Andrei Lugovoy, one of the men accused of poisonoing Alexander Litvenenko, is apparently to play a major role in the investigation of the poisoning of Alexei Nalvany!
News released across multiple outlets has said that Lugovoy now holds a high position in Moscow’s Security and Anti-Corruption committee, and this is the body which is believed to be investigating the incident involving Nalvany.
According to one report "as a deputy in the State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption, alleged KGB assassin turned politician Lugovoy has already denounced the Navalny poisoning as an attack by Western intelligence services."
aunav, the benchmark in the development of robotic solutions for defence and security, launched its new robot today, the aunav.NEO, which is the only explosive disposal robot in the world equipped with a variable geometry system. This technology allows the robot to adjust its width during a mission to suit any environment at any time and in any situation.
The robot, developed and manufactured at the aunav facilities in Huesca, arose to meet the needs of security and armed forces. It’s a versatile system capable of operating in different scenarios, most notably in areas that are difficult to access.
This makes the aunav.NEO uniquely prepared to neutralize improvised explosives, ammunition or CBRN threats (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) in tight spaces such as plane, bus or subway aisles or underground tunnels and naturally, it does very well on rough terrain open spaces alike.
One robot fits all
Pablo Vázquez, General Director of aunav, has proudly stated, “the engineering involved in this project, is added to 17 years of experience in the field of robotics for explosives deactivation, and gives us the edge and the knowledge to incorporate unique technologies in the sector. We can therefore truly say that because of its versatility, the aunav.NEO fuses several robots into one”.
He further added, “Maintaining the characteristically robust reliability of all our products, the aunav.NEO is also the lightest robot in our catalogue and incorporates state-of-the-art technology”. He also said, “the objective of aunav is to provide security and armed forces with cutting-edge solutions so that they can safely approach high-risk situations with the maximum guarantee of success.”
Leading technology to save lives
One of the aunav.NEO’s most remarkable innovations is its variable geometry system. The robot utilizes it to quickly and remotely increase or decrease its width, allowing it to operate in different scenarios within the same mission. It is further complemented by the platform’s self-stabilization technology, which always keeps it in a horizontal position in relation to the ground and is unaffected by stairs, ramps or uneven terrain. The aunav.NEO’s capabilities are boosted by an arm attachment that performs threat prevention and neutralization tasks with a superb combination of strength and precision.
Thanks to this fusion of technologies, the aunav.NEO can, for example, climb an airplane’s stairs, adjust its width to manoeuvre through the aisle, open the upper hand luggage compartment and pick up and remove a suspicious object that was lodged inside.
Another important innovation is that it is a demountable, modular robot. The arms, flippers and batteries can easily be detached, allowing the aunav.NEO to be transported in a wide range of vehicles, including the trunk of a car. No more than two people are needed to load and attach the parts easily, making it instantly operable.
Thanks to the use of Plug and Play technology, the aunav.NEO allows easy incorporation and exchange of different accessories (such as cameras) onto different parts of the platform. This versatility, therefore, enables it to be configured according to the needs of each mission.
The aunav.NEO is controlled by the aunav’s exclusive Remote Control Unit (OCU). Noteworthy is the Autonomous navigation systems, for both indoors and outdoors, which generates 3D maps of the environment.
As well as JPEO CBD, JPM Sensors and SCDF, we also now have a speaker from the Office of the Secrtary of Defense. We are delighted to welcome Vanessa Eddy, Senior Biodefense Advisor for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security onto the programme! More information on the programme can be found here
Four days of bitesize lectures, a virtual exhibition, all kinds of prizes to be won and all for FREE! Pre-register via and registration will go live on October 2.
As COVID-19 started to make its way around the world in mid-January, Alluviam got to work to add it, and other emerging bio-threats into our market leading decision support system. Whether its advice on surveillance, detection techniques, decontamination or PPE advice, HazMasterG3 Version 24 instantly provides a broad range of emergency response guidance on COVID-19. With an integrated database of over 167,000 materials and tradenames, HazMasterG3 is by far the most comprehensive CBRNE/HME decision support system available today.
As another reflection of current events, additional response and decontamination guidance for the Russian Novichok agents have been added to Version 24 of HazMasterG3. Western authorities, led by Germany, have concluded that Russian dissident Alexei Navalny was poisoned by this Russian nerve agent. Navalny, who survived the poisoning, was medically evacuated to Germany for treatment.
Additionally, response guidance has been updated throughout the system to incorporate the Department of Transportation’s 2020 Edition of the Emergency Response Guide. More precursors found in clandestine explosive, chemical warfare agent and narcotics labs were also added to the system’s already extensive list of over 30,000 precursors that are tracked in the system – more than any other system available today.
Not to be left behind, bomb technicians familiar with advanced device defeat techniques should be happy with the addition of new advanced energetic capabilities added into Version 24 of HazMasterG3. These advanced capabilities are unique to HazMasterG3, and were built with close coordination of the FBI.
