Latest news with #Thales
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Kongsberg and Thales form defence communications joint venture
COPENHAGEN, June 27 (Reuters) - Norway's Kongsberg Gruppen ( opens new tab and France's Thales ( opens new tab said on Friday they would establish a joint venture in Norway combining their defence communications businesses. The tie-up comes in response to European defence forces' calls for interoperability, sovereignty and large-scale equipment as NATO countries and others face growing connectivity needs, Kongsberg said in a statement. "By consolidating Kongsberg's secure communications and Thales' crypto expertise, we will create a comprehensive, robust communications offering and be better positioned to deliver and develop current and future technologies and services to the armed forces," said Erik Lie, who heads Kongsberg's defence and aerospace unit. The new company will be owned 50% each by the two defence groups and will employ around 350 people across Norway.
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'We Built This to Fly Forever': Engineers Unveil Solar Drone With 224-Foot Wingspan Capable of Month-Long Flights
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 Skydweller Aero and Thales unveil a solar-powered drone with a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747, aiming for month-long flights. and Thales unveil a solar-powered drone with a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747, aiming for month-long flights. 🔍 The drone integrates AI-enabled AirMaster S radar for rapid situational awareness across air, land, and sea domains. for rapid situational awareness across air, land, and sea domains. 💡 Powered entirely by solar panels, the drone operates with zero carbon emissions , enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities. , enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities. 🌐 This collaboration highlights growing transatlantic cooperation in aerospace technologies, offering new strategic and commercial opportunities. In a groundbreaking collaboration, the French defense electronics giant Thales and the American aerospace startup Skydweller Aero have unveiled the world's first solar-powered drone capable of month-long flights. This innovative aerial system boasts a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747 and promises to revolutionize long-range maritime surveillance and strategic overwatch. As global tensions in maritime regions escalate, the need for persistent, autonomous systems has never been more critical. This article delves into the remarkable features of this solar drone, its strategic implications, and its potential to redefine surveillance missions. Revolutionary Solar Drone with Boeing 747 Wingspan The Skydweller solar-powered drone stands out with its impressive wingspan, which surpasses that of a Boeing 747. Capable of carrying payloads up to 881 pounds, this drone marks a significant advancement over previous solar UAVs that were limited by their load-carrying capacity. Operating at medium altitudes, the aircraft offers near-permanent surveillance over vast maritime areas, including Exclusive Economic Zones and contested regions. Thales integrates its cutting-edge AirMaster S radar into the drone, enhancing its strategic capabilities. This lightweight, AI-enabled sensor suite, originally designed for manned aircraft, operates in the X-band with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. The combination of AI-driven data processing and advanced radar technology ensures rapid situational awareness across air, land, and sea domains. This integration sets the stage for a new era of autonomous, zero-emission surveillance platforms. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks Month-Long Flights: A New Era for Surveillance The capability for month-long flights is a major breakthrough. The AirMaster S radar system's auto-tuning features allow it to adapt dynamically to changing mission profiles and environmental conditions. This level of autonomy means the drone can remain airborne over regions of interest without needing to return to base or requiring frequent ground interventions. Sébastien Renouard, Thales' Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA, emphasized the significance of this development: 'The combination of Thales' AirMaster S Smart Radar with the MAPS Skydweller changes the paradigm for surveillance missions.' The drone's construction from lightweight carbon fiber and its reliance on solar panels eliminate the need for fossil fuels, dramatically reducing operational costs and environmental impact. With the ability to monitor entire ocean regions, track illegal trafficking, and conduct anti-piracy operations, this platform offers a sovereign, autonomous solution to persistent ISR challenges. World's Largest Solar Telescope Unleashes 5.6-Ton Tech Beast to Capture Unprecedented Images of Massive Sunspot Activity Strategic Implications and Global Cooperation This development highlights the growing transatlantic cooperation in dual-use aerospace technologies. Oklahoma City-based Skydweller Aero, with operations in Spain, has its roots in the Solar Impulse program. Backed by venture capital and private equity, the company focuses on building high-endurance ISR platforms for military and commercial markets. As tensions rise in regions such as the South China Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, AI-enabled ISR platforms like MAPS-Skydweller become crucial. These systems help maintain deterrence, enforce sovereignty, and provide real-time domain awareness. By enabling continuous surveillance and reducing dependency on traditional aircraft, this drone offers strategic flexibility to NATO, EU, and Western-aligned forces. 'Eco-Friendly Solar Cell Shocks the World': Record-Breaking 16.65% Efficiency Ignites Global Race Toward Clean Energy Domination Future Prospects and Technological Advancements The introduction of the Skydweller drone represents a significant leap forward in unmanned aerial systems. Its ability to conduct prolonged missions without human intervention sets a new standard in the industry. The collaboration between Thales and Skydweller Aero has resulted in a technological marvel that not only enhances military capabilities but also opens up new possibilities for civilian applications. This autonomous platform's potential extends beyond military use. It can be adapted for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and commercial surveillance, providing valuable data and insights. As Skydweller continues to innovate, the future of solar-powered flight looks promising, offering sustainable solutions to complex challenges. As we look towards a future shaped by technological advancements, the Skydweller drone stands as a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration. How will this groundbreaking technology influence the global landscape of surveillance and defense in the coming years? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (28)
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Science
- Scotsman
Scottish Pupil's engineering invention bridges the gap for those with learning difficulties
Sophia from Gargieston Primary School in Kilmarnock submitted her engineering idea to Primary Engineer's annual UK STEM competition which asks pupils aged 3 –19 the question 'If you were an engineer, what would you do?'. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... She was recognised as one of the winners in her year group at the Scotland South West award ceremony, one of 25 regional UK events, in 2024. Her creation is a headband which makes it a little easier to focus on school work with features such as noise cancelling, a smart camera, a desk projection plus a customisable look. Her idea was inspired by someone at her school who struggles in class, her idea would help eliminate noise within the classroom that might distract them and maximise their engagement and learning at times. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Each year Industry and University partners of Primary Engineer choose a pupil's idea to build into a Prototype and to be revealed a year later at the regional awards ceremony. Her original idea submitted to Primary Engineer's competition Thales selected Sophia's idea to bring to life during the 2024-2025 academic year. The Thales ProtoTeam said: 'The Focus band is a unique prototype that is capable of enriching the learning experience. Whilst it focuses on bridging the gap for those with learning difficulties, this design idea is beneficial for all learners. "Sophia was able to recognise the challenges others face in their learning experience and through collaboration we were able to create something that we feel is truly special! The experience we've had working with Primary Engineer and being able to finally unveil our design was unforgettable, we can't wait to bring more amazing ideas to life.' The finished prototype was officially unveiled on June 13 at the Scotland South West regional award ceremony hosted at Glasgow International Airport in Prestwick. Sophia's family attended the event saying. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nicolle, Sophia's Mum, commented: 'It was amazing to see the spark in Sophia's eye when she created the idea then when she found out it would be built, she was super excited. The whole journey has been brilliant, the engineers really listened to everything she said and took time to understand why she had the idea. Sophia has loved every minute of it.' The ProtoTeam from Thales with Sophia the ProtoPupil Sophia said: 'I was really excited when I was told it would be built, the best bit was seeing it in real life. I loved having the engineers in the school talking about it and doing fun activities'. 'If you were an Engineer, what would you do' is an annual, national competition free to enter for all 3-19 school pupils. Entries are open now for 2025-2026 and schools can register now at
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
What is the Palestine Action group, and why is the UK banning it?
