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23 Nov 23. Bittium: NATO Adopted ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform as Interoperability Standard for Tactical Communications. A new milestone has been reached by the a4ESSOR consortium. NATO has adopted the ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform (HDRWF) developed by the consortium as the STANAG 5651 interoperability standard for tactical communications with radio platforms. Bittium has been one of the partners of the industrial a4ESSOR consortium since its establishment.
NATO’s decision to adopt the waveform as STANAG 5651 recognises the high performance and advanced features already demonstrated by a4ESSOR throughout the development and qualification of the ESSOR HDR Base Waveform. Following the ratification of the standard, the waveform will be available for use by all NATO member countries, enabling them to communicate in a faster and more secure manner in national and coalition operational scenarios. Bittium provides the waveform to its customers together with the Bittium Tough SDR™ family of tactical radios.
The ESSOR HDRWF is a broadband waveform operating in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band between 225 MHz and 400 MHz. It can handle data rates up to one megabit per second – real time automatic adaptation capability – and maintain voice and IP (Internet Protocol) data in MANET (Mobile Ad-hoc Network) mode. The ESSOR HDRWF network maintains full operations even when global navigation satellite signals are unavailable.
Lino Laganà, President and General Manager of a4ESSOR, said: “The adoption of the ESSOR HDRWF waveform is a source of great satisfaction for our international team, which is proud to see its work recognised by the most important military organisation in the world. NATO’s ratification concludes a development cycle that was conceived according to a visionary approach to interoperability that remains unique worldwide. The development cycle was performed by an exceptional team that was able to operate in a cohesive and supportive manner, despite comprising professionals from six different companies in six different countries. This achievement – added Lino Laganà – is a further incentive for us to continue to develop new narrowband and air-ground-air waveforms, an area in which a4ESSOR has been engaged since 2021, with the same winning approach to interoperability and in the interest of European countries and NATO.”
“This is a great achievement for the consortium as well as for Bittium. It is an excellent demonstration of our dedication to developing solutions for advanced tactical communications over the past decades. The achievement also proves that we have the capabilities that meet the high standards of NATO. The cooperation in the consortium has been very fruitful and we are excited to continue the joint development work”, said Mr. Tommi Kangas, Senior Vice President, Bittium’s Defense & Security business segment.
The High Data Rate Waveform, already integrated into the radios of a4ESSOR industrial partners of Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, achieved validation by passing interoperability tests last year. This demonstrated the high performance of the ESSOR HDRWF including new multi-hop push-to-talk, radio silence mode and cohabitation (spectrum sharing) features. These capabilities were also demonstrated during the 2022 and 2023 Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise (CWIX), NATO’s largest interoperability event.
23 Nov 23. Europe: Increasingly sophisticated Chinese hacker attacks heighten threats of intellectual property theft, supply chain risks. The German think tank Mercator Institute for China Studies released a study on 22 November revealing that China’s cyber capabilities against Europe have grown more advanced. Since 2022, China has built a 40 square km cyber army training campus in Wuhan and implemented new strategies and laws to bolster state-backed hacking. Chinese attacks in Europe are often long-term and intended to persist in systems for espionage and potential sabotage. Beijing’s expanding cyber arsenal heightened threats of intellectual property theft and supply chain attacks for Western firms operating in China. Sophisticated false flags will likely mask Beijing’s role in infrastructure sabotage. Due to the advanced persistent threats, Western entities will likely implement robust multi-factor authentication and review current network monitoring. Additionally, increased scrutiny of partnerships and holdings in China is likely given espionage motives. (Source: Sibylline)
22 Nov 23. Al Lakhani, CEO of tech startup IDEE. In his comments, Al outlines the lack of action on R&D tax credit, digital skills and cyber security investment, and how this is a huge missed opportunity.
Al Lakhani, CEO of IDEE, said: “From a tech perspective, there were positives in Hunt’s speech, but also some glaring holes, not least where cyber security was concerned. As a severe and universal threat to businesses and nation-states alike, it is imperative that the public and private sectors work together to create an environment that allows for the development and adoption of world-class cybersecurity solutions.
“Simplifying R&D tax credits has been a necessity for years, and the Chancellor was right to acknowledge this, albeit very briefly. But it is too early to celebrate; we need to see what shape the reforms will take, and what types of R&D investment will be eligible. Cybersecurity must be one such area, as it is imperative that companies are encouraged to invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure. What’s more, it would have been positive to see investment in the provision of cyber security training, with the skills gap a major issue for UK businesses. The recent events concerning the British Library should be a timely reminder – not that one is needed – of how hugely disruptive and damaging cyber-attacks can be. Much more can be done to facilitate progress in cutting-edge cyber security, and today was a missed opportunity.”
21 Nov 23. LatticeFlow Brings Safe and Trustworthy AI to the U.S.
LatticeFlow, the leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform for enabling Enterprises to build performant, safe, and trustworthy AI systems at scale – today, announced its strategic expansion into the US market through the creation of LatticeFlow USA. This marks a pivotal expansion moment in LatticeFlow’s growth, underscored by a team of seasoned industry veterans to lead the charge.
- Dave Henry, Senior Vice President of Business Development (previously Pyramid Analytics, Pentaho, Boeing Computer Services)
- Ritee Rouf, Director of Product Marketing (previously VMware, Oracle, Google)
- Nate Reid, Principal Solutions Engineer (previously VMware, Microsoft)
This seasoned trio brings a wealth of experience in driving strategic partnerships, executing impactful marketing initiatives, and designing customer solutions while reinforcing LatticeFlow’s commitment to responsible AI adoption.
“The expansion into the U.S. market is a strategic move for LatticeFlow, and we are thrilled to have such a distinguished team of professionals at the helm,” remarked Petar Tsankov, Co-founder and CEO of LatticeFlow. “Dave, Ritee, and Nate bring a collective wealth of experience that aligns perfectly with our vision for responsible and impactful AI solutions. Their leadership will undoubtedly propel LatticeFlow to new heights in the U.S. market.”
The expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth that has gained widespread recognition for pioneering the next-generation of reliable and trustworthy AI systems for mission-critical applications in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and defense. The move aligns seamlessly with the European Union’s AI Act and President Biden’s executive order for the development and deployment of safe and trustworthy AI technologies.
