US Marines Demonstrate Capabilities to Malaysian Armed Forces

A Malaysian soldier watching the Osprey during the demonstration (Source: USMC)

SEPANGGAR, SABAH, Malaysia – Members of the Malaysian armed forces, alongside Malaysian and U.S. government officials, observed a theater security cooperation event with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit here Feb. 27.

The amphibious air-ground demonstration provided an opportunity for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and MAF to build relationships and pave the way for future exercises in Malaysia. 

US Defense Intelligence Agency's Take on China

PLA Navy, future adversary? (Source: US Navy) 

US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Lt Gen Vincent Stewart recently provided the agency's latest assessment of the global security environment and to address the threats facing the US at the Senate Armed Services Committee Worldwide Threat Assessment Hearing. 

ON CHINA

According to DIA, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is building a modern military capable of defending China's "core interests" of preserving its political system, protecting territorial integrity and sovereignty (China views these to include Taiwan and other contested claims to land and water), and ensuring sustainable economic and social development.

RAAF Launch Plan Jericho

Plan Jericho (Source: RAAF)

A strategy to transform the Royal Australian Air Force for the future, Plan Jericho, was today released by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO.

Releasing Plan Jericho in Melbourne ahead of Australian International Airshow at Avalon, AIRMSHL Brown said the much-anticipated plan would set Air Force on a path of transformation for the future.

UK MOD Announces €200m Typhoon Capability Upgrade for the RAF

Eurofighter Typhoon (Source: UK MOD)

A contract worth €200M (approximately £165M) to enhance the capability of the Eurofighter-Typhoon has been signed at an International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Alongside a number of avionics system upgrades, the contract will see the integration of the Brimstone 2 missile onto the world class combat aircraft and is expected to sustain more than 200 UK jobs based at BAE Systems in Lancashire and MBDA in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

Increasing Usage of Multimodal Biometrics to Enhance Security

Biometrics (Source: Lockheed Martin)

According to a new market report "Biometrics Technology (Face, Hand geometry, Voice, Signature, Iris, AFIS, Non-AFIS and Others) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019," the global market is anticipated to reach a value of USD 23.3 billion by 2019, at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2013 to 2019.

Biofeedback as a Treatment for PTSD

Fighting PTSD (Source: US DoD)

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects nearly 20% of post-9/11 US veterans, and one-fourth of US soldiers have already experienced a mental health issue before their deployment, which only increases the risk of returning with PTSD. Researchers have found that recovery lies in the body’s own ability to self-regulate. One important method for helping to understand and control this ability is “heart rate variability biofeedback.” In this relatively new form of biofeedback, individuals learn to use paced breathing to maximize the variability in their heart rate. This variability is a marker for health and resilience.

Strategic Demand for Airborne Intelligence Outpacing the Capacity of Armed Forces

Saab 2000 ERIEYE AEW&C (Source: Saab Group)

Strategic demand for airborne intelligence in Europe is outpacing the capacity of regional armed forces, according to military leaders. Dual pressures from growing Russian infringement in the east and the threat of Islamic State terrorism in the south has presented NATO forces with the need to increase watch over both borders at the same time as budget cutbacks continue to bite.

Reebok Dauntless Ultra-Light Series Brings Athletic Technology to Tactical Footwear

Dauntless Ultra-Light Series (Source: Warson Brands)

Warson Brands, manufacturers of quality military and tactical footwear and exclusive licensee for Reebok military and tactical boots, recently announced a new line of Reebok branded tactical footwear, the Dauntless Ultra-Light Series. 

Threats to Pipeline Security: Oil Thefts and Terrorism

Major Caspian Oil and Natural Gas Export Routes (Source: US Energy Information Administration)

Dealing with Oil Theft in Central Asia through cross-border cooperation

In recent years, many Central Asian countries have introduced much stiffer penalties for oil theft to deter criminals in recognition of the huge economic, societal and environmental problems that can result from this crime.

Pipeline tapping, the process most commonly used when siphoning oil, causes a drop in pressure inside the pipe, which in turn decreases the speed of delivery and quality of oil. This process also raises significant environmental security concerns as tapping can cause oil leaks, which can lead to long term environmental damage and can compromise vital water supplies.

Science fiction is now a reality; Laser Weapon System Deployed and Operated in Arabian Gulf

Laser Weapon System LaWS (Source: US DoD)

The naval future is not only coming, but is here. Laser weapon capability is now allowing operation aboard ships at sea. The Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (ASB(I) 15) conducts an operational demonstration of the Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored Laser Weapon System (LaWS) while deployed to the Arabian Gulf.