Security, Defense, Warfare, and Intelligence
INTERPOL cracks down on global cybercrime networks
(DigWatch – 12 June 2025) Over 20,000 malicious IP addresses and domains linked to data-stealing malware have been taken down during Operation Secure, a coordinated cybercrime crackdown led by INTERPOL between January and April 2025. Law enforcement agencies from 26 countries worked together to locate rogue servers and dismantle criminal networks instead of tackling threats in isolation. The operation, supported by cybersecurity firms including Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro, led to the removal of nearly 80 per cent of the identified malicious infrastructure. Authorities seized 41 servers, confiscated over 100GB of stolen data and arrested 32 suspects. – https://dig.watch/updates/interpol-cracks-down-on-global-cybercrime-networks
Advanced Space Technologies. Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. National Security
(Michael O’Connor and Kathleen Curlee (CSET – June 2025) The United States is home to a growing set of companies building advanced space technologies, from lunar landers to satellite servicing systems. These firms are taking on missions once led by government and developing capabilities the government does not yet field. But limited profitability, export restrictions, and free government services may constrain growth unless targeted investments and smart policies help sustain a dynamic, secure commercial space sector. This report explores the U.S. advanced space technologies industry and highlights challenges and opportunities the state of the industry presents for national security. – https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/advanced-space-technologies/
US Navy’s secret SONGBOW laser packs 400kW punch to fry drones, missiles mid-air
(Interesting Engineering – 12 June 2025) The US Navy has taken a significant step forward in the race to develop next-generation laser weaponry by launching its highly classified ‘SONGBOW’ program. This week, the Department of Defense confirmed that a $29.9 million contract has been awarded to Coherent Aerospace & Defense to develop advanced directed-energy systems, including a powerful 400-kilowatt laser capable of destroying drones, missiles, and other aerial threats. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-navy-400kw-songbow-laser
AI tools are not enough without basic cybersecurity
(DigWatch – 12 June 2025) At London Tech Week, Darktrace and UK officials warned that many firms are over-relying on AI tools while failing to implement basic cybersecurity practices. Despite the hype around AI, essential measures like user access control and system segmentation remain missing in many organisations. – https://dig.watch/updates/ai-tools-are-not-enough-without-basic-cybersecurity
World’s first 20-ton twin-sonar drone turns oceans into submarine hunting ground
(Interesting Engineering – 12 June 2025) SonarTech, a South Korean defense technology firm specializing in advanced sonar systems, has recently unveiled a prototype unmanned surface vessel (USV) for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and mine warfare operations. The vessel, ASW-USV or ASW-KUSV, represents a significant evolution in South Korea’s maritime defense strategy and highlights the growing role of autonomous platforms in undersea warfare. – https://interestingengineering.com/military/20-ton-twin-sonar-sea-drone
Is Ukraine’s Drone Attack a Turning Point in the War?
(Soufan Center – 11 June 2025) Ukraine launched operation Spiderweb in early June, an unprecedented covert drone strike that hit five Russian airbases, damaging or destroying 41 aircraft – including Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers as well as A-50 surveillance planes – causing an estimated $7 billion in losses. The operation showcased Ukraine’s advanced planning and technological innovation in drones, using AI-enhanced, semi-autonomous FPV drones launched from within Russian territory to overwhelm defenses. Strategically, Spiderweb shattered the perception of Russia’s strategic depth, weakened its long-range strike and surveillance capabilities, and disrupted its nuclear deterrence posture. Emerging technologies like long-range, AI-enhanced FPV drones are reshaping modern warfare, with their use being demonstrated in Ukraine and other conflicts, as their low cost and effectiveness drive a global unmanned arms race, altering military economics and doctrine worldwide. – https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2025-june-11/
Reimagining Paul Revere: Building Drone Brigades in the U.S. Army Reserve
