World 

Defense News ,Israel Hamas War :- The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) reported that Thursday afternoon numerous rocket launches made by the terrorist organization Hezbollah from its bases across the border in Lebanon were identified heading into the area of Malkia in northern Israel.Moreover, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah military compounds in the area of Naqoura, a small city in southern Lebanon, Thursday evening and IDF artillery struck in the area of Wadi Hamoul in Lebanon "in order to remove a threat" posed by Hezbollah, but did not reveal any specifics of the test.Additionally, Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure was struck in the area of Yaroun in Lebanon.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-16 06:06:21

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Defense News ,UK :-  The British government has recently inked a significant contract with the United States to acquire 14 CH-47F Chinook extended-range military helicopters. This procurement marks a crucial step in the UK's ongoing endeavors to bolster its heavy-lift capability and ensure operational readiness in challenging terrains like deserts and the Arctic.As part of this acquisition, the upcoming fleet of Chinooks will not only double the range of the armed forces in rotorcraft-based missions but also integrate air-to-air refueling functionality, upgraded airframes, and advanced digital cockpits. These enhancements aim to enhance the stability and survivability of warfighters in diverse operational environments.Each of the 14 aircraft will boast a maximum speed of 300 kilometers (190 miles) per hour and offer a capacity to accommodate either 55 troops or carry payloads of up to 10,000 kilograms (22,000 pounds).This procurement represents a significant milestone for the UK, with negotiations between the British defense agency, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), and the US government resulting in a reduction of the procurement cost by over 300 million pounds ($382 million). Additionally, the foreign military sale will involve the participation of local British companies in producing critical elements related to the manufacturing and maintenance of the future Chinook fleet.By engaging domestic industry players, this approach is poised to stimulate job creation in aircraft avionics and electric power sectors while injecting approximately 151 million pounds ($192 million) into the economy.Grant Shapps, the UK Defence Secretary, expressed the importance of this procurement, stating, "Procuring these Chinook helicopters will mark a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the agility of the UK Armed Forces, cementing our ability to respond at pace to situations and threats across the globe." He further emphasized the iconic status of the Chinook, which has played pivotal roles in every major conflict since the Falklands War. Delivering on this deal, according to Shapps, will not only augment the UK's capability but also bolster its industry and skills.The UK has a long-standing association with the CH-47 series, being one of the longest CH-47 users alongside the US Army. Introduced into British military service in the 1980s, the Chinook served as a replacement for the Belvedere and Wessex helicopters. In 2018, the Pentagon approved a foreign military sale of 16 modernized Chinooks for the UK, with each aircraft expected to serve through the 2040s.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-16 05:27:30

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Defense News , Europe :-  The Finnish government just got a big boost for making more ammunition. They received €32.5 million from the European Union (EU) to help with this. This extra money adds to the €24 million they already got from their own Ministry of Defence back in December.Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said they've been asking the EU for help with this for a while. Finally, their efforts paid off. The EU funding matches what Finland planned to do to make more ammo. This money will be used for important investments to make sure Finland's military has enough supplies and to support Ukraine in the long run.The EU gave out this money through something called the ASAP fund, which is for supporting ammo production. The whole fund had about €500 million, and Finland got the full amount they asked for.Nammo Lapua Oy, a Finnish company, got €22.5 million from the EU to make more 155-mm artillery grenade shells. Another company called Nammo Vihtavuori Oy received €10 million to increase its production of nitrocellulose and powder, which are used in making ammunition.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-16 05:14:46

