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20 Nov 25. Shield AI and Destinus Partner to Integrate Hivemind Across Platforms in Support of Ukraine and European Defense. Shield AI and Destinus today announced a strategic partnership to integrate Hivemind, Shield AI’s mission autonomy software, across Destinus’ aerial platforms. Together, the companies are creating the first scalable, cross-platform autonomy architecture jointly developed by next-generation defense leaders in Europe and the United States. By combining Shield AI’s battle-proven autonomy with Destinus’ industrial-scale European manufacturing, this partnership accelerates the delivery of AI-enabled unmanned systems to Ukraine and strengthens Europe’s overall defense resilience. Through this partnership, Hivemind will be integrated onto Destinus’ Ruta and Hornet unmanned aerial systems. Together with Shield AI’s V-BAT, these platforms will share information, coordinate behaviors, and adapt in real time with in-flight target updates — creating a tightly integrated and highly effective reconnaissance-strike capability. Joint flight demonstrations are planned for 2026 to showcase operational interoperability across systems from both companies.
“Integrating Hivemind across diverse aircraft architectures like Ruta, Hornet, and V-BAT demonstrates how a unified autonomy framework can enable distributed mission execution,” said Nathan Michael, Shield AI Chief Technology Officer and Head of the Hivemind Business Unit. “By allowing platforms to perceive, decide, and act together in real time, Hivemind delivers scalable autonomy that enhances coordination, survivability, and mission success across the battlespace.”
“For Europe to achieve true technological sovereignty, we must unite world-class AI autonomy with industrial scale,” said Mikhail Kokorich, CEO of Destinus. “This partnership strengthens that effort by pairing Destinus’ platforms and AI avionics with Shield AI’s combat-proven mission autonomy. With Destinus platforms, we are engineering the backbone of a distributed, intelligent, and resilient autonomous strike architecture for Europe and for Ukraine.”
Hivemind is a highly modular, platform-agnostic autonomy software that enables heterogeneous teaming across systems, allowing reconnaissance and strike assets to operate as an intelligent team, thereby closing the reconnaissance-strike loop with speed and precision. Designed to ensure traceability, reliability and governability, Hivemind operates within clear command frameworks and augments human decision-makers, rather than replacing them. Attendees of the Netherlands Defense and Security Exhibition (NEDS) can learn more about the partnership by visiting Booth F3.0, hosted jointly by Shield AI and Destinus. (Source: ASD Network)
19 Nov 25. PowerBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: 103) (“PowerBank” or the “Company), a leader in distributed solar energy, battery storage, and clean energy infrastructure across North America, is collaborating with Orbit AI in the launch of a revolutionary space initiative known as the Orbital Cloud — where communications, compute, and verification converge in LEO powered by Solar energy. The mission leverages cutting-edge satellite technology, high-performance AI compute hardware, blockchain verification systems, and clean-energy solutions to demonstrate a next-generation digital infrastructure in orbit.
Strategic Vision
Orbit AI is developing DeStarlink, the first decentralized low-Earth-orbit network for global connectivity, and DeStarAI, a suite of orbital AI data centers powered by solar arrays and naturally cooled in space. Together, these systems form the Orbital Cloud, a unified infrastructure layer designed to enable sovereign, censorship-resistant connectivity and in-orbit compute services. Through its collaboration with Orbit AI, PowerBank intends to contribute advanced solar energy systems and adaptive thermal control solutions, reflecting its broader shift toward digital asset, data center, and RWA (Real World Asset) infrastructure, where solar power supports digital infrastructure deployments and high-growth AI markets. PowerBank’s contribution focuses on solar power and adaptive thermal technologies essential to future satellite’s “Execution Layer.”
“The next frontier of human innovation isn’t just in space exploration, it’s in building the infrastructure of tomorrow above the Earth,” said Dr. Richard Lu, CEO of PowerBank. “The combined markets for orbital satellites, in-orbit data centers, blockchain verification, and solar-powered digital infrastructure are projected to exceed $700 bn over the next decade. By integrating solar energy with orbital computing, PowerBank is helping create a globally sovereign, AI-enabled digital layer in space , which is a system that can help power finance, communications, and critical infrastructure.”
“Orbit AI is creating the first truly intelligent layer in orbit — satellites that compute, verify, and optimize themselves autonomously,” said Gus Liu, Co-Founder and CEO of Smartlink AI. “The Orbital Cloud turns space into a platform for AI, blockchain, and global connectivity. By leveraging solar-powered compute payloads and decentralized verification nodes, we are opening an entirely new potentially $700+ bn-dollar market opportunity — one that combines energy, data, and sovereignty to reshape industries from finance to government and Web3. PowerBank’s expertise in advanced solar energy systems will be significant in supporting this initiative.”
