It’s heart wrenching. These families have been torn apart by inexcusable hatred and violence. We also know that American citizens still remain unaccounted for, and we are working with Israeli officials to obtain more information as to their whereabouts. My heart goes out to every family impacted by the horrible events of the past few days. The pain these families have endured, the enormity of their loss, and the agony of those still awaiting information is unfathomable.

The safety of American citizens—whether at home or abroad—is my top priority as President. While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas. I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts.

For American citizens who are currently in Israel, the State Department is providing consular assistance as well as updated security alerts. For those who desire to leave, commercial flights and ground options are still available. Please also take sensible precautions in the days ahead and follow the guidance of local authorities.

This is not some distant tragedy. The ties between Israel and the United States run deep. It is personal for so many American families who are feeling the pain of this attack as well as the scars inflicted through millennia of antisemitism and persecution of Jewish people. In cities across the country, police departments have stepped up security around centers of Jewish life, and the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal law enforcement partners are closely monitoring for any domestic threats in connection with the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel.

In this moment of heartbreak, the American people stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israelis. We remember the pain of being attacked by terrorists at home, and Americans across the country stand united against these evil acts that have once more claimed innocent American lives. It is an outrage. And we will continue to show the world that the American people are unwavering in our resolve to oppose terrorism in all forms. 

The United States and the State of Israel are inseparable partners, and I affirmed to Prime Minister Netanyahu again when we spoke yesterday that the United States will continue to make sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and its people.

HLS.Today – DHS.GOV

Prior to DHS, Dr. Kusnezov was a theoretical physicist working at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) focusing on emerging technologies. He served in numerous positions, including the Deputy Under Secretary for Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Technology where he led efforts to drive AI innovation and bring it into DOE missions, business and operations, including through the creation of a new AI Office. 

Dr. Kusnezov has served in scientific and national security positions, including Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Energy, Chief Scientist for the National Nuclear Security Administration, Director of Advanced Simulation and Computing and the Director of the multi-billion-dollar National Security Science, Technology and Engineering programs. He created numerous programs, including for Minority Serving Institutions, international partners, private sector and philanthropic entities. He has worked across agencies to deliver major milestones such as DOE’s 10-year grand challenge for a 100 Teraflop supercomputer, and first of their kind and world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Prior to DOE and his pursuit of public service, Dr. Kusnezov had a long career in academia where he published more than 100 articles and edited two books. He joined Yale University faculty where he was a professor for more than a decade in Theoretical Physics and served as a visiting professor at numerous universities around the world. Before this post, Dr. Kusnezov did a brief postdoc and was an instructor at Michigan State University, following a year of research at the Institut fur Kernphysik, KFA-Julich, in Germany. He earned his MS in Physics and Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics at Princeton University and received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Physics and in Pure Mathematics with highest honors from UC Berkeley.

Photo: NCITE University of Nebraska

DHS Under Secretary Kusnezov visits NCITE

Unomaha.edu – During his visit, Kusnezov held a fireside chat with NCITE students and staff, answering questions about his career and the nation’s current threat landscape.

As a theoretical physicist working in academia, Dimitri Kusnezov, Ph.D., focused on topics like quantum dissipation, Fourier’s Law, and spin dynamics.

“What I liked was understanding the world around me in mathematics,” Kusnezov said. “I could have lived there happily (in academia), but when I thought about the world of physics, and when I thought about the world … a world with all of the issues that we have, physics was small.”

Today, Kusnezov serves as under secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, leading research, development, and innovation efforts that support the DHS mission.

On Dec. 7, Kusnezov visited NCITE at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Scott Campus. During his visit, he met with Center leadership and participated in technology demonstrations related to emerging threats. Later in the day, he held a fireside chat with NCITE students and staff, answering questions about his career and the nation’s current threat landscape.

Before entering public service, Kusnezov was a faculty member at Yale University, where he taught theoretical physics for more than a decade. During his time in academia, he published more than 100 articles and edited two books.

After entering government service, he held positions such as deputy under secretary for Artificial Intelligence and Technology at the Department of Energy, senior advisor to the Secretary of Energy, and chief scientist for the National Nuclear Security Administration. He became under secretary of S&T in September.

Throughout his fireside chat with NCITE students, Kusnezov talked about his academic past, how he approaches working in government, and his concerns for the future, particularly when it comes to technology.