The United Kingdom said on June 23 that it would ban a pro-Palestinian campaign group called Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws. This would put the organisation on par with armed groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) in the UK, making it a criminal offence to be part of Palestine Action. The government's announcement has prompted criticism from human rights organisations and triggered protests. On Tuesday, 13 people were arrested and seven were charged after protesters in London clashed with Metropolitan Police officers. The charges included assaulting emergency workers and a racially aggravated offence. What is Palestine Action? Palestine Action describes itself as a movement 'committed to ending global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime'. The group was launched in July 2020. The group says it seeks to use 'disruptive tactics' to target 'corporate enablers' and companies involved in weapons manufacture for Israel, such as Israel-based Elbit Systems, Italian aerospace company Leonardo, French multinational Thales and United States company Teledyne. The group has targeted British facilities linked to these companies. 'Palestine Action is a direct action group who have majoritively focused on weapons factories that are operating on British soil and are complicit in the current genocide in Gaza, but also in the longer-term kind of oppression of the Palestinian people,' Manaal Siddiqui, a spokesperson for Palestine Action, told Al Jazeera. In 2022, the group broke into a Thales equipment factory in Glasgow, causing damage to weapons worth more than 1 million pounds ($1.4m). In 2021, members of Palestine Action protested on the rooftop of Elbit Systems' subsidiary UAV Tactical Systems in Leicester for six days, until a number of them were arrested by the police. Why is the UK banning Palestine Action? Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a statement on Monday that she had decided to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Cooper's statement came days after June 20, when some Palestine Action activists broke into RAF Brize Norton, the largest station of the Royal Air Force in Oxfordshire, and sprayed two military planes with red paint. In the most high-profile move made by the group so far, the activists sprayed red paint into the turbine engines of two Airbus Voyager aircraft, used for air-to-air refuelling, and damaged them with crowbars. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident in an X post the same day. 'The act of vandalism committed at RAF Brize Norton is disgraceful,' he wrote. The police have said the Palestine Action activists' action resulted in millions of pounds of criminal damage. 'The disgraceful attack on Brize Norton in the early hours of the morning on Friday 20 June is the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action,' Cooper said in her Monday statement. Siddiqui, however, said Brize Norton stores aircraft 'which are going to be used around the world, but particularly in Gaza'. She added that they have also been used in Syria and Yemen. Israel's war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians. 'These aircraft can be used to refuel and have been used to refuel Israeli fighter jets,' Siddiqui said, adding that planes from Brize Norton go to the British air force base in Cyprus, from where they are 'dispatched on spy missions and that intelligence is shared with the Israeli government and the Israeli air forces'. Last year, the British air force said it participated in large-scale aid airdrops to Gaza. The air force said on April 9, 2024, it was involved in airdropping hundreds of tonnes of aid. 'The amount of aid being dropped is an absolute drop in the ocean,' Siddiqui said, adding that the UN says about 2,300 tonnes of aid are required to meet Gaza's daily needs. The act of vandalism committed at RAF Brize Norton is disgraceful. Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain and put their lives on the line for us every day. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 20, 2025 How has Palestine Action reacted to the ban threat? In a statement posted on its X profile on Tuesday, Palestine Action said: 'The real crime here is not red paint being sprayed on these warplanes, but the war crimes that have been enabled with those planes because of the UK government's complicity in Israel's genocide.' The statement also accuses Starmer of 'hypocrisy' since the PM, back in 2003, supported protesters who broke into an RAF base to stop US bombers heading to Iraq. At the time, Starmer was a lawyer. 'I think it's a very knee-jerk reaction from an embarrassed government, and it's an overblown reaction,' Siddiqui said. Siddiqui said it was unprecedented for Palestine Action to face the ban. 'The majority of the proscribed groups are international. The majority of them take actions in very, very different ways. Palestine Action would be a complete outlier. It's a Draconian approach for the government to stifle protests that they just don't like. It's genuinely terrifying for anyone who cares about civil liberties in the UK.' In all, 81 groups are proscribed in the UK under the Terrorism Act 2000. They include political movements with armed wings, like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as armed groups like ISIS (ISIL), al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan. What are other reactions to the possible ban? On Monday, Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International UK, said in a news release: 'The UK has an overly broad definition of terrorism and proscribing a direct-action protest group like Palestine Action risks an unlawful interference with the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.' He said regular criminal law and appropriate human rights protections were adequate to respond to direct action protesters such as those affiliated with Palestine Action. Deshmukh added that the decision to ban Palestine Action risks 'the free speech rights of many other activists who are deeply concerned about the plight of Palestinians in the context of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza'. London-based advocacy organisation CAGE International has also reacted to the announcement. In a statement published on its website, Naila Ahmed, head of campaigns at CAGE International, said: 'We stand in absolute solidarity with Palestine Action in their campaign to dismantle the Zionist war machine and bring an end to the genocide in Gaza. Terrorism and proscription laws are now brazenly enabling the continuation of a livestreamed genocide.' Irish author Sally Rooney, known for books including her 2018 novel Normal People, wrote an opinion piece published by The Guardian on Sunday titled 'Israel kills innocent Palestinians. Activists spray-paint a plane. Guess which the UK government calls terrorism.' Rooney wrote that the activists who vandalised Brize Norton knew what they were doing was illegal. 'From the suffragettes to the gay rights movement to the anti-apartheid struggle, genuine political resistance has always involved intentional law-breaking. 'But proscribing an entire organisation under the Terrorism Act is not the same thing as prosecuting particular individuals for specific transgressions … even supporting the group purely in words – as I am doing now – could also constitute a serious legal offence, punishable with a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.' What's next? Cooper has said a draft of a proscription order against Palestine Action will be presented to the British Parliament on June 30. If passed, the ban would become law, making it illegal to become a member of the group or to invite support for it. According to the Terrorism Act, the penalties include up to 14 years in prison and a fine. Siddiqui said the group would challenge the proposed order legally. Palestine Action said in an X post that the group had 'instructed lawyers who will fight against the Home Secretary's attempt to ban our movement'. The group has created an online fundraiser for legal action, accepting donations from supporters. As of 08:00 GMT on Wednesday, the group had received more than 79,000 pounds ($107,000) out of its 100,000-pound ($140,000) goal. 'At this point, Palestine Action is not yet a banned organisation and we will continue to be Palestine Action. I think it is extremely crucial for all people who care for civil liberties to be fighting against such acts,' Siddiqui said.
Broadcast Pro
3 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Thales and Qatar Airways partner on IFE tech and local service hub
A key component of the agreement includes the potential development of a dedicated Thales IFE service and maintenance centre in Doha. Thales, a global leader in aerospace, defence, cybersecurity and digital technologies, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Qatar Airways to support the airlines recently announced strategic fleet expansion. This collaboration aims to advance inflight entertainment (IFE) technology and accelerate Qatar Airways digital transformation, giving the airline access to cutting-edge innovations. In addition, this MoA covers the opportunities for the development of a dedicated IFE service and maintenance centre based in Doha, Qatar. The mission of this local Thales facility is to provide rapid access to services such as repair, spare distribution, technical assistance and turnkey maintenance for the full range of Thales IFE products on Qatars growing new fleet. The state-of-the-art facility will be designed to ensure the highest standards of operational efficiency. The purpose of this MoA is to support Qatar Airways growth and the expansion of its new fleet. It builds on a strong and long-standing relationship between the two companies. Over the years, Thales has been Qatar Airways trusted IFE provider for several aircraft platforms, including their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft. This partnership was recently expanded to include Qatar Airways new A321 NX fleet, which will be equipped with Thales award-winning FlytEDGE cloud-native IFE solution. In alignment with Qatar Vision 2030, this partnership will help drive industry-leading innovations and contribute to the growth of the local aerospace and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) ecosystem by bringing high-skilled jobs to the country. Eng. Ali Al Saadi, Qatar Airways, Chief MRO Officer, said: We are pleased to witness the continued advancement of our collaboration with Thales. As we strive to maintain the highest standards in aviation technology and operational excellence, it is imperative that we remain at the forefront of innovation. Our partnership with Thales reinforces this ambition and supports our ongoing commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions. Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice-President, Avionics, Thales added: We are pleased to grow our partnership with Qatar Airways. This MOA highlights, once again, our mutual dedication to innovative technologies and the highest standards of operational excellence. It paves the way for a local service hub and growing expertise in Doha, bolstering the airlines future growth ambitions.