As Jeff Bezos recently commented at Italian Tech Week, Turin, Italy, October 2025[1]:
“We will be able to beat the cost of terrestrial data centres in space in the next couple of decades. These giant training clusters will be better built in space, because we have solar power there, 24/7 — no clouds, no rain, no weather. It already has happened with weather and communication satellites. The next step is going to be data centres and then other kinds of manufacturing.”
Benefits of the Orbital Cloud
* Energy & Efficiency: Solar-powered orbital computing bypasses terrestrial grid and cooling constraints.
* Unified Infrastructure: Seamless integration of communication and compute layers for space-based data services.
* Global Resilience: Designed to operate beyond geopolitical or national network controls.
* Blockchain Verification: Genesis-1 will include an Ethereumwallet and blockchain node for verified transactions in orbit.
Market Opportunity
The Orbital Cloud intersects multiple rapidly expanding markets:
* Orbital Infrastructure: USD $13.5B in 2024 ? $21.3B by 2029 (CAGR ~9.6%)[2]
* Global Satellite Market: projected USD $615B by 2032[3]
* In-Orbit Data Centers: USD $1.77B in 2029 ? $39.1B by 2035[4]
* Satellite Data Services: ~$12.16B in 2024 ? ~$55.24B by 2034 (CAGR ~16.3%)[5]
Combined, these markets represent a potential $700B+ growth opportunity over the next decade, driven by AI, blockchain, renewable energy, and digital-sovereignty demands.
Technologies and Ecosystem
The project intends to utilize advanced technologies and hardware from global leaders, including:
* Ethereum Foundation – blockchain framework and wallet architecture.
* NVIDIA Corporation – high-performance GPUs powering AI compute payloads.
* Galaxy Space – satellite manufacturing components for future satellites.
* Galactic Energy – launch systems and rocket technologies for future satellites.
* SparkX Satellite – builder of the DeStarlink Genesis-1 satellite.
* AscendX Aerospace – advanced rocket materials integrated into future satellite assemblies.
Investment and Mission Overview
PowerBank intends to complete an initial investment of US $50,000 in Orbit AI, providing an option to invest $1 m for equity of 2%, which with the approval of Orbit AI may be increased to up to US $10 m for equity of 20%, contingent on agreement on final terms and to be completed prior to the launch of DeStarlink Genesis-1 which is expected in December 2025.
Key Milestones
* Q4 2025: Launch of Genesis-1 with Ethereumwallet, blockchain node, and initial AI inference payload.
* 2026: Expansion to 5–8 orbital nodes integrating compute and connectivity.
* 2027–2028: Full constellation rollout and commercialization of Orbital Cloud services.
* 2028–2030: Autonomous network governance; large-scale orbital compute and communication operations.
About Orbit AI
Orbit AI is a Singapore based pioneer in Aerospace. Cooperating with supply chain from China and US, the company is building a decentralized low-Earth orbit satellite network (DeStarlink) combined with orbital AI compute/data-center infrastructure (DeStarAI). The company plans blockchain verified nodes in space, solar-powered compute payloads and a mesh network architecture to deliver global connectivity and digital-sovereignty services. To learn more about Orbit AI please visit https://orbitAI.global or follow http://x.com/OrbitAI_OAI.
About PowerBank Corporation
PowerBank Corporation is an independent renewable and clean energy project developer and owner focusing on distributed and community solar projects in Canada and the USA. The Company develops solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects that sell electricity to utilities, commercial, industrial, municipal and residential off-takers. The Company maximizes returns via a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple leading North America markets including projects with utilities, host off-takers, community solar, and virtual net metering projects. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed renewable and clean energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built. To learn more about PowerBank, please visit www.powerbankcorp.com. (Source: PR Newswire)
20 Nov 25. Global: New attack vector underpins long-term cyber espionage risks from Chinese threat actors. On 19 November, the cyber security company ESET reported that a China-linked threat group (‘PlushDaemon’) is hijacking software updates to target global businesses in a cyber espionage operation. PlushDaemon reportedly exploits known software vulnerabilities and/or weak credentials to infiltrate user accounts within targeted systems, focusing on those at the administrative level. It then installs a malicious implant (‘EdgeStepper’) to redirect Domain Name System (DNS) traffic to actor-controlled infrastructure, subsequently hijacking software updates to stealthily deploy a renowned backdoor (‘SlowStepper’). SlowStepper facilitates system reconnaissance, remote file execution as well as the exfiltration of keystrokes, credentials and browser data, highlighting the operation’s extensive monitoring and data-theft capabilities. PlushDaemon has targeted universities as well as the technology and manufacturing sectors across the US and the Asia-Pacific region since at least 2018. Consequently, we assess that this report underpins the long-term cyber espionage risks facing these sectors amid the continuous evolution of the group’s attack vectors. (Source: Sibylline)
20 Nov 25. Rohde & Schwarz and SRC, Inc. today announced the first delivery of the RSGEN™, an electronic warfare (EW) environmental signal generation system, to a major DoD test facility. This delivery marks a milestone in the companies’ strategic partnership, bringing together their expertise to advance EW test, evaluation and training capabilities for the US military. The RSGEN system is compatible with the military’s Next Generation Electronic Warfare Environment Generator (NEWEG) architecture including the intel-enabled Digital Generator (DGEN). RSGEN combines up to six time-coincident emitters per single RF port in a scalable platform for creating complex and realistic electromagnetic environments. It supports NEWEG objectives, allowing users to refine their EW capabilities in real-time, improving detection, classification and response to threats while ensuring the most current, effective countermeasures for warfighters in congested RF environments.
