Defence`s Feeds

Russia's attempt to quash US public support for the war in Ukraine has quietly been getting help from an American

London - Sam Ormonde moves from Ankura to G3Staff from the corporate intelligence and asset tracking businesses of US company

A court in London's Westminster is to hear a US extradition request for Israeli private investigator Amit Forlit on 26 July, during which the FBI and the US Department of Justice (DoJ) will have to reveal the details of the

The dissolution of the British parliament on 30 May has precipitated the government and the intelligence agencies into having to prepare for the United Kingdom's general election. A new interdepartmental unit called the Joint Election Security Preparations Unit has just

On 3 June, the French army's deep operations and intelligence command (CAPR) launched a specialised intelligence reserve battalion (B2RS), as

The eighth edition of the World Drone Congress, held in Shenzhen from 24 to 26 May, was the scene of

A flurry of new jobs were advertised by Raytheon Saudi Arabia last week, including at least five based around the

Japan's Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA) has dispatched a representative to Australia. Hosted by the University of Sydney's United States

Lord Francis Maude, Baron Maude of Horsham, former British minister of state for trade policy and former chairman of the

Sean White, a former Irish Defence Forces Brigadier General, with over 38 years of active military service, has been appointed EDA Director for Industry, Synergies and Enablers (ISE) as of June 2024. In his capacity as ISE Director, he will oversee the work of the ISE Directorate and its respective units: Industry Strategy and EU Policies; Critical Enablers; Single European Sky; and Operations, Training and Exercises.

“In the context of the European Defence Industrial Strategy and the ongoing work related to the implementation of the Strategic Compass, I am looking forward to leading and promoting the work of the ISE Directorate and its units. This work is especially important in contributing to the promotion and strengthening of the Union’s Defence Technological and Industrial Base as well as focusing on the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities”, Mr White said upon taking up his duties.

Before joining EDA, Mr. White’s most recent appointment was as Director of Communications Information Systems and Cyber Defence at the rank of Brigadier General in the European Union Military Staff.  

During his wide-ranging military career Mr White held domestic and overseas appointments in a variety of military command, staff and senior leadership roles, as well as focusing on specific projects involving financial services design, information technology consultancy, information management design, CIS procurement, and medical operations delivery. In his most recent position as Director of CIS & Cyber Defence of the EUMS, he worked closely with colleagues in the EEAS to promote the military dimension of the new EU Policy on Cyber Defence particularly as it pertains to the proposed establishment of an EU Cyber Domain Coordination Centre.  

In addition, he has also worked with military and industrial stakeholders in the functional military analysis related to the proposed next-generation EU Command and Control System for the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC). His previous international military service included three tours of duty in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and one each in Somalia (UNOSOM), Kosovo (KFOR) and Chad (EUFOR TChad/RCA).

Mr White is originally from Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo, and was educated at Summerhill College. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Management and Technology from the United Kingdom Defence Academy (Cranfield University), a Master’s Degree in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies and a Higher Diploma in Information Management and Technology from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Ireland Galway and Data Protection qualifications from the Irish Law Society and King’s Inns Dublin. 

 

Bids from potential contractors for the European Union delegation's major security contract in Afghanistan were submitted on 27 May and will now be examined by the European External Action Service (EEAS).In the current context, this task promises to be tricky.

A few days ago, electronic warfare experts from the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) - which groups Finland, Sweden, Norway and

The French defence group Thales is hoping to formalise in July a €850m air defence contract in Riyadh for the

France: Intelligence services' struggles with rarer languagesIngush, Chechen, Wolof and, in one particular instance, the Tuareg language Tamashek. All are

In principle a mere formality, Patrick Maisonnave's accreditation is awaiting validation by the Saudi authorities. He is to succeed Ludovic

"All rise". At those words, the 150 people who had gathered stood to attention, not in a court of law

With the support of the Belgian Air Force, the European Defence Agency (EDA) hosted the 6th Fixed Wing Operations and Training Working Group (FW O&T WG) and the European Air symposium. This event took place on 15th Wing Melsbroek Airbase, Brussels, Belgium, from 28 to 30 May 2024. The first two days were dedicated to tactical air transport stakeholders, ranging from operational units of EU Member States and EU entities. The third day of the European Air Symposium occurred with the involvement of European industry representing air transport and unmanned aircraft systems.

During the first two days, the meeting gathered representatives of EU Member States and EU entities, such as the European Tactical Airlift Centre and the European Air Transport Command. One of the primary outcomes was agreeing on the processes and procedures which will help on information exchange amongst fixed wing users, as well as to stimulate cooperation at the operators’ level. 

Overall, the discussion aimed at supporting optimised access to existing air platforms and developing advanced flight training. The meeting also provided an opportunity for sharing best practices/experiences and lessons learned from operations, and to continue improving collaboration, synergies, and interoperability in the field of air transport among EU Member States.

The final day of the European Air Symposium was dedicated to the European Air Industry. This was a major opportunity for the industry to deliver briefings and update the attendees on the state of play related to tactical air transport capabilities and short-term development. EDA opened the symposium to the UAS industry (Tactical Cargo UAS) which reflects the agency's commitment to promoting awareness among operational units and exploring potential synergies, which will be further explored in future editions. 

 

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's decision, announced 10 May, to suspend the Kuwaiti parliament and rule by decree will lead to the opening of new corruption investigations, Intelligence Online has learnt, including several relating to malpractice at Kuwaiti Investment Authority,

French open source intelligence (OSINT) company Epieos, headed by Sylvain Hajri, has just launched a programme, called OSINT 0day, for

While intelligence services in the United States and United Kingdom are examining the extent to which Chinese industry is supporting