Latest news with #battlefield
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Israel Is Putting More Women on the Front Line to Help Fix Its Manpower Problem
Female soldiers are entering the battlefield in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria in ways many previously thought impossible.
Russia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Zelensky robbing families of dead soldiers
Ukrainian lawmaker Artyom Dmitruk has claimed that Vladimir Zelensky personally blocked the retrieval of the remains of thousands of Ukrainian servicemen killed on the battlefield, whose frozen bodies Moscow had offered to return for proper burial following the latest round of direct negotiations with Kiev. The outspoken MP, who was forced to flee Ukraine after publicly opposing the government's crackdown on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, made the accusations during an interview with RT on Friday. 'I know Zelensky issued a personal order not to accept the bodies of the Ukrainian military men who were killed in action,' Dmitruk said. 'And this situation can become cathartic, so to say. It could be one of the cases that could cause a lot of unrest from the relatives who know nothing about their loved ones and could confront Zelensky because of this.' Moscow has said it is prepared to return over 6,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers, stored in special refrigerated trucks and trains, according to Russia's lead negotiator Vladimir Medinsky. Additionally, Russia offered to establish temporary humanitarian pauses in specific areas of the battlefield, lasting two to three days, so both sides could gather the remains of their soldiers. Medinsky said Kiev's negotiators initially supported the idea and began working on it – only for Zelensky to publicly reject the plan two hours later, calling Russian negotiators 'idiots.' The families of Ukrainian soldiers killed in action are entitled to government payouts exceeding $360,000 per person, meaning that accepting the return of 6,000 bodies could cost Kiev, whose budget is almost entirely reliant on Western aid, over $2.2 billion. Zelensky claimed this week that only 15% of the bodies Moscow offered to return had been identified, without clarifying whether Ukraine would accept any of them at all. Dmitruk accused the Ukrainian leadership of deliberately delaying the official recognition of missing soldiers to avoid paying out death benefits. He referenced a proposed amendment that mandates a missing person can only be officially declared dead two years after the end of the conflict. 'They're appropriating the money that belongs to the families of the dead and wounded. Zelensky is used to stealing it via his proxies,' Dmitruk said. 'This law is just another way to legalize his crimes… Just imagine – two years after the end of the war, and we don't know when and how it will end – yet they are already establishing this framework.' Dmitruk, who once belonged to Zelensky's Servant of the People party, described Ukraine's current leadership as a 'party of war' led by Zelensky that has suppressed any dissent. He said that members of the peace camp have been 'assassinated, imprisoned, or forced into exile,' and that meaningful political change can only occur if both Moscow and Washington agree. 'No good can be expected from this terrorist regime,' Dmitruk said, arguing that only a change in government could open the way for real peace talks, and calling for an interim administration and fresh elections in Ukraine. WATCH FULL INTERVIEW:
Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Meta Is Redefining Warfare': U.S. Army Adopts AR-AI Headset That Turns Soldiers Into Real-Time Combat Intelligence Hubs
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Meta and Anduril Industries partner to bring advanced augmented reality gear to U.S. soldiers, enhancing battlefield capabilities. and partner to bring advanced augmented reality gear to U.S. soldiers, enhancing battlefield capabilities. 🛡️ The integration of AI and AR technology with Anduril's Lattice platform aims to transform soldiers into 'technomancers' with real-time combat intelligence. and technology with Anduril's Lattice platform aims to transform soldiers into 'technomancers' with real-time combat intelligence. 🤝 Zuckerberg and Luckey reunite in a politically charged environment, emphasizing the importance of dual-use technology for national defense. and reunite in a politically charged environment, emphasizing the importance of dual-use technology for national defense. 🌐 Meta expands its national security footprint by aligning its innovations with U.S. defense priorities and countering global tech competition. As the dynamics of modern warfare evolve, companies like Meta and Anduril Industries are at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into military operations. With the announcement of their new partnership, these tech giants aim to revolutionize the way American soldiers interact with the battlefield using augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration represents a significant shift in how commercial technology intersects with national defense, setting the stage for a future where soldiers could operate as 'technomancers' equipped with real-time combat intelligence and autonomous control systems. Tech Meets Warfare in a New Era of Battlefield Computing The collaboration between Meta and Anduril Industries introduces a new era in battlefield computing. The focus is on developing wearable technology, such as AR goggles or visors, that will significantly enhance soldiers' situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. Meta's hardware and AI tools will integrate with Anduril's Lattice platform, a sophisticated system that aggregates data from numerous sources to deliver actionable intelligence directly to soldiers on the ground. Through intuitive AR/VR interfaces, soldiers will interact with this comprehensive data in real time, allowing for unprecedented control and perception in combat situations. Palmer Luckey, Anduril's founder, expressed that their mission is to transform soldiers into technomancers, highlighting the transformative potential of these advancements. This initiative, privately funded and not reliant on taxpayer dollars, promises to leverage commercial technology for defense, potentially saving billions in military expenditure. 