BAE Systems

The Intelligence Gazette
MbS in London, the UK FARA, Rome between Beijing and Delhi, DGSE ethics

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

Saudi Arabia/UKDate set for MbS London visit

United KingdomBritish FARA not up to scratch

ItalyRome split between ties with China or India

FranceDGSE bolsters ethics

United Kingdom
Elizabeth II's former private secretary adds consulting notch to belt

Christopher Geidt, the former private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, registered his new consultancy, Hurista Advisory, in Edinburgh on 6 November.

United Kingdom
Former Air Chief Marshal Wigston goes into consulting

For his new company, Hidcote Advisory, ex-Air Chief Marshall Michael Wigston could draw on his experience as the point of contact for foreign firms wanting to work with BAE Systems.

Egypt, United States
Senator Bob Menendez is in the news for promoting Egypt, but Josh Holly advances Cairo and Baghdad's military equipment goals via more formal channels

Recent lobbying disclosure filings by the former congressional staffer reveal outreach by Holly to key national security figures on the Hill, at the Pentagon, and elsewhere in Washington. His work focuses on enhancing military ties between the US and Egypt, and also Iraq.

Spotlight | France, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
Riyadh to ask for Rafale quote as Typhoon order remains in limbo

After hesitating for several months, Riyadh is set to start making its first moves towards a possible purchase of Rafale aircraft. That would bring the French fighter into direct competition with BAE Systems' Typhoon, which was Saudi Arabia's first choice

Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States
Jamming wars, part 1: US and UK at the forefront of Ukrainian electronic warfare

With drones and guided missiles dominating the skies on the front line, electronic warfare weapons have become crucial in the Ukraine conflict which has seen the warring sides both developing their own technology. For Kyiv, cooperation with its allies is key, as Intelligence Online was able to observe directly.

Spotlight | Italy, Taiwan
As Rome exits Silk Roads project, Italy's defence industry readies for Taiwanese adventure

With Italy in talks with China to withdraw from the New Silk Roads project, secret parallel discussions are focused on Taiwan as Rome expects compensation from Washington for obeying its wishes and leaving the project.

United Kingdom
Geopolitics weigh on UK space observation ambitions

Despite a clear intention to return to large-scale space projects, the UK has struggled to make real gains in the area. That is in no small part due to the country hesitating between its geopolitical options of either a partnership with Europe or teaming up with the US.

The Intelligence Gazette
MbS and Sunak, OIS/Russia, Prague's VZ, NCSC audit, Tracfin

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community. This week, we bring news from Riyadh, London, Washington, Prague and Paris.

Saudi Arabia/United KingdomMbS refuses terms of his London visit

United StatesOffice of Investment Security further increases presence in Russia

Czech RepublicSpymaster focuses its annual report on new hybrid warfare in Ukraine

United StatesNCSC under audit as it faces change of command

FranceTracfin's uncontrollable Startrac to remain in place

Saudi Arabia
GCAP, F-35: France hesitates over Rafale sales pitch as ambitious Riyadh reassesses its fighter options

Will they, won't they? In the eyes of many, Berlin's decision to block the sale of Typhoon fighters to Saudi Arabia has opened up an opportunity for France to pitch Dassault's new generation Rafale. The Saudis are not opposed, but they have several other bids under consideration.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom
From Buckingham Palace to Doha, inside the London visit in the works for MbS

Mohammed bin Salman's planned visit to London is the object of lively diplomatic exchanges. Behind the scenes, Buckingham Palace, Doha and even Manama are each looking to ensure their interests are served.

United Kingdom
Britain's GMTL builds networks in areas strategic to the defence industry

The British corporate intelligence firm is making its mark in the defence sector, thanks to its network of top-notch and strategically located advisers.

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia, United States
Khaled Al Biyari, the man taking Mohammed bin Salman's F-35 ambitions to Washington

As well as overseeing the creation of a mission-critical communications network for Saudi Arabia's security services, Khaled Al Biyari was recently tasked by the crown prince with travelling to Washington to discuss the possibility of buying US combat aircraft.

United Kingdom
From GCAP to Saudi Arabia, BAE Systems' intelligence unit is booming

Run by former intelligence officers, the British defence giant's newly revamped intelligence unit is in full swing.

Spotlight | Russia, United States
US and Russia's ghost fleets face off in deep waters

Two secret units, one run by the US and the other by Russia, are engaged in atypical hybrid warfare deep beneath the surface of the ocean.