“At Rohde & Schwarz we are excited to combine the deep industry knowledge of SRC with our RF threat simulation expertise to jointly bring this new solution to market”. Frank Dunn, CEO of Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
“The RSGEN system is a great example of what can happen when collaboration and innovation come together,” said Kevin Hair, president and CEO of SRC, Inc. “Together with Rohde & Schwarz, we’re giving warfighters the tools to test, evaluate, train and operate more effectively across the electromagnetic spectrum.”
RSGEN is a fully commercial off-the-shelf system that’s scalable from bench-top setups to full system testing. The scalability of RSGEN makes it ideal for a variety of applications, from smaller, niche scenarios to larger, full-scale installations. It’s fully calibrated and designed for quick and easy acquisition, delivery and installation, with logistics support provided by dedicated technical teams with decades of engineering expertise. RSGEN will be exhibited at the AOC Annual International Symposium and Convention from December 9 to December 11 at the National Harbor, MD, Prince George’s Exhibition Hall A-E — 423.
19 Nov 25. L3Harris, PentenAmio announce teaming agreement to accelerate cryptographic innovation. L3Harris and PentenAmio have formalised a new teaming agreement to accelerate sovereign cryptographic innovation and deliver secure communications capabilities for defence and government customers across the UK, Australia and Canada. The new agreement was signed at the annual Military Communications and Information Systems Conference in Canberra this week. The collaboration is expected to advance joint technology development, commercialisation and export opportunities through developing advance cryptographic innovation and secure communications capabilities. The agreement establishes a framework for continued collaboration in joint innovation, commercialisation and technology export while supporting the development of critical cryptographic expertise within trusted allied nations.
“By combining two sovereign encryption portfolios, we’re unlocking scale, agility and mission relevance,” PentenAmio chief executive officer Sarah Bailey said.
“This is about delivering integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of allied governments and defence organisations and doing it quickly and reliably.”
The teaming agreement builds on the successful co-development of the Symmetric Key Manager (SKM), which integrates software and hardware to deliver trusted cryptographic key solutions. The SKM enables secure, over-the-network key generation for classified environments and provides a sustainable, adaptable approach to managing encryption technology. The agreement reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing next-generation cryptographic key solutions that combine hardware, software and services into a seamless, interoperable offering for defence and government customers. It also reinforces a long-term focus on technology innovation, capability sustainment and industrial cooperation between the UK, Australia, Canada and other allied defence sectors.
“This teaming strengthens the foundation for continued innovation in cryptographic technology,” said Ian Menzies, general manager, intelligence and cyber international at L3Harris.
“Working with PentenAmio, a leading provider of advanced digital security solutions, allows both organisations to leverage complementary expertise and deliver enhanced capabilities for our customers.
“This is another example of how L3Harris works with trusted partners to deliver secure, mission-ready solutions.
“Together with PentenAmio, we are building on proven experience and investing in the future of cryptographic capability.”
The agreement is non-exclusive, allowing both L3Harris and PentenAmio to pursue customer requirements independently and offer their own products or services. This flexibility enables each organisation to continue working with other partners where appropriate, provided such activities do not rely on data or information shared under this agreement. By formalising their cooperation, L3Harris and PentenAmio are creating a framework for future growth and technology development that will continue to evolve to meet customer and market needs across multiple territories.
20 Nov 25. Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council join forces to develop a Cyber Centre of Excellence.
* In line with the UAE’s vision to enhance National Cyber Sovereignty, Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and accelerate the country’s Cyber capabilities.
* This partnership includes the creation of three major capabilities within the framework of the Cyber Center of Excellence: a Space META Security Operation Centre (SOC), a Cyber Evaluation Lab, and a Crypto Lab.
* This long-term strategic collaboration focuses on building local capacities, driving innovation, and strengthening sovereign cyber defence capabilities, with, to start with, the space sector as the first ? area of interest.
