Wednesday, April 6, 2022 // (IG): BB //Weekly Sponsor: DiyGarage SoCal
Japan Coast Guard to deploy SeaGuardian drone
FROM THE MEDIA: The Japan Coast Guard plans to deploy a drone manufactured by U.S. firm General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. to strengthen maritime surveillance. A SeaGuardian drone will be based at the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Hachinohe air base in Aomori Prefecture and is expected to be deployed in October. Remotely piloted from the ground via satellite, the drone is 11.7 meters long, has a wingspan of 24 meters and can fly for more than 24 hours. It is equipped with infrared cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence tech to analyze images. The JCG will use the SeaGuardian to look out for foreign fishing vessels and suspicious ships in the Sea of Japan among other areas. It will also be used for rescue operations. A 13-member team will operate the craft, with operational costs expected to be about ¥4 billion this fiscal year.
READ THE STORY: Newsinfo
Dr Lal PathLabs launches pilot project to transport blood samples using drones
FROM THE MEDIA: Dr Lal PathLabs, one of the country's foremost network of national reference laboratories, clinical laboratories, patient service centers and sample pick-up points announced that it will use drones for transporting blood samples to underserved and inaccessible locations. The pilot projects are being launched across multiple remote, semi-urban and rural locations to experiment with multiple-use cases that eliminate challenges like congestion due to traffic, poor road conditions and inaccessibility. “Time is critical in providing accurate reports to the treating physicians and helping them start the optimal treatment. The pilot projects are being launched across multiple remote, semi-urban and rural locations to experiment with multiple-use cases that eliminate challenges like congestion due to traffic, poor road conditions and inaccessibility,” the company said in a statement.
Commenting on the use of drones for transporting biological samples, Amit Aggarwal, Head Logistics and Home Collection, said,“As the leader in the diagnostic industry, Dr Lal PathLabs is committed towards integration of new technologies into its existing logistics systems to further expedite sample collections. The use of drones could significantly speed-up regular and emergency medical care in rural areas and help save lives. We are initiating pilot projects in different parts of the country. If these first trial runs are successful, we are hopeful to expand drone sample collection services at scale across India soon."
READ THE STORY: Economic Times
Israel, Middle Eastern Allies Working on Air Defense Pact.
FROM THE MEDIA: Israel and Middle Eastern allies are reportedly working to develop a joint defense system to shield their territories against Iranian missiles and drones. The joint airborne defense agreement comes in the wake of normalization agreements between Israel and Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The countries have also recently developed joint systems for detecting missiles and drone threats, The Times of Israel reported, citing officials from Israel’s air force. A summit was held in Israel last week with envoys from the US, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, and the UAE to deepen security coordination between the countries’ air forces. Israel possesses a network of sophisticated air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, the Green Pine radar system, and the Arrow system, for protection against ballistic missiles. The UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco have sought the three systems, as they currently cooperate with Israel on security operations, intelligence, and air force training. Germany is also considering the purchase of an Israeli-made anti-missile defense system because of heightened security concerns due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
READ THE STORY: The Defense Post
Kerala Police develops counter-drone mechanism, launch soon
FROM THE MEDIA: Soon, the Kerala Police will launch an indigenously-developed 'killer drone' aimed at neutralizing and destroying fighter drones. The work of the product, which is being given finishing touches at the Kerala Police's Drone Forensic Research Institute functioning at the Special Armed Police (SAP) camp at Peroorkada in Thiruvananthapuram, is expected to be completed in two months. The anti-drone can be fitted on jeeps and its radar can identify drones flying within a 5-km radius. The details such as the speed of the approaching drone and its direction will appear on the computer screen. The approaching drone can be neutralized either using jammers or through lasers. Since it has been fitted on a jeep, the anti-drone can be used anywhere. This is our first attempt to develop such an indigenous model, said Kerala Police Cyberdome Nodal Officer and ADGP Manoj Abraham. Several other drones are also being developed at the center. As many as 40 police personnel have already been given simulator training on how to use the drones. They will also be given real training soon Earlier, one of the companies approached by the Kerala Police asked for Rs 12 crore for developing the drone jammer and other facilities. Later, the police with the help of its cyber experts, a group of retired cyber experts of the Indian Navy and Air Force, and Kerala Drone Association developed a software in the lab. According to Manoj Abraham, the total cost incurred for the project was only Rs 1 crore, including the amount spent for purchasing a few gadgets.
READ THE STORY: The Hindu
Archytas: The Greek Drone
FROM THE MEDIA: The Greek “Archytas” drone program is finally moving forward and has entered its final phase of production after many delays and postponements. The design of this VTOL UAV is a joint collaboration between the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) with the Aristotle University, the Democritus University of Thrace, and the University of Thessaly. Details about the progress of the programme were made available during a conference organized by the Ministry of Finance, EAB, and the University of Thessaly. The drone is expected to substantially upgrade Greece’s defense as a whole, while it will also join civil protection services. The drone will be used for surveillance of the country’s land and sea borders and can be used for commercial purposes. It will have the ability to take off and land vertically and will have advanced systems that have reportedly not been available in the current similar drones like using vertical take-off and landing technology similar to the 5th generation F35 fighters. The program is fully funded by the Ministry of Finance. The Minister of Finance, Christos Staikouras, underlined in his speech at the meeting that “the effort is ongoing and expanding, so that our country enters the international arena as a certified designer and producer of high and innovative technology products.”
