The US Army Research Laboratory and UK Ministry of Defence have selected an IBM-led consortium, the newly-formed International Technology Alliance (ITA) in network and information sciences, to undertake a research programme exploring advanced technology for secure wireless and sensor networks to support future coalition operations, over a potential 10-year period, with a value of up to $135.8 million.

Successful future military operations will depend on the capability of coalition forces to quickly gather, interpret and share battlefield information to coordinate actions, so the research will enable interoperability and communications across disparate military units, allowing them to operate more effectively.

This alliance represents a new way of conducting collaborative research by fostering close partnerships among government, academic, and industry researchers in both countries.

Xhead = BAE Systems aims for SAFEE aircraft

Researchers are beginning preliminary tests on a futuristic onboard aircraft threat detection system at BAE Systems` Advanced Technology Centre, reports The Engineer Online.

The Security of Aircraft in the Future European Environment (SAFEE) project is said to create a non-hijackable aircraft. The four-year 35.8 million euro (lb24.22 million) project is funded by the European Commission and industrial partners including Airbus, EADS, SAGEM D'efense S'ecurit'e, Thales Avionics, NLR, and Siemens. Over 100 aviation experts are involved.

BAE Systems is creating an onboard threat detection system to spot erratic passenger behaviour using data from cabin video and audio sensors, which will be fed to the ground to facilitate decisions in events such as hijackings.

A former US Department of Defense director, who oversaw the implementation of 11 million smartcards for military personnel, met with federal government agencies in Canberra last week.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Human Services, Joe Hockey, confirmed briefing sessions were held between Robert Brandewie, former director of the Defense Manpower Data Centre and representatives from the Department of Human Services.

The Defense Manpower Data Centre provides information services for the department`s military personnel, civilian employees and contractors, says Computerworld.