LatticeFlow’s expansion into the United States serves as a testament to ensuring the safety and trustworthiness of mission-critical AI systems for U.S. government agencies such as the U.S. Army and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This year, White House officials announced LatticeFlow as the first-place winner in the “red teaming” category of the AI Privacy Prize Challenge. Subsequently, the company announced results from a three-year strategic engagement with the U.S. Army towards building next-generation resilient AI for mission-critical use cases. The company looks forward to continuing and expanding these collaborations further with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and the broader AI community to shape a future where responsible AI development is at the forefront.
Given LatticeFlow’s growing list of international customers and the need for the company to comply with the ever evolving and complex AI regulatory requirements, LatticeFlow has chosen the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati to represent the company globally. Regarding the selection of Wilson Sonsini, LatticeFlow’s Chairman, Andre Boisvert, commented: “Wilson Sonsini has an impressive list of clients, such as Google, Salesforce, and Qualcomm; all of which were once upon a time startups – the team at Wilson Sonsini has the talent and ability to see us through the same evolutionary growth.”
Richard Goold, the Wilson Sonsini partner in charge of the LatticeFlow relationship, shared his insights on the choice to work with LatticeFlow: “In the rapidly evolving world of AI, ensuring trust and compliance while minimizing risks is paramount for the safe adoption of AI by enterprises. “We are thrilled to partner with LatticeFlow in this dynamic space of AI safety and legal compliance.” (Source: PR Newswire)
22 Nov 23. Research consortium led by Finland-based VTT and Lockheed Martin will develop signals intelligence technologies benefiting the global defence industry. The aim of the cooperation project is to develop methods and technologies for radar and communication signal detection and classification on a modern battlefield, filled with emitters with low-probability of interception and detection signals. The framework agreement, signed on November 21, initiates long-term cooperation between Lockheed Martin, the Finnish research community, and the Finnish industry, creating relationships that benefit all parties. The agreement is connected to Finland’s procurement of the F-35 fighter jets.
ESPOO, Finland (November 22, 2023) Research consortium led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Lockheed Martin have finalised a frame agreement for indirect industrial cooperation. Other members of the consortium are defence and technology company Patria, Harp Technologies, a Finnish SME active in space, defence, and remote sensing technologies, and two leading, innovative Finnish universities: Aalto University and the University of Tampere.
Finland is a leading nation of digital technologies. The state-owned VTT, founded more than 80 years ago during World War II to develop the most advanced technologies and products in the world, has previously developed ground-breaking satellite signal technology for the European Space Agency ESA, resulting in the world’s first 75 GHz signals that could ease clutter on the radio waves in the future.
“The purpose of the project is to combine the expertise and technological strengths of different parties, creating highly developed solutions and advanced new expertise that can be applied to the needs of the international defence industry, and to the products of next-generation electronic reconnaissance,” says Sauli Eloranta, Director of Safe and Connected Society Research Area at VTT.
For Finland, the project will also help strengthen the security of supply concerning the country’s own technological expertise and talent. The project will, e.g., help draw new students to study and work with the subject of digital defence technologies, creating a pathway for the new professionals to join both national and international defence industry companies over time.
Through indirect industrial cooperation initiatives, Lockheed Martin will build and benefit from industry partnerships with Finnish companies, universities and colleges, offering opportunities and new avenues to develop and strengthen the cooperation far into the future.
“The cooperation is a significant step for VTT and Finland at large. We are very keen on assessing additional future cooperation opportunities with Lockheed Martin. The technology cooperation offers us an opportunity to continue to develop our strong expertise in defence technologies and to increase cooperation with other defence industry actors,” concludes Eloranta.
The project is expected to last three years. Lockheed Martin and VTT are also looking to sign another framework agreement for a second project focusing on millimeter-wave passive imaging radiometer development during 2023, with the work aiming to start in 2024. (Source: PR Newswire)
22 Nov 23. Australian Government releases action plan for the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy. The Albanese government today (22 November) released the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy action plan, detailing how Australia will achieve the ambitious target of becoming the world’s most cyber secure country.
The plan is divided into three key “horizons”, which together span the seven-year period between 2023 and 2030.
Horizon 1 – “Strengthen our foundations” is the first stage of the strategy and is the only phase explicitly detailed in the action plan. It will run from 2023 to 2025.
During this period, the government has said it will “address critical gaps in our cyber shields, build better protections for our most vulnerable citizens and businesses, and support initial cyber maturity uplift across our region”.
This will be followed by Horizon 2 – “Expand our reach” from 2026 to 2028 and Horizon 3 – “Lead the frontier” from 2029 to 2030.
Within the action plan for Horizon 1, there are six core “shields” that form the initial goals of the Albanese government.
Shield 1 – Strong businesses and citizens: The first shield will see the government strengthen the cyber capabilities of organisations and the Australian people by introducing ways in which individuals and organisations can strengthen their cyber stance and defend themselves.
As previously announced, this will involve offering organisations free cyber health checks and working with industry to enable them to better deal with ransomware attacks.
Shield 2 – Safe technology: Fundamentally, Australians need to ensure that the technology they are using, and the way people use it, is trustworthy and safe.
As part of the second shield, the government will adopt “international security standards for consumer-grade smart devices” and contribute to a voluntary cyber code of practice for developers, encouraging them to create products that are cyber secure.
It will also explore the safe use of new technologies, such as AI, introducing regulatory frameworks that govern its safe use and development within Australia.
Shield 3 – World-class threat sharing and blocking: The government is encouraging collaboration between Australian organisations, introducing platforms in which they can share threat information.
A goal of the government is to create a whole-of-economy threat intelligence network, which would allow information to be shared between businesses, including machine-to-machine communication, at an accelerated rate.
In addition, the government wishes to work with industry professionals to establish “next-generation threat-blocking capabilities across Australian networks” and then provide incentives for organisations that adopt threat-blocking methods, with a focus on high-profile entities such as telcos, ISPs and financial institutions.
Shield 4 – Protected critical infrastructure: Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare O’Neil has previously warned of a “dystopian future” in which threat actors are able to hold entire digitally connected cities to ransom through attacks on critical infrastructure providers, taking down power or water suppliers or hitting healthcare or emergency services.