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Defense News ,World :- In the realm of loitering munitions, ALTIUS-700M emerges as a game-changer, boasting unparalleled payload capacity alongside a host of advanced features. This groundbreaking system, developed by Anduril Industries, combines multi-domain launch capabilities, proven collaborative autonomy, and superior range with a larger, penetrating warhead designed to effectively neutralize armored targets and critical infrastructure. Recently, Anduril Industries marked a significant milestone with the execution of the first end-to-end live fire test for ALTIUS-700M at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, showcasing flawless system performance across multiple missions.The September event in Utah served as a pivotal moment for Anduril engineers, providing the opportunity to conduct live testing of ALTIUS-700M with a functioning warhead. Preceded by rigorous trials of subsystems and inert system testing, this event marked the integration and full-scale testing of the system, from launch to successful delivery of effects on target. Collaborating closely with Department of Defense partners, the ALTIUS-700M team achieved all test objectives, demonstrating the system's accuracy and effectiveness against a diverse array of chosen targets.At the heart of ALTIUS-700M lies its versatility and adaptability, encapsulated within the broader ALTIUS family of modular, highly-configurable launched effects. These systems are designed for expeditionary deployment across various domains, including air, ground, or maritime environments, catering to a spectrum of missions ranging from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to kinetic strike operations. With industry-leading loitering time, extended range capabilities, and modular hardware and software architectures, ALTIUS stands as a comprehensive solution capable of executing complex mission objectives simultaneously.ALTIUS-700M distinguishes itself with its category-leading payload capacity, offering a munition payload capability of up to 33 pounds, comparable to renowned missiles like the AGM-114 Hellfire. This substantial payload empowers the system to deliver highly precise and devastating strikes on large and armored targets such as tanks, vehicles, vessels, and critical infrastructure. Equipped with optional delayed fuze payload configurations and high terminal velocity, ALTIUS-700M can effortlessly penetrate target walls, ensuring maximum impact on armored adversaries. Furthermore, boasting up to 100 miles of range and 75 minutes of flight time, this system provides warfighters with extended standoff distance and increased loitering time on-station, facilitating target acquisition and delivery of kinetic effects.Building upon the success of its predecessors, ALTIUS-700M leverages a mature common software baseline and open system architecture, enabling seamless integration with a diverse range of payloads and mission software suites. Advanced autonomy capabilities, combined with a simplified user interface, empower a single operator to efficiently control multiple ALTIUS assets, each tailored to execute unique missions based on its individual payload capability. By granting the operator decisive control over tasking and terminal execution, ALTIUS-700M ensures the delivery of devastating effects at extreme ranges, without the limitations of laser target designation or the constraints of fire and forget systems.Recognizing the potential of ALTIUS-700M and its broader family of systems, Anduril Industries has made substantial investments, including the establishment of a new 180,000 square foot production facility in Atlanta, Georgia. This strategic initiative aims to scale up manufacturing operations for ALTIUS, catering to the growing demand from U.S. Government customers. Over the past six years, Anduril has already designed, manufactured, and delivered hundreds of ALTIUS variants, underscoring its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to enhance national security and military capabilities.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-15 16:02:22

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Defense News ,Russia :- The Russian Navy is getting ready to add a special kind of drone to its fleet. This drone can be launched from ships and boats. It's made to help protect naval vessels from attacks by Ukrainian drones in the sea.The drone, which hasn't been named yet, can attack targets both on land and in the sea. This information comes from a Russian news source called Izvestia, which got the details from reliable sources.Why the Drone Was MadeRussia started thinking about making this drone after a military exercise in 2021. In that exercise, they used other types of drones to help protect their marines when they landed on the coast. It worked well against small boats operated by saboteurs.Challenges in Using the DroneEven though this drone has many advantages, it's not easy to use. Military experts say it's hard to control drones over the sea because there are no landmarks like there are on land.According to Dmitry Boltenkov, a military expert mentioned in Izvestia, one big problem is that it's tough to control the drone's flight over water.But despite these challenges, the drone has a lot of good points. For example, it can hit Ukrainian sea targets without needing to come close to the shore.Why Russia Needs This DefenseSince the war began, Ukrainian drones have been attacking Russian ships. Some have even sunk or damaged Russian vessels. Because of this, Russia had to change its Navy chief.The attacks have pushed the Russian Black Sea Fleet back. This has made it easier for Ukraine to move ships and has stopped Russian forces from watching the battleground all the time.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-15 15:49:51

