The U.S. National Science Foundation has allotted funding for collaborative American and Italian research projects on artificial intelligence under a memorandum of understanding signed with Italy’s Ministry of Universities and Research. The MOU, which the NSF announced on Tuesday, outlines the framework for U.S. researchers to secure funding from the foundation and for their Italian...
Category: North America
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...
Inspector General Presses Pentagon on Sustainment Plan for US Weapons in Ukraine
The Office of Inspector General within the Department of Defense has urged the agency to implement a sustainment plan for each of the weapon and air defense systems it provided to Ukraine. In support of Ukraine’s fight against Russian attacks, the United States has supplied the European country with Bradley, Stryker and Abrams armored weapon...
Canada Acquires SkyRanger UAS Fleet From Teledyne FLIR to Support Ukraine Fight Against Russia
The government of Canada is set to donate SkyRanger R70 unmanned aerial systems to Ukraine. According to Teledyne FLIR Defense, Canada’s Department of National Defence will acquire 800 SkyRanger drones worth approximately $70 million to aid in the eastern European country’s fight against Russia. The R70 UAS is a multi-mission equipped with advanced thermal and daytime...
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...
US Sanctions Procurement Network for Facilitating Export of Restricted Items to Iran
The United States has sanctioned a procurement network for facilitating the export of restricted items to end users in Iran. According to the Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, the sanctions target three individuals and four entities linked with the transfer of U.S. technology to the Central Bank of Iran, which the...
Recorded Future Bares New AI-Based Solution for Defense Intelligence Analytics
U.S. intelligence solutions provider Recorded Future has released a new cybersecurity platform with a generative artificial intelligence-based assistant for defense analysts. The company said the product, called Recorded Future AI, can pinpoint enterprise threats in the physical environment and cyberspace and use the gathered data for AI analytics. The software is designed to help analysts...
MDA To Support GA-ASI’s Delivery of SkyGuardian Unmanned Aircraft to Canadian Armed Forces
MDA will collaborate with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. to deliver MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems to the Canadian Armed Forces. The Ontario-based technology and services provider secured a $74 million contract from GA-ASI to assemble ground control stations for the RPAS at its facilities in Richmond, British Columbia. “We’re honored to be partnering with...