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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI: Sono Group N.V. to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference June 26th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MUNICH, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The solar technology company Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF) (hereafter referred to as “Sono Group” or “Sono”, parent company to Sono Motors GmbH or “Sono Motors”) today announced that George O’Leary, Managing Director and CEO, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 26th, 2025

    DATE: June 26th
    TIME: 2:30 – 3:00 pm ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE
    Available for 1×1 meetings: June 26th

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • First national type certification in Germany for solar bus kits — streamlining fleet adoption across Europe
    • Strategic partnership: collaboration with Merlin Solar Technologies for mutual distribution — expanding reach in North and South America and partnering with them in the EU
    • Financial turnaround: €65M profit in FY 2024 (from reconsolidation), and €8.8M profit in Q1 2025 (Fair value of Existing Debt)
    • Lean operations continue, with ongoing installations now generating revenue
    • Actively progressing toward uplisting to a national exchange (NASDAQ or NYSE American) to improve liquidity and visibility
    • Expansion of commercial partnerships and product offerings. Upon Uplisting, exploring M&A to drive scale and shareholder value.

    About Sono Group N.V.
    Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF) and its wholly owned subsidiary Sono Motors GmbH are on a pioneering mission to accelerate the revolution of mobility by making every commercial vehicle solar. Our disruptive solar technology has been developed to enable seamless integration into all types of commercial vehicles to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions and pave the way for climate-friendly mobility. For more information about Sono Group N.V., Sono Motors, and their solar solutions, visit sonogroupnv.com and sonomotors.com. Follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky, Truth Social, and X.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    Sono Group N.V.
    Press:
    press@sonomotors.com | ir.sonomotors.com/news-events
    Investors:
    ir@sonomotors.com | ir.sonomotors.com
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonogroupnv

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “aim”, “forecast”, “project”, “target”, “will” and similar expressions (or their negative) identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are statements regarding the intentions, beliefs, or current expectations of the Company and its subsidiary Sono Motors GmbH (together, the “companies”). Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and could cause the companies’ actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to: the Company’s ability to uplist to the Nasdaq Capital Market, including meeting the initial listing requirements; the Company’s ability to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in its recent securities purchase agreement (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) and exchange agreement (“Exchange Agreement”) entered into with YA II PN, Ltd. (“Yorkville”); the timing of closing the transactions contemplated by the Securities Purchase Agreement and the Exchange Agreement; the impact of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement and Securities Purchase Agreement on the Company’s operating results; our ability to maintain relationships with creditors, suppliers, service providers, customers, employees and other third parties in light of the performance and credit risks associated with our constrained liquidity position and capital structure; our ability to comply with OTCQB continuing standards; our ability to achieve our stated goals; our strategies, plan, objectives and goals, including, among others, the successful implementation and management of the pivot of our business to exclusively retrofitting and integrating our solar technology onto third party vehicles; our ability to raise the additional funding required beyond the investment from Yorkville to further develop and commercialize our solar technology and business as well as to continue as a going concern. For additional information concerning some of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our forward-looking statements, please refer to our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on our website at ir.sonomotors.com. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond our ability to control or estimate precisely, such as the actions of courts, regulatory authorities and other factors. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Reports Preliminary May 2025 Revenue Growth of 148% Year-Over-Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AI-driven Energy Pioneer Delivers Best Month in Company History

    YTD Revenue Surpasses Total Revenue for All of 2024

    MIAMI, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered through its Next Utility Operating System®, smart microgrids, wireless EV charging, and mobile fuel delivery, today announced preliminary unaudited financial results for May 2025.

    May 2025 Highlights:

    • Revenue: $6.6 million, up 148% year-over-year
    • Year-to-date revenue through May reached approximately $28.89 million, surpassing full-year 2024 revenue of approximately $27 million

    “We’re proud to report another month of strong revenue growth,” said Michael D. Farkas, Executive Chairman and CEO of NextNRG. “This marks our fifth consecutive record month, driven by the expansion of our operations and rising demand from partners nationwide. It reflects our continued operational momentum and the scalability of our model as we enter new markets. Crossing our full-year 2024 revenue total before mid-year is a clear indication that our execution strategy is working.”

    NextNRG’s revenues continue to grow in scale, with strong adoption from commercial fleets and an expanding network of strategic partnerships. The company is also preparing to deploy its Next Utility Operating System®, AI-powered microgrid systems, and wireless EV charging products in key markets.

    Note on Preliminary Results
    The financial results for May 2025 are preliminary and unaudited. Final results may differ and will be confirmed upon the completion of standard month-end closing procedures.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Next Utility Operating System®, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible, and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, healthcare campuses, universities, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, providing fuel delivery while advancing efficient energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more, visit: www.nextnrg.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Reports Preliminary May 2025 Revenue Growth of 148% Year-Over-Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AI-driven Energy Pioneer Delivers Best Month in Company History

    YTD Revenue Surpasses Total Revenue for All of 2024

    MIAMI, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered through its Next Utility Operating System®, smart microgrids, wireless EV charging, and mobile fuel delivery, today announced preliminary unaudited financial results for May 2025.

    May 2025 Highlights:

    • Revenue: $6.6 million, up 148% year-over-year
    • Year-to-date revenue through May reached approximately $28.89 million, surpassing full-year 2024 revenue of approximately $27 million

    “We’re proud to report another month of strong revenue growth,” said Michael D. Farkas, Executive Chairman and CEO of NextNRG. “This marks our fifth consecutive record month, driven by the expansion of our operations and rising demand from partners nationwide. It reflects our continued operational momentum and the scalability of our model as we enter new markets. Crossing our full-year 2024 revenue total before mid-year is a clear indication that our execution strategy is working.”

    NextNRG’s revenues continue to grow in scale, with strong adoption from commercial fleets and an expanding network of strategic partnerships. The company is also preparing to deploy its Next Utility Operating System®, AI-powered microgrid systems, and wireless EV charging products in key markets.

    Note on Preliminary Results
    The financial results for May 2025 are preliminary and unaudited. Final results may differ and will be confirmed upon the completion of standard month-end closing procedures.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Next Utility Operating System®, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible, and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, healthcare campuses, universities, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, providing fuel delivery while advancing efficient energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more, visit: www.nextnrg.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to promote sales of new energy vehicles in counties, townships

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

    BEIJING, June 24 — China will launch “a new energy vehicle (NEV) consumption season” in its vast county and township regions to unlock NEV sales potential, the Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday.

    Running from July through December, the consumption season will fully harness the efforts of local governments, industry associations, and enterprises.

    Localities are tasked with actively implementing vehicle trade-in programs. Special zones for vehicle trade-ins should be established at venues related to the NEV consumption season.

    Marketable NEV models need to be further introduced to better cater to the diverse needs of county and township residents.

    Localities should also develop innovative consumption scenarios and speed up the construction of relevant facilities, such as NEV parking lots, charging stations and after-sales service centers, according to the ministry.

    China’s NEV production surged 45.2 percent year on year to nearly 5.7 million units in the first five months of 2025, with sales up by 44 percent year on year to 5.61 million units.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: POET Signs Manufacturing Agreement with NationGate Solutions in Malaysia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Corporation”) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), a leader in the design and implementation of highly-integrated optical engines and light sources for artificial intelligence networks, today announced that it has signed a Master Agreement, Module Purchase Agreement and a Deed of Consignment with NationGate Solutions (M) Sdn. Bhd (“NationGate”), to manufacture optical engine assemblies for POET in Penang, Malaysia.

    POET has engaged with NationGate to assemble and test consigned optical engines with a custom-designed fiber-attach unit (FAU) made specifically for one of POET’s key customers. That customer has confirmed a high level of interest from hyperscale data centers in a product that includes a combination of optical engines available exclusively from POET.

    “We are thrilled to be engaged with POET, whose profile in Malaysia is increasingly prominent,” said Dato Ooi Eng Leong, CEO of NationGate Solutions (M) Sdn. Bhd., the largest electronics manufacturing services provider in Malaysia. “We share POET’s enthusiasm about a Malaysia-centered ecosystem for the manufacturing of advanced optoelectronics products to complement what we are already manufacturing for some of the largest AI network systems providers in the world.”

    “The level of dedication to a shared mission that we see from our partners has far exceeded our expectations and confirms that our decision to focus manufacturing of Optical Interposer-based products in Malaysia was the best path for POET,” said Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, Chairman & CEO of POET Technologies Inc. “Through the relationships, talent and world-class facilities offered by our partners, POET is able to demonstrate the ability to scale manufacturing to the volumes demanded by our customers, bringing us that much closer to significant revenue generation in the near future.”

    Update on Sample Shipments
    The agreement with NationGate is in addition to the Company’s manufacturing agreement with Globetronics, which was announced in December of 2024. The Company confirmed that its operation in Globetronics had progressed to the point that it had, as of early June, shipped its order backlog of sample 800G optical engines to existing customers. The Company expects to ship its backlog of 1.6T samples during Q3 of 2025.

    Both the Globetronics and NationGate facilities have initiated critical qualification processes. Once fully on-line, these facilities will ensure continuity and scalability in delivering POET’s high performance photonics solutions to global customers. Establishing a Malaysian manufacturing footprint is in direct response to increasing customer demand and the strategic need for POET to diversify and secure the Company’s supply chain. POET’s Optical Interposer-based Optical Engines and other assemblies are directed at applications in data centers, AI, high performance computing and telecom networks.

    About POET Technologies Inc.
    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers. POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems. POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles. POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in, Shenzhen, China, Penang, Malaysia and Singapore. More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.

    About NationGate Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (0270.KL)
    NationGate is Malaysia’s leading Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Provider. Since its inception before 2010, NationGate has been providing electronics manufacturing services and technical support to (IoT) Internet of Things, Consumer electronics , Industrial Instrumentation, Data computing , Networking, Telecommunications , Medical , Automotive, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Equipment and Aerospace sectors. Our vision is to serve the various industrial sectors by providing the best alternative of choice to potential prospectus. Services provided by NationGate include complex and high speed SMT (Surface Mount Technology), COB (Chip On Flex/ Board), Final Assembly (Box Build), precision Plastic Moulding, Final Testing services and Advanced Laboratory Services.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include the Corporation’s expectations with respect to its business partnership with NationGate, success of the Corporation’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Corporation’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Corporation’s technology in current and future products and expectations regarding its successful penetration of the Artificial Intelligence hardware markets.

    Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, its expectations for the partnership with NationGate, the negotiations with contract manufacturers, the size, future growth and needs of Artificial Intelligence network suppliers, management’s expectations regarding the success and timing for completion of its development efforts, the introduction of new products, financing activities, future growth, recruitment of personnel, reorganization efforts, plans for and completion of projects by the Corporation’s consultants, contractors and partners, availability of capital, and the necessity to incur capital and other expenditures. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, failure to receive necessary regulatory approvals for the Corporation’s arrangements with NationGate and Globetronics, the failure of Artificial Intelligence networks to continue to grow as expected, the failure of the Corporation’s products to meet performance requirements for AI and datacom networks, lack of sales in its products, lack of sales by its customers to end-users, operational risks in the completion of the Corporation’s projects, risks affecting the Corporation’s ability to complete its products, the ability of the Corporation to generate sales for its products, the ability of its customers to generate sales for products that incorporate the Corporation’s products, the ability to attract key personnel, the failure of its reorganization efforts and the ability to raise additional capital when needed. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Corporation’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Corporation can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
    120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Next-generation monetary and financial system takes shape, based on a tokenised unified ledger: BIS

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    • Building on the proposal for a unified ledger, the “trilogy” of tokenised central bank reserves, commercial bank money and government bonds is the next logical step to deliver profound change for the financial system.
    • Tokenisation can enhance efficiency and open new possibilities in cross-border payments, securities markets and beyond, while maintaining the key principles of sound money: singleness, elasticity and integrity.
    • Stablecoins as a form of sound money fall short, and without regulation pose a risk to financial stability and monetary sovereignty.

    A tokenised unified ledger incorporating central bank money, commercial bank deposits and government bonds will lay the foundations of a tokenised monetary and financial system based on the time-tested principles of sound money, the Bank for International Settlements said today, as it called on central banks and public authorities to pave the way for this next phase.

    A special chapter of the BIS’s Annual Economic Report 2025 builds on the principles of the unified ledger by laying out a more detailed blueprint for how this concept can combine the “trilogy” of tokenised central bank reserves, tokenised commercial bank money and tokenised government bonds, while maintaining the core elements of a sound monetary system based on trust in central bank money.

    Tokenisation – the digital representation of assets on programmable platforms – integrates messaging, reconciliation and settlement into a single seamless operation, and can transform cross-border payments and securities markets, ushering in a new era for the financial system.

    Tokenisation of deposits and central bank money means that both the primary means of payment as well as the settlement function of central bank money can be integrated seamlessly on the same programmable platform. It has the potential to transform securities markets and its application to correspondent banking is especially promising.

    Hyun Song Shin, Economic Adviser and Head of the Monetary and Economic Department

    While stablecoins may eventually play a subsidiary role in the hinterland of the financial system if adequately regulated, they do not deliver singleness of money (acceptance for payment at par), elasticity (timely discharge of obligations, preventing gridlock) and integrity (safeguarding against financial crime). Therefore, besides acting as a gateway to the crypto ecosystem, their future role is unclear.

    The next-generation monetary and financial system combines the time-tested principles of trust in money underpinned by central banks with the functionality unlocked by tokenisation. This system is poised to deliver substantial improvements to current practices and to enable entirely new economic arrangements. Realising the full potential of the system requires bold actions by central banks, which need to work in partnership with the private sector and other public authorities.

    Agustín Carstens, General Manager

    The BIS and central banks are already driving this vision with Project Agorá, a collaboration led by the BIS with seven central banks and 43 private sector institutions.

    The BIS is not just theorising, it is working with central banks to test and develop tokenisation as the backbone of the future monetary and financial system. The BIS Innovation Hub’s Project Agorá harnesses tokenisation to improve cross-border payments in the banking system and make them seamless, more efficient and cost-effective. Project Pine explores how central banks can implement monetary policy operations in a tokenised world.

    Andréa M Maechler, Deputy General Manager and Acting Head of the BIS Innovation Hub

    Note to editors:

    • The full BIS Annual Economic Report 2025 and the BIS Annual Report 2024/25 will be published on 29 June.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Amir Levy/Getty Images

    After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades.

    Israel and Iran both agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, though they said they would respond with force to any breach.

    If the ceasefire holds – a big if – the key question will be whether this signals the start of lasting peace, or merely a brief pause before renewed conflict.

    As contemporary war studies show, peace tends to endure under one of two conditions: either the total defeat of one side, or the establishment of mutual deterrence. This means both parties refrain from aggression because the expected costs of retaliation far outweigh any potential gains.

    What did each side gain?

    The war marked a turning point for Israel in its decades-long confrontation with Iran. For the first time, Israel successfully brought a prolonged battle to Iranian soil, shifting the conflict from confrontations with Iranian-backed proxy militant groups to direct strikes on Iran itself.

    This was made possible largely due to Israel’s success over the past two years in weakening Iran’s regional proxy network, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Syria.

    Over the past two weeks, Israel has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military and scientific elite, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. The civilian toll was also high.

    Additionally, Israel achieved a major strategic objective by pulling the United States directly into the conflict. In coordination with Israel, the US launched strikes on three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    Despite these gains, Israel did not accomplish all of its stated goals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had voiced support for regime change, urging Iranians to rise up against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government, but the senior leadership in Iran remains intact.

    Additionally, Israel did not fully eliminate Iran’s missile program, as Iran continued striking to the last minute before the ceasefire. And Tehran did not acquiesce to Trump’s pre-war demand to end uranium enrichment.

    Although Iran was caught off-guard by Israel’s attacks — particularly as it was engaged in nuclear negotiations with the US — it responded by launching hundreds of missiles towards Israel.

    While many were intercepted, a significant number penetrated Israeli air defences, causing widespread destruction in major cities, dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

    Iran demonstrated its capacity to strike back, though Israel succeeded in destroying many of its air defence systems, some ballistic missile assets (including missile launchers) and multiple energy facilities.

    Since the beginning of the assault, Iranian officials have repeatedly called for a halt to resume negotiations. Under intense pressure, Iran realised it would not benefit from a prolonged war of attrition with Israel — especially as both nations faced mounting costs and the risk of depleting their military stockpiles if the war continued.

    As theories of victory suggest, success in war is defined not only by the damage inflicted, but by achieving core strategic goals and weakening the enemy’s will and capacity to resist.

    While Israel claims to have achieved the bulk of its objectives, the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is not fully known, nor is its capacity to continue enriching uranium.

    Both sides could remain locked in a volatile standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, with the conflict potentially reigniting whenever either side perceives a strategic opportunity.

    Sticking point over Iran’s nuclear program

    Iran faces even greater challenges as it emerges from the war. With a heavy toll on its leadership and nuclear infrastructure, Tehran will likely prioritise rebuilding its deterrence capability.

    That includes acquiring new advanced air defence systems — potentially from China — and restoring key components of its missile and nuclear programs. (Some experts say Iran did not use some of its most powerful missiles to maintain this deterrence.)

    Iranian officials have claimed they safeguarded more than 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium before the attacks. This stockpile could theoretically be converted into nine to ten nuclear warheads if further enriched to 90%.

    Trump declared Iran’s nuclear capacity had been “totally obliterated”, whereas Rafael Grossi, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog chief, said damage to Iran’s facilities was “very significant”.

    However, analysts have argued Iran will still have a depth of technical knowledge accumulated over decades. Depending on the extent of the damage to its underground facilities, Iran could be capable of restoring and even accelerating its program in a relatively short time frame.

    And the chances of reviving negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program appear slimmer than ever.

    What might future deterrence look like?

    The war has fundamentally reshaped how both Iran and Israel perceive deterrence — and how they plan to secure it going forward.

    For Iran, the conflict reinforced the belief that its survival is at stake. With regime change openly discussed during the war, Iran’s leaders appear more convinced than ever that true deterrence requires two key pillars: nuclear weapons capability, and deeper strategic alignment with China and Russia.

    As a result, Iran is expected to move rapidly to restore and advance its nuclear program, potentially moving towards actual weaponisation — a step it had long avoided, officially.

    At the same time, Tehran is likely to accelerate military and economic cooperation with Beijing and Moscow to hedge against isolation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised this close engagement with Russia during a visit to Moscow this week, particularly on nuclear matters.

    Israel, meanwhile, sees deterrence as requiring constant vigilance and a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation. In the absence of diplomatic breakthroughs, Israel may adopt a policy of immediate preemptive strikes on Iranian facilities or leadership figures if it detects any new escalation — particularly related to Iran’s nuclear program.

    In this context, the current ceasefire appears fragile. Without comprehensive negotiations that address the core issues — namely, Iran’s nuclear capabilities — the pause in hostilities may prove temporary.

    Mutual deterrence may prevent a more protracted war for now, but the balance remains precarious and could collapse with little warning.

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

    – ref. Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking – https://theconversation.com/will-the-fragile-ceasefire-between-iran-and-israel-hold-one-factor-could-be-crucial-to-it-sticking-259669

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Amir Levy/Getty Images

    After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades.

    Israel and Iran both agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, though they said they would respond with force to any breach.

    If the ceasefire holds – a big if – the key question will be whether this signals the start of lasting peace, or merely a brief pause before renewed conflict.

    As contemporary war studies show, peace tends to endure under one of two conditions: either the total defeat of one side, or the establishment of mutual deterrence. This means both parties refrain from aggression because the expected costs of retaliation far outweigh any potential gains.

    What did each side gain?

    The war marked a turning point for Israel in its decades-long confrontation with Iran. For the first time, Israel successfully brought a prolonged battle to Iranian soil, shifting the conflict from confrontations with Iranian-backed proxy militant groups to direct strikes on Iran itself.

    This was made possible largely due to Israel’s success over the past two years in weakening Iran’s regional proxy network, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Syria.

    Over the past two weeks, Israel has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military and scientific elite, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. The civilian toll was also high.

    Additionally, Israel achieved a major strategic objective by pulling the United States directly into the conflict. In coordination with Israel, the US launched strikes on three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    Despite these gains, Israel did not accomplish all of its stated goals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had voiced support for regime change, urging Iranians to rise up against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government, but the senior leadership in Iran remains intact.

    Additionally, Israel did not fully eliminate Iran’s missile program, as Iran continued striking to the last minute before the ceasefire. And Tehran did not acquiesce to Trump’s pre-war demand to end uranium enrichment.

    Although Iran was caught off-guard by Israel’s attacks — particularly as it was engaged in nuclear negotiations with the US — it responded by launching hundreds of missiles towards Israel.

