War Never Changes // Newsletter 11-30-24
Your Newsletter for the week of Saturday, November 30th, 2024
Bleeding-edge technologies have always been found at the leading edge of the spear. From the thunderous roar of a conquistador's cannon to the quiet precision of the Marines' latest sniper system or China's new recoilless drone cartridges, evolve or die is iron law.
In this issue, you'll see a bit of both the oldest unearthed and the newest unveiled. As you read, consider that while technology transforms the how of war, the why—and the human realities of conflict—remain largely unchanged. Those triumvirs of strategy, technology, and boldness persist, echoing across centuries. As drones become more lethal, additive manufacturing becomes more viable, and long-range gets longer, you, dear reader, are encouraged to remember that war never changes.
It's Saturday, November 30th, 2024.
In this issue:
- Shape-shifting antennas via additive manufacturing
- The Marines' new MK22 Mod 0 sniper rifle
- America's oldest firearm discovered
- Rheinmetall and Lithuania begin construction of modern artillery ammunition production facility
- World’s Fastest 3D printer launches in Europe
- China builds a recoilless 7.62 round to fire from drones
- Smith & Wesson gets Zucked
- World's largest gold deposit discovered
- Syrian rebel groups take control in and around Aleppo
- MO Congressman plans bill to abolish ATF
- TikTok hires ex-Israeli cyber intelligence chiefs
- Much more...
News Briefs
Johns Hopkins APL Develops Shape-Shifting Antenna with Additive Manufacturing
In Short: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a groundbreaking shape-shifting antenna using 3D-printed shape memory alloys, enabling dynamic adaptability across multiple radio-frequency bands for applications in military, telecommunications, and space exploration.
- Johns Hopkins APL researchers have developed a shape-shifting antenna using additive manufacturing and shape memory alloys (SMAs) like nitinol, which changes shape when heated.
- This antenna can operate across multiple RF bands, simplifying dynamic RF communication by eliminating the need for multiple fixed antennas and enabling adaptability in real-time scenarios.
- The development faced challenges such as optimizing nitinol for additive manufacturing, designing a novel heating mechanism, and fine-tuning the material's nickel-to-titanium ratio for consistent shape memory effects.
- The technology has potential applications in military operations, telecommunications, and space exploration, offering adaptive, lightweight, and versatile communication solutions.
- Patents are being pursued for the antenna and its control systems, with plans to expand to other SMA materials and optimize production processes for broader implementation.
Jump to Source: Johns Hopkins APL Develops Shape-Shifting Antenna with Additive Manufacturing - 3DPrinting.com
Its Official, Marines’ New MK22 Sniper Rifle Revolutionizes Precision Shooting
In Short: The U.S. Marine Corps has officially declared the MK22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle fully operational, marking a significant advancement in military weaponry with its modular design that consolidates the roles of older sniper rifles, supports multiple calibers for mission-specific customization, and enhances operational efficiency and logistical sustainability for Marines in the field.
- The U.S. Marine Corps has declared the MK22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle fully operational, a full year earlier than planned.
- The MK22, manufactured by Barrett Firearms, consolidates the roles of the M40A6 and Mk13 Mod 7 into one system, offering multi-caliber support (.308 Win, .300 Norma Mag, .338 Norma Mag).
- This rifle significantly enhances operational flexibility with a range up to 1,500 meters, reducing logistical demands.
- Barrett’s modular design includes caliber-change capability, maintenance ease, and advanced optics, such as the M317 Precision Day Optic.
- The MK22 emerged through a collaboration with SOCOM, the U.S. Army, and Marine Corps, showcasing a streamlined path to deployment.
- Retail pricing for the MK22 sniper system ranges from $13,376.99 to $16,890.00, depending on configurations and accessories.
Jump to Source:
Its Official, Marines’ New MK22 Sniper Rifle Revolutionizes Precision Shooting
Researchers Find America's Oldest Firearm: A Conquistador's Cannon
In Short: Researchers in Arizona's Santa Cruz Valley have uncovered what is believed to be the oldest firearm in the U.S., a bronze cannon from the 16th-century Vázquez de Coronado expedition, providing significant insights into the historical use of military technology by conquistadors during their invasions.
Key Details:
- An ancient conquistador's cannon was found in Arizona's Santa Cruz Valley and is believed to be America's oldest firearm.
- The bronze wall gun is linked to the Vázquez de Coronado expedition, dating back to 1539-1542.
- Identified artifacts suggest its use in defending Spanish fortifications and attacking enemy structures.
- Known as a hackbut, it once fired cannonballs or projectiles like grapeshot and buckshot.
Jump to Source:
Researchers Find America's Oldest Firearm: A Conquistador's Cannon
Agreements Signed: Rheinmetall and Lithuania Begin Construction of Modern Artillery Ammunition Production Plant
In Short: Lithuania and Rheinmetall have begun construction on a state-of-the-art 155mm artillery ammunition production plant in Baisogala, marking a major investment in Lithuania’s defense capabilities and local economy.
