country in the world. We got a consideration by the President to review these tariffs. Now ok, it didn’t ultimately result in us getting the tariffs removed and we accept that. We accept that situation. I’d ask your listeners, who do you think is going to be better to negotiate with the United States? Somebody with a proven record of getting results or somebody, when they had the opportunity to get some results, did nothing. Did nothing. They did nothing.

    Andrew Clennell: What would a tariff do to the beef industry?

    Minister for Trade: It would certainly have a clearly a negative impact. The United States I think is, if it’s not the largest export market for our beef industry, it would have a significant impact. We are expanding our beef exports, our beef exports right now thanks to the Albanese Labor Government, are the best that they’ve ever been. We’re exporting more beef than we ever have. The significance, of course to the United States about our beef exports is that most of it goes into McDonald’s hamburgers. And if you push up the price of those beef exports by 25 per cent or 10 per cent or whatever the figure is, then you simply push up the price of hamburgers in the United States. It doesn’t make any sense, Andrew. It doesn’t make any sense at all.

    Andrew Clennell: Sure.

    Minister for Trade: You want to be pushing prices down. You don’t want to be pushing them up.

    Andrew Clennell: Indeed. There’s also speculation the trade war could harm the PBS somehow and cause pharmaceutical prices to go up. How would that occur and what do you make of that speculation?

    Minister for Trade: Well, it simply is speculation. That’s all it is, Andrew. I’ve not heard one comment from any person in the United States that refers to the PBS. We’ve got a terrific health system. We’re continuing to improve all the time. Minister Butler is always coming up with new ideas to improve our health system. The PBS is an essential part of our health system and there will be absolutely nothing that the Americans can do to impact on our health system or the PBS system. And we certainly, we certainly would not contemplate doing anything at any stage that makes our health system more expensive. We want to put downward pressure on the cost of health and we’re going to continue to do that, especially if we get re-elected in a few weeks’ time.

    Andrew Clennell: It’s been reported the deal that Australia put on the table was access to our critical minerals like lithium, manganese, what’s the nature of that deal? Presumably America would still have to pay for the minerals. Would they get the minerals at a cheaper rate? Would they have the first right of refusal on the minerals? What are the minerals to be used for? Making mobile phones, electric cars and the like?

    Minister for Trade: Yeah, look, Australia is very fortunate in the sense that we have either the largest or the second largest reserves of all critical minerals and rare earths in the world. Now, critical minerals are different from other minerals. If you go up to the Pilbara, you can see iron ore as far as the eye can see, Andrew. Critical minerals tend to be in much smaller deposits and they’re much deeper down. Two things about that. They are more expensive to extract and they take longer to dig out of the ground and they don’t last as long so you’ve got to keep finding new resources. What this means for what we were proposing to the Americans was continued and improved investment in getting access to those critical minerals. We’ve got some of the most sophisticated miners in Australia, Andrew. We’ve got a very sophisticated mining operation here, much more sophisticated than the Americans. But the thing we often don’t have is access to capital. So, the offer to the Americans was, look, we’ll work with you. You want these critical minerals, you want them for electric batteries in cars, you’ve mentioned some of the other things, mobile phones, all of these sorts of things. But the process of extraction is expensive, we need capital. We want to work with other countries. We want to particularly work, for instance, with the Europeans. We’ve made them some offers in this regard. It’s not about cheaper prices, it’s not about preferred access. It’s about ensuring that they’ve got a reliable supply chain to ensure that when they need these critical minerals, you’ve got a reliable country like Australia who can provide them.

    Andrew Clennell: So, would that be Australian money or American money? When you talk about increased investment –

    Minister for Trade: Both. Both.

    Andrew Clennell: Okay. So, an Australian financial offer was put on the table?

    Minister for Trade: No, it wasn’t a financial offer in that sense. It was a way forward to try and get support both in Australia and in the United States for extracting these critical minerals. So, if we’re going to go down the track of decarbonising our economies, this is the way we need to go. But it’s going to require investment, significant investment. The Australian Government is already making significant investments in this area. But to get to where we want to get to in terms of that net zero project, then we need more investment and – 

    Andrew Clennell: Do you see the hand of Elon Musk? Do you see the hand of Elon Musk in any of this? The keenness of the Americans for these critical minerals.

    Minister for Trade: Well, look, they didn’t accept our offer. So, if Mr Musk was involved in this, then he doesn’t appear to have influenced the result, if that was what he was after. To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Musk was not involved in any of these discussions that I –

    Andrew Clennell: All right, no worries. We’re nearly out of time. Overnight, the PM reiterated in a meeting with European leaders he would consider sending peacekeepers to Ukraine if there was peace. That’ll be controversial with a lot of Australians because it’s not our region. We know Peter Dutton doesn’t support this. Is the PM trying to muscle up here after Peter Dutton has continually called him weak? What’s the motivation to get involved in this conflict?