“The world around us, as we look, is changing in ways that worry me,” Kusnezov said. “I worry about the world we’re leaving our kids.”

Kusnezov said he often thinks about the impact of the democratization of technology. Virtually anyone, he said, can innovate as technology becomes more accessible to the public, allowing the world to change in unexpected ways.

We have a dearth of ideas, a glut of problems, and help is needed.

Dimitri Kusnezov

Because of this and the complexity of problems we face today, there must be a focus on solving problems with people from other disciplines, he said, adding there “isn’t any single problem that the government cares about that can be handled by a single domain expert.”

In order to best understand how to anticipate new issues and resolve existing ones, it is also important for people to find new ways of thinking and new paths toward solutions, he said.

“There is no right or wrong answer,” he said. “You have to be willing to take risks and follow your instinct on what’s important.”

After following his own path from academia to government service, Kusnezov learned about the need for collaboration to get anything done in government. But, he said, that doesn’t mean everyone will be happy with a given course of action.

“There has never been a decision I’ve seen made that everyone is happy about,” he said. “You will have an enemies list, and that will be a measure of your impact.”

Making an impact also requires taking risks and encouraging others to do so. After making the leap to a job that deals with large, complex problems, Kusnezov wants to enable others – including the next generation of the counterterrorism workforce – to take big swings.

“I want to help where we can,” Kusnezov said. “We have a dearth of ideas, a glut of problems, and help is needed. Our job is to enable that as best as we can … I want people to take risks, do things outside of the restrictions of their day jobs, and encourage people to work together and communicate.”

HLS.Today Source: DHS.GOV

• Pakistani authorities have denied involvement in or advanced knowledge of the US drone strike that killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
• Acting Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob claims American drones have been entering Afghanistan via Pakistan.
• The Taliban said it is investigating the July air strike and that it has not found the Al Qaeda leader’s body.

The Taliban’s acting defense minister on Sunday claimed Pakistan had allowed American drones to use its airspace to access Afghanistan, a charge Pakistan has recently denied following a US air strike in Kabul.

Acting Minister of Defense Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob told reporters at a news conference in Kabul that American drones have been entering Afghanistan via Pakistan. “According to our information the drones are entering through Pakistan to Afghanistan, they use Pakistan’s airspace, we ask Pakistan, don’t use your airspace against us,” he said. Pakistan’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pakistani authorities have denied involvement in or advanced knowledge of a drone strike the United States said it carried out in Kabul in July that killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Yaqoob’s comments could exacerbate tension between the neighboring nations at a time when the Afghan Taliban are mediating talks between Pakistan and a Pakistani Taliban militant group.  Afghanistan also relies heavily on trade with Pakistan as the country experiences an economic crisis. The Taliban said they are investigating the July air strike and that it has not found the Al Qaeda leader’s body.

The Taliban’s interim Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub on Sunday has claimed that the US drones were entering the war-torn country through Pakistan, the media reported.

While narrating the one-year performance of the ministry alongside the Army Chief Mullah Fasih Uddin and the spokesperson of the ministry at a press conference in Kabul, Yaqub said: “We hadn’t caught all routes of the drones but our intelligence reported that the US drones were entering through Pakistan.”

“We demand that Pakistan does not allow its air space to be used by the US,” he said, adding that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) radar system was destroyed when the Americans evacuated the country last year in August, ” Express Tribune reported citing Yaqub. The defense minister also stated that the number of IEA’s national army reached 150, 000 soldiers with eight border groups and each consisting of 3, 000 personnel. Yaqub further demanded all neighboring countries return their helicopters and airplanes and also added that no one would be allowed to station their defense items on their soil.

While answering questions he said that the investigation of the killing of Al-Qaeda Chief Ayman-al-Zawahiri, who was killed in a CIA drone strike in Kabul on July 31, is still underway and is yet to be concluded. “The US is grossly violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty and the Doha agreement, ” he added, Express Tribune reported. Previously, the Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told the media that the war-ravaged country had registered its protest with the US government against using their drones in Afghanistan’s airspace.

The Al-Qaeda chief’s killing in a US drone strike indicates that the US has over the horizon capability to take out high-value targets and importantly without having any US footprints on the ground in Afghanistan. His killing has raised questions about how the CIA executed the operation. The CIA after the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces has no basis inside Afghanistan as well as in Pakistan, where the US operated after the 9/11 attacks. There were speculations that Pakistan might have played a role in taking out the al-Qaeda chief. However, a government source strongly rejected some rumors that the drone might have flown from Pakistan and that the US used the country’s airspace, Express Tribune reported.

Source: AFP

​An Israeli security delegation headed by the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence, Major General (res.) Amir Eshel, participated in a strategic meeting in Rome focused on cooperation in the fields of procurement, research, and development together with the Italian Ministry of Defence.  

As part of the strategic dialogue, DG Eshel spoke yesterday (Monday) with Director General of the Italian Ministry of Defence, Lt. Gen. Luciano Portolano, and with the Chief of the Defence Staff of Italy, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. DG Eshel was joined by Deputy Director General and Head of the DOPP in the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Avi Dadon, Israeli Defense Attaché, Col. Dror Altman, and additional officials.

The meetings focused on strengthening ties in procurement and military equipment, broadening research and development processes, strengthening industrial cooperation between countries, and promoting key procurement initiatives.

Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Eshel, expressed his great appreciation, on behalf of the entire Israeli defense establishment, for the fruitful cooperation between the countries in the fields of procurement, research and development, and military cooperation. DG Eshel emphasized the strategic alliance between the two countries and Italy’s firm stance alongside the State of Israel. 

Source: Israel.Gov

Forecasts by Platform (Ground-based: Fixed, Ground-based: Mobile, Hand-held, UAV-based, Other Plant Process), by Technology (Radar Technology, Radio-frequency RF, Infrared (IR) Technology, Acoustic Technology, Electro-optical (EO), Combined Sensors), by Interdiction (RF Jamming, GNSS Jamming, Laser & Projectile, Collision Drone, Combined Interdiction Elements), by Vertical (Military & Defence, Commercial, Homeland Security) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies AND COVID-19 Recovery Scenarios

Counter Drone Systems (C-UAS) Have Been Utilized Most Commonly for Base Defence So Far

All three terms—counter-UAS, C-UAS, and counter-UAV technology—mean the same thing. Counter-drone technology is a system that can detect or keeps an eye on unmanned aircraft. Companies are turning to cutting-edge technology in the counter-drone technology market to keep ahead of the competition. As security concerns rise, drones are projected to endanger civilian and military groups. Defense agencies in several countries have substantially increased their spending on C-UAS counter drone application system in response to an increase in concerns from terrorist groups like ISIS and others. C-UAS counter drone technologies have so far been most frequently used as an addition to existing weapons like anti-mortar systems and reconnaissance platforms for base defence. Additionally, convoy and ground unit protection systems that are portable and mobile are becoming more and more common. Up until now, the technology behind counter drone systems has mainly been used to safeguard the airspace surrounding airports, as well as VIP protection, activities like parties and sporting competitions, and anti-smuggling operations.

Anti-Drone Interdiction Measures Can Be Harmful

Many anti-drone interdiction tactics, if not all of them, can be damaging in certain circumstances. Drones whose flight is interrupted by kinetic means run the risk of striking the earth severely. Even net-based systems with a parachute to bring the captured drone safely to the ground can be risky if the parachute malfunctions or the interception takes place at a low altitude. Interdiction elements must be exceedingly exact to target a moving drone; otherwise, bystanders may be in danger. Long-range signalling pathways like lasers and powerful microwaves could present a serious threat to aircraft flying over a targeted drone. On the other hand, jamming systems can impair nearby legal communications links; for instance, if used at an airport, they could impair air traffic control operations. The use of GPS jamming or spoofing technologies is particularly problematic in situations when other organisations depend on accurate GPS navigation (for example, manned aircraft at an airport).

What Questions Should You Ask before Buying a Market Research Report?

• How is the counter-UAV market evolving?
• What is driving and restraining the counter-UAV market?
• How will each counter-UAV submarket segment grow over the forecast period and how much revenue will these submarkets account for in 2032?
• How will the market shares for each counter-UAV submarket develop from 2022 to 2032?
• What will be the main driver for the overall market from 2022 to 2032?
• Will leading counter-UAV markets broadly follow the macroeconomic dynamics, or will individual national markets outperform others?
• How will the market shares of the national markets change by 2032 and which geographical region will lead the market in 2032?
• Who are the leading players and what are their prospects over the forecast period?
• What are the counter-UAV projects for these leading companies?
• How will the industry evolve during the period between 2020 and 2032? What are the implications of counter-UAV projects taking place now and over the next 10 years?
• Is there a greater need for product commercialisation to further scale the counter-UAV market?
• Where is the counter-UAV market heading and how can you ensure you are at the forefront of the market?
• What are the best investment options for new product and service lines?
• What are the key prospects for moving companies into a new growth path and C-suite?

You need to discover how this will impact the counter-UAV market today, and over the next 10 years:

• Our 520-page report provides 360 tables and 355 charts/graphs exclusively to you.
• The report highlights key lucrative areas in the industry so you can target them – NOW.
• It contains in-depth global, regional and national sales and growth analysis.
• It highlights for you the key successful trends, changes and revenue projections made by your competitors.

This report tells you TODAY how the counter-UAV market will develop in the next 10 years, and in line with the variations in COVID-19 economic recession and bounce. This market is more critical now than at any point over the last 10 years.

Forecasts to 2032 and other analyses reveal commercial prospects

• In addition to revenue forecasting to 2032, our new study provides you with recent results, growth rates, and market shares.
• You will find original analyses, with business outlooks and developments.
• Discover qualitative analyses (including market dynamics, drivers, opportunities, restraints and challenges), cost structure, impact of rising counter-UAV prices and recent developments.

This report includes data analysis and invaluable insight into how COVID-19 will affect the industry and your company. Four COVID-19 recovery patterns and their impact, namely, “V”, “L”, “W” and “U” are discussed in this report.

Segments Covered in the Report

Market Segment by Vertical

• Military & Defense
• Commercial
• Homeland Security

Market Segment by Interdiction

• RF Jamming
• GNSS Jamming
• Laser & Projectile
• Collision Drone
• Combined Interdiction Elements

Market Segment by Technology

• Radar Technology
• Radio-frequency (RF)
• Infrared (IR) Technology
• Acoustic Technology
• Electro-optical (EO)
• Combined Sensors

Market Segment by Platform

• Ground-based: Fixed
• Ground-based: Mobile
• Hand-held
• UAV-based

In addition to the revenue predictions for the overall world market and segments, you will also find revenue forecasts for four regional and 20 leading national markets:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• Turkey
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Iran
• Israel
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

The report also includes profiles and for some of the leading companies in the Counter-UAV Market, 2022 to 2032, with a focus on this segment of these companies’ operations.

Leading companies and the potential for market growth

• AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc.
• Airbus SE
• BAE Systems plc
• Blighter Surveillance Systems
• CACI International Inc (CACI)
• Dedrone
• DroneShield Limited
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• General Dynamics Corporation
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• Leonardo SpA
• Liteye Systems, Inc.
• Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Moog Inc.
• Northrop Grumman Corp.
• RADA Electronic Industries Ltd.
• Raytheon Technologies Corp
• Saab AB
• Thales Group
• The Boeing Company

Overall world revenue for Counter-UAV Market, 2022 to 2032 in terms of value the market will surpass US$1,320 million in 2022, our work calculates. We predict strong revenue growth through to 2032. Our work identifies which organizations hold the greatest potential. Discover their capabilities, progress, and commercial prospects, helping you stay ahead.

How will the Counter-UAV Market, 2022 to 2032 report help you?

In summary, our 520+ page report provides you with the following knowledge:

• Revenue forecasts to 2032 for Counter-UAV Market, 2022 to 2032 Market, with forecasts for vertical, interdiction, technology, platform and company size, each forecast at a global and regional level – discover the industry’s prospects, finding the most lucrative places for investments and revenues.
• Revenue forecasts to 2032 for four regional and 20 key national markets – See forecasts for the Counter-UAV Market, 2022 to 2032 market in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. Also forecasted is the market in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, UK, Italy, China, India, Japan, and Australia among other prominent economies.
• Prospects for established firms and those seeking to enter the market – including company profiles for 20 of the major companies involved in the Counter-UAV Market, 2022 to 2032.

Source: Globe NewsWire

Introduced in March 2022, the Teledyne FLIR LVSS ADA C-UAS, is a new Lightweight Vehicle Surveillance System (LVSS) with revolutionary air domain awareness (ADA) and advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. This new system is an enhanced addition to Teledyne FLIR’s field-proven LVSS platform that features reliable, rapidly deployable, cutting-edge technology to detect and mitigate the growing threat of small drones. The LVSS ADA C-UAS leverages a powerful combination of 3D radar, EO/IR camera, and RF detection and mitigation sensors to provide early warning alerts and recognition, so threats are detected and displayed simultaneously, showing the position and elevation for all radar tracks.

FLIR LVSS C-UAS

Next-generation Air Domain Awareness confirms clear airspace and boosts counter-drone operations beyond line of sight (Courtesy of Teledyne FLIR) Additionally, the LVSS ADA C-UAS also can detect drone swarms by allowing operators to monitor up to 500 radar targets simultaneously. A multi-spectral imager captures key UAS elements that help identify high-risk targets for a pinpointed response. The LVSS C-UAS adds proven Air Domain Awareness and Counter- UAS capabilities to the market-leading LVSS platform. In addition to early warning alerts and detection, the LVSS C-UAS standalone, relocatable, and rapidly deployable system provides non-kinetic countermeasures for various UAS systems.

ON-THE-MOVE EFFECTIVE, NON-KINETIC COUNTERMEASURES

Non-kinetic RF countermeasures provide the system with full C-UAS kill chain capabilities. Threats are detected simultaneously. Details are provided to the operator when the system is either fully deployed or while the vehicle is on-the-move.

ACT FASTER WITH HIGH-PERFORMING VIDEO ANALYTICS

Gain additional insight into selected threats by engaging comprehensive video analytics models to identify and track. Additionally, the analytics model can be used to control the camera autonomously.

INTEGRATE COMPLEX SYSTEMS, OPTIMIZING AWARENESS ACROSS DOMAINS

FLIR’s Cameleon™ V5 Enterprise is off-the-shelf perimeter intrusion detection software that can be configured to meet challenging requirements, offering flexible workspace layouts, and support for multiple monitors. The architecture allows for the addition of new devices and systems using IP connectivity without modifying the core software. In addition, clients can simultaneously log into multiple servers. integrates with operational features from all onboard sensors. It supports advanced device features and bi-directional communications.

Teledyne FLIR LVSS C-UAS

Teledyne FLIR’s New Mobile Surveillance with Air Domain Awareness (ADA) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Capabilities (Courtesy of Teledyne FLIR)

Teledyne FLIR designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes technologies that enhance perception and awareness.

The company brings innovative sensing solutions into daily life through its thermal imaging, visible-light imaging, video analytics, measurement and diagnostic, and advanced threat detection systems.

Teledyne FLIR offers a diversified portfolio that serves a number of applications in government & defense, industrial, and commercial markets.

Teledyne FLIR logo

Their products help first responders and military personnel protect and save lives, promote efficiency within the trades, and innovate consumer-facing technologies.

Teledyne FLIR strives to strengthen public safety and well-being, increase energy and time efficiency, and contribute to healthy and intelligent communities.

To view Teledyne FLIR’s complete line of intelligent sensing, unmanned systems, and integrated solutions for defense and industrial markets, go to www.flir.com.

Teledyne FLIR Returns to Compete in 7th ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon (starting front row, left to right) SIMS Software President & CEO Michael Struttmann; TENEO Risk Advisory Executive Chairman Commissioner Bill Bratton; NEC National Security Systems President Dr. Kathleen Kiernan; TSA Administrator David Pekoske; Fortior Solutions General Counsel Katherine Cowan; NEC Corporation of America Senior Vice President & Chief Experience Officer Raffie Beroukhim; TENEO Risk Advisory Chief of Staff David Cagno; Infragard National Board Member Doug Farber, Lumina Analytics Co-Founder & Chairman Allan Martin, and AMAROK Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Mike Dorrington.