    While many were intercepted, a significant number penetrated Israeli air defences, causing widespread destruction in major cities, dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

    Iran demonstrated its capacity to strike back, though Israel succeeded in destroying many of its air defence systems, some ballistic missile assets (including missile launchers) and multiple energy facilities.

    Since the beginning of the assault, Iranian officials have repeatedly called for a halt to resume negotiations. Under intense pressure, Iran realised it would not benefit from a prolonged war of attrition with Israel — especially as both nations faced mounting costs and the risk of depleting their military stockpiles if the war continued.

    As theories of victory suggest, success in war is defined not only by the damage inflicted, but by achieving core strategic goals and weakening the enemy’s will and capacity to resist.

    While Israel claims to have achieved the bulk of its objectives, the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is not fully known, nor is its capacity to continue enriching uranium.

    Both sides could remain locked in a volatile standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, with the conflict potentially reigniting whenever either side perceives a strategic opportunity.

    Sticking point over Iran’s nuclear program

    Iran faces even greater challenges as it emerges from the war. With a heavy toll on its leadership and nuclear infrastructure, Tehran will likely prioritise rebuilding its deterrence capability.

    That includes acquiring new advanced air defence systems — potentially from China — and restoring key components of its missile and nuclear programs. (Some experts say Iran did not use some of its most powerful missiles to maintain this deterrence.)

    Iranian officials have claimed they safeguarded more than 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium before the attacks. This stockpile could theoretically be converted into nine to ten nuclear warheads if further enriched to 90%.

    Trump declared Iran’s nuclear capacity had been “totally obliterated”, whereas Rafael Grossi, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog chief, said damage to Iran’s facilities was “very significant”.

    However, analysts have argued Iran will still have a depth of technical knowledge accumulated over decades. Depending on the extent of the damage to its underground facilities, Iran could be capable of restoring and even accelerating its program in a relatively short time frame.

    And the chances of reviving negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program appear slimmer than ever.

    What might future deterrence look like?

    The war has fundamentally reshaped how both Iran and Israel perceive deterrence — and how they plan to secure it going forward.

    For Iran, the conflict reinforced the belief that its survival is at stake. With regime change openly discussed during the war, Iran’s leaders appear more convinced than ever that true deterrence requires two key pillars: nuclear weapons capability, and deeper strategic alignment with China and Russia.

    As a result, Iran is expected to move rapidly to restore and advance its nuclear program, potentially moving towards actual weaponisation — a step it had long avoided, officially.

    At the same time, Tehran is likely to accelerate military and economic cooperation with Beijing and Moscow to hedge against isolation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised this close engagement with Russia during a visit to Moscow this week, particularly on nuclear matters.

    Israel, meanwhile, sees deterrence as requiring constant vigilance and a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation. In the absence of diplomatic breakthroughs, Israel may adopt a policy of immediate preemptive strikes on Iranian facilities or leadership figures if it detects any new escalation — particularly related to Iran’s nuclear program.

    In this context, the current ceasefire appears fragile. Without comprehensive negotiations that address the core issues — namely, Iran’s nuclear capabilities — the pause in hostilities may prove temporary.

    Mutual deterrence may prevent a more protracted war for now, but the balance remains precarious and could collapse with little warning.

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

    – ref. Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking – https://theconversation.com/will-the-fragile-ceasefire-between-iran-and-israel-hold-one-factor-could-be-crucial-to-it-sticking-259669

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Operation Shanela nets 15 372

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Operation Shanela nets 15 372

    Over 15 000 individuals have been arrested in the ongoing Operation Shanela operation, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).

    According to the SAPS, these successes stem from proactive policing tactics, including high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search initiatives and intelligence-led suspect tracing.

    From 16 -22 June 2025, 15 372 arrests were made.

    Among those arrested were 2,400 wanted individuals, linked to serious and violent crimes (murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery), while a further 159 suspects were arrested for murder (62 in Gauteng and 43 in the Western Cape).

    Other key arrests include: 
    •    86 for attempted murder
    •    100 for rape, with Gauteng leading at 25 arrests
    •    1173 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
    •    235 identified drug dealers
    •    2602 for drug possession, most in the Western Cape (1460)
    •    67 for illegal firearm possession, with 22 from KwaZulu-Natal
    •    14 for human trafficking
    •    1328 illegal foreign nationals detained
    •    1140 drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs- KwaZulu-Natal (411), Mpumalanga (225), Western Cape (195) and Gauteng (144)

    Police also recovered and confiscated 102 firearms, 1,278 rounds of ammunition and 64 hijacked or stolen vehicles.

    In the North West, two suspects were arrested for the fatal shooting of an elderly couple in Rustenburg where a firearm was recovered. Additionally, police intercepted two vehicles on the N1 near Makhado carrying dagga valued at R3 million.

    In KwaZulu-Natal, a 49-year-old man arrested in Adams Mission for illegal possession of two AK-47s and a pistol. Ammunition was also seized.

    Meanwhile in Gauteng police apprehended three Mozambican nationals in Kingsway for cross-border motorcycle theft. Police also found dismantled motorcycle parts found prepared for smuggling.

    In the Eastern Cape two Lesotho nationals were arrested for human trafficking where 10 children were rescued in Matatiele.

    “SAPS remains committed to relentless, multidisciplinary crime prevention through Operation Shanela and related initiatives. The National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, applauded the dedication of all police officers and partners who collaborated with the police,” the South African Police Service said in a statement on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za

    Edwin

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Nuclear watchdog IAEA sounds alarm over ‘grave threat’ following Iran atomic site attacks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically following a series of devastating air attacks exchanged between Israel and Iran, triggered by a direct U.S. military strike on three of Iran’s major nuclear facilities. Explosions shook Tehran as Israel launched coordinated assaults on government and military installations across Iran. In retaliation, Iran fired multiple waves of missiles and drones into Israeli territory, with strikes reported in several cities.

    As part of its sweeping offensive, the Israeli Defense Forces targeted the entrance of Tehran’s Evin Prison—a high-security facility known for housing political prisoners, dual nationals, and regime critics—signaling an expansion of Israeli objectives beyond strictly military targets.

    Amid the intensifying crisis, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared that the legislature is weighing legislation to suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Qalibaf insisted Iran remains committed to peaceful nuclear activity but criticized the agency’s alleged politicization and failure to uphold its professional commitments. He warned that continued non-compliance by the IAEA could force Iran to withdraw entirely from cooperation.

    The conflict’s ripple effects spread across the region, prompting major energy companies operating in Iraq—such as Eni, BP, and Total Energies—to begin emergency evacuations of foreign personnel, according to Iraq’s state-run Basra Oil Company. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued an urgent advisory instructing American citizens to stay indoors until further notice, citing the ongoing hostilities and U.S. air operations against Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

    In Vienna, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, convened an emergency session of the agency’s Board of Governors to address the unfolding situation. He urged Iran to restore full IAEA access to nuclear facilities, particularly to monitor enriched uranium stockpiles. Grossi confirmed that Iran’s key sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were struck by cruise missiles and ground-penetrating munitions. While no abnormal radiation levels have been detected off-site, he emphasized the urgency of negotiations and a return to technical oversight. IAEA inspectors remain in Iran and are prepared to resume their duties, he said.

    Grossi’s call for restraint and transparency came as Tehran signaled its intent to limit cooperation with the agency unless provided with credible assurances regarding the IAEA’s impartial conduct.

    As diplomatic efforts intensified, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow. Expressing firm support for Iran, Putin condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes as an “unprovoked act of aggression” and reiterated Russia’s strategic alliance with Tehran. He noted ongoing consultations with U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE President Mohammed Al Nahyan, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

    During the meeting, Araghchi denounced the attacks on Iran’s facilities as violations of international law and expressed gratitude for Russia’s steadfast position. Both sides affirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination as the regional crisis continues to unfold.

  • MIL-OSI: Zeelo Raises $23M Series B to Accelerate AI-Powered Transportation-as-a-Service Growth in North America, UK & Ireland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON and BOSTON, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zeelo, the category-leading Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) provider for employers and schools offering mobility as a benefit, today announced the close of its $23 million Series B funding round. The round was led by impact investor Blue Earth Capital, with participation from existing investors including Direttissima Growth Partners and Peter Bauer’s family office. The new capital will be used to strengthen Zeelo’s profitable market leadership in the UK and Ireland, accelerate commercial growth in North America, enhance its proprietary routing software and AI-powered transport management platform, and pursue further strategic M&A following the successful acquisition of UK competitor Kura in 2024.

    Zeelo provides daily commuter transportation to help reduce employee turnover and cut carbon emissions, leveraging a network of 650+ vetted third-party operator partners with access to over 10,000 vehicles. It is trusted by some of the world’s largest employers and school groups, including Amazon, Barclays, and UPS, and has delivered over 175% year-on-year revenue growth in North America, alongside profitability in its core UK & Ireland market. The company’s AI-powered virtual transportation management workflow, which automates route design, incident management, and customer support, is at the heart of its service – enabling greater operational efficiency, lower cost-to-serve, and a significantly enhanced customer experience. This “human-centric” AI approach ensures technology serves both riders and operations teams without removing the personal touch that defines Zeelo’s high service standards.

    “Our mission is to empower opportunity through sustainable transportation,” said Sam Ryan, Co-Founder & CEO of Zeelo. “With this new investment, we’re scaling our impact – delivering inclusive mobility programs that not only reduce CO₂ emissions and car dependency, but also connect people to work and education in areas not served by public transit. Our proprietary tech platform and AI-powered operations are driving incredible ROI for customers, while our team continues to raise the bar for service quality. This capital gives us the resources to further integrate with industry partners, including operators, electric and autonomous vehicle providers, and to strengthen our market presence through focused go-to-market and acquisition strategies.”

    In the past year, Zeelo has powered over 7 million rides through its platform, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a 98% global customer satisfaction rate. Notably, in the UK, 10% of trips were completed with fully electric vehicles, and the company continues to fully offset emissions for its remaining services. Zeelo acquired competitor Kura in 2024, further strengthening its UK&I leadership position.

    Zeelo is redefining the future of shared transportation with a vertically integrated model that combines best-in-class TaaS software, professional fleet partnerships, and virtual operations centers – supporting transit programs for daily commuting, school runs, campus shuttles, corporate events, and peer-to-peer vanpooling. The company continues to invest heavily into the motorcoach industry, partnering with local operators to digitize, optimize, and electrify their offerings.

