CAS Newsletter 2007 / No 1-2
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Articles, pictures and interviews can be reprinted only with the consent of Centre for Advanced Study Sofia (CAS - Sofia). Any citations should be duly acknowledged.
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In September 2015, after more than three years of negotiations and intense involvement of several stakeholders, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the member states of the United Nations adopted the post-2015 Development Agenda. Goals, Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This paper reflects on IFLA's key steps, importance and national advocacy to include access to information, universal literacy, public access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and cultural heritage in the UN 2030 Agenda.The paper also discusses the role of skills and practices of impact assessment in evidence gathering and advocacy processes on BŞ USARB's alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda.Relevant approaches, methods and tools for impact assessment of the Library's set of SDG activities are examined.
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The achievement of high level of air operations effectiveness requires detailed capabilities analysis for generating desired effects which is the main content of the Weaponeering process. It aims to determine appropriate target engagement options and to offer the most rational of them. This paper represents the Weaponeering as a targeting subprocess and its application, organization and integration to the Air tasking cycle
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The vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the efficiency of Extended Detection and Response (XDR) systems has been revealed. It is determined that AI significantly improves the capabilities of XDR, which is in line with the continuously evolving landscape of digital threats, allowing for faster and more accurate detection and response to incidents. Real-world application scenarios, effectiveness, and the potential improvement of cyber incident response strategies, thanks to the integration of AI into XDR systems, are presented. Results from the research that was conducted show a significant reduction in detection and response times, a progressive decrease in the number of false alarms, and higher efficiency in human resource management, securing the protection of ndividual information assets.
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The authors of this paper set out to examine the impact of some of the more important Chinese and Russian geostrategic projects in the context of the global confrontation between the old and new Great Powers and the impact their actions project on our national security. The scope of the research is focused on the border security of the Republic of Bulgaria and its attempts to fully enter the borderless control zone of the internal borders of the European Union (EU) - the Schengen area, as well as its stronger commitment to the Euro-Atlantic integration. Important aspects of these strategic tasks for Bulgaria are the protection of the territorial integrity of the country, the fight against criminal contingents from organized crime, the prevention of the ever-increasing migrant pressure on its borders, as well as the prevention of the corruption factor in the listed `operations`.
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The development of the perception of the scope of the “concept of situational awareness, the dynamics of combat operations, technological progress and the need of commanders for reliable and timely information to make an informed decision, compile an urgent need for acquisition and development of capabilities in relation to the use of intelligence systems and intelligence imaginary platforms.
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The report presents the main problems of planning, construction and functioning of the system of engineering enclosures in modern conditions. Specific terms and views related to the planning and construction of engineering enclosures are presented. The purpose, principles and requirements for engineering enclosures are examined and the main functions and responsibilities of the commanders for planning, building and functioning of the system of engineering enclosures are formulated.
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The report presents the Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBM) as one of the approaches in international relations in the military field. Their classification, typology, and evolution in the period 1947 – 2007 are derived. The focus of the analysis is placed on the initiative „Document on Confidence and Security Building Measures in the Naval Field in the Black Sea“, which was launched in 2002 within the fifth stage of the development of CSBM. The dilemmas facing the initiative are indicated which lead to the partial impossibility of implementing the measures in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine after 2022. The present paper is part of a comprehensive study dedicated to the implementation of the measures and their projections on the national, Euro-Atlantic and global security.
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The report examines the time parameter as an element of the status function of the safety system of naval ships. This parameter is defragmented into sub-elements, the definition of which would favour the possibility of bringing the safety system from a state of instability to a state of stability against external influences in the variable operating environment.
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Laser weapons use directed electromagnetic radiation generated by high-technology electronic system. It impacts both thermally and mechanically onto the subject of irradiation. Due to the high flux density of the incident electromagnetic radiation it could lead to a disintegration of its subject by means of melting, evaporation or sublimation. In a pulse mode the thermal influx causes a mechanical shock, accompanied by the formation of plasma jet. The latter, on its term, could induce onto the subject surface electric currents and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. The lasers considered most suitable for direct weapon applications are solid-state and chemical infrared lasers which show the greatest electromagnetic power flux densities. With respect to mobile and portable weapon systems, the solid-state lasers with diode pumping show the best perspectives. Trough multi-modal generation the lasers in laser weapon platforms for countering the treat of UAVs, low-flying aircraft and incoming short-range ballistic targets, could be used in different regimes for target acquisition and designation as well as for direct target kill.
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This report addresses aspects related to effects and cyber effects, as well as key points related to their planning, use and evaluation in missions and operations. Cyber effects are explored as the projection of power in and through cyberspace with outcomes across the physical and cognitive spectrum. The possibilities for their measurement and evaluation are analyzed. The research and analysis done gives reason to consider cyber effects as an important tool in the hands of the commander to achieve results.
