(16–31 May 2025)

Part 1 DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENTS

BALOCHISTAN

1. Unknown gunmen shot and killed Lal Muhammad and a woman in the Killi Mulki area of Kalat (16.05.25).
2. A motorcyclist fatally shot an elderly balloon seller, Lal Das, in the vegetable market of Kharan Town (16.05.25).
3. Four Levies Force personnel—Maqbal, Khuzdar Bakhsh, Ejaz Ahmedwal, and Muhammad Ali—were martyred in a terrorist attack at Sanand check post along the CPEC Road in Nasal, Khuzdar district (16.05.25).
4. Security forces killed two terrorists in the Sangani Sar area of Turbat, Kech district (16.05.25).
5. Four individuals, including women, were injured in a grenade attack by unidentified motorcyclists in Nasirabad (16.05.25).
6. Two people were killed and several injured in an explosion near the Frontier Corps fort in Jabbar Market, Qila Abdullah district (19.05.25).
7. Security forces conducted an IBO in Gishkur, Awaran district, killing a terrorist identified as Younas (19.05.25).
8. Two terrorists—Sabrullah and Amjad alias Bichoo—were killed during an exchange of fire with security forces in Turbat (19.05.25).
9. Suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a school bus transporting students of the Army Public School in Khuzdar. At least 11 fatalities, including 8 children, and 53 injuries. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was alleged to be responsible. Pakistan attributed the attack to Indian-backed militants. The United Nations condemned the attack as “cowardly and heinous.” (21.05.25)
10. A police officer escorting polio vaccination workers was shot and killed. One police officer martyred. The assailants were unidentified (25.05.35)
11. Security forces conducted operations in Kech and Loralai districts. Five terrorists were killed. The terrorists were identified as being affiliated with Indian-backed groups (28-29.05.25).

12. 20–30 armed terrorists attacked Surab Bazaar, looting a bank and setting fire to government officials’ residences. Additional Deputy Commissioner Hidayatullah Baloch Buledi was martyred while resisting the attackers. The attack was attributed to the BLA (30.05.25).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP)

1. An improvised explosive device detonated outside the residence of MNA Mubarak Zeb in Bajaur district. No injuries reported; the main gate was damaged.Culprits remained unidentified (Mid May).

2. A villager was killed in a clash between peace committee volunteers and terrorists in Begukhel, Lakki Marwat district (17.05.25).
3. Two terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Bannu district (17–18.05.25).
4. Security forces thwarted an ambush in Mirali, North Waziristan. Two terrorists were killed, but Lance Naik Afarhad Afridi and Sepoy Afarhad Ali Turi were martyred (17–18.05.25).
5. Five people—including Fazal Amin, Hazrat Ami, and three women—were killed in a family feud shootout in the Khatko Pul area of Peshawar (18.05.25).
6. A police APC vehicle was targeted in an IED attack in Maidan, Lower Dir. No casualties were reported (18.05.25).
7. CTD and police killed a wanted terrorist, Gulzar alias Gulu, in a joint operation in the hilly region of Kohat (18.05.25).
8. A quadcopter drone dropped munitions on a civilian house in Hurmuz village. Four children were killed; five others, including a woman, were injured. Responsibility remains disputed. The military blamed “Indian-sponsored Khawarij” (TTP), while local communities expressed uncertainty (19.05.25)..

9. Six members of a family, including women and children, were killed over a murder enmity in the Urmar area of Peshawar (19.05.25).
10. Four children were killed and five others injured in a suspected quadcopter munition drop in Mir Ali, North Waziristan. Protests followed, but no official statement was released (20.05.25).
11. Terrorists attacked the New Sabzi Mandi police checkpoint using hand grenades. Two police officers were martyred. Unidentified assailants (21.05.25).
12. Security forces conducted several intelligence-based operations in Tank, Khyber, and Chitral districts. Nine terrorists were killed. Described as “Indian-sponsored Khawarij” by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) (Late May).
13. Security forces repelled an attack on a check post in the Shawal Valley. Six terrorists were killed. Four Pakistani soldiers, including Lt. Daniyal Ismail, were martyred. Identified as members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by officials as “Indian-sponsored Khawarij.”

