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>>> Moog (NYSE:MOG.A) Q1 Earnings: Leading The Aerospace Pack
StockStory
by Anthony Lee
September 12, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/moog-nyse-mog-q1-earnings-083619682.html
As the Q1 earnings season comes to a close, it’s time to take stock of this quarter’s best and worst performers in the aerospace industry, including Moog (NYSE:MOG.A) and its peers.
Aerospace companies often possess technical expertise and have made significant capital investments to produce complex products. It is an industry where innovation is important, and lately, emissions and automation are in focus, so companies that boast advances in these areas can take market share. On the other hand, demand for aerospace products can ebb and flow with economic cycles and geopolitical tensions, which can be particularly painful for companies with high fixed costs.
The 15 aerospace stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.4% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.
Stocks--especially those trading at higher multiples--had a strong end of 2023, but this year has seen periods of volatility. Mixed signals about inflation have led to uncertainty around rate cuts. However, aerospace stocks have held steady amidst all this with share prices up 2.8% on average since the latest earnings results.
Best Q1: Moog (NYSE:MOG.A)
Responsible for the flight control actuation system integrated in the B-2 stealth bomber, Moog (NYSE:MOG.A) provides precision motion control solutions used in aerospace and defense applications
Moog reported revenues of $930.3 million, up 11.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 6.5%. Overall, it was an incredible quarter for the company, with revenue and operating margin exceeding analysts' estimates.
Interestingly, the stock is up 19.4% since reporting and currently trades at $187.75.
Is now the time to buy Moog? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Ducommun (NYSE:DCO)
California’s oldest company, Ducommun (NYSE:DCO) is a provider of engineering and manufacturing services for high-performance products primarily within the aerospace and defense industries.
Ducommun reported revenues of $197 million, up 5.2% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 1.1%. The business had an exceptional quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ earnings and operating margin estimates.
The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 6% since reporting. It currently trades at $62.89.
Is now the time to buy Ducommun? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Weakest Q1: AerSale (NASDAQ:ASLE)
Providing a one-stop shop that integrates multiple services and product offerings, AerSale (NASDAQ:ASLE) delivers full-service support to mid-life commercial aircraft.
AerSale reported revenues of $77.1 million, up 11.2% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 12.7%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a miss of analysts’ operating margin and earnings estimates.
AerSale delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates in the group. As expected, the stock is down 7.9% since the results and currently trades at $5.13.
Read our full analysis of AerSale’s results here.
TransDigm (NYSE:TDG)
Supplying parts for nearly all aircraft currently in service, TransDigm (NYSE:TDG) develops and manufactures components and systems for military and commercial aviation.
TransDigm reported revenues of $2.05 billion, up 17.3% year on year. This print topped analysts’ expectations by 1.9%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter as it also put up an impressive beat of analysts’ operating margin estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.
The stock is up 9.8% since reporting and currently trades at $1,328.
Read our full, actionable report on TransDigm here, it’s free.
Hexcel (NYSE:HXL)
Founded shortly after World War II by a group of engineers from UC Berkley, Hexcel (NYSE:HXL) manufactures lightweight composite materials primarily for the aerospace and defense sectors.
Hexcel reported revenues of $500.4 million, up 10.1% year on year. This print surpassed analysts’ expectations by 3%. More broadly, it was a mixed quarter as it also logged an impressive beat of analysts’ operating margin estimates but underwhelming earnings guidance for the full year.
The stock is down 10.3% since reporting and currently trades at $60.95.
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>>> M-tron Industries, Inc. Reports Strong Second Quarter 2024 Results with Further Margin Expansion
Business Wire
Aug 14, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/m-tron-industries-inc-reports-130100152.html
ORLANDO, Fla., August 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--M-tron Industries, Inc. (NYSE American: MPTI) (the "Company" or "MPTI"), a designer and manufacturer of highly-engineered electronic components used to control the frequency or timing of signals in electronic circuits, announced strong financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 with net income increasing 36.6% to $1,744,000, or $0.63 per diluted share, in Q2 2024 compared to $1,277,000, or $0.47 per diluted share, in Q2 2023.
MPTI's Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Ferrantino, said, "Our strategy is working; our business has been trending up since the Company’s listing in 2022, and are pleased to report results that continue to be very positive. We expect revenues, new orders and earnings to remain strong and trend higher. In addition, our order backlog trend since listing is positive and anticipated to continue to grow."
The Company will hold an Investor call on Thursday, August 15, 2024, to discuss the Company's second quarter 2024 results and to respond to investor questions (see details below). An archive of the call will be available on MPTI's website at https://ir.mtronpti.com/events-and-presentations.
Strong Results from Operations Continue Since 2022 Listing
Strategic investments in the defense sector, several new products moving into volume production, and operating efficiencies have resulted in the Company achieving significant improvements since its IPO in October 2022. Importantly, the company made a significant investment in its employees with a broad option incentive grant earlier this year aligning the strength of its platform with its team.
Since MPTI's October 2022 IPO, the business has grown significantly as highlighted below:
Revenues increased 67.2% to $11,808,000 in Q2 2024 compared to $7,064,000 in Q2 2022
Net income increased 258.8% to $1,744,000 in Q2 2024 compared to $486,000 in Q2 2022
Gross margin improved to 46.6% in Q2 2024 compared to 37.5% in Q2 2022
Adjusted EBITDA increased 200.0% to $2,523,000 in Q2 2024 compared to $841,000 in Q2 2022
The opportunities with new engineering and designs continues to drive future growth, while manufacturing throughput improvement is helping increase margin expansion. Further, we are pleased to have initiated a stock option program earlier this year allowing the professionals at MPTI an opportunity to share in the business’s growth.
Mr. Ferrantino added, "As we report strong results, our team's pursuit of excellence accelerates as reflected in the value creation since IPO. This continued growth and success are a testament to our dedicated professional staff and their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers. We remain steadfast in our mission to innovate, adapt, and lead in our industry, driving sustainable growth and creating long-term value for all stakeholders."
"MPTI is a uniquely positioned American-made Defense product platform and presents an improved outlook for the business moving forward," continued Mr. Ferrantino.
Second Quarter 2024
Net income was $1,744,000, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared with $1,277,000, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to continued strong defense program product and solution shipments partially offset by higher Manufacturing cost of sales consistent with the growth in revenues as well as higher Engineering, selling and administrative expenses from increased investment in research and development, higher sales commissions related to an increase in revenues, and an increase in administrative and corporate expenses consistent with the overall growth in the business.
Gross margin was 46.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared with 41.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher revenues, improved production efficiencies due to previous investments, and an improved product mix to higher margin products.
Adjusted EBITDA was $2,523,000, or $0.91 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared with $1,931,000, or $0.71 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased gross margins; continued containment of operating expenses other than strategic investments in research and development, resulting in higher income before taxes; higher depreciation; and higher stock-based compensation partially offset by higher interest income.
Results in Second Quarter 2024 and Since Second Quarter 2022
Revenues increased 16.4% to $11,808,000 in Q2 2024 compared to $10,140,000 in Q2 2023, driven by strong defense program shipments, and increased 67.2% from $7,064,000 in Q2 2022 as the mix shifts developed
Net income increased 36.6% to $1,744,000, or $0.63 per diluted share, in Q2 2024 compared to $1,277,000, or $0.47 per diluted share, in Q2 2023 and increased 258.8% from $486,000 in Q2 2022
Gross margin improved to 46.6% in Q2 2024, an increase of 12.0% from Q2 2023, and an increase of 24.3% from Q2 2022, reflecting improved production efficiencies and product mix
Adjusted EBITDA increased 30.7% to $2,523,000 in Q2 2024 compared to $1,931,000 in Q2 2023 and increased 200.0% from $841,000 in Q2 2022
Improved 2024 Outlook
With the continued momentum in defense-related sales, and the acceleration in production and shipments during the first half of 2024, MPTI management has raised the outlook for fiscal year 2024, increasing revenues to a range of $46.0 million to $48.0 million from a previous range of $43.0 million to $45.0 million. MPTI has good visibility for the remaining two quarters of 2024 and expects EBITDA to continue to be in the 19% to 21% range.
The foregoing statements represent the Company's current estimates of MPTI's 2024 consolidated revenues as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially depending on a number of factors. Investors are urged to read the Cautionary Note Concerning Forward Looking Statements included in this release. Management does not assume any obligation to these estimates.
Fiscal Year to Date 2024
Net income was $3,230,000, or $1.16 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared with $1,830,000, or $0.68 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher sales related to strong defense program product shipments partially offset by higher Manufacturing cost of sales consistent with the growth in revenues as well as higher Engineering, selling and administrative expenses related to increased investment in research and development, higher sales commissions related to an increase in revenues, and an increase in administrative and corporate expenses consistent with the overall growth in the business.
Gross margin was 44.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared with 38.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher revenues, improved production efficiencies due to previous investments, and an improved product mix to higher margin products.
Adjusted EBITDA was $4,785,000, or $1.72 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared with $2,959,000, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased gross margins; a continued containment of operating expenses other than strategic investments in research and development, resulting higher income before income taxes; higher depreciation; and higher stock-based compensation partially offset by higher interest income.
Backlog
Backlog was $45,322,000 as of June 30, 2024 compared to $47,831,000 as of December 31, 2023 and $51,591,000 as of June 30, 2023. The decrease in Backlog from December 31, 2023 reflects the increase in revenues along with the variability of our order intake due to the size and timing of large program-related orders.
Strategic Direction Continues
"We delivered a solid performance in the quarter, with significant improvements in our financial results," said Bel Lazar, Chairman. "Our teams continue to execute well, driving both top-line growth and margin expansion across our businesses. Our commitment to achieving our Investor Day targets remains strong, with clear progress in our new products, pricing and efficiency initiatives. With this momentum we are confident in our continued success and growth."
Mr. Lazar continued regarding the Company’s strategy, "Our organic strategy continues to be providing complex, integrated assemblies. This will begin to surface in revenue growth. The dollar value of some of these projects can be substantial.
"As for our external strategy, we have increased our acquisition bandwidth to include companies that are inside and outside of our current space. We will look outside of our sub sector for undervalued companies much like ours where we can rapidly drive top and bottom-line growth. Our motivation continues to be increasing shareholder value as quickly as we can," added Mr. Lazar.
We see the ongoing development along several new and exciting growth verticals for the period ahead such as:
Space and Satellite: MPTI has over 125 design wins across satellite platforms and manned spacecraft. With expertise supporting LEO, MEO and GEO applications, the Company has a well-established team and a proven track record to meet demanding space requirements. With the evolving need for high-power space-level transmitters, high-power handling space-level RF components and sub-assemblies are instrumental for mission success. The performance of these devices used in orbiting satellites are significantly different compared to how they perform at sea level due to phenomena like multipaction. Some space-level applications require both continuous operation performance in outer space as well as performance during the assent to space while undergoing a pressure change.
Radar: Our latest line of timing solutions designed to meet the stringent requirements of modern radar applications is expect to further growth. For example, our e-Vibe™ series of Electronically Compensated OCXOs are designed to maintain exceptional phase-noise under dynamic conditions, meeting the rigorous demands of radar systems on the move or experiencing shock or vibration. Our radar integrated timing solutions: custom timing solutions integrating precision timing sources with additional components with maximum reliability and performance. Our systems offer excellent Phase-noise: output frequencies with extremely low phase-noise, guaranteeing reliable operation over extended periods, temperatures, and environments. Also, our systems offer Ruggedized Design and Flexible Configurations for durability and longevity, with both standard and custom output frequencies.
Electronic Warfare: As demand increased for frequencies above 2 GHz, we developed the ability to design and manufacture planar filters utilizing interdigital, combline, hairpin, edge coupled and end coupled topologies. MPTI introduced our new Planar Filter Product Line to complement our over 59 years MPTI of designing and manufacturing various topology filters for our Industrial, Commercial, Space, Aerospace and Defense customers. With Extremely Small Size and Low Height and Stable Over a Wide Temperature Range, MPTI’s planar filters support the demands of rugged, high-performance applications needs growing with the development of Electronic Warfare.
Investor Call
Management, including MPTI's CEO, Michael Ferrantino, will host a conference call with the investment community on Thursday, August 15, 2024, to discuss the Company's second quarter 2024 results and to respond to investor questions.
The call will begin at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time (U.S. and Canada) on Thursday August 15, 2024, and can be accessed using the dial-in details below:
Toll-Free Dial-in Number:
(800) 715-9871
Toll Dial-in Number:
+1 (646) 307-1963
Conference ID:
8891215
An archive of the call will be available after the call on Events and Presentations page on the Investor Relations section of MPTI’s website at https://ir.mtronpti.com/events-and-presentations, along with MPTI’s earnings release.
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>>> Is BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) an Under-the-Radar Nuclear Energy Stock?
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-nuclear-energy-stocks-buy-110000268.html
BWX Technologies (BWXT) is a top supplier of nuclear technologies, components, and fuel to the U.S. government, including U.S. naval submarines and aircraft carriers. BWX Technologies is actively growing its commercial nuclear power segment and other non-defense units.
BWXT owns one of the largest commercial nuclear equipment manufacturing facilities on the planet. BWXT is expanding that operation to “support ongoing and anticipated customers’ investments in Small Modular Reactors, traditional large-scale nuclear and advanced reactors, in Canada and around the world.”
BWX Technologies has landed deals and partnerships with GE Vernova, the Wyoming Energy Authority, Bill Gates-backed SMR company TerraPower, and beyond. BWXT’s beat-and-raise second quarter was supported, in part, by a growing “appetite for nuclear solutions across the global security, clean energy, and medical markets.”
BWXT is projected to post solid mid-single-digit sales and earnings growth in 2024 and 2025.
BWX Technologies stock has climbed 250% in the last 10 years to outpace the S&P 500’s 190% and its industry’s 110%. BWXT broke out to new highs last summer, with the stock up 38% the last 12 months.
BWXT is trading above its 21-week and 21-day moving averages while sitting 5% below its average Zacks price target.
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>>> Hyliion Awarded Government Contract to Create a Megawatt-Scale Concept of the KARNO Generator Technology for the United States Navy
Business Wire
Aug 8, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hyliion-awarded-government-contract-create-123000371.html
AUSTIN, Texas, August 08, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyliion Holdings Corp. (NYSE: HYLN) ("Hyliion"), a developer of sustainable electricity-producing technology, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) government contract by the United States Navy. Phase 1 of the award, N241–060, will allow Hyliion to create a preliminary design of a modular generator system that integrates the Navy’s specifications with Hyliion’s cutting-edge KARNO™ generator technology.
With this contract, Hyliion will showcase a design concept of the KARNO generator in a megawatt-scale modular system. The system will be engineered to offer a versatile and flexible approach to meet the U.S. government's Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) cross-platform requirements, scalable to various power needs and adaptable to the available platform space. Hyliion plans to leverage its foundational 200-kilowatt (kW) KARNO genset, combining multiple units together to achieve the desired power output.
"We are honored to receive this SBIR contract from the United States Navy," said Thomas Healy, Founder and CEO of Hyliion. "This award is a testament to the KARNO generator’s expected ability to offer efficient, flexible, and low-maintenance power generation. We are excited to contribute to the Navy’s mission and explore higher power solutions for their USV initiative."
The SBIR program is an initiative that supports scientific excellence and technological advancements by investing federal research funds in key American priorities aimed at strengthening the national economy and defense infrastructure. The primary objective of the N241-060 program is to develop and demonstrate a megawatt (MW) scale, ultra-reliable, and efficient USV modular generator concept tailored to the Navy’s requirements. This concept involves configuring smaller kW-scale building block power units in a high-density package to achieve a 4,000-hour no-touch maintenance periodicity for continuous operation in a naval environment.
This government contract underscores Hyliion's commitment to innovation and its leadership in developing sustainable energy solutions. The KARNO generator, with its exceptional form factor and ability to operate on multiple fuels, including NATO F-76, is ideally suited for the Navy’s USV program. The system’s hermetically sealed architecture, with only one moving part per shaft, is designed for maintenance-free operation over long running hours.
For more information on Hyliion or the KARNO generator, please visit www.hyliion.com.
For additional details on the SBIR, please visit https://www.navysbir.com/n24_1/N241-060.htm.
About the KARNO Generator
The KARNO generator is a linear heat generator that leverages advanced 3D metal printed components and proprietary flameless oxidation technology to produce clean electricity. Modular in design, the generator is expected to show an improvement in fuel efficiency, require significantly lower maintenance costs and have a much lower emissions profile than conventional generators. It is also capable of operating on over 20 different fuels, including hydrogen, natural gas, propane, ammonia and conventional fuels.
About Hyliion
Hyliion is committed to creating innovative solutions that enable clean, flexible, and affordable electricity production. The Company’s primary focus is to provide distributed power generators that can operate on various fuel sources to future-proof against an ever-changing energy economy. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, and with research and development in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hyliion is initially targeting the commercial and waste management industries with a locally deployable generator that can offer prime power as well as energy arbitrage opportunities. Beyond stationary power, Hyliion will address mobile applications such as vehicles and marine. The Company aims to offer innovative, yet practical solutions that contribute positively to the environment in the energy economy. For further information, please visit www.hyliion.com.
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Rickards - >>> Nuclear War Just Got Closer
by James Rickards
August 20, 2024
https://dailyreckoning.com/nuclear-war-just-got-closer/
Nuclear War Just Got Closer
For over two years, I’ve been warning about the dangers of escalation between the U.S. and Russia over Ukraine.
Well, the U.S. and Russia have now climbed another rung on the escalation ladder that could possibly lead to nuclear war.
You probably know by now that Ukraine has invaded Russia in force. Up to six Ukrainian brigades totaling between 10,000-15,000 troops with armored personnel carriers and tanks invaded a lightly defended part of the Russian border.
They began to move toward a Russian nuclear power plant near the city of Kursk. The object was to capture the nuclear power plant and hold it hostage. The Russians would not attack to regain the plant because it’s too dangerous to stage a battle in proximity to a nuclear reactor.
A repetition of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster when a nuclear reactor in Ukraine near the Belarus border exploded in the worst nuclear accident in history could not be ruled out.
Control of a Russian reactor by Ukraine would give Ukraine leverage in forcing peace negotiations with Russia or even destabilizing the Putin regime.
This Was a Big Operation
The first point to make about this incursion is that it wasn’t simply a cross-border raid by a small unit. 10,000-15,000 men is a significant force.
Many believe the attack took Russia by surprise. But the best available information is that Russia knew it was coming and allowed it to happen, laying a trap for Ukraine to fall into.
That wouldn’t be a surprise since Russia likely has many moles within the Armed Forces of Ukraine and extensive reconnaissance assets to detect troop movements.
Now Ukraine has fallen into the trap.
Of course, the world press including the New York Times, the Financial Times, the Economist and the Washington Post called this a “turning point” in the war and a demonstration that the Ukrainian military was capable of surprise attack and could even win the war.
It can’t, but the attack did provide a temporary morale boost.
‘We Had no Idea!’
The U.S. denies having any advanced knowledge of the attack, but that’s difficult to believe. The U.S. (and NATO overall) is so deeply integrated into Ukraine’s operational planning, it strains credulity to argue that they didn’t know.
Ukraine also relies heavily on U.S. reconnaissance imagery and signals intelligence. They likely used U.S.-supplied intelligence to detect weak spots in Russian defenses and which fortifications to bypass.
Russia knows that. That means Russia believes the U.S. and its NATO partners helped facilitate a direct attack on Russia, which hasn’t happened since World War II. That’s enormously significant to the Russians.
You might say, hey, Russia invaded Ukraine first, so turnabout is fair play. Why shouldn’t Ukraine invade Russia? You might have a point, but it’s not one that Vladimir Putin will appreciate very much.
Putin has been careful since day one to call the Ukraine war a “special military operation.” He specifically does not call it a war.
You might say, what’s the difference? Well, it’s a lot more than semantics. In Russia, a formal declaration of war represents an important legal threshold.
‘We’re Not Kidding Anymore’
A formal declaration of war means mass conscription and the full mobilization of the Russian economy to support the war effort.
It’s certainly true that Russian war production has increased dramatically since the war began, but Putin has avoided a truly wartime economy because he wants to maintain a strong private economy.
During World War II, U.S. wartime spending accounted for about half of GDP. In contrast, Russian military spending last year only accounted for about 6% of its GDP.
In some ways, Russia is fighting this war with one hand tied behind its back. In fact, many Russians’ main criticism of Putin is that he isn’t doing enough to defeat Ukraine. Will Ukraine’s NATO-sponsored attack on Russia compel Putin to take an even harder line?
I hear that Russian leadership, not just Putin, is furious about Ukraine’s attack on Russia. They want to take off the gloves and crush Ukraine once and for all.
We’ll have to see what happens. If Russia does take the gloves off, would the U.S. double down on its efforts to keep Ukraine fighting? If so, the logic of escalation points to direct war with Russia ultimately. And we know where that ends.
A Strategic Blunder
From a strategic viewpoint, Ukraine’s attack on Russia will prove to be a disaster.
Ukraine failed in its objective to capture the Kursk power plant. If they didn’t take it in the first couple of days, they’re not going to take it now. Russia’s surged too many troops into the area.
Russia also encircled the Ukrainians and cut off their ability to retreat back to Ukraine. Ukraine has suffered enormous casualties and has lost much of the armor used in the attack. Neither of these losses can be easily replaced. Russia will now systematically destroy the Ukrainian forces offering them a choice between surrender or death.
This is the Russian way of war. Ukraine fell into the Russian trap.
The attacking forces were Ukraine’s only remaining reserves and some of the best troops that Ukraine had left. Once this battle is done, there will be little standing in the way of Russian troops completing their victories on the battlefront and moving to take what remains of the eastern half of Ukraine.