    “Our Private Equity team is excited to partner with Zeelo on their mission to decarbonize and democratize access to transportation,” said Kayode Akinola, Head of Private Equity at Blue Earth Capital. “Zeelo’s ability to shift commuters from cars to shared bus trips and optimize routes delivers significant GHG reduction potential and supports our focus on efficiency gains, whilst their role in accelerating adoption of EVs in the shuttle market aligns well with our electrification theme, an important pillar towards decarbonization.”

    Zeelo has also bolstered its leadership team in 2025 with the additions of Fraser Cameron as CFO and James Winn as CRO, based out of Zeelo’s Boston office, bringing new capabilities in commercial strategy and mobility partnerships. These additions signal Zeelo’s readiness to scale profitably in North America and continue expanding its services into new markets and customer segments.

    Looking ahead, Zeelo will continue to leverage human-centric AI to simplify mobility for its customers, riders, operator partners and drivers. Future plans include deeper industry integrations with autonomous and electric vehicle technology, enhanced self-serve capabilities, and targeted M&A to scale the platform globally.

    For press enquiries, please contact:

    Zeelo:
    press@zeelo.co

    About Zeelo

    Zeelo is a category-leading Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) provider delivering mission-critical mobility solutions for employees and students across the US and UK & Ireland. Focused on corporations and schools, Zeelo enables safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation through its proprietary, asset-light technology platform.

    Leveraging a network of 650+ vetted third-party operator partners and access to over 10,000 vehicles, Zeelo offers fully managed, end-to-end shuttle services that reduce transportation costs, improve employee retention and access, and enhance daily commutes. Its AI-powered virtual transportation management system optimizes routes, streamlines operations, and delivers a seamless rider experience.

    Zeelo’s solutions minimize single-occupancy vehicle usage and actively support the electrification of shuttle fleets, driving measurable environmental impact while empowering communities through improved access to work and education. Visit www.zeelo.co.

    About Blue Earth Capital

    Blue Earth Capital is a global, independent, specialist impact investor, headquartered in Switzerland, with operations in New York, London, and Konstanz. Blue Earth Capital seeks to address the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges by delivering measurable impact alongside aiming for attractive and market-rate financial returns. The company operates dedicated private equity, private credit, and fund solutions as well as separately managed accounts. Blue Earth Capital is owned by the Blue Earth Foundation, a Stiftung (charity/trust) registered in Switzerland that focuses on deep impact to support initiatives and business ventures to help deliver a more equitable and sustainable future.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/11925a4a-5a84-46cd-8539-a902703d522a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester prepares to commemorate Armed Forces Day

    Source: City of Manchester

    Mancunians across the city are expected to line the streets to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served in the armed forces for Armed Forces Day (28 June).

    A parade made up of armed forces personnel, veterans and cadets will begin a procession that will proudly march together through the centre of Manchester.  

    The LA Band will officially signal the event opening at 11:00am swiftly followed by the vibrant parade starting in St Peter’s Square at 11:30am.  

    The Lord Mayor, Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, will then lead an inspection with dignitaries. Other esteemed guests in attendance will also be Councillor Tommy Judge and Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

    The Deputy Lieutenant will give a speech at 11:50am and the honorary celebrations will continue with an afternoon of live performances by the lively Lancashire Army Artillery Band and music hosted by BBC Radio DJ, Michelle Dignan, until 4:00pm. 

    Historic military displays, and stalls from organisations including the NHS, Royal British Legion, and the Council’s own Armed Forces Covenant will be in attendance to give visitors the opportunity to further support the Armed Forces community. 

    This year’s Armed Forces Day is particularly special because it marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day 8 May) and Victory over Japan (VJ Day 15 August). 

    As part of the ‘Thank You for Your Service’ campaign, a series of heartfelt video tributes will be broadcast throughout the day, offering a powerful expression of gratitude for the dedication, sacrifice, and service of the armed forces. These messages, shared across generations, reflect the deep personal impact of military service on individuals and families alike. 

    Visitors will also be invited to contribute their own messages of appreciation – whether for family members, friends, or colleagues who have served or are currently serving – creating a collective tribute of national thanks. 

    On the ground, history will come to life through a special pop-up Military Museum tent. Attendees can explore an engaging display of military vehicles, uniforms, artefacts, and personal stories that span the rich legacy of the British armed forces. 

    This immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with the past, understand the evolution of military service, and honour those who have shaped the nation’s history through their courage and commitment. 

    Councillor Tommy Judge, Lead Member for Armed Forces, said: “Armed Forces Day is our opportunity to stand side by side with the incredible individuals who serve and have served in our armed forces. Their bravery, sacrifice and commitment do not go unnoticed, and this event is our heartfelt way of saying thank you.  

    “This year is very special as we are also honouring VE and VJ Day – two momentous moments in our armed forces history which we must not forget. I encourage everyone to join us for a day of pride, remembrance, and community.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing charts path to shape global consumer trends

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

    From the viral appeal of Winter Olympics mascot Bing Dwen Dwen and popular collectible toy Labubu to centuries-old pharmacy Tongrentang now serving up coffee, and smart “human-car-home” tech integrations in smartphones, electric vehicles, and appliances, Beijing is stepping up efforts to become a hub of cutting-edge trends.

    The city recently rolled out its first-ever roadmap for the sector, and the three-year plan aims to transform the capital into a global leader in shaping the trends, the municipal economy and information bureau announced Monday.

    The plan focuses on boosting tech-infused products, premium brands, wellness-focused goods, and creative designs to meet evolving consumer needs.

    “As consumer preferences evolve, fashion now extends far beyond just apparel and cosmetics. Emotion-motivated, pleasure-oriented spending is increasingly driving demand, expanding the industry’s boundaries into home goods, automobiles, food, consumer electronics and more,” a bureau official said.

    According to the roadmap, for tech-infused products, the city will support the development of wearables, AI-powered personal computers, immersive AR/VR entertainment, and smart home and vehicle ecosystems. 

    For premium brands, it will elevate local apparel and cosmetics brands while attracting luxury R&D and production centers.

    For wellness-focused goods, the city will encourage the development of high-tech fitness gear, outdoor sports equipment, tradition-inspired gourmet offerings, and high-tech pet gear. And for creative designs, the city will reimagine traditional crafts and develop creative collectible toys.

    To spur innovation, Beijing will launch five key initiatives, including AI-enhanced design, service-oriented manufacturing, sustainable products with reduced environmental impact, new retail experiences, and industry cluster development. A city-wide trendy experience map will be unveiled to guide consumers to curated hotspots.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Pakistan: Recurrent drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa signal alarming disregard for civilian life

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to recurrent drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan that have killed at least 17 people, including five children, this year with the latest deadly strike on Friday, 20 June, Isabelle Lassée, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International said:

    “Pakistani authorities have failed to take action to protect the lives and property of civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who continue to pay the price of an escalating number of drone strikes in the province. Last Friday’s drone strike, killing one child, is part of an alarming series of attacks which have escalated since March of this year.

    “Use of drones and quadcopters to conduct attacks resulting in unlawful killing of civilians violates international law. Reports that the strikes have hit homes and volleyball games indicate a reckless disregard for civilian life.

    “While Pakistani authorities have often denied responsibility for these attacks, they are obligated to conduct prompt, independent, transparent and effective investigations into these attacks and bring all those responsible to justice through fair trials. In cases where the Pakistani authorities are found to be directly responsible or where authorities failed to protect civilians from foreseeable threats, victims and families impacted in the strike must be provided with effective remedies, including compensation and other appropriate reparation.”

    Last Friday’s drone strike, killing one child, is part of an alarming series of attacks which have escalated since March of this year.

    Isabelle Lassée, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International

    BACKGROUND:

    Multiple drone strikes have taken place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, at least four of which have killed or injured civilians since March 2025.

    The latest drone strike on 20 June resulted in the death of one child and left five others injured in Dashka, Makeen Tehsil, South Waziristan district. Earlier this year, on 29 March, a strike in Katlang, Mardan district killed at least 11 people. The provincial government, in a press note, acknowledged civilian casualties. On 19 May a strike in Hurmuz, Mir Ali, North Waziristan district killed four children and injured five others. The Pakistani authorities denied responsibility, accusing the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of carrying out the attack. On 28 May, a drone struck a volleyball match injuring 22 people, including seven children, in Wana, South Waziristan district. In September last year, a drone strike in Sararogha Tehsil, South Waziristan district killed one person and injured three others.

    Drone strikes have been long part of “counterterrorism” efforts in Pakistan.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Shaping the Future of African Mining: What to Expect at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025


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    As the global energy transition accelerates and demand for critical minerals continues to surge, Africa’s vast mineral wealth – accounting for 30% of the world’s critical minerals – is capturing the attention of investors, innovators and policymakers worldwide. African Mining Week (AMW) – taking place on October 1 – 3, 2025 in Cape Town – arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent’s mining sector. Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW is set to be a game-changing platform that will connect governments, industry leaders, financiers, and technology providers to shape the next phase of mining-led development across Africa.

    Multi Track Agenda

    AMW 2025 will feature a comprehensive multi-track program designed to reflect the full spectrum of Africa’s mining value chain. Delegates will have access to the Strategic Conference, Technical Conference, and Mining Investment Hub – each offering dynamic discussions on issues ranging from regulatory improvements and infrastructure development to mergers, acquisitions, and local content policies. The program is geared toward fostering investment, promoting downstream beneficiation, and accelerating inclusive economic growth through value-added mineral processing.

    Country Spotlights

    Country Spotlights will take center stage at AMW, offering targeted investment intelligence and updates from key African mining jurisdictions. The country spotlights will highlight opportunities within the world’s largest platinum group metals producer; South Africa, which accounts for over 80% of the world’s total reserves. The Zambia spotlight will showcase opportunities resulting from efforts by the country to increase its copper output to three million tons per annum by 2031. Today, Zambia ranks as Africa’s second largest copper producer. The spotlight on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – the world’s largest cobalt producer and Africa’s leading copper producer – will connect investors with emerging opportunities as the country intensifies the creation of Special Economic Zones for electric vehicle manufacturing using local mineral resources. Botswana’s diamond-led economic growth strategy, Gabon’s evolving landscape under its reformed Mining Code, and Morocco’s phosphate-driven value addition will be unpacked during the country spotlights. Emerging lithium markets in Namibia and Zimbabwe will also be in focus, as these countries position themselves as key suppliers for battery and green technology supply chains.