More information on HazMasterG3 can be found at www.alluviam.com.
Argon have released their latest case study, The rise of 21st century CBRN training, in which Chief Warrant Officer 5 Christopher Joy, former Commander of the CBRN Instruction Company Marine Corps Detachment at Fort Leonard Wood, explains how the introduction of Argon Electronics’ simulator detector technology enriched the CBRN training experience and how it led to the complete rewriting of the centre’s Program of Instruction (POI).
Learn also how by implementing Argon simulators the US Marines experienced substantial and tangible benefits across all stages and levels of CBRNe training - whether it is being used to train new operators, to provide more experienced personnel with the opportunity to refresh their skills, or as a way to trial or familiarise with new equipment.
Click here to read the case study, and here to find out more on what Argon can offer for your CBRN training needs
James F. Leonard Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 29, 2020 surrounded by family who adored him. He was 100.
Ambassador Leonard was the Chief US negotiator for the Biological Weapons Convention under President Richard Nixon, when he was Assistant Director of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) from 1969 to 1973. After a brief retirement from government service from 1973 to 1977, during which he served as President of the United Nations Association (UNA), Ambassador Leonard returned to serve as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations during the Carter Administration, from 1977 to 1979. From 1979 to 1981 he was Deputy Special Representative to the Middle East Peace Negotiations (the "Palestinian Autonomy Talks") between the US, Israel, and Egypt, which resulted from the Camp David Peace Accords.
James Fulton Leonard, Jr. was born May 30, 1920, in Osborne, Pennsylvania to Margaret Trimble Leonard and James Leonard, Sr. After graduating from Andover in 1938, he received a scholarship to Princeton University, where he studied engineering (B.S. 1942). He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, with posts in the United States, France, and Okinawa (1942-46). Later he attended Harvard University (1952-53), and Columbia University (1963-64). James Leonard met and fell in love with Eleanor Martha Hanson while they were both studying for the foreign service exam. They were married in 1948. Together, they raised five daughters, as well as a son from Eleanor's previous marriage. The family lived together in various posts for the U.S. Foreign Service. Ambassador Leonard was proud to be a career Foreign Service Officer, and was a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy.
He spent 20 years serving in Damascus, Moscow, Paris, Taipei, New York, Geneva and Washington, DC. He spoke six languages. His first diplomatic posting was to Damascus, Syria (1949-51). His second posting was to Moscow at the height of the cold war (1953-55). He then served at NATO in Paris (1955-57). From 1958 to 1963, he was stationed in Taiwan. He returned to Washington where he worked on Far Eastern Affairs (1965-66) and as a Director of the Office of Strategic Research (1966-68). Mr. Leonard was Country Director for Korea in the State Department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs from 1968 to 1969. While serving in that position, he and his wife Eleanor were credited with devising the terms that would ultimately secure the release of the hostages on the USS Pueblo, which had been seized by North Korea. In 1969 his career turned to arms control, the UN, and Middle East Peace efforts.
After his second retirement from government service in 1981, Mr. Leonard was a consultant or board member for a number of non-governmental organizations. They included the Aspen Institute, the Palme Commission, the Committee on National Security, the Washington Council on Non-Proliferation, the British American Security Information Council, and the Canberra Commission. With an encyclopedic knowledge of history from ancient times to the present, his commitment to public service, his belief in equity and justice, and his delightful wit, James Leonard was a real force for good in the world. A true intellectual, he dedicated his life to furthering the prospects for world peace. Ambassador Leonard is survived by daughters, Cindy, Val, Carolyn (Jeff), and Pam (John); son Arthur "Lee" (Diane); grandchildren, Christine (Gabe), Lynn (Justin), Diana (Alec), Zoe, and James "Jack"; and great-grandchildren, Annelise, Lily, Jonas, Tyler, and Owen. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor; sister, Margarite (Ugo); and daughter, Diana. A memorial celebration will be held in the spring of 2021.Ambassador Leonard is survived by daughters, Cindy, Val, Carolyn (Jeff), and Pam (John); son Arthur "Lee" (Diane); grandchildren, Christine (Gabe), Lynn (Justin), Diana (Alec), Zoe, and James "Jack"; and great-grandchildren, Annelise, Lily, Jonas, Tyler, and Owen. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor; sister, Margarite (Ugo); and daughter, Diana. A memorial celebration will be held in the spring of 2021.
Robert W. “Bob” Gore, chairman emeritus of the board of directors of W. L. Gore & Associates, a global material science company dedicated to improving lives through advancements in technology, passed away on September 17 at the age of 83.
Bob Gore, whose scientific discoveries spawned GORE-TEX® Outerwear and paved the way for advancements in industries as varied as performance fabrics, medical devices, space exploration and filtration, assumed the chairman emeritus role in 2018 after 57 years of service on the Gore board, 30 of those as chairman. Bob also served as president of Gore from 1976 to 2000.