This attack reminds me of the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, when the Germans were well on their way to losing the war, but could still muster enough forces to launch a last desperate attack on U.S. forces in Belgium.
All it ended up doing was wasting German troops and equipment, hastening Germany’s demise. I think this attack will have a similar outcome, which is part of the Russian plan.
The Russians will win the war. The only question is, can the U.S. and Russia somehow get off the escalation ladder that’s leading us to nuclear war.
Someone’s going to have to blink first, and I doubt that’ll be Putin.
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>>> Israel Official Says Iran War 'Inevitable' and US Should Strike Now
Newsweek
by Tom O'Connor
8-15-24
https://www.newsweek.com/israel-official-iran-war-inevitable-1939556
An Israeli diplomat has told Newsweek that a large-scale confrontation with Iran was guaranteed to come and called on U.S. President Joe Biden to take direct action against the Islamic Republic sooner than later.
"It's inevitable," Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, a special envoy of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, told Newsweek in reference to the looming possibility of a war with Iran as regional tensions threatened to boil over into a serious escalation.
The ominous prediction comes as Iran threatens to exact vengeance against Israel over the unclaimed killing of Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh two weeks ago in Tehran. The United States has since scrambled to avoid a major retaliation by pushing both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Haniyeh's successor, Yahya Sinwar, toward a ceasefire to their raging war in Gaza.
With a new round of long-deadlocked talks beginning Thursday, Hassan-Nahoum, former deputy mayor of the disputed holy city of Jerusalem that sits at the center of the decadeslong Israeli-Palestinian conflict now in the throes of its deadliest crisis, said that Iran's rhetoric has created a "very heavy atmosphere in Israel."
The anxiety has gotten to the point that she believes Iran and its allies "are winning the psychological warfare."
It's not just Israel, however. She said the specter of a major Iranian strike appears to be haunting much of the region, including Arab states that Hassan-Nahoum asserted are increasingly on board with a plan to take down the Islamic Republic, even if Israel's ally, the U.S., was not.
"I don't think America has understood that the ultimate goal here has to be regime change in Iran," Hassan-Nahoum said.
Israeli Plans for American War
It's a war that Hassan-Nahoum said the U.S. could win "in half a day."
"All America would have to do is target the nuclear infrastructure with hardware that only America has. We can't do this on our own," she said. "With bunker bombs, etc., they could destroy the nuclear infrastructure, then they could destroy four different infrastructure and energy points in Iran, and then the people would take over."
Iran has invested heavily in fortifying its military and nuclear infrastructure and has expanded both its offensive and defensive arsenal of missile and drone systems. Iran has also deepened its partnership with Russia in recent years, including in the field of defense, but Hassan-Nahoum argued that recent setbacks in the ongoing war in Ukraine would prove an obstacle for Moscow should it seek to shield the Islamic Republic from a U.S. attack.
"Russia is not in the position to help Iran right now. So, this would be the critical moment," Hassan-Nahoum said. "They've been put on the defense by Ukraine right now. This would be the best time."
At the same time, she was skeptical the White House would seek to engage in such action. Biden has ordered strikes against Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, Syria and Yemen throughout the conflict, but no U.S. administration has ever openly conducted a direct attack on Iranian soil since the 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled a U.S.-backed monarchy and the eight-year Iran-Iraq War that erupted the following year.
Even former President Donald Trump, who ordered the killing of Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander Major General Qassem Soleimani in a January 2020 airstrike in Iraq, ultimately opted not to pursue attack plans against the Islamic Republic during several moments of U.S.-Iran crisis throughout his term in office.
And even if successful, many have expressed concern over the potential consequences of an Iranian state collapse in a region where various militant groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS) have sought to reassert their presence.
For Biden, however, Hassan-Nahoum argued that such a decision would put the outgoing U.S. leader on the level of former United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who declared war on Nazi Germany after its invasion of Poland 85 years ago.
"If Biden wanted to be Churchill and leave with a legacy, I know it's crazy, but that's what he would do," Hassan-Nahoum. "But I doubt he will do it."
The Israeli diplomat also deployed a World War II-era analogy to describe Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and what she believed to be the need to overthrow the Islamic Republic by force.
"Eventually, just as the world had to deal with Hitler, the world will have to deal with Khamenei and the Islamic Republic of Iran," Hassan-Nahoum said. "All everybody's doing now is kicking the can down the road."
Newsweek reached out to the Iranian Mission to the United Nations, the U.S. State Department and the White House for comment.
A Lack of Strategy
Iranian officials, including Khamenei, as well as leaders of allied groups have also repeatedly accused Netanyahu and his government of being engaged in Nazi-like tactics, particularly since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last October.
The conflict began with a surprise attack by Hamas that Israeli officials estimate left about 1,200 people dead and around 240 more taken hostage, around half of whom are believed to remain in captivity. The Gaza Health Ministry has estimated that approximately 40,000 have been killed in the densely populated territory throughout the war that ensued.
The Israeli campaign has garnered growing international criticism over reports of mounting civilian casualties, including censures from some Arab states that have pursued stronger ties with Israel and a U.S. administration that recently approved a new $20 billion arms package for its ally. The war has also spurred widespread protests and has factored heavily into foreign policy debates in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election in November.
Hassan-Nahoum suspected Iran had a hand in promoting critical narratives of Israel in the U.S. At the same time, she acknowledged that her government had failed to muster up the necessary strategy to compete in the information space.
"We have the communications warfare that every day gets harder," Hassan-Nahoum said. "And I'm very critical of the Israeli government because they don't have a strategy. We are losing the communications battle."
"You have to go into two select channels to be able to get any type of balanced coverage of what's going on any kind of content about the war," she added. "And my conclusion is that people just don't know what war is in America. Any war that America has ever fought has been overseas, it's never been here on the homefront."
A "Divine Wrath"
For Israel, the war has taken on an increasingly multi-front nature as well.
A number of other non-state actors aligned with the Iran-led Axis of Resistance coalition have also launched attacks on Israel throughout the conflict. These include the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Yemen's Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi movement, and the Lebanese Hezbollah, which has also voiced threats of retaliation against Israel over the killing of a top military official in Beirut just hours before Haniyeh's death in Tehran.
As the White House urged both Israel and Hamas to achieve a long-sought ceasefire and the Pentagon moved additional assets to the region, National Security Council Communications Adviser John Kirby told Newsweek last week that the U.S. was "ready to defend Israel and our own interests," while at the same time was engaging "in some pretty intense diplomacy here across the region" to prevent a major escalation.
Days later, the Iranian Mission to the United Nations told Newsweek in a statement that Tehran would support a deal that was endorsed by Hamas but would simultaneously uphold its right to retaliate over Haniyeh's killing on Iranian soil.
"Our priority is to establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza; any agreement accepted by Hamas will also be recognized by us," the Iranian Mission said at the time. "The Israeli regime has violated our national security and sovereignty through its recent act of terrorism."
"We have the legitimate right to self-defense—a matter totally unrelated to the Gaza ceasefire," the Iranian Mission added. "However, we hope that our response will be timed and conducted in a manner not to the detriment of the potential ceasefire."
The Iranian statement also acknowledged that "direct and intermediary official channels to exchange messages have always existed between Iran and the United States, the details of which both parties prefer to remain untold."
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kirby reiterated the Biden administration's commitment to support Israel's defense against an Iranian attack, which he said "could come with little or no warning and certainly could come in the coming days."
"We're still working very hard, diplomatically, to prevent that outcome, to prevent there being an attack, we also have to be ready for one," Kirby said. "And I would tell you that we are. We have devoted more capability to the region, air and sea, particularly."
Meanwhile, Khamenei doubled down on his warnings Wednesday, citing the Quran as stating, "a non-tactical retreat in any domain—whether military, political, or economic—will incur divine wrath."
The Nuclear Option
Last month, responding to Israeli threats of potential preemptive action two weeks before Haniyeh's assassination, Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani told Newsweek that his country "will make use of all our conventional capacities and potentials when it comes to facing and confronting the threats made by the Zionist regime."
Bagheri also asserted at the time that Iran remained "an accountable and responsible" member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Iran has always denied that its nuclear program was geared toward producing a nuclear weapon, a position officials attribute to a fatwa, or Islamic ruling, issued by Khamenei in the 1990s. Israel, which possesses nuclear weapons of its own, has long accused the Islamic Republic of secretly harboring plans to produce a weapon of mass destruction, however, and has engaged in covert campaigns of assassinations and sabotage targeting sites and personnel linked to Iran's nuclear activities.
Talk of potential shifts in Iran's nuclear posture emerged in the public domain in April, after Iran offered a preview of its conventional capabilities in an unprecedented direct strike on Israel in response to the killing of its senior military officials at a consular building in Syria. Israeli officials reported a 99 percent interception rate against the barrage of hundreds of missiles and drones, some of which were downed by U.S., U.K., French and even Jordanian systems.
Hassan-Nahoum called it a "statistical miracle" that only one person was reportedly wounded in the attack. But as the threat of another, potentially larger-scale and more diverse attack without the level of notice offered in the previous round hangs over Israel, she wondered, "Can we repeat that miracle?"
"Would the attack be as vicious? Will it be two days and not one night in seven hours? Would we be ready for it? Remember, the last time we pretty much knew the plan," she said. "That's all a part of it."
Now, she argued that a preemptive strike is only made all the more urgent by the possibility of Iran eventually passing the nuclear threshold, something the U.S. has repeatedly stated it would pursue "all options" to prevent.
If Iran did manage to acquire such a capability, she said, "We're all in trouble."
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$BLIS News: NAPC Defense, Inc. (OTCPK: BLIS) updates Progress with Saudi Arabia regarding Future Plans and CornerShot Demonstrations
LARGO, Fla., Aug. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NAPC Defense, Inc., (OTCPK: BLIS) (“NAPC” or “the Company”) announces that its representatives have returned from their meetings with interested parties in Europe and Saudi Arabia, concerning its CornerShot products, various munitions, and other military hardware.
The NAPC representatives made progress with their Saudi Arabian counterparts and the potential for proposed contracts remains promising. NAPC received a $253,000 Purchase Order to support technical activity and expertise for CornerShot, drones, and other munitions. This support requires sending in country personnel to assist the Saudi Ministry of Defense (“MOD”) with technical questions and training.
https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/bfacedcc-0a5d-4443-9534-c3db982e152a/napc-saudi.jpeg
Pictured from left to right are John Spence, NAPC CFO, Stephen Gurba, NAPC President, Eng. Abdullah Mohamed Al Bassami, and Eng. Abdul Qader AI Bassami; in front of Saudi Prince’s Palace, during their recent meetings.
NAPC representatives are expected to return to Saudi Arabia by the end of August to support a seven-day demo event and to advance its existing large intended order for CornerShot. Due to unexpected active military activities on the Saudi Arabian border during NAPC’s recent trip, civilians in general, including the Company’s representatives, were restricted access to conduct the necessary CornerShot demonstrations with MOD leaders and soldiers.
John Spence, NAPC Defense’s CFO and weapons specialist, stated, “Our visit with leaders in Saudi Arabia advanced our relationship in so many positive ways. We appreciated the hospitality and eagerness to conduct business with our team, opening the door to many new potential contracts. We also fully expect NAPC Defense to finalize agreements for large orders of CornerShot following live demonstrations.”
About NAPC Defense, Inc.
NAPC Defense, Inc. https://www.napcdefense.com/ is an armament sales and production company, fully licensed in the United States, with exclusive rights to produce and sell CornerShot USA weapons systems in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, in addition to brokering arms and munitions throughout the world all with U.S. State Department approval. Additional smaller weapons platforms, a series of ballistics protection technologies and related products are in development or being finalized for sale.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This press release and the statements of representatives of NAPC (the “Company”) related thereto contain, or may contain, among other things, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements,” including any other statements of non-historical information.
These forward-looking statements are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “guidance,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “ultimately” or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve material assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and the expectations contained in such statements may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results (including, without limitation, NAPC's ability to advance its business, generate revenue and profit and operate as a public company) could differ materially from those stated or anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including factors and risks discussed in the periodic reports that the Company files with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. The Company undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
COMPANY CONTACT:
Kenny West, CEO (754) 242-6272 Ext.713
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bfacedcc-0a5d-4443-9534-c3db982e152a
https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTIwMzgwNCM2NDIwOTEyIzIyNjE1MDY=
https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/NTVkMTJlYTctY2MxNS00NjJjLWE2OWMtY2MyZTk0Y2QyYzNjLTEyNzMwNTY=/tiny/Treasure-Shipwreck-Recovery-In.png
Pictured from left to right are John Spence, NAPC CFO, Stephen Gurba, NAPC President, Eng. Abdullah Mohamed Al Bassami, and Eng. Abdul Qader AI Bassami; in front of Saudi Prince’s Palace, during their recent meetings.
Pictured from left to right are John Spence, NAPC CFO, Stephen Gurba, NAPC President, Eng. Abdullah Mohamed Al Bassami, and Eng. Abdul Qader AI Bassami; in front of Saudi Prince’s Palace, during their recent meetings.
Source: NAPC Defense, Inc.
© 2024 GlobeNewswire, Inc.
>>> Parsons Corporation (PSN) provides integrated solutions and services in the defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets in North America, the Middle East, and internationally. The company operates through Federal Solutions and Critical Infrastructure segments.
The Federal Solutions segment provides critical technologies, such as cybersecurity; missile defense; intelligence; space launch and ground systems; space and weapon system resiliency; geospatial intelligence; signals intelligence; environmental remediation; border security, critical infrastructure protection; counter unmanned air systems; biometrics and bio surveillance solutions to U.S. Department of Defense, including military services; Missile Defense Agency, the Department of Energy; the Department of State; the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Critical Infrastructure segment provides management, design, and engineering services, as well as offers leveraging sensor solutions. This segment develops digital solutions for next generation aviation, rail and transit, bridges, roads, and highways; and provides water and wastewater treatment systems; AI/ML, and digital twin and cyber systems integration services; planning, engineering, and management services for infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels, roads and highways, water and wastewater, and dams and reservoirs.
Parsons Corporation was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia.
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https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PSN/profile/
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$CYCA Reticulate Micro Launches $10M Reg A Capital Raise
Link: https://reticulate.io/reticulate-micro-launches-10m-reg-a-capital-raise/
Digital Offering Allows Defense Tech Provider to Democratize its Offering to Public Investors
PALM BAY, Fla. / August 1, 2024 / Reticulate Micro, Inc. (“Reticulate Micro,” “Reticulate” or the “Company”), a commercial and defense technology company dedicated to delivering trusted and resilient communications over any transport and in any environment, has launched its Regulation A stock offering to raise up to $10 million (the “Reg A Offering”) to support Reticulate’s product and market launch efforts as a leading provider of video compression and tactical and SATCOM management solutions. Its flagship product, VAST™, is designed to enable ultra-efficient streaming video and situational awareness in bandwidth-challenged environments.
Reticulate’s offering was qualified with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) this week and allows anyone to now invest in the Company. The Reg A Offering has an offering price of $3.50 per unit. Each unit includes one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and one warrant to purchase one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share. The minimum investment is $700 for 200 units and is open to all investors.
The lead selling agents for the transaction include Boustead Securities, LLC, a leading full-service investment banking firm and licensed FINRA member, and Digital Offering LLC, a next-generation investment bank focused on technology and innovation and helping high-quality private and public growth companies access U.S. capital markets.
“We are delighted to launch our capital raise with such an experienced investment banking team who share our vision to democratize our offering to a broad investment pool,” said Michael Chermak, Executive Chairman of Reticulate Micro.
Reticulate will utilize the DealMaker platform which allows the public to invest directly in Reticulate’s stock: https://invest.reticulate.io
The Company plans to use the proceeds from the Reg A Offering to scale sales and marketing as well as operations, invest in new product development, and expand its IP portfolio.
“We are excited to leverage the funds from our Reg A Offering to accelerate the development and delivery of our cutting-edge VAST™ video compression technology, ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation in national security, healthcare, and critical infrastructure,” said Joshua Cryer, President and CEO of Reticulate Micro.
Investors can receive additional information on the offering either on Reticulate’s investor page at https://reticulate.io/investors/ or via email at ir@reticulate.io.
About Reticulate Micro, Inc.
Reticulate Micro, Inc., with headquarters in Palm Bay, Florida, is a commercial and defense technology company dedicated to delivering trusted and resilient communications over any transport and in any environment. Reticulate is building one of the world’s first post-quantum-encrypted open-systems platforms for robust video streaming, simplified terminal management and satellite mobile connectivity in austere environments and diverse orbital regimes.?Serving the defense, mobility, broadcasting, enterprise infrastructure monitoring and security sectors, Reticulate Micro and its newest business segment Reticulate Space embrace open standards across its software and product offerings.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. In addition, our representatives or we may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing from time to time. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the available information. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including our financial performance and projections, revenue and earnings growth, and business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical facts, particularly those that use terminology such as “intends,” “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms.
Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the offering statement filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained, and Company does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.
The offering will be made only by means of an offering circular. An offering statement on Form 1-A relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and has become qualified. The securities offered by the Company are highly speculative. Investing in shares of the Company involves significant risks. The investment is suitable only for persons who can afford to lose their entire investment. Furthermore, investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. No public market currently exists for the securities, and if a public market develops following the offering, it may not continue.
The Company intends to list its securities on a national exchange and doing so entails significant ongoing corporate obligations including but not limited to disclosure, filing and notification requirements, as well compliance with applicable continued quantitative and qualitative listing standards. For additional information on the Company, the offering and any other related topics, please review the Form 1-A offering circular that can be found at the following location EDGAR Entity Landing Page (sec.gov). Additional information concerning Risk Factors related to the offering, including those related to the business, government regulations, intellectual property and the offering in general, can be found in the risk factor section of the Form 1-A offering circular.
Contact:
Media:
Reticulate Micro Media Relations
media@reticulate.io
Investor Relations:
Reticulate Micro Investor Relations
>>> Why Booz Allen Hamilton Stock Is Sinking Today
by Lou Whiteman
Motley Fool
Jul 26, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-booz-allen-hamilton-stock-170740049.html
Government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) missed Wall Street's profit expectations for the quarter and set full-year profit guidance that underwhelmed expectations. Investors are looking elsewhere, sending Booz shares down 10% as of 12:30 p.m. ET.
Costs creep higher
Booz Allen Hamilton provides information technology and consulting services for civilian and military government customers. The company has outperformed the market over the past five years, and investors had big hopes coming into earnings season.
But Booz failed to deliver. The company earned $1.38 per share in its fiscal first quarter ended June 30, well short of the $1.52 per share Wall Street had expected. Revenue, at $2.94 billion, came in close to expectations.
The issue was costs. Headcount grew 7.7% year over year, but management said during the earnings call there was a gap between when the new hires came on and when they became billable under new contracts.
For the full fiscal year, Booz Allen sees earnings coming in at between $5.80 and $6.05 per share. That suggests some potential downside compared to Wall Street's $6.05-per-share expectation.
Is Booz Allen Hamilton a buy?
There is a lot to like in this report. Headcount tends to be a good indicator of future revenue, and Booz Allen said it booked $1.80 of new business in the quarter for every $1 it billed out. Overall, the company expects revenue to grow between 8% and 11% in its new fiscal year.
But the expenses are something to watch and the full-year guidance is not nearly as impressive as the numbers that Wall Street had hoped for.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a solid operator with strong connections inside some of the most important areas of the U.S. government and is set up well to be a long-term winner. But investors need to be on the lookout for further volatility until the market has more clarity about how fiscal 2025 is playing out.
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>>> Parsons (NYSE:PSN) might not have the name recognition of sister companies like Palantir. Still, it’s a powerhouse in the defense tech sector with a unique focus on AI-driven hardware solutions. Unlike firms concentrating on software, Parsons excels in applying AI to physical systems, making significant strides in several critical areas.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/7-ai-stocks-overlooked-sectors-104200970.html
Parsons’ portfolio includes developing ballistic missile sites, advanced rocketry, nuclear facility management and vital infrastructure projects. These activities require sophisticated data management and AI oversight, positioning Parsons as a leader in hardware-centric AI applications.
Beyond defense, Parsons is innovating with AI-driven drone technology for infrastructure inspection. These tools revolutionize evaluating and maintaining critical infrastructure such as bridges, roadways and water treatment plants. This strategic expansion positions Parsons as a vital player in applying AI to complex and hazardous environments, ensuring comprehensive safety assessments and ongoing infrastructure integrity. Better yet, expect infrastructure to be a major political talking point as we near the elections, creating unique tailwinds for Parsons that few other AI stocks can adequately capture.
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$CYCA News: Cytta Corp Revolutionizes Public Safety With Four New Florida CyttaCOMMS Deployments In One Week
CyttaCOMMS In Active Trials With 54 Florida Law Enforcement Agencies With Over 600 Florida Direct Demo Requests Outstanding
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2024 / Cytta Corp (OTCQB:CYCA), the frontrunner in real-time video streaming technology and incident command software for public safety, is thrilled to announce the dynamic deployment of CyttaCOMMS 3.0 to four new law enforcement agencies in Florida: Temple Terrace PD, Plant City PD, Lake Placid PD, and Port St. Lucie PD last week.
Nationwide Expansion and Surging Interest
The buzz around CyttaCOMMS is undeniable, with free trials now active in 54 Florida law enforcement agencies and over 600 direct demo requests from Florida alone. This wave of interest highlights the pivotal role of CyttaCOMMS in revolutionizing public safety through state-of-the-art drone streaming technology.
This cutting-edge deployment is set to redefine public safety operations with secure, real-time video streaming and incident command features that significantly enhance drone capabilities. Our seamless integration across all drone brands is essential in the wake of Florida's statewide ban on DJI drones, ensuring these agencies remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
Unmatched Secure and Efficient Operations
CyttaCOMMS 3.0 provides unparalleled secure, low-latency video streaming, vital for real-time situational awareness. This transformative technology enhances coordination, response times, and operational efficiency during critical incidents.
