The Australian government has elevated its terrorism threat alert level from “possible” to “probable” — the midpoint of the country’s five-tier scale — for the first time since November 2022. AP News reported that the action, recommended by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, stems from a change in climate that has increased the danger of...
Category: National Security
Canada, US Advance Negotiations on Space Launch Technology Safety; François-Philippe Champagne Quoted
Canada has concluded substantive negotiations on the Technology Safeguards Agreement with the United States, which will benefit the local commercial space launch industry. In bilateral talks, the two nations made significant advancements in the legalities and technicalities to be integrated into the TSA. Once signed, the agreement would provide Canadian companies access to U.S. space...
Australia Receives Seventh Austal Evolved Cape-Class Patrol Boat; Paddy Gregg Quoted
The Royal Australian Navy has received its seventh of 10 new evolved Cape-class patrol boats from Austal Australia. In a press release on Friday, Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said ADV Cape Solander is one of two deliveries expected for the Australian government in 2024. Canberra expanded its order in February, exercising an option on a...
US Extends $500M Package to Aid Philippine Military’s Maritime Modernization; Lloyd Austin Quoted
The United States said a $500 million package under the Foreign Military Financing program is in the works to aid the Philippines in advancing its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for maritime domain awareness. Defense Secretarty Lloyd Austin was in Manila alongside State Secretary Antony Blinken in late July to announce the measure. According to Philippine...
US, SKorea Test Common Unmanned Surface Vessel, Poniard Rockets at RIMPAC Multinational Exercise
The U.S. and South Korean navies performed a live-fire exercise on July 12 as part of the Rim of the Pacific multinational exercise to test the capabilities of a common unmanned surface vessel as a unit escort in high-level unmanned scenarios. The exercise also aimed at validating the capabilities of the Poniard weapon system as...
EU Members, Norway Propose Regulations for Common Defense Procurement Initiative
The European Commission has received proposals to improve defense solution acquisitions through a program established under the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act. On Friday, the commission announced that 12 submissions from member states and Norway after it called for proposals to regulate the EDIRPA Work Program. The entries focused on three areas:...
Canada Names New Defense Staff Vice Chief; Gen. Jennie Carignan Quoted
The Canadian Armed Forces has named Lt. Gen. Stephen Kelsey as vice chief of the defense staff, succeeding Lt. Gen. Frances Allen. Kelsey took over the command in a Thursday ceremony at National Defence Headquarters Carling. Gen. Jennie Carignan, Canada’s chief of the defense staff, presided over the event attended by military and civilian personnel....
QinetiQ Wins $307M Aerial Training Services Contract With Bundeswehr; Steve Wadey Quoted
U.K. defense technology company QinetiQ will provide the German Armed Forces with aerial training services under a 10-year contract valued at $307 million, with a two-year extension option. QinetiQ said the procurement from the Bundeswehr, which covers Germany’s Air Force, Army, Navy and Special Forces, is the largest and longest service contract for the company’s...
Anduril, Sumisho Aero-Systems to Demonstrate AI-Powered Platform for Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force; David Goodrich Quoted
Anduril Industries has partnered with Sumisho Aero-Systems to demonstrate how the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force can use the U.S. defense technology company’s Lattice open software platform to enhance situational awareness and command and control capabilities. Lattice, powered by artificial intelligence, is designed to gather, analyze and filter data from various sensors and systems to provide...
US OKs Slovakia’s Possible $600M Purchase of AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters
Slovakia is set to purchase 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States to strengthen its defense capabilities and address current and future threats. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the Department of State has approved the possible foreign military sale to the Slovakian government. Apart from the AH-1Z Viper helicopters, the proposal also...