On the occasion of Dubai Air Show, Thales and the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership aimed at developing a Cyber Centre of Excellence in the UAE.
This agreement covers the co-development and establishment of three key projects:
* Space META-SOC (Security Operation Centre): a specialised centre dedicated to the cybersecurity of space infrastructures, developed in cooperation with a local industrial partner. Connected to the national SOC, this SOC will integrate advanced technical capabilities and enable knowledge transfer through training focused on satellite constellations and ground system monitoring.
* Cyber Evaluation Lab: a testing and evaluation laboratory for software and hardware asset, designed to be operated by UAE nationals. This lab will also support the development of policies, standards, and governance frameworks for the UAE critical domains, with the space sector as the initial area of interest, positioning the country as a regional showcase for cyberspace excellence.
* Crypto Lab: a platform for designing, testing, implementing and validating cryptographic solutions for the space environment, with a focus on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Knowledge transfer and advanced training will be provided by Thales experts, leveraging experience gained from European Space Agency (ESA) projects.
These projects will be part of the Cyber Center of Excellence, an initiative led by His Excellency Dr. Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council. This collaboration aims to support the UAE’s vision for technological sovereignty, promote local research and development, and contribute to building a sustainable Emirati expertise in space Cyber Security.
“This partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council marks a major milestone in our joint commitment to advancing the UAE’s sovereign, secure and sustainable Cyber Security ecosystem. Together, we combine our complementary expertise and shared ambition to shape the future of Cyber Security, starting with the Space domain” said Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice-President, Secure Communications & Information Systems, Thales.
With the Cyber Center of Excellence, Thales and the Cyber Security Council will leverage joint research, development, and innovation, to strengthen the UAE’s existing capabilities and build new ones. The collaboration will also extend to other strategic domains beyond space, with both parties jointly addressing international markets.
18 Nov 25. Swedish Armed Forces selects TERASi for Tactical 2.0 project. TERASi will help develop “aerial connectivity hub” that delivers unjammable, high-capacity airborne communications. The Swedish Armed Forces have selected TERASi, a Stockholm-based technology spin-out from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, to participate in the development of Tactical 2.0 project. The initiative will focus on creating an “aerial connectivity hub” that delivers secure high-capacity airborne communications for both tactical defence missions and critical civil operations. The partnership forms part of the Civil-Military Innovation Programme, which is co-led by the Swedish Armed Forces and the government agency Vinnova to promote dual-use technologies aimed at supporting Sweden’s national resilience and technological self-sufficiency. TERASi, which secured a Skr1m ($105,650) grant from Vinnova, will contribute its RU1 millimetre-wave backhaul radio as the secure wireless backbone for Tactical 2.0. This equipment enables the rapid deployment of sovereign, mobile 5G and 6G networks in scenarios where standard or satellite communications are either unavailable or compromised. According to the company, the RU1 device uses its AirCore technology, which supports quick installation and directional transmission. The radio is designed for low probability of intercept and detection, anti-jamming resilience, and energy efficiency. These features focus on keeping communications secure and operational in contested or disrupted environments. The collaboration demonstrates ongoing efforts to integrate civil and military resources in line with Sweden’s Total Defence doctrine, which seeks to coordinate military, civilian, and private-sector capabilities for comprehensive national defence. The technology is intended to provide secure real-time connections for military operations, including video feeds, sensor data, and AI-assisted weapon systems in areas where conventional connectivity is unavailable or has been rendered vulnerable, said the company. The TERASi project is scheduled to run for nine months beginning in November 2025, and involves participation in an accelerator programme focused on developing a business strategy suitable for both civil and military markets. TERASi CEO and co-founder James Campion said “TERASi has consistently pushed the boundaries of high-frequency performance and integration. The Vinnova award recognizes our leadership in this domain and strengthens our role in developing next-generation, dual-use communication capabilities.
“With Tactical 2.0, we aim to demonstrate how advanced Swedish technology can enhance both national resilience and international competitiveness.”
In September 2025, experts from space technology company Astrolight urged the adoption of jamming-resistant systems throughout Europe, citing threats to civil aviation and essential infrastructure from ground-based GPS interference, especially in the Baltic Sea area. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
17 Nov 25. Thales launches its post-quantum MISTRAL encryptor, ready to secure sensitive communications across Europe.
* At the European Cyber Week, held in Rennes (France) from 17 to 20 November 2025, Thales announced the launch of the MISTRAL post-quantum encryptor, a cutting-edge security solution designed to protect communications classified as Restricted against the emerging threats posed by quantum computing.
* The MISTRAL encryptor is intended for public administrations, operators of vital importance, and companies within the defence technological and industrial base.
