Tech

Iranian Missiles Breach Israeli Defences, Sparking Questions Over Effectiveness of Missile Shield

Published

9 months ago

June 20, 2025

As Iranian missile strikes continue to penetrate Israeli airspace, a renewed focus is falling on the country’s sophisticated aerial defence systems, developed with extensive U.S. support. On Thursday, several Iranian projectiles struck a major hospital in southern Israel and hit residential areas in the centre of the country, raising fresh concerns about the resilience of Israel’s multi-layered defence array.

Since fighting began on June 13, Iranian missile attacks have killed at least 24 people in Israel, according to government figures. The strikes have also destroyed homes, infrastructure, and public buildings in multiple regions, including urban population centres thought to be heavily shielded by Israel’s missile defence systems.

While Israeli officials insist that interception rates remain high, they acknowledge the system is not impenetrable. Military sources point to the sheer volume of simultaneous launches as a major factor — overwhelming even the most advanced radar and targeting systems. Despite its sophistication, the country’s defence architecture, which relies on both automated tracking and human decision-making, can be overrun during mass barrages.

Israel’s missile defence system operates on a tiered basis:

Arrow System
Co-developed with the United States, the Arrow system is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, such as those fired by Iran and the Houthis in Yemen. The system operates in outer space and has been deployed multiple times during the current conflict.

David’s Sling
Targeting medium-range threats, David’s Sling is another Israeli-American collaboration. It is particularly suited to defend against missiles from Hezbollah in Lebanon and has seen repeated use in recent months.

Iron Dome
Perhaps the most widely known of Israel’s defence tools, the Iron Dome is designed to counter short-range rockets and artillery shells. In service since the early 2010s, it has recorded thousands of interceptions, including during the current confrontations with Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel claims a success rate exceeding 90 per cent.

Iron Beam
A potential future game-changer, Iron Beam is Israel’s laser-based interceptor still under development. Officials say it promises to be significantly more cost-effective, with interceptions costing only a few dollars — compared to roughly $50,000 for Iron Dome and up to $2 million for Arrow or David’s Sling. Although field tests have been conducted over the past 20 months, Iron Beam is not yet fully operational.

As the missile threat grows in intensity and complexity, defence analysts warn that no shield is invulnerable. Israel’s current system is being tested under unprecedented pressure — raising the stakes for both its technological innovation and strategic military posture.

Tech

Northvolt Collapse Raises Questions Over Europe’s Green Tech Ambitions

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Web Reporter

Europe’s push for energy independence through green technology has suffered a major setback following the bankruptcy of Swedish battery maker Northvolt, once hailed as a homegrown champion of the electric vehicle revolution.

Founded by former Tesla executives Peter Carlsson and Paolo Cerruti, Northvolt raised more than $13 billion in just over seven years, attracting backing from major investors including Volkswagen and Goldman Sachs. The company built two factories in Skellefteå and Västerås between 2019 and 2024, aiming to capture 25 percent of the European battery market with 150 gigawatt hours of annual capacity.

That ambition unraveled when Northvolt filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, prompting the departure of Carlsson and casting doubt over Europe’s ability to build large-scale green manufacturing from scratch. In August 2025, US-based lithium-sulfur battery firm Lyten acquired Northvolt’s remaining assets in Sweden, Poland and Germany, including its production site in Skellefteå and research hub in Västerås.

Tom Johnstone, interim chairman of Northvolt’s board, said building a domestic battery industry remains critical for Europe but described it as a long-term effort requiring patience and sustained commitment. A company statement cited geopolitical instability and shifting market demand as contributing factors behind the collapse.

Despite the setback, global investment in green technology continues to grow. Bloomberg data shows spending on the energy transition reached $2.3 trillion in 2025, led by China, India and Japan. Analysts argue Northvolt’s failure reflects execution challenges rather than a broader retreat from clean energy.

Jan Larsson, head of Business Sweden, said the bankruptcy was a blow to the local community but insisted Sweden retains a strong battery ecosystem, particularly through collaboration with Finland and Norway.

Other companies say they have learned lessons from Northvolt’s rapid expansion. Swedish sodium-ion battery startup Altris has shifted toward incremental growth and partnerships. In January 2026, it teamed up with Czech chemical group Draslovka to manufacture key battery materials rather than attempting full vertical integration.

Beyond batteries, wave energy developer CorPower Ocean is pursuing a phased approach. Founded in 2012, the company is developing a 10-megawatt project off northern Portugal with support from a €40 million EU Innovation Fund grant.

Industry leaders say regulatory complexity remains a hurdle. Licensing rules vary widely across European countries, slowing project development. Even so, advocates argue the energy transition remains central to Europe’s economic security and sovereignty.