READ THE STORY: Greek City Times
The Israeli company developing the eyes behind suicide drones
FROM THE MEDIA: In wake of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, many countries' defense spending has skyrocketed. The wars of the 21st century are becoming more sophisticated than ever as technology advances. And drones or UAVs appear to be the next frontier. According to a 2020 report by Levitate Capital, the drone market is expected to grow to $90 billion by 2030. NextVision Stabilized Systems, an Israeli defense-tech startup, has created micro-stabilized gimballed cameras that are mounted on drones and aerial and maritime platforms for surveillance and defense purposes. In a conversation with CTech, co-founder and Chairman Chen Golan explained that NextVision’s camera systems can photograph moving targets. Time is essential when capturing images for security purposes, he explained. The company’s system comes with accessories, 3D access, retracting, and mounting features which allow it to be connected or attached to UAVs. Its enclosed software also enables geolocation, streaming, and tracking which can be easily controlled via a mobile app. To make the camera more user friendly, NextVision provides the entire control system in a single package. “Military and government bodies use our cameras to maintain oversight, and security teams also use UAVs for defense and protection. Our end-users are border control agents, firefighters, policemen, and search-and-rescue forces. Even electricity, oil, petroleum, and solar panel facilities use our technology to monitor or inspect their properties,” said Golan. The company’s solution enables stabilizing an image or video by using a wide-field of view. Typically, pictures captured this way often appear blurry, can be manipulated, and don’t allow the viewer to see images in detail - such as a potential attacker or terrorist - but using the company’s proprietary technology makes it possible.
READ THE STORY: Calcalistech
U.S. Drones for Ukraine Will Include Latest Tank Killers
FROM THE MEDIA: The Pentagon plans to order and send to Ukraine 10 of the newest model Switchblade drones armed with tank-busting warheads in addition to previously announced deliveries of a less powerful version, according to two people familiar with the decision. The new Switchblade-600 weapons are part of $300 million in lethal military assistance announced by the Pentagon Friday night that will be contracted directly from industry instead of drawn from existing stocks, according to the people, who asked not to identified discussing the plan. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday confirmed the tank-killing drones are part of the weaponry being sent to Ukraine. The inventory of the latest round of weapons being sent to Kyiv includes “UAVs like the Switchblade UAV that is a higher level of technology but provides them additional capability to go after armor formations,” Austin said, using an acronym for unmanned aerial vehicle. The White House said on March 16 that it was supplying 100 Switchblade drones as part of a $800 million package of weapons and gear taken from U.S. inventories. But those systems are the “series 300” versions: 3.3-pound (2.5kg) drones designed to attack personnel and light vehicles. They can fly about six miles (10 kilometers) and loiter over a target roughly 15 minutes, according to a fact sheet produced by the manufacturer, AeroVironment Inc.
READ THE STORY: Bloomberg Quint
300 Drones Form QR Code To Troll City On April Fool's Day
FROM THE MEDIA: A Texan drone business took April Fool's Day to the next level after flying 300 drones over an entire city to form a QR code. Forth Worth-based drone company Sky Elements Drones Shows collaborated with digital content creator Jared Guynes to produce a giant code on the evening of the infamous prank day. The drone stunt saw thousands of spectators scan the QR code, which redirected them to a YouTube link for Rick Astley's song ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’. Essentially, the city of Dallas was ‘Rickrolled’. Guynes also took to his Facebook page to recall the incident and wrote: "A giant, glowing, mysterious and unannounced QR code appeared in the sky above Dallas, near Reunion Tower. “The QR code hung in the sky for some time before disappearing. "If you scanned it with your phone, it actually worked." He said the idea was sparked after the business notified Guynes they had ‘pre-approved flight permission’ in an area of Dallas, which could authorize them to fly a swarm of drones. “My friends over at Sky Elements Drones and I were talking about all the cool stuff they have coming up across the nation and I remembered they told me once that they have pre-approved flight permission in a particular place near downtown Dallas," he revealed.