Fully aligned with ANSSI recommendations and certified to Common Criteria EAL4+, MISTRAL offers a certified and qualified level of security for Restricted-level communications. It is ready for deployment in European projects requiring a high degree of data protection between industrial partners and high-technology stakeholders. The MISTRAL encryptor retains its renowned ease of use and high performance[AR1] [HI2] . The Thales solution not only ensures a very high level of security but also delivers optimal performance, with throughput of up to 4 × 10 Gbps and very low latency, without compromising protection. This solution also stands out for its ease of integration, supported in particular by centralised management.
“By anticipating tomorrow’s challenges, Thales will, from June 2026, provide France and its European partners with a high-grade encryption solution capable of resisting quantum attacks. Public administrations, operators of vital importance, and companies in the defence technological and industrial base will benefit from a state-of-the-art encryptor to shield their Restricted-level communications against the quantum threat.” Pierre Jeanne, Vice-President for Sovereign Cybersecurity activities at Thales.
MISTRAL has already entered operational testing, with availability scheduled for June 2026. In launching this solution, Thales further strengthens its technological leadership in cybersecurity and supports its customers in their transition towards a trusted future, where the security of information exchange is more than ever a strategic priority.
03 Nov 25. Lenovo workstations and IMSCAD Services launch hosted workstation cloud solutions for any graphical application. IMSCAD Services has launched WaaS, a ‘Workstation as a Service’ solution, in partnership with Lenovo workstations and Equinix Data Centres, globally. The service comprises private cloud solutions and rentable workstations, on a per user, per month basis. Contracts run from one to 36 months. The service is up to 50% cheaper than high-end instances from the Public Cloud, and the workstations perform much faster for users. Users can get a 1:1 connection to a dedicated workstation, such as the Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra, featuring a Gen 9 Intel CPU that runs at frequencies up to 6.0 GHz and a NVIDIA GPU with up to 24GB of VRAM.
“For far too long, Public cloud pricing is far too high when you want to run graphical applications and desktops,” said CEO Adam Jull. “Our new service is backed by Lenovo hardware and the best remoting software.”
IMSCAD’s WaaS offering was one of four solutions tested by engineering, architecture and planning company TKDA, Minnesota, USA, when looking to replace its current solution that it quickly adopted during Covid.
“IMSCAD stood out far above all other solutions in our testing,” said Nicholas J. Steele, senior systems analyst, TKDA. “The performance of the Lenovo P3 Ultra we accessed was a surprise for all testers. None of us thought we would ever get remote performance that outperformed our local machines.”
TKDA runs a variety of applications including AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and point cloud software. IMSCAD is a global services provider specializing in remote working for compute-intensive applications. For more than a decade, the company has delivered graphical VDI environments to customers in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. Today, IMSCAD partners with Lenovo to offer Workstation as a Service, deploying Lenovo ThinkStation® systems in Equinix data centers worldwide. This approach combines the mobility of the cloud with the raw performance of dedicated workstations, ensuring customers can access powerful resources securely from anywhere in the world.
For many organizations, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and public cloud solutions had long been the default choice for enabling remote collaboration. But as workloads grew more demanding, these environments often struggled to keep pace. Latency issues disrupted precision design tasks, CPU clock speeds in virtualized environments lagged well behind workstation standards, and expensive cloud data egress fees added ongoing cost pressure. In addition, many independent software vendors declined to certify their applications in VDI environments, leaving customers exposed.
‘’Traditionally, public cloud and VDI solutions do not offer what customers need for heavy compute workloads. When you’re designing complex models, you simply can’t afford the lag, inconsistent performance, or lack of certification.” Adam Jull, CEO, IMSCAD Services
To solve these challenges, IMSCAD turned to the Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra SFF, P7, and PX systems powered by Intel® processors, hosted within Equinix’s global data center network. Unlike virtualized environments, this solution removes unnecessary layers and provides direct access to CPU and GPU resources. That architecture eliminates up to 50 milliseconds of latency, allowing designers, engineers, and content creators to manipulate large models smoothly—even across transatlantic connections.
The results have been transformative. Civil engineering firms in Minnesota now run Autodesk Civil 3D with flawless performance, while construction companies in the Middle East manage hundreds of global Revit and AutoCAD users from a single London data center. Customers consistently report smoother workflows, reduced IT management overhead, and lower long-term costs compared to cloud-only solutions.
The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra SFF, powered by Intel® processors, is the foundation of IMSCAD’s hosted solution—delivering workstation-class performance for CAD, BIM, and PLM without the latency or cost of cloud. Its compact design fits up to seven systems in 5U of rack space, enabling secure, responsive access to global users through Equinix data centers. For heavier demands, the Lenovo ThinkStation PX adds server-class power with Intel® Xeon® processors, advanced cooling, and multi-GPU support for HPC, rendering, and AI. Together, these workstations give IMSCAD the flexibility to balance mobility, security, and performance worldwide.
