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13 May 22. Dstl shows off its world-leading science to Head of the UK Armed Forces. Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, has made a special visit to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
He saw first-hand the science and research under development for the future of Defence. Among the science on display was a robotic canine, dubbed Ghost Dog. Dstl is using the US-made technology to carry out research in the area of human-machine teaming. The aim is to develop systems that are relevant to operational requirements, and that can support troops by removing them away from potentially dangerous tasks, including surveillance and reconnaissance.
Dstl experts also shared research on armour and protection capabilities, by displaying the latest novel armour system currently in development for the Challenger 3. This system will save lives by providing improved performance, with more protection. The novel technology comes in a series of armour packs, aiming to optimise the design of side armour by reducing its weight. This saved weight can then be integrated into the rest of the vehicle, improving the overall performance with no additional penalty.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “It’s been brilliant to be here at Dstl to see the science inside UK defence and security. Dstl’s work gives Defence the edge in capability and decision-making, it creates prosperity, and crucially saves lives. I’ve been impressed by the breadth of activity, the depth of the technology, and the mullti-disciplinary approach that ensures the Armed Forces, and importantly, the nation have a winning edge over those who want to do us harm.”
As well as the research, design, testing and support to the integration of new armour systems, Dstl scientists have also developed novel methods to capture and analyse information from the battlefield. This information is fed directly back into future armour system development, ensuring systems remain optimised to the changing operational environment. The Scene Capture And Reconstruction (SCAR) tool, developed by the Dstl’s Combat Incident Exploitation Team, has recently been deployed with Dstl Scientific Advisers to benefit UK troops on the front line.
Dstl’s Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead, said:
It has been a great honour to have the Chief of the Defence Staff here so he can see, up close and behind the scenes, what Dstl does for the Armed Forces and Homeland Security. We have been able to share with him the impact and benefit of Dstl’s work for our Armed Forces, both with our science to support decision-making, deliver capability to our Armed Forces and of course save lives. It has filled me with huge pride to hear him say thank you to our incredible scientists and show his appreciation for what they do for the nation. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
10 May 22. Pentagon pitches law changes to enable US-EU defense cooperation. Pentagon leaders are asking Congress for new authorities when it comes to cooperative defense programs with the European Union, a prospect officials on both sides of the Atlantic have said will complement traditional NATO processes. Defense officials here circulated legislative language to that effect on Capitol Hill this month in hopes of having it included in the annual defense policy bill now on the congressional docket.
The proposed bill text would name the European Union, plus its associated bodies like the European Defence Agency, in the Arms Export Control Act, thereby enabling routine defense work with the bloc and its member countries.
“The United States must be able to pursue information sharing and potential cooperative projects with the European Union and member countries to maintain a strong transatlantic relationship at the government, industry, and academic levels to meet common threats and to maintain consonance with NATO activities and interoperability of systems,” reads the legislative proposal, published on a Pentagon website.
Its primary focus, according to the document, is on authorities needed for joint research, development, test and evaluation, “including potential procurement of articles or services” to support such activities.
The congressional push essentially lays the domestic groundwork for Washington to have a hand in the European Union’s emerging weapons development efforts, though the jury is still out on their effectiveness. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has shown that America’s military prowess remains the backbone of transatlantic deterrence, as governments orchestrate military and humanitarian aid for Kyiv.
“The United States is not a member of the EU and does not have a formal voice in the defense requirements discussions within the EU,” the proposed language notes. “In addition, European defense and security development efforts are increasingly being established under EU-managed efforts.”
Meanwhile, work on a crucial pact between the U.S. Defense Department and the European Defence Agency remains unfinished, a Pentagon spokesman told Defense News. A so-called administrative arrangement between the two organizations has been in the works since last year. The document will define key rules governing future cooperative projects, such as channels of participation, information sharing and intellectual property use.
In the EU’s eyes, having a non-bloc member participate in join programs and — potentially — multibillion-euro funding streams meant primarily for member countries requires careful justification on the basis of case-by-case exceptions. (Source: Defense News)
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Founded in 1987, Exensor Technology is a world leading supplier of Networked Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) Systems providing tailored sensor solutions to customers all over the world. From our Headquarters in Lund Sweden, our centre of expertise in Network Communications at Communications Research Lab in Kalmar Sweden and our Production site outside of Basingstoke UK, we design, develop and produce latest state of the art rugged UGS solutions at the highest quality to meet the most stringent demands of our customers. Our systems are in operation and used in a wide number of Military as well as Homeland Security applications worldwide. The modular nature of the system ensures any external sensor can be integrated, providing the user with a fully meshed “silent” network capable of self-healing. Exensor Technology will continue to lead the field in UGS technology, provide our customers with excellent customer service and a bespoke package able to meet every need. A CNIM Group Company
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