03 Aug 14. The High-Tech Warfare Behind the Israel – Hamas Conflict. The Israel — Hamas conflict in Gaza is not only about bombs, missiles, bullets, but also about cyberwarfare, battles of the mind over social media, smart underground tunnels and cloud-based missile launching systems. The tunnels that Hamas has dug deep beneath Gaza are embedded with high tech gadgets, courtesy of Qatar, which has funded Hamas with billions to equipped their tunnels with intelligent sensors which are networked to control centers enabling the command and control staff to quickly notify operatives nearby that IDF units are advancing inside a certain tunnel, allowing for rapid deployment of attack units and the setting up of bobby traps inside the tunnel. In addition, Hamas has automated its rocket firing system using networked, cloud-based launching software provided by Qatar which can set off a rocket from any distance, and set them to go off at a specific time, using timers. “Anyone who thinks they have dozens of people sitting next to launchers firing rockets each time there is a barrage is mistaken,” said Aviad Dadon, a senior cyber-security adviser at several Israeli government ministries. While Doha is allowing Hamas to use its technology to fight Israel, it’s their own cyber-security the leaders of Qatar are worried about. For the Qataris, the war between Israel and Hamas is a proving ground to see how their investments in cyber systems have paid of — Qatar is very worried that one of its Gulf rivals — specifically Saudi Arabia — will use technology to attack it, and Qatar spends a great deal of money each year on shoring up its cyber-technology. (Source: Slashdot.com)
01 Aug 14. Airbus to begin series production of Swiss soldier engagement system. Airbus Defence and Space is to begin series production of the integrated modular engagement system for the Swiss soldier (IMESS).
The IMESS, developed under a 2011 contract worth CHF23m ($25.3m), has already received technical acceptance from the Swiss procurement authority Armasuisse. It is scheduled to undergo two years of field tests, with Airbus Defence and Space providing logistical support.
By integrating more efficient and newly developed components, the system’s various capabilities have been optimised. Additionally, through the integration of combat vehicles, including computer and radio connections, the system’s tactical command-and-control capabilities have been improved from company level to individual soldier level.
“The new engagement system is scheduled to undergo two years of field tests, with Airbus Defence and Space providing logistical support.”
In addition to optimising radio communication through increased range and new, standardised radio equipment, the IMESS provides a clearer situational picture and enables simpler navigation using head/helmet mounted displays. Night fighting and reconnaissance capabilities can also be expanded in order to meet user requirements. The modular architecture with standard interfaces enables future capabilities to be integrated, including modules for link-up with external systems such as unmanned aircraft, as well as thermal imaging. (Source: army-technology.com)
04 Aug 14. Italy’s Alenia Aermacchi has confirmed that the first phase of tests for the integration of the Storm Shadow long-range missile onto the Eurofighter Typhoon has been completed. Storm Shadow is a long range, all-weather, high precision, stand-off weapon already in service on Royal Air Force Tornados. It has been proven in operations to great effect in Iraq and Libya neutralising hardened command bunkers and other high value targets. The stealthy weapon design allows it to penetrate layered air defences whilst the long range of Storm Shadow allows it to be launched outside those defences increasing the launch aircraft survivability. In the deep attack role Eurofighter Typhoon will carry two Storm Shadow missiles whilst maintaining the ability to carry 8 air-air m