- Construction of a 155mm artillery ammunition production plant has begun in Baisogala, Lithuania, following agreements signed on November 29, 2024, with an investment of €180 million and plans to create 150 local jobs.
- The facility will span 340 hectares and is expected to begin operations by mid-2026, producing tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells annually to strengthen Lithuania's defense sector and reduce reliance on international arms procurement.
Jump to Source:
Eric G
Impossible Objects Launches World’s Fastest 3D Printer in Europe
In Short: Impossible Objects has launched the CBAM 25, the fastest 3D printer now available in Europe, revolutionizing high-speed additive manufacturing with its ability to produce strong, precise composite parts at unmatched speeds.
- Impossible Objects has made its CBAM 25 3D printer—recognized as the fastest in the world—commercially available in Europe following its global debut in June 2024.
- The CBAM 25 uses Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM) technology to produce parts up to 15 times faster than competing methods, with a layer speed of every four seconds, and supports materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, nylon, and PEEK.
- Founder Robert Swartz emphasized the printer's ability to create composite parts that are significantly stronger than conventional 3D-printed parts, aiming to rival CNC machining in cost and speed.
- The CBAM 25 aligns with broader industry trends prioritizing speed and efficiency, as shown by advancements from competitors like Nikon SLM Solutions and Nano Dimension at the same event.
Jump to Source:
Anyer Tenorio Lara
China Builds A Recoilless 7.62 Round... For Drones!
In Short: China has developed a recoilless 7.62mm cartridge designed with innovative gas venting and secondary propellant technology to enable small drones to fire bullets without compromising their stability.
- The design vents gas out the back of the receiver to reduce recoil and uses a secondary propellant within the bullet triggered by an inductive coil, ensuring sufficient muzzle velocity despite reduced pressure.
- The bullet achieves a muzzle velocity of 2400-2900 fps, comparable to the 7.62x39 cartridge.
- The innovative recoil design limits drone displacement to just about half an inch during firing, showcasing impressive stabilization for aerial platforms.
- This development highlights the growing global focus on enhancing military drone capabilities, inspired partly by lessons learned from recent conflicts such as in Ukraine.
Jump to Source: China Builds A Recoilless 7.62 Round... For Drones!
Smith & Wesson Gets Booted Off Facebook
In Short: Smith & Wesson, a historic firearms manufacturer, had its Facebook account "indefinitely suspended" despite efforts to comply with the platform's guidelines, highlighting growing restrictions by Big Tech on firearm-related content.
- Smith & Wesson had its Facebook account terminated on Friday, November 22, 2024, after 15 years of operation.
- The company stated it had made extensive efforts to comply with Facebook's evolving community guidelines on firearms.
- Smith & Wesson encouraged its 1.6 million Facebook followers to explore alternative platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which the company praised for supporting free speech and constitutional rights.
- Twitter/X owner Elon Musk responded to the company's post, affirming a commitment to free speech and constitutional values related to the Second Amendment, stating, “We restored the gun emoji and believe in the Constitution 🔫🔫.”
- S&W's Facebook account has since been restored, and Meta representative Andy Stone told Fox News Digital the account "had been suspended in error."
Jump to Source: Smith & Wesson Gets Booted Off Facebook
China Discovers World's Largest Gold Deposit Worth $83 Billion
In Short: China has discovered a massive gold deposit in Hunan Province, potentially the largest in the world, valued at $83 billion and containing up to 1,100 tons of high-quality gold ore.
- The deposit could become the largest known natural gold reserve, surpassing South Africa's South Deep gold mine, which holds 1,025 metric tons of gold.
- Despite being the world's largest gold producer, China consumes around three times more gold than it produces, relying heavily on imports; this deposit would meet China's consumption for only 1.4 years.
Jump to Source: China Discovers World's Largest Gold Deposit Worth $83 Billion
Biden seen holding what some consider to be anti-Israel book during Black Friday shopping excursion
In Short: President Biden was seen holding a controversial book that critiques Israel as a colonial power, sparking debate over his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict amid growing tensions and criticism from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups.
- President Biden was seen holding a copy of "The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine" by Rashid Khalidi, a book that critiques Israel as a colonial power and highlights Palestinian resistance.
- The book, published in 2020, describes the modern history of Palestine as a colonial war and includes criticism of U.S. policies, such as the Trump administration's decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.
- Rashid Khalidi, the book's author, has been outspoken against Israeli policies, criticized the humanitarian toll in Gaza, and referred to Israel's actions as ethnic cleansing during a November 2023 podcast appearance.
- Biden has publicly reiterated his support for Israel but has faced criticism from both Israeli supporters, for imposing conditions on U.S. aid, and pro-Palestinian advocates, who decry civilian casualties in Gaza.
- The book praises the First Intifada (1987-1993) as a significant Palestinian resistance movement, which led to over 2,000 fatalities, and presents three historical outcomes of colonial confrontations with indigenous peoples.
