Military Technology 06/2021

Homeland Security Forum MT 6/2021· 75 dangerous radiation-emitting material passing through its detection zone, scanning trucks, vehicles, containers, packages and people. Shan Hood, President of Smiths Detection, Inc., confirmed the com­ pany is “continuing our relationship after the initial contract award for test unit RPMs in January 2019. Smiths Detection is dedicated to making the world a safer place and the deployment of 110 RPMs across land bor- der crossings in the US is testament to this. The RPMs will deliver 24/7 screening, 365 days a year, offering industry-leading efficiency and effec- tiveness. Our extensive experience with radiation detection and check- point solutions, supplemented by our investment in data solutions, makes cutting-edge screening technology a reality, today.” Seraphim Space Increases Stake In HawkEye360 The first nine satellites in the HawkEye 360 constellation are now in orbit, with plans extant to increase the number to 30 and then, optionally, to 80. (Image: HawkEye 360) Seraphim Space Investment Trust plc has made a new $25 million ( € 21.6 million) investment in Virginia-based HawkEye360. The start-up, which was founded in 2015 and launched its first spacecraft three years later, operates small satellites capable of geolocating RF emitters and produces analytical products by fusing these data with other information sources and applying proprietary algorithms. It presently has nine satel­ lites in orbit, and plans to launch a further 21, though is licensed to grow its constellation to 80 spacecraft. Seraphim Space has investments in 18 space technology companies and agreements to invest in a further two by year-end. The fund was listed on the London Stock Exchange in July. It describes itself as “the world’s first listed fund focused on” space technologies, and says it seeks out investment opportunities in businesses “that have the potential to domi- nate globally”. HawkEye360’s system has a number of potential uses, but a key mis­ sion is maritime reconnaissance. Its satellites collect RF emissions from ship navigation systems and can identify true positions, which may not be available via other means – for instance, if a vessel’s AIS [automat­ ic identification system] transponder is disabled or malfunctioning, if the AIS is being spoofed, or in crowded areas around ports where multiple simultaneous signals can limit the effectiveness and utility of AIS tracking. “In order to police the illegal activities of the vast ocean, the world needs – but does not yet have – timely, consistent, and actionable intelligence on illicit vessel behaviours across the globe,” explained Will Whitehorn, Seraphim Space’s chair. “HawkEye 360 provides a unique source of infor- mation to augment national security operations, maritime domain aware- ness, environmental protection, and many additional applications. It is a compelling addition to our portfolio.” sensitive communications,” commented Simo Pykälistö, President of Sectra Communications. Since 2002, Norway has used different versions of the TIGER/S, a se­ cure communication solution that allows users to share classified infor­ mation up to SECRET level. The latest version, Sectra TIGER/S 7401 LTE, offers support for all fixed and mobile 4G networks within Europe. The device has also been approved by the Dutch security authority and the EU to be quantum-proof. Rheinmetall Acquires Zeppelin Mobile Systeme Rheinmetall sees the acquisition of ZMS and integration of its expertise and capabilities as a potential portent of further acquisitions. (Image: Rheinmetall) On 18 November, Rheinmetall acquired Zeppelin Mobile Systeme GmbH (ZMS) and will integrate the mobile medical technology specialist into Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH (RPS), enabling the Group to serve this key market more efficiently. With some 90 employees, ZMS’ most important products include con­ tainer and shelter solutions, used mobile medical facilities in the civil and military sectors, particularly when providing forward operating bases for deployed forces. The solutions offer an operating environment in crisis regions that would ordinarily be possible only with fixed infrastructure. The customised nature of the production, responding to specific custom­ er-defined requirements, makes ZMS a perfect fit for the RPS business model. Rheinmetall sees significant future growth in service provision to supply support activities other than core military tasks, quoting expert assess­ ments of annual market volume of around € 350 billion. RPS is already one of three companies selected by the Bundeswehr to supply troop accommodation for deployed operations, and also to supply aerostats for forward operating base perimeter surveillance. Smiths Detection Radiation Monitors for US DHS Smiths Detection has been awarded a contract by the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for radiation portal monitors (RPM), the company announced on 9 November. Partnering with Radiation Solutions, Inc., the company will supply 110 RPM for deployment at land border crossings throughout the US. Deployment is scheduled to occur between December 2021 and May 2023. The RPM is a passive checkpoint, which can detect potentially