This solution gives you cloud convenience with the power of a workstation. For industries that rely on precision and performance—like architecture, engineering, and media—it removes the compromises of VDI and public cloud.” James Clark Workstation Technologist, Lenovo UK&I
17 Nov 25. Viper Shield Advances Production for Global F-16 Fleet. L3Harris to deliver advanced electronic warfare systems quickly for worldwide F-16 programs. Viper Shield successfully completed a rigorous Production Readiness Review (PRR), marking its transition into low-rate initial production to provide the most advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite to the global F-16 fleet years ahead of any competing system. While other companies may make claims about their developmental systems, L3Harris’ Viper Shield stands out as the only advanced EW system for the F-16 that is currently in production and ready to meet the 2027 challenge.
“Protecting allies in electromagnetic spectrum environments is critical to maintaining global security and stability,” said Michael Rigoni, Air Force Colonel and Electronic Warfare Program Manager, F-16 System Program Office, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. “L3Harris’ success in this PRR moves Viper Shield into low-rate initial production with full rate expected in Q1 ’26 and demonstrates its commitment to providing global F-16 fighter pilots a high-quality electronic warfare suite to meet those challenges.”
Viper Shield is the only advanced EW suite for the F-16 that is fully funded through partner nation development, currently in production, and offers a versatile Pod variant. This combination enhances its versatility and affordability, making it the most sophisticated and efficient solution for the global F-16 fleet.
“Viper Shield is an internationally backed system, supported by seven allied nations currently in production with a new Pod customer expected soon. These advancements make it the premier choice for all countries operating the F-16 Fighting Falcon,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “Even the United States, both active duty and Guard units, could greatly benefit from this FMS-funded program.”
The PRR is a comprehensive evaluation process that examines multiple facets of a program, such as design integrity, manufacturing processes, quality assurance protocols and supply chain logistics. The review is especially important for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs, where international customers rely on high-quality standards and thorough system validation. Through the process, Viper Shield demonstrated its readiness to transition from initial production to the low-rate initial production of 219 systems for seven partner nations. Additional partner nations that select Viper Shield will benefit from an active production line with robust quality assurance measures and a resilient supply chain capable of meeting the demands of large-scale manufacturing. In addition to passing the PRR, Viper Shield continues to undergo extensive testing and validation to ensure it performs effectively in extreme operational environments and conditions. This is vital for enhancing the operational capabilities of F-16 fleets, providing customers with advanced protection and resilience. The emphasis on hardware reliability and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) has allowed L3Harris to scale up production to meet the growing demand. The deployment of Viper Shield will significantly enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of international partners and could support the United States through an FMS-funded program, if desired, as it offers a robust electronic warfare solution that can be tailored to specific mission needs. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Nov 25. Global: Cyber operation illustrates potential security risks stemming from AI automation. On 14 November, the US-based artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic stated that a Chinese state-sponsored group (GTG-1002?) exploited its legitimate AI tool (?Claude Code?) to conduct a cyber espionage campaign. The campaign reportedly comprised six phases and largely relied on AI automation, making this incident one of the first large-scale instances of AI-led intrusions. During the operation’s first phase, GTG-1002 selected high-value targets and tricked Claude Code into conducting malicious cyber activity. Subsequently, Claude Code infiltrated targeted systems, conducted reconnaissance and employed open-source tools to maintain persistence and to exfiltrate sensitive data; it only requested human input to perform riskier tasks. Notably, only a small number of intrusions were allegedly successful, though Anthropic?s report has received criticism stating that the content was inflated to promote its products. We assess that this illustrates the increased prominence of AI technologies in the cyber threat landscape, underscoring potential exploitation risks to global firms. (Source: Sibylline)
14 Nov 25. Global: Sophisticated ransomware operation poses financial, operational risks to businesses. On 13 November, the technology company Cisco reported that a Russian-speaking ransomware group (?Kraken?) has targeted organisations globally in double extortion attacks since at least February. In one incident in August, Kraken reportedly exploited a software vulnerability in the Server Message Block (SMB) service to infiltrate an exposed organisation. This possibly highlights the group?s preferred initial attack vector. The group then established a remote connection to victims? systems before deploying multiple tools for persistence, data exfiltration and additional malicious activity. Kraken can perform encryption testing before executing the main ransomware payload and simultaneously encrypting files across several compromised environments, showcasing the operation?s sophistication. The group then extorts the compromised organisation by threatening to release stolen data on the dark web if a ransom of USD 1 m is not paid. This report illustrates the elevated extortion, financial and operational risks from the continuous emergence and development of ransomware operations. (Source: Sibylline)
17 Nov 25. GSOA released its new paper today, ‘Promoting Synergy Among Communications Services’, exploring how the unique strengths of different technologies contribute to broader, more inclusive connectivity when supported by a framework that encourages investment, innovation, and fosters diverse networks solutions. At a time when the ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference 25 (WTDC25) is renewing global commitments to connecting the unconnected, GSOA?s paper highlights how the path to universal connectivity depends on all communications technologies, leveraging their unique strengths. Satellites extend reach, resilience, and rapid deployment capabilities, unlocking opportunities where connectivity remains limited.