With that, the government has announced moves to better secure critical infrastructure by redefining certain industries and strengthening the security obligations of critical infrastructure operators. It will also strengthen government security and pressure test the nation’s critical infrastructure to ensure it remains secure.
Shield 5 – Sovereign capabilities: The cyber skills gap is a key issue limiting the nation’s cyber capabilities. Cyber experts are overworked, and agencies are understaffed, meaning responses to the large number of cyber attacks launched at Australian organisations every day are slower and more rushed.
Filling this gap is a key tenant of the government’s Horizon 1 objectives, announcing that it plans to bolster the workforce by attracting skilled migrants from around the world. It also hopes to accelerate the development of cyber start-ups and small businesses with funding to address unique issues with innovative solutions.
Monash University’s Professor Nigel Phair of the department of software systems and cyber security, faculty of information technology, has said that the local higher education sector will also be critical to the development of a skilled cyber workforce.
“The strategy highlights the need for a skilled workforce to solve the cyber security problems of the future,” he said.
“The higher education sector is well placed and stands ready to support the government in this aim.
“Partnerships between academia, business and government will be critical to meeting the goals of the strategy. A joined-up approach where all three sectors work together is efficient and effective.”
Shield 6 – Resilient region and global leadership: The final shield will see the government improve its international collaboration and develop international relations with other national cyber agencies, particularly in the Pacific and south-east Asia.
It also plans to support international standards for transparent and responsible technological development and says it will uphold international legislation regarding the state of cyber security.
“The strategy is bold and ambitious – and it has to be,” said Minister O’Neil.
“Because one thing is abundantly clear from what’s happened to our cyber environment in the last five years: we simply can’t continue as we are.
“We need to push harder; we need to get in front of this problem, and for the first time, Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy will help our country do just that.” (Source: https://www.cybersecurityconnect.com.au/)
17 Nov 23. Canada begins fitting ‘Strongbow’ communications intel equipment on frigates. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has begun retrofitting an upgraded communications eavesdropping suite on its 12 Halifax-class frigates under Project Strongbow. Work has started on the implementation phase, according to Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND), with initial operational capability (IOC) planned for 2025. Initial shipboard installations on three frigates are following now-completed environmental qualification and software regression testing. Project Strongbow is designed to provide the RCN with an enhanced communications direction finding (COMM DF) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability by upgrading the existing AN/SRD-505 communications intelligence system. The new system, designated AN/SRD-506, is to detect and analyse complex radio signals. The Strongbow project has an approved budget of CAD116 m (USD84.5 m). The main acquisition contract was let in 2020 to Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), the US-based original equipment manufacturer, reflecting the fact that a significant portion of the legacy COMM DF fit is maintained. For SIGINT technology, the upgrade was acquired non-competitively through a government-to-government contract. (Source: Janes)
21 Nov 23. Pentagon seeks to rapidly build up information-warfare force. The U.S. military lacks the ability to quickly deploy personnel that can fend off malevolent actors trying to shape public opinion and must act now to build up such “information forces,” according to a newly revealed Pentagon strategy.
Conquering the information ecosystem from social-media chatter to government propaganda is increasingly important as mis- and disinformation proliferate and world powers including China and Russia try to influence foreign affairs from afar.
The Defense Department must “build a process to rapidly deploy teams of information forces, including the reserve force,” and foster a related workforce comprising military and civilian experts, according to the 2023 Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment. Improved recruiting, training and career paths are needed for the effort.
The congressionally mandated document was made public Nov. 17, months after internal publication. Information warfare represents a persuasive brew of public outreach, offensive and defensive electronic capabilities, and cyber operations; it combines data awareness and manipulation to gain an advantage before, during and after major events.
“As this strategy makes clear, our ability to gain and sustain information advantages at the times and places of our choosing are critical to successful operations in the information space,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrote in the introduction. “Make no mistake: America’s competitors and enemies are moving quickly in the information environment, hoping to offset our enduring strategic advantages elsewhere.”
Emerging technologies play a critical role in both waging and foiling influence campaigns, according to the strategy.
Generative artificial intelligence, capable of imitating human interaction, can fuel spam, phishing attempts and impersonation, while automation can flood Facebook or X, formerly Twitter, with misleading and provoking posts. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned of the former. The latter has been seen in the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, the commander of the information warfare-focused 16th Air Force, at an event earlier this month said the discipline dominates international competition and shapes the fighting that can follow.
“It’s the essential enabler, as we’re looking to gain information and decision advantage,” Kennedy said at a Mitchell Institute event last week. “We’re employing forces across domains to make sure that we’re ready to seize the initiative in the information domain, and, through our information warfare capabilities, to prevail in conflict and set the conditions for peace, after the conflict, as we’re moving forward.” (Source: Defense News)
21 Nov 23. UK: Parliament IT outage raises concerns of cyber attacks targeting government institutions. On 20 November, a widespread IT outage affected all computers and phones across the UK Parliament estate, raising concerns of a potential cyber attack. Annunciator screens displayed an urgent message of an IT network issue. Government officials stated that there was no initial indication of malicious activity, however, and that the Parliament’s operations remained unaffected. The incident comes amid heightened cyber threats, as illustrated by the earlier ban on TikTok on Parliament’s network due to security concerns. A House of Commons report from June 2022 warned about diverse cyber threats, including those from state-backed groups and financially motivated criminals with potential political motivations. While the cause of the IT failure remains unclear, the incident underscores the broader risk of cyber attacks against government infrastructure, especially amid heightened global geopolitical tensions. The outage also poses operational risks for legislative work in Parliament until it is resolved, highlighting the sustained vulnerability of government systems to cyber threats. (Source: Sibylline)
21 Nov 23. Dutch Government to Spend €2.5bn on Secure Communications.
Major Program for Fast and Secure Sharing of Military Information. The importance of information-driven operations is increasing. This means that the operational armed forces are able to collect and analyze the correct information more quickly. This way, faster and better decisions can be made. With the Foxtrot program, many units are provided with modern tactical communications equipment and IT infrastructure during the first phase. Minister Kajsa Ollongren informed the House today about a number of matters within the program.
