January 2010 Intelligence News

Israel to train German soldiers to operate drones in Afghanistan IRNA 29 Jan 2010 -- Israel is to train German soldiers on operating Heron 1 drones in Afghanistan, a German defense ministry spokesman told journalists in Berlin on Friday.
U-2 to provide imagery support in Haiti AFNS 28 Jan 2010 -- A U-2 launched from Beale Air Force Base Jan. 27 to provide critical imagery support in the ongoing humanitarian relief mission in Haiti.
Brigade supports Unified Response with intelligence teams in Haiti Army News 28 Jan 2010 -- Morning came early Jan. 23 as Soldiers of the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade drew weapons from their arms room at Fort Sam Houston and conducted pre-combat checks and inspections.
Former Georgian President's Son Charged With Spying For Russia RFE/RL 28 Jan 2010 -- The son of former Georgian President Zviad Gamsakhurdia has officially been accused of collaborating with Russian intelligence services, RFE/RL's Georgian Service reports.
IAI Launches New Man Portable Surveillance System Israel Aerospace Industries 27 Jan 2010 -- Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) ELTA Systems Ltd., a group and wholly owned subsidiary of IAI, is launching its new Man Portable Surveillance System (MAPSS). Also called the EL/I-3370, the compact, lightweight system provides Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to tactical combat forces and law enforcement units.
IAI Awarded Contract Worth $8.5 Million to Supply Multi-Sensor System Israel Aerospace Industries 27 Jan 2010 -- Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) group and wholly owned subsidiary, ELTA Systems Ltd., has been awarded a contract worth $8.5 million to supply and install the EL/I-3100, a compact modular Airborne Multi-Sensor Reconnaissance System (AMRES) designed to be installed on a light aircraft such as CATPASS-250, Fokker, Beechcraft, Astra, Galaxy or any Customer Furnished Airborne Platform (CFE).
IAI-Made UAS in Operational Use by Five Armed Forces in Afghanistan Israel Aerospace Industries 27 Jan 2010 -- The Canadian, French, German and Australian air forces and the Spanish army have all chosen to employ Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to support their troops fighting in Afghanistan. The Canadian and the French air forces have both utilized IAI's Heron UAS, while the Spanish army uses IAI's Searcher III UAS. In addition, the Heron UAS will be operational with the German and Australian air forces in the coming months.
IAI Unveils Improved Bird Eye 650 Mini UAS Israel Aerospace Industries 27 Jan 2010 -- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is presenting a new variant of its mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Bird-Eye 650, at this year's Singapore Airshow 2010. The mini-UAV's new propulsion system is powered by fuel cells, which allows for 6 hours of endurance compared with the 3 hours endurance of the existing version. The variant will also weigh less and include an advanced folding launcher.
Australian Department of Defense: "The IAI-Made Heron UAVs Have Become Operational in Afghanistan" Israel Aerospace Industries 27 Jan 2010 -- Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become operational in Afghanistan with the Australian Air Force, according to the Australian Department of Defense (DoD).
CACI Receives Favorable Court Decision CACI 26 Jan 2010 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced today that the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has denied a petition for rehearing in two lawsuits alleging detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq filed against CACI in 2004. On September 11, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit had ruled in CACI's favor in the two lawsuits. The Iraqi plaintiffs then asked the court to rehear the appeals, which the court declined to do.
Predator team deploys to support Haiti relief efforts AFNS 26 Jan 2010 -- Approximately 50 Airmen from the 432nd Wing here, along with RQ-1 Predator assets, deployed Jan. 22 to assist 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern officials with providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in Haiti.
Fort Huachuca support of DoD aerostat test Army News 26 Jan 2010 -- Fort Huachuca is supporting the Department of Defense in evaluating advanced capabilities to increase intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and force protection capabilities in the contemporary operating environment.