    Dedicated Forums

    Dedicated forums and summits at AMW will provide platforms for deeper engagement on sector-specific themes. The Ministerial Forum will showcase policy reform initiatives to boost investor confidence and unlock project pipelines. The Gold Summit will explore Africa’s position in global gold markets, while the Women in Leadership Forum will promote gender inclusion across the extractive industries. The Technology Forum will feature cutting-edge mining solutions powered by AI, automation, and data analytics. The Junior Miners Forum will create a dedicated space for emerging companies to connect with financiers, development partners, and technology providers.

    Regional Roundtables

    AMW 2025 will host a series of Regional Roundtables to catalyze multi-billion-dollar collaborations between Africa and global partners and position the continent as a competitive hub for mineral development and beneficiation. The U.S.-Africa, China-Africa, European Partnerships in Mining, and Middle East-Africa roundtables will promote joint ventures, infrastructure financing, knowledge exchange, and innovation transfer.

    Technical Workshops

    Technical Workshops will provide hands-on training and in-depth learning opportunities for engineers, ESG professionals, and mining executives. Topics will include sustainable mineral processing, ESG compliance, AI-powered exploration, and advanced drilling technologies.

    High Level Panel Discussions

    Throughout the three-day event, AMW 2025 will also serve as a high-level platform for strategic discussions that address Africa’s pressing industry challenges. These include sector financing, environmental and social governance, supply chain traceability, formalization of small-scale mining, skills development, and the broader implications of digitalization in mining operations. Ministers, regulators, service providers, and industry leaders will come together to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and turn insights into action.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference on October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKEF unveils new strategic financing for industrial growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UKEF unveils new strategic financing for industrial growth

    Up to £13 billion of direct lending will be used to help boost British exports across key industrial sectors as part of new growth measures spearheaded by UK Export Finance (UKEF).

    • Multi-billion-pound direct lending by UK Export Finance will help boost orders for British exporters across key industrial sectors, including defence

    • Export credit agency to introduce new product to secure critical minerals supply and plans to legislate to increase its statutory commitment limit to support even more businesses

    • New measures announced as part of Industrial Strategy published yesterday

    Through its Direct Lending Facility, UKEF – the government’s export credit agency – provides loans to overseas buyers, allowing them to finance the purchase of capital goods and services from UK suppliers.

    Outlined in the Industrial Strategy, UKEF now has greater flexibility of direct lending powers to support all eight Industrial Strategy sectors, from clean industries and life sciences to advanced manufacturing and defence.

    The £13 billion marks a £3 billion uplift in UKEF’s facility. Of this £13 billion, at least £3 billion will be used to stimulate defence exports, demonstrating the growing importance of this sector to economic and national security.

    Recent direct lending deals include a £18.8 million equivalent loan for an Angolan clean water project delivering up to approximately £6.8 million of supply contracts for British exporters, and a £23 million equivalent loan to Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to purchase 62 UK-made fire-fighting vehicles.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    UKEF plays an instrumental role in delivering our Industrial Strategy – providing the essential support that British businesses need to compete internationally.  

    By unlocking export opportunities and supporting innovation across key sectors through mechanisms like direct lending, UKEF is helping to drive sustainable economic growth, create highly skilled jobs and strengthen Britain’s place as a go-to trading partner.  

    Our commitment to backing British exporters forms a vital part of this government’s Plan for Change which will raise living standards in every part of UK.

    Following on from the announcement of UKEF’s Critical Minerals Supply Finance product in the Autumn Statement, the department is going further to secure industry access to critical minerals by launching a new loan guarantee scheme for UK-based suppliers that sell critical minerals, or products that contain critical minerals, to UK exporters.  

    UKEF also plans to legislate to have its statutory commitment limit – the entire amount of support that the department can have on its books at any one time – increased which will enable it to support more businesses of all sizes across the UK. The department will review its operating mandate to consider taking on a broader trade and investment finance remit.

    To encourage growth at a local level, the department plans to expand its network of 24 local export finance managers to give focus on city regions and clusters where key sectors have a presence. Export finance managers provide free and impartial guidance to businesses on their export finance needs.

    UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid added:

    UKEF is well positioned to drive exports across high-impact industry sectors and create economic growth. We look forward to playing a key role in driving delivery of the Industrial Strategy, using our increased capacity and flexible product range.

    Backed by our comprehensive five-year business plan that will reach businesses of all sizes across every region and nation of the UK, we’re laying the extra foundations to enable thousands more British businesses to take their products and services to global markets.

    The measures are announced ahead of UKEF’s 2024/25 annual report & accounts which will be published shortly. The results are expected to show it was a record-breaking year for the department.

    It will build on the results of the 2023/24 financial year in which UKEF provided over £8.8 billion of support to 650 businesses of all sizes and types, supported up to 41,000 jobs in communities around the whole UK and the contribution of up to £3.3 billion to the overall economy.

    Contact 

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: David Mitchell convicted for covering road with potatoes and silt

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    David Mitchell convicted for covering road with potatoes and silt

    Huge loss of soil from potato field costs farmer over £40,000 for polluting river, with potatoes and silt escaping into the road.

    The run-off soil was ankle deep and caused severe issues on the road.

    • Potato and silt mudslide polluted nearby watercourse and shut local roads.
    • David Mitchell, an experienced farmer, was fully aware of his obligations to reduce risk to the local environment.
    • Fines, costs and compensation for this incident totalled over £40,000.

    A Taunton potato farmer has been prosecuted by the Environment Agency for causing silt, soil and potatoes to escape from a field and seriously pollute a tributary of the River Tone in Somerset.

    The judge found that the pollution was so significant in that it would take a winter of normal water flow to wash the sediment away. 

    David Mitchell, of Hillcommon in Taunton, Somerset appeared before Taunton Magistrates Court on 18 June 2025. Mr Mitchell pleaded guilty to an offence of causing silt laden water from a field under his control at Combe Florey to enter a stream on two occasions in August and again on September 2022.

    He was given full credit for his guilty plea by the District Judge and fines and compensation were ordered to be paid within 12 months. He was ordered to pay a total of £9,078 in fines and costs based on his means as disclosed to the court. The court heard that other clean up, equipment purchases and compensation to the landowner, already paid by Mr Mitchell, have totalled over £35,000.

    River hit hard by run-off sediment

    On 7 September 2022, an Environment Agency officer identified a sediment pollution to the Back Stream watercourse in Combe Florey. A considerable length of the bed of the watercourse was found to be covered, bank to bank, in a thick layer of sediment. The investigating officer traced the pollution to a large field close to the railway bridge in Combe Florey where soil had run off the field down onto the A358 and into the Back Stream.

    The field had been rented that year by Mitchell to grow potatoes, which had not yet been harvested when the pollution occurred. Thunderstorms and wet weather conditions resulted in the loss of an estimated 50-100 tonnes of soil from the field.

    Large numbers of potatoes could be seen in the watercourse and along the edge of the roadside, along with the significant quantities of silt and mud. The busy A358 had to be closed on two occasions for the Highways Agency to clear drains and remove tonnes of soil from the road. 

    The soil deposited under the railway bridge was so deep it prevented vehicles from being able to use the A358. Mr Mitchell agreed to pay compensation of £1,128.10 to a motorist for their losses as a result of this incident.

    A considerable length of the Back Stream watercourse’s river bed in Combe Florey was covered, bank to bank, in a thick layer of sediment.

    Road closed by similar incident month earlier

    The Environment Agency investigations revealed that there had also been an earlier incident in August 2022 which had also closed the A358. Following the initial incident in August, Mitchell, an experienced potato grower, was provided with silt fencing along with guidance and advice paid for by the Somerset Rivers Authority. Only a small section of fencing was used and this was not installed according to the guidance given by advisors.

    A small number of hay bales and a soil bund had also been installed at the bottom of the field in an attempt to prevent further soil from leaving the field. It was also established that the potatoes had mainly been planted up and down the sloping field which significantly increased the risk of soil erosion and run off.

    David Womack, of the Environment Agency, said:

    David Mitchell had control and custody of the land he rented up until the point of harvest and was therefore responsible for the land management practices.

    He chose to grow a high-risk crop on a sloping field with light soils. As an experienced potato farmer he should have identified the risks of using this field and taken reasonable steps to prevent large scale soil loss.

    No formal risk assessment and no adequate precautions to prevent soil loss had been taken. This made it highly likely that soil erosion and environmental damage would occur in even moderate rainfall conditions.

    The Environment Agency expects that all farmers need to be aware of their legal responsibilities to prevent pollution events like this from happening. Farmers renting their fields for the growing of high risk vegetables should ask prospective tenants what they intend to grow and ask to see their risk assessments and soil management plans to ensure they don’t also potentially become liable for such incidents.

    Guidance for farmers is available: The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018

    Background

    David Mitchell was charged with the following offences:

    • On or before 7 September 2022 David Mitchell did knowingly cause or permit an unpermitted water discharge activity, namely the discharge of poisonous, noxious or polluting matter, namely silt laden water from a field under his control at Combe Florey, Somerset into inland fresh waters, namely Back Stream.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire. One factor could be crucial to it sticking

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    Amir Levy/Getty Images

    After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades.

    Israel and Iran both agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, though they said they would respond with force to any breach.

    If the ceasefire holds – a big if – the key question will be whether this signals the start of lasting peace, or merely a brief pause before renewed conflict.

    As contemporary war studies show, peace tends to endure under one of two conditions: either the total defeat of one side, or the establishment of mutual deterrence. This means both parties refrain from aggression because the expected costs of retaliation far outweigh any potential gains.

    What did each side gain?

    The war marked a turning point for Israel in its decades-long confrontation with Iran. For the first time, Israel successfully brought a prolonged battle to Iranian soil, shifting the conflict from confrontations with Iranian-backed proxy militant groups to direct strikes on Iran itself.

    This was made possible largely due to Israel’s success over the past two years in weakening Iran’s regional proxy network, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Syria.

    Over the past two weeks, Israel has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military and scientific elite, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. The civilian toll was also high.

    Additionally, Israel achieved a major strategic objective by pulling the United States directly into the conflict. In coordination with Israel, the US launched strikes on three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    Despite these gains, Israel did not accomplish all of its stated goals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had voiced support for regime change, urging Iranians to rise up against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government, but the senior leadership in Iran remains intact.

    Additionally, Israel did not fully eliminate Iran’s missile program, as Iran continued striking to the last minute before the ceasefire. And Tehran did not acquiesce to Trump’s pre-war demand to end uranium enrichment.