    Minister for Trade: Andrew, for the last 80 years, in other words, since the end of World War II, Australia has been involved in peacekeeping missions all the way around the world. We’ve come out right from day one, Prime Minister Albanese has been very clear and very strong on this, we support Ukraine. Ukraine’s fight for democracy. Ukraine’s fight for its sovereignty is Australia’s fight. It’s Australia’s fight. We’ve made significant financial contributions to Ukraine to ensure that they can defend themselves from this illegal and immoral monster, Putin, and we’ll continue to do that. And if Prime Minister Starmer says, look, will you contribute to peacekeeping? I think that’s the right thing to do. Look, it’s not all about popularity and so forth, but it’s the right thing to do. We want to see peace around the world. The best thing that Australia can do in terms of any international relationship is to support peace. And if we can make a contribution to that peacekeeping effort, then I think we should. And I think Mr. Dutton is completely on the wrong track here. Australians support the Ukrainian fight. I was on the steps of Parliament House just a couple of weeks ago with Premier Malinauskas. His background is Lithuanian. He knows exactly what happens if you don’t stand up to bullies like Putin. It’s in our interest to defend democracy in Ukraine. It’s in our interest to be part of a peacekeeping force when there’s peace.

    Andrew Clennell: Finally, and briefly, there was something of a blow to the government late last week with the default market offer out, that Australians face price rises of up to 10 per cent on their power bills. Will the government’s electricity subsidy be extended and increased in the budget?

    Minister for Trade: Well, you know the answer to that question, Andrew. You’ll have to ask the Treasurer, and you’ve only got a few more sleeps to find out what’s going to be in the next budget.

    Andrew Clennell: Well, I might ask him on the show next week. Thanks very much, Don Farrell.

    Minister for Trade: Nice talking with you Andrew. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ storms into global box office top 5, cementing it as a cultural phenomenon

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Cultural creative products of Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 are pictured in a toy store in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, March 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Youyi)

    Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” has soared past Disney’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” to claim the fifth spot on the all-time global box office charts, further solidifying its status as both a cultural and commercial phenomenon.

    According to data from ticketing platform Maoyan as of Saturday, the film’s global earnings — including presales — have surpassed 15.019 billion yuan (about 2.09 billion U.S. dollars), a milestone reached just 45 days after its release during the Chinese New Year on Jan. 29.

    This latest feat adds to an impressive list of records for the film, which became the first film to gross 1 billion U.S. dollars in a single market, the first non-Hollywood title to enter the billion-dollar club, and the highest-grossing animated movie of all time worldwide.

    MILESTONE FOR CHINESE CINEMA

    Directed by Yang Yu, known as Jiaozi, the sequel to 2019’s “Ne Zha” — which grossed 5 billion yuan and topped the Chinese box office that year — has redefined the ceiling for single-film earnings in Chinese cinema. Over 98 percent of its revenue has come from the Chinese mainland, according to Maoyan data.

    “This success has not only boosted the confidence of creators but also showcased the resilience and immense growth potential of the Chinese market,” said Lai Li, a Maoyan analyst.

    The film’s roots run deep in Chinese mythology, continuing the story of the boy god Nezha as he and his ally Aobing struggle to rebuild their physical forms. With the help of the immortal Taiyi Zhenren, they navigate a journey of self-discovery, fate and defiance.

    The story’s rich mythology, dazzling animation and universal themes have struck a chord with audiences. “‘Ne Zha 2’ is a miracle and a peak in Chinese cinema, a record that may remain unbroken for a long time,” said Chen Xuguang, director of the Institute of Film, Television and Theatre at Peking University.

    EXPANDING GLOBAL REACH WITH ACCLAIM

    The film’s technical achievements are just as remarkable. With nearly 2,000 visual effects shots and contributions from 138 animation studios, “Ne Zha 2” exemplifies the growing strength of China’s creative industry.

    Since its international rollout began on Feb. 13 in Australia and New Zealand, “Ne Zha 2” has steadily expanded its global footprint. It opened in North America the following day, shattering the region’s 20-year-old opening weekend record for a Chinese-language film.

    Sheila Sofian, a professor at the University of Southern California and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, praised the film’s production design, sound design, and music, calling it “mind-blowing” in a video interview shared by China Media Group.

    After debuting in Singapore on March 6, “Ne Zha 2” launched this week in the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand, with further Southeast Asian rollouts planned in the coming weeks.

    Its European expansion is also underway. On Friday, the film held preview screenings in Britain and Ireland ahead of its official March 21 release in both countries, with further European rollouts to follow.

    Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia, which holds theatrical distribution rights for “Ne Zha 2” across 37 territories, including the UK, Ireland, Germany, France and Spain, described the film’s European launch as “unprecedented in scope.”

    INDUSTRY-WIDE, CULTURAL IMPACT

    “Ne Zha 2” has struck a deep emotional chord with audiences. One Maoyan user reflected on the film’s themes of prejudice and resilience, writing, “The line ‘prejudice in people’s hearts is like an unmovable mountain’ rings true… Even I, from a humble background, used to judge others based on their family background.”

    Another viewer, a high school student preparing for China’s tough college entrance exams, found personal inspiration: “With 100 days left until the exam, ‘Ne Zha 2’ reminded me that my potential is limitless. If there’s no path ahead, I’ll carve one out myself!”

    Largely driven by “Ne Zha 2,” China’s box office revenue during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday hit a record high, injecting much-needed optimism into the country’s film industry, which saw earnings fall by 23 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, and by 34 percent from the pre-pandemic peak in 2019.

    Dong Wenxin, a film critic and manager of a cinema in Jinan, Shandong Province, emphasized the film’s industry-wide impact. “‘Ne Zha 2’ hasn’t drained the market but expanded it. More people are paying attention to theatrical releases and are willing to support quality content,” she told Xinhua. “We owe a lot to ‘Ne Zha 2’ — it’s proof that great commercial blockbusters can sustain a healthy market cycle.”

    Beyond its domestic success, “Ne Zha 2” is poised to serve as a cultural bridge, offering global audiences a window into China’s rich mythology and traditions.

    Yin Hong, vice chairman of the China Film Association and a professor at Tsinghua University, told Xinhua that the success of “Ne Zha 2” reflects the dynamism of China’s creative industries, the enduring appeal of its traditional culture, and the potential for Chinese stories to captivate audiences all over the world.

    In a video interview, Jiaozi reflected on the personal journey the “Ne Zha” films have taken him on, revealing how the series has evolved from his own passion into a broad cultural phenomenon. “The first step was creating something I loved, and domestic audiences loved it too,” he said. “Over time, I’ve worked to improve it, to refine my craft. I believe that one day, new ideas, deeper meanings, and a new soul will emerge from it, and the whole world will be able to appreciate it.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese cars become key players in Türkiye

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese car brands have become key players in Türkiye’s automotive market with their competitive prices and long-term dedication to investment, an Istanbul-based industry veteran said recently.

    Semih Eryukseldi, a professional with over 15 years of experience in Türkiye’s automotive sector and currently working for Otobit, an online automobile auction platform, told Xinhua in an interview on Friday that Chinese car brands such as Chery, MG, and BYD have achieved long-term success in Türkiye with continued investment for sustainable growth.

    Eryukseldi made the remarks in response to a report published on March 4 by Türkiye’s Automotive Distributors’ and Mobility Association (ODMD), which showed that Chinese car brands made significant sales growth in 2024.

    According to the ODMD report, Chery sold 57,047 vehicles in Türkiye last year, up by 40.54 percent year-on-year, boosted by its competitively priced Tiggo series that appeal to a wide range of consumers.

    Chery quickly gained a strong foothold in the Turkish market and “sold a significant number of vehicles” by offering highly available vehicles “with its price advantage,” outpacing other brands struggling with availability, Eryukseldi said.

    MG, known for its electric and hybrid models, sold 17,162 vehicles in Türkiye in 2024, an 18.70-percent increase compared to the figures in 2023, the report showed.

    “MG made a very quick entry into Türkiye starting in 2021 and quickly reached a wide customer base with various models, including electric, gasoline, and hybrid cars, across different segments,” Eryukseldi noted.

    According to the ODMD report, BYD saw the largest percentage increase in sales last year, up by 892.97 percent from 2023 to reach 8,331 vehicles in 2024.

    Notably, the brand sold 5,341 vehicles in the first two months of 2025, up by more than 10 times compared to the same period in 2024, showed the report.

    This surge, driven by BYD’s investment commitment in Türkiye, “has boosted BYD’s impact in the Turkish market,” Eryukseldi said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 30.8 kg of heroin, 154,000 stimulant tablets seized in central Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Myanmar authorities have seized 30.8 kg of heroin and 154,000 stimulant tablets in central Myanmar’s Mandalay region, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) said on Saturday.

    Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Pyigyitagon township of Mandalay region on March 9 and confiscated the narcotics, and arrested three suspects.

    Three other suspects in connection with the case were later arrested.

    The seized narcotics are approximately worth over 1 billion kyats (about 476,190 U.S. dollars).

    The suspects have been charged under the country’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were ongoing. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: KATARAPKO ISLAND (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    KATARAPKO ISLAND

    Katarapko Island fires

    Issued for KATARAPKO ISLAND approximately 10 km from Berri in the Riverland, South Australia.