Exciting Growth in CyttaAIR and CyttaCARES Initiatives
Our CyttaAIR program is soaring, with a second reselling group now established in Texas, showcasing our dedication to pioneering drone solutions. Moreover, our CyttaCARES initiative continues to be a cornerstone of our mission, focusing on community support and technological empowerment to boost safety and well-being.
About Cytta Corp
Cytta Corp (OTCQB:CYCA) is at the cutting edge of video streaming and communication solutions, driving innovation to enhance operational efficiency and public safety. Our flagship product, CyttaCOMMS, ensures secure, real-time video streaming across any drone brand, providing seamless integration and heightened situational awareness for law enforcement and emergency responders. Cytta's innovative new product, CyttaCARES , is a game-changer in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in educational institutions and beyond. CyttaAIR, a groundbreaking platform designed to innovate and consolidate the best of drone hardware, software, and resources for Federal and State Law Enforcement Agencies. Cytta's CyttaCOMP ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) technology delivers real-time compression of video streams with ultra-low latency.
For more information about Cytta Corp and our groundbreaking technology solutions, please visit www.cytta.com.
Contact Us
Cytta Corp.
Toll free # : 1 877 CYTTAUS (298 8287)
Call Local : 1 740 CYTTAUS (298 8287)
http://www.cytta.com
info@cytta.com
Gary Campbell, CEO
Direct (702) 900-7022 (or message)
Gary@cytta.com
Natalia Sokolova, President & COO
Direct: (424) 333-0595 (or message)
Natalia@cytta.com
Mike Elliott, VP of Business Development
mikeelliott@cytta.com
(689) 222-8708.
SOURCE: Cytta Corp.
$BLIS News: NAPC Defense, Inc. (OTCPK: BLIS) begins Highly Anticipated Visits with Key European Contacts, and to Saudi Arabia for CornerShot Demonstrations
LARGO, Fla., July 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NAPC Defense, Inc. (OTCPK: BLIS) (“NAPC”) announces that its representatives began its European and Saudi Arabian corporate trip. For the past two weeks, management met with defense contracting partners in Germany and other countries for strategic supply of needed defense items for Allied Countries.
The NAPC team is now in Saudi Arabia, upon invitation from the Saudi Government and related Ministries, and will perform numerous live-fire demonstrations of CornerShot firearm tactical devices. Additionally, NAPC Defense will be representing other arms and munitions technology for potential orders, as well as other related business as requested by parties from Saudi Arabia.
As previously announced, NAPC received a signed and stamped LOI from Saudi Arabia for an initial order of 37,000 units of the CornerShot, valued at (U.S.) $370 million. Following its visit and demonstrations, NAPC anticipates a new Definitive Order Agreement.
The CornerShot technology licensed from Silver Shadow of Israel will be manufactured by NAPC Defense in the United States near its Largo, Florida headquarters. All necessary production equipment has been ordered and paid for so that large scale production of the CornerShot can begin in the near-term. NAPC Defense has an exclusive license to produce and sell CornerShot for Saudi Arabia and The United States.
Recently, NAPC Defense displayed and presented the CornerShot at police and tactical unit conferences in Florida and New Jersey, with significant order interest. NAPC has also demonstrated CornerShot to several law enforcement and military units at its Largo, Florida location, utilizing its indoor smokeless demonstration range and real range use.
As previously disclosed, NAPC Defense is licensed and approved to broker munitions and military hardware already produced and in inventory at various locations worldwide. NAPC anticipates orders for different munitions and military hardware items that are of need to Allied and NATO forces for the Ukrainian conflict and the Middle East. The inventory of these items, if sold at currently offered fair value, totals over (U.S.) $2.5 billion. NAPC would realize appreciable 10-20% fees for such brokering transactions.
About NAPC Defense, Inc.
NAPC Defense, Inc. https://www.napcdefense.com/ is an armament sales and production company, fully licensed in the United States, with exclusive rights to produce and sell CornerShot USA weapons systems in the U.S and Saudi Arabia, in addition to brokering arms and munitions throughout the world all with US State Department approval. Additional smaller weapons platforms, a series of ballistics protection technologies and related products are in development or being finalized for sale.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This press release and the statements of representatives of NAPC. (the "Company") related thereto contain, or may contain, among other things, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements," including any other statements of non-historical information.
These forward-looking statements are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "guidance," "projects," "may," "could," "would," "should,’ “believes," "expects," "anticipates,” “estimates," "intends," "plans, “ultimately" or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve material assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and the expectations contained in such statements may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results (including, without limitation, NAPC's ability to advance its business, generate revenue and profit and operate as a public company) could differ materially from those stated or anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including factors and risks discussed in the periodic reports that the Company files with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. The Company undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
COMPANY CONTACT:
Kenny West, CEO (754) 242-6272 Ext.713
>>> Dozens of Local Police Officers Were at Trump’s Rally. Very Few Were Watching a Critical Area.
The New York Times
by Campbell Robertson
July 21, 2024
https://www.yahoo.com/news/dozens-local-police-officers-were-145846963.html
BUTLER, Pa. — A key question after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump a week ago is why the Secret Service excluded from its secured zone a nearby warehouse that the gunman used for his assault.
But another possible flaw in the Secret Service’s plans for the campaign rally at the farm show grounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, is emerging. The protection agency expected the sizable contingent of officers from local law enforcement agencies to contain any threats outside the secured zone but assigned almost all those officers to work inside it, according to numerous interviews with local law enforcement and municipal officials.
None of the law enforcement agencies that assisted the Secret Service that day — the Pennsylvania State Police, the Butler Township Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police or the multicounty tactical teams — say they were given responsibility for watching the zone outside the Secret Service’s security perimeter.
More specifically, the local law enforcement officials say that none of them were assigned to safeguard the complex of warehouses just north of the farm show grounds. The gunman was able to use the roof of the warehouse closest to the stage — about 450 feet from the podium — from which to shoot.
“I am going to defend those guys, because it wasn’t their job to secure the building,” said Richard Goldinger, the district attorney in Butler County, who oversees the multicounty tactical teams that were used at the rally July 13.
Rather, an overwhelming majority of the dozens of local and state officers called upon to aid the Secret Service were given other duties at or inside the secured perimeter — an area that was protected by a fence, metal detectors and the Secret Service itself.
With law enforcement focused elsewhere, a would-be assassin roamed freely outside the perimeter. The only officers who got close to him were ones who left their designated posts to do so.
Their job had been to direct traffic.
The assigned responsibilities of local law enforcement officers raise questions as to whether these resources were effectively deployed. The assignments also suggest there was a breakdown in the Secret Service’s communication with local law enforcement.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle will almost certainly face sharp questions about why that rooftop was left unguarded during a hearing with the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on Monday. In an interview with ABC News this past week, Cheatle said local police — not the Secret Service — had been responsible for the area in which the warehouses were located.
“In this particular instance, we did share support for that particular site and that the Secret Service was responsible for the inner perimeter,” Cheatle said. “And then we sought assistance from our local counterparts for the outer perimeter. There was local police in that building — there was local police in the area that were responsible for the outer perimeter of the building.”
Local agencies quickly issued statements disputing her account, saying that no officers were deployed in the building the gunman used. She has not spoken publicly since.
The gunman, later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, shot at Trump, leaving his ear bloodied, and injured three rally attendees, one fatally. A Secret Service sniper then shot and killed Crooks.
Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesperson, said his agency took responsibility. He said the agency would cooperate with all relevant investigations and was committed to better understanding what happened before, during and after the shooting.
But Guglielmi could not answer detailed questions about who was assigned to guard the area that included the warehouses, owned by AGR International.
On July 3, the Trump campaign called the Butler Farm Show, an annual fair and livestock show, to ask if Trump could rent their fairgrounds July 13.
“It just seemed like an awful quick turnaround,” said Ken Laughlin, president of the farm show’s board.
Laughlin said the campaign did not ask questions about the venue, which includes a few barns and a fence around the outside to stop people from attending the show without buying tickets.
Laughlin said that three agents from the Secret Service came to visit the grounds five days later, on July 8.
Retired agents said that collaborating with local law enforcement on unfamiliar sites is essential to their work.
“We cannot do our job without the locals; we come from nowhere, and these are our partners,” said Beth Celestini, who worked on protective details assigned to President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama before retiring in 2021.
In the days that followed their first site visit, the Secret Service made its requests for local assistance. The law enforcement presence at the site on the day of the rally — federal, state and local — ending up totaling more than 100 officers, a Secret Service official said.
Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe said he had about six deputies at the rally, whose primary jobs were to secure the perimeter and “make sure people didn’t jump the fence” into the event.
Keeping watch over the complex of warehouses, Slupe said, “wasn’t our role or responsibility.” Instead, his deputies were detailed to the metal detector areas and command communications posts.
Local agencies had a security briefing on July 8 with Secret Service agents to plan assignments, the sheriff said.
“If people could have prevented that roof issue,” he said, referring to the building from which the gunman had shot, “we’d have no issue, right?”
The State Police said in a statement that its 30 to 40 troopers were there “to assist with securing the inside perimeter.” The statement said the agency “was not responsible for securing the building or property at AGR International.”
Tactical law enforcement teams compiled from Butler County and neighboring counties provided two counter assault teams and a quick-response team. They were placed in the secured zone in case something went wrong.
Between the July 8 walk-through and another to finalize plans July 11, the Secret Service had another request. It asked for two police sniper teams to supplement the two sniper units that were to be deployed by the agency’s forces.
The emergency service units, another name for the county tactical teams, provided seven counter snipers. Four of the seven were given duties within the security perimeter, according to a local law enforcement official.
The three others took a position in a warehouse directly behind the one that Crooks ultimately used. Even those snipers were assigned to use their second-floor window view to survey the crowd inside the secured zone — not to watch over the warren of buildings where they were stationed, a law enforcement official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the continuing investigation.
The Secret Service’s counter snipers were placed on barn rooftops, directly behind Trump.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had 16 Homeland Security Investigations agents at the rally assisting the Secret Service, according to two U.S. officials. One of the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the continuing investigation, said the ICE agents were deployed in various roles such as screening members of the news media as they entered the secured area and helping direct traffic.
A Pittsburgh police spokesperson said its team had officers on motorcycles to lead and follow Trump’s vehicle. “They were ABSOLUTELY NOT responsible for monitoring any buildings or anything else at the site,” the spokesperson said in an email.
Officers from the Butler Township Police Department also helped out. But they were not security, according to Butler Township Commissioner Edward Natali.
“There were seven officers all assigned to traffic detail. Period!! The BTPD was NOT responsible for securing AGR or any other location,” Natali said in a post on social media. “Anyone who says so, reports on it, implies it, etc… is uninformed, lying, or covering their own backsides.”
Once there was notification of a suspicious person in the crowd outside of the secured area at the rally, four Butler Township police officers left their traffic posts and went hunting for him, officials who briefed members of Congress said this past week.
One was boosted up by another to peer over the edge of the warehouse building, only to find Crooks pointing a gun at him. The officer dropped off the ledge. Shots rang out soon after.
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$CYCA: The heightening security issues in the news we see today will only continue to become more and more important. This is an environment which favors high tech security providers like Cytta Corp.
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Cytta Corp (OTCQB:CYCA) is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to delivering innovative products and services across various industries and revolutionizes the integration, streaming, transfer, and storage of video and audio data. With a focus on safety, security, and efficiency, Cytta Corp strives to develop cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges in large markets. The Company's proprietary CyttaComms incident management system offers real-time integration of video and audio streams, enabling improved collaboration and providing ongoing, relevant, actionable intelligence. Their innovative new product, CyttaCARES, is a game-changer in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and individuals in educational institutions and beyond. Cytta's CyttaCOMP ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) codec delivers real-time compression of video streams with ultra-low latency, even in low bandwidth environments.
https://cytta.com/
>>> Top dividend stock No. 1: Lockheed Martin
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/want-decades-passive-income-2-113700915.html
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) helps the U.S. government and its allies protect their citizens from a growing number of threats. The company is a vital ally in an increasingly volatile world.
As a leading defense contractor, Lockheed supplies crucial technology to the U.S. military. Here are just a few examples:
The F-35 stealth aircraft serves a crucial role in the security strategies of the Air Force, Navy, and Marines, as well as that of 18 allied nations.
The Aegis radar system is helping U.S. forces protect merchant shipping vessels from drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea.
Patriot-launched PAC-3 interceptors are enabling Ukraine to fend off Russia's aerial bombardments.
Lockheed has amassed $159 billion worth of orders for its broad array of defensive platforms. Combined with the long service lives of its key products — the F-35, for one, is expected to remain in service until at least 2080 (?) — this massive backlog gives investors a high degree of visibility into the company's future cash flow.
Management is committed to passing much of this cash on to shareholders via stock buybacks and a steadily rising dividend. Over the past decade, Lockheed has bought back a quarter of its shares, which has boosted per-share profits for its remaining stockholders. The defense leader has also raised its cash payout for 21 straight years. Today, Lockheed's dividend yield is a solid 2.7%.
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Rickards - >>> U.S. Plays Russian Roulette
BY JAMES RICKARDS
JUNE 25, 2024
https://dailyreckoning.com/u-s-plays-russian-roulette/
U.S. Plays Russian Roulette
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, I’ve been warning about the dangers of escalation between the U.S. and Russia. We may be about to take a serious step up the escalation ladder.
On Sunday, Ukraine launched an attack on Crimea with U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. The target was likely a military installation, quite possibly a Russian airbase.
It appears that five ATACMS were used in the attack. Four appear to have been shot down by the Russians. The evidence indicates a fifth missile was damaged and knocked off course.
It had a clustering warhead, which releases multiple bomblets upon its target. It’s specifically designed to take out personnel as opposed to hard targets.
Well, this missile detonated over a crowded public beach in Sevastopol, the home of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Four people were killed and at least 150 were wounded.
“Retaliatory Measures Will Certainly Follow”
This incident has sparked outrage in Russia, and the Russian government has condemned it in no uncertain terms. The Russian defense ministry issued the following statement:
The responsibility for a deliberate missile strike on peaceful residents of Sevastopol is primarily carried by Washington, which supplied this weaponry to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry has warned that this attack “would not go unpunished,” and that “retaliatory measures will certainly follow.”
When Russia accuses the U.S. of being directly responsible for the attack, they have a valid point. The U.S. doesn’t just hand Ukraine ATACMS missiles to use as they wish and wipe its hands clean of it.
The targeting data for these missiles is supplied by U.S. reconnaissance assets, and that information is programmed into the missiles by U.S. personnel. Ukraine doesn’t have access to that data, only U.S. military personnel do.
It’s like the U.S. loads and points the gun that Ukraine’s going to fire at Russia. Ukraine pulls the trigger, yes, but the U.S. gives them the loaded gun and tells them where to point it. Russia knows that, which explains their angry response.
Come on, It Was Just an Accident
Some might say that no one deliberately targeted a crowded public beach in Crimea, that Russia’s own air defenses diverted the missile from its intended target, which unfortunately detonated over the beach. Russia can’t therefore claim the U.S. bears any real responsibility for the incident.
But this was a daytime attack and the missile was programmed to follow a flight path that would take it near this crowded beach. That greatly increased the odds that an incident like this would take place. Maybe that route was selected because Russian air defenses were lighter in that area, I don’t know.
But the argument the U.S. doesn’t shoulder significant responsibility for this incident doesn’t hold much water with the Russians.
The U.S. ambassador to Russia was summoned to the foreign ministry in the wake of the attack. I don’t know what exactly was said, but let’s just say it probably wasn’t a cordial meeting.
The question now is what form of retaliation does Russia take?
Will Russia Declare No-Fly Zone Over Black Sea?
There’s increasing pressure on Putin to declare the airspace above the Black Sea a no-fly zone (targeting data for missile attacks on Crimea are often supplied by drones and manned aircraft over the Black Sea).
That would be a major escalation. The U.S. and its NATO allies wouldn’t accept a Russian no-fly zone over the Black Sea. They would almost certainly challenge it.
But in order to maintain its credibility, Russia would have to shoot down any drone flying over the Black Sea. The question then becomes would they shoot down manned reconnaissance planes?
Shooting down a drone is one thing. Shooting down a reconnaissance plane is another. These planes are crewed by at least 15 personnel, sometimes over 30, depending on the mission. Unlike fighter jets, there are no ejection seats on these planes.
They might have a bailout chute in the back of the plane, but if the plane were hit by a missile, the entire crew would likely die. You can just imagine the cries for retaliation if such an incident occurred.
Will Putin bow to increasing domestic pressure to declare a no-fly zone over the Black Sea? I don’t think so.
Russia Will Retaliate in Its Own Way
Despite everything you hear in the media, Putin is a very cautious, measured leader. He understands the serious risks that a no-fly zone would invite. He knows that the U.S. would challenge it and that he’d have to shoot down U.S. drones and aircraft to maintain his credibility.
The last thing you want to do is issue an empty threat. It must be backed by action or else it’s meaningless. Putin doesn’t issue empty threats.
But just because Russia won’t likely impose a no-fly zone over the Back Sea or take any direct action against the U.S. doesn’t mean it won’t retaliate. It will. It’ll just be an indirect form of retaliation.
As I’ve explained recently, just like the U.S. is using Ukraine as a proxy to attack Russia, Russia could use its own proxies to attack U.S. interests around the world:
Russia could arm proxies in Syria with advanced drones to attack U.S. forces based in Syria
Supplying Iran with advanced missile technology would threaten Israel, a key U.S. ally, and would perfectly fit that proxy approach
Russia could also give the Houthi rebels in Yemen more advanced anti-ship missiles to target shipping in the Red Sea, potentially including U.S. warships.
The Houthis have been using drones and antiquated missiles based on technology from the 1960s. U.S. warships have been able to intercept most of them (at great expense, I might add).
But if Russia supplies them with advanced anti-ship missiles, that would change. These missiles would represent a legitimate threat to the U.S. Navy.
Playing With Fire
Would any of these measures be an escalation? Yes. But they wouldn’t be direct attacks on U.S. forces or interests. They would be indirect attacks through proxy, just like the U.S. is waging an indirect proxy war against Russia.
That’s why I think Putin will choose that type of indirect retaliation. He doesn’t want to risk a direct war with the U.S., even though he faces domestic pressure to impose a no-fly zone over the Black Sea.
But if another incident like this arises, Putin may feel he has to take more decisive action. That’s a significant danger because war is unpredictable, and the longer this war drags on, the more likely it is that another similar incident will occur.
We’re playing with fire. Let’s just hope we all don’t get burned.
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Rickards - >>> Next Middle East War Imminent?
BY JAMES RICKARDS
JUNE 18, 2024
https://dailyreckoning.com/next-middle-east-war-imminent/
Next Middle East War Imminent?
Had enough of the current Middle East war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news.
But it’s time to get ready for the next phase of this war. The next Middle East war will also involve Israel. Except in this war, Israel’s guns will be pointing north toward Lebanon.
And it risks a much wider conflict, with Iran in particular. Let’s break it down…
Recent intelligence from a variety of sources points to an Israeli war against Hezbollah, which is an Iranian proxy.
Hezbollah is systematically attacking Israeli bases, radars, intelligence-collections facilities and other defense system components. Now the attacks are spreading to include Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Galilee. You’re just not hearing about it in the mainstream media.
These attacks have three effects: They break down Israeli military and intelligence systems, terrorize the civilian population and handicap Israel’s ability to conduct air attacks on Syria or Lebanon.
War on Multiple Fronts
The new war will be fought in the north of Israel. Additional fighting will take place in southern Lebanon, the area around the northern West Bank, the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee.
I’ve been in or near all of those places. It’s amazing how compact and close together it all is. It’s only about 40 miles from the Israeli border to Damascus and another 40 miles from the Golan Heights to the Mediterranean Sea.
It only takes minutes from takeoff to do a bombing run or a missile attack and perhaps only a day or two to move tank battalions depending on resistance.
Obviously, this state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue. Israel’s recourse is to stop playing defense and go on offense. That means massive air strikes on Lebanon and Syria, even at the cost of missile attacks on Israel.
Sunshine Patriots
The Israelis might be able to scrounge up some Patriot anti-missile systems from the U.S., but there are very few left because they’ve been sent to Ukraine.
By the way, the war in Ukraine hasn’t demonstrated the superiority of the Patriot. Far from it. It’s largely failed against Russia’s advanced, hypersonic missiles. These missiles have, in fact, taken out several Patriot systems.
If you were a foreign nation seeking defenses against hypersonic missiles like Russia’s Zircon and Kinzhal, would you really seek out the Patriot? Probably not. It’s just not that effective against the latest generation of missiles.
There’s some debate about whether or not these missiles are truly hypersonic. Practically speaking, it doesn’t really matter. The key takeaway is that the Patriot isn’t effective against them.
Iron Done
Air defense is the critical flip side of air superiority. The best information is that Hezbollah has devised ways to avoid Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, most likely through the use of drones. Hezbollah has long had 10,000 or more missiles, mostly supplied by Iran.
In the past, Israel could rely on its Iron Dome to protect most major cities and many settlements.
That defense has now proved inadequate. You might recall that in April, Iran attacked Israel with hundreds of (mostly) drones and ballistic missiles in retaliation for Israel’s attack upon the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
Most of the incoming targets were shot down. The media touted that as proof of Israel’s excellent missile defenses.
But they neglected to inform you that a number of missiles penetrated Israel’s defenses and struck Israeli military/intelligence bases. This is the most heavily defended airspace in the world. But a number of Iranian ballistic missiles got through. Iron Dome is being referred to in the region as “Iron Done.”
