The Pentagon has updated its list of Chinese military-linked businesses with either direct or indirect operations in the United States. The list is compiled in accordance with Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The Department of Defense said Wednesday that the provision’s continuing implementation is important to counter China’s...
Author: Arthur McMiler (Arthur McMiler)
UK Wants to Develop New Defense Materials for Extreme Environments
The United Kingdom’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has established the Defence Materials Centre of Excellence, a $54 million government partnership with 23 industry and academic organizations to develop new defense materials for extreme environments. Dstl said DMEx, which also includes research organizations, like the Catapult Network, will operate under the Henry Royce Institute, a...
Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions Plant to Start IFV Ammo Production in 2024
Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions, a joint venture of the German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and the Hungarian holding company N7, will begin manufacturing ammunition in 2024 at its new plant in Varpalota, Hungary, which is now in its second phase of construction. According to Rheinmetall, the plant’s completed first phase will produce 30 mm medium-caliber...
11 Companies To Compete in ADF Drone Accelerator Development Challenge
Eleven Australian companies are expected to demonstrate uncrewed aerial system prototypes in the Australian Defence Force’s Sovereign UAS Challenge scheduled in April. According to the Australian Minister of Defence’s office, the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator is running the innovation contest to supply new capabilities to the ADF. ASCA was formed in May to transition game-changing...
Industry Comments Sought on Planned Regulations for Foreign Access to US IaaS Solutions
The U.S. government is proposing new regulations to counter major cybersecurity breaches. The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security said these rules, open for public comment until April 29, respond to a January 2021 executive order that outlines the national emergency that these malicious cyber-related activities pose. The proposal mandates U.S. infrastructure-as-a-service providers...
Intel Partners With Taiwan Chipmaker UMC on New Foundry
Intel and semiconductor foundry UMC of Taiwan have signed a collaboration agreement to develop a 12-nanometer semiconductor process platform for high-growth applications such as mobile communication devices. Intel said the partnership will deliver an expanded process portfolio, combining its at-scale U.S. production capacity with UMC’s mature nodes foundry experience. The company’s Ocotillo Fabrication site in...
GE Hitachi Wins UK Nuclear Power Development Funding for Small Modular Reactor
The U.K. Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has awarded a $42.6 million grant to GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, a GE Vernova unit, under the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund to support London’s goal of 24 gigawatts of nuclear power generation capacity by 2050. The FNEF has an allocation of up to $152.2 million to help...
Ultra Intelligence & Communications Names Randy Fields as VP and Chief Technology Officer
Randy Fields has joined Austin, Texas-based Ultra Intelligence & Communications as vice president and chief technology officer. In announcing his appointment on social media, Fields said he brings to Ultra his expertise in airborne datalinks, joint fires and tactical edge technology. His LinkedIn profile lists prior work with Cubic Digital Intelligence, the U.S. Navy Reserves,...
Thales Post-Quantum Cryptography Kit To Help Businesses Against Data Breaches
Thales has launched the PQC Starter Kit, a new solution to help businesses prepare against data breaches that are expected to emerge in the post-quantum cryptography era. The Paris-based technology company developed the kit in partnership with quantum computing company Quantinuum. Through the kit’s trustworthy environment, businesses can test quantum-hardened, PQC-ready encryption keys to learn...
Foreign Suppliers Compete to Supply Romania’s Tracked IFVs, Howitzers
Several foreign suppliers are competing for Romania’s projected procurement of tracked infantry fighting vehicles and howitzers in 2024. Bucharest’s plan calls for purchasing up to 298 IFVs worth about $3.3 billion and 54 self-propelled 155 mm howitzers with related equipment valued at $920 million. The government expects to increase defense spending for the year by...