Category: Aviation

On May 6, 2025, Israel’s military announced that it had carried out airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, disabling Sanaa International Airport, the country’s main airport. These strikes, the second within two days, were reportedly in retaliation for a Houthi missile attack on Israel’s international airport the previous day.

The Houthis’ satellite news channel, al-Masirah, confirmed the airport in Sanaa was hit. Power plants were also hit, according to the Israeli military. The strike against the airport in Sanaa happened after the Israeli military warned people on social media to leave the area immediately, addiing: “failure to evacuate the area endangers your lives.”

A state-of-the art Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) unit is now in use at the Transpiration Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint at Raleigh County Memorial Airport.

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) units safely and without physical contact screens travelers for both metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons, explosives and other objects that may be concealed under layers of clothing. The technology uses millimeter wave technology, which is safe and meets national health and safety standards.

“The use of AITs is an enhancement of TSA’s ongoing efforts to improve the passenger experience while improving security operations,” said John C. Allen, TSA’s federal security director for West Virginia. “The new unit was installed earlier this month and already is making a positive impact in our checkpoint.”

The AIT uses automated target recognition software that eliminates passenger-specific images and instead auto-detects potential threats by indicating their location on a generic cookie-cutter outline of a person. The generic outline is identical for all passengers. The unit streamlines the checkpoint screening process and significantly reduces the frequence of full-body pat downs.

The checkpoint at Raleigh also features a computed tomography (CT) checkpoint scanner that provides TSA officers with the three-dimensional views of the contents of a carry-on bag. This technology upgrade allows passengers to leave laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags.

Rohde & Schwarz announced the market launch of ARDRONIS Effect, an upgrade providing defense and security customers the ability to protect personnel, platforms and infrastructure against even the most innovative of drone threats.

In response to rapidly evolving drone threats observed in conflicts around the world, ARDRONIS Effect can disrupt jam-resistant drones or even armed drone swarms, even in the most contested and congested operating environment, Rohde & Schwarz says.

According to Rohde & Schwarz product manager for C-UAS Solutions, Jan Link, first person view (FPV) drone attacks across the modern battlespace has changed dramatically in recent years, specifically in terms of the type and number of radio frequencies used to control them. “C-UAS operators need to have the capability to jam every potential frequency, even during swarm attacks with multiple drones operating on different frequencies,” Link said.

With its background in signal mastery, sensor fusion and vertical integration, Rohde & Schwarz achieved technology readiness level 9 (TRL 9) with its flexible and modular ARDRONIS Effect, which is already field-proven and in service with undisclosed customers in Europe, the company says.

Controlled by proprietary Rohde & Schwarz ARDRONIS Control Center software, ARDRONIS Effect can be operated in a standalone configuration or combined with any of the standard systems from the ARDRONIS family. These include the ARDRONIS Detect, ARDRONIS Locate Compact and ARDRONIS Locate Advanced systems, which when combined can detect, identify, track (both drone and pilot) and ultimately disrupt threats at the earliest opportunity. ARDRONIS Effect can also be networked into any open counter-drone system of systems thanks to its open architecture and ease of integration.

“The main challenge of ARDRONIS Effect is to jam a wide area but in a way that is effective enough to stop the operation of weaponized FPVs or intelligence-gathering drones. This requires ARDRONIS Effect to jam simultaneously on multiple bands at high output power across the entire spectrum without gaps in time and frequency,” Link said.

The ongoing digitalization of personal identification demands reliable solutions for secure identification. Mobile IDs have proven to provide a simple verification method via mobile devices. Despite its growing popularity, many use cases for this technology remain largely unknown.

A Mobile ID is the digital version of a physical document, such as an ID card, stored on a smartphone. With this technology, users can securely identify themselves online or digitally confirm transactions without the need for paper. The advantage? Mobile IDs are fast and flexible without making the physical version obsolete. Veridos presents the key facts about Mobile IDs.

