Latest news with #DefenceScienceandTechnologyLaboratory
Telegraph
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Don't plug phones into Chinese electric cars, defence firms warn
Defence companies have been warned not to plug phones into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) amid spying fears. British firms working in defence and intelligence fields have instructed their staff against connecting their mobile phones either via Bluetooth or charging cable into Chinese-made cars. Executives at two defence companies told The i paper that they were concerned about spying by Beijing, which dominates the EV market, and as a result, they were taking a 'belt and braces' approach. It comes after the Ministry of Defence banned EVs from being parked on military bases and asked staff to park at least two miles away from select buildings because of concerns that the cars could be used to facilitate spying. A recent report by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) found that electric cars posed a potential threat to national security as they were vulnerable to Chinese spying. EVs are due to be introduced for all ministers and officials by the end of 2027. It is feared that even those vehicles made in the West with Chinese parts are susceptible. All electric vehicles are deemed to be 'connected', meaning that data and information are sent out beyond the vehicle, sometimes over the internet. However, there is no blanket ban on Chinese-made electric vehicles being bought for the government fleet, despite spying concerns. According to The i Paper, the defence companies which have taken precautions against Chinese EVs, include BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and Thales. 'Sensible precautions to take' One executive at a British defence firm told the paper: 'The sale of Chinese cars is growing in the UK, and we are, rightly, cautious about that. We are making our staff aware of the sensible precautions to take if they choose to buy a Chinese EV.' Another said: 'It is safe to assume that every major defence supplier is concerned about the tech in Chinese-built cars. 'In the same way that Government departments and defence firms have long told staff not to plug memory sticks into their work laptops to prevent security breaches, it is a sensible precaution not to plug your phone into your car because all the data could become vulnerable.' It comes after Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, recently warned that Labour is 'too close' to China after the Government was forced to seize control of British Steel. 'Vulnerable to manipulation' Luke de Pulford, the executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, previously told The Telegraph: 'Any device requiring remote software update is vulnerable to manipulation. 'The issue with Chinese electric vehicles is that Beijing's regulations make it possible for the Chinese government to use this capability for ill. With China having already been accused of spying on a ministerial car, this is a risk we should not take. 'If we can only meet the 2027 target by purchasing Chinese electric vehicles, with attendant security risks, the policy needs a rethink. National security comes first.' A spokesman for the British Government said: 'This Government has helped develop new international regulations to clamp down on potential threats in vehicle construction, monitor emerging threats and respond to any cyber-attacks.'
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New oxygen system a 'game changer' for battlefield
A new portable oxygen delivery system has been developed to improve casualty survival rates for soldiers and civilians. The system, which was developed by the Wiltshire-based Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the Defence Medical Service (DMS), weighs just 5kg (11lb) and is able to offer sustained oxygen supply in a safer and easier form than conventional gas cylinders. "The ability to deliver oxygen at the point of injury represents a game-changing advance in battlefield medicine," said Major Andrew Maggs, DSTL military advisor. The system works by taking air from the environment and removing nitrogen to leave a breathable oxygen-rich gas that can be delivered to patients. Oxygen therapy is critical for trauma patients suffering from blood loss, head injuries and lung trauma. By getting oxygen delivery directly to the point of injury, the system can dramatically improve the likelihood of survival and recovery. "By reducing logistical burden and improving safety, the system will provide critical care in situations where every second counts," Major Maggs explained. Dr Paul Hollinshead, DSTL chief executive, added: "In operational terms, this system will reduce the logistical strain on supply chains while improving battlefield care. "The ability to also reuse the system with external power or replaceable batteries means it offers unparalleled flexibility." It is not yet known when the system will be first used, but 15 prototypes will soon be ready to deploy. DSTL is also working on a mass-producible version that can withstand rigorous military use. The system currently costs £15,000 per unit but it is hoped a more cost effective version can be designed. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Military families speak out on mouldy homes Thousands of UK gas masks being sent to Ukraine Statue displays warn of military land dangers DSTL
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
New oxygen system a 'game changer' for battlefield
A new portable oxygen delivery system has been developed to improve casualty survival rates for soldiers and system, which was developed by the Wiltshire-based Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the Defence Medical Service (DMS), weighs just 5kg (11lb) and is able to offer sustained oxygen supply in a safer and easier form than conventional gas cylinders."The ability to deliver oxygen at the point of injury represents a game-changing advance in battlefield medicine," said Major Andrew Maggs, DSTL military advisor. The system works by taking air from the environment and removing nitrogen to leave a breathable oxygen-rich gas that can be delivered to patients. 'Every second counts' Oxygen therapy is critical for trauma patients suffering from blood loss, head injuries and lung trauma. By getting oxygen delivery directly to the point of injury, the system can dramatically improve the likelihood of survival and recovery."By reducing logistical burden and improving safety, the system will provide critical care in situations where every second counts," Major Maggs Paul Hollinshead, DSTL chief executive, added: "In operational terms, this system will reduce the logistical strain on supply chains while improving battlefield care."The ability to also reuse the system with external power or replaceable batteries means it offers unparalleled flexibility."It is not yet known when the system will be first used, but 15 prototypes will soon be ready to is also working on a mass-producible version that can withstand rigorous military system currently costs £15,000 per unit but it is hoped a more cost effective version can be designed.