All major units of the army, the battalions of the Marine Corps, the Defense Helicopter Command (DHC) and the military police are involved in the Foxtrot program. Approximately 8,000 vehicles, 3,500 soldiers, 135 vessels and 170 aircraft and helicopters will receive the new means of communication.
One of the most extensive projects is the modernization of current military radios (software-defined combat net radios). The armed forces now use several different types of radios. With the new radios, the units must be able to communicate with each other smoothly and securely. Not only with each other, but also with international allies. The House has also been informed about the results of the research phase for this so-called military transmission building block (MTBB).
The Netherlands wants to purchase the new radios from the American company L3Harris. This is the only manufacturer that meets all requirements. Moreover, L3Harris can deliver at short notice. Acquisition is done through the US government through so-called Foreign Military Sales.
Foxtrot also focuses on broadening connectivity options through civilian standards. This concerns, for example, WiFi, 4G/5G and satellite communication. Supporting applications such as the battlefield management system will also be upgraded.
The modernization of the systems will continue in the coming years. In addition, Defense is preparing vehicles, ships and aircraft for the installation of the resources acquired from Foxtrot. Education and training in areas such as use and maintenance are also included in the program.
Continuity
In addition to modernization, Foxtrot also includes a continuity track. This is because operations continue as normal in the meantime. Technically outdated military communication systems are being upgraded without compromising their usability. This concerns, for example, ground/air radios or the NIMCIS radios of the Marines. The replacement and lifespan extension projects in the continuity track are therefore closely coordinated with the modernization track. Important principles here are sustainability and efficiency.
Acquisition
Procurement for all projects is done ‘off the shelf’ as much as possible. This not only provides benefits in terms of costs. The delivery time is also shorter and offers better options for integrating systems with each other. For each project, it is examined whether and how the Dutch defense industry can be involved. Defense is already exploring cooperation options with the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defense and Security (NIVD). Another option is for the military organization to call on trusted partner countries.
The requirements for the entire program involve up to €2.5 bn. The expectation is that work on the program will continue until at least 2036. Foxtrot also influences various current Defense replacement and modernization projects. It also has a direct relationship with the Frontier IT (GrIT) program and the Improved Operational Soldier System (VOSS) project. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Netherlands Ministry of Defense; issued Nov 20, 2023)
16 Nov 23. USN creates three new IT submarine ratings to promote specialization. The US Navy is creating three separate ratings for information technology, or IT, personnel serving on submarines to specialize in communications, network security and electronic warfare.
The change means that sailors currently in the information systems technician rating aboard submarines will convert into these new ratings to facilitate “mastery” in one specific area of expertise, according to a naval administrative message, or NAVADMIN, released late last month.
“While the shipboard network knowledge base will be shared, these career paths will be distinct; each managed by separate training pipelines and [Navy Enlisted Classification] codes,” the NAVADMIN said. “All submarine IT Sailors will become knowledgeable in network fundamentals, but will be specialists in communications, Network security, or electronic warfare.”
Officials said the change stems from feedback from a Submarine Force survey where sailors said they’d prefer three separate ratings.
Additionally, the official said the “existing accession pipeline does not allow for rating growth.”
“Revising ITs into three ratings will increase accession production by 33% and allow for growth in the three new ratings to improve fill in the Force,” the Navy official said in an email to Navy Times.
The revised ratings are available for all active duty sailors, while Reserve sailors may only convert to the communications and network security ratings.
Commands will coordinate with their immediate superior in command, type commanders, and the Bureau of Navy Personnel by the end of the year to determine which career realignments best accommodate the needs of the Navy and commands for all active duty sailors E-1 to E-9.
“Commands should ensure that each Sailor selects an appropriate career path based on their current Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) codes and qualifications,” the NAVADMIN said. “Amplifying information on the process for selecting career paths will be provided via a separate execute order.”
The Bureau of Naval Personnel will coordinate the realignment for Reserve sailors.
All of the new ratings will complete their own Navy-wide Advancement Examinations that will kick off in January 2024, and produce their own advancement quotas. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
22 Nov 23. Kromek launches new Alpha Beta probe to upgrade the D5 RIID. Kromek, the designer and manufacturer of radiation detectors, based in Sedgefield Co. Durham, today launches a new Alpha Beta probe attachment to its ground-breaking handheld D5 RIID, already the world’s most portable and sensitive handheld Gamma and Neutron detector. The probe connects directly to the D5 RIID and enables all types of isotopes to be detected by a single portable device. The upgraded D5 RIID has been proven to meet the British and US DEF-STAN and MIL-STD requirements.
This revolutionary development gives the D5 RIID a capability even superior to the ground-breaking performance available at its launch in 2021. With a small form factor, ergonomic design and easy to read graphical display, the probe can be held in one hand for prolonged scanning missions and is compact enough to be used in any scanning location. The system also has a standoff bracket, so that the detector is not contaminated by Alpha or Beta particles.
The D5 RIID can operate in different modes while scanning and monitoring all radiation types: In Search Mode, the user can view real time counts per second with Alpha and Beta counts, shown alongside Gamma and Neutron counts. In Timer Mode it is possible to see how many Alpha and Beta counts occur in a set time period. And in the Threshold setting there is a handy visual bar to see how close the current Alpha and Beta counts are to the set threshold. These thresholds can be easily changed in the device settings.
The device also allows the user to enable and disable NORM (naturally occurring radioactive material) Suppression thanks to a special Kromek algorithm which allows for enhanced differentiation between normal background sources and true sources giving greater survey and reconnaissance capability. This algorithm can be enabled in the device settings, but otherwise the system defaults to a standard k sigma algorithm found in all Kromek detectors.
For additional levels of security, the user can also determine which settings on the D5 DIID are routine or restricted. Routine users can access any non-PIN protected settings, whereas authorised users have another layer of on-device customisation available with PIN protected settings.
One of the revolutionary new capabilities, perhaps the most, of the upgraded D5 RIID is the ability to set three different dose rate thresholds. The previous “High Dose Rate” setting is replaced to allow detection of low, medium and high radiation levels. Through the use of a reset button the D5 RIID can be rest in the field (or on site) rather than being brought back to a central location.