Don’t think that Israel hasn’t gotten that message.
Two Can Play That Game
It’s not clear what specific type of ballistic missile Iran used to attack these bases in April. But what if Russia gives Iran even more sophisticated missile technology to use against Israel?
The U.S. and its NATO allies have authorized Ukraine to use the missiles they’ve supplied it with to strike targets inside Russia itself. That’s just more escalation, and Russia has warned about the consequences of that decision.
Despite what you hear in the mainstream media, Putin isn’t a crazy warmonger who wants war with the U.S. and NATO. That’s just propaganda. In reality, Putin is very calculated and cautious.
So any Russian retaliation probably won’t attack NATO countries directly. But just like the U.S. is using Ukraine as a proxy to attack Russia, Russia could use its own proxies to attack U.S. interests around the world.
After all, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander!
Russian Options
Supplying Iran with advanced missile technology that would threaten Israel, a key U.S. ally, would perfectly fit that proxy approach. Maybe Russia also gives the Houthi rebels in Yemen more advanced anti-ship missiles to target shipping in the Red Sea, potentially including U.S. warships.
The Houthis have been using drones and antiquated missiles based on technology from the 1960s. U.S. warships have been able to intercept most of them. But if Russia supplies them with advanced anti-ship missiles, that would change. These missiles would represent a legitimate threat to the U.S. Navy.
Russia could also arm proxies in Syria with advanced drones, for example, to attack U.S. forces based in Syria
Would that be an escalation? Yes. But it wouldn’t be a direct attack on U.S. interests. It would be an indirect attack through proxy, just like the U.S. is waging an indirect proxy war against Russia.
The larger point is that the war in Ukraine and the war in the Middle East cannot be neatly compartmentalized. They’re connected parts of a greater geopolitical conflict that’s taking place.
Conflicting Visions
It’s the old “rules-based” liberal U.S.-centric global order that’s prevailed since the end of the Cold War versus the emerging multipolar world led primarily by Russia and China.
The latter is represented by the rising BRICS+ nations that are forming their own bloc to counter what they perceive as U.S. arrogance and hegemony.
The bottom line is we could well be facing a new Middle East war, with global implications. It’s likely because Israel must go on offense to avoid being left without defense, which it will not accept.
Markets are not prepared for this wider war, but it’s probably coming soon.
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$CYCA News: CyttaAIR Partners with FIZUAS to Dominate the American Drone Reseller and Advanced Streaming Technology Market
Massive Florida Demand for CyttaCOMMS and Drones Drives Partnership
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / June 13, 2024 / Cytta Corp (OTCQB:CYCA), a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for public safety and cybersecurity industries, is excited to announce that CyttaAIR, in an expansion of its longstanding reseller partnership with FIZUAS Unmanned Aircraft Systems, a premier national drone reseller, is now entering the drone reseller market. This strategic joint venture aims to meet the growing demand for American-made drones, particularly from law enforcement agencies transitioning away from foreign drones.
A Strategic Move in Response to Growing Demand
This expanded partnership with FIZUAS comes at a critical time when numerous law enforcement agencies in Florida are seeking guidance on which drone brands and models to purchase. This transition to American-made drones is driven by legislative changes and a heightened focus on data security. Through this joint venture, CyttaAIR will provide these agencies with top-tier, compliant drone options, enhancing their operational capabilities and ensuring adherence to new regulations.
Quote from Mike Elliott, VP of Business Development
"We are thrilled to be partnering with a premiere national drone reseller like FIZUAS," said Mike Elliott, VP of Business Development at Cytta Corp. "The number of law enforcement agencies in Florida asking about which drone brands and models to purchase has skyrocketed. This joint venture allows CyttaAIR to expand into this rapidly growing market, providing our clients with the best in American-made drone technology and our leading CyttaCOMMS secure video streaming solution."
Expanding CyttaAIR's Reach
This collaboration is poised to position CyttaAIR as a dominant player in the drone reseller market. By leveraging FIZUAS's extensive reseller network and expertise, CyttaAIR/FIZUAS will jointly offer a comprehensive range of drones equipped with the secure and collaborative capabilities of CyttaCOMMS. This move underscores Cytta Corp.'s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology solutions that meet the evolving needs of law enforcement and other critical sectors.
About Cytta Corp:
Cytta Corp. is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to delivering innovative products and services across various industries and revolutionizes the integration, streaming, transfer, and storage of video and audio data. With a focus on safety, security, and efficiency, Cytta Corp strives to develop cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges in large markets.
The Company's proprietary CyttaCOMMS incident management system offers real-time integration of video and audio streams, enabling improved collaboration and providing ongoing, relevant, actionable intelligence. Their innovative new product, CyttaCARES , is a game-changer in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in educational institutions and beyond. CyttaAIR, a groundbreaking platform designed to innovate and consolidate the best of drone hardware, software, and resources for Federal and State Law Enforcement Agencies. Cytta's CyttaCOMP ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) technology delivers real-time compression of video streams with ultra-low latency.
About FIZUAS Unmanned Aircraft Systems
FIZUAS is a leading national drone reseller known for providing high-quality, reliable drone solutions to various industries. Their extensive network and extensive first responder and industry expertise make them a trusted partner for organizations looking to integrate drone technology into their operations.
Contact Information
Investor/Shareholder Contact:
Gary Zwetchkenbaum
PlumTree Consulting, LLC.
gzplumtree@gmail.com
Direct: (516)-455-7662
Cytta Corp.
Toll free #: 1 877 CYTTAUS (298 8287)
Call Local: 1 740 CYTTAUS (298 8287)
http://www.cytta.com
info@cytta.com
Gary Campbell, CEO
Direct (702) 900-7022 (or message)
Gary@cytta.com
Mike Elliott, VP of Business Development
mikeelliott@cytta.com
(689) 222-8708
SOURCE: Cytta Corp.
$CYCA has important security tech to address the crisis is school safety. Latest news:
Cytta Corp. Unveils CyttaCARES to the Market: Pioneering Mobile Technology for School Safety and Family Well-Being
A Revolutionary Mobile SOS Platform for Schools
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / May 17, 2024 / Cytta Corp (OTCQB:CYCA) a leading provider of advanced safety and security solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the initial version of CyttaCARES (Crisis Alert and Response Emergency System), a groundbreaking mobile application designed to revolutionize school safety and provide peace of mind to families everywhere. As a Company driven by a mission to safeguard lives, Cytta Corp. is committed to creating a safer, more secure world for students, parents, and communities.
CyttaCARES was created under the leadership of Natalia Sokolova, President, and COO of Cytta Corp, who is a dedicated advocate for child and family safety. The development of CyttaCARES underscores the company's unwavering commitment to protecting what matters most.
"As a parent, businesswoman and opinion leader, I am deeply committed to ensuring the well-being of our children and families. CyttaCARES is a testament to our mission to create a world where everyone can feel safe, secure, and supported," said Natalia Sokolova, President, with her passion and dedication evident in every word. "Drawing on my experience from the Beverly Hills PD Citizens Academy and active shooter training volunteering, I have gained a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of existing methods and applications. This knowledge has been instrumental in designing a system that is user-friendly and indispensable," further stated President Sokolova.
CyttaCARES empowers schools to establish a secure learning environment where students can thrive, with a strong emphasis on prioritizing their safety. The instant SOS alert feature automatically triggers a video call that is shared with all emergency responders responsible for protecting the school. This ensures that the necessary authorities are promptly notified and can swiftly evaluate the situation to offer assistance as required, without wasted precious time.
Additionally, CyttaCARES provides seamless communication and coordination among, faculty, and staff during non-emergency, day-to-day activities. With features such as collaboration channels, instant audio and video alerts, interactive maps, and secure messaging, CyttaCARES acts as a proactive safety net, enhancing efficiency and creating a more conducive learning environment within the school.
The introduction of CyttaCARES represents a major achievement in Cytta Corp.'s evolution towards becoming a global leader in safety and security technology. Leveraging cutting-edge innovation and a deep understanding of the growing importance of safety in schools and families, Cytta Corp. is poised to create a meaningful and enduring influence on the well-being of numerous individuals.
Additional Note: As the June 30 th deadline approaches, Cytta Corp urges all Florida LEAs to take proactive steps toward updating their drone technologies. By partnering with Cytta Corp, agencies can ensure compliance with new regulations without disrupting their critical missions of public safety and response.
For additional information or to schedule a demo of CyttaCOMMS, please visit https://cytta.com/book-demo/
About Cytta Corp:
Cytta Corp. is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to delivering innovative products and services across various industries and revolutionizes the integration, streaming, transfer, and storage of video and audio data. With a focus on safety, security, and efficiency, Cytta Corp strives to develop cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges in large markets.
Their innovative new product, CyttaCARES, is a game-changer in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in educational institutions and beyond. The Company's proprietary CyttaCOMMS incident management system offers real-time integration of video and audio streams, enabling improved collaboration and providing ongoing, relevant, actionable intelligence. CyttaAIR, a groundbreaking platform designed to innovate and consolidate the best of drone hardware, software, and resources for Federal and State Law Enforcement Agencies. Cytta's CyttaCOMP ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) technology delivers real-time compression of video streams with ultra-low latency,
Contact Information
Investor/Shareholder Contact:
Gary Zwetchkenbaum
PlumTree Consulting, LLC.
gzplumtree@gmail.com
Direct: (516)-455-7662
Cytta Corp.
Toll free #: 1 877 CYTTAUS (298 8287)
Call Local: 1 740 CYTTAUS (298 8287)
http://www.cytta.com
info@cytta.com
Gary Campbell, CEO
Direct (702) 900-7022 (or message)
Gary@cytta.com
Natalia Sokolova, President & COO
Direct: (424) 333-0595 (or message)
Natalia@cytta.com
Mike Elliott, VP of Business Development
mikeelliott@cytta.com
(813) 421-1701
SOURCE: Cytta Corp.
Rickards - >>> Are They TRYING to Start a Nuclear War?
BY JAMES RICKARDS
JUNE 4, 2024
https://dailyreckoning.com/are-they-trying-to-start-a-nuclear-war/
Are They TRYING to Start a Nuclear War?
The steady path toward World War III continues. U.S. and NATO support for Ukraine in the war with Russia has been one long failure, but that hasn’t stopped them from escalating the war with new weapons and tactics.
Russia has met the escalation with its own escalation every step of the way. At what point do rational leaders in the West (if there are any left) pause, consider that the war is lost in Ukraine, deescalate and seek a treaty to end the war?
There’s no sign of that yet. In fact, all of the signs point to further escalation, which is a sure path to nuclear war. What good has escalation accomplished?
The West supplied Ukraine with HIMARS precision-guided artillery, but that largely failed because the Russians quickly learned how to jam the GPS guidance systems, so the missiles went off course.
That doesn’t mean the Russians shoot down or jam every HIMARS rocket Ukraine launches. Some will always get through. But overall, their effectiveness has been limited compared with expectations.
The U.S. and NATO also supplied Ukraine with Abrams, Leopard and Challenger tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles that have been left burning on the battlefield. They also require intensive maintenance Ukraine can’t necessarily provide, and are often unsuited for the battlefield conditions in Ukraine. Many Ukrainian soldiers have actually expressed a preference for Russian-made equipment over NATO’s.
Not Wonder Weapons
Meanwhile, the Patriot anti-missiles systems cannot shoot down Russian hypersonic missiles and have been destroyed one-by-one at a cost of $1 billion each. F-16s are the next wonder weapon promised. But Russia fields the most sophisticated air defense system in the world. Many planes will be shot down by Russian S-400 anti-aircraft batteries and other systems.
These planes are also old, obsolete models from NATO inventories at the end of their service lives. And they can’t even be flown by Ukrainian pilots since they barely read English (the training manuals and maintenance manuals are all in English) and have not had enough time to train.
It takes about two years to become a competent F-16 fighter pilot; the Ukrainians have barely had six months to learn. F-16s are also unsuited for the often rugged airfield conditions in Ukraine (they require pristine runways so debris doesn’t get sucked into their engines on takeoff).
They can be operated from NATO bases but that opens another can of worms.
NATO’s Latest Harebrained Scheme
What’s the next harebrained scheme from NATO? Here’s the latest example. The U.S. and its allies have green-lighted missile attacks deep inside Russia using U.S.-made ATACMS ballistic missiles with a range of up to 190 miles.
These attacks have hit civilian targets such as the Russian city of Belgorod and critical military targets such as the Russian nuclear missile radar warning arrays. Both types of attacks are prompting a severe Russian response, including the final destruction of the entire Ukrainian power grid.
The attack on Russia’s early warning system is particularly provocative. Ukraine used U.K.-supplied drones to strike this radar system used by Russia to detect incoming nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The U.S. and Russia already adhere to what’s called the “launch on warning” doctrine. This means that if you detect incoming nuclear missiles, you don’t wait for them to hit their targets.
Instead, you launch your counterattack as soon as you detect the missiles. When it comes to nuclear war, it’s use it or lose it.
That puts the world on a hair trigger. Hitting a radar facility that’s part of a nuclear defense creates a blind spot in that defense and makes the hair trigger even more sensitive and launch prone.
And while Ukraine may have technically launched the missiles into Russia, it could not have done so without precise targeting data provided by the U.S. and its NATO allies. How do you think the U.S. would react if Mexico attacked U.S. targets using targeting data provided by Russia? It would directly implicate Russia and hold it responsible.
Here’s another question: Why would Ukraine attack this radar system at all? Ukraine doesn’t have nuclear missiles so it has no reason to compromise Russia’s nuclear defenses. The radar has no impact on the ground war in Ukraine. It wasn’t an airfield or ammo depot or any other militarily relevant target.
This plan is just another example of dangerous escalation by the U.S. and NATO and moves the world one step closer to nuclear war. Ukraine is all too happy to comply.
“Don’t Worry!”
Proponents of escalation dismiss these concerns, saying we’ve already crossed multiple “red lines” and Russia hasn’t directly retaliated against us. Maybe against Ukraine, but not us. We can therefore go ahead and cross another red line, the Russians won’t do anything.
First off, that just provides more evidence that Vladimir Putin isn’t some bloodthirsty maniac who can’t be deterred. He obviously can be, and clearly recognizes the dangers of escalation. He doesn’t want war with the U.S. and NATO. Why would he?
Secondly, and more importantly, NATO’s arming and equipping of Ukraine was never a red line for Russia. Western observers simply assumed that providing HIMARS, ATACMSs and tanks would be red lines for Russia. But Russia never specifically said they were. They warned about the overall threat of escalation, but these weren’t specific red lines.
But direct attacks on Russian soil are a different matter. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin himself have issued specific warnings about NATO facilitation of attacks within Russia itself. That’s the difference. Here’s what Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, had to say:
Russia regards all long-range weapons used by Ukraine as already being directly controlled by servicemen from NATO countries. This is no military assistance, this is participation in a war against us. And such actions could well become a casus belli. Nobody today can rule out the conflict’s transition to its final stage.
It doesn’t take a genius to understand what he means by the conflict’s “final stage.” Now, Medvedev often issues provocative statements. But listen to the comments of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. It’s about as strongly worded as a diplomatic statement can get:
I would like to warn American leaders against miscalculations that could have fatal consequences. For unknown reasons, they underestimate the seriousness of the rebuff they may receive.
Except the reasons aren’t unknown. It’s because the West is led by incompetent and reckless people who don’t know what they’re doing. They don’t understand that they’re playing with fire.
How Nuclear War Starts
I began studying nuclear war fighting in 1969 and have continued my studies for decades, which includes all the leading thinkers about nuclear war. While the experts disagree in certain respects, they all agree on one thing:
The most likely path to nuclear war is escalation. No one wakes up and says, “Nice day for a nuclear war. Let’s start one.”
Instead, war will be the result of a process of one side raising the stakes, the other side responding in kind and escalating further and so on in successive rounds until one party is backed into a corner and has no choice but to use nuclear weapons in an existential response.
Ironically, in that situation, the party that is less threatened may actually start the nuclear war in order to get the first-strike advantage. The result is annihilation: not just World War III, but possibly the end of most human life on Earth. Those that survive would probably wish they hadn’t.
This is incomprehensible. Ukraine is trying to drag the U.S. directly into the war with U.S. boots on the ground. Events may not get that far.
We may be destroyed in a nuclear World War III if this reckless escalation continues. Will anyone stop it?
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$BLIS News: Company Name Change to NAPC Defense, Inc. (OTCPK: BLIS) and Website to NAPCDefense.com among Business Updates
NAPC Defense has also set visit to Saudi Arabia for presentation of The Corner Shot Weapons System and other NAPC New Arms Technologies
LARGO, Fla., May 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NAPC Defense, Inc. (formerly known as Treasure & Shipwreck Recovery, Inc.), trading as (OTCPK: BLIS), announces that it has completed the change of name with the State of Nevada and registration with the State of Florida, as well as a new website at http://www.NAPCDefense.com. It is also finalizing its application with FINRA to effect all additional merger terms announced in the March 27, 2024 press release. NAPC Defense, Inc. owns defense and construction contracting firm Native American Price Constructors, LLC.
More importantly, NAPC is pleased to update its intended large purchase order from a Saudi Arabian company. Field demonstrations for The Corner Shot Weapons Systems will occur in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before government, military and other officials during a visit set for the first two weeks of July 2024.
While NAPC maintains a government contracting business, its business includes The Corner Shot Weapons Systems, which is licensed for the United States and the Middle East, as well as brokering of large caliber artillery, mortar, rocket, and smaller caliber munitions sales through allied countries, as approved by the U.S. State Department.
The Saudi Arabia meetings will be for assessment and introduction of the continued contract goal of providing the Corner Shot technology to Saudi Arabia, under a U.S. approved and licensed export of the tactical arms technology. NAPC is a joint venture partner in Saudi Arabia, in the joint venture of NAPC-KSA which is co-owned by NAPC, Kingswood Holding LLC., and AL-SAQR AL–HARR Limited Company. NAPC already has a signed and stamped LOI from a leading Saudi Arabian provider of supply and manufacturing to the Ministry of Defense (MOD).
NAPC management is also in discussion with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide additional services such as Military Fuzing, and Artillery systems in country, pending expected U.S. State Department approval. NAPC expects significant discussions to expand during the official visit in this arena.
In expanding its arms related business, NAPC is also developing a rifle and suppressor line for domestic government and international sales. NAPC expects to release more information on these product lines in the short term as prototypes are being completed for testing.
NAPC will also be participating in a number of law enforcement conventions to display The Corner Shot and other product lines. Such conventions and shows include Florida Police Chiefs Assoc. 72nd Annual Summer Training Conference & Exposition in Pointe Vedra Beach, FL – June 7th – 12th 2024 (Booth #139) and 38th Annual NJ Police Security Expo. in Atlantic City, NJ – June 24th – 26th (Booth #1037).
Finally, NAPC Defense is active in brokering of munitions and military hardware already produced and in inventory at various locations worldwide. NAPC is currently brokering a number of different munitions and military hardware items that are of interest to Allied and NATO forces for the Ukraine and the Middle East, which also require U.S. State Department approval. Any successful transaction would add significantly to NAPC revenues and profits. The inventory of these items, if sold at currently offered fair value, totals over (U.S.) $2.5 billion.
NAPC will update the status of its corporate actions, weapons development, and shows in future releases.
About NAPC Defense, Inc.
NAPC Defense, Inc. (https://www.napcdefense.com/) is an armament sales and production company, fully licensed in the United States, with exclusive rights to produce and sell Corner Shot USA weapons systems, in addition to brokering arms and munitions throughout the world all with US State Department approval. Additional smaller weapons platforms and related products are in development.
Please go to https://www.napcdefense.com/investor-relations for Investor Relation Page.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This press release and the statements of representatives of NAPC. (the "Company") related thereto contain, or may contain, among other things, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements," including any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "guidance," "projects," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "ultimately" or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve material assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and the expectations contained in such statements may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results (including, without limitation, NAPC's ability to advance its business, generate revenue and profit and operate as a public company) could differ materially from those stated or anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including factors and risks discussed in the periodic reports that the Company files with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. The Company undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
COMPANY CONTACT:
Kenny West, CEO
kwest@napconstructors.com
754-242-6272
https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTExNTk5OCM2MjQ3NjExIzIyNjE1MDY=
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Belarus - >>> Putin and Lukashenko meet in St Petersburg to discuss ways to expand the Russia-Belarus alliance
Associated Press
Jan 29, 2024
https://apnews.com/article/russia-belarus-putin-lukashenko-meeting-st-petersburg-02d9dfb7acd218196934e673ee7f6fe6
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — The leaders of Russia and Belarus met Monday to discuss ways to further expand their close alliance that has seen the deployment of some of Russia’s nuclear weapons on the territory of its neighbor.
President Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia and Belarus have developed a “strategic partnership” as part of their 25-year union agreement. That pact stopped short of a full merger, but envisaged close political, economic and military ties between the two nations.
“It’s important that amid an unprecedented foreign pressure Russia and Belarus have closely cooperated on the international arena and have offered unfailing support to each other as true allies,” Putin said at the start of the talks in St. Petersburg that involved senior officials from both countries.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has relied on Russian subsidies and political support to rule the ex-Soviet nation with an iron hand for nearly three decades. Moscow’s backing helped Lukashenko survive months of major protests against his reelection in a 2020 vote that the opposition and the West saw as rigged.
Lukashenko allowed the Kremlin to use Belarusian territory to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022.
Last year, Russia moved some of its short-range nuclear weapons into Belarus, closer to Ukraine and onto NATO’s doorstep. Their declared deployment was widely seen as part of Moscow’s efforts to discourage the West from increasing military support to Kyiv.
Lukashenko said last month that the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons was finalized in October. He didn’t say how many of them were stationed in Belarus.