“Each technology plays a vital role in today?s digital ecosystem,” says Isabelle Mauro, Director General of GSOA. “Satellites amplify and extend the reach of terrestrial networks. To fully realise this synergy, regulations must reflect how these technologies operate and interact, whilst recognising their own specificities.”
The paper underscores that regulatory frameworks should evolve alongside technological realities. Recognising the specific characteristics of satellite, wireless, and wireline systems is essential to avoid unintended economic, technical, and social challenges which could limit the expansion of essential connectivity solutions.
GSOA calls on policymakers to:
* Recognise the principle of technology neutrality, ensuring policies foster the use of the most suitable solution for the goals.
* Adopt regulatory models that reflect the operational strengths of each network rather than defaulting to uniform rules.
* Support flexibility so networks can complement one another, strengthening connectivity ecosystems and enabling integrated solutions.
* Maintain predictable licensing environments that foster innovation, investment, and the effective deployment of diverse connectivity options.
With thoughtful, fit-for-purpose regulation, governments can accelerate progress towards inclusive universal connectivity goals and advance the shared vision of a world where everyone benefits from, ubiquitous, resilient, meaningful connectivity.
14 Nov 25. Cyber Update Key points. Increased hacktivist operations stress the heightened security and disruption risks to the public sector in Europe (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update ? 10 November 2025). A multi-stage malware campaign underscores the security risks from the continued exploitation of legitimate tools (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update ? 11 November 2025). South Korea-based Android users face surveillance and disruption risks from the North Korean state-sponsored group ?KONNI? (see Sibylline Cyber Daily Analytical Update 12 November 2025 and our technical analysis below). Multiple data breach claims by the renowned ransomware group Clop underscore the security and data-theft risks from the exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
A sophisticated Russian-speaking ransomware group (Kraken) poses elevated financial and operational risks to global businesses Technical analysis of weekly stories
The North Korean state-sponsored group KONNI has targeted South Korea-based Android users in a cyber campaign since at least July. The group reportedly distributes spear phishing emails impersonating legitimate South Korean services (including the National Tax Service), in order to trick victims into executing a malicious attachment. The group subsequently sends a follow-up email to inform victims that the initial email had been sent by mistake, thereby averting suspicion and highlighting the sophistication of KONNI?s social engineering techniques. During the initial phase of the attack, KONNI conducts reconnaissance, modifies configurations to ensure persistence and establishes communication with command-and-control (C2) infrastructure. The group?s malicious scripts stealthily persist within victims? environment for long periods of time. The group also collects and exfiltrates sensitive information and account credentials, which it uses in some cases to hijack user accounts for an Android tracking service (FindHub) and a South Korean search engine (Naver). KONNI then checks victims? locations through compromised webcams and exploits hijacked FindHub accounts to erase devices? data; it also conducts other illicit activities. This underscores the disruptive nature of this campaign. Furthermore, KONNI has propagated infection after hijacking user accounts in a South Korean messaging platform (KaKaoTalk). Here, the group distributes malicious Microsoft Installer (MSI) files disguised as mental health-related packages to users, including those that have defected from North Korea.
Elsewhere, the Russian-speaking ransomware group Kraken has targeted global organisations in double extortion attacks since at least February. In one incident in August, Kraken reportedly exploited a software vulnerability in the Server Message Block (SMB) service to infiltrate an exposed organisation, possibly highlighting the group’s preferred initial attack vector. The group then exfiltrated administrative-level credentials to hijack user accounts before establishing a remote connection to compromised systems and deploying multiple tools for persistence, exfiltration and additional malicious activity. Across attacks, Kraken is able to check the type of environment it is running in to avoid sandboxes, underscoring its detection evasion capabilities. Furthermore, Kraken can perform encryption testing on files on compromised systems before executing the ransomware payload, optimising the main encryption process. It can also simultaneously encrypt files across multiple environments to tailor attacks, further showcasing the operation?s sophistication.