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Defense News ,U.S :-  The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is under scrutiny for lacking clear directives on tracking weapons deliveries to Ukraine, according to a recent report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO highlighted that the existing guidance utilized by the Pentagon lacks clarity regarding the recording of weapons and equipment deliveries. This ambiguity leads to inconsistencies in tracking, as some items are recorded as delivered while still in transit to Ukraine. Moreover, the report revealed that available data systems are not effectively employed to monitor equipment deliveries. Despite rapid delivery timelines, precision and accountability in tracking these critical shipments are paramount, especially considering the substantial military aid—over $44 billion—provided to Kyiv since Russia's invasion in February 2022.Acknowledging the urgency of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, the GAO emphasized the need for accurate tracking, given the expedited timelines involved. However, it raised concerns over the Pentagon's failure to monitor equipment losses or misuse effectively. Instances were cited where sensitive defense articles were not directly observed by the DoD, relying instead on self-reporting by Ukrainian officials. To address these deficiencies, the GAO proposed eight recommendations aimed at enhancing the tracking and monitoring of US weapons sent to Ukraine.Among the recommendations, the GAO advocated for improving the accuracy of delivery data and evaluating the end-use monitoring approach in Ukraine. It also called for the development of detailed written guidance to define roles and responsibilities in the delivery process. While the Pentagon agreed with most of the recommendations, it disagreed with the directive to clarify guidance for documenting alleged end-use violations. Nonetheless, the DoD expressed agreement with five recommendations and partial agreement with two others.Enhancing accountability in the delivery of weapons to Ukraine is imperative for ensuring the effective use of military aid and preventing misuse or diversion. Clear and comprehensive guidance, coupled with robust monitoring mechanisms, are essential to address the challenges highlighted by the GAO. By implementing the recommendations laid out in the report, the DoD can bolster confidence in the delivery process and demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-15 15:30:36

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Defense News ,South Korea :-  Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is working on two new aircraft projects to make its business stronger.One project is to create a special kind of aircraft that can fly on its own, called an autonomous aerial vehicle. The other project is to make a version of their fighter jet that only has one seat.These projects will cost a lot of money, about 90.9 billion Korean won (about $68.8 million). Most of this money, about 55.3 billion won ($42 million), will go to the autonomous jet project. The rest, about 35.6 billion won ($27 million), will be for the single-seat fighter jet.The CEO of KAI, Kang Goo-young, said they are doing well in their business, with a lot of sales last year. They want to invest more in new projects to keep doing well in the future.Last year, KAI made record sales of 3.8 trillion won (about $2.89 billion). This happened mostly because they sold many FA-50 fighter jets to Poland.The autonomous aerial vehicle project will first focus on designing and testing the technology needed for the aircraft to fly on its own. They plan to finish this phase by 2025. Then, they will build a prototype and test it by 2028. They hope to get approval from South Korea and the US to use this aircraft for commercial flights by 2031. Overall, this project will cost about 150 billion won (about $114 million).The single-seat version of the FA-50 fighter jet is being made because customers asked for it. It will be better for fighting in the air and on the ground. So far, KAI has sold 138 of these fighter jets to countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Poland. They want to sell even more and capture half of the market for single-seat aircraft. They aim to sell 300 units.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-15 15:00:28