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Russian tactical nuke drills -
>>> What are tactical nuclear weapons and why did Russia order drills?
Associated Press
5-6-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/what-are-tactical-nuclear-weapons-and-why-did-russia-order-drills/ar-BB1lU2OT?cvid=7d4b14a0ae8044caa8f8cfbd5853a749&ei=65
Russia's Defense Ministry said Monday that the military would hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons — the first time such an exercise has been publicly announced by Moscow.
A look at tactical nuclear weapons and the part they play in the Kremlin's political messaging.
WHAT ARE TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS?
Unlike nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles that can destroy entire cities, tactical nuclear weapons for use against troops on the battlefield are less powerful and can have a yield as small as about 1 kiloton. The U.S. bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II was 15 kilotons.
Such battlefield nuclear weapons — aerial bombs, warheads for short-range missiles or artillery munitions — can be very compact. Their small size allows them to be discreetly carried on a truck or plane.
Unlike strategic weapons, which have been subject to arms control agreements between Moscow and Washington, tactical weapons never have been limited by any such pacts, and Russia hasn’t released their numbers or any other specifics related to them.
WHAT HAS PUTIN SAID ABOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS?
Since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly reminded Western nations about Moscow’s nuclear might in a bid to discourage them from increasing military support to Kyiv.
Early on in the war, Putin frequently referenced Moscow’s nuclear arsenal by vowing repeatedly to use “all means” necessary to protect Russia. But he later toned down his statements as Ukraine's offensive last summer failed to reach its goals and Russia scored more gains on the battlefield.
Moscow's defense doctrine envisages a nuclear response to an atomic strike or even an attack with conventional weapons that “threaten the very existence of the Russian state.” That vague wording has led some pro-Kremlin Russian experts to urge Putin to sharpen it to force the West to take the warnings more seriously.
Putin said last fall that he sees no reason for such a change.
“There is no situation in which anything would threaten Russian statehood and the existence of the Russian state,” he said. “I think that no person of sober mind and clear memory could have an idea to use nuclear weapons against Russia.”
WHY DID RUSSIA SEND NUCLEAR WEAPONS TO BELARUS?
Last year, Russia moved some of its tactical nuclear weapons into the territory of Belarus, an ally that neighbors Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.
Belarus' authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, had long urged Moscow to station nuclear weapons in his country, which has close military ties with Russia and served as a staging ground for the war in Ukraine.
Both Putin and Lukashenko said that nuclear weapons deployment to Belarus was intended to counter perceived Western threats. Last year, Putin specifically linked the move to the U.K. government’s decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium.
Neither leader said how many were moved — only that Soviet-era facilities in the country were readied to accommodate them, and that Belarusian pilots and missile crews were trained to use them. The weapons have remained under Russian military control.
The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which has a 1,084-kilometer (673-mile) border with Ukraine, would allow Russian aircraft and missiles to reach potential targets there more easily and quickly, if Moscow decides to use them. It has also extended Russia’s capability to target several NATO allies in Eastern and Central Europe.
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>>> India is drawing lessons from Ukraine to counter China's military might
Business Insider
by Michael Peck
4-29-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/india-is-drawing-lessons-from-ukraine-to-counter-china-s-military-might/ar-AA1nSzBK?ocid=ansmsnnews11&cvid=d374c3387ce34639982d44801979bd95&ei=3
India is trying to modernize its military of 1.5 million people with lessons from Ukraine.
Until recent years, Russia supplied India with many weapons such as tanks and jets.
India is upgrading its artillery and switching to 155mm howitzers, the NATO standard.
As India boosts defense spending amid tensions with China and Pakistan, it is closely studying the Ukraine conflict for clues to the future of warfare and how to thwart its neighbors.
Some lessons that Indian experts have already drawn: India needs lots of artillery, drones and cyberwarfare capabilities.
Comparing Ukraine to India is tricky. Ukraine faces one major enemy — Russia — while India must contend with its old enemy Pakistan to the west, and an increasingly powerful China on its northwest frontier. The Russo-Ukraine war is mostly being fought over an Eastern European landscape of plains and forest, with a moderately good road network suitable for mechanized warfare. India must prepare for combat in a variety of terrain and climate conditions, including desert, jungle and some of the tallest mountains on Earth.
India is also trying to modernize and standardize equipment for its armed forces, which comprise about 1.5 million personnel armed with a potpourri of equipment from several nations, as well as indigenous Indian gear. Until recent years, Russia supplied many weapons such as tanks and jets, but India is increasingly acquiring arms from Western nations, including American howitzers, French jet fighters, and Israeli drones.
The Indian Army's artillery, for example, includes more than 3,000 weapons and multiple rocket launchers, including Russian, American, Swedish and South Korean designs. Indian observers believe Ukraine shows the importance of having plentiful and modern artillery. Artillery has arguably become the decisive combat arm in that war, with Russian firing 10,000 shells per day and advancing, while a munitions shortage has limited Ukraine to around 2,000 shells per day. This deluge of firepower has forced both armies to dig in, and turned the conflict into trench warfare.
"Looking at the demonstration of artillery fire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, two lessons are available to the Indian Army," wrote Amrita Jash, an assistant professor at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, in a report for the Observer Research Foundation, an Indian think tank. "First, that firepower can be a 'battle-winning factor,' and second, that the time between acquiring the target to shooting has drastically reduced: where it once took five to 10 minutes, it now takes only a minute or two."
Indeed, India already planning to modernize its artillery arsenal, including switching to 155-mm howitzers — the standard NATO caliber — and developing longer-range shells and rockets.
The air war over Ukraine has proven to be a surprise, especially given Russian superiority in numbers of aircraft and technology. Anti-aircraft missiles have deterred the air forces of both sides from venturing into enemy airspace, with Russian aircraft limited to firing stand-off missiles at Ukrainian cities rather than providing air support for its ground troops. Drones have become the stars and workhorses of the air war, with both sides deploying — and losing — drones in the hundreds of thousands.
There are lessons here for Indian airpower, according to Arjun Subramaniam, a retired Indian Air Force air vice marshal who helped write the ORF report. India must prepare for "gaining control of the air in limited time and space conditions in a short, high-intensity limited conflict as well as in a longer, protracted conflict." The Air Force must also ensure that its plans are synchronized with ground and naval forces. India should also continue to focus on suppressing enemy air defenses, "particularly against an adversary that is more interested in denying rather than controlling the airspace."
Not surprisingly, Subramaniam wants the Indian military to increase drone development and production. But he is also concerned about the possibility of a mass drone attack on India. "Of greater importance is the need to rapidly develop counter-drone capabilities that would be essential in responding to large-scale surprise attacks and retain effective second-strike capabilities," he wrote.
Cyberwarfare has also emerged in Ukraine as a crucial tool in everything from hacking into military computers and critical infrastructure to purveying propaganda and deepfakes in global media. ORF researcher Shimona Mohan noted "the increasing role of largely civilian organizations like big tech in conflict situations and the deepening interplay of civil-military partnerships around dual-use technologies like AI."
Mohan recommends that India invest in cyberwarfare, as other nations are doing. "However, if this is not feasible for socio-political or economic reasons, it should be a priority for countries to ensure that their strategic geopolitical allies are formidable tech powers—for instance in this war, Ukraine received much support from its more tech-savvy partners like the US and private tech companies."
Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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>>> US secretly sent long-range missiles to Ukraine
BBC
4-25-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-secretly-sent-long-range-missiles-to-ukraine/ar-AA1nBlTl?cvid=6b93c10a85934001d09ebb1984bad317&ei=58
Ukraine has begun defending territory with long-range ballistic missiles secretly provided by the United States, US officials have confirmed.
The weapons were part of a $300m ($240m) aid package that was approved by US President Joe Biden in March, and arrived this month.
They have already been used at least once to strike Russian targets in occupied Crimea, US media report.
It is not clear how many of the weapons have been sent to Ukraine.
The US had previously supplied Ukraine with a mid-range version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) but had been reluctant to send anything more powerful, partly over concerns about compromising US military readiness.
However, Mr Biden is said to have secretly given the green light to send the long-range system - which can fire missiles distances of up to 300km (186 miles) - in February.
"I can confirm that the United States provided Ukraine with long-range ATACMS at the president's direct direction," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said.
He added that the US "did not announce this at the onset in order to maintain operational security for Ukraine at their request".
The longer-range missiles were used for the first time last week to strike a Russian airfield in occupied Crimea, Reuters quoted an unnamed US official as saying.
And the new missiles were also used in an attack on Russian troops in the in the port city of Berdiansk overnight on Tuesday, the New York Times reported.
Kyiv has recently stepped up its calls for Western assistance as Russia makes steady gains in its invasion.
News of the weapons shipments comes after Mr Biden signed a new $61bn military aid package for Ukraine into law following months of congressional gridlock.
"Now we will do everything to make up for half a year spent in debates and doubts," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said of the newly approved aid.
"What the Russian occupier was able to do during this time, what Putin is now planning, we must turn against him."
Mr Zelensky recently warned that a full-scale Russian offensive is expected in the coming weeks after Ukraine's loss of the city of Avdiivka during the winter.
Ukrainian officials have previously blamed recent delays in military aid from the US and other Western allies for the loss of lives and territory in the war.
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>>> Analyst reviews Palantir stock price target ahead of earnings
The Street
by Rob Lenihan
Apr 18, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/analyst-reviews-palantir-stock-price-231500926.html
In J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic "The Lord of the Rings," a palantir was an indestructible crystal ball used for communication and seeing events in other parts of the world and in the past.
In 2003, Peter Thiel, co-founder and chairman of Palantir Technologies (PLTR) , thought that would be the perfect name for the software platform company.
You won't have to look into any crystal ball to find Palantir, as the company has been creating some serious magic of its own.
While Palantir's sales are largely driven by helping the U.S. government with its counterterrorism efforts, it's also pushed more deeply into managing, interpreting and reporting data for large companies.
The company's revenue has been boosted by surging AI activity after the successful December 2022 launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT, the first large language model AI app to become widely available.
In February, Palantir posted fourth-quarter earnings of 8 cents per share on $608.4 million in sales, beating analysts' call for $602.9 million.
Palantir is scheduled to report earnings next month
Palantir CEO: U.S. commercial performance 'bombastic'
"Obviously, our performance in U.S. commercial is extraordinary; some would say bombastic," Chief Executive Alex Karp told analysts during the company's earnings call. "The numbers that just fly off the screen are the 70% year-on-year growth in Q4."
Citing the company's more than 100 contracts, Karp said "it's almost inconceivable to do that many contracts given the way our product used to be."
"And so, what you see is a convergence of our product being easier to use, an augmentation of its charisma, both driven by developments in AI, large language models, which make the product approachable foundry to the broader market," he said.
Karp said that Palantir was proud to support the U.S. and the U.S. military.
"We are proud to have an operational crucial role in Ukraine," he said. "And I am exceedingly proud that after October 7, within weeks, we are on the ground, and we are involved in operationally crucial, operations in Israel." Oct. 7, 2023, was the day that Hamas invaded Israel, killed 1,200 people and kidnaped more than 200.
Earlier this month, Palantir and Oracle (ORCL) announced a partnership where they would jointly sell cloud and AI services.
As part of the agreement, Palantir said it would move its Foundry workloads to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and make its Gotham and AI Platforms deployable across Oracle's distributed cloud.
Gotham is an intelligence and defense tool used by militaries and counter-terrorism analysts, while Foundry is used for data integration and analysis by corporate clients.
Oracle is one of the top 10 largest cloud providers, and its position as a multidecade leader in data management has given it global reach.
Analyst is investing in Palantir for the future
On April 17, Palantir said that it had been designated as an Awardable vendor for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.
The Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace is a digital repository of awardable capabilities that can address challenges the Department of Defense faces in the arena of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics.
Palantir’s AI Mission Command Capability and its Predictive Maintenance & Precision Sustainment Suite have been added to the Marketplace and are available to support critical missions across the Defense Department.
Palantir is scheduled to report first-quarter earnings on May 6.
Analysts surveyed by FactSet are expecting the company to post profit of 8 cents a share on $615.3 million in revenue. A year earlier Palantir earned 5 cents a share on $525 million of revenue.
TheStreet Pro's Stephen Guilfoyle has a good feeling about Palantir. He has said more than a few times that "this is one name I am investing in for the future generations of my bloodline."
Guilfoyle noted in his April 16 column that for the 12 months ended in late December, operating cash flow printed at $712 million, more than triple the $224 million of 2022, as free cash flow printed at $697 million, up from $184 million in 2022.
"Palantir is quickly becoming a cash-flow beast," he wrote.
The stock has already given up its 21-day exponential moving average and 50-day simple moving average, he said.
“Should the stock lose contact with that pivot, there is a very good chance that it moves to fill the gap created in early February,” he said.
“That would take the shares down to about $18 and test support at the 200-day [simple moving average] as it does. This is where I suspect the real support may lie.”
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>>> Attacks on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant significantly increase accident risk, IAEA head says
Associated Press
4-8-24
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-drone-a28710a691f3259b5dd6586787838b60
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The head of the U.N.’s atomic watchdog agency on Sunday condemned a drone strike on one of six nuclear reactors at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, saying such attacks “significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident.”
In a statement on the social media platform X, Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed at least three direct hits against the ZNPP main reactor containment structures took place. “This cannot happen,” he said.
Russia blamed Ukraine for the attack, but the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency didn’t attribute blame. Kyiv officials made no immediate comment.
He said it was the first such attack since November 2022, when he set out five basic principles to avoid a serious nuclear accident with radiological consequences.
Officials at the plant said the site was attacked Sunday by Ukrainian military drones, including a strike on the dome of the plant’s sixth power unit.
According to the plant authorities, there was no critical damage or casualties and radiation levels at the plant were normal after the strikes. Later on Sunday, however, Russian state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom said that three people were wounded in the “unprecedented series of drone attacks,” specifically when a drone hit an area close to the site’s canteen.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said Sunday that its experts had been informed of the drone strike and that “such detonation is consistent with IAEA observations.”
In a separate statement, the IAEA confirmed physical impact of drone attacks at the plant, including at one of its six reactors. One casualty was reported, it said.
“Damage at unit 6 has not compromised nuclear safety, but this is a serious incident with potential to undermine integrity of the reactor’s containment system” it added.
The power plant has been caught in the crossfire since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Both Ukraine and Russia have regularly accused the other of attacking the plant, which is still close to the front lines.
The plant’s six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features.
Also on Sunday, three people were killed when their house was hit by a Russian projectile in the front-line town of Huliaipole in Ukraine’s partly occupied southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, regional Gov. Ivan Fedorov said. Later on Sunday, two people were wounded in another shelling of Huliaipole.
Separately, three people were wounded in Russian shelling in Ukraine’s northeast Kharkiv region, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov.
In Russia, a girl died and four other people were wounded when the debris of a downed Ukrainian drone fell on a car carrying a family of six people in Russia’s Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
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ABC News - >>> US to Israel: If you strike back at Iran, you'll do it alone <<<
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-israel-strike-back-iran-162024611.html
Finally some sanity prevails. Next, Biden & Co need to ditch their ultra risky Ukraine strategy. Unlike Iran, Russia has 6000 nuclear weapons, including hypersonic missiles, and everything is on a hair trigger. A week ago the lunatic Zelensky bombed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear powerplant (!) Enough of the madness -- > return to Kissinger's détente strategy before we bumble into WW 3 -
>>> Russia test-launches an intercontinental ballistic missile <<<
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-test-launches-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-109172270
>>> Attacks on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant significantly increase accident risk, IAEA head says <<<
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-drone-a28710a691f3259b5dd6586787838b60
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>>> Biden tells Netanyahu US will not participate in counter-strike against Iran
4-14-24
by MJ Lee and Kevin Liptak
CNN
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/biden-tells-netanyahu-us-will-not-participate-in-counter-strike-against-iran/ar-BB1lB3l0?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=3cf388f67cf54cc896fb3bb8d6bd3e14&ei=11
President Joe Biden and senior members of his national security team, seeking to contain the risk of a wider regional war following a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones directed toward Israel, have told their counterparts the US will not participate in any offensive action against Iran, according to US officials familiar with the matter.
In a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Saturday, Biden sought to frame Israel’s successful interception of the Iranian onslaught as a major victory — with the suggestion that further Israeli response was unnecessary.
Biden told the Israeli prime minister in his phone call that he should consider Saturday a win because Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, a senior administration official said.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, said Sunday the ability to prevent widespread damage was a demonstration of Israel’s “military superiority” and proof that Iran was not the “military power that they claim to be.”
“This was an incredible success, really proving Israel’s military superiority and just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them,” Kirby told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked his Israeli counterpart, Minister Yoav Gallant, to notify the US ahead of any potential response to the Iranian attack, according to another US official.
Even as American officials stressed to their counterparts that the final decision on how to respond to Iran is up to Israel, Biden has sought to prevent a wider escalation of the conflict.
On Sunday, he planned to convene a meeting of fellow Group of Seven leaders to discuss a “united diplomatic response” — with the emphasis on non-military actions that would limit the prospects of a wider war.
“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks — sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” Biden said in a statement following his conversation with Netanyahu.
Whether Netanyahu takes Biden’s advice remains an open question. The Iranian reprisals came at a moment of deep tension between the men over the war in Gaza. Throughout that conflict, the limits of American influence on Israeli decision-making have been laid bare.
Iran’s decision to fire weapons from its own territory toward Israel significantly ratchets up the long-simmering enmity between the two countries. There will likely be political pressure from inside Israel for some type of response.
Kirby said the attack — the first launched from Iranian soil against Israel — did not necessarily have to constitute the start of a broader regional war.
“We don’t believe it is nor do we believe it has to be,” he told Tapper, noting that the US and Israel both had a good sense of what Iran was planning to do ahead of time.
Gallant warned Sunday that the confrontation with Iran is “not over yet.” The country’s response options are expected to be discussed in detail during a meeting of Israel’s war cabinet meeting.
The Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, warned that Tehran would respond directly if Israel retaliates, saying a “new equation” had been created.
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>>> MDA awards Lockheed $4.1B contract to upgrade battle command system
Defense News
by Jen Judson
4-12-24
https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2024/04/11/mda-awards-lockheed-41b-contract-to-upgrade-battle-command-system/
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $4.1 billion to continue to field, maintain and upgrade its battle command system, according to an April 11 contract announcement from the Defense Department.
The contract period runs May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2029, with an option to extend it to April 30, 2034.
“This contract will accelerate innovation and continue leading the development of the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) system,” Lockheed said in a statement. “Under the new C2BMC-Next scope, the system will be upgraded with the latest 21st Century Security technology for faster, multi-domain coordinated responses to emerging threats.”
The C2BMC system connects a wide variety of systems and radars that together form a global missile defense architecture that protects the homeland as well as U.S. and allied forces worldwide from long-range missile attacks.
Work under the new C2BMC Next contract includes bringing in allies and partners, according to the company.
“Part of C2BMC-Next will be enhancing global integration, exploring possibilities of linking this decades-long proven, operationally-fielded system with allied nations for the first time,” the American firm’s statement noted.
“With C2BMC’s already well-established lines of reliable communication — operating 24/7, 365 days a year in more than 30 locations across the world — the ability to securely collaborate with other countries, across multiple domains, from any location in near real-time will be a game changer for the defense industry,” according to Erika Marshall, Lockheed’s vice president for C4ISR, which stands for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
The effort under the contract will also include providing C2BMC with technology “that will provide greater Space Domain Awareness,” according to the company’s statement. “Through the connection of sensors, and diffusion of data at a level that hasn’t been done before, this enhancement will allow operators to see a complete view of the battlespace around the world.”
Lockheed has been the prime contractor for C2BMC since 2002. The system, first fielded in 2004, has gone through numerous upgrades, which are spiraled in to adapt to threats. C2BMC was designed to focus from a strategic level down to an operational level.
Recent upgrades since 2021 gave the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense, or GMD, system a single, composite, real-time picture of threats by tying into and fusing data from a broader set of sensors to include satellites as well as ground- and ship-based radars, according to the company.
The GMD system is a U.S.-based capability designed to defend the homeland against intercontinental ballistic missile threats, particularly from North Korea and Iran. The system is made up of interceptors buried in the ground at Fort Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
MDA also linked C2BMC to the Army’s Integrated Battle Command System, which provides threat pictures down to the tactical level, as part of recent upgrades. IBCS, which reached full-rate production in 2023, is the command-and-control system for the Army’s air and missile defense architecture.
More enhancements included giving C2BMC the capability to pass data back-and-forth with IBCS and other sensors, including space sensors.
The recent upgrades and upcoming development work done under the contract over the next several years will help the system support the Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative. JADC2 is the Pentagon’s warfighting strategy focused on building an overarching network to fight advanced adversaries like China and Russia. This would require high-bandwidth, resilient communications as well as the ability to share massive amounts of data to help commanders rapidly make decisions.
Lockheed will perform the majority of its work under the new contract in Huntsville, Alabama, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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>>> Iranian commandos seize an Israeli-linked container ship near Strait of Hormuz
April 13, 2024
The Associated Press
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/13/1244583830/iran-seizes-container-ship-strait-of-hormuz-israel
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Commandos from Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard rappelled down from a helicopter onto an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz and seized the vessel Saturday, the latest in a series of attacks between the two countries.
The Middle East had braced for potential Iranian retaliation over a suspected Israeli strike earlier this month on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed 12 people, including a senior Guard general who once commanded its expeditionary Quds Force there.
The Israeli war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip meanwhile is now 6 months old and is inflaming decades-old tensions across the whole region. With Iranian-backed forces like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen's Houthi rebels also involved in the fighting, any new attack in the Mideast threatens to escalate that conflict into a wider regional war.
