Latest news with #SPEAR
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The UK's 'missile of the future' for its F-35s has been delayed again
The UK's SPEAR 3 air-to-surface cruise missile is facing further delays. The UK MOD called the missile, designed for F-35B Lightnings, the "cruise missile of the future." But its expected timeline for in-service capability has been pushed to the early 2030s. The UK's new missile, which its defense ministry has called the "cruise missile of the future," has been further delayed. The SPEAR 3 air-to-surface cruise missile is intended for use by F-35B Lightnings in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Its manufacturer, European multinational MBDA, says it will be the "primary air launched, precision effects, surface attack weapon" of the RAF. But the missile's expected timeline for in-service capability has now been pushed back to the early 2030s, Maria Eagle, the UK's minister of state for defense procurement and industry, said. In response to an opposition lawmaker, Eagle said the weapon program was "undergoing re-baselining," which means its progress is being reconsidered. She said that a Review Note was expected toward the end of 2025, and "until that is approved, dates are considered draft and of low confidence." "The estimated current timeline for in-service capability is expected to be early 2030s," she added. This represents another in a series of delays for the project. The missiles were once expected to be integrated by 2025, which was then pushed back to the last quarter of 2028. The SPEAR 3 missile was successfully launched from an aircraft for the first time last year, the RAF said. It was launched by a Eurofighter Typhon jet in a test over Sweden. The RAF described the SPEAR missile as "a next generation turbojet-powered miniature cruise missile," to be used by both Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots. It said each F-35B will be able to carry up to eight SPEAR missiles at a time. The UK chose to develop its own cruise missile with MBDA after considering purchasing an available model from US defense company Raytheon. The RAF said the missiles can hit targets at a distance of 62 miles, and MBDA said they will be effective against naval vessels, main battle tanks, ballistic missile launchers, and fast-moving vehicles, among other targets. The missile also has a semi-active laser mode, which allows operators to designate a target using a laser, which the missile's seeker then follows. Gustav Gressel, a missile expert at the National Defence Academy of the Austrian Armed Forces, described the latest SPEAR delay as part of a pattern. "Aircraft armament in Europe, unfortunately, is a story of delays and cost overruns," he told Business Insider. The UK has purchased 48 F-35Bs, made by Lockheed Martin, for use by both its air force and navy, though not all have been delivered. It intends to buy a total of 138 jets, though some reports have suggested that number could be reassessed amid cost concerns. Some countries have said they are reconsidering their commitment to the F-35, as the US distances itself from longtime allies and amid speculation the US could make the jets ineffective by removing critical support. But a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson told Business Insider in March that the UK "maintains the freedom of action to operate the F-35 Lightning at a time and place of our choosing." The RAF described SPEAR last year as part of a portfolio that supports $8.7 billion of planned investment in the UK weapons industry by the MOD over the next decade. It said this included Brimstone, CAMM, Sea Viper, Sea Venom, and Storm Shadow. Read the original article on Business Insider

Business Insider
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The UK's 'missile of the future' for its F-35s has been delayed again
The UK's new missile, which its defense ministry has called the "cruise missile of the future," has been further delayed. The SPEAR 3 air-to-surface cruise missile is intended for use by F-35B Lightnings in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Its manufacturer, European multinational MBDA, says it will be the "primary air launched, precision effects, surface attack weapon" of the RAF. But the missile's expected timeline for in-service capability has now been pushed back to the early 2030s, Maria Eagle, the UK's minister of state for defense procurement and industry, said. In response to an opposition lawmaker, Eagle said theweapon program was "undergoing re-baselining," which means its progress is being reconsidered. She said that a Review Note was expected toward the end of 2025, and "until that is approved, dates are considered draft and of low confidence." "The estimated current timeline for in-service capability is expected to be early 2030s," she added. This represents another in a series of delays for the project. The missiles were once expected to be integrated by 2025, which was then pushed back to the last quarter of 2028. The SPEAR 3 missile was successfully launched from an aircraft for the first time last year, the RAF said. It was launched by a Eurofighter Typhon jet in a test over Sweden. The RAF described the SPEAR missile as "a next generation turbojet-powered miniature cruise missile," to be used by both Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots. It said each F-35B will be able to carry up to eight SPEAR missiles at a time. The UK chose to develop its own cruise missile with MBDA after considering purchasing an available model from US defense company Raytheon. The