CALL publishes Company Intelligence Support Team Handbook Army News 26 Jan 2010 -- The Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas has just released CALL publication 10-20, Company Intelligence Support Team Handbook. This handbook will assist leaders understand the mission and purpose of Company Intelligence Support Teams and better utilize these teams.
UN experts point to widespread use of secret detention linked to counter-terrorism UN News Centre 26 Jan 2010 -- Despite the fact that international law clearly prohibits secret detention, the practice is widespread and “reinvigorated” by the so-called global war on terror, several independent United Nations experts stated, outlining a series of steps aimed at curbing this human rights violation.
CACI Awarded $81 Million Task Order to Support U.S. Army BRAC Transition of C4ISR Operations to Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD CACI 25 Jan 2010 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced that it has been awarded an $81 million task order by the U.S. Army to support the transition of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) resources to the Aberdeen Proving Ground. The move is mandated by the Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission.
Unit activated on Fort Huachuca: 309th Military Intelligence Brigade welcomes Company B Army News 25 Jan 2010 -- A new company was activated on Fort Huachuca Jan. 14 during a ceremony at Warrior/Sentinel Field.
Pakistani Militants Kill 6 for Alleged US Spying VOA 24 Jan 2010 -- Pakistan officials say militants in the restive northwest tribal region have killed six men after accusing them of spying for the U.S.
Former Canadian Ambassador Admits To Spying For CIA RFE/RL 24 Jan 2010 -- Canada's former ambassador to Tehran has admitted to spying for the United States and serving as the "de facto CIA station chief" after the U.S. Embassy seizure in 1979.
Spanish double-spy for Russia to face closed trial RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2010 -- A Madrid court has agreed to hold a behind-closed-doors trial of a former Spanish intelligence officer accused of selling classified information to Russia, a Spanish newspaper said.
Gates says US to supply drone aircraft to Pakistan IRNA 23 Jan 2010 -- United States will supply drone aircraft to Pakistan which will ‘significantly enhance country’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities’, US Defense Secretary said here Friday.
Ex-KNB Head Says Austrian Court Made Politically Motivated Verdict RFE/RL 20 Jan 2010 -- The former head of the Kazakh National Security Service (KNB) says a "not guilty" verdict by an Austrian court in an alleged abduction attempt against him was made to please Kazakhstan, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
Air Cav first to employ new unmanned aircraft system Army News 19 Jan 2010 -- Moving the containerized housing units from Camp Cedar II, Iraq, to Contingency Operating Location Adder, Iraq, began Jan. 8 in preparation for the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment from Iraq.
BAE SYSTEMS PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ON FIRST TEST FLIGHT OF COYOTE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM BAE Systems 19 Jan 2010 -- BAE Systems, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has completed the first successful test flight of its small, electric-powered Coyote unmanned aircraft system. The system deployed in midair from a 3-foot-long sonobuoy dropped from a P-3 aircraft.
NASA Global Hawk Continues Flight Expansion in Preparation for Environmental Research Missions as Part of the 2010 GloPac Campaign Northrop Grumman 18 Jan 2010 -- Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) announced today that the NASA Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has completed 10.4 hours for pilot training and flight characterization in preparation for the Global Hawk Pacific (GloPac) Campaign set to start this spring.
Soldiers in Iraq employ new unmanned aircraft system Army News 16 Jan 2010 -- Placing a new aircraft in a combat situation is a true test of its capabilities and future role within the Army.
German federal prosecutors to take up CIA killer squad file IRNA 16 Jan 2010 -- German federal prosecutors have taken up the CIA death squad case following US press reports that the American secret service tried to kill an alleged Hamburg-based al-Qaeda supporter in 2005, the weekly news magazine Focus reported Saturday.
PREDATOR CRASHES IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN AFNS 15 Jan 2010 -- An Air Force MQ-1 Predator Remotely Piloted Aircraft crashed in southern Afghanistan at approximately 1:00 a.m. Kabul time January 15, 2010.
