TheIncLab

“Since the outbreak of hostilities between the Lebanese-based Shiite group Hezbollah and Israel along the latter’s northern borders on October 8, 2023, the Israeli Air Force lost five medium altitude long-endurance (MALE) and high altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones to Hermes-450 and Hermes-900 to missiles fired by the militia fighters in south Lebanon. During the same period the United States lost three MQ-9 Reapers over Yemen to missiles fired by the Houthi militias. Those numbers are more in line with the kinds of losses that would be expected in a peer-to-peer combat scenario, not what has historically been seen from Hezbollah and the Houthis, despite regular use of unmanned systems in the region. In fact, a 2019 Houthi shoot down of one MQ-9 drone is the most recent example on record before the most recent round of hostilities that kicked off on Oct. 8. Given the recent success against such systems, experts believe the US and Israel may need to adjust their concept of operations while operating unmanned ISR platforms. “A growing credible threat against coalition medium altitude long-endurance (MALE) and even high altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones can indeed undermine [Israel and US] air dominance (being able to do whatever they want in the air) and jeopardize their ability to obtain timely intelligence,” wrote Farzin Nadimi, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, in an email. Shaan Shaikh, deputy director and fellow for the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Missile Defense Project, told Breaking Defense that the air defense systems of the Iranian-allied militias may eventually “deter or decrease Israeli and U.S. drone operations in Yemen and Lebanon. Alternatively, Israeli and U.S. operators may choose to simply eat the costs and continue their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.” #DroneTech #AI #DefenseTech https://lnkd.in/gy7Me_vs

The Department of Homeland Security has revealed the initial 10 individuals selected to join the “AI Corps,” a new initiative aimed at recruiting 50 Artificial Intelligence experts. These experts will play a crucial role in utilizing AI technology responsibly and reducing risks within the homeland security sector. Check out the details here: https://lnkd.in/gHuqZ2rq

A craftsman understands that his work is a legacy, a testament to the skill and care invested in every creation. That is true with the work we do at TheIncLab as well as the work being done in restoring our century-old headquarters building– El Pasaje. We are expanding, and renovations are well underway on the second floor. For almost 40 years, one incredible craftsman has been involved in restoring El Pasaje true to its original 1888 condition. Jim started out as a brick mason, a specialty needed in one of Tampa’s earliest brick buildings; his work continues today. He’s pictured here rebuilding the unique second floor window frames. His quiet satisfaction knowing he has created something of lasting value is one we admire. #Craftsmanship #TheMissionStartsHere

The battles of Fallujah in 2004 highlight the challenges of urban warfare and the need for strategic patience, planning, and adaptability. These battles demonstrate the importance of not only winning the war but also winning the peace in modern warfare. When trying to establish control over a population in an urban setting, it is crucial to focus on building trust and protecting civilians. The conflict provides an opportunity to apply these lessons and turn tactical victories into long-term strategic success. Embracing a strategy that prioritizes civilian protection and trust-building is essential for achieving lasting peace. For those involved in defense innovation and working in AI, urban warfare is particularly relevant. The complexities of urban environments present unique challenges that require innovative solutions and the use of advanced technologies. AI can play a crucial role in enhancing situational awareness, decision-making, and the protection of civilians in urban combat scenarios. By leveraging AI capabilities, military forces can improve their effectiveness, reduce civilian casualties, and ultimately achieve their objectives more efficiently. Urban warfare serves as a fruitful ground for using cutting-edge technologies and tactics, making it a key focus for those interested in defense innovation and AI development. #TheMissionStartsHere #AI #urbanwarfare https://lnkd.in/eEMpUds4

The U.S. Air Force recently revealed a groundbreaking initiative known as Model One, aimed at harnessing the potential of "digital twins" to enhance military operations. Digital twins are advanced computerized simulators that replicate real-world systems with remarkable accuracy. In this initiative, 50 top military simulations will be integrated into a unified system, enabling the military to better navigate the complexities of modern digital warfare. In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it has become increasingly evident that the rapid advancements in software and data technology are now the primary drivers of battlefield strategies, surpassing traditional hardware capabilities. The U.S. military is faced with the challenge of adapting to this new reality, where interconnected hyperwarfare necessitates sophisticated simulation and mastery. The urgency to keep pace with these developments is becoming more critical than ever before. https://lnkd.in/eQfGWrsa #AI #DigitalTwins #TheMissionStartsHere