    The CFS, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, Department for Environment and Water, SA Police and SA State Emergency Services are responding to multiple ignitions near Katarapko Island.

    Firefighters on approximately 26 trucks, supported by aircraft and boats, are on scene working to quickly extinguish the blazes.

    The cause of the fires is yet to be determined and Fire Investigators have been notified.

    Smoke may be impacting communities and roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

    Emergency services may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.

    Message ID 0008374

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Is Standing Up to Terrorism and Protecting International Commerce

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    It has been over a year since a U.S.-flagged commercial ship safely sailed through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden. No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.
    Our economic and national security have been under attack by the Houthis for too long. Today, President Trump’s action and leadership are moving to end this.
    Shipping Disruption
    Houthi attacks against shipping since 2023 have caused a sustained negative effect on global trade and the economic security of the United States. A 2024 Defense Intelligence Agency report detailed how container shipping through the Red Sea has precipitously declined due to Houthi attacks.
    Before their attacks, 25,000 merchant ships passed through the Red Sea annually. The current number has dropped to around 10,000 ships annually.
    Imports of consumer goods and cars to the United States, as well as agricultural exports from our own Gulf of America, have been rerouted due to the Houthi attacks.
    In November 2023, the Houthis seized the ship M/V Galaxy Leader and began to attack commercial ships with anti-ship missiles and unmanned vehicles.
    Houthi attacks caused approximately 75% of U.S.- and UK-affiliated vessels to reroute around Africa instead of transiting the Red Sea. Traveling around Africa takes an average of ten days longer than sailing through the Red Sea. Additional fuel costs are roughly one million dollars more for each voyage around Africa.
    Higher shipping rates caused by Houthi attacks probably increased global consumer goods inflation between 0.6 and 0.7 percent in 2024.
    Impacts to Allies and Partners
    The Red Sea serves a primary conduit for trade between Europe and Asia. Around 95% of ships traveling between Europe and Asia normally would go through the Red Sea.
    Out of the top ten importers (by value) of trade through the Red Sea, five are EU nations.
    Houthi attacks caused approximately 60% of EU-affiliated vessels to reroute around Africa instead of transiting the Red Sea
    The Houthis have attacked U.S. warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023.2023
    October 19, 2023: The USS Carney, a U.S. Navy destroyer, intercepted multiple missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. These missiles posed a threat to U.S. forces.
    November 19, 2023: The Houthis attacked and seized the M/V Galaxy Leader and held the multinational crew hostage for over a year.
    December 3, 2023: Houthi forces launched missiles and drones targeting three commercial ships in the Red Sea. The USS Carney responded to distress calls and intercepted three drones during this assault.
    December 16, 2023: The USS Carney engaged and destroyed 14 drones launched by the Houthis in the southern Red Sea, preventing potential attacks on U.S. military and commercial maritime vessels.
    December 26, 2023: The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Gravely responded to a distress call from the commercial vessel Maersk Hangzhou, which was under attack by Houthi forces. U.S. Navy helicopters engaged, resulting in the sinking of three Houthi boats.
    December 30, 2023: Houthi forces fired anti-ship ballistic missiles targeting the USS Gravely. The destroyer successfully intercepted the incoming missiles, preventing any damage.
    2024
    January 10, 2024: The Houthis launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against U.S. and UK naval forces in the Red Sea. The coordinated defense successfully neutralized all incoming threats.
    January 15, 2024: The Houthis rebels targeted the U.S.-owned M/V Gibraltar Eagle with a missile, resulting in damage to the vessel.
    January 17, 2024: The Houthi rebels targeted the U.S.-owned cargo ship Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden using drones, resulting in damage to the vessel.
    January 26, 2024: The oil tanker Marlin Luanda, linked to British interests, was attacked by Houthi missiles in the Gulf of Aden, causing a fire onboard.
    August 21, 2024: The Houthi rebels attack the Greek-flagged oil tanker M/V Sounion, threatening a massive oil-spill and followed by a months-long salvage effort.  
    September 27, 2024: The USS Spruance, USS Stockdale, and USS Indianapolis were targeted by a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. All threats were intercepted without any damage to the U.S. warships.
    November 11, 2024: Houthi forces launched a coordinated attack involving drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles against the USS Spruance and USS Stockdale in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. destroyers successfully intercepted all incoming threats.
    December 1, 2024: While escorting U.S.-flagged merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, the USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces, ensuring the safety of the convoy.
    December 9–10, 2024: The USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane again faced Houthi-launched drones and missiles while escorting merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. All threats were neutralized without any damage.

    MIL OSI USA News –