Global Hawk collects reconnaissance data during Haiti relief efforts AFNS 15 Jan 2010 -- A Q-4 Global Hawk is providing imagery to determine the extent of damage to earthquake-stricken Haiti and usability of its infrastructure, an Air Force official said during a Department of Defense Bloggers Roundtable Jan. 15.
Air Force intelligence agency officials support Haitian relief efforts AFNS 15 Jan 2010 -- High-altitude damage assessment imagery as well as linguistic support are being provided for disaster relief and recovery efforts in Haiti by members of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency headquartered here.
Northrop Grumman UK Wins Contract for Brunei Joint Operations Centre C4ISR System Northrop Grumman 15 Jan 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded the contract by the Ministry of Defence of Brunei Darussalam to provide a Joint Operations Centre command and control capability for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
ESC group aids Haitian response efforts with critical imagery AFNS 15 Jan 2010 -- The 950th Electronic System Group's Eagle Vision imagery collection team here sprang into action within hours of the 7.0 earthquake that shook Haiti to its core Jan. 13.
'Global Hawk' Photographs Damage to Help Relief Effort AFPS 15 Jan 2010 -- A high-tech, unmanned Air Force aircraft is flying over Haiti to collect imagery of vital infrastructure in the wake of the Jan. 12 earthquake that struck the island.
Analysts Say U.S. Intelligence System Overloaded, Out Of Date RFE/RL 15 Jan 2010 -- The attempted Christmas Day terror attack on a U.S. airliner has provoked much soul searching in Washington and talk of the need to reexamine U.S. intelligence-gathering operations.
Beale officials send Global Hawk to aid in Haiti earthquake relief efforts AFNS 14 Jan 2010 -- Officials from the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron here launched an RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft from Beale Air Force Base Jan. 13 to assist with the humanitarian aid mission in Haiti after the country suffered a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12.
Lithuanian president urges further probe into secret CIA prisons RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2010 -- Lithuanian prosecutors should launch an investigation into secret CIA prisons on the country's territory without the parliamentary approval, the country's president has said.
More unmanned aircraft needed at company level Army News 11 Jan 2010 -- Soldiers need the tactical advantages their unmanned aircraft systems provide to be integrated into their units, so they aren't forced to endure lengthy approval chains that can cost lives, according to UAS experts.
Kazakh President's Nephew Gets Post In Security Service RFE/RL 12 Jan 2010 -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has appointed his nephew to head the National Security Service's (KNB) human resources department, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
Former Blair Aide Gives Evidence on War Motives During Britain's Iraq Inquiry VOA 12 Jan 2010 -- A top aide to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says his boss was determined to deal peacefully with the late Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, until just before the 2003 Iraq war.
Former Blair Aide Denies Iraq Intelligence Tailored To Make Case For War RFE/RL 12 Jan 2010 -- A top policy adviser to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has given evidence in London on the shaping of Britain's decision to go to war with Iraq in 2003.
Pentagon Intelligence Chief Urges Pakistan to Keep Up Pressure on Militants VOA 11 Jan 2010 -- Lieutenant General Ronald Burgess said there have been notable successes against the Taliban and al-Qaida by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Pakistani troops on the other side of the border in South Waziristan and Swat.
Jordanian Suicide Bomber, in Pre-Attack Video, Vows to Avenge Taliban Chief VOA 11 Jan 2010 -- The suicide bomber who killed 7 CIA employees on a US base in eastern Afghanistan was seen, on Saturday, in a pre-attack video alongside Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud. In the video, Humam Khalil Abu Mulal al-Balawi, a Jordanian, says he will avenge the murder of Baitullah Mehsud, the father of Hakumullah Mehsud.
CIA Chief Defends Agency after Afghan Attack VOA 09 Jan 2010 -- The head of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency is defending his organization from charges that agency negligence led to the deaths of seven CIA officers in a suicide attack last month in Afghanistan.
