weapons | Common News Update

Mar12021 by adminNo Comments

Biden urged to back AI weapons to counter China and Russia threats

Technology

Getty Images/ReutersThe US and its allies should reject calls for a global ban on AI-powered autonomous weapons systems, according to an official report commissioned for the American President and Congress.It says that artificial intelligence will "compress decision time frames" and require military responses humans cannot make quickly enough alone.And it warns Russia and China would be unlikely to keep to any such treaty.But critics claim the proposals risk driving an "irresponsible" arms race."This is a shocking and frightening report that could lead to the proliferation of AI weapons making decisions about who to kill," said Prof Noel Sharkey, spokesman for the Campaign To Stop Killer Robots."The most senior AI scientists on the planet have warned them about the consequences, and yet th...

Aug122020 by adminNo Comments

Army testing new air defense system, laser weapons

Business

Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The Army is evaluating new air and missile defense systems -- and testing laser weapons -- after postponing some tests due to COVID-19. Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment and 3rd Bn., 6th Air Defense Artillery Air Missile Defense Test Detachment are involved in a limited user test of the Integrated Battle Command System that began in early July, according to a Monday press release from the branch. Advertisement The test had been scheduled for May but was pushed back due to COVID-19 safety concerns, according to Maj. Gen. Robert Rasch Jr., head of the Program Executive Office of Missiles and Space. Now the Army plans to complete the test by September. The 3-43 ADA, a Patriot missile unit will also be the first unit equipped with the IBCS ...

Jul282020 by adminNo Comments

Coronavirus bill includes $29B for weapons programs, defense contractors

Business

July 28 (UPI) -- The new coronavirus relief package proposed in the U.S. Senate includes $ 29 billion for the Department of Defense, including at least $ 7 billion for weapons programs and $ 11 billion to reimburse defense contractors for coronavirus-related expenses. Defense contractors lobbied for the reimbursement funding, saying the Department of Defense would otherwise be forced to tap into modernization and readiness accounts. Advertisement The Senate bill was unveiled Monday and includes another stimulus payment for Americans and a cut to unemployment benefits. The bill also includes a new round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, more money for emergency business loans and a reduced extension of emergency federal unemployment benefits. Its release follows weeks of nego...

Sep202019 by adminNo Comments

Raytheon awarded $25.4M for Tomahawk Weapons Systems Military Code, AGR5 kit

Business

Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Raytheon Missile Systems has been awarded a $ 25.4 million contract by the Navy for the Tomahawk Weapons System Military Code review and AGR5 kit. The contract, announced Wednesday by the Department of Defense, is for the company to conduct critical design review of the Tomahawk Weapons System Military Code's software and hardware. The contract also covers development work on an AGR5 kit, an anti-jam tool to be used for the global positioning system. The design review will include "studies, analysis, design, development, integration and test of hardware and software solutions," the Pentagon said in a press release. The contract also includes Navy funds for "assembly, integration, test and documentation of an AGR5 kit," the notice said. Raytheon will perform more than ha...

Aug262019 by adminNo Comments

Nuclear weapons and hurricanes don’t mix, NOAA advises

Science

Using nuclear weapons to destroy hurricanes is not a good idea, a US scientific agency has said, following reports that President Donald Trump wanted to explore the option. The Axios news website said Mr Trump had asked several national security officials about the possibility. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the results would be "devastating".Hurricanes typically affect the US east coast, often causing serious damage. It's not the first time the idea has been considered. Following reports of Mr Trump's suggestion, the hashtag #ThatsHowTheApocalyseStarted has been trending on Twitter. What effect would nuking a hurricane have? Mr Trump asked why the US couldn't drop a bomb into the eye of the storm...