Interested In Rebuilding Iraq? Go Visit SSPEX 2018
From December 4 until 6 the Baghdad International Fair will host the largest homeland security and post-conflict reconstruction event in Iraq. The three-day fair was created by the organizer Business Glory as a venue for government agencies to interact with both global and local firms. SSPEX Iraq is already being sponsored by the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Industry and Minerals.
SSPEX Iraq is still accepting sponsorships from companies who want to enhance their visibility in a major trade event. These are available in silver, gold, and platinum categories with each having a set of perks. 21st Century Asian Arms Race (21AAR) is a media partner for SSPEX Iraq.
The Mysterious Origins Of A New North Korean Howitzer
The intriguing self-propelled howitzer at the 2018 parade carried the usual combination of auto-grenade launchers and MANPADs on its turret, for some reason. North Korea’s army have 122mm, 130mm, 152mm, and 170mm self-propelled guns in their arsenal.
When news agencies around the world hailed the absence of ballistic missiles during North Korea’s military parade on September 9 this meant less scrutiny for the hardware shown at the event. A particular weapon system that stood out among the vehicles in Pyongyang that day was a self-propelled howitzer–a company of them, in fact–that shared no resemblance to other artillery pieces used by the North Korean army.
While early comparisons to its rival from across the DMZ were helpful, the mystery weapon in Pyongyang had no clear links to any of its suspected analogs. But a comprehensive survey of mobile artillery in use today did reveal a few clues about its origins.
These Advanced Weapons Are Made In Iran
Via Wikimedia Commons.
This year saw the US confront its geopolitical adversaries like never before. As Washington, DC initiated a trade war against China, took on a more conciliatory approach with North Korea, and breathed down Russia’s neck everywhere, it has shown the Islamic Republic of Iran no quarter. When President Trump announced his administration’s withdrawal from the JCPOA in May it was quickly followed by crippling sanctions designed to foment domestic unrest against the current leadership in Tehran
Other jabs at the arch foe in the Middle East span multibillion dollar arms deals with Gulf states and giving ultimatums to Iranian forces in Syria to leave or else. Are these the first steps to another war? If only the anti-Iran coalition knew how big a punch their adversary is packing, then a lasting peace might be on the table. So here are eight locally made weapons that will prove a nightmare for anyone planning to attack Iran today.
Five Sure Signs Your Onsite Security Sucks
Via Wikimedia Commons.
The longer any company stays in business, the bigger the threats it will face. But it’s important to differentiate the trouble brewing in any organization–much of it happens from within–and the trouble waiting to pounce from outside, which is rarer. When people aren’t the cause then it might just be a case of vital information (names, passwords, release dates) slipping from the office to the world beyond the office. With the threat environment for businesses becoming more and more complicated as time goes by, how are organizations everywhere supposed to cope?
The first crucial step is making sure these mistakes don’t ever happen. And if they do, fix them!
The Philippine Air Force Really Wants Gripens
Via Wikimedia Commons.
Last week the state-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA) scooped Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana revealing the “Gripen” was the likeliest choice for the air force’s next-generation multirole fighter jet. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) are now in the second phase, or Horizon 2, of their Flight Plan 2028 modernization and have a budget worth $2.6 billion to pay for what it needs. Hardly two years since receiving a dozen FA-50 lead-in fighters from South Korea, the PAF are looking to augment these souped-up trainers with a dedicated supersonic strike platform.
Another reason for ordering the JAS-39 C/D Gripen is it costs less than a brand new F-16V, which is priced above $100 million per plane.
A Lot Of Chinese Companies Are Showing Up At Interpolitex 2018
The 22nd installment of the annual Interpolitex will be held at the VDNH in Moscow from October 23 until 26. The show is the largest homeland security event in Russia where hundreds of local and foreign exhibitors participate. This year, however, is a historic occasion as the show’s organizers are launching the “Security of the Future” Forum in the same venue. The Forum, which is being held from October 24 until 26, already boasts more than a hundred speakers and 50 corporate sponsors.