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In the report, a variant for the synthesis of a mathematical model of a matched filter for compensation of passive interference is proposed, which allows to apply the classical method of compensation by during a period subtraction and enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio. At the beginning of the publication, the topicality of the topic is proven and the initial and restrictive conditions for conducting the research are described. To achieve the goal, special attention has been paid to the advantages of superconducting signals, and more precisely to the throughput and the signal-to-noise ratio. The study was performed by simulation modeling of a real signal reflected from the target, with the initial conditions and the choice of probing ultra-broadband signal set. The essence of the proposal consists in the application of a coherent filter built on nonlinear transmission circuits and its integration at the input of the receiving device. Thus, the SF plays the role of a pre-filter aligned with the duration of the probing ultra-wideband signal. At the output, a signal is formed with clearly expressed maxima of the correlation function and with insignificant noise samples. The results show that the idea laid down in the research is applicable and provides: an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by up to 5-6 dB; in the subsequent processing, the classical methodology for compensating passive disturbances is applicable.
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The report examines the capabilities of the naval mine weapon and its role in any modern conflict. The use of the mine threat to support the control of the maritime space is the basis for deterring aggression in the maritime domain. Sea mines are a designed capability of the coastal state for deterrence and defence. The potential of sea mines in a major military conflict has been proven historically, raising the need to develop mine threat capabilities. The development of these capabilities supports the imposition of dominance in the littoral zone.
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This article provides a comprehensive examination of hybrid threats and their implications in modern conflict, with a particular focus on cybersecurity’s pivotal role in addressing these multifaceted challenges. Through insightful analysis and real-world case studies, including Russian hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine and the cyber component of China’s military strategy, the article illuminates the complex interplay between conventional and irregular tactics, information warfare, and cyber-attacks. By recapping key points and emphasizing the importance of understanding and countering hybrid threats in the contemporary era, the article underscores the urgency for strengthening cybersecurity defences and fostering international cooperation. Ultimately, the article serves as a call to action for policymakers, military strategists, and cybersecurity professionals to remain vigilant, adaptive, and proactive in confronting the evolving landscape of hybrid warfare and safeguarding the security and resilience of nations in an interconnected world.
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This report examines the parameters, functions and main characteristics of communication technologies that guarantee the quality of information services. Three communication technologies (ATM, MPLS and IP) are presented, a comparative analysis of the service quality parameter is performed and its influence on improving the management of the communication and information system is substantiated. The migration to a newer type of technology, supporting better functionality in terms of quality of services, would undoubtedly lead to an improvement of the overall process in the management of a communication-information system, which can be successfully applied in the military sphere as well.
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The system for processing reflected signals presented in the report is applied in a short-range UAV radar designed for remote measurement of basic parameters of the target. In this SSHL radar, the “phase method” is chosen for the separation of signals from moving targets, because relative changes in the frequency of oscillations modulating the probing pulse and its duration when reflected from a moving target are very small, and their measurement for optimal operation of the SPC system by the PIKK method is practically very complicated. The report examines the operation of a system for processing SHL signals, which can be used in the synthesis of the SSPC of a radar for the detection of moving point and small-sized objects and the measurement of movement parameters after the application of the “phase method” to reduce the influence of passive interference, or the reflections from stationary objects and the underlying surface.
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Quantum technology in security and defense is identified as a key emerging technology whose potential applications can allow to expand its capabilities. These technologies are getting closer to revolutionizing the world of innovation and could change the rules of security, including modern warfare. For any new innovative technology, it is necessary to set the right strategic approach. The NATO Quantum Strategy is the first strategic document approved by the NATO Foreign Ministers, as in January 2024. NATO published a summary of the document. The strategy outlines how quantum can be applied to defense and security, and helps promote and guide NATO‘s collaboration with industry to develop a transatlantic quantum technology ecosystem. Quantum technology is one of the technology areas that NATO Allies prioritize, and it is therefore necessary for all countries to develop a clear approach to development and deployment.
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The report presents the results of basic command-organizational approaches and tools used in the preparation of troops and staffs, based on fundamental principles from the fields of military education, organizational psychology, and good management (managerial) practices. References are given and analyzes and conclusions are made based on theoretical propositions that have proven their applicability in practice.
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The paper examines the application of unmanned and remotely controlled sea vehicles in naval operations. It’s stressed the importance of integration of modern sensor technologies and data processing systems, which enable the effective collection and analysis of information in real time. There are analysed diverse approaches for use in naval operations, including maritime situational awareness, anti-mine and anti-submarine warfare, and the joint use of unmanned and manned platforms
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The report presents the results of a scientific study, which substantiates the need to organize institutional interaction in the application of radio-electronic measures to combat drones. The conflict in Ukraine has revealed the great possibilities of using drones as a combat tool both on the battlefield and in striking critical civilian and military infrastructure. In response to the changed security environment, it became necessary to take additional peacetime countermeasures to drone activities around areas of military or strategic sites. By a decree of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria, effective from the beginning of December 2023, the security of strategic sites was added as a strategic activity. The temporary obstacle facility on the Bulgarian-Turkish border was announced as a strategic object in 2017. These new circumstances determine the relevance of the present topic to propose organizational measures for the effective implementation of institutional interaction in the application of radio-electronic measures to combat drones.
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