PUNJAB

1. Dr. Mahmood Sheikh, a minority gastroenterologist, was shot dead by an assailant disguised as a sweeper in a private hospital, Sargodha. He was reportedly under pressure from a religious group (16.05.25).
2. Police rescued three individuals—Nasir, Zeeshan, and Abdul Sattar—who were kidnapped via a honeytrap scheme in Rajanpur district (17.05.25).
3. A Sahiwal court acquitted seven accused in the murders of Ahmadiyya community members from 2019–2021. One accused, Muhammad Hasan Ramay, died during trial (18.05.25).
4. Robbers shot and killed Army soldier Mobeen Shehzad Jat during a mugging incident near Chak 332-GB Jakhra, Pirmahal-Shorkot Road, Toba Tek Singh (18.05.25).

SINDH

Three people, including a police officer, were killed and several injured in various violent incidents across Karachi amid a surge in street crime (19.05.25).

Part 2- Defence & Diplomacy

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

1. President’s Visit to Gujranwala Cantonment
   President Asif Ali Zardari, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, visited Gujranwala Cantonment. He was received by COAS Gen. Asim Munir and lauded the military’s performance in “Marqa-e-Haq” and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos (17.05.25).
2. PM’s Visit to Navy Dockyard
   PM Shehbaz Sharif, alongside senior military leaders, visited Navy Dockyard Karachi. He praised the Navy’s role in Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and emphasized their maritime security contributions (19.05.25).
3. COAS Promoted to Field Marshal
   The cabinet approved the promotion of Gen. Asim Munir to Field Marshal in recognition of his leadership during the Pakistan-India conflict. National awards were also announced for key contributors (20.05.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS

1. FO Rejects Indian Accusations
   Pakistan’s FO rejected India’s allegations of an attempted attack on the Golden Temple and denied involvement in the Pahalgam incident. It called for a neutral investigation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s respect for Sikh religious sites (19.05.25).
2. Deputy PM’s Visit to Beijing
   Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar visited China (19–21.05.25), meeting top officials to strengthen economic ties, support CPEC progress, and discuss regional peace, including India-Pakistan tensions (20.05.25).

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

AFGHANISTAN

At the “Tehran Dialogue Forum,” FM Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized Afghanistan’s regional cooperation and internal security. He discussed Afghan-Iran water rights, Chabahar port trade, and refugee return with Iranian officials (18.05.25).

IIOJK / LOC

1. Indian authorities arrested 23 youth under the PSA for alleged involvement in terrorism-related activity in IIOJK (16.05.25).
2. The IIOJK government authorized the deployment of 4,000 ex-servicemen to protect infrastructure, sparking criticism from PDP President Mehbooba Mufti (17–18.05.25).

INDO-CHINA RELATIONS

China renamed locations in Arunachal Pradesh (Zangnan), reinforcing its territorial claim. India rejected the renaming, reaffirming Arunachal as an inseparable part of India (15.05.25).

INDIA

1. Defence Minister’s Visit to Bhoj Air Base
   Rajnath Singh emphasized counterterrorism as part of India’s defence doctrine and warned Pakistan that Operation Sindoor is not over (16.05.25).
2. Arrests over Anti-India Remarks
   Indian police arrested several individuals, including Ali Khan Mahmudabad and Jayoti Malhotra, for alleged pro-Pakistan comments (17.05.25).
3. Satellite Launch Failure
   The launch of EOS-09 radar imaging satellite failed due to a PSLV third-stage malfunction, rendering it unable to reach orbit (18.05.25).
4. India Denies US Role in Ceasefire
   India’s External Affairs Secretary stated the ceasefire initiative came solely from Pakistan, denying any U.S. mediation, contrary to Pakistani claims (19.05.25).
5. DGMOs Reconnect
   Pakistan and Indian DGMOs held a follow-up communication to coordinate post-ceasefire military de-escalation (20.05.25).
6. Wagah-Attari Parade Resumes
   BSF resumed the beating retreat parade after 12 days. However, the gates remained closed and no ceremonial handshake occurred (20.05.25).