RAF said the missiles can hit targets at a distance of 62 miles, and MBDA said they will be effective against naval vessels, main battle tanks, ballistic missile launchers, and fast-moving vehicles, among other targets. The missile also has a semi-active laser mode, which allows operators to designate a target using a laser, which the missile's seeker then follows. Gustav Gressel, a missile expert at the National Defence Academy of the Austrian Armed Forces, described the latest SPEAR delay as part of a pattern. "Aircraft armament in Europe, unfortunately, is a story of delays and cost overruns," he told Business Insider. The UK has purchased 48 F-35Bs, made by Lockheed Martin, for use by both its air force and navy, though not all have been delivered. It intends to buy a total of 138 jets, though some reports have suggested that number could be reassessed amid cost concerns. Some countries have said they are reconsidering their commitment to the F-35, as the US distances itself from longtime allies and amid speculation the US could make the jets ineffective by removing critical support. But a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson told Business Insider in March that the UK "maintains the freedom of action to operate the F-35 Lightning at a time and place of our choosing." The RAF described SPEAR last year as part of a portfolio that supports $8.7 billion of planned investment in the UK weapons industry by the MOD over the next decade. It said this included Brimstone, CAMM, Sea Viper, Sea Venom, and Storm Shadow.


Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to defeat Illuminate Leviathans in Helldivers 2
(Image via Arrowhead Game Studios) Illuminate Leviathans in Helldivers 2 loom over the battlefields of Super Earth , raining chaos with the relentless plasma barrages. To defeat them could feel like an impossible task, as airborne fortresses need much more than brute force. They need precision, smart Helldivers 2 loadouts , and teamwork. While the durability of these Leviathans is quite daunting, the use of a strategic approach could bring the giants crashing down. Here is all you need to know to dismantle them and bring the odds to your favor easily. Target the weak points of Illuminate Leviathans in Helldivers 2 EVERYTHING U NEED TO KNOW TO DESTROY LEVIATHAN & NEW ILLUMINATES - Helldivers 2 indepth guide & tips Illuminate Leviathans are not invincible, but the weak spots of theirs is an important key. So, focus on glowing blue rings that are beneath the hull of it or the joints that connect the segmented bodies. The well-aimed shot from the SPEAR or the Recoilless Rifle could capture the areas, causing some structural damage that could destabilize the ship. Destroying all three 3 rings will trigger catastrophic descent, but if even one wing is disabled, it will expose the vulnerable flaming zones for follow-up attacks. The heavy armor-piercing weapons are non-negotiable. Anti-Tank Emplacement, which can be unlocked through Urban Legends Warbond, delivers devastating hits. However, the positioning here needs foresight due to the mobility of the Leviathans. Pair it with the teammates for the rapid reloads and team reload mechanics; it can turn slow-firing SPEAR into a relentless threat. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025년 최고의 전설적인 로봇 전투를 경험해보세요 기계 경기장 Undo The Exosuits pack enough of the punch, but they drain the ammo reserves. Use them sparingly at the time of critical phases. Adapt the strategy to evade or fight Leviathans thrive in the chaos. However, engaging them is not always required. Outside the Evacuate Assets missions, the Leviathans erratic aim and the urban terrain quite often let the players bypass them. However, during the generator-defense objectives, the bombardment of Leviathans cannot be ignored. So, give priority to taking them down early on in such cases to protect the mission-critical structures. If the weaker spots remain inaccessible, ensure to switch the tactics. The Railguns and Autocannons chip away at the exposed hull breaches, while the Laser Cannons can target the joints— though to have consistent hits does demand patience. Just avoid the orbital strikes like Railcannon or the Orbital Laser. They lack tracking. Instead, save the stratagems for crowd control to manage the smaller foes while the squad remains on the focused fire on Leviathans. Best Helldivers 2 loadouts for the Leviathans hunts Not all missions need to take down the Leviathans, but in the Evacuate Assets mission, they are a huge threat. So, give priority to the heavy anti-armor weapons like the SPEAR or the Recoilless Rifle. The team reload will help to maintain the firepower. So, coordinate with the allies. For the secondary options, Railguns and Autocannons work once the armor gets stripped. So, avoid wasting the Orbital Strikes, as the Leviathans dodge most of the stratagems. Instead, try to focus on the direct-fire weapons and also positioning—to fight near the skyscrapers limits Leviathans line of sight. Helldivers 2 tips to ensure efficiency for survival Leviathans test resource management just as much as combat skills. So, stockpile the ammo near objectives and ensure that the reload duties are communicated to avoid downtime. Remain mobile and use the skyscrapers to take cover when repositioning to exploit the weaker points. Know that the victory here is not just about the glory. At times, evasion can buy the time needed to secure the objectives. So, focus, adapt, and bring the sky crashing down on the enemies. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.


