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.
Category: Technology
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.
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.
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.
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.
Embraer C-390 Millennium Captures South African Armed Forces’ Interest at Recent Exhibition
The South African National Defence Force has expressed interest in the Embraer C-390 Millennium as it seeks a replacement for its legacy transport aircraft fleet. Embraer demonstrated the C-390 Millennium at the five-day Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition, which concluded on Sunday, during which SANDF evaluated the military aircraft’s capabilities, including its capacity to carry up to 26 tons of cargo at high speed and perform various missions in demanding operational conditions. Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed confidence that the C-390 can meet the needs of the SANDF and other government authorities.
Dennis Goege to Take Over as Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has named Dennis Goege as vice president and chief executive for Europe, effective Oct. 1. Goege, who succeeds Jonathan Hoyle, joined the company in 2020 and has since been helping with initiatives aimed at growing Lockheed's air, land, naval and space offerings. Also taking on new roles are Emanuele Serafini, who will report to Goege as VP and regional executive for west Europe, and Paul Livingstone, incumbent VP and chief executive at Lockheed Martin UK, who will expand his responsibilities to cover NATO transactions.
Eight Companies Commit to Invest in AI-Related Initiatives Under AI Global Inclusivity Partnership
Eight technology companies have joined the Partnership for Global Inclusivity on AI that the U.S. Department of State launched on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The companies, namely Amazon Web Services, Anthropic, Google, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI, have committed to investing in initiatives and technologies that would advance artificial intelligence, which is seen as a tool essential to achieving the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals. According to State Secretary Antony Blinken, his department intends to provide $10 million in foreign assistance to help achieve partnership objectives.
Maxar Appoints Former NATO Military Committee Chair as Senior Adviser
Maxar Intelligence has announced the appointment of Royal Air Force Air Chief Marshal Stuart Peach as a senior adviser, coinciding with the inauguration of its new international government business headquarters in the United Kingdom. Peach, who formerly served as the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, U.K. chief of defense, joint operations head and defense intelligence chief, brings years of experience in the tasking and application of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Commenting about the new U.K.-based office, Peach said the new infrastructure will enable the Maxar business to boost strategic partnerships with allied nations and help the British government accelerate its space innovation efforts.
US Approves Egypt’s Proposed Stinger Missiles FMS Deal
Egypt has received approval from the U.S. Department of State on its proposed acquisition of 720 Stinger missiles and other related equipment and services from RTX. Made under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, the potential deal, valued at $740 million, includes non-major defense equipment items such as engineering, technical and logistics support services. The Stingers will be mounted on the Egyptian government's Avenger air defense systems.