Whether Lyten focuses on battery production or research in Skellefteå will shape Sweden’s next chapter in green tech. For many in Europe’s business community, Northvolt’s rise and fall has become a case study in the risks and rewards of building a new industrial sector from the ground up.

Tech

ESA and GSMA Launch €100 Million Initiative to Advance Europe’s 6G and AI Ambitions

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Web Reporter

Europe has stepped up its push to lead in next-generation connectivity with a new partnership between the European Space Agency and the GSMA aimed at strengthening 6G and artificial intelligence capabilities through satellite-based communications.

The two organisations announced at the Mobile World Congress a joint funding programme worth up to €100 million to accelerate the integration of satellite and terrestrial mobile networks, known as non-terrestrial networks (NTN). The initiative marks one of Europe’s most significant public investments to date in hybrid satellite-mobile infrastructure.

Antonio Franchi, head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office at ESA, described connectivity as the backbone for unlocking advanced technologies. He said the funding would support the development of networks, services and digital tools that could benefit industries and society at large as digital transformation expands.

The programme is open to companies and organisations based in EU member states, which can apply by submitting formal proposals to ESA. Projects will be selected following an evaluation process.

Funding will focus on four core areas: artificial intelligence-driven management of multi-orbit satellite and ground networks; direct-to-device connectivity for smartphones and Internet of Things devices; collaborative 5G and 6G testing platforms; and early research into edge intelligence and advanced IoT systems.

The types of applications envisioned include telemedicine and telesurgery, autonomous driving systems and precision agriculture, all of which depend on reliable, high-capacity connectivity. By merging satellite coverage with mobile infrastructure, the initiative aims to extend high-speed communication even to remote regions.

Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer at GSMA, said combining the mobile industry’s global reach with ESA’s expertise in space technology would help usher in a new era of connectivity and deliver transformative benefits.

The move comes as global competition intensifies in satellite internet and advanced communications, with US companies currently holding a strong position. European officials say the continent’s strength in high-tech manufacturing and specialised software can offer an independent and competitive alternative.

Several European firms are showcasing their work under the programme at MWC, including Nokia, Filtronic, OQ Technology and MinWave Technologies. Demonstrations include live displays of hybrid network architectures and orchestration of satellite-terrestrial systems.

A centrepiece of the exhibition highlights Europe’s space ambitions through a mixed-reality model of ESA’s Argonaut lunar lander, designed to deliver cargo to the Moon. Visitors can remotely operate a training rover via a live satellite link, underscoring how Europe’s connectivity infrastructure is intended to support not only terrestrial innovation but also future lunar missions.

Tech

Mobile World Congress Opens in Barcelona With Focus on AI and 5G Concerns

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Web Reporter

The Mobile World Congress opens its doors on Monday, marking its 20th year in Barcelona and showcasing the latest developments in global connectivity. Once known primarily as a launchpad for new smartphones, the annual technology gathering has evolved into a broader platform for artificial intelligence, next-generation networks and emerging digital infrastructure.

This year’s event is set to spotlight AI innovations and what organisers describe as the “IQ Era,” referring to the deeper integration of artificial intelligence into daily life and industry. Exhibitions will also explore the future of airport travel, advances in robotics and discussions around 5G and early 6G development.

Vivek Badrinath, director general of the GSMA, which hosts the conference, issued a warning about Europe’s lagging 5G deployment in remarks to Euronews. He said that while the United States and China have advanced in standalone 5G networks, enabling industrial automation in ports and factories, Europe has reached only about 3 percent deployment of 5G standalone technology.

Badrinath described the situation as a “chicken and egg” problem. Without broad network coverage, European companies are reluctant to invest in robotics or AI systems that depend on 5G. At the same time, limited demand slows infrastructure rollout. “If we don’t roll out 5G properly, you’re out of the game,” he said, arguing that digital competitiveness depends on strong network foundations.

Regulatory reform is expected to be a central topic at the conference, particularly around the European Union’s proposed Digital Network Act, which aims to modernise and harmonise connectivity rules. Telecom operators have called for changes that would allow greater consolidation and investment capacity. Industry leaders point to Europe’s fragmented market of roughly 200 operators, many serving around five million customers each, compared with the far larger scale of major providers in the US and China.

Government participation at the event remains strong. Last year’s ministerial programme drew dozens of ministers and regulatory agency heads, and similar high-level attendance is expected this year, offering a forum for dialogue between policymakers and industry executives.

Beyond policy debates, organisers say MWC will continue to highlight consumer and enterprise technologies. Among the anticipated product showcases is a foldable robotic phone from Chinese brand Honor. The exhibition will also introduce “Airport of the Future,” demonstrating how connectivity is reshaping aviation systems, and “New Frontiers,” a space dedicated to quantum computing, robotics and satellite-based non-terrestrial networks.

As the conference enters its third decade in Barcelona, organisers aim to balance technological ambition with urgent discussions about Europe’s digital future.