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Defense News ,Russia :-  Russian President Vladimir Putin recently talked about how important it is to focus on space projects, like putting a nuclear power unit in space. He discussed this with government officials, according to a report from the state news agency TASS.Putin said Russia has good skills and resources for space projects that they can be proud of. He pointed out a nuclear power unit that could work in space as an example.He emphasized the need to fund these projects on time and set clear priorities. Putin believes that some issues need extra attention. He thinks that although Russia has unique skills, they should focus on developing them for future tasks.Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos, recently mentioned a plan to collaborate with China. They want to put a nuclear reactor on the moon together by the years 2033 to 2035.This collaboration stems from an agreement made in March 2021 between Russia's Roscosmos and China's space agency. They agreed to work together on an International Lunar Research Station.There have been reports that Russia is working on a nuclear space weapon. This weapon could cause severe damage to both commercial and government satellites. Military experts call it a nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) weapon. It would send out bursts of electromagnetic energy and highly charged particles, which could disrupt satellites orbiting Earth.However, this weapon is still in development and hasn't been sent into space yet. Officials from the Biden administration have warned that using such a weapon would be dangerous and could change how nuclear weapons are used.The impact of this weapon on daily life is uncertain, but it could cause significant disruptions, according to CNN.This article highlights Putin's support for space projects, particularly the idea of putting a nuclear power unit in space. It also mentions Russia's collaboration with China on lunar exploration and the development of a nuclear space weapon.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-15 07:41:39

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Defense News ,Somalia :-  Islamist militants attacked a well-known hotel near the president's home in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Thursday night. Security sources and people who saw it happen said it was the Al-Shabaab group.The attack began around 9:45 pm with gunmen shooting at the SYL hotel. They forced their way in by blowing up part of the wall. A security officer named Ahmed Dahir said this.We don't know yet if anyone got hurt. People who were there said they heard the attackers shooting without aiming at anyone in particular.Hassan Nur, who managed to get away by climbing over a wall, said, "I'm not sure if anyone got hurt, but there were lots of people inside when it started."Other people said the police arrived quickly after the attack began, and there was a big gunfight.Abdullahi Hassan, who was nearby, said he saw the police come in many vehicles. "Two ambulances took away injured people," he said.The Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab has been fighting against the government in Somalia for more than 16 years. They often attack hotels where important Somali and foreign people stay.This attack happened just days after the US Treasury put sanctions on 16 individuals and groups in East Africa and the Middle East. They said these people and groups were helping Al-Shabaab move money around.The US said one of the groups was a company in Dubai called Haleel Commodities LLC. It has branches in Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Cyprus. Another group was a company in the UAE called Qemat Al Najah General Trading, and a bus company in Kenya also got sanctions because they were helping Al-Shabaab.Even though African Union soldiers pushed Al-Shabaab out of the capital, they still have a lot of power in rural parts of Somalia. They often attack political and civilian targets in Mogadishu.The Somali government has been fighting against Al-Shabaab since August 2022, along with local militias. The army and these militias have taken back some areas in the center of the country with help from African Union soldiers and US airstrikes.But the fighting has been tough, and the government is trying to plan how to take back the areas they lost. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had a meeting with defense officials on Thursday to talk about this."The president praised the brave efforts of Somali forces and said the government is determined to stop terrorism," a Somali news agency said.In January, Al-Shabaab took some people hostage after a UN helicopter with nine passengers made an emergency landing in their area.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-15 07:33:29

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Defense News ,Israel ,Hamas War :- Hamas, a group in charge in Gaza, has given a plan for stopping fighting to people helping with talks and the United States. They suggest letting Israeli hostages go if Israel sets free Palestinian prisoners, with about 100 of them serving life sentences, according to a plan Reuters saw.Hamas says they want to let go of some Israeli hostages first, like women, children, older people, and sick ones. In return, they ask for 700 to 1000 Palestinian prisoners to be freed, including women who were soldiers.Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says Hamas's new idea has "unrealistic demands."Egypt and Qatar have been working to get Israel and Hamas to agree on what a ceasefire should involve. In Gaza, a lot of people are struggling to find food, with a quarter of them at risk of famine.In February, there was a plan from talks in Paris suggesting a 40-day break from fighting and swapping Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages. The ratio was similar to what Hamas is suggesting now.Israel turned down that plan too because they want to destroy Hamas and end the fighting. Hamas wants an agreement to end the war.Hamas says they're okay with setting a date for a long-lasting ceasefire after the first prisoner exchange. They also want to decide when Israel will leave Gaza after the first step.They say both sides' prisoners will be freed later on in the plan.Recently, Hamas told people helping with talks about their big picture for peace. It includes stopping what they call Israeli attacks on people in Gaza, giving aid, letting displaced people return home, and Israeli troops leaving.The United Nations warns that over half a million people in Gaza are close to not having enough food. Many are pushing Israel to let more aid in.The war started after Hamas attacked some towns in southern Israel in October, leaving many people dead or hostages, according to Israel.Since then, Israel's attacks on Gaza have killed tens of thousands and injured even more, according to Gaza's health officials.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-15 07:25:53

