QinetiQ and the U.K Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have released an artificial intelligence tool as open source software to speed up its evolution. Giving the public access to Primary-level AI Training Environment, created under Dstl’s Autonomous Resilient Cyber Defence program, will allow the general developer community to participate in tweaking the software, QinetiQ said....
Category: Defense Security Cooperation
UK to Boost Industry Partnerships to Accelerate Drone Development
The United Kingdom seeks to strengthen its partnership with the unmanned aerial system industry as part of its new strategy to provide its armed forces with drone capabilities in an accelerated manner. Under the U.K. Defence Drone Strategy, the British government will invest $5.71 billion over the next decade to speed up the experimentation, testing...
Sweden Eyes Expansion of Military Training Assistance to Ukraine
The Swedish Armed Forces is expected to train more than 18,000 Ukrainian military personnel in 2024 under a Swedish government mandate to continue previous training support, with the possibility of expanding the assistance to other training activities. The new training package, which Stockholm announced on Thursday, was developed from 2023 activities and assessments of additional...
US Updates Advisory on Cyberthreats From Chinese-Made Port Equipment
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration has added Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries to its list of Chinese government-backed logistics management companies with platforms posing cyberattack risks to maritime stakeholders. According to the new MARAD advisory effective Feb. 21 to Aug. 19, Shanghai Zhenhua’s ship-to-shore cranes are vulnerable to cyberattacks as some of their configurations...
Austal Secures $103M Deal to Provide Royal Australian Navy With Two More Patrol Boats
Austal Australia has secured a $103 million contract extension to deliver two more Evolved Cape-class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy. The new agreement expands the company’s ongoing partnership with the Australian government to provide RAN with 10 new vessels. Under the SEA1445-1 Project, Austal has already delivered six patrol boats, the latest of...
Lockheed Martin Delivers First Upgraded Hercules Aircraft to Norwegian Air Force
The Royal Norwegian Air Force has received the first of four C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft upgraded with Block 8.1 software and hardware providing advanced navigation and defensive capabilities to the transport plane. According to Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s manufacturer, the upgrade will boost Super Hercules’ interoperability across Europe. The RNoAF acquired the four Hercules tactical...
Spire Global to Provide Data Support for EMSA’s Global Ship Tracking Mission
Spire Global has received two contracts from the European Maritime Safety Agency to provide satellite automatic identification system data services for ship tracking operations. Worth a total of $9.1 million, the agreements will run for four years and include the delivery of real-time and high-density backup SAT-AIS. According to John Lusk, general manager of maritime...
Airbus to Coordinate Four European Defence Fund R&D Projects
Airbus has been tasked to manage four research and development projects under the European Defense Fund’s 41 initiatives designed to contribute to the European Union’s strategic autonomy and strengthen the region’s defense technologies and industrial base. The European Commission finalized 37 EDF grant agreements in December and signed four strategic defense R&D contribution agreements with...
Canada Purchases $168.4M Worth of Saab RBS 70 NG Air Defense Systems
The Canadian government has placed an order for RBS 70 NG short-range air defense systems worth about $168.4 million from Swedish company Saab. “We are pleased to deliver our proven and efficient air defense solution RBS 70 NG, which is a critical capability for nations in the current environment,” said Micael Johansson, president and CEO...
Italy Secures US Approval to Buy Missiles, Bombs From RTX
The Department of State has approved Italy’s request to purchase missiles and small diameter bombs. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Italian government separately proposed to buy 12 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and 125 units of small diameter bombs. The foreign military sale would cost Rome $69.3 million for the missile procurement...