    Although Iran was caught off-guard by Israel’s attacks — particularly as it was engaged in nuclear negotiations with the US — it responded by launching hundreds of missiles towards Israel.

    While many were intercepted, a significant number penetrated Israeli air defences, causing widespread destruction in major cities, dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

    Iran demonstrated its capacity to strike back, though Israel succeeded in destroying many of its air defence systems, some ballistic missile assets (including missile launchers) and multiple energy facilities.

    Since the beginning of the assault, Iranian officials have repeatedly called for a halt to resume negotiations. Under intense pressure, Iran realised it would not benefit from a prolonged war of attrition with Israel — especially as both nations faced mounting costs and the risk of depleting their military stockpiles if the war continued.

    As theories of victory suggest, success in war is defined not only by the damage inflicted, but by achieving core strategic goals and weakening the enemy’s will and capacity to resist.

    While Israel claims to have achieved the bulk of its objectives, the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear program is not fully known, nor is its capacity to continue enriching uranium.

    Both sides could remain locked in a volatile standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, with the conflict potentially reigniting whenever either side perceives a strategic opportunity.

    Sticking point over Iran’s nuclear program

    Iran faces even greater challenges as it emerges from the war. With a heavy toll on its leadership and nuclear infrastructure, Tehran will likely prioritise rebuilding its deterrence capability.

    That includes acquiring new advanced air defence systems — potentially from China — and restoring key components of its missile and nuclear programs. (Some experts say Iran did not use some of its most powerful missiles to maintain this deterrence.)

    Iranian officials have claimed they safeguarded more than 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium before the attacks. This stockpile could theoretically be converted into nine to ten nuclear warheads if further enriched to 90%.

    Trump declared Iran’s nuclear capacity had been “totally obliterated”, whereas Rafael Grossi, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog chief, said damage to Iran’s facilities was “very significant”.

    However, analysts have argued Iran will still have a depth of technical knowledge accumulated over decades. Depending on the extent of the damage to its underground facilities, Iran could be capable of restoring and even accelerating its program in a relatively short time frame.

    And the chances of reviving negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program appear slimmer than ever.

    What might future deterrence look like?

    The war has fundamentally reshaped how both Iran and Israel perceive deterrence — and how they plan to secure it going forward.

    For Iran, the conflict reinforced the belief that its survival is at stake. With regime change openly discussed during the war, Iran’s leaders appear more convinced than ever that true deterrence requires two key pillars: nuclear weapons capability, and deeper strategic alignment with China and Russia.

    As a result, Iran is expected to move rapidly to restore and advance its nuclear program, potentially moving towards actual weaponisation — a step it had long avoided, officially.

    At the same time, Tehran is likely to accelerate military and economic cooperation with Beijing and Moscow to hedge against isolation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasised this close engagement with Russia during a visit to Moscow this week, particularly on nuclear matters.

    Israel, meanwhile, sees deterrence as requiring constant vigilance and a credible threat of overwhelming retaliation. In the absence of diplomatic breakthroughs, Israel may adopt a policy of immediate preemptive strikes on Iranian facilities or leadership figures if it detects any new escalation — particularly related to Iran’s nuclear program.

    In this context, the current ceasefire appears fragile. Without comprehensive negotiations that address the core issues — namely, Iran’s nuclear capabilities — the pause in hostilities may prove temporary.

    Mutual deterrence may prevent a more protracted war for now, but the balance remains precarious and could collapse with little warning.

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

    – ref. Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire. One factor could be crucial to it sticking – https://theconversation.com/iran-and-israel-agree-to-a-fragile-ceasefire-one-factor-could-be-crucial-to-it-sticking-259669

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Pakistan: Recurrent drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa signal alarming disregard for civilian life – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International

    Responding to recurrent drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan that have killed at least 17 people, including five children, this year with the latest deadly strike on Friday, 20 June, Isabelle Lassée, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International said:

    “Pakistani authorities have failed to take action to protect the lives and property of civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who continue to pay the price of an escalating number of drone strikes in the province. Last Friday’s drone strike, killing one child, is part of an alarming series of attacks which have escalated since March of this year.

    “Use of drones and quadcopters to conduct attacks resulting in unlawful killing of civilians violates international law. Reports that the strikes have hit homes and volleyball games indicate a reckless disregard for civilian life.

    “While Pakistani authorities have often denied responsibility for these attacks, they are obligated to conduct prompt, independent, transparent and effective investigations into these attacks and bring all those responsible to justice through fair trials. In cases where the Pakistani authorities are found to be directly responsible or where authorities failed to protect civilians from foreseeable threats, victims and families impacted in the strike must be provided with effective remedies, including compensation and other appropriate reparation.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Multiple drone strikes have taken place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, at least four of which have killed or injured civilians since March 2025.

    The latest drone strike on 20 June resulted in the death of one child and left five others injured in Dashka, Makeen Tehsil, South Waziristan district. Earlier this year, on 29 March, a strike in Katlang, Mardan district killed at least 11 people. The provincial government, in a press note, acknowledged civilian casualties. On 19 May a strike in Hurmuz, Mir Ali, North Waziristan district killed four children and injured five others. The Pakistani authorities deniedresponsibility, accusing the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of carrying out the attack. On 28 May, a drone struck a volleyball match injuring 22 people, including seven children, in Wana, South Waziristan district. In September last year, a drone strike in Sararogha Tehsil, South Waziristan district killed one person and injured three others.

    Drone strikes have been long part of “counterterrorism” efforts in Pakistan.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • What is NATO’s new 5% defence spending target?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    NATO leaders are expected to endorse a big new defence spending target at an alliance summit in The Hague on Wednesday, as demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump.

    Here are some key questions and answers about the new target.

    WHAT ARE NATO LEADERS EXPECTED TO APPROVE?

    They are expected to agree that NATO members should spend 5% of their economic output – or Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – on core defence and broader defence and security-related investments.

    That’s a hefty increase on the current goal of 2%, which was approved at an alliance summit in Wales in 2014. But the new target will be measured differently.

    NATO members will be expected to spend 3.5% of their GDP on core defence such as troops and weapons – the items currently covered by the old 2% target.

    They will also be expected to spend a further 1.5% of GDP on broader defence and security-related investments – such as adapting roads, bridges and ports for use by military vehicles, and on cyber-security and protecting energy pipelines.

    HOW BIG A LEAP WILL THIS BE FOR NATO COUNTRIES?

    Very big for a lot of them.

    Twenty-two of NATO’s 32 member countries spent 2% of GDP or more on defence last year.

    As a whole, alliance members spent 2.61% of NATO GDP on defence last year, according to a NATO estimate. But that number masks big differences in spending among members.

    Poland, for example, spent more than 4% of its GDP on defence, making it the biggest spender. At the other end of the spectrum, Spain spent less than 1.3%.

    WHEN ARE NATO COUNTRIES EXPECTED TO HIT THE TARGET?

    They will be expected to meet the target by 2035. The targets could also be adjusted when they are reviewed in 2029.

    HOW MUCH MORE CASH ARE WE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT?

    It’s hard to say exactly how much extra cash NATO members would have to spend, not least because it will depend on the size of their economies for years to come.

    Also, NATO does not currently measure spending on the new broader category of defence and security-related investments – so there is no baseline measurement to go by.

    But NATO countries spent over $1.3 trillion on core defence in 2024, up from about a trillion a decade earlier in constant 2021 prices. If NATO states had all spent 3.5% of GDP on defence last year, that would have amounted to some $1.75 trillion.

    So, hitting the new targets could eventually mean spending hundreds of billions of dollars more per year, compared with current spending.

    WHY ARE NATO COUNTRIES INCREASING SPENDING NOW?

    Russia’s continued war in Ukraine, concerns about a possible future threat from Russia, and U.S. pressure have led many European capitals to boost investment in defence and plan to increase it even further over the coming years.

    “Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said earlier this month.

    Europe is also preparing for the possibility that the U.S. under President Donald Trump will decide to withdraw some of its troops and capabilities from Europe.

    “America can’t be everywhere all the time, nor should we be,” U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier this month.

    WHAT WILL THE NEW MONEY BE SPENT ON?

    NATO this month agreed on new capability targets for its members – the types of troops, military units, weapons and equipment that NATO says they should possess to defend themselves and the alliance.

    Those targets are classified but Rutte said after they were approved that the alliance needed to invest more in areas including “air defence, fighter jets, tanks, drones, personnel, logistics and so much more”.

    IS EVERYONE ON BOARD?

    Not quite. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says his country can meet its military capability targets by spending just 2.1% of GDP.

    His government approved the draft summit statement with the new spending target but made clear it does not intend to spend that much. NATO officials say Sanchez does not have an opt-out – Spain’s spending will be tracked and if it’s not investing enough to meet the military targets, it will need to improve.

    Some countries that have signed up to the targets may also not meet them, diplomats and analysts expect. But publicly, they have insisted they are committed.

    WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM?

    Every NATO country will decide on its own where to find the cash to invest more in defence and how to allocate it.

    The European Union has moved to try to make it easier for capitals to spend on defence.

    The EU is allowing members to raise defence spending by 1.5% of GDP each year for four years without any disciplinary steps that would normally kick in once a national deficit is above 3% of GDP.

    EU ministers last month also approved the creation of a 150-billion-euro arms fund using joint EU borrowing to give loans to European countries for joint defence projects.

    Some European countries are pushing for EU joint borrowing to fund grants – rather than loans – for defence spending. But they have met resistance from fiscally conservative countries including Germany and The Netherlands.

    HOW DOES THE NATO TARGET COMPARE TO OTHER COUNTRIES’ DEFENCE SPENDING?

    NATO allies dedicate a much smaller share of their economic output to defence than Russia but, taken together, they spend significantly more cash than Moscow.

    Russia’s military spending rose by 38% in 2024, reaching an estimated $149 billion and 7.1% of GDP, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

    China, the world’s second-largest military spender, dedicated an estimated 1.7% of GDP to military expenditure last year, according to SIPRI.

    HOW DOES DEFENCE SPENDING COMPARE TO GOVERNMENT SPENDING IN OTHER AREAS?

    In NATO countries, defence tends to make up a small portion of national budgets.

    Military spending accounted for 3.2% of government spending in Italy, 3.6% in France and 8.5% in Poland in 2023, according to SIPRI data. In Russia that year, military expenditure made up nearly 19% of government spending.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Messi’s Miami set for PSG showdown at Club World Cup

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

    Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo, Inter Miami and Palmeiras reached the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 on Monday while Atletico Madrid was eliminated on goal difference.