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Defense News , Uk , Russia :-  A plane from the British Royal Air Force, carrying the UK defense minister, had its signals messed with as it flew near Russian territory this week. This was confirmed by a government spokesperson on Thursday.The problem with the signals happened on Wednesday evening while Grant Shapps was returning on a Royal Air Force plane from Poland. He had been there to watch a NATO exercise, as reported by the Times newspaper.A spokesperson for the UK government said the plane had some trouble with its GPS when it flew close to Kaliningrad, a Russian area by the Baltic Sea, about 1,200 kilometers (around 750 miles) west of Moscow."It didn’t put the plane in danger, and it's not strange for planes to face GPS issues near Kaliningrad, which is Russian land," added the spokesperson.The UK Defense Minister, Grant Shapps, was traveling with his team and some journalists when this happened. The Times, having reporters on the plane, mentioned that the GPS signal disturbance lasted for about 30 minutes.During this time, mobile phones couldn't connect to the internet, and the plane had to find alternative ways to figure out its location, according to the newspaper.Before this incident, Shapps had been observing hundreds of soldiers participating in the Steadfast Defender exercise. This exercise, organized by the US-led military alliance, is the biggest since the Cold War.The UK has been a strong supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion that started in February 2022. London has promised over 7 billion pounds ($8.9 billion) in military aid to Ukraine and has trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-15 07:14:56

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Defense News ,NATO :-  NATO's DIANA, which helps inventors create new defense and security technologies, is growing! They're adding more places where people can work on their ideas and test them out.Now, DIANA has 23 places where inventors can speed up their work (they used to have 11), and they have 182 places to test their inventions (they used to have 90). These places are spread across 28 countries that are part of NATO.These new places will help DIANA help more inventors. They'll give them better chances to make their ideas into real things.At these places, DIANA offers really good programs to help companies in their program. They also give access to high-tech testing spots. These are not just for the companies working with DIANA now, but also for any future companies they help. This way, they can get expert advice and test their inventions in special places.Professor Deeph Chana, who runs DIANA, said, "One of the best things about DIANA is that we have connections all across the Atlantic, and lots of talented people working together. This helps us make new and better solutions for defense, security, and peace."This growth is a big deal for DIANA. Last November, they picked 44 companies out of over 1300 who wanted to join their program. These companies were chosen to solve problems like making energy more reliable, better sensing underwater, and sharing information securely.DIANA was started by NATO to find and help new ideas across the Alliance. They give companies the tools, connections, and advice they need to make important technologies for defense and security, like dealing with tough situations and protecting our communities.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-14 16:21:28

