National

Spotlight | UAE
Edge Group to pilot Abu Dhabi's multi-constellation spy satellites programme

The United Arab Emirates aims to achieve operational independence in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) through the construction of four constellations of surveillance satellites. This major project is being overseen by E mirati defence conglomerate Edge Group.

Bulgaria, United States
Three US lobbyists help boost Caspian gas option for Europe

Hoping to make the most of Europe's urgent need for gas, Bulgarian firm Overgas has roped in three well-connected US lobbyists to help it tap into the Caspian Sea's resources.

Ukraine
Special communications service to play central role in cyber counteroffensive

Ukraine's State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection is to set up a centre dedicated to fighting cyberattacks. In the battle against Russian offensives, it will serve as a complement to Kyiv's cyber arsenal.

Oman, Qatar
Muscat and Doha jostle for lead mediatory role in Iranian nuclear talks

Both capitals want to be the main mediator in the negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and are now competing directly for the role. Both have called in their respective spy chiefs to work behind the scenes to cultivate their special relationships with the West and Iran.

Ukraine
Military intelligence expands mandate as its takes weapons trade under its wing

With state-owned arms trading firm SpetsTechnoExport now under its control, the military intelligence department GUR occupies a central position at the heart of Ukraine's defence industry.

Spotlight | China, United States
US plans tactical intel releases to counter China

A reform under discussion in the US Congress includes proposals not only to develop intelligence-gathering and analysis but also more offensive measures aimed at exposing corruption and breaches of international law by Beijing.

Kazakhstan, United States
Nur-Sultan hopeful Iran nuclear deal could open up oil export options

To help cope with the uncertainties facing its oil and gas transits, Kazakhstan's state-owned KazMunayGas hopes it can count on US support to promote new export routes.

France
France's security interceptions unit feels pinch of staff shortages

The inter-ministerial GIC (Groupement Interministériel de Contrôle), which operates France's security interceptions, is having trouble filling its ranks as its workload piles up.

The Intelligence Gazette
Tracfin, Shin Bet in Cairo, FSB's coast guards, the SBU

Appointments, reforms and key issues: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets of news, big and small, from the global intelligence community. This week we hone in on Tracfin, Shin Bet in Cairo, FSB's coast guards, the SBU.

FranceTracfin seeks new chief to boost technical department.

Israel/EgyptRonen Bar on reconciliation mission in Cairo.

RussiaFSB coast guards take the plunge.

UkraineDeath a regional SBU head sparks probe.

Chad, France
LMO Fly Dynamics lands Force multinationale mixte aerial surveillance contract

Young French company LMO Fly Dynamics Development has won a European tender to help the Force multinationale mixte reinforce its aerial surveillance capacity over Chad.

Azerbaijan
Baku intelligence prioritises cyber upgrades

Hoping to tap into the exodus of Russian and Ukrainian IT experts to boost their own pool of experts, the Azerbaijani intelligence services are determined to modernise their cyber ecosystem.

China
The PLA arms itself for technological warfare

China's People's Liberation Army is going to increase the number of engineers, mathematicians and scientists in its ranks to move forward with its ambitious projects. This will also allow Beijing to bring more scientific and technical knowledge into the government.

Europe, Ukraine, United States
The top brass and consultants steering Kyiv on the path to NATO

In order to give itself every chance of joining the north Atlantic alliance, Ukraine is making proposals for the new security structure that Europe wants. It is being advised in this process by political and military experts specialised in these issues.