Zawya
02-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
First of its kind collaborative report unveils the transformative role of AI and data science in advancing global health in Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya -/African Media Agency (AMA)/-– Africa stands at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in global health, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, according to a report released today from the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), African institutions and research councils. The report is a first of its kind to comprehensively examine national-level perspectives across Africa on AI and data science for global health. The landscape presents an unprecedented view into the potential to improve AI governance in Africa to reduce the risk and stop the perpetuation of inequity. Titled 'Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa', the report is produced through the SFA Foundation's Science Policy Engagement with Africa's Research (SPEAR) de la Fondation SFA. programme as a culmination of a year-long effort involving convenings across Africa's five regions, policy analysis and extensive surveys to identify policy gaps and opportunities in AI and data science for global health. Grounded in consultations across 43 African countries, the report incorporates insights from over 300 stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to its findings. 'The global AI governance framework remains ill-suited to Africa's unique needs and priorities,' said Prof. Tom Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of the SFA Foundation. 'Our report on AI in global health and data sciences champions a shift towards frameworks that reflect Africa's context, ensuring ethical, equitable, and impactful applications of AI not only for our continent's health challenges, but also to advance global health.' Key findings and opportunities The report identifies key trends, gaps, and opportunities in AI and data science for health across Africa: Increasing national investments: Countries including Mauritius, Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia have launched national AI programmes, while at least 39 African countries are actively pursuing AI R&D. Initiatives such as Rwanda's Seed Investment Fund and Nigeria's National Centre for AI and Robotics illustrate promising investments in AI startups. Need for health-specific AI governance: Despite growing interest, there is a critical gap in governance frameworks tailored to health AI across Africa. While health is prioritised in AI discussions, specific frameworks for responsible deployment in health are still underdeveloped. Inclusive AI policy development: Many existing AI policies lack gender and equity considerations. Closing these gaps is essential to prevent inequalities in access to AI advancements and health outcomes. 'Incorporating AI into healthcare is not just about technology—it is about enhancing our policy frameworks to ensure these advancements lead to better health outcomes for all Africans,' added Dr Uzma Alam, Programme Lead of the Science Policy Engagement with Africa's Research (SPEAR) programme. There are existing policy frameworks on which to build and/or consolidate governing of responsible AI and data science: At least 35 African countries have national STI and ICT as well as health research and innovation policy frameworks that contain policies applicable to the development and deployment of AI and data science. There is a surge in African research on health AI and data science (big data): raising the need for equitable North-South R&D partnerships. Recommendations and way forward The report is expected to act as a catalyst for integrating AI into health strategies across the continent, marking a significant step forward in Africa's journey toward leadership in global health innovation by calling for: Adaptive and Inclusive AI Governance: The report calls for the integration of diverse perspectives spanning gender, urban-rural dynamics, and indigenous knowledge into AI health governance frameworks. It highlights the need for adaptive policies that balance innovation with equitable access, while leveraging regional collaboration and supporting the informal sector. Innovative Funding and African Representation: Recognising the potential of local knowledge and practices, the report advocates for creative funding models to bolster AI research and development. It emphasises connecting the informal sector to markets and infrastructure to encourage grassroots innovation. The Reinforcement of Science Diplomacy: To position Africa as a key player in global AI governance, the report recommends investing in programmes that align AI technologies with Africa's health priorities. It also stresses the importance of amplifying Africa's voice in shaping international standards and agreements through robust science-policy collaboration. The Bridging of Gendered digital divide: To bridge the gendered digital divide in Africa. targeted initiatives are needed to address regional disparities and ensure gender inclusivity in the AI ecosystem. It's essential to focus on programs that build capacity and improve access to resources. 'The report clearly outlines pathways for leveraging AI to bridge gaps and overcome current capacity constraints, while strengthening Africa's role as a leader in shaping global health policy,' said Dr Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at the SFA Foundation. 'This initiative showcases Africa's potential to lead, innovate, and influence the global health ecosystem through AI. 'We envision a world where AI advances health outcomes equitably, benefiting communities around the world. The Science for Africa Foundation's report brings this vision to life by providing clarity on policy frameworks of AI and data science in global health. This empowers African voices to shape AI policy – not only directing healthcare innovation but setting a precedent for inclusive AI governance across sectors.' – Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. -Ends- Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of SFA Foundation. Access the Report here: Media Enquiries: Davies Mbela; Additional quotes: 'AI has the potential to positively change the way Clinical Trials and Capacity Development are conducted in sub-Saharan Africa such as expediting progress, increasing community-centredness and reduction of costs. Through the Global Health EDCTP3 strategic research and innovation agenda, the Partnership places significance on the digitalisation of the health sector, including health technologies, medical devices, key enabling technologies, and decision-support systems, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We look forward to this bright future in sciences for global health.' Dr Thomas Nyirenda Head of Africa Office, European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) 'At the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), we recognize that the transformative potential of AI in global health requires more than just innovation, it demands collaboration in co-creating inclusive, transdisciplinary solutions. This collective approach ensures that AI governance in Africa is grounded in local realities, while also paving the way for sustainable and equitable health systems. By advancing inclusive policy frameworks and practices that integrate science, innovation, and local knowledge, we are committed to bridging the gap between global trends and local solutions, empowering Africa's health resilience and climate adaptation efforts for a more sustainable future.' Dr. Joanes Atela, Executive Director, Africa Research, and Impact Network (ARIN) 'Cochrane South Africa, as part of the South African Medical Research Council, is thrilled to see the finalised report on Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa: A Review of Policy and Regulatory Frameworks. It has been an honour to contribute to the discussions shaping the future of AI in health across the continent, and we look forward to leveraging this critical work to drive innovation and equitable health solutions for Africa.' Duduzile Zwane, Deputy Director, Cochrane South Africa 'A year ago, the Science for Africa Foundation embarked on a journey to explore how Africa can harness AI for health while ensuring equitable access and mitigating risks. Engaging 43 countries and over 300 stakeholders revealed that Africa's healthcare future requires not just technology, but robust policy frameworks to drive sustainable, community-centered change. Through STISA-34, we aim to craft solutions reflecting African needs and values while influencing global health innovation. This milestone is a testament to the tireless efforts of my team and our partners, shaping a future where AI meets the health needs of all Africans and beyond.' Uzma Alam, Programme lead, Science Policy Engagement with Africa's Research (SPEAR) programme, SFA Foundation. Notes: The report, which was enabled by the support of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, was developed in collaboration with Human Resources and Science Research Council; South Africa Medical Research Council, National Research Foundation; Cochrane South Africa; l'African Open Science Research Platform; Malaria Research and Training Centre; mDoc; European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership; Insititute of National Planning; Academy of Scientific Research and Technology; L'Institut des Sciences Appliquées (ISA) de l'Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Research Enterprises Services; Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation; Nigeria Health Watch; Africa Research & Impact Network et Malawi Ministry of Education/Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation, Institute of National