Part 3

INTERNATIONAL

compiled by Asif Ali

 *How the Pentagon and CIA kept US intelligence director’s role in check*
The position of DNI was established in 2005, following the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, to improve coordination among the sprawling US intelligence community (IC) and to provide unified leadership. The DNI is tasked with overseeing and integrating the activities of all 18 US intelligence agencies, including the CIA, NSA, FBI, and military intelligence branches.
The CIA, previously the de facto leader of the IC, has sometimes resisted ceding operational and analytical primacy to the DNI. This has resulted in behind-the-scenes friction, especially over intelligence assessments, covert operations, and budget allocations.
NSA and Military Intelligence: The DNI’s efforts to assert oversight over signals intelligence (NSA) and military intelligence (DIA, NRO, etc.) have also met with pushback, particularly when operational tempo and classified programs are involved.
Policy Influence: The DNI’s role as the President’s principal intelligence advisor has at times put it in competition with agency heads for White House access and influence over national security policy.

Over its twenty-year history, the DNI has brought greater unity and strategic vision to US intelligence, but not without ongoing struggles for authority and influence with the community’s most powerful agencies. The role remains vital – and sometimes controversial – as the US adapts to new global threats and intelligence challenges.

 *Israel joins watch on Oman’s space base*
Israeli spy satellites have been taking images of the future Etlaq space base near Duqm for several weeks.

 *Tokyo steps in to provide intelligence support for Ukraine*
After sending out feelers earlier this year, Japan has agreed to provide the Ukrainian intelligence community with geospatial data. It is new territory for Japan, and it comes with its own set of risks.

 *Spymaster – Ukraine*
*Illia Samoilenko, the Azov brigade’s intelligence wizard*
Illia Samoilenko, who fought in the infamous siege in Mariupol in 2022 and whose men know him by his nickname, ‘Gandalf’, is now head of intelligence for Ukraine’s 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. Active on the battlefield against Moscow, he is just as active on the political scene, quietly preparing his rise to the Ukrainian parliament.

 *Both China and US keeping watch on India’s ambitions in Indian Ocean*
The naval base on the Mauritius islands of Agalega that India used as part of a military drill has caught the attention of the two global powers, both of which are keeping a very close eye on New Delhi’s plans in the Indian Ocean.

 *Paris in search of cheap, off-the-shelf, kamikaze drones*
Terminal Autonomy, a start-up providing kamikaze drones to the Ukrainian military, is sending representatives to Paris next week to present its models. Behind in the field, the French armed forces are urgently exploring the Ukraine battleground in an attempt to catch up.

 *Saudi Arabia – Window of opportunity opens up for Paris with Saudi navy*
Having been squeezed out of major naval contracts under Mohammed bin Salman, French defence leaders might be able to nudge their way back in, via a sector where their Spanish rivals lag behind.

 *Chinese defence attaché woos French armed forces*
Beijing sent the French Armed Forces Ministry a list of high-level Chinese military institutes that may be willing to accept French officers for training, in a bid to help rekindle its ties with France. The list reportedly includes China’s leading military academies, such as the National Defense University, the Academy of Military Sciences, and the National University of Defense Technology – institutions at the heart of Chinese military strategy, technology, and officer education.

 *Drone firm under the wing of Bahrain spymaster lands in Saudi Arabia*
Haris Unmanned Systems, a small company developing “Saudi made” drone prototypes, is looking to involve itself in Saudi Arabia’s defence industrialisation plans. It has already tried to sell its wares in Bahrain but had its plans there hampered by the presence of the US Fifth Fleet.

 *GEOINT leaders turn to exports amid stock market turmoil*
Military New Space in the Trump era: BlackSky, Planet, Satellogic, the surge in GEOINT share prices following Donald Trump’s election has come to an abrupt halt. Now more than ever, leading players are relying on export customers (Israel, Japan, Brazil) to recoup their losses.

 *Chinese PhD students flee United States for Australia*
The Chinese Communist Party had already warned its young researchers overseas to find alternatives to the US to pursue their research projects. Since Donald Trump’s reelection, that trend has intensified.

