General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ Post

#SEABED #Warfare - internet cables used for tens of trillions of dollars of global commerce being canvassed by #Russia is a serious threat to the west. As the west further decouples Russia from the global commerce system, Putin could become less risk-adverse in efforts to sabotage, disrupt, or intel gather from the various cabling systems that connect the continents providing communications, internet, e-commerce, and other integral facets of society. This threat highlights the right now need to further bolster western maritime defense postures, undersea war fighting capabilities to include "seabed," submarine operations, including unmanned and SDV operations, combat swimmer, and mammal program enhancements. Furthermore, robust contingency plans need created encompassing the findings of focussed wargaming sessions addressing seabed warfare and submersed capabilities as a whole with NATO and allies to prepare for this likely battleground to come.

"Globally, more than 10 trillion dollars of financial transactions, commercial payments, and trade transactions occur daily. Well over 95% of the world’s communications are carried by a network of roughly 500 cables laid across the seven seas. As the 2017 report says, “Undersea cables come ashore in just a few remote, coastal locations … [and] often have minimal protection. Most Americans think the internet is supported by satellites in space. Wrong — it is a relatively small handful of deep seabed cables that carry the system.” As a former British chief of defense, Air Chief Marshal Stuart William Peach, says in the forward to the new report, “Moscow has already begun probing Atlantic undersea infrastructure as the weak underbelly of our national security.” He goes on to point out that, “Further east, China is fortifying its undersea defenses as part of its wider aspiration to become a great military power.” Other rogue states, including Iran and North Korea, are improving their undersea military capabilities in ways that could threaten this critical infrastructure." #criticalinfrastructureprotection #internet #criticalinfrastructure #nationalsecurity #geopolitics https://lnkd.in/e7ZZN68j

We should consider that Iran is already a nuclear power because even if they haven't developed it themselves, they will get it from Russia, China and or North Korea.

Cross-domain technology is essential across all military theaters, extending beyond the specific context of the Indo-Pacific. For a joint force to effectively collaborate with partner nations and allies, this technology is indispensable. Without it, the ability to efficiently coordinate - crucial for concepts like Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) where connecting the appropriate sensors to shooters and battle managers is key - is significantly hampered. From a professional standpoint, this is especially true for Europe and NATO. The complexity increases with the number of countries involved, many of which rely exclusively on NATO networks. These networks are limited to NATO operations, which are relatively infrequent, thereby constraining broader coalition, non-NATO, operations. https://lnkd.in/e8ytJx72

#StatecraftInTheNews: Japan embarked on a crucial mission as it launched a government intelligence-gathering satellite via the H2A rocket. The satellite aims to enhance military capabilities by monitoring activities in North Korea and bolstering disaster response. The optical satellite, deployed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, possesses all-weather imaging capabilities. This initiative stems from Japan's determination to establish a 10-satellite network for early detection of potential missile launches, a response initiated after a 1988 North Korean missile incident. The satellite's ability to capture images in severe weather underscores Japan's commitment to proactive defence strategies. PM Fumio Kishida's government, citing regional threats, is also pushing for the deployment of US-made Tomahawk missiles to strengthen strike capabilities. This liftoff marks a crucial step in Japan's evolving defence posture, moving beyond its postwar self-defence stance, and showcases its commitment to space exploration. The launch is particularly significant amid rising concerns about military advancements in China and North Korea.

Ukraine recently conducted strikes on Russia's deep-space communications complex in Crimea. The attack targeted the 40th Separate Command and Measurement Complex in the village of Vityne, Saky district, damaging military equipment. The strike was reportedly carried out using Storm Shadow missiles. This complex is part of Russia's Titov Main Test Space Center. In addition, strikes on an FSB unit in Alushta resulted in injuries and further equipment damage. The destruction of Russia's deep-space communications complex in Crimea has significant consequences. It disrupts Russia's ability to monitor and control its satellites, impacting military and civilian operations that rely on satellite data. This loss weakens their strategic capabilities in space, potentially affecting intelligence gathering, communication, and navigation systems. Repairing or replacing such infrastructure is costly and time-consuming, which may strain Russia's resources and delay its space-related projects and missions. The attack also signals vulnerabilities in Russia's critical infrastructure, potentially lowering its deterrence and defense posture. #Ukraine #TitovSpace #Alushta #Satellites

Benefits and risks: AUKUS looks to take gamble on Japan Tokyo’s potential participation in advanced military capability projects with the United States, Britain and Australia under their AUKUS security pact could not only enhance Japan’s defense capabilities but also provide a new set of opportunities to boost the country's defense industry. Although nothing has been formally decided at this stage, last week’s announcement that the three partners are weighing inviting Tokyo to join the pact’s second program, known as Pillar II, reflects how the group sees potential benefits in tapping Japan’s strong industrial and technological capacity at a time when Tokyo has identified boosting defense production as a key national security pillar. The announcement did not propose Japan’s participation in the pact’s first pillar, which involves delivering nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia. Instead, Tokyo’s contribution would center around developing and sharing advanced capabilities in areas such as hypersonics, anti-submarine warfare and cyberweapons, as well as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. But while joining AUKUS would certainly have benefits for Japan, it would also come with challenges and risks. Not only are there lingering concerns about Japan’s lack of strong cyberdefenses and tough rules for guarding secrets, Tokyo’s participation would likely also deteriorate its already tense relationship with Beijing, since the pact is widely seen as part of U.S.-led efforts to counter China's regional assertiveness.  Click here to read the full explainer featuring top analysts on the issue. https://lnkd.in/gfFN4QfU

#SpaceDomainNormsOfBehavior 🚀 A rare "no-notice" space launch. Iran's 14 Sep 2024 launch of the Chamran 1 satellite on the solid-fueled Qaem 100 rocket was a rare instance of a "no notice" space launch. There was not a Notice to Airmen and Mariners (NOTAM) issued. Iran and North Korea are the only two space-launch capable countries who are not signatories to the The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC) (ref https://www.hcoc.at/). Resolves to a hcoc.at URL. Such notifications prior to launch mitigate potential false alarms of a missile weapons launch. ❓ Historians and policy folks: would like to learn and understand more. The HCOC has only existed since 2002. What preceded the HCOC and governed US and Soviet launch notifications during the Cold War???

In a recent surge of hostilities in the Middle East, Israel has executed a military drone strike on Iran. This action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. #IsraelIranConflict #MiddleEastTensions #DroneStrike #MilitaryEscalation #IranNuclear #AirDefense #GlobalSecurity #MiddleEastNews #PeaceTalks #Geopolitics #WorldNews #DefenseNews #InternationalRelations #CrisisManagement #RegionalStability

North Korea reaffirms plan to launch multiple spy satellites this year, following the successful launch of the Malligyong-1 spy satellite in November. The country's National Aerospace Technology Administration stated that several launches are expected for this year. South Korea's unification ministry emphasized that any North Korean satellite using ballistic missile technology is a clear violation of U.N. security council resolutions. The government is closely cooperating with the United States to monitor key North Korean facilities for any signs of such launches. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #SouthKorea Follow us for daily updates on risk and operations in Asia! https://lnkd.in/gcb6CdhJ