(Benjamin Jensen – CSIS – 10 June 2025) In the future, the U.S. Army Reserve will call upon the spirit of Paul Revere—not on horseback, but in the form of unmanned systems. These drone brigades will conduct reconnaissance, strike targets, resupply isolated units, and protect power projection infrastructure. They will be citizen soldiers for a digital age, mixing tradition with transformation in contact. Since the founding of the republic and Paul Revere’s famed ride that sparked the raid on Fort William and Mary, citizen soldiers have played a critical role in defending American interests. In fact, Americans had militia charters and were a people numerous and armed, issuing letters of marquee well before the Declaration of Independence. In the future, the U.S. Army Reserve will need to call on the best of tradition and field new unmanned brigades capable of missions ranging from intelligence collection to resupply, medical evacuation, and close combat—all missions performed by drones in Ukraine. In addition to the Reserve’s focus on combat support and combat service support, it can add new unmanned combat arms formations that also provide low-cost test beds for experimentation. This model will align proven battlefield technology—multi-mission drones—with the enduring strategic function of the Reserve: scaling national power in a time of crisis. – https://www.csis.org/programs/futures-lab/projects/next-army-envisioning-us-army-250-and-beyond
Frontiers
UK bets $956 million on new Edinburgh supercomputer to lead global AI push
(Interesting Engineering – 12 June 2025) The University of Edinburgh will host the UK’s new $956 million (£750 million) national supercomputer, reaffirming its role at the forefront of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The system, one of the most powerful in the world, will be housed at the University’s Advanced Computing Facility and used by researchers and industry nationwide for complex modelling, simulations, and AI-driven analysis in areas such as climate science, medicine, and national security. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/edinburgh-hosts-uk-supercomputer
Otus: World’s 5th most efficient supercomputer powered entirely by green energy
(Interesting Engineering – 12 June 2025) Paderborn University’s new supercomputer, Otus, has secured an impressive fifth place in the international ‘Green 500’ rankings. The Green 500 is a benchmark for the world’s most energy-efficient high-performance computing (HPC) systems. The University unveiled the supercomputer at the ISC High-Performance trade fair in Hamburg this month. It is set for an official launch in the third quarter of 2025. – https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/otus-worlds-5th-most-efficient-supercomputer
New brain-computer tech helps paralyzed patient speak to loved ones in real time
(Interesting Engineering – 12 June 2025) A new brain-computer interface (BCI) system has allowed a patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to “speak” with his family in real time. ALS is a neurological disease that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control. According to its developers at the University of California, Davis, this new “investigational” BCI aims to facilitate “faster, more natural conversation.” – https://interestingengineering.com/science/new-bci-lets-paralyzed-patient-talk
US quantum tech unlocks 3D acceleration using 6 hair-thin lasers, cold atoms
(Interesting Engineering – 12 June 2025) A new type of atom interferometer built by researchers at the University of Colorado (UC) Boulder measures acceleration in three dimensions (3D). Prior to this, acceleration was always measured in one dimension. This new quantum-based device could one-day help spacecraft, submarines, and even vehicles navigate more precisely, the university said. The current navigation system, commonly known as GPS (Global Positioning System), uses electronic sensors called accelerometers. When operated over the years, these devices age and need to be eventually replaced. An atom-based device does not age and can be used for decades without needing replacement. – https://interestingengineering.com/science/atom-interferometer-measure-acceleration-in-3d
When Barbie meets Matrix: Mattel taps OpenAI for smart AI-powered toys
(Interesting Engineering – 12 June 2025) First, it was the box office success of Barbie, which slingshot Mattel into Hollywood glory, and now it is getting techy with OpenAI. The toymaker has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI to develop a new line of AI-powered products and experiences, marking its latest expansion move beyond traditional toys. The deal, revealed Thursday, brings together Mattel’s legacy in play and OpenAI’s advanced technology to build smarter, interactive, and safe experiences for kids and families around the world. – https://interestingengineering.com/culture/mattel-openai-chatgpt-integration
Exploring the Dangers of AI in Mental Health Care
(Stanford HAI – 11 June 2025) Therapy is a well-tested approach to helping people with mental health challenges, yet research shows that nearly 50 percent of individuals who could benefit from therapeutic services are unable to reach them. Low-cost and accessible AI therapy chatbots powered by large language models have been touted as one way to meet the need. But new research from Stanford University shows that these tools can introduce biases and failures that could result in dangerous consequences. “LLM-based systems are being used as companions, confidants, and therapists, and some people see real benefits,” said Nick Haber, an assistant professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, affiliate of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, and senior author on the new study. “But we find significant risks, and I think it’s important to lay out the more safety-critical aspects of therapy and to talk about some of these fundamental differences.” – https://hai.stanford.edu/news/exploring-the-dangers-of-ai-in-mental-health-care