Iran's state-run IRNA said a special forces unit of the Guard's navy carried out the attack on the vessel, the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime.
Biden returns to D.C. a day early to consult national security team on Iran-Israel row
Biden says Iran could soon attack Israel, and warns, 'Don't'
Zodiac Maritime is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group. Zodiac declined to comment and referred questions to MSC. Geneva-based MSC later acknowledged the seizure and said 25 crew had been aboard the vessel.
"We are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their wellbeing, and safe return of the vessel," MSC said.
An Indian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to brief to journalists, said 17 of the crew were Indians.
IRNA said the Guard would take the vessel into Iranian territorial waters.
Earlier, a Middle East defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, shared a video of the attack with The Associated Press. In it, the Iranian commandos are seen rappelling down onto a stack of containers sitting on the deck of the vessel.
A crew member on the ship can be heard saying: "Don't come out." He then tells his colleagues to go to the ship's bridge as more commandos come down on the deck. One commando can be seen kneeling above the others to provide them potential cover fire.
The video corresponded with known details of the MSC Aries. The helicopter used also appeared to be a Soviet-era Mil Mi-17 helicopter, which both the Guard and the Iranian-backed Houthis of Yemen have used in the past to conduct commando raids on ships.
The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations described the vessel as being "seized by regional authorities" in the Gulf of Oman off the Emirati port city of Fujairah, without elaborating.
How Iran and Israel became archenemies
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called on nations to list the Guard as a terrorist organization.
Iran "is a criminal regime that supports Hamas' crimes and is now conducting a pirate operation in violation of international law," Katz said.
Iran since 2019 has engaged a series of ship seizures and attacks on vessels have been attributed to it amid ongoing tensions with the West over its rapidly advancing nuclear program.
Since November, Iran had dialed back its ship attacks as the Houthis targeted ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Houthi attacks have slowed in recent weeks as the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan ended and the rebels have faced months of U.S.-led airstrikes targeting them.
In previous seizures, Iran has offered initial explanations about its operations to make it seem like the attacks had nothing to do with the wider geopolitical tensions — though later acknowledging as much. In Saturday's attack, however, Iran tellingly offered no explanation for the seizure other than to say the MSC Aries had links to Israel.
Iran has been threatening to act after Israeli strike in Syria
For days, Iranian officials up to and including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been threatening to "slap" Israel for the Syria strike. Western governments have issued warnings to their citizens in the region to be prepared for attacks.
However, Iran in the past largely has avoided directly attacking Israel, despite it carrying out the targeted killing of nuclear scientists and multiple sabotage campaigns against Iran's atomic sites. Iran has, however, targeted Israeli or Jewish-linked sites through proxy forces over the decades.
Earlier this week, Guard Gen. Ali Reza Tangsiri, who oversees Iran's naval forces, criticized the presence of Israelis in the region and in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE reached a diplomatic recognition deal with Israel in 2020, something that long has enraged Tehran.
"We know that bringing Zionists in this point is not merely for economic work," Tangsiri reportedly said. "Now, they are carrying out security and military jobs, indeed. This is a threat, and this should not happen."
The U.S., Israel's main backer, has stood by the country despite growing concerns over Israel's war on Gaza killing more than 33,600 Palestinians and wounding over 76,200 more. Israel's war began after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw some 250 others taken hostage.
On Friday, President Joe Biden warned Iran not to attack Israel and said he felt an Iranian attack on Israel likely would happen "sooner than later."
"We will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed," Biden added.
The Gulf of Oman is near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all globally traded oil passes. Fujairah, on the United Arab Emirates' eastern coast, is a main port in the region for ships to take on new oil cargo, pick up supplies or trade out crew.
Since 2019, the waters off Fujairah have seen a series of explosions and hijackings. The U.S. Navy blamed Iran for limpet mine attacks on vessels that damaged tankers. The UAE meanwhile has sought to mend ties with Iran and issued a statement condemning the suspected Israeli attack in Syria.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa Group said on Saturday it had extended the suspension of its flights between Frankfurt and Tehran though Thursday and said that all of its planes would avoid Iranian airspace in that period. The German carrier also said that, until at least Tuesday, flights to and from Amman will be operated as "day flights" so crews can return to Frankfurt without spending a night in the Jordanian capital.
Dutch airline KLM said in a statement Saturday that it will no longer fly over Iran or Israel, but will continue flights to and from Tel Aviv, a destination not currently deemed risky. "Safety has the highest priority," KLM said.
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>>> Iranian attack on Israel expected ‘sooner rather than later’, says Joe Biden
President said US are ‘devoted to the defence of Israel’ as he urged Tehran to show restraint
The Guardian
by Peter Beaumont, Julian Borger and Patrick Wintour
Apr 12, 2024
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/12/france-diplomats-families-iran-israel-travel-warnings
Joe Biden has said he expects an Iranian attack on Israel “sooner rather than later” and issued a last-ditch message to Tehran: “Don’t.”
“We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden told reporters on Friday.
Earlier the White House national security spokesperson John Kirby warned that the threat of a significant Iranian attack on Israel remains “viable” despite Washington-led efforts, including calls to Tehran from the UK and Germany, to deter a serious escalation in the conflict in the Middle East.
The White House comments came as several countries, including India, France, Poland and Russia, warned their citizens against travel to the region and Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, said his country was “prepared to defend [itself] on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners”.
Later CBS, quoting two unnamed US officials, reported that a substantial missile and drone attack could be launched as early as Friday evening, as a number of countries urgently warned their nationals of the risk of escalating violence in the region, and Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, convened a security assessment.
Appearing to underline that report, Javad Karimi-Ghodousi, a member of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, said: “After punishing the Zionist regime in the coming hours, this villain will understand that henceforth, wherever in the world it attempts to assassinate figures of the resistance front, it will again be punished with Iranian missiles.”
German airline Lufthansa said on Friday its planes would no longer use Iranian airspace and extended its suspension of flights to and from Tehran until Thursday.
Qantas has paused its non-stop flights from Perth to London because the 17-and-a-half-hour flight is possible only by using Iranian airspace.
Iran has threatened reprisals against Israel for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on 1 April, in which seven members of the Revolutionary Guards including two generals were killed, sparking fears that an already volatile climate in the Middle East could quickly spiral further.
Tehran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said on Thursday that Iran felt it had no choice but to respond to the deadly attack on its diplomatic mission after the UN security council failed to take action.
Speaking to reporters, Kirby said the prospect of an Iranian attack on Israel was “still a viable threat” despite concerted efforts by Israel and the US in recent days to deter it.
“We are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks,” Kirby said. He confirmed that the head of US Central Command, Gen Erik Kurilla, was in Israel talking with defence officials about how Israel could be best prepared.
Israel has said it is strengthening air defences and has paused leave for combat units.
On Friday, France ordered the evacuation of diplomats’ families and warned nationals in several other countries, including Israel and Lebanon, and alerts were issued by Canada and Australia. The US also restricted travel within Israel for US diplomats and their families.
In its strong warning on Friday, the French foreign ministry advised citizens against travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories and said French civil servants were banned from conducting any missions there.
The advisories followed a number of media reports that Israel was preparing for the prospect of an attack from Iran, possibly as soon as this weekend.
A US official told the Wall Street Journal that American intelligence reports indicated an Iranian retaliatory strike “possibly on Israeli soil” as opposed to against Israeli interests elsewhere, adding that the strike could come within 24 to 48 hours.
The same report, however, also reported an individual briefed by the Iranian leadership as saying no final decision had been taken by Tehran.
While analysts had initially speculated that Iran may not rush into a response, concern has grown in the last two days over the potential for direct conflict between Iran and Israel after years of proxy conflict between the two enemies.
More recently experts have suggested that Iran now feels it is required to act militarily to restore its balance of deterrence with Israel.
On Wednesday, Joe Biden said Iran was threatening a “significant attack” against Israel and that Washington would do all it could to protect Israel’s security.
The US president’s comments in turn followed a televised speech by Iran’s leader saying the attack in Damascus was equivalent to an attack on Iran itself. “When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said. “The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished.”
The Israeli military said it was fully prepared for any strike. Israel was “on alert and highly prepared for various scenarios, and we are constantly assessing the situation,” the Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, R Adm Daniel Hagari, said at a press conference. “We are ready for attack and defence using a variety of capabilities that the IDF has, and also ready with our strategic partners.”
According to reports in the Israeli media, the IDF believes that Iran or one of its proxies are most likely to attempt to strike a military target rather than civilian centres, although some sites such as the Kirya, Israel’s defence headquarters in Tel Aviv, are located in city centres next to shopping malls, offices and restaurants.
Concern over a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict, which has already drawn in Hezbollah in Lebanon, pro-Iranian groups in Iraq and Yemen’s Houthis, came as Israeli forces continued to fight Palestinian militants in the north and centre of the Gaza Strip.
Residents of al-Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza said dozens were dead or wounded after Israeli bombardment from air, land and sea that had followed a surprise ground assault on Thursday, and that houses and two mosques had been destroyed.
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>>> Axon is using technology to benefit society
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/forget-nvidia-likely-next-once-113000380.html
Justin Pope (Axon Enterprise): Years from now, investors may look back at Axon as a generational company that hid in plain sight. The company started with Tasers but has evolved into a full-fledged technology business offering cloud-based solutions for law enforcement.
In addition to non-lethal weapons, Axon sells body cameras and cloud-based software for evidence management and law enforcement operations. These products help protect law enforcement and citizens, ensuring accountability from all parties.
Axon's revenue has grown virtually uninterrupted for years, benefiting from dependable government budgets:
Today, Axon has over 17,000 customers, and the business boasts a 122% net revenue retention rate, meaning that solid growth is baked into the business even without it acquiring new customers.
The stock has already been a big winner. Shares have returned a staggering 54,000% over their lifetime. Axon could continue to deliver. The business still does "just" $1.5 billion in annual revenue.
Management estimates that its current addressable market is $63 billion, leaving a clear opportunity for growth over the coming decade and beyond.
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>>> Military's Ospreys are cleared to return to flight, 3 months after latest fatal crash in Japan
by TARA COPP and MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press
3-8-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/military-s-ospreys-are-cleared-to-return-to-flight-3-months-after-latest-fatal-crash-in-japan/ar-BB1jy83b
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Osprey, a workhorse aircraft vital to U.S. military missions, has been approved to return to flight after an “unprecedented” part failure led to the deaths of eight service members in a crash in Japan in November, Naval Air Systems Command announced Friday.
The crash was the second fatal accident in months and the fourth in two years. It quickly led to a rare fleet-wide grounding of hundreds of Ospreys across the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy.
Before clearing the Osprey, which can fly like an airplane and then convert to a helicopter, officials said they put increased attention on its proprotor gearbox, instituted new limitations on how it can be flown and added maintenance inspections and requirements that gave them confidence it could safely return to flight.
The entire fleet was grounded Dec. 6, just a week after eight Air Force Special Operations Command service members were killed when their CV-22B Osprey crashed off Yakushima island.
Before lifting the flight restrictions the military also briefed officials in Japan, where public opinion on the Osprey is mixed, on the crash findings and new safety measures. In a statement Friday, Japan defense minister Minoru Kihara said his nation would likewise return its 14 Ospreys to flight status following an "adequate” analysis of the cause of the crash, extremely detailed information on the accident and the steps to mitigate the issue in the future.
Kihara said Japan and the United States will closely coordinate the timeline for resuming flights in Japan, to give the government time to “thoroughly” explain the issue to its citizens.
However, Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki did not support the return to flight. Okinawa is home to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and its 24 MV-22B Ospreys and is where the public has been most vocal in its opposition to the aircraft.
“It would be best if they stay on the ground, as we have all along requested scrapping of the Osprey deployment,” Tamaki said.
Officials who briefed reporters Wednesday ahead of the flight restrictions lifting said that they quickly grounded the entire fleet in December because it became clear that the way the Osprey part failed in that crash was something they had not seen before on the tiltrotor aircraft.
While the officials did not identify the specific component, because the Air Force's crash investigation is still not completed, they said they now have a better — but not complete — understanding of why it failed.
“This is the first time that we’ve seen this particular component fail in this way. And so this is unprecedented,” said Marine Corps Col. Brian Taylor, V-22 joint program manager at Naval Air Systems Command, or NAVAIR, which is responsible for the V-22 program servicewide.
However, the decision by the Department of Defense to return to flight before separate congressional investigations on the Osprey program are complete drew criticism from the chair of the House Oversight Committee.
“DoD is lifting the Osprey grounding order despite not providing the Oversight Committee and the American people answers about the safety of this aircraft,” said Rep. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican. “Serious concerns remain, such as accountability measures put in place to prevent crashes, a general lack of transparency, how maintenance and operational upkeep is prioritized, and how DoD assesses risks.”
A former Osprey pilot familiar with the investigation confirmed that the component in question is part of the proprotor gearbox, a critical system that includes gearing and clutches that connect the Osprey’s engine to the rotor to turn it.
The services have done a “deep dive” into the proprotor gearbox, and the new safety measures “will address the issues we saw from that catastrophic event,” the head of Air Force Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, said Wednesday.
“I have confidence that we know enough now to return to fly,” he said.
The proprotor gearbox system as a whole is a recurring trouble spot for the Osprey. Service safety data obtained by The Associated Press show dozens of instances among the Marine Corps and Air Force Ospreys in which power surges, sudden loss of oil pressure due to leaks, engine fires or chipping — when the metal components inside the gearbox shed sometimes dangerous metal chips — have damaged the proprotor gearbox in flight, sometimes requiring emergency landings.
Other components of the proprotor gearbox, including the sprag clutch and input quill assembly, have been factors in previous crashes, and the services have made changes, such as replacing those parts on a more frequent basis.
The services are also looking closely at the material that the failed part is made of and how it is manufactured, Bauernfeind said. NAVAIR is also running further tests to give the services more insight into why the component failed.
“It was a single component that failed in such a way that led to catastrophic consequences,” Bauernfeind said.
After that testing is complete, he said, some of the operational safety controls now placed on the Osprey may be lessened “to give us greater flexibility with the platform."
The investigation, known as an accident investigation board, will be made public and is expected to be completed within the next two months.
The proprotor gearbox failure was first reported by NBC News.
Crews have not flown now for more than 90 days — a factor that will make their return to flight more dangerous. The services said Wednesday they are taking a cautious approach that could last from 30 days to several months to retrain their crews before their Osprey squadrons are back to normal flight operations.
The Osprey has been in development for four decades but only became operational in 2007. The U.S. military has flown the Osprey about 750,000 hours and relied on its ability to fly long distances quickly like a plane and then convert to a helicopter to conduct operations in the Middle East and Africa, where some Marine Corps squadrons received an exemption to the flight ban because it was so critical to the mission.
In future needs to counter China, the military has planned on using the Osprey in the Indo-Pacific to operate throughout islands that lack the airfields necessary for traditional aircraft.
But it has also been a controversial, first-generation design of military tiltrotor technology that has recorded more than 14 major accidents that have killed 59 people and in some instances led to the loss of the aircraft, which costs between $70 million and $90 million depending on the variant.
None of the services is planning on new production orders of the V-22, which is produced by a joint venture between Bell Flight and Boeing. The Army has contracted with Bell Flight to buy the Osprey’s successor, the Bell V-280 Valor, which is a tiltrotor like the Osprey but smaller and with an important design change — the engines stay in a fixed, horizontal position. On the Osprey, the rotors and entire nacelle that houses the engine and proprotor gearbox tilt to a vertical position when it flies in helicopter mode.
The Marine Corps operates the vast majority of the Ospreys, with more than 240 currently assigned to its 17 squadrons. Its aviation mission is dependent on the aircraft returning to flight, and the Marine Corps is committed to the Osprey remaining in its fleet through the 2050s, said Marine Corps assistant deputy commandant for aviation Brig. Gen. Richard Joyce.
“There is no taking our eye off of V-22 and the years of service life that it has in front of us,” Joyce said.
The Air Force, which has the second most Ospreys in the fleet, with about 50 assigned to its special operations mission, however, suggested on Wednesday it may start to consider other options.
The early concepts for the Osprey date back to the 1980s, when the Iran hostage crisis exposed a need to have an airframe that could move fast and hover or land like a helicopter, Bauernfeind said.
And it’s met that need quite well, but it is still an older platform, he said. “I do think that it’s time for us to start talking about what is that next generation of capability that can replace what the V-22 does.”
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>>> What are space nukes, the 'indiscriminate' satellite weapon raising tensions between Washington and Moscow?
CNBC
2-22-24
by Karen Gilchrist
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/what-are-space-nukes-the-indiscriminate-satellite-weapon-raising-tensions-between-washington-and-moscow/ar-BB1iHaRO?cvid=7e761945afa14a34f58c0faa41d580fe&ei=59
A fresh spat between Washington and Moscow has raised alarm about the potential risk of a space-based nuclear satellite attack.
Russia on Tuesday denied U.S. claims that it was developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon whose detonation could cause chaos to communications systems on Earth.
Space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapons — or so-called space nukes — are a type of weapon designed to damage or destroy satellite systems, either for strategic military or disruptive purposes.
A fresh spat between Washington and Moscow has raised alarm about the potential risk of a space-based nuclear satellite attack which could cause chaos to critical communications systems on Earth.
Russia denied U.S. claims that it was developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon, with President Vladimir Putin saying Tuesday that the Kremlin was "categorically against" the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, and accusing the White House of scaring lawmakers into passing a new aid package for Ukraine.
It comes after a Reuters report emerged earlier Tuesday, citing one source, that said the U.S. believes Moscow is developing a space nuke whose detonation could knock out the satellites underpinning critical U.S. infrastructure, including military communications and mobile phone services. CNBC could not independently verify the report.
Alarm bells around Russia's nuclear advancements were first raised last week when U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner warned of a "serious national security threat" related to Russian capabilities in space.
President Joe Biden later said Moscow appears to be developing an anti-satellite weapon but noted that it posed no urgent "nuclear threat" to the U.S. people, and said that he hoped Russia would not deploy it. However, one source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that such a capability could be launched into orbit as soon as this year.
Analysts told CNBC that the deployment of such a weapon could cause "indiscriminate" damage, reaping havoc on the systems on which people rely for everyday services such as payments, GPS navigation and even the weather.
"Space is integral to our daily lives, whether we realize it or not," said Kari Bingen, director of the aerospace security project and senior fellow in the international security program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
What are space nukes and what disruption could they cause?
Space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapons — or so-called space nukes — are a type of weapon designed to damage or destroy satellite systems. That might be for strategic purposes, for instance to incapacitate an opponent's military operations, or disruptive aims, such as disabling civilian telecoms infrastructure.
A space nuke could be deployed either from Earth or from space, ultimately creating a huge electromagnetic pulse, or electrical surge, which could destroy satellites and fry electronic systems. The release of radiation into the Earth's magnetic field could also degrade space-based satellites over time — though it is unlikely that radiation would cause direct harm to humans.
"It's an indiscriminate weapon," Bingen said. "Detonation would be omnidirectional."
No such weapon has been used in warfare so far, though China, Russia and the U.S. have all used them to shoot down their own satellites in demonstrations of military might.
A hostile deployment could have serious ramifications for the extensive global satellite network.
As of April 2023, there were nearly 7,800 operational satellites in Earth's orbit, according to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, supporting everything from phone and internet networks to televisions, financial services, agricultural systems and space surveillance.
Satellites are also critical to military operations, helping to collect intelligence and detect missile launches as well as enabling navigation and communications. Starlink, the Elon Musk-owned satellite network, for instance, provided Ukrainian forces with uninterrupted communication on the battlefield at the start of the war — though concerns have since arisen that Russia is co-opting such services in occupied areas.
The precise nature of any Russian-made anti-satellite system is currently unclear. However, analysts told Reuters they believe it is likely to use nuclear energy to blind, jam or fry the electronics inside satellites — rather than being a nuclear warhead designed to shoot them down.
The potential impact of an anti-satellite attack would also depend on the altitude of the targeted device and its proximity to other satellites. Analysts told Bloomberg that damage to a satellite in low Earth orbit — the standard position of most commercial satellites — could fry other satellites for hundreds of miles.
"All of it depends on where a detonation would be and what satellites are in that vicinity," Bingen said.
How likely is an anti-satellite attack?
The deployment of a space-based nuclear weapon would mark a major advancement of Russia's military capabilities and a serious escalation of geopolitical tensions.
The U.S. has already said it believes that the system Russia is developing would violate the Outer Space Treaty — a 1967 agreement barring signatories, including Russia and the U.S., from placing "in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction."
Moreover, it would signal a direct effort to undermine U.S. national and economic security.
"They [Russia] have observed how important space capabilities are to our national security and our economic viability," Bingen said.
In the face of such vulnerabilities, the U.S. has been shifting its strategy for space architecture over recent administrations, opting for more widely distributed models comprised of more numerous and smaller satellites. But significant vulnerabilities remain.
"It is incredibly hard to defend against. There is no silver bullet solution," Bingen said.
The threat of nuclear conflict has been ratcheting up since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, marking a retreat from Cold War-era arms control treaties. In 2023, Putin suspended Russia's observation of the New START treaty, the last remaining accord limiting the size of nuclear arsenals in the U.S. and Russia.
Still, Bingen said she believes the use of such a tool would remain a "weapon of last resort" for Russia.
"It would be crossing a nuclear threshold, so that's still an incredibly grave decision. I would have to believe it would be more along the lines of a weapon of last resort," she said.
The next military frontier
Space is often positioned as the next geopolitical frontier, presenting a new domain for military combat and international disputes.
Space defense spending jumped to an estimated $54 billion in 2022, up from $45 billion the year prior, according to the latest figures from the U.S. nonprofit Space Foundation. The U.S. was seen to lead that charge, though the report acknowledged that official figures for Russia and China were harder to obtain.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told CNBC on Saturday that the military alliance had long been aware of the "challenges and threats" of space, and noted that it was ready to defend any space-based attack.