'Nasa Confirms the Unthinkable': China's Giant Water Diversion Project Will Slow Earth's Rotation and Disrupt Global Timekeeping Zuckerberg, Luckey Reunite in High-Stakes Political Climate This partnership also signifies a reunion between Mark Zuckerberg and Palmer Luckey, who share a history dating back to Luckey's sale of Oculus to Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2014. Their renewed collaboration comes amidst a politically charged environment, with President Trump serving a second term and tech companies navigating closer ties with the government. Zuckerberg's frequent visits to the administration underscore Meta's strategic positioning in the national defense landscape. Luckey's departure from Facebook in 2017, following controversy over his political activities, adds a layer of intrigue to this partnership. However, both leaders emphasize the critical importance of utilizing dual-use technology to bolster national defense capabilities. As they embark on this ambitious venture, the fusion of their expertise promises to deliver groundbreaking advancements in military technology. 'Zuckerberg's Billionaire Odyssey': 5,300-Mile Superyacht Voyage Ends With Helicopter Ski Drop in the Ultimate Tech Tycoon Flex Meta Expands National Security Footprint Meta's collaboration with Anduril is part of a broader strategy to cement its position as a key player in U.S. national security. By aligning its AI and AR technologies with defense initiatives, Meta aims to contribute to U.S. global competitiveness and counter China's growing tech influence. The company's open-source Llama AI models are being pitched to defense agencies, reflecting their commitment to supporting national interests. Alongside Anduril, Meta has submitted a bid for the Army's SBMC Next contract, formerly known as IVAS Next, and is developing the EagleEye headset to enhance soldiers' sensory capabilities. Even if the contract bid is unsuccessful, the companies plan to continue their work, underscoring a long-term commitment to military technology innovation. This partnership exemplifies the increasing engagement of Silicon Valley with U.S. defense priorities, with companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Palantir at the forefront of tech-driven national security solutions. 'Don't Head for the Hills': Experts Reveal the Only Safe Places to Survive a Nuclear Explosion in the U.S. Implications and Future Perspectives The partnership between Meta and Anduril represents a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and defense. By harnessing the power of AI and AR, these companies are poised to redefine the capabilities of modern soldiers, offering enhanced situational awareness and decision-making tools. Such advancements have the potential to transform the nature of military operations, presenting both opportunities and challenges. As commercial technology becomes increasingly integral to national defense, questions arise about the ethical and strategic implications of these developments. How will these advancements impact the future of warfare, and what measures will be taken to ensure their responsible deployment? As we stand at the cusp of this technological revolution, the dialogue surrounding the role of tech in defense will likely continue to evolve, prompting further exploration and innovation in the years to come. Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (22)
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Fiber Optic Bird's Nest Heralds A Fiber Drone Summer In Ukraine
A birds next including fiber optic cabling gathgered from the battlefield in Ukraine A bird's nest incorporating fiber optic cable is a striking sign of how much debris from fiber-guided FPVs now litters the landscape of Ukraine. Other images show fields glittering with fibers like spiderwebs where dozens of drones have passed overhead. Meanwhile social media fills with hide-and-seek videos as Ukrainian drone pilots use their new ability to go inside buildings to hunt Russian vehicles. Fiber drone summer is starting. Most FPV attack drones rely on a radio link to the operator, which can be an Achilles' heel. Fly too low, or behind a hill and the connection may be lost. More commonly though, FPVs are lost to jamming, up to 75% of them. Anecdotally as many of the losses are 'friendly fire' rather than enemy electronic warfare. Jammers give imperfect protection against FPVs, but many rely on them. A typical fiber optic drone control setup. Fiber drones, an idea DARPA developed for its Close Combat Lethal Recon drone in the early 2000's but never fielded, solve the radio reception problem. The drone pays out a fiber-optic communication cable as it flies and is immune to jamming. And while other FPVs may be detected by their radio emissions, fiber drones give no such warning. The Russians were the first to field fiber drones, barely more than a year ago, first in small numbers and then at scale. Ukraine has been working hard to catch up. According to Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation (and de facto drone supremo) Mykhailo Fedorov, 15 companies now make fiber drones. Much of this rapid progress has been fostered by volunteers like former U.S. Marine Troy Smothers, an American who took his fiber drone design to Ukraine to demonstrate the technology and help build a local industry. Now we are seeing the results, and in particular fiber drones going where radio FPV cannot. Because any vehicle in the open gets spotted and destroyed by drones, the Russians hide their tanks