Jump to Source: Biden seen holding anti-Israel book during Black Friday shopping excursion
Syrian rebel groups take control in and around Aleppo
In Short: Syrian rebel groups, led by Hayʼat Tahrir ash-Sham, have launched a surprise offensive and taken control of Aleppo, marking a significant shift in the 13-year civil war and dealing a major blow to the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian allies.
- Syrian rebel groups, led by Hayʼat Tahrir ash-Sham (HTS) and backed by Turkey, have taken control of nearly all of Aleppo in their largest offensive since 2020, marking a significant shift in the 13-year Syrian civil war.
- The rebels' surprise offensive on Wednesday overwhelmed Syrian army forces, pro-Iranian militias, and Russian troops, capturing key sites such as the historic citadel, the Umayyad Mosque, and over a dozen villages and military bases around Aleppo.
- This offensive dealt a major blow to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime and his supporters, including Russia and Iran, at a time when their resources are stretched thin by other conflicts in Lebanon and Ukraine.
- An estimated 500,000 people have died during the Syrian civil war, and 6.8 million have been forced to flee the country since the conflict began in 2011 with Assad's crackdown on pro-democracy protests.
- The assault on Aleppo coincided with Assad's visit to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the U.S. was reportedly surprised by the timing of the attack, with no involvement in it.
Jump to Source: Syrian rebel groups take control in and around Aleppo
German Fortune 500 companies have announced over 60,000 layoffs this year, but the biggest employee cull is still to come
In Short: German Fortune 500 companies are grappling with economic challenges, announcing over 60,000 layoffs this year, with major manufacturers like Volkswagen and ThyssenKrupp planning even deeper workforce reductions amid rising energy costs, falling demand, and increased competition.
- The news is largely attributed to rising energy prices and declining export demand.
- Bosch plans to lay off 7,000 employees and cut 5,500 additional jobs after missing financial targets, while also reducing working hours for many employees to an unwanted four-day workweek.
- Other significant layoffs include Siemens' plan to cut up to 5,000 automation jobs, Daimler's job freeze and reduced working hours, and Deutsche Bank's planned elimination of 3,500 positions.
Jump to Source:German Fortune 500 companies have announced over 60,000 layoffs this year, but the biggest employee cull is still to come
Canada's Trudeau jets to Florida for Trump meeting after tariff threat
In Short: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Donald Trump in Florida to address threats of steep tariffs aimed at pressuring Canada and Mexico to address migration and trade issues.
- Trump recently proposed a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico, citing migration and drug flow concerns, and warned of even higher tariffs on imports from China.
- Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc have highlighted the U.S.'s reliance on Canadian crude oil and noted the scale of U.S. exports to Canada as a counterargument to the tariff threats.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of retaliatory tariffs if U.S.-Mexico dialogue fails, though she clarified that her recent conversation with Trump did not include specific tariff discussions.
Jump to Source: Canada's Trudeau jets to Florida for Trump meeting after tariff threat
TikTok isn’t anti-Israel: It’s Hired Unit 8200 Agents to Run its Affairs
In Short: TikTok, accused of anti-Israel bias, has hired several former agents from Israel's controversial Unit 8200 and U.S. national security officials, raising concerns about its alignment with state surveillance agendas and suppression of dissenting voices.
- TikTok, widely criticized by U.S. politicians for allegedly promoting anti-Israel sentiment, has hired numerous former agents from Israel’s Unit 8200, a controversial intelligence unit known for cyber warfare, surveillance, and repression targeting Palestinians.
- Prominent hires include former Unit 8200 operatives like Reut Medalion (trust and safety division), Asaf Hochman (former global head of product strategy), and Omer Carmeli (global marketing manager), raising concerns about their potential influence over the platform's operations and data security.
- Unit 8200 has been implicated in misconduct such as creating AI-generated kill lists for Gaza, blackmailing Palestinians with surveillance data, and developing tools like the Pegasus spyware, which has been linked to global espionage scandals.
- In response to U.S. government pressure, TikTok has implemented measures like "Project Texas" to store U.S. data domestically, partnered with Oracle, and hired U.S. national security officials, further complicating its portrayal as a Chinese "Trojan horse."
- Despite accusations of anti-Israel bias, TikTok has been accused of suppressing pro-Palestinian voices, suspending accounts like MintPress News and Mondoweiss, while actively removing content and accounts aligned with U.S. adversaries such as Russia and China.
Jump to Source:
Alan Macleod
Missouri Congressman Plans Bill To Abolish The ATF
In Short: Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison intends to revive an effort to abolish the ATF, citing long-standing dissatisfaction among gun owners and proposing that state governments could manage firearms-related laws without federal intervention, a plan echoing a previous unsuccessful bill by Rep. Matt Gaetz.
- U.S. Representative Eric Burlison plans to introduce a bill to abolish the ATF, echoing a similar bill by Rep. Matt Gaetz from January 2023.
- Burlison suggests states could enforce firearms laws without federal oversight, advocating for decentralization of gun regulation.
- Burlison's statements highlight his strong stance on the issue, publicly asserting on X/Twitter the need to abolish the ATF.
Jump to Source:
Missouri Congressman Plans Bill To Abolish The ATF
-Lee