Defense Spy Chief Tells VOA Lessons Being Learned from Recent Lapses VOA 08 Jan 2010 -- The head of the Defense Intelligence Agency admits there have been some recent lapses among U.S. intelligence organizations that need attention. In an exclusive VOA interview, Lieutenant General Ronald Burgess said his agency is taking to heart President Obama's directive to tighten intelligence practices and procedures.
Managed airborne intel system hits field AFNS 08 Jan 2010 -- The 950th Electronic Systems Group here recently delivered the 500th unit of an airborne intelligence system that enables aircrews to send and receive the most timely situational awareness and threat data.
Unmanned Aircraft Program Grows to Support Demand AFPS 08 Jan 2010 -- Discussions about the Army’s use of unmanned systems in the combat theater are likely to focus on bomb-detecting robots and ground vehicles able to navigate through hazardous terrain.
Germany keeps mum on likely US contacts over case of CIA death squad IRNA 08 Jan 2010 -- The German government refused to say whether it had been in touch with the US side to obtain more information on the issue of alleged CIA killer commandos in Hamburg in 2005.
Northrop Grumman's MQ-8B Fire Scout Demonstrates Interoperability With the Army's One System(TM) Remote Video Terminal Northrop Grumman 08 Jan 2010 -- A Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) land-based MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System, designated P7, successfully demonstrated interoperability with the Army's One System(R) Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., the week of November 23.
Obama urges improvement of intelligence data integration RIA Novosti 08 Jan 2010 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has urged intelligence services to improve the processing and integration of analytical information on possible terror attacks.
Remarks by the President on Strengthening Intelligence and Aviation Security The White House 07 Jan 2010
Briefing by Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Brennan, and Press Secretary Gibbs, 1/7/10 The White House 07 Jan 2010
Chairman Cites ‘One Team’ of Military, Intelligence AFPS 07 Jan 2010 -- In the wake of a Dec. 31 suicide bombing attack that killed seven CIA operatives in eastern Afghanistan, the military’s highest-ranking officer yesterday underscored the close ties between American armed forces and the U.S. intelligence community.
Lax Security May Have Contributed to CIA Deaths VOA 07 Jan 2010 -- The recent suicide bombing at a Central Intelligence Agency outpost in Afghanistan was the type of incident that was not entirely unexpected. The CIA has been targeting al-Qaida for years, even before the attacks of September 11, 2001, and retaliation was inevitable. But, a combination of lax security and an insatiable hunger for information by the CIA may have contributed to the success of the al-Qaida attack.
Obama: Agencies Failed to 'Connect' Intelligence on Failed Airline Plot VOA 07 Jan 2010 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says U.S. agencies failed to "connect and understand" intelligence that could have kept an alleged bomber off a jetliner that flew to Detroit from Amsterdam on Christmas Day.
Al-Qaeda claims attack on U.S. base in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 07 Jan 2010 -- Al-Qaeda has said it was responsible for last month's deadly suicide bombing at a U.S. base in southeast Afghanistan.
German parliament to take up case of alleged CIA killer commandos IRNA 07 Jan 2010 -- The domestic affairs committee of the German parliament is to deal with the issue of alleged CIA death squads in Germany when it meets on January 27, news reports said Thursday.
DoD Official Welcomes Report’s Criticisms as ‘Candid Assessment’ AFPS 06 Jan 2010 -- A report this week from a top U.S. military intelligence official criticizing the state of intelligence in Afghanistan is a “candid self-assessment” that enriches debate on U.S. strategy, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
Marines provide aerial surveillance for Marine expeditionary brigade commanders USMC News 06 Jan 2010 -- More than a month ago, Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, took control of the airspace over the MEB's area of operations from their United Kingdom counterparts.
Tajikistan Sentences Man For Spying For Uzbekistan RFE/RL 06 Jan 2010 -- A Tajik citizen has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of spying for Uzbekistan, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.