Kromek’s Product Manager Eve Paylor said: “From the outset of this upgrade we set out to keep the D5 RIID at the forefront of capability available to both the specialist and general user. Kromek believes there is a demonstrable need to detect even the lowest levels of Alpha, Beta and Gamma isotopes and neutrons in a single device to allow for rapid and accurate identification. By significantly improving the threshold capability from an already world leading position we have sought to improve operational availability and logistics and ease of use for the operator.”
“With the new Alpha Beta Probe, the D5 RIID is truly the most versatile handheld radiation detector available today. Conforming to the most rigorous British and American military, environmental and technical standards and with an exceptional degree of sensitivity and survivability, the device is suitable for use in the most challenging situations to detect all types of radioactive material. Its built-in endurance, ergonomic design and networked capability means that it is the most user-friendly device on the market. Kromek believes in constant review of our products we have to improve capability and operational utility. This upgrade does just that,” she said.
17 Nov 23. Exploitation of zero-day vulnerability underscores persistent risks to government entities. On 16 November, Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) reported that four different threat actors exploited a vulnerability (CVE-2023-37580) in an email hosting service, Zimbra, to target government entities between June and August 2023. The first campaign targeted a government organisation in Greece to steal email data and was the initial “in-the-wild” discovery of the vulnerability. The Russian threat group ‘Winter Vivern’ exploited the vulnerability to target government entities in Moldova and Tunisia shortly after Zimbra released a hotfix in early July. A hotfix is a small piece of code to correct a software bug while a proper patch is developed. The other two campaigns targeted government entities in Vietnam and Pakistan in late July and August 2023. These operations highlight the speed at which threat actors can exploit newly disclosed vulnerabilities, elevating and prolonging the security risks posed to organisations by delaying the application of hotfixes and patches. (Source: Sibylline)
20 Nov 23. Germany and Netherlands plan Boxer jamming variant. Lieutenant Colonel Karlheinz Boehnke, Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV) Boxer representative in the German Army Concept and Capabilities Development Centre, presented a Boxer jamming variant and an update on other planned versions on the second day of SAE Media Group’s Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2023 conference held in London from 13 to 15 November.
The Boxer Knifefish jamming variant would exist in two versions – ultra-high frequency (UHF)/very high frequency (VHF) and high frequency (HF). The systems requirement document and proposed solution are planned for November, to be followed by a draft development proposal in March 2024, and parliamentary approval a month later. Lt Col Boehnke expected at least one Boxer jamming prototype to be delivered by 2028. He said Germany and the Netherlands would form a medium brigade, with Germany providing Boxer heavy weapon carriers (HWCs) and armoured infantry fighting vehicles (AIFVs) to that formation, in addition to two German brigades and the Franco-German Brigade. (Source: Janes)
21 Nov 23. Allen-Vanguard announces the production of its 500th SCORPION manpack ECM system.
Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, has announced the production of its 500th SCOPRION manpack ECM system.
Allen-Vanguard started producing the latest generation of the SCORPION manpack ECM system in 2019. It is the current in a long line of manportable systems from the company going back almost 2 decades. It is perfect for more mobile ECM applications such as protection for troops deployed on the ground or for specialist EOD teams to provide local protection for an operator approaching a suspect device. Most recently it has been effectively deployed in a CUAS role. It is a highly versatile and lightweight man-portable system that capitalizes on a wealth of operational feedback and Allen-Vanguard’s extensive experience in providing highly effective ECM protection from Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) and the growing prominence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Systems (UAV/UAS) aka Drones.
SCORPION is deployed protecting troops, NGOs and other government agencies in every continent worldwide. With it’s flexible, modular architecture and wide range of power options, antenna configurations and carriage systems it is suitable for a myriad of protection tasks. It delivers a hybrid, full spectrum system with extensive threat band coverage which means it has superior usability, combined with advanced technologies, makes SCORPION the most powerful response to present and future RCIED & Drone threats.
The threat from RCIEDs and UAVs remains extremely high in many historic conflict regions and in new conflicts zones emerging on multiple continents. This combined with the ever-evolving nature of both conventional and asymmetric warfare, means that Allen-Vanguard places a significant focus on research and development to ensure their customers receive the best possible protection. The Allen-Vanguard Threat Management Team (TMT) work tirelessly analysing new waveforms captured by operational systems to update and optimize algorithms specific for each user’s needs and to combat threats specific to the region of operations. In parallel, the development team are working incredibly hard on the next generation of Allen-Vanguard systems which includes their Remote Radio Head, EQUINOX NG-X, and SCORPION-NG. Each of these systems will be the cornerstone capability of their major programmes for man-portable, vehicle and advanced future vehicle capabilities for years to come.
Bobby Strawbridge, Director Business Development for Allen-Vanguard said “I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone for SCORPION. It is the ultimate versatile ECM protection, packed with all our years of experience and expertise in defeating the RF threat in a manpack form to maximise its flexibility and utility. Whether in a dismounted role, on EOD operations or vehicle mounted for patrol protection or even at a static location countering radio controlled IEDs or nefarious drones, SCORPION is helping to protect those who face the greatest danger all over the world.”
17 Nov 23. Moro Hub and Thales Join Forces to Spearhead Innovation in Physical and Cyber Security Services. The agreement aims to ensure uncompromised data protection and cyber security for enterprises in the UAE.
Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (PJSC), signed on the sidelines of Dubai Air Show 2023 (Monday 13, November) an agreement with Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies within the domains of Security and Digital Identity, to redefine the landscape for physical and cyber security services in the UAE.
The partnership was signed in the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales by Marwan Bin Haidar, Vice Chairman & Group CEO of Digital DEWA and Elias Merrawe, Vice-President, Civil Business of Thales in the Middle East.
The partnership is expected to bring forth a wide range of cutting-edge solutions designed to strengthen the digital infrastructures in the region to ensure uncompromised data protection and security.
