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Estonia Enhances Global Defence Innovation Through Strategic Alliances

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DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Estonia is enhancing its defence innovation through strategic alliances globally. His Excellency (H.E.) Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Minister of Defence, visited the UAE and attended the IDEX 2025 conference—the global stage for defence innovation and collaboration.

Investment in European defence tech startups is expected to surpass over $1.04 billion this year with the majority directed toward dual-use technologies. However, many funds remain restricted from investing in weapon-related innovations. The UAE and Estonia are jointly advancing their defence sectors, with the UAE focusing on next-generation defence technologies, cybersecurity, AI, and autonomous systems. The UAE’s rise as a global defence tech ecosystem aligns seamlessly with Estonia’s innovation-driven approach.

Technological Innovation Driving Defence Excellence

Estonia has emerged as a prominent hub for defence start-ups, dedicated to advancing AI, cyber defence, and autonomous systems. The UAE’s increasing investment in AI-driven defence solutions, unmanned systems, and digital security highlights the synergy between the two nations. Estonia’s defence sector leads in advanced technology solutions, featuring cyber defence innovations from Cybers, robotics from Milrem Robotics, autonomous systems from DefSecIntel, sensor technology from ELSA Solutions, and communication advancements from Teleport. These solutions are pivotal to achieving battlefield superiority, supporting the UAE’s pursuit of enhanced security measures through technological advancements.

Estonia’s defence industry is bolstered by companies dedicated to advancing military capabilities through innovative solutions, with 21 companies actively exploring opportunities in the UAE market. The focus of these companies spans across defence technologies such as autonomous systems, AI-driven innovations, advanced robotics, cybersecurity, and state-of-the-art communication and surveillance systems. The Estonian delegation also participated in high-level meetings with key industry leaders, including Hamad Al Marar, CEO of EDGE Group; Ziad Al-Musallam, CEO of SAMI AEC; and H.E. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of GAMI, further reinforcing Estonia’s commitment to strategic partnerships in the region.

H.E. Hanno Pevkur, Estonian Minister of Defence, stated: “Estonia’s defence industry is driven by cutting-edge advancements that enhance national security and contribute to international stability. Our companies continue to develop transformative technologies that are vital in redefining modern defence capabilities. Strengthening collaboration with the UAE has further accelerated industry-led progress in addressing emerging security challenges.”

Advancing Cybersecurity and Autonomous Defence Solutions

Estonia is widely recognised for its leadership in cybersecurity, ranking first in the EU on the Global Cybersecurity Index. Hosting the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence further underlines Estonia’s position as a global cybersecurity leader.

The UAE is rapidly expanding its cyber defence capabilities as well, enhancing national security through strategic investments in cybersecurity infrastructure. With a $23.2 billion defence budget in 2023, the UAE is the second-largest defence investor in the Middle East, with cumulative defence investments estimated to reach $129 billion between 2024 and 2028. This commitment to technological advancement and strategic collaboration elevates the UAE’s status in global security.

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, is set to launch its highly anticipated 8×8 Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV). This next-generation hybrid unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), named HAVOC, represents a revolutionary step in modern combat operations. The UAE’s emphasis on autonomous defence solutions aligns closely with such advancements. Similarly, Vegvisir unveiled the Virtual Command Station, a cutting-edge, rapidly deployable command solution that leverages virtual reality (VR) to replace bulky screens with a compact, space-efficient, and highly collaborative environment. This innovation is transforming fleet management and command & control solutions, an area of strategic interest for the UAE.

Rene Ehasalu, Cluster Manager of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association, commented: “The Estonian defence sector continues to push the boundaries of technological advancement. Our partnerships with the UAE and other global allies highlight the significance of innovation-driven security solutions, ensuring resilience in an evolving threat landscape. Estonia’s expertise in cybersecurity and autonomous systems, coupled with the UAE’s investment in next-generation defence solutions, is shaping a robust and future-ready defence ecosystem.”

Key Defence Trends for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, the defence sector is witnessing a transformative shift driven by several key trends. Autonomous systems, including drones and robotic technologies, are increasingly defining modern warfare strategies. The importance of electronic warfare continues to grow, defining how nations defend against and counter emerging threats. AI and machine learning are becoming integral to defence technologies, enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and predictive capabilities. Additionally, fortifying supply chains and deepening international collaboration are fundamental in ensuring resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving security landscape.

Estonia continues to be a leader in defence innovation, with defence spends expected to reach 3.7% of its GDP in 2026 and discussions underway for increasing this further. The country is actively supporting NATO and other international defence initiatives. With two-thirds of its defence sector output exported, Estonia’s defence industry demonstrates strong global demand. Estonia and the UAE remain at the forefront of defence technology evolution, cementing their strategic partnerships and underpinning their roles as key players in global security advancements.

About Trade Estonia

Trade Estonia is part of Enterprise Estonia. As a state organisation, Trade Estonia helps Estonian companies to establish themselves in international markets. With a focus on future technologies and pioneering projects, Trade Estonia provides Estonian companies with access to market analysis and marketing strategies and creates the conditions for them to operate successfully on a global scale. Trade Estonia not only promotes the development of new business areas and the establishment of strategic partnerships, but also facilitates access to international networks, thus contributing to the global competitiveness of Estonian companies.

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

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SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

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