Planning (INP), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT). It builds on and complements the 'Catalysing equitable AI use for Improved Global Health' grants awarded to 17 African innovators through the SFA Foundation's 'Grand Challenges Africa' initiative. In addition, the report has been synthesised into 5 key policy outputs on: Leveraging AI to Strengthen Health Systems in Nigeria , Report of the Malawi NSTIP National Stakeholder Consultative Workshop , Gender Mainstreaming in AI Policy in Africa , Opportunities and Gaps in the Governance of AI for Global Health in Africa, Enhancing AI Publications on Global Health Research from Africa . These outputs provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, offering a roadmap to integrate scientific insights into national strategies and frameworks, ultimately advancing health and well-being across Africa.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wordle hints today for #1,356: Clues and answer for Thursday, March 6
Hey, there! We hope you're having an excellent week. Whenever you need a little downtime today, there's a fresh game of Wordle to help keep you occupied. In case you'd like a hand to help you solve it, here's our daily Wordle guide with some hints and the answer for Thursday's puzzle (#1,356). It may be that you're a Wordle newcomer and you're not completely sure how to play the game. We're here to help with that too. Wordle is a deceptively simple daily word game that first emerged in 2021. The gist is that there is one five-letter word to deduce every day by process of elimination. The daily word is the same for everyone. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Wordle blew up in popularity in late 2021 after creator Josh Wardle made it easy for players to share an emoji-based grid with their friends and followers that detailed how they fared each day. The game's success spurred dozens of clones across a swathe of categories and formats. The New York Times purchased Wordle in early 2022 for an undisclosed sum. The publication said that players collectively played Wordle 5.3 billion times in 2024. So, it's little surprise that Wordle is one of the best online games and puzzles you can play daily. To start playing Wordle, you simply need to enter one five-letter word. The game will tell you how close you are to that day's secret word by highlighting letters that are in the correct position in green. Letters that appear in the word but aren't in the right spot will be highlighted in yellow. If you guess any letters that are not in the secret word, the game will gray those out on the virtual keyboard. You'll only have six guesses to find each day's word, though you still can use grayed-out letters to help narrow things down. It's also worth remembering that letters can appear in the secret word more than once. Wordle is free to play on the NYT's website and apps, as well as on Meta Quest headsets. The game refreshes at midnight local time. If you log into a New York Times account, you can track your stats, including the all-important win streak. If you have a NYT subscription that includes full access to the publication's games, you don't have to stop after a single round of Wordle. You'll have access to an archive of more than 1,300 previous Wordle games. So if you're a relative newcomer, you'll be able to go back and catch up on previous editions. In addition, paid NYT Games members have access to a tool called the Wordle Bot. This can tell you how well you performed at each day's game. Before today's Wordle hints, here are the answers to recent puzzles that you may have missed: Yesterday's Wordle answer for Wednesday, March 5 — SCRUM Tuesday, March 4 — CHECK Monday, March 3 — SPEAR Sunday, March 2 — DEITY Saturday, March 1 — HOVER Every day, we'll try to make Wordle a little easier for you. First, we'll offer a hint that describes the meaning of the word or how it might be used in a phrase or sentence. We'll also tell you if there are any double (or even triple) letters in the word. In case you still haven't quite figured it out by that point, we'll then provide the first letter of the word. Those who are still stumped after that can continue on to find out the answer for today's Wordle. This should go without saying, but make sure to scroll slowly. Spoilers are ahead. Here is a hint for today's Wordle answer: An alarm or smartphone notification. There are no repeated letters in today's Wordle answer. The first letter of today's Wordle answer is A. This is your final warning before we reveal today's Wordle answer. No take-backs. Don't blame us if you happen to scroll too far and accidentally spoil the game for yourself. What is today's Wordle? Today's Wordle answer is... ALERT Not to worry if you didn't figure out today's Wordle word. If you made it this far down the page, hopefully you at least kept your streak going. And, hey: there's always another game tomorrow.