“We work in alignment with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to sustain a secure and resilient digital ecosystem for enterprises and businesses in the UAE, and the second cycle of the Dubai Cyber Security Strategy, with the aim of safeguarding the digital ecosystem and accelerating digital transformation and smart city initiatives. Given the rapid expansion of digital connectivity, protecting the critical infrastructure of organisations and companies has become of utmost importance. Our alliance with Thales underscores our shared commitment to enhancing the cyber defence capabilities through the utilization of Moro’s advanced technological solutions and Thales’ industry-leading expertise. Our goal is to position Dubai as a global hub for advanced cybersecurity solutions,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
“At Moro Hub, we have always been committed to safeguard the security of digital assets in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Our collaboration with Thales is a reflection of our dedication towards delivering transformative, state-of-the-art solutions that excel in meeting the increasingly complex security demands of modern businesses and organizations. By combining our expertise with Thales’ global leadership, we are confident to set new standards in digital security, ensuring a robust and resilient foundation for the digital future,” said Marwan Bin Haidar – Vice Chairman & Group CEO of Digital DEWA.
As per the agreement, Moro Hub will provide public and private enterprises with a suite of cybersecurity services including implementation of a physical security platform to enhance physical security measures by integrating cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated surveillance mechanisms. Additionally, the partnership will provide specialized IT/OT Cyber Consulting Services to bridge the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), as well as implement robust Data Protection and Security Solutions to safeguard critical data from breaches and unauthorized access. Finally, the partnership will offer Detect and Respond Services, equipped with advanced threat monitoring systems to proactively identify and neutralize potential security breaches swiftly.
“At Thales, we are driven by the pursuit of innovation. We are constantly striving to create a safer world through cutting-edge technology solutions. Our collaboration with Moro Hub underscores our commitment to delivering comprehensive security services, thereby building trust and resilience in an increasingly interconnected digital ecosystem. The new agreement will contribute to equipping the UAE with unique and sovereign technology capabilities in line with ‘We the UAE 2031’,” said Elias Merrawe, Vice-President, Civil Business of Thales in the Middle East.
As a worldwide leader in physical and digital security, Thales works alongside organizations to help them meet their security and cyber security needs, regardless of their field of activity, the level of confidentiality of their data or any country specific regulatory requirements, and to deliver security solutions that brings value to their core business and enables them to capture digital dividends.
About Moro Hub:
As part of 10X, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (PJSC) mobilised its innovation unit to create a new entity called Digital DEWA, which uses innovation in artificial intelligence and digital services to meet the current and future requirements brought about by the 4th industrial revolution. This entity required an innovative, agile data hub, and thus Moro Hub was established. Forming the backbone of Digital DEWA, Moro Hub was introduced to fulfil the need for an innovative and agile data centre. Through its purpose-built, industry-accredited data hub, Moro Hub uses its expertise, capabilities and alliances to contribute to the digital transformation of society. Trusted to secure, manage, and integrate data, Moro Hub is committed to providing value through customer-centric innovation, creating new opportunities now and in the future. For more info, please visit www.morohub.com.
17 Nov 23. Northrop pushes Battle Command tool to a missile-defense hungry Europe. As European nations rush to buy interceptors, launchers and radars for missile defense, U.S. contractor Northrop Grumman sees an opening for its software designed to connect all the pieces.
The company organized an event with top executives in Warsaw on Nov. 16 in an apparent attempt to ensure that the Polish foothold in Europe for its Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, would survive the imminent change in government there.
Poland’s opposition last month won the country’s general election, replacing rule by the right-wing Law and Justice party that saw an unprecedented spending spree on defense equipment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A coalition of center-right, liberal and left-wing parties took over control in the parliament this week, and a new cabinet is expected to be sworn in by the end of the year.
The political turnover comes as European allies are considering buying command-and-control systems for the national missile defense architectures that are beginning to emerge under the European Sky Shield Initiative, or ESSI, Northrop representatives said at the briefing.
Unveiled by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August 2022, the ESSI project initially comprised 15 NATO members. It has since expanded to 19 states.
Northrop is advertising its software as the U.S. glue in what aspires to become Europe’s contribution to a NATO missile shield, according to Bill Lamb, a senior program director with the company. “In terms of the challenges that NATO has, and our NATO allies have long had, it’s in the area of interoperability,” Lamb said.
This summer, company executives in the United States hinted that European interest was growing in IBCS, a system developed for the U.S. Army to the tune of bns of dollars.
In an interview with Defense News earlier this fall, German Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz confirmed Berlin’s interest. “Right now, we are taking a close look at the IBCS system,” he said. “We need a C2 system to combine all the different capabilities,” he added, using military shorthand for command-and-control, the practice of orchestrating disparate forces to act as one.
Poland has been involved in the acquisition of the system for years. In 2018, the Warsaw government signed an agreement with the United States to purchase Patriot equipment powered by IBCS. Last September, the U.S. State Department signed off on a follow-on deal, potentially costing $4bn.
Brig. Gen. Brig. Kazimierz Dyński, head of the Polish Armed Forces’ air and anti-missile defense force, said that Poland’s efforts in the field of air defense are largely driven by the experience of “640 days of a very brutal, kinetic war” in Ukraine.
“We have seen during this war what are the consequences of not having an integrated air defense system,” he said at the briefing. “I tell my subordinates: you are receiving a great system, a Patriot system connected with a C2 system, IBCS.”
Dyński said that Northrop’s solution will enable the Polish military to integrate its Wisla mid-range air defense system, which relies on Patriot batteries, with two other layers of air defense. These will comprise the nation’s short-range air defense systems, which are based on the Common Anti-air Modular Missiles, or CAMM, as well as iLaunchers from European consortium MBDA, and Pilica+ very-short-range air defense batteries developed by Poland’s defense industry. (Source: Defense News)
17 Nov 23. Cyber Update. Key points.
- Active exploitation of the critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-4966) in the Citrix NetScaler ADC and NetScaler Gateway application has led to ransomware infections and other data theft attacks (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update – 13 November 2023).
- Vietnamese threat actors are using the ‘Ducktail’ stealer malware to target marketing professionals in India to hijack users’ Facebook business accounts.
- The Palestine-aligned threat actor ‘TA402’ targeted Israeli government and military entities in an intelligence collection operation between July and October (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update – 15 November 2023 and our Technical analysis below).
- The ransomware group ‘ALPHV’ filed a complaint with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s new disclosure regulations to coerce payment from victims as a new extortion tactic (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update – 16 November 2023).
- Four different threat actors were observed exploiting the ‘Zimbra’ zero-day vulnerability against government entities between June and August (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update – 17 November 2023).
Technical analysis of weekly stories
The Palestinian-aligned threat actor ‘TA402’ uses various infection chains to target Middle Eastern government entities; the most recent campaign deployed a new initial access downloader (‘IronWind’). The campaign began with targeted phishing emails containing a DropBox link using a compromised email account belonging to the foreign ministry of a Middle Eastern state. The link downloaded a malicious Microsoft PowerPoint Add-in (PPAM) file which subsequently installed the IronWind downloader. IronWind was then able to send an HTTP GET request to a command-and-control (C2) domain controlled by TA402 to install further payloads and to exfiltrate information. In August and October, the group shifted to using an attached XLL file or a RAR archive file to download IronWind rather than a PPAM. TA402 continues to use complex infection chains to make analysis and detection more difficult, underscoring the risk it poses to Middle Eastern government entities.
Some non-exhaustive recommendations to mitigate against this threat include:
- Monitor network devices for suspicious traffic and activity
- Ensure there are adequate security detection measures in place, including end-point detection and response (EDR) solutions (such as anti-virus software)
- Conduct cyber hygiene awareness courses for users to enable them to recognise and report phishing attempts; remind them not to click on anything from an unknown or untrustworthy source
- Keep apprised of threat actors’ evolving TTPs; conduct security gap analysis to ensure adequate security implementation and toolsets
Vietnamese threat actors were observed using the ‘Ducktail’ stealer malware in a long-term campaign targeting Indian professionals. Threat actors sent archive files containing a malicious executable disguised as a PDF file to marketing professionals looking for a career change. When clicked, the executable runs under the PDF decoy document which scans for Chromium-based browsers. The malware uses a look-alike Google Docs Offline browser extension image to obfuscate the malicious browser extension. The malware then ingests information of all open browser tabs and checks for any Facebook business accounts to steal credentials and cookies. To bypass any two-factor authentication stages, the malicious extension uses Facebook API requests to generate one-time access codes. Interestingly, in this campaign, Ducktail used the Delphi programming language rather than .NET applications, highlighting the ongoing development of the malware.
Some non-exhaustive recommendations to mitigate against this threat include:
- Monitor accounts for suspicious traffic and activity, especially from IP addresses outside normal operational areas
- Ensure there are adequate security detection measures in place, including end-point detection and response (EDR) solutions (such as anti-virus software)
- Ensure multifactor authentication (MFA) is set up for all user accounts and that secure password policies are in place to prevent exploitation
Frequency of TTPs during this monitoring period: LOW frequency, MODERATE frequency, HIGH frequency
The MITRE ATT&CK framework is a globally accessible documented collection of information detailing the malicious behaviours of cyber threat actors; it is used as the foundation for organising the processes which threat actors execute during cyber operations. It provides an encyclopaedic reference for organisations, highlighting the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) cyber actors employ in campaigns, while also providing suggestions for detecting and mitigating against specific TTPs to bolster organisations’ security mechanisms. The framework organises a threat actor’s entire operational lifecycle from reconnaissance to exfiltration and impact.
Word(s) of the week
Our cyber word(s) of the week: In-the-wild
(Source: Sibylline)
17 Nov 23. New Partnership for Cyber Collaboration. The National Cyber Force works with partners across Lancashire ahead of its move to Samlesbury. Aimed at shaping, supporting, and promoting the cyber ecosystem in the region, the Lancashire Cyber Partnership will see the NCF collaborate with academic institutions and industry.
The NCF, a partnership between Defence and Intelligence, is set to open its new home in Samlesbury in 2025.
The move will help create jobs in the region across technology and digital supply chains, enhancing and supporting the North West Cyber Corridor.
Alongside the NCF, partners include the Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, the University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University, and BAE Systems.
The initiative was launched at the first-ever Lancashire Cyber Festival which saw delegates taking part in discussions and workshops focussed on developing the county’s high-value, high-skilled and inclusive cyber economy.
To highlight the dynamic and exciting career opportunities available to young people within the area, pupils from local primary schools and colleges took part in cyber-themed puzzles with college and university students competing against the clock in a high-tech cyber escape room.
Students also had the chance to ask Defence’s leaders about their own career journeys, with Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes, Deputy Commander Strategic Command, Claire Fry, Director Functional Integration, and Air Vice-Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes, Commander of the National Cyber Force, sharing their experiences.
AVM Tim Neal-Hopes said: “I am immensely proud that the National Cyber Force is set to play a pivotal role in the development of Lancashire’s cyber ecosystem, and the far-reaching benefits that the cyber sector will bring to the whole of the County. This partnership and opportunity will ensure that Lancashire is uniquely placed to further establish its role as a national leader for cyber and security related capabilities, delivering enduring security, resilience, and prosperity for the nation. Working alongside our colleagues in the region, the Lancashire Cyber Partnership will further support the development of an integrated and collaborative North West Cyber Corridor, helping us to achieve the objectives outlined in the Government’s National Cyber Strategy.”
Further information on the National Cyber Force can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-cyber-force
To learn more about the work of the National Cyber Force read Responsible Cyber Power in Practice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/responsible-cyber-power-in-practice (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
20 Nov 23. Dstl and Google Cloud Hackathon: A New Era of Defence AI Innovation. In June 2023, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Google Cloud signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the safe and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across the UK defence sector.
As a key step in bringing this agreement to life, Dstl and Google Cloud teamed up to deliver a first-of-its-kind Large Language Model (LLM) hackathon on behalf of the Ministry of Defence’s Defence AI Centre (DAIC). Taking place at Google Next, this world-leading event helped better understand the opportunities and risks of LLMs for UK Defence and Security.
The hackathon brought together over 200 people to apply Google Cloud’s cutting-edge generative AI tools to help strengthen UK defence, security and prosperity. 20 teams, stewarded by Google Cloud AI engineers, included Dstl scientists and representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and Space Command, as well as Ministry of Defence policy-makers, ethicists and user researchers. Participants worked for two days with Google’s latest AI technologies to develop innovative, ethical and user-centred prototypes to add to the growing pipeline of AI innovation ideas created via the MOU.
Senior HM Government leaders and Google’s technology leadership formed the judging panel, including GCHQ’s Chief Data Scientist, Head of the DAIC, and Google’s Cloud’s Vice President of Engineering. They assessed the prototypes for six awards, including “best technical achievement” and “most illuminating failure”. A core criteria of every award was alignment to the Ministry of Defence’s ethical principles for AI and Google AI Principles.
Winning prototypes ranged from LLM-scanning of cyber security threats, to LLM-enabled image analysis, to LLMs for data-driven predictive maintenance. The ideas explored during the hackathon are now being considered for further development and testing in order to bring the prototypes to level of readiness where UK Armed Forces could safely adopt them.
Andy Bell, Dstl CTO said: “Dstl and Google Cloud brought together a hugely diverse range of participants on behalf of the Ministry of Defence’s newly established Defence AI Centre, to learn, experiment and solve real-world defence problems with innovative AI technologies. This Hackathon has demonstrated how creative problem-solving can be harnessed to address pressing defence challenges, paving the way for breakthroughs in generative AI for defence applications.”
John Abel, Technical Director for Google Cloud said:
“This Hackathon is the first step in delivering on the recent MOU signed between Dstl and Google Cloud, building on clear synergies between the two organisations. The hackathon served as a powerful example of how collaboration can drive innovation and ultimately benefit the wider AI ecosystem. It also provided valuable educational and training opportunities, helping to foster the next generation of AI leaders in defence.”
17 Nov 23. DOD Announces Release of 2023 Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment.
Today, the Department of Defense released the 2023 Department of Defense Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment (SOIE).
The 2023 DOD SOIE will improve the Department’s ability to plan, resource, and apply informational power toward integrated deterrence, campaigning, and building enduring advantage as described in the 2022 National Defense Strategy. This will enable the DOD to deter challenges to U.S. vital national interests in any arena or domain.
The 2023 DOD SOIE identifies four lines of effort to enable the Department to fully integrate and modernize operations in the information environment:
- People and Organizations
- Programs
- Policies and Governance
- Partnerships
This Strategy is an important step forward in swiftly and seamlessly synchronizing and integrating our operations in the information environment to strengthen integrated deterrence, as well as gain and sustain information advantages for DoD activities and operations.
The 2023 Department of Defense Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment can be found here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://media.defense.gov/2023/Nov/17/2003342901/-1/-1/1/2023-DEPARTMENT-OF-DEFENSE-STRATEGY-FOR-OPERATIONS-IN-THE-INFORMATION-ENVIRONMENT.PDF(Source: U.S. DoD)
17 Nov 23. Team of UK Companies Secure Contract to Trial 5G Infrastructure from the Sky. A team of UK companies led by Stratospheric Platforms Limited (SPL), a Non-Terrestrial Networks telecoms developer, has won a significant contract trialling advanced airborne 5G connectivity from a Britten-Norman Islander. Aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman will be providing key design and trials support for the project, with Marshall Futureworx providing important cooling systems technology.
SPL is pioneering the concept of using a High-Altitude Platform (HAP) with airborne antenna to provide widescale coverage of high performance 5G from the stratosphere.
The goal of the project is to deliver an unmanned, liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft, designed with a 56-metre wingspan that will, due to its lightweight structure and significant power source, enable a flight endurance of over a week.
The first phase of the contract will see SPLs 5G airborne phased array integrated to a Britten-Norman Islander, with flight trials due to begin in July 2024. The turbine-powered BN2T-4S Islander variant has been selected for the programme due to its performance and payload capacity and the simplicity with which it can be modified to accommodate the equipment. The trial will be conducted under Britten-Norman’s Civil Aviation Authority test conditions.
Britten-Norman will operate the aircraft from its Solent Airport aircraft maintenance (MRO) facility, with the mission to be performed over the North Sea. The 5G phased array will be linked via a backhaul link to the Adastral Tower in Suffolk, England, from which the telecommunications and mission equipment will operate.
Garnet Ridgway, Flight Test Engineer at Britten-Norman, remarked: “This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the full capabilities of both Britten-Norman as an accomplished trials organisation and the Turbine Islander as a highly capable trials aircraft. Working closely with our partners, the project includes deliverables from our design, manufacture, MRO, continued airworthiness, flight test and flight operations teams.”
“The project requires a test platform that can be easily modified; the BN2T-4S Islander has a combination of payload capacity, endurance, climb performance, twin engine reliability, robustness and electrical power generation that makes it unbeatable for this mission.
“We are very pleased to have been selected by Stratospheric Platforms to assist in pioneering this innovation.”
Kevin Bean, Chief Technical Officer at Stratospheric Platforms Limited said: “We are delighted to be working with Britten-Norman on this programme. The Islander is a great workhorse for this kind of engineering because it can be rapidly and extensively modified to accommodate our equipment.
“The role-based type of mission which can readily be executed by the Islander, combined with the stability of the platform, is ideal for a programme where telecommunication trials require predictable performance.”
Kieren Paterson, Managing Director of Marshall Futureworx, commented: “We’re delighted to be deepening our relationship with SPL, Cambridge-based technology leaders, through this project. It is easy to see why they are considered among the UK’s most promising innovators.
“This is an exciting project to be part of, with so much potential to dramatically broaden and transform access to high-speed communication—while also providing global leadership in areas such as uncrewed aviation and zero emission flight.” (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Britten Norman)
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Spectra Group (UK) Ltd
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, internationally renowned award-winning information security and communications specialist with a proven record of accomplishment.
Spectra is a dynamic, agile and security-accredited organisation that offers secure Hosted and Managed Solutions and Cyber Advisory Services with a track record of delivering on time, to spec and on budget.
With over 15 years of experience in delivering solutions for governments around the globe, elite militaries and private enterprises of all sizes, Spectra’s platinum and gold-level partnerships with third-party vendors ensure the supply of best value leading-edge technology.
Spectra was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Innovation) in 2019 for SlingShot.
In November 2017, Spectra Group (UK) Ltd announced its listing as a Top 100 Government SME Supplier by the UK Crown Commercial Services.
Spectra’s CEO, Simon Davies, was awarded 2017 Businessman of the Year by Battlespace magazine.
Founded in 2002, the Company is based in Hereford, UK and holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013 and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.
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