 *Saudi’s naval champion Sofon hiring in Europe*
Aramco subsidiary Sofon is expected to build the kingdom’s future naval military-civilian complex, a project revealed in early 2024, but which is still being kept under wraps by the authorities. The entity is increasingly bringing foreign consultants on board to help, particularly European ones. The initiative aims to create a state-of-the-art shipbuilding and naval technology hub in Saudi Arabia. The project is designed to serve both military and civilian maritime needs, supporting the kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of defense self-sufficiency and economic diversification. Despite its scale, the project remains largely under wraps, with Saudi authorities keeping details closely guarded.

 *Syria’s private security boom*
As a new era of instability dawns in post-Assad Syria, security groups are flocking to the country to offer their services protecting embassies, the media and prospecting companies. A British-Emirati firm claims to have been given a licence to operate on the ground.

 *French intelligence implicates Le Monde journalist in execution of Mossad and DGSI informant*
The ongoing prosecution of French investigative journalist Alex Jordanov reveals how French intelligence has gone about tracking down the sources of another journalist from Le Monde. The latter is accused of being directly responsible for the execution of a Syrian informant for Mossad and the DGSI.
The operation code-named Ratafia was launched jointly by Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad and the DGSI in 2010. Referring to the articles in Le Monde about the Syrian informant, the deputy prosecutor said:  “This information was assessed […] as being particularly serious, especially since it led to the failure of the operation and the human source of this file was arrested for espionage and executed in June 2019.”

 *French probe into ex-pilot’s alleged work for Beijing reveals how China gleans Western aviation expertise*
Frenchman Pierre-Henri Chuet, a former French Air Force pilot turned YouTube star, is the subject of a preliminary investigation by the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly spying for China. Was revealed in 2019 on how the Chinese army has for years been training with Western pilots.
These covert training sessions were provided by a South African company, Test Flight Academy of South Africa (TFASA). TFASA recruited former Western air force pilots on lucrative salaries – according to our sources, some were offered up to $30,000 a month – before sending them to China to carry out the training. From China, it was the semi-public entity Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), that took charge of operations on the ground. Reportedly, at least three French pilots with Rafale experience who figure among the Chinese army’s consultants, as well as several Australians and Britons.

 *China hones its air combat skills with help from renegade Western pilots*
A video which appeared on social media in late April showing two pilots in China – one of them a foreigner – has revived the question of the training of People’s Liberation Army pilots by Westerners, some from France, already reported on by Intelligence Online. The small South African firm behind the affair has put Western intelligence services on alert.

 *U.S. – Adding cartels to terrorist list set to shake up US intelligence*
The National Counterterrorism Center and the CIA will both benefit from Donald Trump’s broadening of the definition of terrorism to include Mexican drug cartels. NCTC and CIA will now have a legal basis to treat cartel activities as terrorism, not just organized crime. This allows for the use of counterterrorism tools, resources, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms previously reserved for groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda.

 *Chinese intelligence serves as mouthpiece for Beijing’s economic policy*
In a sign that its economic policy is taking hold, the Chinese Communist Party has been ramping up its initiatives towards foreign investors, holding closed-door meetings with international CEOs, attending confidential briefings with the Guoanbu and even exchanging investment notes with major US banks.

*Intel News – OSINT May 2025*
_*compiled by @sif*_

 *Saudi Arabia’s secret ‘desert dome’ to protect Neom sky*
Despite ongoing financial difficulties hindering the development of Neom, Saudi authorities are pushing on with a highly sensitive part of the megacity in the utmost secrecy. The plan is to create a vast air defence system for the territory in the north-west of the kingdom.

 *Turkey in lead to build Neom’s ‘Steel Dome’*
Riyadh’s plans to build an anti-aircraft defence system for its giant desert project are likely to be handed to Turkey’s Aselsan, which beat its rival European missile manufacturer MBDA to the job.

 *Ankara secretly sponsoring Uzbekistan’s drone development*
Tashkent is developing its tactical drone innovation and production capabilities with active support from Ankara, which is helping train engineers at the Uzbek Lochin state research and production centre.

