06 Dec 06. Britain’s security services have concluded that al-Qaeda is rebuilding its headquarters’ operation in Pakistan and that the UK is the western country mainly at risk from the development, according to UK government officials. The conclusion, drawn from examinations of past plots and other evidence, runs counter to conventional wisdom that al-Qaeda has been in retreat as an operational force and has become essentially a “brand” that inspires radical Muslims to commit acts of terror. The theme was addressed in public last month in a speech by Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, director-general of the UK’s domestic security service. She said the service knew of some 30 plots and had identified 1,600 people actively engaged in plotting, or facilitating, terrorist acts here and abroad. “These plots often have links back to al-Qaeda in Pakistan and through those links al-Qaeda gives guidance and training to its largely British foot soldiers here on an extensive and growing scale,” she said. UK government officials, speaking on condition they not be named, say they have evidence that some groups receive direction from Pakistan, in particular from the lawless tribal areas near the Afghan borders. (Source: FT.com)
Dec 06. Allen-Vanguard has published its latest comprehensive catalogue filled with an extensive range of the latest internal security products for the defence industry. The new catalogue has been designed as an essential reference guide for users in response to customers’ requests to access all Allen-Vanguard’s products in one succinct place. The catalogue also details how each piece should be used and when. It is geared to work in conjunction with the website to offer users the choice and flexibility to make informed decisions on what product or service is required in any given threat situation. It showcases the tools required for High Risk Search, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD), CBRN Containment, Mitigation and Decontamination and Post Blast scene forensics. There are tools for manual intervention, tools such as the market leading Hook & Line BombTec Rigging System for semi-remote intervention, and two cutting-edge remotely operated vehicles. There are a suite of products for First Responders and anyone dealing with CBRN threats. The majority of the products have been designed and manufactured by Allen-Vanguard and represent the latest thinking and technology available to this market.
04 Dec 06. The Libyan Red Crescent has purchased five A119 Koalas. The sale of the A119 Koala for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Libya marks further success for the aircraft in this important market sector, having secured more than 100 orders from customers around the world.
04 Dec 06. CAE has been awarded contracts over the past two months to support a range of new homeland security initiatives across Canada. By leveraging its experience and simulation technologies from defence programs, CAE is supporting Canada’s homeland security community with simulation-based solutions for planning, experimentation, training, and mission rehearsal. CAE Professional Services is collaborating with government and industry partners to develop simulation-based analytical and decision support tools for emergency operation centres and training programs for frontline responders.
CAE has been awarded contracts over the past two months to support the following programs in Canada:
Simulation-Based Analytical Framework for Capability Development — Under the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI), Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) has contracted CAE to develop a simulation-based emergency response and management experimentation capability to support analysis, training, and operational rehearsal for Canadian homeland security organizations. Through CAE’s Capability Engineering and Design Approach (CEDATM), CAE’s Professional