Friday☕️

14 Mar 2025 — 4 min read

Economics & Markets:

Geopolitics & Military Activity:

Yesterday, March 13, 2025, Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out airstrikes on the headquarters of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Damascus, Syria, according to a statement from the Israeli military. The operation focused on command centers that Israel claims were used by PIJ to organize attacks. Footage of the strike shows explosions and significant damage in urban areas, reflecting the intensity of the military action aimed at disrupting PIJ’s operations. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, established in the 1980s, is a group known for its armed activities, primarily operating out of Gaza but also maintaining a presence in Syria.

This airstrike is part of ongoing Israeli military operations targeting PIJ and other Iran-backed groups in Syria, where such factions have a presence. Israel has also been engaged in a border military campaign in Syria to address perceived security threats. The operation occurs amidst complex regional dynamics, with Syria’s government exerting limited control over its territory. Concerns about civilian casualties and infrastructure damage persist, though specific details on the impact of this strike are not yet available.

Environment & Weather:

Yesterday, March 13, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tucson issued warnings for severe dust storms impacting Interstate 10 (I-10) near Picacho Peak and Eloy, Arizona. Visibility dropped to a quarter mile due to strong winds, prompting the NWS to urge drivers to pull off the road and stay safe. These storms are triggered by powerful gusts, often reaching 30-40 mph or more, which lift fine sand and soil from the desert surface.

Dust storms have been a recurring challenge in the Tucson area and southern Arizona for decades, fueled by the region’s desert environment and monsoon season (June to September). A notable event occurred in July 2011, when a massive dust storm engulfed Phoenix and Tucson with a dust wall over a mile high, causing major traffic delays. Another significant storm hit in September 2014, stalling I-10 traffic for hours. These incidents highlight a pattern of increased frequency, possibly due to climate change and land use shifts like farming and urban growth, which loosen soil. Local safety campaigns, such as “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” continue to emphasize precautions during these hazardous events.

Privacy & Security:

Science & Technology:

Yesterday, March 13, 2025, Anduril Industries received a $642 million, 10-year contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to supply AI-powered Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) as part of the Installations-Counter small Unmanned Aircraft System (I-CsUAS) program. This Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement means Anduril will deliver an unspecified number of systems over the decade, based on Marine Corps needs. The technology uses advanced automation to identify and stop small drones—specifically Group 1 and 2, which are lightweight (under 55 pounds) and fly low (below 3,500 feet)—that could pose risks to Marine Corps bases worldwide. Powered by Anduril’s Lattice software, the system combines detection tools like radar or cameras with response tools like jammers, all coordinated by AI. Most of the development and production will happen in Costa Mesa, California, with some work at Marine Corps sites and in Washington, D.C.

The I-CsUAS contract came after a competition among ten companies, with Anduril selected as the official provider, or "Program of Record." This builds on a $200 million deal from November 2024 for a similar drone-defense system linked to the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). The new system is designed to be flexible, with an "open architecture" that allows updates as drone threats evolve over the next ten years. It’s a response to growing worries about small drones—used for spying, smuggling, or attacks—flying near military areas, aiming to boost security with smart, automated technology.

Statistic: