The US Navy has entered into a collaboration with Trellix, a cybersecurity provider based in Texas, aimed at enhancing the security of its enterprise grid. This partnership will see Trellix supply its advanced Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), a crucial component in bolstering the Navy’s defenses against cyber threats.

The IPS provided by Trellix is equipped with sophisticated detection and emulation features, designed to protect hybrid physical and virtual infrastructures while simplifying management tasks. This technology is part of Trellix’s broader Network Detect and Response (NDR) suite. The NDR suite is designed to facilitate rapid intrusion containment, simulate attack campaigns, and identify and eliminate cyber vulnerabilities at an enterprise level.

Gareth Maclachlan, Chief Product Officer at Trellix, emphasized the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for defense organizations that face covert threats from nation-states and various malicious entities seeking to compromise networks for espionage and other nefarious activities. He articulated the Navy’s move towards the full implementation of NDR and highlighted the critical role of network defense technologies like IPS in establishing baseline network behavior patterns. This is essential for enhancing the response capabilities necessary to address threats posed by suspicious network traffic.

He further noted, “With Trellix IPS, they have a next-generation intrusion detection and prevention system that discovers and blocks sophisticated threats across the network,” underscoring the system’s advanced capabilities.

The announcement comes on the heels of Trellix receiving a high provisional authorization at Impact Level 5 from the US Department of Defense earlier in the month for its cloud processing optimizer solution. This achievement further solidifies Trellix’s credentials in the realm of cybersecurity within federal defense operations.

A missile strike on a private clinic in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left over a dozen others injured, amidst escalating attacks by Russia in southern regions it partially controls. This assault has heightened concerns regarding a renewed Russian offensive in these territories.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed ongoing rescue operations in Zaporizhzhia following what he described as a “brutal” attack. He shared a harrowing video showing emergency responders carrying a lifeless body and scouring the debris following the missile strike, which caused extensive destruction to the targeted clinic and nearby office buildings in the city center. According to the National Police, the “death toll has risen to four,” with 19 individuals, including a five-year-old child, sustaining injuries from the attack.

Police officials noted that there remain fears that up to eight individuals could still be trapped beneath the rubble, prompting urgent rescue efforts.

In a separate but concerning incident, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant currently under Russian control, reported that one of its vehicles was struck by a drone. No injuries were reported, but IAEA director general Rafael Grossi condemned the incident as an “unacceptable” attack on agency personnel who are dedicated to preventing a nuclear mishap amid the ongoing conflict.

Zaporizhzhia is one of four regions that Moscow claimed to have annexed in 2022, although Russian forces do not have full control over the area. The situation has become increasingly perilous as recent reports indicated a buildup of Russian infantry and armored vehicles, accompanied by a rise in aerial bombardments, suggesting imminent attacks along Ukraine’s southern front. The recent escalation in fighting poses significant risks to Ukrainian forces already losing ground in other regions.

On the battlefield, Moscow has achieved some progress, with the Russian defense ministry claiming control of the village of Zhovte, which is in proximity to the strategically important supply hub of Pokrovsk held by Ukrainian forces.

Amid these hostilities, Ukrainian officials have been vocal in their appeals for increased support from allied nations to withstand the persistent Russian advances and daily air assaults. In his evening address following the missile strike, President Zelensky reiterated the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, stating, “We don’t have enough systems to protect our country from Russian missiles,” while emphasizing the critical need for support from allies.

In the eastern Kharkiv region near the front lines, the war has instilled a profound sense of fear among residents. A local woman named Lyudmyla Kovach expressed her concerns, sharing an emotional reflection on the increasing devastation in her village of Ridkodub, where drone and missile attacks have destroyed homes and left survivors anticipating further violence. With the chilling reality that many people may perish as the conflict drags on, Kovach lamented, “So many people have died and it’s especially sad to see children being killed.”

Reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding potential peace negotiations, she voiced skepticism about their efficacy, worrying that “by the time everything is settled, there will be no one left.” The sounds of bombardment echoed in the distance, punctuating her desperate hopes for peace amid ongoing turmoil.

The Russian military has introduced an unusual warning system to alert personnel and civilians about incoming drone threats from Ukraine. According to Serhii Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian servicemember and radio technology expert, a photo has surfaced showing a traffic light installed along a roadway in Russia, which seems to be part of this innovative approach.

At first glance, the traffic light may appear innocuous, but it serves a critical function. Reports indicate that the system flashes yellow when a hostile drone is detected at a distance, switching to red to signify a high-level threat. In the absence of nearby threats, the light changes to green. This system is reportedly intended to enhance safety for both military and civilian drivers, giving them necessary warnings about potential drone risks in specific areas. However, the details regarding the components and overall architecture of this signaling system remain largely undisclosed.

This implementation is part of a broader trend of unconventional measures adopted by Russia in response to Ukraine’s drone capabilities. Earlier in 2023, footage emerged depicting nets erected between utility poles in Russia, aimed at intercepting incoming drones. Despite some nets appearing damaged, they reportedly stayed effective by entangling drones targeting urban locations.

Further demonstrating the creative strategies devised by Russian forces, a peculiar anti-drone system has been seen mounted on a BMP-1 armored vehicle. This system features metal rods, resembling antennas, welded to the vehicle’s exterior, likely intended to provoke premature detonations of loitering munitions.

In a more recent development, Russian engineers have unveiled a new unmanned aerial vehicle that has been designed to emit streams of fire to eliminate nearby threats, including drones and low-flying aircraft. This further highlights the ongoing arms race and creative adaptations by both sides in the conflict, as they seek to outmaneuver each other’s technological advancements.

In a significant advancement for air and missile defense, Northrop Grumman recently showcased the capabilities of the U.S. Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) during a trial involving the tracking and engagement of moving drone and cruise missile targets. This demonstration marked a successful integration of IBCS with the Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system, which efficiently detected, identified, and neutralized two surrogate drones and one representative cruise missile threat.

Kenn Todorov, the vice president for global battle management and readiness at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the demonstration as a pivotal moment, illustrating the IBCS’s capability to connect seamlessly with various sensors and effectors. This integration is crucial for reliable target neutralization. Todorov remarked, “With IBCS’ innovative, game-changing technology, the U.S. Army can test emerging systems like IFPC that will help modernize air and missile defense … allowing the most effective weapon to take out the threat.”

Earlier in 2023, the IBCS also demonstrated its versatility in a live-fire test where it partnered with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar. This collaboration enabled the system to detect and engage a range of threats, both low and high-altitude.

Characterized as a “revolutionary” system, IBCS functions as a modular mission command and fire control system. It is designed to fuse data from various sensors, providing a cohesive and actionable operational picture that aids warfighters in making informed decisions against complex threats. Northrop Grumman highlighted the unique capability of IBCS to connect sensors and effectors that were not originally intended to work together, thus transforming how U.S. and allied forces integrate their operations across multiple domains and enhance the effectiveness of their capabilities.

Furthermore, the IBCS has already exhibited successful integration with a variety of crucial defense systems, including the Patriot missile systems, Sentinel radars, F-35 fighter jets, and common anti-air modular missiles. Last year, the IBCS achieved a notable milestone by reaching full-rate production, affirming its readiness for deployment. Currently, the IBCS is operational in Poland and is scheduled for deployment in Guam, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to modernized defense strategies.

MILAN — In an ongoing effort to adapt to the evolving threat of modern warfare, both Russian and Ukrainian militaries are experimenting with various forms of ammunition to enhance the effectiveness of soldiers’ rifles against increasingly sophisticated exploding drones. According to experts and social media reports, this move highlights a systematic approach to countering a serious problem that has led to numerous casualties on the battlefield.

First-person view (FPV) drones have gained notoriety for their effectiveness, spurred by advancements in technology and piloting skills, as well as the inconsistent performance of existing electronic warfare and jamming systems. Sam Bendett, an advisor at the Washington-based Center for Naval Analyses, pointed out that this growing effectiveness has pushed soldiers to develop methods to shoot down drones in their final flight stages.

However, the success of using small arms for drone interception remains uncertain, often reliant on chance and the skill of the drone pilot. Recent posts from Russian Telegram channels showcased soldiers crafting makeshift anti-drone ammunition, utilizing pellets from buckshot rounds and repurposing them for standard 5.45x39mm rounds typically fired from assault rifles. The challenges extend beyond this, as the outcome depends on various factors, including the size of the pellets used and the structural integrity of the drone being targeted.

According to Paul Bradley, a ballistics expert at Hexagon Ammunition, while larger pellets provide more mass, their kinetic energy is dispersed over a larger surface area, a phenomenon referred to as “pattern.” He noted that a denser pattern enhances the probability of hitting a target, whereas smaller pellets diminish the terminal effect on impact.

In early November, the German military-news site Hartpunkt highlighted insights from the Ukrainian Special Forces Command, which assessed the use of 12-gauge shotguns by Russian troops as a response to small drones. The analysis indicated a perceived severity of the EFV drone threat, suggesting that military vehicles near the frontlines should have dedicated shooters positioned to counteract any electronic warfare system failures. Russian troops have also been reported to track the launch sites of Ukrainian drones, setting ambushes with multiple drone shooters to intercept these threats.

Bradley elaborated on the design disparities between consumer drones, such as those manufactured by DJI, and FPV drones, which are typically constructed with robust materials that are less susceptible to damage. He noted that while sporting ammunition can easily harm hobbyist quadcopters, FPV drones, due to their sturdier builds, often remain intact even after being hit.

The Ukrainian Third Assault Brigade recently conducted experimental shooting exercises focused on simulating FPV drone attacks. During these tests, soldiers evaluated both standard ammunition and specialized anti-drone rounds from various firearms, including shotguns. Results showed that most attempts to neutralize the FPV drones failed; even when damaged, they were able to continue flying due to the insufficiency of the force applied in most cases. In a rare instance where the target was struck with an anti-drone charge, it crashed and caught fire without inflicting serious danger on the shooter.

Short-range drone defense tactics emerging from Ukraine have attracted attention from Western ammunition producers. Notably, Norma, a Swedish cartridge manufacturer under Beretta Holding, is developing and testing its Anti-Drone Long Effective Range (AD-LER) rounds against FPVs. Reports suggest that during trials, the AD-LER managed to incapacitate six out of seven drones launched from a distance of up to 50 meters, illustrating a potential advancement in counter-drone armaments.

As both nations refine their approaches to drone warfare, the focus on creating specialized ammunition indicates a significant evolution in military tactics designed to address the formidable challenges posed by evolving drone technology.

In a tragic escalation of violence, Boko Haram fighters have reportedly killed 14 Nigerian fishermen in the Diffa region of neighboring Niger. This horrific attack came to light when a local anti-jihadist militia, which works alongside Nigeria’s military, disclosed details to AFP on Tuesday.

The fishermen were part of a larger group of Nigerians who fled the persistent violence and deadly raids carried out by armed groups in Nigeria’s northeastern region. They sought refuge across the border in Niger, particularly in areas like Diffa, to escape the turmoil affecting their homes. Originally hailing from the Nigerian towns of Malam Fatori and Doron Baga, these individuals were engaged in fishing when the attack unfolded on Sunday.

According to Babakura Kolo, a leader of a local vigilante group, the victims were brutally murdered, with all 14 having their throats slit by Boko Haram terrorists operating in the vicinity of the Bosso area, close to the border. Ibrahim Liman, another member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), corroborated this account, noting that the attack occurred just a few kilometers from Malam Fatori on the Nigerian side.

The northeast of Nigeria has been marred by a protracted conflict that has spanned over 15 years, resulting in the deaths of more than 40,000 people and displacing approximately two million individuals from their homes. The United Nations estimates that around 138,000 of these displaced persons have sought refuge in Niger. Many of those who have fled rely heavily on international aid for their survival, often turning to activities such as fishing, logging, and scavenging for metal scraps to sustain themselves and supplement the limited rations provided to them.

Boko Haram and its rival group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have increasingly targeted vulnerable groups such as loggers, herders, farmers, fishermen, and metal scrap collectors. These groups accuse such individuals of being spies or providing information about their movements to the army and allied militia forces, further endangering livelihoods in the region.

The situation remains dire, as evidenced by a previous incident in May where ISWAP militants killed dozens of fishermen on three islands located on the Nigerian side of Lake Chad. That assault was reportedly in retaliation for military airstrikes that had targeted ISWAP camps, resulting in numerous casualties among their fighters and families.

Lake Chad, which spans Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, has become a critical sanctuary for both Boko Haram and ISWAP. The lake serves as a launching point for their attacks into the surrounding countries, complicating efforts to stabilize the region and safeguard the lives of those living there.

In the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, military analysts began to emphasize the importance of indirect firepower in modern combat, a trend that has become increasingly evident in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Current estimates suggest that artillery and missile strikes are responsible for approximately 80 percent of personnel and equipment losses on both sides of the conflict. As such, NATO has focused its support for Ukraine primarily on artillery systems and ensuring a consistent supply of ammunition. However, a prolonged focus on asymmetric, low-intensity conflicts over the past several decades has left Western militaries ill-equipped to address the realities of sustained high-intensity warfare.

This “strategic awakening” has revealed significant gaps in both military readiness and industrial capability within Western defense sectors. The continuous demand for artillery has put immense pressure on defense industries, as they struggle to keep pace with the battlefield’s relentless consumption of ammunition. Early warnings about the inadequacy of stockpiles as the conflict began have led to serious delays in resupply, further complicating the situation.

Since the onset of the war, more than 620 artillery guns have been delivered to Ukraine from Western allies, along with various missile systems. The critical significance of artillery became glaringly apparent earlier in 2024 when Ukraine faced extensive territorial losses in the east due to decreased artillery shell availability before the resumption of U.S. weapon supplies. The shortage compelled Western nations to ramp up production of 155mm artillery shells significantly, with the European Union and the United States aiming to produce over 1 million rounds each annually by 2025. Nevertheless, delivery times remain daunting, fluctuating between 10 and 20 months, which severely hampers Ukrainian military operations.

Recent examinations into the evolution of modern artillery have highlighted its dependence on advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. These components are now vital for accurate targeting, effective engagement, and damage assessment. Daniel Rice, a Special Advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukraine Armed Forces, noted Ukraine’s advancements in employing Western-made radars to track Russian artillery, as well as using HARM missiles to incapacitate these radar systems, effectively “blinding” enemy artillery. Dr. James Bosbotinis, a defense specialist, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the success of artillery operations hinges upon effective ISR to locate and engage enemy positions.

Ukraine’s artillery units have gained an impressive diverse range of operational experiences with various howitzer formats amidst high-intensity conflict. Some findings regarding artillery application may not be immediately evident. For example, while armored turrets may seem desirable, they offer limited protection against modern drone threats, indicating that mobility and evasive capabilities are often more advantageous. Platforms with wheel-based designs have demonstrated superior mobility on both tactical and operational fronts, which is crucial in the current combat landscape of Ukraine.

Moreover, automated artillery systems, while theoretically efficient, present their own set of challenges on the battlefield, particularly under adverse conditions and extended usage. There have been reports regarding the fragility of advanced systems such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzer, which require meticulous maintenance in the field. Ukrainian soldiers have found that these systems are susceptible to dirt and moisture, necessitating extensive servicing time after sustained use.

The insights drawn from Ukraine’s artillery use have prompted other nations to reevaluate their own military programs. Countries such as Denmark are making significant investments to enhance their artillery capabilities, while Baltic states are increasing their ammunition production and acquiring new artillery assets. Canada is also undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its artillery systems as part of its Indirect Fires Modernisation program to upgrade its military capabilities.

As military forces worldwide reassess their artillery strategies, the Ukrainian experience underscores a crucial lesson: success may not always stem from the most advanced technology, but rather from achieving the right balance between simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability. In today’s geopolitical climate, artillery systems must adapt to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare, where resilience and flexibility may prove more valuable than sheer technological complexity.

The recent rebel offensive that has successfully challenged the authority of Bashar al-Assad, a close ally of Moscow, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Russia’s military bases in Syria. These installations, namely the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim air base, are critical to Russia’s military presence outside the former Soviet Union and have played integral roles in the Kremlin’s strategic activities in both Africa and the Middle East.

Reports from Russian state media suggest that the Syrian opposition has assured the security of these military facilities. However, the extent of Moscow’s control over them in light of the ongoing conflict remains ambiguous.

The Tartus naval base, strategically located on Syria’s coast, serves as Russia’s only access point to the Mediterranean Sea. Functioning as a refueling and repair station for Russian vessels, it allows them to operationally remain in the Mediterranean without the necessity of returning to Russia’s Black Sea ports, which is often complicated due to the Turkish straits. Established under a leasing agreement with Syria in 1971, the base became fully operational in 1977 amid growing Soviet partnerships with Arab nations during the Cold War. Tartus is notable for its deep-water port capabilities, accommodating nuclear submarines, and despite numerous closures of overseas military bases following the Soviet dissolution in 1991, Tartus remained operational, albeit with a reduced Russian presence.

Military activity at Tartus significantly increased during the Syrian civil war as rebel forces launched an offensive against Assad. The situation escalated dramatically in 2015 when Russia intervened militarily to bolster the Assad regime, conducting extensive aerial bombardments on rebel-held territories. A surge of personnel occurred, with the number of staff at the port increasing dramatically from just “several people” to over 1,700 by 2015. The current number of troops at Tartus remains unclear following Russia’s recent military engagement in Ukraine.

In a pivotal move for strengthening its foothold, President Putin ordered the expansion of the Tartus base in 2017, resulting from a 49-year lease agreement, provided free of charge in return for military support to Assad. The future status of Tartus now hangs in the balance following the rapid rebel advances seen in recent weeks. Satellite imagery provided by Planet indicates that as of December 9, no Russian warships were present at the base, although Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has denied that any vessels are departing Tartus.

Meanwhile, the Hmeimim airbase, established in 2015 through the adaptation of an existing civilian airport near Latakia, remains a linchpin for Russian air operations. The facility reportedly boasts extensive protective measures, including security perimeters and air defenses covering distances of up to 250 kilometers (155 miles). Throughout the civil war, Hmeimim has been utilized for airstrikes targeting opposition forces. While the Russian military does not publicly disclose troop deployments, expert analysis suggests a significant reduction in personnel at the airbase following Moscow’s escalated military actions in Ukraine beginning in 2022.

Furthermore, Hmeimim is believed to have served as a logistical hub and transit point for operations conducted by the Wagner Group, a private military contractor that has been active in Africa—a region where Russia seeks to expand its influence. The implications of the rebel offensive and the subsequent shifts in control remain uncertain, as the situation in Syria continues to evolve dramatically.