Electronic verification for maximum security. Mobile IDs are verified entirely electronically by machines, eliminating error-prone manual checks. This method not only provides greater security, but also enables versatile applications that are not possible with traditional methods, such as instant identity verification when opening an online bank account or authentication for access to online government portals.

Mobile IDs as an extension of physical documents. Mobile IDs are digital versions of physical ID documents. They complement these documents for online use, but do not replace them. Both versions serve different purposes and are equally valid.

Wide range of use cases. Mobile IDs extend beyond public services and law enforcement applications. They also offer use in the private sector, including digital health cards, building access cards, and mobile student IDs.

1. Promoting digital inclusion. Mobile IDs also open the door to digital services — both public and private — for previously underrepresented groups, such as senior citizens or populations in remote areas.
2. Maximum privacy through data minimization. Mobile IDs minimize the disclosure of personal data and employ the Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) principle, revealing only the information necessary for verification with the user’s consent. This eliminates the need for individuals to provide more information than is necessary to complete a transaction.
3. Real-time data updates. When information such as age, marital status, or address changes, government agencies must manually update physical documents. Mobile IDs update automatically, eliminating the need for in-person visits to government offices.
4. Secure transmission via NFC and BLE. Identity is transmitted using robust, proven technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for maximum security. Prior to transmission, users scan a QR code, generated on demand, to consent to the transfer.
5. “Mobile IDs are more than just a technology trend — they are a central component of today’s digital society,” said Marc-Julian Siewert, CEO of Veridos. “Mobile IDs not only make access to digital services more secure, but also more convenient. Businesses, governments and individuals alike will benefit from this seamless solution.”

Leidos and SeeTrue, an artificial intelligence software company, are partnering to boost the efficiency of airport security and customs screenings through AI-enabled algorithms for detecting prohibited items.

“SeeTrue is an industry leader in threat detection algorithms, and we are excited to join forces with them,” said Michael Van Gelder, senior vice president, Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) at Leidos. “Through this smart collaboration, we are further demonstrating our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that provide advanced levels of threat detection for our customers.”

The collaboration will leverage Leidos’ Trusted Mission AI approach with SeeTrue’s advanced technology. By integrating third-party threat detection algorithms, Leidos seeks to accelerate algorithm development to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Currency and narcotics algorithms are two areas of focus that will soon be deployed into the market through Leidos’ ClearScan CT scanner.

“SeeTrue is proud to collaborate with Leidos, a global leader in security solutions, to revolutionize the security screening process,” said Assaf Frenkel, co-founder and CEO, SeeTrue. “Together, we are leveraging open architecture and cutting-edge AI technology to automate threat detection in security and customs markets. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to creating a safer world through innovative collaboration.”

SES is the cornerstone of Leidos’ comprehensive suite of fully integrated security solutions for aviation, ports, borders, and critical infrastructure customers worldwide.

Smiths Detection has signed an agreement with Deepnoid, a Korean specialized AI software company led by CEO Choi Woo-Sik, to test AI integration within its security screening systems. Deepnoid’s AI technology will undergo rigorous testing with Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040-2is carry-on baggage X-ray scanner, with future trials exploring its potential in computed tomography (CT) screening to increase detection speed, precision and efficiency.

This collaboration supports Smiths Detection’s responsible open architecture, ensuring third-party AI solutions work seamlessly within its technology while maintaining the highest security standards. It is part of the Ada Initiative, Smiths Detection’s structured process for onboarding suppliers to ensure their hardware, software, and algorithms integrate flawlessly. By introducing AI-driven tools, this partnership strengthens threat detection while keeping security infrastructure adaptable to future risks.

“We are excited to collaborate with Deepnoid as we explore new advancements in security screening,” said Cymoril Metivier, global digital portfolio director, Smiths Detection. “Advancing threat detection has been a key focus for Smiths Detection for years, with our iCMORE AI-driven algorithm suite using advanced object recognition to accurately detect prohibited items, weapons, lithium batteries and other dangerous goods. Driving responsible open architecture strengthens these capabilities, enabling greater flexibility to integrate new technologies. This partnership reinforces our commitment to high-performance security solutions that stay ahead of evolving threats.”