During his tenure as president, Gore became a billion-dollar enterprise. Marking the occasion in 1996, Bob said, “We plan to leave a legacy to society and to future generations: infants with surgically reconstructed hearts that live because of our medical products; governments of free societies that are better able to protect themselves because of defense products; communities with cleaner and healthier environments because of our filtration and sealant products; And yes, people that just have more fun in the outdoors because of our GORE-TEX® Outerwear.”
Redline Assured Security, a leading provider of government-standard training and security solutions, has been selected by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to undertake the certification and Quality Assurance (QA) of Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs) within the UK.
FREDDs are, at present, used in the air cargo sector and are specially trained to act as part of cargo screening methods to check air cargo and freight for a variety of explosive materials and potential threats. Their use is expected to expand to wider areas of aviation security in the future.
Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs have been permitted as a screening method for use in the UK aviation security sector since 2017. Working as a certified team with their human handlers, complimenting existing screening methods, FREDDs offers a secure and effective capability to screen large volumes of air cargo. Each FREDD undergoes rigorous training to achieve stringent government certification before being eligible for deployment in the cargo sheds. Throughout their operational duties they go through a regular quality assurance programme.
Redline has been selected to work in partnership with the CAA, initially for two years, to certify and Quality Assure existing FREDD providers and others looking to enter the market as the availability and use of FREDDs increases. The contract was awarded after regulatory responsibility transferred from the Department for Transportation (DfT) to the CAA, with Redline assuming responsibility from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) who have provided certification and QA services to date
Redline is part of the Safety & Security division of Air Partner Plc, a global aviation services group with over six decades of experience providing aircraft charter and over 13 years providing aviation safety and security solutions to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals across civil and military organisations.
“Redline has a proven pedigree in Quality Assurance, spanning aviation and critical national infrastructure, combined with unparalleled expertise in aviation security training and compliance,” says Craig Harrison, Managing Director of Redline. “The award of the contract to provide certification and QA of FREDDs is the dawn of a new offering, building upon the span of professional services for which Redline is renowned.”
For more information on Redline’s ongoing commitment to providing government-level training, quality assurance and consultancy across the security sector, visit https://www.trustredline.co.uk/
It was announced on Nalvany's Instragram account this morning that traces of Novichik have been found on a water bottle in his hotel room in Tomsk. This has apprently been tested and confirmed by a German laboratory.
According to the Instagram post "… It is precisely on the bottle from the Tomsk hotel room that a German laboratory found traces of Novichok. And later three more laboratories which took Alexei’s samples confirmed that Navalny was poisoned with it [toxic agent]. Now we understand: It was done before he left his room to reach the airport,"
A video was also posted showing members of his team searching the room he had just left in the Xander Hotel.
An updated programme for our Bitsize Boston event is now available. As we are now hosting Convergence virtually, it has given us the opportuity to reach a little further for speakers that would not normally be able to travel and join our in person event.
Click here:
CBRNe Bitesize Boston Programme
to see the great line up of speakers we have prepared for our first virtual outing so far!
Russia’s Defense Ministry has proposed removing chemical warfare agents from a list of products that are banned from being sold to the public. The ministry said that because Russia has destroyed all of its chemical weapon stockpiles, it “makes no sense” to keep them on the prohibition list.
Less than three weeks after Hurricane Laura caused widespread damage in Louisiana, the Gulf Coast is preparing for another major storm. With Hurricane Sally expected to make landfall on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC) is providing critical chemical hazard support.
In preparation for Sally’s landfall, CSAC is researching and identifying chemical facilities in the storm’s predicted path, based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Risk Management Plan (RMP) database, Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Chemical Security Assessment Tool (CSAT), and latitude and longitude information. CSAC is proactively analyzing any chemical plants that conduct processes particularly susceptible to chemical release resulting from building damage, loss of power or process monitoring. This type of analysis is based on past experiences, such as the Crosby, Texas, chemical plant fire caused by damage from hurricane Harvey in 2015.
This information will be made available to the FEMA/Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center (IMAAC) managed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Technical Reachback Center, as well as the Joint Task Force – Civil Support Team (CST). CSAC will be on standby to provide chemical hazard assessments based on damage to chemical facilities, chemical surface transport, or piping systems.
CSAC recently conducted similar efforts for Hurricane Laura. Following the storm’s landfall on August 27, FEMA/IMAAC and CST representatives contacted CSAC about a chemical fire and a report of a potential chlorine release at Biolab in Lake Charles, Louisiana. CSAC confirmed that BioLab was a major producer of trichloroisocyanuric acid, which requires chlorine gas for production. This helped IMAAC provide accurate modeling results. Upon receiving the modeling product from IMAAC, CSAC immediately forwarded the report to CST technical leads to support emergency response efforts.
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