But Interpolitex 2018 is shaping to be a a startling example of how Chinese companies have found a captive market in Russia. While exhibitors from other parts of Asia and Europe are at the VDNH too, Chinese companies outnumber them! 21st Century Asian Arms Race (21AAR) is a media partner for this year’s Interpolitex.
What Can A Risk Consultant Do For You?
Business can always take surprisingly dark turns. When complex organizations are up against external and internal threats, even the combined powers of management and human resources may not be enough against the huge risks that threaten bottom lines and hard-earned reputations. While it’s always sensible to have legal representation on call for smoothing over certain tangles, sometimes the job is best left with certified risk consultants.
What makes risk consultants indispensable for businesses are their backgrounds in law enforcement and specialist qualifications. When up against the insidious white collar crimes that can sink even the most powerful enterprises, risk consultants are best equipped to help their embattled clients.
Highlights Of OEWatch For October 2018
Each month the US Army’s think tank the Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO) publishes its open source OEWatch magazine as a free download on the APAN Community Network. The October 2018 issue is 76 pages long and divided into just five sections. The cover of this latest OEWatch depicts Russian soldiers fussing over drones. Below them, VOSTOK-2018 MANEUVERS is spelled out in all caps. The usual editorial team (Wilhelm, Stein, and Winter) and their contributors are responsible for the content inside.
China Finally Built Its Own Long-Range Bomber
Early this week state-owned media broke the news of an upcoming “stealth bomber” that will soon begin its “trial flight.” The Global Times even shared its official designation–the “Hong-20” or H-20. Though details were sparse, the H-20 is a recent project begun ten years ago to provide the PLAAF with a long-range strike platform better than the H-6K. If the H-20 is finally shown for all the world to see it’s another breakthrough in China’s golden decade for aerospace that spans homegrown attack helicopters, long endurance drones, medium and heavy transports, sea planes, and stealth fighters. But no single authoritative source can vouch for the critical details surrounding the H-20. Read more…
The UAE Is Letting Ukraine Help With Its Arms Industry
An Emirati Mirage 2000. Via Wikimedia Commons.
An Emirati delegation were among the foreign guests at this week’s Arms and Security 2018 in Kyiv. The annual event is held at the International Exhibition Center where both global and local companies participate and show off their products. But the stalemate in Donbas lends a sense of urgency to the proceedings even as Kyiv is still looking for contracts abroad.
Ukraine and the UAE have enjoyed smooth bilateral ties since the early 1990s that extended to limited military exports. But in 2017 a cooperation agreement was signed for specific technology transfers by the former to the latter.
When Do You Hire A Risk Consultant?
Via Wikimedia Commons.
Organizations that enter unpredictable business environments are ill-served by complacent leadership and zero foresight. While the size of some emerging markets is reason enough for executives to dive in, it’s always better if well-scripted plans are ready for what can go wrong. Among the worst any business can go through are physical harm on employees and the theft of its assets.
If either these have a good chance of happening, a risk consultant is a good investment. Especially ones who have decades of experience behind them. One seasoned firm in Southeast Asia is Adsum Risk Consulting (ARC). Not only do they know the region well but their input can help streamline business processes to avoid unwanted outcomes.
Exhibitors Are Invited To Join Protect 2019
The next installment of the yearly Protect security conference is taking place from March 27 to 28 at the New World Hotel in Makati. The event organized by Leverage International is the largest of its kind in the Philippines and draws visitors from government and the private sector. Protect 2019 will also have companies exhibiting the latest in enterprise security and emergency equipment.
But the highlight of Protect 2019 are its scheduled conferences for discussing the various risks large organizations face today, hence next year’s theme of Business Resiliency: The Next Evolutionary Phase of Business Continuity. 21st Century Asian Arms Race (21AAR) is a media partner for Protect 2019.