Jae-Ik Cho, executive vice president, Deepnoid, stated: “This collaboration is a significant milestone for Deepnoid as we aim to become a game-changer in the security AI market. We will leverage our partnership with Smiths Detection to position ourselves as a leading provider of innovative AI technology in the global security screening industry.”

Deepnoid continues to develop AI solutions for healthcare and security. This partnership accelerates AI-powered security screening. By ensuring seamless interoperability between cutting-edge hardware, software, and AI-driven solutions, Smiths Detection continues to set the standard in global threat detection, safeguarding people and critical infrastructure worldwide.

Through an open architecture approach, Smiths says it is creating tailored third-party integrations, and with iCMORE, a suite of AI-driven threat detection solutions, it hopes to improve security operations. Seamlessly integrated with its X-ray screening systems, iCMORE enhances detection accuracy for prohibited items, currency, weapons, lithium batteries and other dangerous goods. By reducing operator workload, streamlining workflows, and cutting false alarms, it empowers security teams to make faster, more confident decisions. Designed to scale and evolve, iCMORE helps security operations stay ahead of emerging threats.

Swissport International has announced a strategic partnership with global safety and quality software company Ideagen to accelerate their 2030 Vision of Zero Harm. This collaboration will enable Swissport to share information with governing bodies more easily to drive safety compliance.

Ideagen’s combined safety, quality and risk solution will be deployed across their 279 locations worldwide. The Ideagen platform offers a comprehensive solution, encompassing everything from incident investigation to audits and inspections, to risk management.

It will provide Swissport’s 62,000 strong workforce with the ability to report, monitor and manage safety incidents, audits, inspections and action plans more intuitively. Its integrated business intelligence reporting means the company will get a complete picture of their safety profile and the ways they can strengthen it across their entire portfolio.

“Ensuring the health, safety and security of our colleagues, customers and other stakeholders is our utmost priority. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to further enhance our safety culture and promote a zero-harm mindset,” said David Clark, global head of quality, health, safety and environment at Swissport. “Partnering with Ideagen will enable us to have a complete global picture of our safety data and the tools to better capture, manage and analyze it, allowing us to identify areas for improvement and take proactive measures to prevent incidents from occurring.”

Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks said, “We are thrilled to be supporting Swissport with their continued commitment to their zero-harm goal. We have a proud pedigree within the aviation industry of helping create safer environments for passengers, crew and ground operations. We are excited to be working with a company of Swissport’s caliber and look forward to seeing the results their 2030 vision will bring.”

Swissport will be taking advantage of some of Ideagen’s most advanced software, including AI-enhanced data management, providing the ability to bring together huge amounts of inspection data and have it automatically identify focus areas, through to mobile incident reporting for those on the frontline and translation services for international operations. Having all these functionalities in one system will enable mature risk management, connecting data from different sources to identify potential risks before incidents happen, driving Swissport’s Zero Harm safety vision.

Ideagen specializes in solutions for regulatory compliance supporting organizations with quality, safety, risk management audit and secure collaboration. More than two million people use Ideagen software daily and their 16,000 customers include 250 global aviation organizations, nine of the top 10 global aerospace and defense corporations, more than 1,000 government organizations, 15 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies, nine of the top 10 accounting firms, more than 900 hospital and healthcare centers, 65% of the top 20 global food and drink brands as well as some of the leading companies in mining, construction and energy.

“This partnership will not only ensure our safety performance continually improves, but it will also make our processes quicker and slicker. We are looking forward to the comprehensive benefits Ideagen’s software will bring to our safety management system,” Clark concluded.