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Defense News ,U.S :-  Two years into office, President Donald Trump authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to launch a clandestine campaign on Chinese social media aimed at turning public opinion in China against its government, according to former U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the highly classified operation.Three former officials told that the CIA created a small team of operatives who used bogus internet identities to spread negative narratives about Xi Jinping's government while leaking disparaging intelligence to overseas news outlets. The effort, which began in 2019, has not been previously reported.During the past decade, China has rapidly expanded its global footprint, forging military pacts, trade deals, and business partnerships with developing nations.The CIA team promoted allegations that members of the ruling Communist Party were hiding ill-gotten money overseas and slammed as corrupt and wasteful China's Belt and Road Initiative, which provides financing for infrastructure projects in the developing world, the sources told Reuters.Although the U.S. officials declined to provide specific details of these operations, they said the disparaging narratives were based in fact despite being secretly released by intelligence operatives under false cover. The efforts within China were intended to foment paranoia among top leaders there, forcing its government to expend resources chasing intrusions into Beijing's tightly controlled internet, two former officials said. "We wanted them chasing ghosts," one of these former officials said.Chelsea Robinson, a CIA spokesperson, declined to comment on the existence of the influence program, its goals or impacts.A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said news of the CIA initiative shows the U.S. government uses the "public opinion space and media platforms as weapons to spread false information and manipulate international public opinion."The CIA operation came in response to years of aggressive covert efforts by China aimed at increasing its global influence, the sources said. During his presidency, Trump pushed a tougher response to China than had his predecessors. The CIA's campaign signaled a return to methods that marked Washington's struggle with the former Soviet Union. "The Cold War is back," said Tim Weiner, author of a book on the history of political warfare.Reuters was unable to determine the impact of the secret operations or whether the administration of President Joe Biden has maintained the CIA program. Kate Waters, a spokesperson for the Biden administration's National Security Council, declined to comment on the program's existence or whether it remains active. Two intelligence historians told Reuters that when the White House grants the CIA covert action authority, through an order known as a presidential finding, it often remains in place across administrations.Trump, now the Republican frontrunner for president, has suggested he will take an even tougher approach toward China if re-elected president in November. Spokespeople for Trump and his former national security advisers, John Bolton and Robert O'Brien, who both served the year the covert action order was signed, declined to comment.The operation against Beijing came with significant risk of escalating tensions with the United States, given the power of China's economy and its ability to retaliate through trade, said Paul Heer, a former senior CIA analyst on East Asia who learned of the presidential authorization from Reuters. For example, after Australia called for an investigation inside China probing the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Beijing blocked billions of dollars in Australian trade through agricultural tariffs.Trump's 2019 order came after years of warnings from the U.S. intelligence community, and media reports, about how China was using bribery and threats to obtain support from developing countries in geopolitical disputes as it attempted to sow division in the United States through front groups.China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing follows a "principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and does not interfere in the domestic affairs of the United States."A year earlier, Trump gave the CIA greater powers to launch offensive cyber operations against U.S. adversaries after numerous Russian and Chinese cyber attacks against American organizations,Yahoo News reported. Reuters could not independently confirm the existence of the earlier order.Sources described the 2019 authorization uncovered by Reuters as a more ambitious operation. It enabled the CIA to take action not only in China but also in countries around the world where the United States and China are competing for influence. Four former officials said the operation targeted public opinion in Southeast Asia, Africa and the South Pacific."The feeling was China was coming at us with steel baseball bats and we were fighting back with wooden ones," said a former national security official with direct knowledge of the finding.Matt Pottinger, a senior National Security Council official at the time, crafted the authorization, three former officials said. It cited Beijing's alleged use of malign influence, allegations of intellectual property theft and military expansion as threats to U.S. national security, one of those former officials said.Pottinger told Reuters he would not comment on the "accuracy or inaccuracy of allegations about U.S. intelligence activities," adding that "it would be incorrect to assume that I would have had knowledge of specific U.S. intelligence operations."Covert messaging allows the United States to implant ideas in countries where censorship might prevent that information from coming to light, or in areas where audiences wouldn't give much credence to U.S. government statements, said Loch Johnson, a University of Georgia political scientist who studies the use of such tactics.Covert propaganda campaigns were common during the Cold War, when the CIA planted 80 to 90 articles a day in an effort to undermine the Soviet Union, Johnson said. In the 1950s, for example, the CIA created an astrological magazine in East Germany to publish foreboding predictions about communist leaders, according to declassified records.The covert propaganda campaign against Beijing could backfire, said Heer, the former CIA analyst. China could use evidence of a CIA influence program to bolster its decades-old accusations of shadowy Western subversion, helping Beijing "proselytize" in a developing world already deeply suspicious of Washington.The message would be: "'Look at the United States intervening in the internal affairs of other countries and rejecting the principles of peaceful coexistence,'" Heer said. "And there are places in the world where that is going to be a resonant message."U.S. influence operations also risk endangering dissidents, opposition groups critical of China and independent journalists, who could be falsely painted as CIA assets, said Thomas Rid, a professor at Johns Hopkins University who wrote a book on the history of political warfare.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-14 16:17:06

