Climate change has intensified wildfires in North America, prompting the use of drones to assist in firefighting efforts. However, current drones have limitations, as they cannot navigate through smoke or fly low enough to provide optimal assistance. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing drones that can overcome these challenges, creating 3D digital twins of impacted areas and providing firefighters with real-time information to enhance safety and effectiveness.
The UK has announced its largest-ever military support package for Ukraine, including a new tech initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s asymmetric warfare capabilities against Russia. The London Defense Tech Hackathon brought together experts in technology, venture capital, and national security to collaborate on innovative solutions for Ukraine. The event focused on drones and electronic systems, as these have become crucial in the conflict. The hackathon provides an accessible platform for individuals to contribute to defense technology and potentially save lives.
Terra Drone, Unifly, and Aloft have teamed up to develop a global air traffic control system for unmanned aircraft and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This system, known as a UTM, aims to manage the growing number of low-altitude aircraft operating at altitudes below 4,000 feet. The collaboration combines the expertise of three companies specializing in UTM technology, air traffic control, and advanced air mobility.
Russia is reportedly developing new lethal drones that can be armed with thermobaric warheads. These advanced weapons are capable of ‘vaporising’ human bodies and will be produced at the Alabuga super plant in Tatarstan. The improved drones will use a 90 kg bomb and are expected to be used with high-explosive fragmentation incendiary and thermobaric warheads.
Two former employees of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a Montreal-based United Nations agency, have been charged with conspiring to illegally sell Chinese drones and other military equipment to Libya in violation of international sanctions. Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, 61, and Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37, have been charged under the United Nations Act and Regulations relating to the implementation of United Nations resolutions and special economic measures on Libya. Mhaouek was arrested and is scheduled to appear in Quebec Court in Montreal, while Sayeh is still wanted and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The RCMP alleges that the two men used foreign front companies to circumvent existing international sanctions to facilitate their illegal activities, which included facilitating purchases of Libyan oil between prohibited entities and the People’s Republic of China.