A 2021 revision to NATO's space policy said that an attack to, from or within space would present a "clear challenge" to the alliance and could lead to the invocation of its Article 5 mutual defense clause.
"NATO is prepared to defend all allies against any threat in any domain," he told CNBC's Silvia Amaro on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference.
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>>> A Houthi missile was just seconds from hitting a US warship. The Navy used its ‘last line of defense’
by Brad Lendon
CNN
February 2, 2024
https://www.yahoo.com/news/houthi-missile-just-seconds-hitting-062737193.html
A US warship’s destruction of an incoming Houthi missile in the Red Sea this week marks the first use in this conflict of an advanced weapons system dubbed the Navy’s “last line of defense.”
The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) was deployed by Navy destroyer the USS Gravely Tuesday night against what US officials said was a cruise missile that got as near as 1 mile to the ship – and therefore seconds from impact.
The automated Phalanx system features Gatling guns that can fire up to 4,500 20-millimeter rounds a minute, engaging projectiles or other targets at extremely close range.
“The Phalanx weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats on land and at sea,” manufacturer Raytheon says on its website page titled, “Last line of defense.”
US warships have defeated dozens of previous Houthi missile attacks using longer-range defenses, likely the Standard SM-2, Standard SM-6 and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, analysts say. Those defensive missiles engage their targets at ranges of 8 miles (about 12 kilometers) or more.
But on Tuesday night that didn’t happen for reasons that have not been revealed.
Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said it was “concerning” that the Houthi missile got so close to a US warship.
“If it’s going at a pretty good clip, 1 mile translates to not very long in terms of time,” Karako said.
Analyst Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain, said the Houthi missile, traveling at about 600 mph (965 kph), was likely about 4 seconds from hitting the US warship when it was destroyed by what was likely a 2- to 3-second burst of machine gun fire by the Gravely’s Phalanx system.
He noted that destroying an incoming missile at a 1-mile distance doesn’t necessarily prevent warships from being hit with debris.
“The missiles don’t evaporate when destroyed, they send out thousands of fragments and missile frame parts,” Schuster said. “The good news is that the lighter parts decelerate quickly, but large chunks can fly up to 500 meters (more than 500 yards).”
The closer the incoming missile is to the ship when destroyed, the more danger there is to the vessel, with larger chunks able to penetrate unarmored parts of the hull and superstructure from about 200 meters (more than 200 yards) out, Schuster said.
In a case of a subsonic cruise missile like that encountered by the Gravely on Tuesday, “depending on if the warhead detonates, debris size, missile flight angle and altitude at the time of missile destruction, about 2% of the debris might reach the ship,” he said.
Up to 70% of debris from missiles that travel at a faster speed, such as supersonic cruise missiles or ballistic missiles, would likely hit a warship after being engaged by the Phalanx, he said.
The Phalanx has a limited height range, so it may not even be able to engage ballistic missiles falling from above a warship, Schuster added.
Even with those caveats, the Phalanx is an important armament for the US Navy.
Since its introduction in 1980, it is now installed on all US Navy surface ships, and at least 24 US allies also use it, according to Raytheon, which notes the land-based version has seen combat before.
Whether it comes into further use in the current hostilities in the Red Sea remains to be seen. But the Iran-backed Houthis show no signs of slowing their attacks on commercial shipping and warships in the waters around their base in Yemen, which they claim are retaliation against Israel for its war in Gaza.
A day after the attack on the Gravely, US Central Command reported another US destroyer, the USS Carney, had shot down incoming anti-ship missiles and drones. And on Thursday, US forces shot down a Houthi drone over the Gulf of Aden and destroyed a surface drone in the Red Sea, it said.
Meanwhile, two ballistic missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen missed targets in the Red Sea, Central Command said.
Regional conflict
The attacks on Red Sea shipping are just some of the dozens that have been made by Iranian proxy groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq since the war in Gaza erupted last October.
The deadliest of those for the US military occurred last Sunday, when a drone strike on a US outpost in Jordan killed three American soldiers. The US believes an umbrella group of militants called Islamic Resistance in Iraq was behind the attack.
President Joe Biden told reporters Tuesday he had made a decision about the US response to the strike, but declined to provide further details.
Options for the Biden administration could involve strikes on Iranian assets in the region — but striking inside Iran itself is highly unlikely, officials said, since Washington is not seeking a direct war with Tehran.
US officials told CNN this week there are signs Iran may be growing worried its proxies are taking the attacks on US interests too far, threatening to disrupt the global economy and significantly increasing the risk of a direct confrontation.
But some current and former US officials are skeptical that Iran will substantively change its tactics. One US military official based in the Middle East said Iran is “quite happy with how things are going.”
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>>> Middle East escalation fears spike as Houthis launch most damaging attack yet
CNBC
by Natasha Turak
2-20-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/middle-east-escalation-fears-spike-as-houthis-launch-most-damaging-attack-yet/ar-BB1iA9RC?cvid=24ea94dab2584ee681d18b29704adf34&ei=61
The crew of the British-owned carrier MV Rubymar were forced to abandon ship in the Gulf of Aden after "two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched" from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, according to U.S. Central Command.
Meanwhile, Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues as alarm grows over a potential ground offensive into Rafah, where some 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Twenty-six EU countries have issued a warning against Israel's offensive in Rafah, saying it would only deepen the humanitarian catastrophe there.
The Middle East looks set for a path of escalation on multiple fronts as Israeli forces close in on what is left of southern Gaza, and as Yemen's Houthi rebels launch their most damaging strike yet on a ship in the Red Sea.
The crew of the British-owned, Belize-flagged bulk carrier MV Rubymar were forced to abandon ship in the Gulf of Aden on Monday, receiving help from a nearby merchant vessel and coalition warship to reach a nearby port after "two anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen," according to U.S. Central Command.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group's responsibility for the attack, calling it their most severe yet. The group claim to support Palestinian civilians amid Israel's retaliatory military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
"The ship was severely damaged, leading to its complete halt … It is now at risk of sinking in the Gulf Aden," Saree said Monday.
Simultaneously, fighting is raging between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip with no sign of abating despite diplomatic efforts by a number of countries.
Israel's government has warned of a potential ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza's southern corner along the Egyptian border where more than 1.5 million Palestinians — the majority of whom were displaced from other parts of Gaza — are sheltering, mostly in makeshift tents with very little access to food, water and medicine.
More than 29,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel's offensive on the blockaded territory began on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented terror attack on Israel that killed roughly 1,200 people and took another 240 hostage.
"I think unfortunately, we need to be prepared for more escalation really on two fronts," Charles Myers, chairman and founder of advisory firm Signum Global Advisors, told CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Tuesday.
"The Houthis are proving to be far more effective at disrupting international maritime trade," Myers said.
"And the military response so far from the U.S. and the U.K. has not diminished or degraded their capability, which means we need a much larger military response from the U.S. and the U.K. in the next several days to try to take out more of these capabilities, so we need to watch that on the other side."
Meanwhile, "Israel I think is going to continue on their path of conquering Gaza in the next four to six weeks," Myers said. "They are then now already focused on the second phase of their war, which is to push Hezbollah 32 kilometers back into Lebanon, which is even more controversial in a way from a geopolitical or military perspective. And we need to see what Hezbollah does to respond to Israel."
Hezbollah, the powerfully-armed Lebanese Shia militant and organization backed by Iran, is also engaged in regular exchanges of fire with Israeli forces as well as attacks on Israeli military installations, while Israel has carried out assassinations of senior Hezbollah and Hamas figures in Beirut. A full-on war between the two would be devastating for both sides, regional analysts say.
Mounting alarm over planned Israeli assault on Rafah
Twenty-six EU countries — every member of the bloc except Hungary — have issued a warning against Israel's offensive in Rafah, saying it would only deepen the humanitarian catastrophe there.
EU foreign ministers called in a joint statement for an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a lasting cease-fire. Even the U.S., Israel's staunchest backer, proposed a rival draft U.N. Security Council resolution, and called for a temporary cease-fire as well — the first time the U.S. has used the word cease-fire in any U.N. action related to the war.
Israel's government has so far rejected the calls, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that anyone telling Israel not to invade Rafah is telling it to lose the war.
Still, the government hasn't fully committed to the assault, with some ministers saying that it will only go ahead if Israeli hostages are not released by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins around March 8.
Asked by CNBC's Dan Murphy if there was anything the international community could do to stop Israel's planned offensive into Rafah, Myers replied in the negative.
"No; I think at this point the war cabinet in Israel is going to continue on their path, which they've told the world ... is the full conquest of Gaza. We may get a temporary cease-fire, which they're working on between the U.S., Qatar, Israel and other countries. But even if it is a temporary cease-fire, Israel will go right back in and finish, they will take Rafah," he said.
Myers noted that the Biden administration has been more critical than ever of Israel's plans, openly opposing any incursion into Rafah. But that still likely won't be enough to force Israel to change course, he said.
"Even the Biden administration, which has had a rhetorical pivot in the last week on Gaza, really ratcheting up the rhetoric and the sort of threats to Israel saying 'please slow down, please stop, please be more mindful of all the civilian casualties', for example ... I think even with that pivot, Israel is going to keep doing exactly what they're doing."
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>>> Axon Enterprise, Inc. (AXON) develops, manufactures, and sells conducted energy devices (CEDs) under the TASER brand in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Software and Sensors, and TASER. The company also offers hardware and cloud-based software solutions that enable law enforcement to capture, securely store, manage, share, and analyze video and other digital evidence. Its products include TASER 7, TASER X26P, TASER X2, TASER Consumer devices, and related cartridges; on-officer body cameras, Axon Fleet in-car systems, and other devices; Axon Evidence digital evidence management software-as-a-service; Axon Signal enabled devices, as well as hardware extended warranties; and Axon docks, cartridges, and batteries. It sells its products through its direct sales force, distribution partners, online store, and third-party resellers. Axon Enterprise, Inc. has a strategic partnership with Fusus, Inc. to expand the capabilities of Axon Respond and the Fusus Real-Time Crime Center in the Cloud solution to provide agencies real-time operations situational awareness. The company was formerly known as TASER International, Inc. and changed its name to Axon Enterprise, Inc. in April 2017. Axon Enterprise, Inc. was incorporated in 1993 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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>>> Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community in the United States to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform. It also offers Palantir Foundry, a platform that transforms the ways organizations operate by creating a central operating system for their data; and allows individual users to integrate and analyze the data they need in one place. In addition, it provides Palantir Apollo, a software that enables customers to deploy their own software virtually in any environment. Palantir Technologies Inc. was incorporated in 2003 and is based in Denver, Colorado.
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>>> Palantir stock surge shows investors haven’t had enough of AI — yet
Yahoo Finance
by Josh Schafer
February 6, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/palantir-stock-surge-shows-investors-havent-had-enough-of-ai--yet-150712969.html
Palantir (PLTR) stock soared more than 30% Tuesday as investors cheered the defense software maker's latest artificial intelligence advancements.
"I've never before seen the level of customer enthusiasm and demand that we are currently seeing from [artificial intelligence platforms] in US commercial," Palantir chief revenue officer Ryan Taylor told investors during the company's earnings call on Monday night.
The software company's Artificial Intelligence Platform, or AIP, was mentioned nearly 50 times throughout the call. And, according to Palantir, it's a key reason it expects US commercial revenue to grow nearly 40% in 2024.
It's also the reason the stock surged more than 100% over the past year, as AI euphoria sent many tech stocks roaring. Amid calls that Denver-based Palantir's stock was already overvalued, Tuesday's market action is the latest sign that investors haven't had enough of the AI trade — even if Wall Street believes parts of the trade have extended beyond any fundamental backing.
"We are incredibly bullish on Palantir," Morningstar equity analyst Malik Ahmed Khan told Yahoo Finance Live. "If you look at our forecasts you would see us being above consensus on profitability, on revenue, etc."
"At the same time," he added, "we cannot rationalize Palantir's current valuation in the base case."
Jefferies equity analyst Brent Thill, who entered the earnings report with a Sell rating on Palantir, conceded in a research note after the release that the AIP growth is exceeding expectations. But even after upgrading the stock to a Hold rating, Thill still warned about the cost of the stock.
"The biggest concern is valuation with [the] stock trading at a 23% premium to the large cap average," Thill wrote.
It's not just Palantir that's been catching a fresh bid on AI hopes to start 2024. On Monday, Goldman Sachs boosted its price target on Nvidia stock (NVDA) to $800 from $625, citing "robust AI demand" among other things. The stock jumped almost 5% to a fresh all-time high.
Also, IBM (IBM) stock is up about 15% over the past month after AI demand fueled a revenue beat. AI leader Microsoft (MSFT) saw a muted reaction to earnings, even as the company credited AI services with 6 percentage points of growth to Azure revenue. But in fairness, the stock is also trading just short of an all-time high and is up more than 10% in the last month. The same could be said for AMD (AMD), which didn't soar on its AI-driven earnings beat but is up over 25% in the last month and hovering near an all-time high.
The moves raise the question for investors: When will AI euphoria reach a price that they are no longer willing to pay? To Khan at Morningstar, that could rely on how the US economy performs for the rest of the year.
"There is a chance that if the economy remains strong, customers will continue to invest in some of those newer growth areas," Khan said. "At the same time, if we're looking at a recession or we're looking at something else going on in the wider economy and the economy is not as strong at that point, you will probably have investors sort of dial back some of their investments."
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Rickards - >>> Could AI Start Nuclear War?
BY JAMES RICKARDS
JANUARY 22, 2024
https://dailyreckoning.com/could-ai-start-nuclear-war/
Could AI Start Nuclear War?
I’ve covered a wide variety of potential crises over the years. These include natural disasters, pandemics, social unrest and financial collapse. That’s a daunting list.
One thing I haven’t done is to cover the greatest potential calamity of all — nuclear war. For the reasons explained below, now is the time to consider it.
Nuclear warfighting is back in the air. The subject is receiving more attention today than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and its aftermath. There are three reasons for this.
The first is American accusations that Russia would escalate to use nuclear weapons as it grew more desperate in its conduct of the war in Ukraine. These accusations were always false and are risible now that Russia is clearly winning the war with conventional arms.
Still, the threats and counter-threats were enough to put the topic in play.
The second reason is the war between Israel and Hamas. Again, escalation is the concern. One not implausible scenario has Hezbollah in southern Lebanon opening a second front on Israel’s northern border with intensive missile bombardment.
Houthi rebels in Yemen would join the attack. Since Hezbollah and the Houthis are both Shia Muslims and Iranian proxies, Israel could attack Iran as the source of the escalation.
Israel is a nuclear power. With a U.S. aircraft carrier battle group and a nuclear attack submarine in the region, and with nuclear powers Russia and Pakistan standing by to assist Iran, the prospect of escalation to a nuclear exchange is real.
The escalating tensions between Iran and Pakistan just this week add even more fuel to the fire.
The third reason is artificial intelligence and GPT output. Although artificial intelligence can provide profitable opportunities for investors in many sectors of the market, AI/GPT may also be the greatest threat to nuclear escalation because it has an internal logic that’s inconsistent with the human logic that has kept nuclear peace for the past 80 years.
I’ve covered Ukraine and Israel extensively, and they’re widely covered in the news. But today, I’m addressing the risks of nuclear war from AI/GPT. It’s a threat you’re not hearing anything about, but it needs to be addressed.
Let’s start with a fictional movie. The paradigmatic portrayal of an accidental nuclear war is the 1964 film Fail Safe. In the film, U.S. radar detects an intrusion into U.S. airspace by an unidentified but potentially hostile aircraft.
The U.S. Air Force soon determines that the aircraft is an off-course civilian airliner. In the meantime, a computer responding to the intrusion erroneously orders a U.S. strategic bomber group led by Col. Jack Grady to commence a nuclear attack on Moscow.
U.S. efforts to rescind the order and recall the bombers fail because of Soviet jamming of radio channels. The president orders the military to shoot down the bombers and fighter jets are scrambled for that purpose.
The fighters use afterburners to catch the bombers, but they fail, and the increased fuel consumption causes them to plunge into the Arctic Sea.
The president next communicates with the Soviet premier who agrees to stop the jamming. The president speaks with the attack bomber group leader to call off the attack, but the crew has been trained to disregard such pleas as a Soviet ploy.
The U.S. then offers the Soviets’ technical assistance in helping to shoot down the bombers. The planes are almost all shot down, but one makes it through. The president puts Col. Grady’s wife on the radio; he hesitates but is soon preoccupied with evading Soviet missiles. He then decides his wife’s voice is another deception.
Anticipating the worst and seeking to avoid a full-scale nuclear war, the president orders a U.S. nuclear bomber to fly over New York City knowing the first lady is in New York.
In the end, Moscow is destroyed by a U.S. nuclear weapon and the president orders a nuclear bomb to be dropped on New York City using the Empire State Building as ground zero. The expectation is that the sacrifice of New York in exchange for Moscow will end the escalation, but that is not portrayed in the film.
The next step is left in doubt.
Although Fail Safe is 60 years old, the issues it raises and some of the plot twists are strikingly contemporary. The computer error that caused the attack in the film is never explained technically, yet that’s not highly relevant.
Computer errors occur all the time in critical infrastructure and can cause real harm including power blackouts and train wrecks. Such computer errors are the essence of the debate over AI in strategic systems today.
Read on to see why…
Could AI Start a Nuclear War?
By Jim Rickards
AI in a command-and-control context can either malfunction and issue erroneous orders as in Fail Safe or, more likely, function as designed yet issue deadly prescriptions based on engineering errors, skewed training sets or strange emergent properties from correlations that humans can barely perceive.
Perhaps most familiar to contemporary audiences are the failed efforts of the president and Col. Grady’s wife to convince the bomber commander to call off the attack. Grady had been trained to expect such efforts and to treat them as deceptions.
Today, such deceptions would be carried out with deepfake video and audio transmissions. Presumably, the commander’s training and dismissal of the pleas would be the same despite the more sophisticated technology behind them. Technology advances yet aspects of human behavior are unchanged.
Another misunderstanding, this one real not fictional, that came close to causing a nuclear war was a 1983 incident codenamed Able Archer.
The roots of Able Archer go back to May 1981 when then General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Leonid Brezhnev and KGB head Yuri Andropov (later general secretary) disclosed to senior Soviet leaders their view that the U.S. was secretly preparing to launch a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union.
Andropov then announced a massive intelligence collection effort to track the people who would be responsible for launching and implementing such an attack along with their facilities and communications channels.
At the same time, the Reagan administration began a series of secret military operations that aggressively probed Soviet waters with naval assets and flew directly toward Soviet airspace with strategic bombers that backed away only at the last instant.
These advances were ostensibly to test Soviet defenses but had the effect of playing to Soviet perceptions that the U.S. was planning a nuclear attack.
Analysts agree that the greatest risk of escalation and actual nuclear war arises when perceptions of the two sides vary in such a way as to make rational assessment of the escalation dynamic impossible. The two sides are on different paths making different calculations.
Tensions rose further in 1983 when the U.S. Navy flew F-14 Tomcat fighter jets over a Soviet military base in the Kuril Islands and the Soviets responded by flying over Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. On Sept. 1, 1983, Soviet fighter jets shot down Korean Air Lines Flight 007 over the Sea of Japan. A U.S. Congressman was onboard.
On November 4, 1983, the U.S. and NATO allies commenced an extensive war game codenamed Able Archer. This was intended to simulate a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union following a series of escalations.
The problem was that the escalations were written out in the war game briefing books but not actually simulated. The transition from conventional warfare to nuclear wargame was simulated.
This came at a time when the Soviets and the KGB were actively looking for signs of a nuclear attack. The simulations involving NATO Command, Control and Communications protocols were highly realistic including participation by German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The Soviets plausibly believed that the war game was actually cover for a real attack.
In the belief that the U.S. was planning a nuclear first-strike, the Soviets determined that their only course to survive was to launch a preemptive first strike of their own. They ordered nuclear warheads to be placed on Soviet Air Army strategic bombers and put nuclear attack aircrafts in Poland and East Germany on high alert.
This real life near nuclear war had a backstory that is even more chilling. The Soviets had previously built an early warning radar system with computer linkages using a primitive kind of AI codenamed Oko.
On September 26, 1983, just two months before Able Archer, the system malfunctioned and reported five incoming ICBMs from the United States. Oko alarms sounded and the computer screen flashed “LAUNCH.” Under the protocols, the LAUNCH display was not a warning but a computer-generated order to retaliate.
Lt. Col. Stanislov Petrov of the Soviet Air Defense Forces saw the computer order and had to immediately choose between treating the order as a computer malfunction or alerting his senior officers who would likely commence a nuclear counterattack.
Petrov was a co-developer of Oko and knew the system made mistakes. He also estimated that if the attack were real, the U.S. would use far more than five missiles. Petrov was right. The computer had misread the sun’s reflection off some clouds as incoming missiles.
Given the tensions of the day and the KGB’s belief that a nuclear attack could come at any time, Petrov risked the future of the Soviet Union to override the Oko system. He relied on a combination of inference, experience, and gut instinct to disable the kill-chain.
The incident remained secret until well after the end of the Cold War. In time, Petrov was praised as “The Man Who Saved the World.”
The threat of nuclear war due to AI comes not just from the nuclear-armed powers but from third parties and non-state actors using AI to create what are called catalytic nuclear disasters. The term catalytic refers to chemical agents that cause volatile reactions among other compounds without themselves being part of the reaction.
As applied in international relations, it refers to agents who might prompt a nuclear war among the great powers without themselves being involved in the war. That could leave the weak agent in a relatively strong position once the great powers had destroyed themselves.