    Porto and Al Ahly also bowed out after a frenetic 4-4 draw in New Jersey, where Wessam Abou Ali struck a hat trick for the Egyptian side.

    In Pasadena, Botafogo progressed despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in sweltering heat at the Rose Bowl. Needing to win by at least a three-goal margin to advance, the Spanish club dominated for long periods but struggled to find a way past the Brazilian side’s low defensive block.

    Antoine Griezmann finally broke Botafogo’s resistance three minutes from time when he capitalized on lax defending to sweep a first-time effort past goalkeeper John Victor after Julian Alvarez’s cross.

    But it proved too little too late as the Colchoneros were sent packing from the tournament.

    “The team did what was needed to get to the next stage,” Botafogo’s former Manchester United defender Alex Telles said after the match.

    “Some people said we were only here to see Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, but we’ve made it out of the group of death. It shows the work done by this incredible group of players.”

    Botafogo, which finished second in Group B, will meet Brazilian rivals Palmeiras in the next round at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.

    Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said he was disappointed but not concerned by his team’s early exit.

    “We have the feeling of frustration at not being able to progress,” the Argentine said. “We are calm. We are more than clear about what needs to be improved and this helps us to do so. I’m proud of the work that the players have done. We gave absolutely everything we have. We won two games out of three. And sadly, we are out.”

    In Seattle, Paris Saint-Germain comfortably secured its passage to the next stage with a 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders.

    The European champions opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Vitinha’s long-range effort deflected in off teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

    Achraf Hakimi doubled the lead just after the hour, controlling Bradley Barcola’s cross before rifling a shot past Swiss goalkeeper Stefan Frei.

    PSG will vie for a place in the quarterfinals against Inter Miami in Atlanta on Sunday.

    “We want to go as far as possible, and I think the players are ready,” PSG manager Luis Enrique told a post-match news conference. “The real competition starts now, and it will be very difficult.”

    In Miami, Brazil’s Palmeiras recovered from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Inter Miami.

    Tadeo Allende handed Inter Miami the lead with a clinical finish following a counterattack before Luis Suarez made it 2-0 by dancing around Bruno Fuchs and firing a shot past goalkeeper Weverton.

    But the Sao Paulo-based club lifted its intensity and Paulinho pulled a goal back by slotting home from 10 yards after Allan’s layoff. The equalizer came three minutes from time when Mauricio pounced on a loose ball and smashed a rising effort beyond Oscar Ustari.

    “We weren’t able to play the way we wanted to in the first half but in the second half we regained our fighting spirit,” Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira said.

    “Our first objective is now completed. Now we can rest, recuperate and prepare for the knockout phase.”

    In Monday’s other match, Abou Ali’s fine solo performance was not enough to earn Al Ahly a spot in the next round as the Egyptian side drew 4-4 with Porto, which also exited the tournament.

    Abou Ali netted in the 15th minute before converting from the penalty spot just before halftime and adding a third goal shortly after the restart.

    Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane was also on target for the Cairo-based side while Rodrigo Moura, William Gomes, Samu Aghehowa and Pepe scored for the Portuguese outfit.

    Both teams managed only two draws each from their three group fixtures.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: KH Group: Saurus Oy secured a significant order from Defence Forces

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KH Group Plc
    Press Release 24 June 2025 at 10:45 am EEST

    KH Group: Saurus Oy secured a significant order from Defence Forces  

    Finland’s Defence Forces has made an order for 14 fire engines and one foam unit from Scania Suomi Oy. Saurus Oy, a subsidiary of KH Group’s rescue vehicle business Nordic Rescue Group, will supply the vehicles with equipment and fittings valued at approximately 10 million euros.

    “This new order is significant and continues our long-term customer relationship with Finland’s Defence Forces. Saurus Oy has an important role in national security of supply”, says Juhani Härkönen, CEO of Nordic Rescue Group.

    Nordic Rescue Group is a leading rescue vehicle supplier in the Nordic countries. Nordic Rescue Group consists of Saurus Oy in Finland and Sala Brand AB in Sweden. Nordic Rescue Group’s net sales amounted to 44.2 million euros in 2024.

    KH GROUP PLC

    Further information:
    CEO Ville Nikulainen, tel. +358 40 045 9343
    Nordic Rescue Group CEO Juhani Härkönen, tel. +358 40 063 5132

    Distribution:
    Major media
    www.khgroup.com

    KH Group Plc is a Nordic conglomerate operating in the business areas of KH-Koneet, Nordic Rescue Group and Indoor Group. We are a leading supplier of construction and earth-moving equipment, rescue vehicle manufacturer as well as furniture and interior decoration retailer. The objective of our strategy is to create an industrial group around the business of KH-Koneet. KH Group’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

    The MIL Network –

  • Palmeiras salvage draw with Inter Miami as both advance to Club World Cup last 16

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Palmeiras rallied from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami and qualify top of Group A for the Club World Cup last 16 on Monday, a result that sent both teams through to the knockout phase.

    Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez gave Miami a two-goal lead before Paulinho and Mauricio scored in the last 10 minutes to get Palmeiras back on level terms.

    Both teams finished on five points with Inter Miami second on goal difference, while Al-Ahly and Porto were both eliminated after drawing 4-4.

    Lionel Messi’s side will take on European champions Paris St Germain, where the Argentine spent two seasons from 2021-23, while Palmeiras face fierce rivals Botafogo in an all-Brazilian clash for a place in the quarter-finals.

    “It was a great game from us, it’s difficult to play against one of the best teams in South America,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who described it as a “historic night” for Major League Soccer.

    “Maybe at the end we had the game in our hands so the feeling is strange but before the start of the tournament if someone told me we were going to have this kind of performance against these kind of teams I would have signed it.”

    Inter Miami are the only team from MLS to reach the last 16 after both Los Angeles FC and the Seattle Sounders were eliminated.

    With the crowd heavily favouring Palmeiras and creating an atmosphere that made it seem like an away game for hosts Miami, the Brazilian side started with intensity, pressing high up the pitch but despite their energy the final ball lacked precision.

    Miami struck in the 16th minute when Allende surged past a static Palmeiras defence and coolly slotted home after a 40-metre run.

    Allende came close again early in the second half, flashing a shot narrowly wide after another quick counterattack, before Messi brought fans to their feet with a dipping volley from distance that sailed just over.

    Suarez, quiet for much of the game, made no mistake in the 65th minute as he cut onto his left foot and fired into the top corner from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

    Palmeiras pulled one back 10 minutes from time through substitute Paulinho, who guided a low finish into the corner.

    Seven minutes later Mauricio picked up a loose clearance and fired home from the penalty spot to make sure Palmeiras would keep top spot in the group.

    (Reuters)

  • Palmeiras salvage draw with Inter Miami as both advance to Club World Cup last 16

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Palmeiras rallied from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami and qualify top of Group A for the Club World Cup last 16 on Monday, a result that sent both teams through to the knockout phase.

    Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez gave Miami a two-goal lead before Paulinho and Mauricio scored in the last 10 minutes to get Palmeiras back on level terms.

    Both teams finished on five points with Inter Miami second on goal difference, while Al-Ahly and Porto were both eliminated after drawing 4-4.

    Lionel Messi’s side will take on European champions Paris St Germain, where the Argentine spent two seasons from 2021-23, while Palmeiras face fierce rivals Botafogo in an all-Brazilian clash for a place in the quarter-finals.

    “It was a great game from us, it’s difficult to play against one of the best teams in South America,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who described it as a “historic night” for Major League Soccer.

    “Maybe at the end we had the game in our hands so the feeling is strange but before the start of the tournament if someone told me we were going to have this kind of performance against these kind of teams I would have signed it.”

    Inter Miami are the only team from MLS to reach the last 16 after both Los Angeles FC and the Seattle Sounders were eliminated.

    With the crowd heavily favouring Palmeiras and creating an atmosphere that made it seem like an away game for hosts Miami, the Brazilian side started with intensity, pressing high up the pitch but despite their energy the final ball lacked precision.

    Miami struck in the 16th minute when Allende surged past a static Palmeiras defence and coolly slotted home after a 40-metre run.

    Allende came close again early in the second half, flashing a shot narrowly wide after another quick counterattack, before Messi brought fans to their feet with a dipping volley from distance that sailed just over.

    Suarez, quiet for much of the game, made no mistake in the 65th minute as he cut onto his left foot and fired into the top corner from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

    Palmeiras pulled one back 10 minutes from time through substitute Paulinho, who guided a low finish into the corner.

    Seven minutes later Mauricio picked up a loose clearance and fired home from the penalty spot to make sure Palmeiras would keep top spot in the group.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Video: Foresight on China Start-ups

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Foresight on China Start-ups

    China is one of the world’s largest innovation ecosystems, accounting for over half of all AI patents and leading in autonomous vehicle deployment. However, its entrepreneurial landscape is facing increasing headwinds.

    How does this shifting trajectory compare with other global ecosystems – and what will be the next chapter?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_A4b_PfOUA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • Thailand closes border crossings with Cambodia as dispute deepens

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s military has closed border crossings into Cambodia to almost all travellers, including tourists and traders, citing security concerns as tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours remain escalated over a simmering border dispute.

    The deterioration in ties was sparked by brief armed clashes in a border area that left one Cambodian soldier dead late last month. Both governments have since announced measures designed to punish the other, including Cambodia’s recent suspension of all Thai fuel and gas imports.

    Thailand will now restrict all vehicles, tourists and traders from crossing at all land border checkpoints in seven provinces bordering Cambodia, the military said in a statement issued late on Monday, citing security concerns.

    There are exemptions for humanitarian reasons, such as for those needing medical attention, students and other urgent matters at the discretion of security units at checkpoints, the statement said.

    The restrictions “matched the current security situation, particularly in addressing the conflict in areas between Thailand and Cambodia that continue to intensify politically, diplomatically and militarily,” the statement said.

    The military said the measures would also assist in a crackdown on illegal scam centres in Cambodia flagged by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday.

    Paetongtarn said Thailand would stop cross-border supplies of essentials, including electricity, to areas where illicit operations were taking place.