WAISL’s AeroWise is operational and live at Hyderabad International Airport, showcasing real-world implementation of next-gen airport operations and firmly establishing itself as a leader in digital aviation solutions. AeroWise is the first end-to-end, fully integrated digital twin-powered APOC, covering the Terminal, Airside, and Landside while integrating with over 40 modules and tracking more than 100 KPIs, enabling efficient management of complex airport operations and their adjacencies.

AeroWise ushers in a new era in airport operations, offering predictive, prescriptive and simulative insights and a comprehensive 360-degree view of the entire airport ecosystem. The solution leverages next-generation technologies like Digital Twin, Cloud Computing, Computer Vision, AI/ML, video, and Data Analytics.

WAISL’s AeroWise solution is designed to deliver significant business advantages for Airports and their adjacencies worldwide; it generates real-time insights and an automated plan of the day that seamlessly integrates with all systems, predicts potential disruptions, analyses trends, and continuously learns from post-operative analysis for performance optimization.

“We’re presenting AEROWISE — a Digital Twin-powered Airport Predictive Operations Center (APOC) driving Total Airport Management — enabling real time and predictive decision making — with one single goal to drive operations transformation and efficiency.

“Dubai and GCC airports are already known for their passenger-centric design, new technology adoption and commitment to value creation, and we see a strong alignment with WAISL’s philosophy of creating predictive, AI-driven NextGen airports with a superior RoI framework,” said Preetham Kamesh, strategic advisor & acting global business officer, WAISL Limited.

The business value for airport operations by implementing the AeroWise solution is derived by increasing capacity with existing infrastructure, optimizing non-aero revenue streams and reducing costs through improved operational efficiency. The solution empowers airports to handle surges in demand with predictive and prescriptive analytics, ultimately delivering reductions in flight delays and boosting passenger satisfaction. It also provides an integrated experience that will fuel the next generation of airport operations.

AmSafe Bridport has announced the launch of their new Installed Physical Secondary Barrier, designed for all commercial aircraft operating under Part 121 rules in the U. S. In line with the upcoming FAA mandate effective August 2025, this innovative barrier provides an essential extra layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access to the flight deck.

Meeting the New Standard in Cockpit Security

The new regulation requires airlines to enhance cockpit security, especially during times when a flight crew member needs to leave the cockpit. Traditionally, this has involved using a serving trolley and a crew member to block access while the cockpit door is open. The company says their secondary barrier offers a purpose-built, reliable alternative.

“Currently, if one of the flight crew needs to leave the cockpit, a serving trolley and a stewardess are used to stand guard as the captain transfers from the cockpit into the lavatory,” Neil Stockley, AmSafe Bridport’s engineering manager, explained. “The new barrier changes this process, providing a dedicated, secure solution.”

Engineered for Safety and Compliance

The Installed Physical Secondary Barrier is designed to meet all regulatory requirements, including:

• A five-second deployment window to allow the captain or crew to safely transition from the cockpit while the barrier is in place.
• A 600lb intrusion load rating, ensuring the barrier can withstand significant force.
• Penetration resistance, tested to withstand a pair of 4-inch scissors cutting through the fabric, meeting strict FAA standards.

“We believe we are the first in the world to provide a fabric solution for this secondary barrier,” Stockley added. “Our design features a robust metal frame combined with advanced fabric technology. Because it’s fabric, there are specific perforation and penetration requirements, which our barrier meets with ease.”

AmSafe Bridport’s has years of experience in fabric technology along with decades of experience in developing high-performance cargo netting and restraint systems. “That’s where our expertise is—fabric technology,” says Stockley. “It’s a natural evolution for us to apply this knowledge to cockpit security.”

Flexible, User-Friendly Operation

The barrier can be deployed from either side, offering flexibility for crew operations. Typically, a message is sent to the cabin crew to deploy the barrier when needed, and it can be quickly stowed away once the cockpit crew member returns to their seat.

Ready for Today and Tomorrow’s Aircraft

The company says their secondary barrier is designed for both new and existing aircraft. Airbus has already selected it as a line-fit solution for the A220, and it is retrofittable across all passenger aircraft types.