The U.S. National Science Foundation and its counterparts from India, Japan and Australia have pledged to back research efforts to advance emerging and agricultural technologies that would benefit food security in the Indo-Pacific region. They hope to support multilateral research by launching an initiative called AI-ENGAGE, short for Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen AGriculturE, that will accept proposals that focus on artificial intelligence, communications, robotics and sensing. According to NSF chief Sethuraman Panchanathan, the four nations expect the collaborative research opportunity to introduce new ways to use these emerging technologies to secure the world's farms in the future.
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Category: General News
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Australia Receives US OK for Northrop’s Air-Launched Anti-Radiation Missiles
The U.S. government has approved Australia's possible acquisition of air-to-ground tactical missiles from Northrop Grumman in a deal valued at $405 million. Canberra's request is for up to 100 extended range versions of the AGM-88G advanced anti-radiation guided missile plus AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance and control section spares. Northrop will also deliver several non-major defense equipment items under the deal. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the acquisition will enhance Australia's aircraft survivability with a capability to address existing and future threats from land- or sea-based radar emitters.
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GA-ASI Industry Event to Provide Funding Opportunity for Dutch Tech, Aerospace Companies
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, will hold the Blue Magic Netherlands event on Nov. 19 in Eindhoven to provide Dutch tech and aerospace companies the opportunity to propose innovative technologies, seek funding and connect with industry leaders. Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency, Spacened and Lockheed Martin Ventures are among GA-ASI’s partners that will accept dual-use product proposals focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, sensors and navigation, and space. Interested companies are invited to register on the event website no later than Oct. 28.
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Lockheed Martin Secures $3.2B FMS Contract to Supply Missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland
Lockheed Martin has secured a $3.2 billion Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Air Force to supply joint air-to-surface standoff missiles and long-range anti-ship missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland. The company will work on the single-source contract in Orlando, Florida, with completion expected in July 2032. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida is the contracting activity, according to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement on Friday.
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US, Allies Endorse Principles to Enhance Resilience of Undersea Cable Networks
The governments of 16 countries and the European Union have endorsed a set of principles designed to protect global undersea cable infrastructure from security threats and enhance its resilience to natural or man-made hazards. The United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom were among the countries that introduced the principles at the 79th annual United National General Assembly, highlighting the reliance of several nations on undersea cables for global communication. The endorsers encouraged incorporating cybersecurity best practices to build and maintain the infrastructure and strengthening international cooperation to promote the selection of secure and verifiable subsea cable providers.
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Canada Launches New Cyber Command to Ensure Combat Readiness
Canada has set up a new Canadian Armed Forces command to ensure combat readiness in the cyber domain. The new CAF Cyber Command will be led by Maj. Gen. Dave Yarker. It will be the sole entity authorized for cyber force sustainment, management and development and enable Canada to contribute to its international commitments. "By enhancing our work in the cyber domain and by continuing to collaborate with our partners and allies, we can detect, deter and defend against cyber threats and malicious actors targeting Canada and our interests," said Bill Blair, Canada's minister of national defense.
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Viasat Expands Elevate Program With Addition of Satellite Communications Cybersecurity Startup Cysec
Cybersecurity solutions provider Cysec has joined Viasat's Elevate growth program, ecosystem and marketplace, giving it access to the Viasat network and its partners as it develops a solution that addresses threats targeting space-based communications and assets. Cysec's ARCA family of software products — ARCA Satcom VPN, ARCA Trusted OS and ARCA Satlink — offers to provide high-quality security for the space internet. ARCA Satcom VPN, with its built-in encryption and authentication, “unlocks numerous new use cases for our customers,” said Yacine Felk, chief operatibng officer and co-founder of Cysec.
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AUKUS to Step Up Australian Training for Nuclear Submarine Program
Australian defense and civilian personnel will receive further nuclear reactor training in the United Kingdom in support of Canberra's nuclear-powered submarine project under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership. U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey, who issued the announcement after a meeting with his AUKUS counterparts in London on Thursday, emphasized the importance of partnerships amid increasing global threats. "Our government will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Australian and U.S. partners, with new U.K. leadership in AUKUS and a commitment to boost jobs and growth."The Potomac Officers Club will host its first-ever GovCon International Summit on Oct. 10. Join the panel discussions on international partnerships, coalition warfare and emerging technologies and how they are reshaping the defense landscape. Register today!
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US Extends $920M in Foreign Military Funding Direct Loan to Romania
The United States has extended a $920 million Foreign Military Financing direct loan to Romania to help accelerate its military modernization efforts. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the Department of State, said in a press statement that the assistance includes a grant to cover fees and guarantee the loan. According to the official, the FMF deal is expected to strengthen NATO's operations in its eastern flank, noting Bucharest's contributions within the military alliance. "Romania is a leader in NATO, working closely with allies to advance Black Sea security and providing critical assistance to Ukraine, including the transfer of a Patriot strategic air defense system and training Ukrainian F-16 pilots," Miller said.
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Rheinmetall to Supply Mortar Shells for NATO Partner’s Armed Forces
Rheinmetall has received an order for a six-digit number of mortar shells from an international NATO customer. Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, based in Spain, will produce various types of the mortar shells, valued in the mid-double-digit million-euro range, for the NATO partner's armed forces. The products will be delivered, beginning in the summer of 2025, with completion expected in 2026. The latest purchase follows Switzerland's order for 81 mm MX2-KM mortar cargo ammunition and Spain's procurement of 104,000 mortar rounds in 60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm calibers for the Spanish Army.