AI/GPT systems have already found their way into the nuclear warfighting process. It will be up to humans to keep their role marginal and data oriented, not decision oriented. Given the history of technology in warfare from bronze spears to hypersonic missiles, it’s difficult to conclude AI/GPT will be so contained. If not, we will all pay the price.
Ukraine, Gaza, and AI all raise the odds of a nuclear war considerably. The financial implications of this for investors are simple. In case of nuclear war, stocks, bonds, cash and other financial assets will be worthless. Exchanges and banks will be closed. The only valuable assets will be land, gold and silver.
It’s a good idea to have all three — just in case.
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>>> Iran launches 3 satellites into space that are part of a Western-criticized program as tensions rise
By JON GAMBRELL
Associated Press
1-28-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/iran-launches-3-satellites-into-space-that-are-part-of-a-western-criticized-program-as-tensions-rise/ar-BB1hn1vw?OCID=ansmsnnews11
JERUSALEM (AP) — Iran said Sunday it successfully launched three satellites into space with a rocket that had multiple failures in the past, the latest for a program that the West says improves Tehran's ballistic missiles.
The launch comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, sparking fears of a regional conflict.
While Iran has not intervened militarily in the conflict, it has faced increased pressure within its theocracy for action after a deadly Islamic State suicide bombing earlier this month and as proxy groups like Yemen's Houthi rebels conduct attacks linked to the war. Meanwhile, Western nations remain worried about Iran's rapidly expanding nuclear program.
Footage released by Iranian state television showed a nighttime launch for the Simorgh rocket. An Associated Press analysis of the footage showed that it took place at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Iran’s rural Semnan province.
“The roar of the Simorgh (rocket) resonated in our country’s sky and infinite space," said Abbas Rasooli, a state TV reporter, in the footage.
State TV named the launched satellites Mahda, Kayhan-2 and Hatef-1. It described the Mahda as a research satellite, while the Kayhan and the Hatef were nanosatellites focused on global positioning and communication respectively. Iran's Information and Communications Technology Minister Isa Zarepour said the Mahda had already sent signals back to Earth.
There have been five failed launches in a row for the Simorgh program, a satellite-carrying rocket. The Simorgh, or “Phoenix,” rocket failures have been part of a series of setbacks in recent years for Iran's civilian space program, including fatal fires and a launchpad rocket explosion that drew the attention of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The footage showed the rocket launched Sunday bore the slogan “We Can" in Farsi, likely referring to the previous failures.
The Simorgh is a two-stage, liquid-fueled rocket the Iranians described as being designed to place satellites into a low Earth orbit.
However, the U.S. intelligence community’s 2023 worldwide threat assessment said the development of satellite launch vehicles “shortens the timeline” for Iran to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile because it uses similar technology. That report specifically cites the Simorgh as a possible dual-use rocket.
The United States has previously said Iran’s satellite launches defy a U.N. Security Council resolution and called on Tehran to undertake no activity involving ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. U.N. sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic missile program expired last October.
Under Iran’s relatively moderate former President Hassan Rouhani, the Islamic Republic slowed its space program for fear of raising tensions with the West. However, in the time since, the 2015 nuclear deal Rouhani shepherded with world powers has collapsed and tensions have been boiling for years with the U.S.
Hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, a protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who came to power in 2021, has pushed the program forward. Meanwhile, Iran enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels and enough material for several atomic bombs, though U.S. intelligence agencies and others assess Tehran has not begun actively seeking a nuclear weapon.
On Friday, France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemned an Iranian satellite launch on Jan. 20, similarly calling it capable of helping Iran develop long-range ballistic missiles.
“We have longstanding concerns over Iran’s activity related to ballistic missile technologies that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons,” the countries said. “These concerns are reinforced by Iran’s continued nuclear escalation beyond all credible civilian justification.”
Tehran maintains the largest arsenal of ballistic missiles in the Mideast, in part due to decades of sanctions following its 1979 Islamic Revolution and the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis blocking it from advanced fighter jets and other weapon systems.
The U.S. military and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment Sunday. However, the U.S. military has quietly acknowledged the Jan. 20 launch conducted by the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was successful.
Meanwhile Sunday, the United Kingdom's Defense Ministry acknowledged one of its warships shot down a drone launched by the Houthi rebels from Yemen. The HMS Diamond shot down the drone with its Sea Viper missile system in the Red Sea, causing no damage or injuries, it said.
“These intolerable and illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and it is our duty to protect the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The Houthis did not acknowledge the attack. The rebels have said U.S. and British ships are now targets in their campaign of attacks that they say is aimed at pressuring Israel to stop the war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, their attacks increasingly have tenuous or no links to the war and have disrupted international trade.
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>>> Houthi Rebels Fire Missile At US Warship Amid Red Sea Conflict: 'They're Now Finally Calling A Spade A Spade'
Benzinga
1-27-24
by Navdeep Yadav
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/houthi-rebels-fire-missile-at-us-warship-amid-red-sea-conflict-they-re-now-finally-calling-a-spade-a-spade/ar-BB1hkMqo?ocid=ansmsnnews11&cvid=1acf1c1ff1af426597c43a42524e6ca0&ei=61
In a significant escalation of the ongoing maritime conflict, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have targeted a U.S. warship with a missile. The attack, which occurred in the Gulf of Aden, has further intensified the already volatile situation in the region.
What Happened: The Houthi rebels, who have been engaged in a series of aggressive attacks on maritime traffic, fired a missile at the USS Carney, a U.S. warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden. The U.S. Navy confirmed that the missile was successfully intercepted, reported the Associated Press on Friday.
This incident marks the first direct attack on a U.S. warship by the Houthi rebels since they began targeting shipping in October. The attack on the Carney is part of a series of aggressive actions by the rebels, including the striking of a British vessel on the same day.
Despite the U.S. and its allies’ efforts to downplay the situation, the Houthi rebels have continued their attacks, disrupting global trade in the region. The U.S. and Britain have responded with airstrikes on Houthi weapons sites in Yemen, a country that has been embroiled in conflict since the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said "They're now finally calling a spade a spade, and saying that, yeah, they're trying to attack our forces, they're trying to kill us."
Why It Matters: The recent attack on the U.S. warship comes in the wake of a warning issued by Chinese officials to Iran, urging them to control the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The warning, delivered during high-level meetings in Beijing and Tehran, highlighted the potential impact of the attacks on China’s business with Iran.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has been expressing increasing concern about Iran’s supply of advanced weaponry to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This assistance has significantly enhanced the rebels’ ability to disrupt international commerce and attack merchant vessels, despite ongoing U.S.-led airstrikes.
Following the recent airstrikes by the U.S. and the U.K., with the support of other nations, the Houthis have ordered U.S. and British nationals in Yemen to leave the country within a month. This decision was in response to the military strikes, which were carried out in retaliation for the group’s attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
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>>> Red Sea Turmoil Sends Economic Shockwaves Far and Wide
Bloomberg
by Enda Curran
Jan 23, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/red-sea-turmoil-sends-economic-000016179.html
(Bloomberg) — Two months of missile, drone and hijacking attacks against civilian ships in the Red Sea have caused the biggest diversion of international trade in decades, pushing up costs for shippers as far away as Asia and North America. The disruption is spreading, fueling fears of broader economic fallout.
Repeated rounds of retaliatory strikes by the US and its allies, as well as a multinational naval operation to patrol the waters, haven’t stopped the assaults by the Houthi militants that followed the start of the Israel-Hamas war. With sailors demanding double pay and insurance rates skyrocketing, shipping lines are steering clear of a waterway that normally carries 12% of the world’s seaborne trade.
More than 500 container ships that would have sailed through the Red Sea to and from the Suez Canal, carrying everything from clothing and toys to auto parts, are now adding two weeks to their routes to travel around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, according to Flexport. That’s about a quarter of all the container-shipping capacity in the world, according to the digital logistics platform.
“We haven’t seen costs increase this quickly since the last crunch in the pandemic,” said Vincent Iacopella, a logistics expert at Alba Wheels Up. Many of the underlying bottlenecks in supply chains remain, even though prices dropped last year as the Covid-19 disruptions faded, he said. The cost of shipping containers from China to the Mediterranean Sea has more than quadrupled since late November, according to Freightos, a cargo-booking company.
Shipping lines, as well as those that carry oil, say they’re planning for the upheaval to last months or more, with vessels for the longer route booked as far out as the summer. That means every company sending goods has more inventory tied up in transit and needs yet more in case containers get scarce. Already, the factories that make those ubiquitous metal cargo boxes are working flat out, according to Container xChange, an online industry platform. Ports as far away as Halifax, Nova Scotia report delays in getting ships, and higher costs.
Customers are scrambling to adapt. Volvo Car AB and Tesla Inc. have announced production suspensions at plants in Europe, citing the inability to get components from suppliers in Asia. British retailers Tesco Plc and, Marks & Spencer Group Plc have flagged the risk of higher costs. Maersk, the No. 2 container carrier, warned last week that disruptions will last for a few months at least. Though many companies say they still haven’t felt the effects, the longer the upheaval goes on, the wider the economic impact.
Underestimated Risks
“So far, many executives and investors have consistently undershot the potential for this risk to emerge,” said Alexis Crow, who specializes in geopolitics and long-term investing at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. “This is perhaps predicated on a misguided assumption that the Israel-Hamas conflict remains contained.”
Though there’s no sign the higher costs are boosting inflation yet, central bankers are already warning of the risks. Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, cited “the coming back of supply bottlenecks” as one of the four key risk factors she’s watching. Low water levels are already slowing flows through the Panama Canal.
A spike in oil prices would be another risk for inflation if the conflict disrupted supply.
“So far I think we have been lucky in that we haven’t seen an oil tanker get hit.” said Saad Rahim, chief economist at Trafigura Group, one of the world’s biggest commodity traders. “That could be really something that then focuses the mind.”
Bloomberg Economics says the upside risks from shipping costs could offer central banks another reason to delay interest-rate cuts. Economists at JPMorgan Chase & Co forecast a 0.7 percentage-point increase to global goods inflation during the first half of this year if the shipping crunch persists.
Higher Costs
“So far, we’ve mainly felt the higher costs,” said Rainer Grill, spokesman for Ziehl-Abegg SE, a manufacturer of ventilation technology based in Kuenzelsau, Germany. “The delays are particularly painful for individual shipments — such as components for new production plants that are on their way to Asia.”
Niels Rasmussen, chief shipping analyst at trade group Bimco, said the impact from the Red Sea crisis is already more severe than that from the Ever Given, the huge ship which ran aground and blocked the Suez Canal for about a week in 2021. If it continues, he said, the effect could rival the 1956 Suez Crisis, which left the canal closed for five months.
This time, Bloomberg Intelligence estimates the rerouting adds about 40% in voyage distance. For importers that means delays, higher costs, key components stuck on the high seas and air freight offering a limited alternative. The volume of shipments by plane from Vietnam to Europe — a major route for clothing — jumped 62% in the week ended Jan. 14, according to Oslo-based Xeneta. Other carriers are going overland via Kazakhstan, bypassing Russia to get goods to Europe.
US Casualties
On the turquoise waters off Yemen, there are signs the tensions may be getting worse.
On Tuesday, the Pentagon said the US and its allies had destroyed 25 Houthi missile facilities, days after President Joe Biden warned that strikes would continue for the foreseeable future.
“Deterrence is not a light switch,” US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer told ABC on Sunday. “We are taking out these stockpiles so they will not be able to conduct so many attacks over time. That will take time to play out.”
Read more: US, UK Strike Yemen’s Houthis Again to Stop Red Sea Attacks
Late Sunday, the US reported the first two deaths of soldiers involved in the operation. A pair of Navy SEAL commandos died during a night mission to board a dhow — a local boat frequently used by the Houthis to ferry supplies from their main backer, Iran.
The group’s assaults began a few weeks after Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel. So far, the Houthis haven’t done much damage, but shipping companies are spooked nonetheless.
Most of the Houthi attacks have come in and around the Bab el-Mandeb — which translates roughly from Arabic as ‘Gate of Tears’ — a narrow strait that vessels pass through to enter the Red Sea coming from the Indian Ocean.
The global attention is something the Houthis, a militant group from the remote mountains of Yemen, have been craving for years. The car-transport ship they hijacked in their first attack is now docked off the country’s coast, an attraction for local residents.
If it weren’t for the actions of the US and its allies, “we would not have become a regional and international force,” Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi Political Council, said in a phone interview from Sanaa. He vowed that the attacks will continue as long as Israel’s assault on Gaza and blockade of the enclave do. “We are confident that we will win regardless of how much they mobilize forces,” he said.
Iran Role
Iran counts the group along with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon in its “axis of resistance.” The Houthis’ arsenal includes ballistic and cruise missiles, some inherited from the Soviet-era stocks they captured in the civil war, upgraded with Iranian technology, according to military analysts.
“Iran trusts the Houthis a lot,” said Adnan Al-Gabarni, a Yemeni specialist on the militant group. Tehran provides support but “leaves a margin for the Houthis to act on their own.”
Supplies of oil and gas so far haven’t been affected dramatically.
The Red Sea route has become a key corridor for Russian oil cargoes in the wake of Europe's decision to stop buying from Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. The Houthis have said they won't target those ships, though two have been struck, apparently by accident. Some other producers are also using the route, hoping to avoid the Houthis’ wrath. Most Middle East crude bound for the US Gulf Coast already goes around the Cape of Good Hope because it’s carried in tankers too big to fit through the Suez Canal when fully loaded.
China has so far steered clear of the Red Sea conflict. The world’s biggest trading nation imports about half of its crude oil from the Middle East, and it exports more to the European Union than the US. The Houthis have said they won’t target Chinese ships.
By exposing the vulnerabilities in the global supply chain that remain since the pandemic, the Red Sea stress has highlighted risks for other potential hot spots, as well, cautioned Josh Lipsky, senior director of the GeoEconomics Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington.
“If anyone expected two years later we’d be able to look at a shut down in the Red Sea and say, ‘that’s fine because we’ve built up these resiliencies closer to home’ — that’s just not realistic," he said.
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Neocons are clamoring for the US to attack Iran directly -
>>> The West must now sink Iran’s spy ship – and bomb its terror commanders <<<
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-west-must-now-sink-iran-s-spy-ship-and-bomb-its-terror-commanders/ar-AA1n3Xly?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=82499263e6a540a1afb4253a3bb32e7a&ei=17
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>>> US Navy and UK Royal Navy shoot down 18 Houthi drones and 3 missiles
ABC News
by LUIS MARTINEZ
January 9, 2024
https://www.yahoo.com/gma/us-navy-uk-royal-navy-032522331.html
The U.S. Navy and the U.K.’s Royal Navy foiled a major Houthi attack Tuesday night in the Red Sea, shooting down 18 one-way drones and three missiles targeting commercial ships.
The incident began at around 9:15 p.m. local time when the Houthis launched "Iranian-designed one-way attack" drones, "anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile," Centcom said in a post on X. According to Centcom, the weapons were launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
The Houthi missiles and drones were targeting an area where dozens of merchant vessels were transiting, Centcom said Tuesday night.
All of the drones and missiles were shot down by fighter jets from Navy carrier the USS Eisenhower, three U.S. Navy destroyers and the U.K.’s HMS Diamond, according to Centcom.
Tuesday night’s attack marks the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes since Nov. 19.
The U.S. issued a joint statement with a coalition of allies over the attacks earlier this month, saying, "The Houthis will bear the responsibility for the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, or the free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways."
In late December, the Pentagon announced the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multi-national maritime task force that would counter the Houthi attacks.
The American and British warships that countered this latest Houthi attack are all participating in that operation.
<<<
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Boeing MQ-25 Stingray -
Note - Seems like a fairly hard landing (1:43) -
>>> Israel is withdrawing some troops from Gaza. Is the war winding down or entering a new phase?
Story by Rafi Schwartz
The Week US
Jan 3, 2024
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/israel-is-withdrawing-some-troops-from-gaza-is-the-war-winding-down-or-entering-a-new-phase/ar-AA1mqdb6?ocid=mailsignout&pc=U591&cvid=f6e21cf081f040f4b722da051250a90d&ei=38
As the war between Israel and Hamas militants nears its third bloody month of violence, Israeli military officials this week announced plans to withdraw a significant number of troops from the Gaza Strip, with IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari describing the plans as "adjusting the fighting methods" for the ongoing conflict. By rotating out five brigades comprised of thousands of soldiers, the Israeli military believes it can better address the "different characteristics and different operational needs" Hagari explained, insisting the war would "require lengthy fighting" throughout the coming year.
In spite of Hagari's prediction of more fighting to come, Israel's announcement that it would withdraw troops from active combat was taken by many as a sign that the war which has already claimed the lives of over 20,000 Palestinians — the majority estimated to be civilians — may be entering a new, if uncertain phase. At the same time, the drone-conducted assassination of a top Hamas figure in Lebanon on Tuesday — widely believed to be Israel's doing — threatens to expand the scope of violence across the region, with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati accusing Israel of trying to "drag Lebanon into" the conflict.
With the entire Middle East on edge over the spiraling violence in Gaza, what do these troop reductions, and cross-border skirmishes mean for Israel, Palestine, and the region as a whole?
What the commentators said
Israel's troop redeployments are part of a broader effort to determine "how to sustain lower-intensity fighting over the long term," according to The Wall Street Journal. The reshuffling of soldiers is a sign that Israel has "largely transitioned from offensive to consolidation efforts," military analyst Ofer Shelah told the paper, explaining that after a massive offensive push, "to stay there with so many soldiers is what guerrilla forces want you to do."
Domestically, the demobilization and reshuffling will "ease pressure on Israel’s workforce and its economy," the Journal reported, echoing The Times of Israel's report that the return of a large number of reservists to civilian life will "help bounce back the economy" as well as allow for better training and promotion of soldiers. Reuters estimated that the 300,000 reservists initially called up for the war in Gaza represent some 10-15% of the overall Israeli workforce.
The withdrawal of what is estimated to be thousands of soldiers from Gaza (Israel has yet to disclose exact numbers) should nevertheless not be mistaken for a sign that Israel is winding down its effort to defeat Hamas, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops this week, according to NPR. Suggestions to the contrary, Gallant said, were simply "wrong." At the same time, the demobilization and shifting of resources toward a more limited scope of action have been exactly what President Joe Biden's administration has been "pushing for," according to one U.S. official who spoke with NBC News.
The troop withdrawal is a "clear signal that the fight is entering a new phase in line with" American requests, Lt. Gen. Mark Schwartz, the former U.S. security coordinator between Israel and Palestine, told The New York Times. It also comes just days after American and Israeli officials met to discuss shifting the broad Israeli offensive into a narrower push to "maximize focus on high-value Hamas targets," the Times reported.
What next?
Some of the demobilized brigades are being shifted in anticipation of a potential escalation of violence on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, an Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. At the same time, the redeployments and withdrawals are part of a process that "will take six months at least, and involve intense mopping-up missions against the terrorists" in Gaza, the official explained.
Ultimately some experts worry that this shift in focus could "allow Hamas to rebuild its military capabilities and infrastructure," according to analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and the Critical Threats Project obtained by The Jerusalem Post. That a number of the Hamas military commanders killed "led their units for many years," suggests they also had the "ability and time to develop successors to take their place." That level of reconstitution would be "inconsistent with the stated Israeli war aims, which are to destroy Hamas militarily and politically," the groups concluded.
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>>> USS Gerald R. Ford to Leave the Eastern Mediterranean, ABC Says
Bloomberg
by Max Zimmerman
12-30-23
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/uss-gerald-r-ford-to-leave-the-eastern-mediterranean-abc-says/ar-AA1mhK6o?cvid=17aa67910fd14b298c8616389da76fa6&ei=152
(Bloomberg) -- The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group will leave the eastern Mediterranean Sea more than two months after being sent to the region following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October, ABC News reported.
The carrier and other surface ships that form the strike group will head back to their home port of Norfolk, Virginia, in the “coming days” as originally scheduled, a senior US official and a US official told the outlet. The carrier group is returning to the US to prepare for future deployments.
The US will still have military capability in the region and flexibility to deploy additional cruisers and destroyers in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the senior US official told ABC.
A Defense Department spokesman told ABC that they had nothing to announce today.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the naval group to the region the day after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. The carrier was sent to the region to bolster regional deterrence, Austin said at the time, in an effort to prevent the conflict from widening into a wider regional one.
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Name | Symbol | % Assets |
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Raytheon Technologies Corp | RTX | 7.13% |
Lockheed Martin Corp | LMT | 6.91% |
Boeing Co | BA | 6.62% |
Honeywell International Inc | HON | 5.32% |
General Dynamics Corp | GD | 5.29% |
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L3Harris Technologies Inc | LHX | 4.86% |
Textron Inc | TXT | 4.55% |
TransDigm Group Inc | TDG | 4.14% |
Axon Enterprise Inc | AXON | 3.97% |
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Lockheed Martin Corp | LMT | 5.55% |
Teledyne Technologies Inc | TDY | 5.01% |
L3Harris Technologies Inc | LHX | 4.83% |
General Dynamics Corp | GD | 4.73% |
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TransDigm Group Inc | TDG | 4.47% |
Textron Inc | TXT | 4.26% |
Howmet Aerospace Inc | HWM | 3.51% |
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Axon Enterprise Inc | AXON | 4.23% |
Maxar Technologies Inc | MAXR | 4.17% |
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc | KTOS | 4.10% |
Hexcel Corp | HXL | 3.80% |
Textron Inc | TXT | 3.79% |
Mercury Systems Inc | MRCY | 3.73% |
Teledyne Technologies Inc | TDY | 3.72% |
General Dynamics Corp | GD | 3.71% |
TransDigm Group Inc | TDG | 3.69% |
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