2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon (starting front row, left to right) SIMS Software President & CEO Michael Struttmann; TENEO Risk Advisory Executive Chairman Commissioner Bill Bratton; NEC National Security Systems President Dr. Kathleen Kiernan; TSA Administrator David Pekoske; Fortior Solutions General Counsel Katherine Cowan; NEC Corporation of America Senior Vice President & Chief Experience Officer Raffie Beroukhim; TENEO Risk Advisory Chief of Staff David Cagno; Infragard National Board Member Doug Farber, Lumina Analytics Co-Founder & Chairman Allan Martin, and AMAROK Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Mike Dorrington.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

Teledyne FLIR

Best CBRNE Detection Solution identiFINDER R700

The Teledyne FLIR identiFINDER R700, introduced in June 2021, is a Backpack Radiation Detector (BRD) that fills a need in the operational deployment of radiation detectors.

In June the US Department of Homeland Security Awarded $6.5 Million for the Low-profile Backpack with Mobile Phone App Allows Radiation Threats to be Detected and Tracked Discreetly at Mass Gatherings or Public Events.

The R700 builds upon years of tried and true spectroscopic algorithms applied to a man-portable backpack detection system for accurate and reliable results.

The R700’s lightweight, flexible and portable design allows users to configure the system as either an unmarked backpack or a stationary device, enabling mission sets from wide-area searches to temporary checkpoints.

With its nondescript backpack form-factor and phone-based user interface, operators detect radiological threats covertly, even in a crowd.

The identiFINDER R700 which is a recent recipient of a U.S. government award, provides the capabilities required to successfully perform wide-area searches quickly and efficiently while offering exceptional sensitivity, communication, and trusted spectroscopic algorithms in a lightweight, ergonomic form-factor.

*FLIR Systems has now been recognized in all Six Consecutive Years of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards.

Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.

AST Honors Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations, at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.

The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.

Our keynote speaker TSA Administrator David Pekoske delivered a moving and timely address on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel, and more (Be sure to see Interview.)

TSA Administrator David Pekoske addressing attendees at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon in New York City on November 17, 2021. (Be sure to see AST Exclusive Interview, facilitated by Dr. Kathleen Kiernan HERE.)

Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.

Commissioner Bill Bratton signing copies of his latest work, ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon. (Be sure to see AST Exclusive Interview with Comm Bratton, facilitated by Dr. Kathleen Kiernan HERE.)

Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS), New Premier Sponsors Rajant Corporation, and guardDog AI, and returning Sponsors to date, ATI Systems, Automatic Systems, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMatters

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in New York City!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification Personal/Protective Equipment Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism

Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System Interagency Interdiction Operation Cloud Computing/Storage Solution

Facial/IRIS Recognition Body Worn Video Product Cyber Security

Video Surveillance/VMS Mobile Technology Anti-Malware

Audio Analytics Disaster Preparedness ID Management

Thermal/Infrared Camera Mass Notification System Fire & Safety

Metal/Weapon Detection Rescue Operations Critical Infrastructure

License Plate Recognition Detection Products COVID Innovations

Workforce Management Government Security Programs And Many Others to Choose From!

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Team TSA

Honoring the 20th anniversary of the Transportation Security Administration (Team TSA at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon.)

In 2021 over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:

NCDMPH (Dr. Goolsby second from left), and American Red Cross Members accept ‘Excellence in Public Safety’ Awards at 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon

NCDMPH (Dr. Goolsby second from left), and American Red Cross Members accept an ‘Excellence in Public Safety’ Awards at 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)

Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

The Federal Protective Service (FPS)

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

DHS Science & Technology (S&T)

The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH)

The American Red Cross

The InfraGard National Alliance

The Metropolitan Police (MPD)

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)

Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)

The Federal Air Marshals Service

The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, and Many More!

Representing NEC at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon -Stacey Brown, SVP Raffie Beroukhim, Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Industry Leader of the Year; Christopher Gillyard, Rachel Sisk, and Frank Sangiorg

Representing NEC Corporation at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC in New York City – NEC Director of Marketing Stacey Brown, NEC Senior Vice President Raffie Beroukhim, NEC NSS President Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Extraordinary Industry Leadership & Innovation Person of the Year; NEC NSS Regional Sales Director Chris Gillyard, NEC NSS Executive Assistant Rachel Sisk, and NEC Regional Sales Director Frank Sangiorgi

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their record of accomplishment include:

AlertMedia, Allied Universal, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems of America, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, HID Global, Mark43, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Lumina Analytics, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Senstar Corporation, ShotSpotter, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and Wiresecure, just to name a few!

Register for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today

In a typical year, DEAC Sabatino oversees the facilitation of legitimate travel for more than 410 million travelers in the air, land, and maritime environments.

Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

American Security Today is delighted to announce, that Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will be the opening keynote speaker at the much-anticipated 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon, on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022.

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The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

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AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

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These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local level as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

Source: American Security Today

According to the press release Edge Autonomy, the business has offered UAS solutions (products) to the US Department of Defense and NATO allies for nearly 25 years. However, it did not reveal the size of the new or existing orders. The penguin drones are similar in appearance to the well-known Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2.Penguins are considerably smaller and fill different niches while maintaining an equivalent level of endurance.

Penguin Drone- Edge Autonomy

Edge Autonomy, formerly UAV Factory, was founded in Latvia in 2009. Early in 2022, the company rebranded following a merger with Jennings Aeronautics.

The company, which has offices in Latvia, California, and Virginia, manufactures several Penguin variants, including an electric-powered Penguin BE and a vertical take-off and landing-capable Penguin B VTOL.

It also offers different drone operations elements such as payloads, launchers, and control stations.

The company’s unmanned technologies are employed by the government, commercial, and academic customers in nearly 60 countries. 

Penguin B Drone

Penguin B is one of the most successful variants of the penguin drone. Since its introduction in 2009, the Penguin B high-performance, semi-integrated mini-UAV has been sold to system integrators in over 40 countries, as per reports. 

The company unveiled a VTOL upgrade kit for the Penguin B in June 2021. The drone gathers real-time intelligence data and transmits it via a digital data link to the portable ground control station (PGCS). 

The Penguin B is made to adapt quickly to both industrial and commercial uses. The 2.2 meters long and 3.3-meter-wide aerial vehicle is crafted to function in adverse weather like rain and snow. It can launch from a runway or a car-top launcher (CTL) and land using a parachute to recover.

It also has an electro-optic camera installed beneath the centerline fuselage section to capture images of the field it surveys.

Penguin B has electro-optic (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors. It can be controlled either manually or autonomously by the PGCS.

Edge Autonomy Factory of Latvia designed and produced the PGCS. A single operator can manage the vehicle and its payloads. “The Penguin B is designed to suit both military and commercial applications flexibly,” said the company. 

The PGCS is simple to set up for autopilot operations. It includes a Panasonic 13-inch CF-31 laptop, a 17-inch secondary touch screen payload display, cutting-edge battery power systems, GPS tracking antennas, video receivers, an RC-transmitter mouse, an optional joystick, and other auxiliary gear.

A Honda four-stroke engine with an output power range of 1.3 to 2.5 hp powers the crewless aerial vehicle. The aircraft has a fixed tricycle-style landing gear system with two main gear legs, a dirigible nose gear leg, and oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers.

Penguin B has a top speed of 129 km/h with a maximum service height of 5,000 meters and a take-off distance of 30 meters. According to the company’s website, the aircraft has a maximum flight time of more than 20 hours. 

Penguin C Drone 

The long-range aircraft system Penguin C is built on the reliable airframe platform of the Penguin B UAS, which has been in use since 2012.

Militaries can employ this unmanned aircraft system for routine checks, surveillance, object tracking, small moving target detection, and intelligence gathering. In March 2019, the Latvian National Armed Forces ordered Penguin C unmanned aircraft systems.

With its autonomous launch and parachute recovery systems, the Penguin C is a runway-independent aircraft that can operate in remote locations with limited infrastructure.

A man-portable pneumatic catapult launcher is available for use in launching the aircraft.  In less than an hour, the drone can be assembled and launched by two crew members. The Penguin C UAS also has an electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor payload that allows it to conduct surveillance, object tracking, and intelligence operations.  Epsilon gyro-stabilized day/night gimbals like the 140, 135 HD Day, 140Z, and 175 can be incorporated entirely with the unmanned aircraft system thanks to motorized retraction and anti-vibration damping.

A dual touch-screen display unit of military grade that supports operations in adverse weather is part of Penguin C’s portable ground control system. The Penguin C UAS is propelled by a 28cc electronic fuel injected (EFI) engine that operates on 98 Octane fuel. The onboard engine cooling system enables operations in temperatures below freezing and extreme heat.

Source: Eurasian Times