NYX is the Next Generation Multi Domain Mission Platform. It was developed by users, leveraging #TheIncLab’s industry leading process that collocates our development teams alongside operators to deliver solutions and outcomes at speed. #DefenseTech #OutcomeFocused #TheMissionStartsHere

This past week Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and BENS member and TheIncLab President, Jim Smith, held its annual Eisenhower Awards ceremony, honoring U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, and Palantir Technologies co-founder and CEO, Dr. Alex Karp. This is a time-honored tradition honoring President Eisenhower’s ideal that a whole of nation approach is the key to national security, to peace and stability.     The future of tech-enhanced defense was a key theme. BENS CEO Timothy Ray summed this up, “The battlefields of our future span not just warzones, but labs, factories, data centers. Emerging victorious in each of these domains will require all of us to do our part… the United States is a nation that draws on creativity from diversity, strength from our freedom, and unity from our shared values.” All of us that work to build an ever-stronger defense digital industrial base understand the importance of these words.    And then Alex Karp captured the spirit of those passionate about the role of defense tech, “On a final note, for reasons that are impossible for people to explain outside of America, we are blessed with a tech ecosystem that is rivaled by none, and a government- Doug Beck is here and others- that is beginning to accelerate and embrace technology. Americans often underestimate how good we are at software and AI, but our adversaries do not … We just have to take our advantages, and double and triple down on them, and fight for that, and fight to integrate these technologies, invest in the things that we are better at, don’t compete with the adversary, use technologies and your advantage to beat them without entering a useless competition.” Congratulations to Secretary Raimondo and Dr. Karp.   #BENS #NationalSecurity #Future #DefenseTech #TheMissionStartsHere    

“Myanmar's resistance fighters notched decisive breakthroughs last year by relying on a scattered fleet of drones in battles against one of Southeast Asia's most feared militaries. But as the civil war grinds on, the rebels increasingly find their familiar weapons — Chinese-made commercial drones modified to carry arms — in the unfamiliar hands of the country's ruling junta, according to people with knowledge of the matter. "The battle is changing now as drones are being used by both sides," said a 31-year-old rebel fighter in the country's southeast, identifying himself by the nom de guerre of Ta Yoke Gyi. He said the junta began using armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack the rebels at around the turn of the year, and that a drone his unit recently shot down was identified as Chinese from its components and had been modified for combat. Two rebel fighters in other parts of Myanmar also described similar skirmishes.” #DroneTech #AI #INDOPAC #IW #DefenseTech https://lnkd.in/guJ76KCw

This informative piece explores how Thailand can effectively utilize proven #smallnavy strategies to enhance its security in the midst of the intricate maritime competition among major powers in the INDOPACOM AOR. Key points include: - Explanation and evaluation of "small navy" capabilities and limitations - The main small navy strategies: international cooperation, institutional building, force multipliers, hedging, and strategic communication - Background on great power maritime rivalry in the Indo-Pacific - SWOT analysis of Thailand's maritime capabilities - Comparison of suggested strategies to Thailand's current plans and practices This piece makes a compelling argument that Thailand's current strategies to align with the recommended small navy approaches need refinement. As maritime competition escalates, Thailand must remain vigilant and flexible in adapting its small navy strategies to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape in the AOR. #Ai #international #innovation #indopacific https://lnkd.in/ek5i6qv2

“A key advantage of the Starshield architecture is its proliferated nature, with a large number of relatively small satellites able to provide global communications coverage. This design offers significant resiliency compared to the traditional paradigm of a few large geostationary satellites that are expected to be targeted by enemies in a conflict. Felt said DoD wants to diversify its LEO architecture not just by adding more Starshield satellites but also new commercial services that have yet to enter the market like Amazon’s Project Kuiper. “We still have to figure out how we best embrace PLEO,” Felt said. “Do we buy it as a service? Do we double down on the Starshield government owned architecture? There’s various different ways that we can embrace proliferated LEO, but it’s absolutely essential that we do.” https://lnkd.in/gMDWq9a5