    The prime minister has been under fire for her handling of the border row, particularly after the leaking of a phone call between her and Hun Sen, Cambodia’s former leader, that appeared to show her denigrating a senior Thai military commander.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists and NSU graduates have developed an algorithm for controlling a swarm of drones using the “detection-delivery” scheme

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Scientists from NSU, engineers from Smart Drones LLC (SmartDrones platform) and specialists from the Siberian Fire and Rescue Academy of the State Fire Service of the Russian Emergencies Ministry presented a joint development — an algorithm for controlling a swarm of drones, online detection and determination of the coordinates of detected objects using AI. The technology was tested at an off-site meeting dedicated to the introduction of innovative technologies in the work of agricultural producers, which took place in the Ordynsky District on June 20 with the participation of Deputy Governor of the Novosibirsk Region Irina Manuilova, Minister of Science and Innovation Policy of the Novosibirsk Region Vadim Vasiliev and Minister of Agriculture of the region Andrei Shindelov. The off-site meeting of representatives of science, developers of advanced technologies and innovative projects was held at the production site of Dary Ordynska OPKh LLC.

    The researchers demonstrated the ability of drones to interact in space using the detection-delivery scheme, distributing tasks: one of them detects an object, determines and transmits coordinates to another drone, which carries out delivery according to the specified coordinates. The control algorithm can be scaled to any number of devices and different types of recognized objects.

    The joint development is the result of agreements that were reached after testing drone delivery in April. Then, a new model of an unmanned aerial vehicle, developed by NSU scientists for delivering goods to hard-to-reach areas, successfully covered a distance of 4.5 km across the Ob River and delivered the goods to their destination. The test flight was part of the first tests in Siberia of SmartDrones Fires technology for detecting and extinguishing fires using a swarm of drones and AI technologies, jointly with the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the Novosibirsk Region.

    — Based on the results of the tests, we decided to combine the two technologies and try to work them out in a complex, namely: one drone, controlled using specialized SmartDrones software developed by our company, automatically analyzes data from a video camera, detects a person and transmits his coordinates to the second drone developed by NSU. The second UAV automatically delivers the necessary parcel, which may include water, medicine, etc., according to the specified coordinates. In two months, we took the necessary steps for integration and presented the new technology in action at an off-site meeting that took place at the end of last week, — said Alexey Meleshikhin, founder of the Smart Drones company, a graduate of the Physics Department of NSU.

    In the future, NSU researchers and engineers from the SmartDrones startup will work together to improve the technology for controlling a swarm of drones using the “detection-delivery” scheme and plan to create a full-fledged digital platform that will find application in various areas – agriculture, tourism, emergency prevention, etc.

    — Now we have worked out the interaction of two drones and tested the algorithm “detection and delivery of water”. We have shown how the automatic data transfer from the first drone to the second one works, so that the latter arrives at these coordinates and makes the delivery. In the future, we plan to conduct testing on a larger number of devices, when we can have several drones, each of them monitoring its own square and solving the problem of detecting different types of objects that need different types of delivery – water, medicine, life jacket, etc. In the future, the technology can be scaled to an unlimited number of devices. In addition, the platform being developed will allow drones to make various joint decisions. For example, to calculate the distance of an object and determine who will fly to it faster and deliver, for example, a first aid kit to a victim; what to do in case of loss of communication with one of the UAVs, etc. All these algorithms will be worked out and implemented on the basis of the SmartDrones digital platform, — explained Alexey Meleshikhin.

    The Smart Drones company, founded by NSU graduates and developing the SmartDrones Fires hardware and software complex for automatic fire detection and calculation of the forces and means required to extinguish them using a swarm of drones and AI technologies, is a resident of AkademPark and the winner of the spring, 30th, anniversary accelerator A:START.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 77 Software Verification and Validation Part I & II

    Source: US Government research organizations

    You will need a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) when you check into the Visitors Center at the entrance of NIST and if bringing a vehicle onto the NIST campus, a vehicle registration card.

    PLEASE NOTE: Effective July 21, 2014, under the REAL ID Act of 2005 (https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-frequently-asked-questions), agencies, including NIST, can only accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. NIST currently accepts other forms of federally issued identification in lieu of a state-issued driver’s license, such as a valid passport, passport card, DOD’s Common Access Card (CAC), Veterans ID, Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs, Military Dependents ID, Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and TSA Trusted Traveler ID. See Visitor Information for the latest information.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A carbon levy on global shipping promises to slash emissions. We calculated what that means for Australia’s biggest export

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Brear, Director, Melbourne Energy Institute, The University of Melbourne

    Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Moving people and things around the world by sea has a big climate impact. The shipping industry produces almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – roughly the same as Germany – largely due to the movement of container ships, bulk carriers and tankers.

    Under international rules, these emissions are not included in any nation’s greenhouse gas reporting. That means they often escape scrutiny.

    Unlike cars, international shipping can’t shift to using low-emissions electricity – the batteries required are too big and heavy. So clean fuels must play a role.

    A proposed shake-up of the global shipping industry would encourage the use of clean fuels and penalise shipping companies that stick to cheaper, more polluting fuels. Should it proceed, emissions from global shipping would be regulated for the first time.

    Using our peer-reviewed modelling, we investigated how the changes might affect Australia’s largest export: iron ore.

    What is the proposed carbon levy all about?

    The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is the United Nations body responsible for regulating international shipping. It recently approved a draft plan to tackle the shipping sector’s contribution to climate change through a type of “cap and trade” scheme.

    The plan would involve setting a limit, or cap, on how much each shipping company can emit. Companies must then either buy credits or be penalised if they go over their limit. Companies that stay under their limit – for example, by using cleaner fuels – would earn credits, which they could then sell.

    In this way, high-emitting shipping companies are penalised and low-emitting companies are rewarded.

    Under the plan, the total limit for emissions from global shipping would fall each year. This increases the incentive for companies to switch to lower emission fuels and makes higher-emission fuels progressively more expensive to use.

    The plan is scheduled to be adopted by the shipping industry in October this year and would begin in 2027.

    Not all fuels are the same

    The proposed change is particularly significant for Australia. As a remote island nation, our imports and exports are heavily reliant on massive ships. This is most important for our commodity exports – iron ore in particular.

    Our recently published modelling estimated the emissions and financial impacts of various low-emission shipping options for Australia’s exports.

    We estimated Australia’s commodity exports create about 34 million tonnes of greenhouse gases a year. This is about 8% of Australia’s domestic greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s not included in Australia’s national reporting.

    Using the same modelling, we then examined how the proposed new regulation would affect the cost of shipping Australia’s largest export, iron ore. We chose a common route from Port Hedland in Western Australia to Shanghai in China.

    First, we looked at current fuel costs, as well as overall shipping costs measured per tonne of delivered ore. Shipping costs include both the fuel costs and the cost of the ships designed to use it. Then we estimated how much fuels and shipping might cost from 2030, assuming the proposed regulation has come into force.

    We also examined three types of fuel.

    The first was heavy fuel oil (HFO), one of the main fuels used in international shipping. It’s traditionally the cheapest shipping fuel and also has the highest greenhouse gas emissions.

    The second was “blue” ammonia. This fuel is typically made from natural gas using a manufacturing process where the carbon in the natural gas is captured and stored. It has lower greenhouse gas emissions than heavy fuel oil, but it is not a “green” fuel.

    Thirdly, we looked at “green” ammonia, which is produced using renewable energy. We examined two types of green ammonia – that produced using current technology, and “advanced” green ammonia, made using new technologies in development.

    Is green ammonia an answer?

    From about 2030, the overall cost of shipping powered by heavy fuel oil will start to rise significantly under the proposed regulation. That’s because shipping companies using this fuel must purchase credits from those using cleaner options.

    Blue ammonia may then make it cheaper to ship iron ore from Australia to Asia. Users of this fuel could generate and sell credits that higher-emitting fuel users buy, offsetting some of the shipping costs associated with using blue ammonia.

    But if international shipping is to reach the IMO’s goal of net-zero emissions by about 2050, this is very likely to require a green fuel.

    However, green ammonia is more expensive than heavy fuel oil and blue ammonia with current technology. And our analysis found the proposed regulation – and associated subsidy – doesn’t make it the lowest cost shipping option from 2030 onwards either.

    This is why technological innovation is important. CSIRO projections of the future costs of renewable energy and green-fuel manufacture suggest that, should technologies improve, green ammonia may compete on cost with heavy-fuel oil in the 2030s, even without subsidies.

    If so, this zero-emission fuel could become the cheapest way to export Australian iron ore.

    Looking ahead to net-zero

    As our calculations show, a combination of regulation and innovation could help international shipping achieve its goal of net-zero emissions.

    These fuels could be made in Australia, and potentially used by other industries such as rail, mining, road freight and even aviation.

    Such an industry would therefore contribute significantly to the world’s emission-reduction goals, and could help Australia realise its ambition to become a major global exporter of green fuels and other green products.

    Michael Brear receives research funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the Australian Research Council, the Future Energy Exports CRC and the Clean Marine Fuel Institute. He also receives funding from other government and industry organisations for work on other aspects of energy and transport decarbonisation.

    Gerhard (Gerry) F. Swiegers is an ARC Industry Laureate Fellow and the Chief Technology Officer of Hysata. Hysata is a manufacturer of electrolysers which are used for green hydrogen manufacture. Green hydrogen is a key feedstock for the manufacture of green ammonia.

    Michael Leslie Johns receives funding from the ARC and Future Energy Exports CRC.

    Nguyen Cao receives funding from the Future Energy Exports CRC and the Clean Marine Fuel Institute.

    Rose Amal is the leader of the Particles and Catalysis Research Group, Co-Director of ARC Training Centre for the Global Hydrogen Economy and the Lead of the PowerFuels Network under NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. Rose receives funding from Australian Research Council (ARC) and Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Department of Education (Trailblazer Recycling and Clean Energy program), ARENA and NSW Environmental Trust. She was an ARC Laureate Fellow.

    – ref. A carbon levy on global shipping promises to slash emissions. We calculated what that means for Australia’s biggest export – https://theconversation.com/a-carbon-levy-on-global-shipping-promises-to-slash-emissions-we-calculated-what-that-means-for-australias-biggest-export-258915

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police formally identify man found deceased in Waikato River

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have formally identified a man located deceased in a car in the Waikato River last year.

    He was Michael Murdoch, aged 44, from Ngāruawāhia, who had been missing since September 2019.

    Michael’s body was found in his car in the Waikato River on 13 August 2024, by a company which removes wrecked cars and other hazardous materials from the river.

    Formally identifying Michael was a complex and lengthy process, due to having been in the river for a significant period of time.

    Michael’s death is being treated as unexplained and has been referred to the Coroner.

    Note for media: Michael’s family has requested privacy and do not wish to be contacted by media outlets.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –