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06 Jun 25. UK urged to set up Counter-Intelligence Unit for defence. Authors of the Strategic Defence Review instruct the government to set up a Counter-Intelligence Unit by November 2025. One obligation that may have gone unnoticed in the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), published on 2 June 2025, was the creation of a Counter-Intelligence Unit (CIU) that will reside within Defence Intelligence (DI). Authors of the report instruct the government to set up the CIU by November 2025. The body will have a mandate to protect UK defence from hostile intelligence services, working closely with the wider UK intelligence community in the process. CIU would ensure resources are focused on protecting the most critical defence capabilities, at home and overseas, against serious threats. The unit would also provide a single point of contact within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for industry – to protect critical supply chains from disruption and to procure innovative technology – besides collaboration with Nato, Five Eyes, and other partners.
Integration: Military Intelligence Services
In the spirit of integration, the SDR also advises the MoD to maximise all its intelligence capabilities. This will leverage information from all three armed services, the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Special Forces, Space Command, and others to form a single, integrated defence enterprise known as the ‘Military Intelligence Services’ (MIS). DI will lead this vague intra-departmental enterprise. Notably, DI is one of few intelligence organisations around the world that carries out collection, reporting, assessment, targeting and operations, including counter-intelligence. While MIS does encourage agencies to work closely, which helps coordinate collective responses to the growing stream of defence-related information, one can be forgiven for the confusion that comes when trying to define the overlapping responsibilities of each agency. Army Technology contacted the MoD for comment on the potential ambiguity of the new structure but they were unable to offer anything beyond details released in the SDR at this stage.
More demand, less manpower
GCHQ, the UK’s cyber and signals intelligence agency, has repeatedly exposed Russia’s military intelligence service in a campaign of malicious cyber activity against western logistics entities and technology companies over the last three years. This has included targetting organisations involved in the co-ordination, transport and delivery of support to Ukraine, and across the defence, IT services, maritime, airports, ports and air traffic management systems sectors in multiple Nato members. This is not limited to Russia, but also China, whose sophisticated Military-Civilian Fusion initiative bleeds information from innovative commercial and defence companies in the West to benefit People’s Liberation Army. In January, the US Department of Defense identified familiar technology brands CATL, Huawei, and Tencent as such entities. Although the demand for DI services are increasing, there are approximately 500 fewer people working in DI today than in 2019 and its digital programmes have been subject to significant cuts and deferments. There are also barriers to interoperability between the MoD and the UK intelligence community, risking their collective capabilities by delivering less than the sum of their parts, according to the SDR. Demand for high-fidelity intelligence will only increase as the global environment deteriorates. And the document is right to point to the sheer volume of data that must be harnessed to enable effective decision-making, including through using artificial intelligence (AI).
“Conflict with a ‘peer’ military adversary today would create a demand for intelligence that significantly surpasses that of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars,” the SDR reads. (Source: army-technology.com)
05 Jun 25. Safe Pro Group Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAI) (“Safe Pro” or the “Company”), a leader in AI-powered security solutions, today announced a major artificial intelligence (AI) data processing milestone, solidifying its position in the forefront of battlefield intelligence and threat detection. The Company’s patented AI ecosystem has successfully analyzed over 1.6 million real-world images from Ukraine conflict zones, establishing one of the world’s most detailed datasets of landmines, cluster munitions, anti-personnel mines and evidence points captured by commercially available, off-the-shelf drones. This strategic achievement marks a critical inflection point in Safe Pro’s scale, product validation and commercialization efforts. This real-world data enhancement is used to more accurately detect small explosive threats, delivering greater value and battlefield awareness to end users.
“This milestone represents a significant advance in our AI-driven capabilities for real-time defense, commercial and humanitarian operations, enhancing its value as a strategic asset for large-scale Government and Commercial customers,” said Dan Erdberg, Chairman and CEO of Safe Pro Group. “Driven by one of the world’s most detailed real-world drone imagery datasets processed by AI, we are building a company positioned to capitalize on a large unmet need for on-the-ground threat intelligence that can enable safer missions for military personnel, first responders, humanitarian workers, and commercial operators.”
The Company’s proprietary Safe Pro Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) technology, which enables the real-time detection of small explosive threats such as unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines, now benefits from enhanced accuracy and predictive capabilities derived from this unparalleled dataset.
“Furthering the capabilities of our state-of-the-art AI algorithms will support our continued commercialization efforts and create opportunities to grow our network of partnerships and secure valuable contacts this year,” concluded Mr. Erdberg.
As of June 2025, Safe Pro’s SPOTD dataset includes GPS-tagged imagery identifying approximately 27,450 threats across more than 6,614 hectares in Ukraine, an area larger than Manhattan.
Global Opportunity and Strategic Integration with U.S. Military Tech Infrastructure
Today, nearly 60 countries are impacted by land mines or Unexploded Remnants of War (ERW) (source: Landmine Monitor, 2024), creating a large global opportunity for Safe Pro Group. Supported by US Patent No. 12,146,729 including 21 claims, the Company’s patent application entitled, “Systems and Methods for Detecting and Identifying Explosives,” covers autonomous detection, identification, and labeling of explosives in orthomosaic images using AI processing of drone imagery. Valid until 2043, the patent captures the groundbreaking nature of the Company’s technology and applicability for national defense and security applications as well as supporting global commercial and industrial markets ranging from humanitarian demining, agriculture, to post-conflict reconstruction. Building upon the continued enhancement of its threat detection capabilities, Safe Pro confirmed its ongoing integration of SPOTD with the U.S. military’s TAK (Team Awareness Kit) software ecosystem which powers tactical communications and situational awareness for defense, law enforcement, and first responders. This integration is designed to allow instant detection and dissemination of explosive threats across hundreds of thousands of soldier-carried and vehicle-mounted devices using the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) software application.
“Successful integration with ATAK could represent a large opportunity to support multiple Army programs that operate on the TAK ecosystem,” added Mr. Erdberg. “We believe this positions Safe Pro to capture a share of the $15B+ global defense tech market, particularly in AI, drone reconnaissance, and threat detection.”
AI Growth, Defense Contracts, and Market Expansion
- Real-World AI Leadership: Safe Pro has now amassed one of the most extensive UXO drone imagery datasets, strengthening its competitive advantage and long-term revenue potential.
- Defense Sector Tailwinds: With growing global demand for real-time threat intelligence and battlefield automation, Safe Pro is strategically aligned with priority defense initiatives.
- Commercial-Ready Tech: Integration with U.S. military platforms signals readiness for scale, contract eligibility, and near-term monetization. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
05 Jun 25. Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, analytics, and AI, has secured Provisional Authorization at Impact Level 4 (IL4) for Qlik Cloud Government – DoD from the United States Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), under the Department of Defense’s Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide. Qlik Cloud Government – DoD is available immediately, including DISA Boundary Cloud Access Point (BCAP) connectivity to the DISA NIPRNet. This provisional authorization, which meets DISA’s security requirements for storing and handling controlled unclassified information (CUI), including For Official Use Only (FOUO) information, allows government agencies and their contractors to confidently utilize Qlik’s advanced capabilities, transforming data challenges into strategic opportunities and creating a decision advantage for U.S. DoD, Combat Support Agencies, Combatant Commands, and the Defense Industrial Base.
“Data is the backbone of decision-making in defense and government, but it’s only valuable when it’s secure, accessible, and actionable,” said Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik. “With DISA IL4 authorization, Qlik Cloud Government – DoD gives agencies the confidence to move critical data and analytics operations to the cloud, accelerating operational efficiency, readiness, and mission success.”
Qlik has numerous DoD customers who have implemented Qlik’s products and many are initiating strategic moves to Qlik Cloud Government – DoD products to ignite innovation with a secure and scalable cloud environment. These transitions aim to unlock the value of their data by improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs across their agencies. Qlik can now offer the cost, speed, and scalability benefits of cloud computing to its Department of Defense, Armed Services, and Defense Industrial Base customers while meeting the rigorous security standards set forth by DISA.
“Qlik Cloud Government – DoD products enable clients to drive outcomes through advanced analytics and AI-ready infrastructure, while ensuring strict compliance and security standards,” said Andrew Churchill, Vice President of Federal at Qlik. “We are committed to supporting these agencies with the tools they need to scale insight generation and accelerate mission impact.”
Qlik Cloud Government delivers several critical benefits to government agencies, including:
- Built-in Security and Compliance: Ensuring rigorous adherence to DISA IL4 security controls and continuous monitoring requirements.
- Cost Efficiency and Quicker Time to Value: No-touch maintenance, continuous feature deployment and significant compliance and infrastructure cost savings with Qlik Cloud Government – DoD.
- End-to-End Capabilities: A unified set of solutions encompassing data integration, data quality, and analytics, enabling organizations to rely on a single provider to manage, govern, and extract value from their data.
- Data Trust and Discoverability: Access to trusted, governed data through Qlik’s integrated marketplace, data quality tools, and Qlik Talend Trust Score™, accelerating confident data use across teams.
- Flexibility: Platform-agnostic solutions that integrate seamlessly with leading environments including AWS, Snowflake, and Databricks, avoiding vendor lock-in and fostering adaptability.
- Real-Time Data Integration: Advanced capabilities for replication and transformation that support real-time decision-making across complex enterprise systems.
Qlik Cloud Government – DoD is built on AWS GovCloud (US) and is available in AWS Marketplace. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
05 Jun 25. Hertz over the Himalayas. Much remains unknown about the recent spat between India and Pakistan. Hostilities erupted once more between the two countries on 7th May. On 25th April, 25 Indian tourists were killed during an insurgent attack in the region of Kashmir, in northern South Asia. Skirmishes involving Indian and Pakistani troops across the Line of Control (LOC) commenced on 24th May. The LOC represents the de facto border between the two countries in this part of the world. Skirmishes escalated into air and missile strikes by India against targets in Pakistan on 7th May. Pakistan responded in kind. The conflict largely ended on 12th May, although both sides accused the other of subsequently breaking the ceasefire. India and Pakistan are thought to have lost combat aircraft during the confrontation, although how many is difficult to ascertain independently. News reports said that Pakistan’s military claimed it had downed at least one Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale combat aircraft. Some reports have stated that the IAF may have lost as many as three Rafales. Moreover, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is believed to have given its J-10 fighter aircraft the type’s combat debut. Claims have been made that the latter may have shot down the IAF Rafales. The PAF may have also performed the maiden deployment of its PL-15E (NATO reporting name CH-AA-10 Abaddon) long-range, high-altitude surface-to-air missile. Should the Rafale losses prove to be true, this raises some troubling questions about both IAF doctrine and China’s military hardware; both the J-10 and PL-15E being Chinese in origin. Reports have stated that the IAF may have lost up to five combat aircraft in as many days. This should never have happened. The IAF should have had a detailed knowledge of the ground-based air surveillance and fire control/ground-controlled interception radars protecting Pakistan’s airspace. Likewise, the IAF should have been cognisant of the communications networking Pakistan’s Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) and deployed Ground-Based Air Defences (GBAD). IAF Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) plans should have been up to date thanks to continuous Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) gathering vis-à-vis Pakistan’s IADS and GBAD. A thorough and comprehensive OCA and SEAD effort should have been undertaken until the IAF had won and sustained air superiority. At that point non-air defence targets could be prosecuted. Assuming five aircraft have been lost, this would indicate that IAF SIGINT efforts and OCA/SEAD doctrines are lacking. IAF loss rates such as those reported would be unsustainable over a longer conflict. Secondly, it is possible that the IAF performed all the OCA/SEAD it should have done and had the most comprehensive and up-to-date SIGINT possible regarding the PAF’s IADS and GBAD. If this was the case, then it indicates the force may have underestimated Chinese military technology. That is a lesson that India, and allied nations around the world, will also have to digest. (Source: Armada)
03 Jun 25. Clouds and Carriers for LUWES. The Eurofighter Typhoon-EK variant of the eponymous fighter is one of the constituent parts of the Luftwaffe’s LUWES programme that is under contract. Other components are expected to follow in the future. It has been almost two years since Armada examined the Luftwaffe’s (German Air Force’s) LUWES (Luftgestützte Wirkung im Elektromagnetischen Spektrum/Airborne Effects in the Electromagnetic Spectrum) Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Since then, news regarding the initiative has been sporadic. As Armada reported previously the Luftwaffe began thinking about LUWES in circa 2018. LUWES is a system-of-systems with stand-off jamming and escort electronic attack aircraft. Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and stand-in jammers will also play crucial roles. All these assets will be supported by new mission planning, battle management, mission data, and command and control systems. The goal is to provide an overarching SEAD capability to serve the Luftwaffe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The Luftwaffe joins the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) and US Air Force in providing European SEAD capabilities. Eight companies; Airbus, bKEC, Hensoldt, IBM, MBDA, PLATH, Rohde & Schwarz and Schönhofer are developing the LUWES concept.
Platforms and effectors
The Luftwaffe has been the lynchpin of NATO’s European SEAD posture since the early 1980s when the Panavia Tornado-ECR air defence suppression jet entered service. The Tornado-ECR will retire by the end of this decade to be replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon-EK. The Typhoon-EK will be a dedicated EW and SEAD platform. Nonetheless, LUWES goes further than a single platform reflecting the inherent complexity of today’s Integrated Air Defence Systems (IADS) which NATO SEAD assets may need to fight. The LUWES architecture will be scalable to the operation at hand. Tactical emitter targets of opportunity could be engaged by platforms and effectors during the enforcement of a no-fly zone for example. Likewise, the architecture could support a prolonged operational/strategic air campaign against a near-peer adversary. Stand-off radar and communications jamming will be performed by a suitably equipped large aircraft with a converted Airbus A400M Atlas turboprop airlifter suggested as one possible airframe. A large platform such as this could also attack emitters with radio-delivered cyber effects. A second echelon would be deployed closer to the threat and focus on an escort jamming capability provided by the Typhoon-EK, and their soft and hard kill capabilities. The latter includes Northrop Grumman AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles supplemented by electronic jamming pods. Finally, stand-in jammers will be deployed in the so-called ‘no escape zone’. This is where the lethal engagement envelopes of the enemy’s ground-based air defences are their most dangerous. LUWES elements will receive mission data from the Luftwaffe’s forthcoming Bombardier G-6500 Pegasus Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft. This data will be uploaded to an Electronic Warfare (EW) cloud. The cloud will provide a data clearing house to support the LUWES SEAD mission. The LUWES architecture will be knitted together using standard NATO Link-11 and Link-16 Tactical Datalinks (TDLs). Also vital will be NATO’s Cooperative Electronic Support Measures (CESMO) TDL designed specifically to handle relevant EW information.
LUWES Networking
More details came to light regarding the elements that will underpin LUWES at the 2025 Association of Old Crows Electronic Warfare Europe conference and exhibition held in Rome between 7th and 8th May. Industrial sources disclosed that progress has been made on the LUWES’ stand-in jammer and EW combat cloud. The cloud will work closely with the CESMO TDL which will be a key conduit for the movement of this data. A demonstration of the combat cloud capability is scheduled to be made to the Luftwaffe in June. This demonstration forms part of a larger demonstration of LUWES software and some undisclosed hardware. The work performed on the EW combat cloud could have wider relevance to NATO writ large. In mid-2024, the alliance commenced a study known as SG-299. SG-299 explores electronic warfare combat cloud capabilities. The study was commissioned by NATO’s Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG). Sources said that the findings of the study, which has now concluded, have been handed to the Alliance. NATO will decide if the findings should inform any future Standardisation Agreement (STANAG) covering EW cloud specifications. The alliance may then decide to adopt such a STANAG so that can be adhered to by NATO’s membership. MBDA has proposed a remote carrier that could be equipped with an array of modular payloads according to the mission at hand. From a SEAD perspective, these payloads could include SIGINT collection or jamming modules. The four-metre (13-feet) long remote carrier airframe has a similar design to the company’s KEPD-350 Taurus air-to-surface missile that MBDA has developed with Saab. The airframe has a low radar cross section and can be launched from the ground, from surface vessels or from the air. The remote carriers could be used to swarm hostile air defences for jamming, spoofing and/or provocation. Regardless of the mission, the remote carriers will be networked using conventional radio and satellite communications. These links will let the remote carriers receive and share mission data from and to the EW cloud. Development work for the remote carrier is ongoing. There is no word on when a prototype may be developed, or the technology readiness level of current efforts. Beyond the Typhoon-EK programme other capabilities such as the EW combat cloud and remote carrier are awaiting formal acquisition. Sources continued that LUWES is still in the conceptual phase, although it is possible that contract awards could begin in the next twelve months. While news regarding LUWES has been sporadic, it does appear the programme is moving forward. It is possible that more developments may grace the public domain in the coming 18 months. (Source: Armada)
04 Jun 25. The Spectrum’s Coalition of the Willing. The new Electronic Warfare Capability Coalition will not only intensify EW support for Ukraine, but will also inform the electronic warfare postures and capabilities of the initiative’s member nations.
“The electronic warfare capability coalition is in place to fill critical gaps, train forces and establish effective policy and doctrine.”
This was how a senior member of the newly formed European Electronic Warfare Capability Coalition (EW CAPCO) describes three of the key missions for this new grouping. The new Capability Coalition (CAPCO) was under discussion at this year’s Association of Old Crows EW Europe conference and exhibition. The event was held in Rome on 7th and 8th May. News emerged in mid-May that several European nations would band together to improve their collective EW capabilities. A key goal of the coalition is to intensify electronic warfare support for Ukraine as she continues her efforts to expel Russia’s occupation of her lands. Nonetheless, as conference discussions underscored, the coalition’s work will have significant relevance beyond the Ukrainian theatre. Ukraine is one member of the coalition alongside Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, Poland and the United Kingdom. It was stressed during conference discussions that Ukraine is not involved in the coalition solely as a passive partner. The nation is taking an active role in feeding lessons learned into the coalition, and detailing the EW capabilities she needs. All the nations involved in the initiative have the same status within the coalition. Spinning up the initiative required an initial letter of intent and a subsequent multinational contract. The next steps developed the coalition’s Terms-of-Reference (TORs) and established ‘battle rhythm’. The latter has been vital in ensuring the coalition is as responsive as possible to the electromagnetic battle in Ukraine. The TORs provide the framework for the coalition’s deliverables. These include the supply of appropriate EW capabilities to the Ukrainians, training Ukrainian personnel and developing unified EW strategies, policies and doctrines. EW CAPCO sources say the group has a ‘shopping list’ from Ukraine regarding specific systems. Efforts are ongoing to shape these requirements into capabilities as opposed to solely addressing specific EW demands with kit.
Organisation
A German two-star officer is the EW CAPCO’s director with two subordinate secretaries also from Germany. The CAPCO then divides into three distinct working groups covering procurement, training and education, and policy and doctrine. The EW Capability Coalition is not the only such grouping in this ‘coalition of the willing’ of European nations pledging their support to Ukraine’s ongoing fight. Other CAPCOs cover air defence, airpower, armour, artillery, demining, information technology, sea power and uninhabited aerial vehicles. Sources continued that all these groupings have “EW issues” and depend on the electromagnetic spectrum in some shape or form. As a result, the EW CAPCO can perform cross cutting work across the other groupings providing assistance and advice as and when required.
Post Conflict
How the Ukraine War will conclude remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the EW CAPCO’s thoughts are turning to how EW capabilities will fit into Ukraine’s wider post-conflict force structure. Beyond Ukraine, “exchanging lessons learned is crucial for the future,” the sources noted. These lessons are not only relevant for Ukraine, but germane to the wider EW CAPCO membership. Additional nations may join the initiative in the future. The group’s officials are keen to stress that EW CAPCO is neither a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nor European Union initiative. Nonetheless, the EW CAPCO’s activation marks an important sharpening of the continent’s current and future electronic warfare posture and capabilities. (Source: Armada)
05 Jun 25. Hold that door. The RAF’s Tekever AR3 UAV equipped with the StormShroud electronic attack payload can mimic crewed aircraft to sow confusion in the minds of air defenders. The RAF’s new StormShroud stand-in jammer represents another arrow in the force’s electronic attack quiver to help it defeat today’s and tomorrow’s air defences. The Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities have evolved once more with the revelation that the service has taken delivery of its new StormShroud stand-in jammer. The news was announced by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence on 2nd May. The announcement was made by the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Luton, southeast England. StormShroud’s electronic attack payload has been developed by Leonardo. The payload is carried by a rail-launched Tekever AR3 Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle (UAV). StormShroud will be the responsibility of the RAF Regiment’s 216 Squadron.
Concept of Operations
Speaking at the 2025 Association of Old Crows Electronic Warfare Europe conference and exhibition held in Rome on 7th and 8th May, Leonardo officials provided Armada with more details on StormShroud. Primarily, the system will help crewed aircraft operate in heavily contested airspace. For example, StormShroud UAVs could fly into the engagement footprint of a Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) battery. The StormShroud payload could be programmed to emit Radio Frequency (RF) signals. These signals could simulate an incoming strike package of aircraft. This could help distract the SAM battery’s air defenders while an actual strike package is doing its work elsewhere. The UAV would, in effect, ‘hold open the door’ for the crewed aircraft to fly unchallenged through the battery’s engagement footprint. In fact, the UAVs could represent so many false targets that real potential targets could be mixed within the cacophony of confusion. Conversely, StormShroud payloads could be used to unleash heavy jamming. Electronic attacks such as these could prevent the battery’s ground-based air surveillance and fire control radars from seeing the actual threats. Armada discussed StormShroud’s development last year when the system was initially known as BriteStorm. Leonardo’s BriteCloud air-launched self-protection decoy, BriteStorm and subsequently StormShroud are all thought to use the same Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM). The DRFM is programmed to compose and deploy the desired electronic effects in support of the mission. It is understood that StormShroud can engage threats transmitting on frequencies of zero megahertz to 20 gigahertz.
Joining BriteCloud and StormShroud is the electronic attack functionality of Leonardo’s ECRS Mk.2 X-band (8.5 gigahertz/GHz to 10.68GHz) fire control radar. BriteCloud provides individual aircraft protection against radars and radar-guided threats like SAMs and air-to-air missiles. The ECRS Mk.2 can attack radar threats with jamming within its field-of-view. The ECRS Mk.2 will equip all new Typhoon FGR Mk.4 combat aircraft and can also furnish legacy Typhoon marques in service with the RAF. Although not yet funded, MBDA’s SPEAR-EW (Select Precision Effects at Range – EW) loitering EW system could be added to this mix. It is possible that SPEAR-EW could be deployed as a stand-off or escort jammer, with StormShroud providing stand-in jamming, and BriteCloud and ECRS Mk.2 affording individual aircraft protection.
Programme
The RAF is said to have procured an initial 24 StormShroud systems for $25.2m, working out at just over $1 m per system. Sources have shared with Armada that additional systems may be procured in the future. Leonardo sources said that the realisation of StormShroud took just twelve months. They added that, while StormShroud is equipping the AR3 UAVs, the payload could outfit other platforms. These platforms would need to a minimum of 3.5-litres (0.12-cubic feet) of internal volume. StormShroud imposes a 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) weight penalty. The realisation of StormShroud represents the continuing commitment of the RAF to enhancing the force’s air defence suppression posture. Alongside ECRS Mk.2, BriteCloud and perhaps SPEAR-EW in the future, with StormShroud the service is sharpening its EW capabilities writ large. This will not only benefit the RAF, but the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and allied nations as a whole, during future coalition operations. (Source: Armada)
05 Jun 25. June Spectrum SitRep. The Simulate, Emulate, Stimulate, Calibrate and Operate approach to electronic warfare training pioneered by MASS was launched at this year’s Association of Old Crows EW Europe exhibition and conference. Armada’s monthly round-up of all the latest electronic warfare news in the product, programme and operational domains.
GNSS Jamming Detection for ATAK
An electronic intelligence system developed by Zephr is garnering interest in the United States. It was reported in October 2024 that the company had developed a networked signals intelligence system. The system exploits local cellphone networks to detect Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jamming. By networking cellphones and cellphone towers together, this architecture can act as a giant distributed antenna. The phones and towers will detect GNSS interference and its source. Zephr has developed the system for deployment in Ukraine. In February, the company was awarded a contract worth $1.7 m from the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The work will develop real time GNSS jamming and spoofing detection and geolocation techniques. Reports have stated that, over the long term, the US Department of Defence (DOD) is interested in this functionality for the AFRL’s Android-based Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK). ATAK will integrate “Zephr’s jamming/spoofing detection and localisation capabilities,” the company said in a written statement. “(T)he capability will not require any additional hardware beyond the existing Android phones it will run on.” The contract’s duration is for two years. Zephr’s work with the AFRL in this regard is currently at Technology Readiness Level Seven (TRL-7). According to US DOD definitions, this denotes that a working model or prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment. The company continued that the contract should help advance the technology to TRL-8 vis-à-vis ATAK. TRL-8 denotes that the system has been qualified through test and evaluation: “One of our motivations for doing real world testing in active conflict zones (such as Ukraine) is to build a battle-ready technology that we are confident can help both the warfighter and civilian users,” the company added.
MASS Unveils SESCO
MASS launched its new SESCO (Simulate, Emulate, Stimulate, Calibrate and Operate) Electronic Warfare (EW) training methodology at this year’s EW Europe conference and exhibition. The show was hosted by the Association of Old Crows global EW advocacy organisation, and held in Rome on 7th and 8th May. Company representatives told Armada at the event that the SESCO methodology takes a holistic approach to EW training. Personnel with no, or limited, electronic warfare experience will, stage-by-stage, acquire the knowledge and acumen they need to ensure they are ready for operational spectrum challenges when deployed. A key aspect of SESCO is that it involves the company’s NEWTS training system. NEWTS allows students to experience an accurate electromagnetic environment without the trainers emitting any RF (Radio Frequency) signals. Students experience the electromagnetic challenges they may face operationally. However, trainers do not need a range, or permissions to emit, that the use of actual RF signals would otherwise entail. In fact, the students will experience a simulated RF environment until they reach the ‘Calibrate’ stage of their training. Simulated RF signals work directly with the equipment and capabilities students will use operationally. MASS representatives added that the SESCO methodology is under trials to enable the most modern RF threats to be detected and decoded/demodulated in real time.
We Practice to Deceive
Roke’s new EM-Vis Deceive electronic warfare system has been designed to incorporate open standards easing the integration and upgrade path for the system during its service life. Roke also took advantage of the EW Europe conference and exhibition to launch the company’s new EM-Vis Deceive portable Electronic Warfare (EW) system. EM-Vis Deceive is designed to help land forces detect, track and engage hostile communications, uninhabited aerial vehicle Radio Frequency (RF) links and other RF signals. The company says the new product has been realised using the Standards for Integrated Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (STICS). The STICS suite of open standards is designed to assist command and control; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and EW system interoperability. EM-Vis Deceive can be carried by a single soldier and used by an unskilled operator. John Bottomley, Roke’s senior cyber and electromagnetic activities engineer, told Armada that the system can detect, track and jam threats emitting on frequencies of 20 megahertz up to six gigahertz/GHz. He added that the company is working on antenna arrays that could extend this waveband to 18GHz. Work commenced on the EM-Vis Deceive two years ago. The company “has completed initial deliveries, with further shipments scheduled for early 2026.” Those initial deliveries “enable our current user communities to trial, deploy and feedback into Roke prioritisation of applications as we spirally enhance EM-Vis Deceive to continually address the challenges our users face,” Mr. Bottomley continued. (Source: Armada)
04 Jun 25. New flagship Arbitrary Waveform Generators with 3.9 GHz bandwidth and 10 GS/s output rate. marking a significant milestone in the company’s product portfolio. Designed for demanding applications in radio frequency (RF) and microwave signal generation, the new AWGs deliver output rates up to 10 GS/s with exceptional 16-bit vertical resolution and bandwidths reaching up to 3.9 GHz. The new products are aimed at engineers and scientists working in cutting-edge fields such as wireless communications, radar system development, quantum research, and aerospace testing.
“This launch represents a major leap forward for us,” said Oliver Rovini, CTO of Spectrum Instrumentation.
“It’s the first time we’ve entered the high-bandwidth space, and we’re doing it with a product line that sets new standards in quality and capability. With these new AWGs, we’re giving our customers a tool that enables next-generation innovation.”
The new flagship AWGs are available as PCIe cards with up to 10 GB/s streaming, as well as stand-alone NETBOX units with easy control via Ethernet, connecting directly to laptops, PCs or company networks. The new instruments are ideal for integration into automated test systems. Key features include:
- Output rates up to 10 GS/s for ultra-fast signal generation
- 16-bit vertical resolution to ensure exceptional signal fidelity
- Analog bandwidths up to 3.9 GHz, enabling true-to-life reproduction of wideband RF & microwave signals
- Single-Ended or Differential outputs with up to 4V output swings
- Multi-channel synchronization for complex signal simulations across multiple outputs
- Up to 8 GSample memory per channel for flexibility in waveform generation
These features make the new AWGs particularly well-suited for applications that demand high signal quality over wide bandwidths, such as testing of communication standards like 5G and 6G, simulating radar echoes, or generating waveforms for experimental physics and quantum systems. In addition to their powerful hardware, the new AWGs are supported by Spectrum’s comprehensive software suite, including drivers for Windows and Linux, as well as programming examples for languages like C/C++, Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW, plus Spectrum’s SBench 6 software for interactive operation. These new flagships include a 5-year warranty, free lifetime software/firmware updates, and support directly from Spectrum’s design engineers.
02 Jun 25. Hanwha Ocean signs MOUs with BlackBerry, L3 Harris MAPPS. The collaboration with L3 Harris MAPPS is on integrated simulation and platform automation technologies. South Korean shipbuilding company Hanwha Ocean has signed memorandum of understandings (MOUs) with BlackBerry and L3 Harris MAPPS, at the Canada’s Global Defence & Security Trade Show (CANSEC 2025) defence exhibition held in Ottawa. Through these agreements with BlackBerry and L3 Harris MAPPS, Hanwha Ocean is boosting its Canadian submarine business. BlackBerry is a Canadian firm with a focus on cybersecurity and secure communication technologies. The company has delivered security solutions to an international clientele, including government entities and vital industry sectors. L3 Harris MAPPS, part of L3 Harris Technologies, concentrates on providing integrated automation platforms and advanced simulation systems tailored for the marine defence and energy sectors. The company has a history of equipping naval forces globally with various marine electronic systems and solutions, with the Korean Navy being among its customers.
Hanwha Global Defense CEO Michael Coulter said: “There is the potential for infinite synergy to be created through the cooperative relationship between Hanwha Ocean and its Canadian partners BlackBerry and L3 Harris MAPPS.
“Through this MoU signing, Hanwha Ocean will establish a full-fledged cooperative relationship with these partners, and will greatly contribute to further solidifying and strengthening the bilateral relationship between Korea and Canada.”
Canada’s current submarine procurement initiative stipulates offset trade conditions that benefit the local economy and industry, said Hanwha Ocean. Previously, Hanwha Ocean established agreements with Canadian entities CAE, Curtiss-Wright Indal Technologies, and GASTOPS during 2024’s CANSEC exhibition. Hanwha Ocean said it developed a 3,000-tonne submarine “with its own technology”. The company’s Jangbogo-III Batch-II-class submarine (KSS-III), proposed for Canada, features innovative lithium-ion batteries and an air-independent propulsion system (AIP), making it suitable for Arctic operations with its extensive range and submerged endurance. In addition to its Canadian ventures, Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Hee-chul signed an MoU with PGZ SW and Nautic Shipyard for strategic cooperation in shipbuilding and maintenance at Korea’s MADEX 2025 exhibition. This collaboration seeks to advance joint development and export of various naval vessels and systems. The partnership is set to enhance Poland’s naval ship industry through joint projects such as the Orka submarine project and will involve technology transfer and localisation efforts.
Sung-Chul Eo said: “The cooperation with a major Polish company goes beyond a simple technological alliance and will serve as a bridge for shipbuilding industry cooperation between Korea and Poland.”
In September 2024, Hanwha Ocean approached a major Polish military technology company, WB Group, to work together in pursuit of supporting Poland’s Orka submarine programme. (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 May 25. A like-minded partnership on Cyber and Capability Collaboration. As we face complex technological challenges, sharing knowledge and expertise with our allies is essential to safeguard our mutual interests and strengthen our national security.
The UK and Japan continue to deepen their strategic collaboration in cyber, working together to uphold a free, open, and secure digital world. From joint cyber exercises to the responsible use of cyber power, this like-minded partnership strengthens resilience and sets the global example of trusted cooperation in the cyber domain.
DSEI Japan
Strategic Command was proud to lead the Ministry of Defence (MOD) presence at DSEI Japan in support of UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) and Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Min(DPI)), the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP.
DSEI Japan is Asia’s only integrated Defence and Security Expo and, to some extent emulates the long-running UK model. As a forum, and in terms of its wider international importance, it is growing exponentially. This year DSEI Japan involved over 100 countries and delegations and over 300 exhibitors. For the first time DSEI Japan featured a keynote address from the Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba.
The MOD delegation was in Japan to support UKDSE and the UK’s wider prosperity agenda, as well as supporting outreach on behalf of UK industry and Small and Medium-sized enterprises. Presentations at the MOD stand focussed on driving innovation, the Cyber & Electromagnetic (Cyber & EM) Domain and Global Strategic Trends 7.
Working Together in Cyberspace
Our involvement in DSEI was preceded by a joint UK-Japan cyber seminar at the British Embassy in Tokyo. The event signalled the next stage in the maturing of our bilateral co-operation across the Cyber Domain.
HMA Julia Longbottom and Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes led the seminar with approximately 100 invited guests from across the Japanese MOD, and related think-tanks and media.
Japan is embracing the concept of Active Cyber Defence. Considerable resources and effort are being put into understanding the Cyber Threat and the whole of society response that is needed to maintain cyber security. New legislation has pushed the boundaries of Japan’s approach to Cyber providing new means for the Japanese MOD to protect citizens and continue to defend Japanese networks.
The Active Cyber Defence legislation provides Japan with the legal permissions to – having been blocked by the constitution for over 70 years – intercept communications data for the purposes of cyber security and, in severe situations, to deliver offensive cyber operations. It also enables reforms to Japan’s cyber structures and public-private partnership mechanisms. The adoption of the Active Cyber Defence legislation is a significant milestone, as it meant flexing the boundaries of Japan’s constitution and long-standing political conventions.
There is much both the UK and Japan can do to learn from each other, both in terms of training and supporting our people, but also operating differently to address cross-cutting threats to our ways of living, which demand and need whole of society responses. The UK’s Cyber Primer provides one model for how this can be done.
Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes followed his presentation by giving a pooled interview to the Japanese media, during which he complimented the Japanese Government and MOD on the novel and far-sighted nature of their reforms. Calling it a foundation for “genuinely strong cooperation”, he reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with Japan and other partners to address threats.
With reference to the recent, and ground-breaking legislation on Active Cyber Defence, HMA Tokyo, Julia Longbottom, said
… we often say cyber is a team sport, but I’d go one step further and call it an international team sport relying on us all to play our part. So, it is only right that we commend that team. From the Japanese politicians, officials and experts who have been involved in the development of the legislation. To like-minded partners, industry and my own team for their tireless work to share lessons and learn from Japan’s transformational reforms.
Deepening our Strategic Collaboration
The MOD presence also served to highlight the continued importance attached to Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the close working partnership we enjoy with Japan and Italy, as partners in the development of this sixth-generation capability. Detailed conversations with our Japanese partners also emphasised the importance of the digital enablement of GCAP, including the overarching digital backbone and related architecture.
In her keynote address, Min(DPI) emphasised the importance of the UK and Japan working together as trusted partners. Similarly, in her interview with Nikkei, she reinforced the importance of international collaboration by necessity, and the benefits of like-minded partners working increasingly together. The need to work differently with industry, particularly in the newer domains of Cyber & EM was also brought to the fore by Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
30 May 25. Cyber Update Key points.
- A cyber extortion campaign carried out by the cyber criminal group ‘Luna Moth’ underscores the heightened security risks facing the legal sector (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update – 27 May 2025).
- A new Russian state-sponsored group (‘Void Blizzard’) will elevate the security and cyber espionage risks facing the government and defence sectors across Europe and North America (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update – 28 May 2025 and our Technical analysis below).
- A new remote access trojan (RAT, ‘NodeSnake’) will elevate the security risks posed by the ransomware group ‘Interlock’ to UK- and US-based educational institutions (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update – 29 May 2025 and our Technical analysis below).
- A covert cyber operation carried out by the Chinese state-sponsored group ‘APT41’ highlights the long-term security risks facing key sectors (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update – 30 May 2025).
Technical analysis of weekly stories
The ransomware group Interlock has been using a new RAT (NodeSnake) to target educational institutions in the UK and the US since at least January. Interlock typically distributes phishing emails containing malicious links and/or attachments to infiltrate systems. Upon installation, the malware establishes communication with command-and-control (C2) infrastructure and exfiltrates sensitive system metadata (including user privileges, running processes and network information). NodeSnake often proxies C2 traffic via pre-defined domains and/or hardcoded IP addresses, encrypting and cycling all communication with randomised delays to enhance obfuscation. The malware also heavily obfuscates its code and disrupts native de-bugging processes, showcasing the sophistication of its detection-evasion capabilities. It uses two command execution programmes (PowerShell and CMD) to write a registry entry and ensure execution during a system’s startup, allowing threat actors to maintain persistence. In March, Interlock used a new version of NodeSnake that enables dynamic C2 communication and command execution, as well as enhanced obfuscation, encryption and anti-analysis techniques; we assess this underscores the malware’s rapid evolution.
A new Russian state-sponsored group (Void Blizzard) has targeted government and defence sectors across Europe and North America in a cyber espionage operation since at least 2024. Void Blizzard typically purchases stolen user credentials on the dark web to hijack user accounts using password spraying attacks, highlighting the low-resource and low-cost nature of these attacks. The group primarily hijacks Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint online services to steal sensitive information. In April, Void Blizzard also started a spear phishing campaign, showcasing the rapid development of the group’s tactics. The group impersonated an organiser from the European Defence and Security Summit to trick victims into opening a malicious attachment purporting to contain an invitation to the summit. The invitation displayed a QR code that redirected victims to a spoofed domain for Microsoft Entra’s authentication portal. Void Blizzard then likely used the open-source ‘Evilginx’ attack framework to conduct an Adversary-in-the-Middle (AitM) attack, enabling the threat actors to authenticate and hijack legitimate user accounts. The group reportedly exploited hijacked accounts to extract emails, files and chats, likely in a bid to collect strategic information pertaining to the Russo-Ukrainian war and the security posture of Ukraine’s allies.
Non-exhaustive recommendations to mitigate against these threats include:
- Monitor devices and networks for suspicious activity
- Add available Indicators-of-Compromise (IoCs) to your organisation’s security systems to detect potentially malicious samples on the network; configure firewalls to block outbound communications to malicious IP addresses associated with any known malware
- Adopt behaviour-based end-point detection and response (EDR) solutions, prioritising the detection of the initial stages of a compromise
- Conduct cyber hygiene awareness courses for users, enabling them to recognise and report phishing and other types of social engineering
Our cyber word(s) of the week: Telephone-oriented attack delivery (TOAD) (Source: Sibylline)
30 May 25. Global: Covert cyber operation highlights long-term security risks from Chinese threat actors. On 28 May, the technology company Google reported that the Chinese state-sponsored group ‘APT41’ has been targeting global organisations (including government, shipping, technology and transport entities) in a cyber operation since at least 2024. APT41 distributes phishing emails to trick potential victims into clicking on a malicious link. The link redirects victims to a compromised government website that downloads two malicious payloads via a multi-stage process. Both payloads are disguised as images for stealth purposes. They subsequently deploy the main malware (‘Toughprogress’), establishing communication with command-and-control (C2) infrastructure via Google Calendar services. More specifically, Toughprogress conceals command execution and system responses within calendar events, thus enhancing detection evasion. Chinese state-sponsored groups routinely target global organisations to obtain strategic information and establish prolonged persistence in their victims’ systems. As such, we assess that long-term security risks will continue to impact the aforementioned sectors amid the ongoing development of China’s cyber capabilities. (Source: Sibylline)
30 May 25. Persistent Systems Awarded Basic Ordering Agreement by NATO Communications and Information Agency. Company now positioned to directly support NATO and Partnership for Peace nations Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology, announced that it has been added to a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) from the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). This milestone allows Persistent to directly accept orders from NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations—removing barriers to access and expediting the procurement of the company’s Wave Relay® MANET products and services.
“In partnership with our International Resellers, Persistent is expanding our contract mechanisms available to support our Allies,” said Brian Spurlock, Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Persistent Systems. “With our addition to the BOA, NATO customers have a new path to procure our American-made technology—and tap into our training and engineering expertise to unlock the full capabilities of the Wave Relay® network.”
A BOA is a pre-negotiated framework agreement that defines terms and conditions for future orders, streamlining acquisition and delivery. Persistent is the only MANET company currently holding such an agreement with NCIA. Persistent’s international sales have more than doubled in the past two years, driven by growing global demand for secure, resilient, and scalable communications. With geopolitical threats on the rise, this agreement enables NATO and PfP partners to more rapidly procure a proven solution.
Persistent’s Wave Relay® MANET technology is already fielded across Europe:
- In March, the company announced contracts totaling $29 m to supply MPU5 handheld MANET radios and tower-mounted antennas to several Baltic Sea nations.
- During the 2024 Summer Olympics, French authorities employed the network for maritime domain awareness in Marseilles—supporting sailing events and securing the Olympic Torch arrival.
- In 2023, the UK Royal Marines deployed over 1,000 MPU5 radios as part of the Future Commando Force modernization initiative.
“This Basic Ordering Agreement opens new doors for Persistent Systems across Europe,” said Eve Shapiro, Vice President of International Sales at Persistent Systems. “It streamlines the path for NATO and PfP nations to access our Wave Relay® MANET technology—enabling faster deployments, closer collaboration, and enhanced mission success for our international partners.”
Acquiring a NATO BOA reinforces Persistent’s long-standing commitment to supporting its customers with an unmatched end-user experience—beginning with the first inquiry and continuing through delivery, training, and ongoing support. Eligible NATO and Partnership for Peace nations can procure Persistent Systems technology through this BOA by contacting their national procurement authorities and referencing BOA number 42511081. (Source: ASD Network)
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Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) has a long history with its roots dating back to Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first flight in 1903, and Mr. Glenn Curtiss, the father of naval aviation. In 1929, the companies founded by these three great aviation pioneers, the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company and Wright Aeronautical Corporation, merged to form the largest aircraft company at the time, Curtiss-Wright Corporation.
We have continued on the path of innovation and advanced engineering, and have applied that expertise to a number of critical applications in high-performance markets. Our success has resulted in a world-renowned reputation for performance, long-standing customer relationships and significant growth and profitability in the markets in which we compete.
Today, we are a global, integrated provider of highly engineered, technologically advanced products and services. Our revenues are generated by providing our critical solutions through three segments: Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics and Naval & Power, which support several of the largest, most vital industries in the world.
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