Forbes
11-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Did No-One See It Coming? Lessons Of Brexit For The Trade War
SALISBURY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II speaks with staff during a visit to ... More the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down science park on October 15, 2020 near Salisbury, England. The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge visited the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) where they were to view displays of weaponry and tactics used in counter intelligence, a demonstration of a Forensic Explosives Investigation and meet staff who were involved in the Salisbury Novichok incident. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness also formally opened the new Energetics Analysis Centre. (Photo by Ben Stansall -) In November 2008, in the darkest hour of the global financial crisis, Queen Elizabeth II asked an audience at the London School of Economics 'Why did no one see it coming'. We might ask the same question today in respect of Donald Trump's tariff war, where he has diminished the things that he was reputed to hold dear – the economy, the stock market and the dollar. One disturbing template that might offer insight into the path that the American economy takes is Brexit. As noted by the current prime minister of Canada, Brexit was not the solution to the problems that Britain faces. Certainly, the disengagement of the US from the world trade system is becoming as soap operatic and sometimes ludicrous as Brexit was. An even more pertinent example might be Britain at the turn of the 19th century when there was a palpable sense that the might of its empire was peaking. At the time tariffs and trade were widely debated, and leading politicians like Joseph Chamberlain proposed the idea of an 'imperial preference', a lower tariff on trade with its colonies, to create a trading zone that would buffer the rise of the US and Germany. To a certain extent, tariffs and trade became the issue of the day, but in the 1906 general election the public voted overwhelmingly for liberal, open trade (less restrictive tariffs) candidates. This I suspect was also the intention of those who supported Donald Trump in November last – keep the economy and markets strong, whilst evening up the status quo (a little). That tariff rates set by the US (and China) are at levels only last seen in the 1920's completes the shock, and rhymes with history. One reason tariffs were a popular policy tool one hundred years ago is that the fiscal side of the economy was not well developed (only a small proportion of Americans paid tax) and, in some cases, central banks did not exist. Today, tax systems are well developed and as small, open economies show, they are the best mechanism to reduce inequality, and to entice investment, both stated objectives of the Treasury secretary. This particular market crisis is interesting because it is nearly entirely man-made. Turkey has taken a similar path in recent years, all but eviscerating its bond market and currency, but these are inconsequential compared to the depth of US markets. Whilst the president has stepped nimbly and profitably (some say) away from the financial brink, he still risks contagion of his actions in a number of respects. Two such risks loom on the horizon, an economic war with China and a crisis of credibility in US financial assets. We are now led to believe that 'it was China all along', but it would have been easier to tackle China with the support of America's former allies in Canada, Japan, the UK and Europe. For its part, China has plenty of tools to respond to the US with – it can allow its currency to weaken further and through supply chain disruption can inflict higher consumer prices, shortages of goods and lower (Chinese) demand on the US. Informal boycotts of American goods, investigations of US service firms and rare earth restrictions are just a few other tools at China's disposal. Should an economic war between the US and China materialise, my sense is that a supportive response from the Federal Reserve has been made less likely by Wednesday's tariff capitulation by the White House, which demonstrates how arbitrary policy is under this administration. In the longer-run, the actions of the Trump team could manifest themselves in a capital crisis in the context of the way they have undermined confidence in the US and by extension its financial system. What the likes of Peter Navarro seem not to have grasped is that the quid pro quo of America's trade deficit is its enormous financial power – the role of the dollar and Treasuries as lynchpins of the international financial system, the dominance of US financial systems and its integral role in the fabric of capital markets, and the capital that overseas investors provide them. With Mr Trump behaving in the way that some might caricature as 'emerging market', If we apply an emerging market stock market valuation rating to US stocks, the SPX index would be half its current size for instance. Equally, the mid-week selloff in Treasuries which was most likely the result of hedge funds unwinding positions, but the poor performance of bonds underlines the sceptical view that markets are starting to take on the administration. In this context, we may be at the beginning of a great unwind of American financial power.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Minefield-clearing robot to be trialled for British Army front lines
A robot mine sweeper is being trialled by the British Army to eventually clear explosives on the front lines. It is hoped the device, called WEEVIL, will replace current mine-clearing methods that require a three-person crew to operate in hazardous areas. The new technology can be operated via remote control by a single person from several miles away and is fitted with a mine plough to clear a safe path. The prototype was successfully tested in Newcastle on a surrogate minefield, and the technology is now being passed to the British Army for further development. Luke Pollard, minister for the armed forces, said: 'It won't be a moment too soon when we no longer have to send our people directly into harm's way to clear minefields. 'This kit could tackle the deadly threat of mines in the most challenging environments, while being remotely operated by our soldiers several miles away.' The robot was developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and Newcastle-based firm Pearson Engineering. The Ministry of Defence said there are no current plans to provide it to Ukraine. DSTL military adviser Major Andrew Maggs said: 'WEEVIL is the perfect combination of tried and tested technology and modern advancements. 'By enhancing existing vehicles with new capabilities, we're able to maximise their potential and give our troops a much-needed advantage, particularly in missions where time and safety are critical.'