and other armor in hangars, farm building and garages. These are now vulnerable, as Ukrainian fiber FPVs infiltrate through windows, doorways and other openings to destroy hiding vehicles. Just parking a T-72 out of sight underneath a structure is no longer any protection against being found and destroyed. A Ukrainian soldier snags dozens of discarded fiber cables. The very first fiber drones only had a range of a few kilometers, but this has steadily increased. Drones with 10-15 km of cable are now common. Much greater ranges are possible. Ukrainian troops recently claimed to have hit targets with a fiber drone from 42 kilometers away. A Russian video shows a claimed 50-kilometer spool of fiber weighing less than 4 kilos – too big for many FPVs, but suitable for larger models with a reduced bombload. Ranges are likely to increase and weights decrease with better fiber. Fiber FPVs are increasingly used for ambush attacks in which the drone lands and waits for a target. Previously in such attacks the ambusher lay dormant to save batteries, waiting for a signal from a scout drone that a target was approaching. But because fiber drones require less power to maintain communication over long range, they can lurk by a track or road for an extended period. The Russians have recently shown off a more advanced version of this concept, a small tracked robot with a fiber connection acting as carrier for a fiber FPV. There are no signs that this has been used in action yet, but it could significantly extend both the reach and 'loiter time' for FPV attacks. Uncrewed vehicles with more FPVs could stage miniature Operation Spiderweb attacks of their own. At present there are no good countermeasures against fiber drones. Netting may catch a drone before it reaches its target, but the smallest gap can be fatal as this video of a drone slipping through Russian anti-FPV netting shows.. The videos above show that no building is secure against fiber drones unless all the possible entry points are covered. People often suggest tracking the fiber cable back to the operator, but as the images of fields covered in cables show, this is now virtually impossible. Cutting the cable is another common suggestion, and one video is claimed to show a quadcopter cutting an FPV control fiber with its rotor blades (see below). However, it is not clear that this is what the video actually shows, and in any case, this seems to have been a one-off. Detecting a fiber drone as it comes in at high speed, getting behind it, locating the cable and cutting it are all challenging. Shotgun-armed drones are useful for shooting down other quadcopters, but chasing FPVs is another matter. Birds of Magyar have intercepted some Russian fiber FPVs with the aid of tactical radar, but the coverage seems to be limited. Quite likely we will start to see dogfights between fiber FPVs and interceptors. These engagements will need to be automated because of the speeds involved. The numbers of fiber drones on both sides are increasing fast, and work on counters continues. Nobody yet knows how long the fiber drone summer will last, or what could bring it to an end.
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Development on Bannockburn battlefield site refused planning permission
Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a development on the historic Bannockburn battlefield site. Turning down plans to build a trotting track for harness racing, the Scottish Government ruled the proposals would 'introduce new development and urbanisation in one of the few remaining undeveloped parts of the battlefield'. As such it ruled the development 'would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the battlefield, its setting and sense of place'. The site is where in June 1314 Robert the Bruce and his Scottish army famously defeated English troops led by King Edward II. Stirling Council approved plans for the development in July last year, with conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland saying was 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision. The Scottish Government formally 'called in' the decision in August 2024, with ministers now overturning the council's original determination. While ministers were 'sympathetic' to points made in support of the application, their ruling stated they 'do not consider that the benefits of the proposed development would outweigh the adverse impacts on a nationally significant battlefield and its associated listed buildings'. Ministers added the part of the battlefield where the development was to be sited is 'especially sensitive and remains undeveloped' – adding this 'greatly assists an appreciation of its role in the battle'. Diarmid Hearns, acting director of conservation and policy at the National Trust for Scotland, said: 'This is very welcome news for the trust and all who care about Scotland's heritage and history.' He said the ministers' conclusions 'closely accord with our stated views that this development was simply in the wrong place and would have badly impacted upon the setting of the battlefield'. He added: 'We hope that this decision brings this matter to an end and that the developer withdraws to a new site elsewhere that will not impinge on places of historical importance.' The Scottish Government also refused a separate application for a golf driving range to be built in the area, saying: 'The proposed development does not effectively protect the cultural significance or the key landscape characteristics of the battlefield.' Ministers said these plans 'would have a significant adverse impact on the landscape features, character and setting of the battlefield and that the overall integrity and character of the battlefield area would be compromised by the proposed development'. A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: 'Scottish ministers have refused planning permission for a golf driving range and trotting track within the Bannockburn battlefield.'