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Defense News ,U.S :-  US lawmakers made a decisive move on Wednesday, drawing inspiration from India's bold action four years ago to ban TikTok, as they voted in favor of legislation aimed at addressing the threat posed by the Chinese app.In a notable display of bipartisan support, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, co-authored by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, and Congressman Mike Gallagher from the Republican party, with a vote of 352 to 65.The bill, designed to regulate the ownership of foreign apps such as TikTok within the US, is now set to proceed to the Senate for further deliberation before potentially being enacted into law upon receiving the President's signature.Several lawmakers highlighted India's decision in 2020 to prohibit the app, among 59 other Chinese-created apps, citing concerns over national security. Congressman Greg Murphy's office underscored India's emphasis on safeguarding its national interests.The lack of transparency exhibited by TikTok executives, coupled with their reluctance to safeguard user privacy and information, has also spurred neighboring governments like the European Union and Canada to restrict the application's usage on government devices.According to Murphy, TikTok has been utilized by China to target, surveil, and manipulate American citizens, posing a significant national security threat due to its extensive data collection practices and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party.House Republicans emphasized China's ambitious data collection objectives and TikTok's documented lack of transparency regarding data and moderation practices, which have prompted multiple governments, including the US, the European Union, Canada, India, and various US states, to ban the app on government devices.The White House expressed support for the bill's advancement, affirming its importance in addressing the risks posed by certain technology services operating in the US, without explicitly banning apps like TikTok.White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre reiterated the necessity of swift Senate action, emphasizing the importance of preventing ownership of such apps by entities that could exploit them or pose harm to national security.However, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks raised concerns about the legislation, particularly regarding its potential implications for TikTok, warning against excessive executive discretion without adequate congressional oversight.The bill mandates TikTok to sever ties with the Chinese Communist Party, aiming to protect the data of millions of Americans, particularly children, and mitigate national security risks associated with the authoritarian regime.Congressman Chris Smith emphasized the legislation's crucial role in countering the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to influence public opinion, particularly among the younger generation, through platforms like TikTok, while also preventing the unauthorized collection of data on Americans.The House's passage of the bill follows intense scrutiny of TikTok's lobbying efforts against it, with Congressman Smith pressing TikTok executives for clarity on the company's engagement with American minors in its advocacy campaign.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-14 16:13:35

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Defense News ,France :- Thales, a company, made a special computer program for the French Navy to help them get rid of underwater mines. This program is called the Expeditionary Portable Operations Centre (e-POC). With this tool, Navy people can control up to three drones that find and destroy mines underwater. They can use it on ships or on land, and they only need one computer to set it up.It took Thales less than six months to make this program. They tested it in the sea to make sure it works well with the Navy's missions.The e-POC uses software called the Mine Counter-measure Mission Management system. It also uses a tool called MiMap to analyze data in real-time. These are already used by the Navy.The Vice President of Thales Underwater Systems, Gwendoline Blandin-Roger, said that the e-POC is a result of their team's smart thinking and quick work. This tool will help France do defense missions without putting people in danger.France has been working to get rid of land and naval mines for a long time. They started making rules against these mines in 1980. They also joined the Ottawa Treaty to stop using and promoting anti-personnel mines. They work with organizations like the Crisis and Support Centre to clean up and destroy mines.France also practices how to deal with mines with other countries. In 2023, French sailors joined American and British sailors in a practice called Exercise Artemis Trident. They learned from each other how to find and get rid of naval mines better.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-14 16:09:55