Obama Says U.S. Knew Enough To Prevent Failed Airplane Attack RFE/RL 06 Jan 2010 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has said the country's intelligence agencies had enough information to disrupt the attempted terror attack on a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day but failed to understand the bigger picture.
New York Times: CIA Bomber Was Best Al-Qaida Informant in Years VOA 06 Jan 2010 -- A published report in the United States says the Jordanian double agent who killed seven CIA employees and a Jordanian intelligence officer in Afghanistan last week was believed to be the "most promising informant in years" about the location of al-Qaida's top leaders.
US Intelligence Officials to Obama: Message Received VOA 06 Jan 2010 -- A top United States official says intelligence agencies "got" the message after President Barack Obama lashed out at them following a failed attempt to blow up a U.S-bound plane on Christmas Day, December 25.
Remarks by the President on Security Reviews The White House 05 Jan 2010
Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Army Achieve Major Milestone Toward RC-12X Guardrail Airworthiness Certification Northrop Grumman 05 Jan 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the U.S. Army recently completed successful electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing on the first RC-12X Guardrail, bringing this highly-capable signals intelligence (SIGINT) system one step closer to providing mission-critical capability to the warfighter this year.
Obama Calls Intel Failure One of Analysis, Not Collection AFPS 05 Jan 2010 -- President Barack Obama called the intelligence failure associated with the attempted bombing of a U.S. civilian airplane one of analysis and not collection.
Obama: US Intelligence Could Have Stopped Airline Plot VOA 05 Jan 2010 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says U.S. intelligence agencies had enough evidence to disrupt a plot to blow up a plane on December 25, but failed to do what was needed to stop the terror attempt.
Christmas Day Attack Highlights US Intelligence Gaps VOA 05 Jan 2010 -- The 2001 attacks, in which terrorists hijacked airliners to use as guided missiles, sparked a major overhaul of the U.S. intelligence community.
US Report: Intel Gathering in Afghanistan Needs Major Changes VOA 05 Jan 2010 -- The top NATO and U.S. military intelligence chief in Afghanistan says radical changes are needed in the way information is gathered and shared in the country.
German prosecutors probe CIA plot to kill alleged al-Qaeda aide IRNA 05 Jan 2010 -- German prosecutors have begun a preliminary investigation looking into reports about a CIA plot to kill an alleged al-Qaeda aide in Hamburg in 2005, news reports said Monday.
U.S. Reports Say CIA Bomber Was Al-Qaeda Double Agent RFE/RL 05 Jan 2010 -- U.S. media reports say the suicide bomber who killed seven CIA employees in Afghanistan last week was an Al-Qaeda double-agent.
Reports: Suicide Bomber at US Base in Afghanistan Was al-Qaida Double Agent VOA 05 Jan 2010 -- U.S. media say a suicide bomber who attacked a CIA base in eastern Afghanistan last week was a Jordanian working as an al-Qaida double agent.
German gov't unaware of CIA-ordered death squads in Hamburg IRNA 04 Jan 2010 -- The German government claimed Monday it had no information about CIA-ordered death squads who tried reportedly to kill an alleged al-Qaeda financier, Mamoun Darkazanali in Hamburg.
CIA chief confirms deaths of 7 agents in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 01 Jan 2010 -- CIA chief Leon Panetta has confirmed in an official statement that seven CIA operatives were killed and six others were wounded in a recent terrorist attack in eastern Afghanistan.
CIA Vows To Avenge Deadly Attack On Agents In Afghanistan RFE/RL 01 Jan 2010 -- Security has been tightened in the Afghan city of Khost after a suicide bomber killed seven CIA officers and an Afghan man inside a base in the city on December 30.
Reports: Taliban Suicide Bombing Hit CIA Nerve Center VOA 01 Jan 2010 -- U.S. media are reporting that the U.S. base targeted in this week's suicide attack in eastern Afghanistan was responsible for gathering intelligence along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

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