Tag Archives: MinistryOfDefense

South Korea defense ministry reportedly crafts cyber policy group to unify security

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South Korea defense ministry reportedly crafts a cyber policy group to unify its security

If you hadn't heard, South Korea's under a lot of pressure lately as a result of a spate of internet-based attacks against the country's banks and broadcasters on March 20th, which some worry (though can't confirm) was the result of a large-scale hacking campaign. The country won't simply stand idle and brace for another hit, according to the Yonhap News Agency. An unnamed senior official says that South Korea's Ministry of Defense is complementing its Cyber Command division with a policy group, not unlike its UK equivalent. The new group would coordinate online security across different military sections, refining a defensive cyberwarfare strategy and recruiting more people to bulk up the digital front lines. Provided the claim is accurate, the policy unit would ready before the first half of the year is over -- and likely not a moment too soon.

[Image credit: John Pavelka, Flickr]

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Yonhap News Agency

UK Ministry of Defence puts Black Hornet spy copter in Afghani skies

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UK Ministry of Defence puts Black Hornet spy copter in Afghani skies

It's been a few years since news of Prox Dynamics' Black Hornet mini-copter has swung our way. But now it appears the wee reconnaissance drones have moved out of the prototype phase and into the war zone. As part of the British government's £20 million contract with the Norway-based outfit and defense contractor Marlborough Communications, 160 of these camera-equipped spy copters have been commissioned, with a portion of those units employed by troops stationed in Afghanistan. That might seem like a huge sum to pay for a fleet of remote-controllable war toys, but these 4 x 1-inch copters do present a definite advantage: they can deliver full video and stills, ably maneuver in high winds and help navigate troops past "insurgent firing points" and open terrain. All of which has the Ministry of Defence quite pleased, even prompting one Minister to call the fleet of Black Hornets a "key component" of the MoD's current budget. That's not surprising really, considering the governmental arm's plans to pump nearly £20 billion into the development of similar tech for its ISS (Information Systems and Services) and ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) programs. So, as of today, we have mini copters with cameras. But, tomorrow always brings the promise of lasers...

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Via: Associated Press

Source: Ministry of Defence

Conductive fabrics may power future infantry gear, uniforms set to enter field trials

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Conductive uniforms may power future infantry gear, set to begin field trials next month
If you thought your Sunbeam electric blanket or those Hello Kitty foot warmers were advanced pieces of kit, then you'd best divert your eyes from this story out of the UK. In an effort to eliminate the mess of power cables and extraneous batteries from a soldier's tech gear, one British company is currently experimenting with conductive fabrics as the basis for future military uniforms. The material is able to deliver power to any number of devices -- all from a single battery -- and also features a redundancy aspect, with the ability to reroute power should the fabric become torn or damaged. The company, known as Intelligent Textiles, recently received a £234,000 grant from the Ministry of Defense and hopes to begin field trials of its equipment next month. While these high tech uniforms may see a limited military issue by year's end, it's thought unlikely that the gear will become widespread until 2014 or beyond.

Conductive fabrics may power future infantry gear, uniforms set to enter field trials originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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