READ THE STORY: LABIBLE
DJI Enables Next-Generation Flights for Professional Drone Operators With A New Generation of Enterprise Drone Systems
FROM THE MEDIA: DJI, the world leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today launches an all-in-one solution for professional drone operators that for the first time puts a powerful flying platform in the service of a fully remote fleet management system and an autonomous docking and recharging station. This integrated solution unlocks powerful new functionality for Enterprise drone users such as public safety agencies, infrastructure inspectors and energy operators, allowing them to build next-generation operations that finally unlock the full potential of DJI’s transformative technology. “DJI Enterprise is devoted to researching and developing new drone solutions explicitly designed to revolutionize work, helping everyday heroes in their missions saving lives, maintaining physical infrastructure, and preserving the natural environment. With the outstanding performance, transportability and ease of use of the DJI Matrice 30 drone and its perfect integration with the DJI FlightHub 2 Fleet Management Cloud Software and DJI Dock, DJI is stepping into the future for our Enterprise customers who will be able to enter the autonomous solutions space, creating possibilities to fly beyond visual line of sight with the appropriate regulatory permissions in place,” said Christina Zhang, Senior Director, Corporate Strategy at DJI. “We are proud to deliver the next generation of aerial tools that will save lives and bring work to new heights, with a 360-degree product solution suite for a variety of fields such as energy inspection, emergency rescue missions, environmental protection, and the digitization and preservation of cultural heritage.
READ THE STORY: Officer
Autel expands Dragonfish range in US with Lite, Pro drone models
FROM THE MEDIA: Autel Robotics’ Dragonfish Lite and Pro drones are finally available in the US. The new drones join the standard version of the Dragonfish VTOL, providing enterprise pilots with multiple endurance options that suit diverse budgets. The Dragonfish is a tough drone, capable of both VTOL multi-rotor and fast-winged flight. With an endurance of up to 180 minutes, the aircraft is ideal for applications in fields such as energy, mining, defense, and surveillance. The drone’s maximum winged flight speed is 30m/s (108km/h, 67mph), and maximum video transmission range is 30km (18.6 miles) with a base station. Autel says it has developed the Dragonfish with ease of use in mind. There’s the one-tap take-off and landing capability, point-and-click user interface, and several other smart autonomous features that make the drone simple for anyone to operate. Assembling the drone takes only three minutes. And, disassembled, the Dragonfish can fit into the back of any car. But at the end of the day, it’s flight safety that really defines this drone. Let’s say an issue arises – the GPS signal is lost, the drone loses communication with the pilot, or the battery level drops to a dangerous low – then the drone will make a smart decision to either land or return to base. Similarly, the tilt-rotor system will automatically transition to multi-rotor mode if adverse conditions cause a fixed-winged flight to stall or become unsustainable. Basically, Autel has provided backup modules for all important parameters such as the battery, barometer, positioning system, compass, and IMU.
READ THE STORY: Drone DJ
Drone swarms with 1,000 unmanned aircraft could be possible within 5 years, DARPA leader says
FROM THE MEDIA: Within the next five years, it could be possible for the U.S. military to launch swarms of drones consisting of as many as 1,000 unmanned aerial systems, a top official at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency told FedScoop. DARPA been testing this type of technology. Since 2017, the agency has conducted at least six field experiments at various locations as part of its Offensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) program. One of those tests included about 100 drones, Kenneth Plaks, acting director of the agency’s Strategic Technology Office, said Tuesday at the Sea-Air-Space conference at National Harbor, Maryland. “It looked like the jukebox of the Apocalypse,” he said during a panel discussion. “But even that really doesn’t scale to the numbers we’re talking about” launching in the future. Another DARPA initiative, the System-of-Systems Enhanced Small Unit (SESU) program, deployed a drone swarm against mockup targets at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. “They autonomously divvied up the airspace, found a target, radioed home. And then we launched another drone … with an autonomous seeker” that leveraged technology developed for the Seeker Cost Transformation (SECTR) program, he said.
READ THE STORY: fedscoop
Items of interest
The History of Iranian Drone Development (Video)
Iran took the world's forefront, developed and deployed tactical drones than Western design, and these drones successfully implemented intelligence monitoring, reconnaissance, target strikes on overseas markets.
Chinese Drones Come With Political Baggage But Ukraine Buys Thousands (Video)
FROM THE MEDIA: Drones made by DJI, a $15 billion Chinese company, have become such an important part of Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s unprovoked invasion that officials in the besieged country are setting aside concerns about the considerable political baggage that comes with them. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister and chief of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, who has become something of a media star in the last month for his ingenuity and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds, posted photos on Monday of new DJI Mavic 3 unmanned aerial vehicles in what looks like the back of a van. Federov said Ukraine had bought 2,372 quadcopters and 11 military unmanned aerial vehicles for $6.8 million. The money was donated by the Come Back Alive fund, which has been accepting donations for the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s 2014 invasion and annexation of Crimea. China hasn’t chosen sides on the war in Ukraine and has refused to condemn the slaughter of civilians ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. That’s put DJI and its billionaire owner, Frank Wang, in a bind.
About this Product
These open source products are reviewed from analysts at InfoDom Securities and provide possible context about current media trends in regard to the realm of cyber security. The stories selected cover a broad array of cyber threats and are intended to aid readers in framing key publicly discussed threats and overall situational awareness. InfoDom Securities does not specifically endorse any third-party claims made in their original material or related links on their sites, and the opinions expressed by third parties are theirs alone. Contact InfoDom Securities at dominanceinformation@gmail.com