Non-exhaustive recommendations to mitigate 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: Server Message Block (SMB) protocol
Definition: A network communication protocol used for sharing files, printers, serial ports and other resources between nodes on a remote server, as if they were local. (Source: Sibylline)
14 Nov 25. UK reportedly considers Pegasus SIGINT aircraft purchase. Defence Eye has reported that the UK is in discussions with German defence firm Hensoldt about a possible purchase of its Pegasus signals-intelligence aircraft. The outlet’s piece, available here, says the talks have progressed under the Trinity House framework and could feature in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. Pegasus is based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet and carries Hensoldt’s Kalaetron Integral mission system, which is designed to detect, analyse and geolocate radio and radar emissions across a broad frequency range. Germany is acquiring three aircraft to restore a capability it has lacked since the withdrawal of the Breguet Atlantic in 2010. That programme is valued at about ?1.54 bn and includes ground elements, evaluation systems and training infrastructure. Hensoldt is the prime contractor and leads development of the reconnaissance technology, while Lufthansa Technik Defence manages aircraft procurement, structural modifications and mission-system integration. Bombardier Defence undertakes the initial conversion work at its site in Wichita before the aircraft are transferred to Hamburg for the installation of the SIGINT suite. (Source: UKDJ)
19 Nov 25. UK smashes Russian cybercrime networks responsible for attacks on UK businesses. The UK, US and Australia announce new sanctions targeting Media Land, a Russian cyber crime group providing so-called ‘bulletproof’ hosting services.
* New sanctions target the Media Land cybercrime syndicate responsible for facilitating cyber-attacks on UK-based companies.
* Foreign Secretary announces latest crack down on illicit cyber activity globally, as cyber-attacks cost the UK economy £14.7 bn in 2024.
* Today’s coordinated action with Australia and the United States demonstrates the UK’s ongoing commitment to tackling malicious Russian cyber activity.
Illicit Russian networks enabling cyber-attacks round the world are today exposed and sanctioned by the UK, in latest crack down on malicious Russian cybercrime.
Today’s action targets Media Land, one of the most significant operators of so-called “bulletproof” hosting services, which provides online infrastructure that enables cyber criminals to engage in illegal activity, including ransomware and phishing attacks.
These shadowy online networks allow cyber criminals and malicious actors to think they can act with impunity and destroy livelihoods – today’s action, taken alongside our allies in Australia and the United States and in collaboration with the UK’s National Crime Agency, proves otherwise.
Cyber criminals hiding behind Media Land’s services are responsible for ransomware attacks against the UK’s critical national infrastructure including those in the telecommunications sector, as well as malware and phishing campaigns targeting UK taxpayers.
Defending Europe from malicious Russian cyber and hybrid activity is a shared priority for the UK and Germany, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper set to meet her German counterpart Johann Wadephul.
Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “Cyber criminals think that they can act in the shadows, targeting hard working British people and ruining livelihoods with impunity. But they are mistaken – together with our allies, we are exposing their dark networks and going after those responsible. Today’s measures will also directly target Media Land’s ringleader Alexander Volosovik, AKA Yalishanda, who has been active in the cyber underground since at least 2010, and is known to have worked with some of the most notorious cyber criminal groups, including Evil Corp, LockBit and Black Basta.”
Ransomware attacks like those facilitated by Media Land significantly undermine the national security of the UK and our allies and directly harm British businesses. Cyber-attacks are estimated to have cost British businesses £14.7bn in 2024, accounting for 0.5% of GDP and growing every year.
The harm caused by ‘bulletproof’ hosting services like Media Land extends beyond enabling cyber-attacks against businesses, with their services providing cover for those carrying out a wide range of malicious activity. Aeza Group LLC, also sanctioned today, has provided ‘bulletproof’ services to support the work of the Social Design Agency – a Russian disinformation agency sanctioned by the UK in 2024 for its attempts to destabilise Ukraine and undermine democracies around the world. This action demonstrates our continued commitment to crack down on organisations that enable the Kremlin’s information war.
Alongside our allies, the UK is rooting out these criminal cyber gangs and going after their ringleaders – promoting growth by safeguarding British businesses, fundamental to this government’s Plan for Change.
Putin has turned Russia into a safe haven for these malicious cyber criminals, cultivating a dark criminal ecosystem with deep ties to the Kremlin. Through today’s action and repeatedly targeting malicious actors like LockBit and Evil Corp, the UK is disrupting these underground networks. If Russia isn’t going to clean up its act and go after these criminals, then the UK and our allies will.
Background
* Please see press releases on the UK’s sanctions against the Social Design Agency, ZSERVERS, LockBit and Evil Corp for more detail.
* Today, the National Cyber Security Centre and its international counterparts have issued new advice to help defend against potential malicious cyber activities enabled by bulletproof hosting providers, read more here.
* A full list of those added to the UK sanctions list today is as follows:
* MEDIA LAND LLC
* ML.CLOUD LLC
* Alexander Alexandrovich VOLOSOVIK
* Yulia Vladimirovna PANKOVA
* Kirill Andreevich ZATOLOKIN
* Andrei Valerevich KOZLOV
* AEZA GROUP LLC
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
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