 *China, United States*
*Intelligence report on Chinese leaders’ corruption double-edged sword for Trump*
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence remains committed to releasing its findings on the hidden wealth of Chinese leaders. But with the US president planning to meet Xi Jinping shortly, the report’s publication poses a dilemma for the White House and will test its relationship with the spy agencies.

 *France, Ukraine*
*French start-up teams up with Ukrainian military data fusion specialist*
French start-up Comand AI is co-developing a military data fusion platform with Ukraine’s specialist in the field, Griselda. The Franco-Ukrainian alliance could prove strategic for the field of military artificial intelligence.

 *MBDA losing ground in Gulf while Europe rearms*
While the European missile manufacturer refocuses its activities on Europe, several major projects in the Gulf, from Saudi Arabia to the Emirates, are at a standstill.
_In 2001, Matra BAe Dynamics merged with the French EADS Aerospatiale Matra Missiles and Anglo-Italian Alenia Marconi Systems to form a pan-European missile systems company, named MBDA._
MBDA has also suffered a major setback in Saudi Arabia. The company had hoped to sell its SAMP/T system with Aster missiles for Riyadh’s still-secret air defence project for the future city of Neom, but the Saudi authorities appear to prefer a Turkish solution

 *US partner of French consultant in Ukraine’s biggest Russian spy case has Israel intelligence ties*
Ukrainian spymaster’s treason and international connections. In Ukraine’s most high-profile case of spying for Russia, the former head of domestic intelligence in Crimea, Oleh Kulinich, is due to stand trial in Kyiv for being a Kremlin mole. The US business partner of a French consultant involved in the case claims to be a former Israeli special forces officer.

 *New evidence emerges in Rainbow Warrior sabotage case*
A new book based on archives and previously unpublished testimonies sheds fresh light on the sinking of the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior forty years ago in Auckland. It was bombed by the French DGSE spy service to protect the French state’s nuclear tests in the Mururoa atoll in French Polynesia.

 *Russia’s Yandex Maps helps Ukraine hit Russian targets*
Ukraine’s military have no need of classified satellite data from their Western allies to obtain precise information regarding Russia’s critical infrastructure. As recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure have shown, they often only need to connect to Russia’s Yandex Maps.

 *Ukraine, United States*
*i2k Defense, Kyiv’s secret inflatable army to dupe Russian satellites*
Behind the ‘Ghost Army’ deployed by Kyiv to deceive Russian satellites lies US firm i2k Defense. Specialising in the manufacture of inflatable military decoys, it provides the visual and thermal replicas that are now central to its war of dissimulation.

 *How Ukrainian counter-intelligence uncovered Moscow’s ‘moles’*
Kyiv’s domestic intelligence service has identified a network of people working for Russia suspected of playing a key role in preparing kamikaze drone strikes. Here is the story behind their investigations, which reveal Moscow’s use of Starlink terminals.

 *Zero Line, the highly secretive US non-profit backing the Ukrainian army*
The NGO Zero Line, founded by Isaac Flanagan, has established itself as a key pillar of Kyiv’s digital modernisation drive. The NGO supplies critical nonlethal aid such as computers, drones, communications equipment, and vehicles to Ukrainian frontline workers, significantly enhancing their survivability and operational efficiency.

Zero Line operates at what it calls “the zero line”—the front of the front lines—where Russian attacks cause the most casualties. Their aid helps save lives, keep families in their homes, and enable refugees to return safely. The organization uses proprietary algorithms to optimize the allocation of donor funds, ensuring maximum impact and return on investment.

Beyond supplying equipment, Zero Line also supports coordination and research efforts, working closely with Ukrainian software developers and military units to create digital maps and modernize intelligence infrastructure, replacing outdated paper-based systems. This digital modernization is a key factor in enabling Ukraine’s smaller military to counter a larger adversary effectively.

 *Montana-based munitions firm casts net wide, from Alberta to Ukraine*
US munitions production and investment firm Shield Group has just appointed two new advisers well-connected to London’s corporate intelligence community. The company also plans to expand into Canada and has partners well-established in Ukraine.

 *Unveiling the secrets behind Ukraine’s critical drone Palianytsia*
Behind Ukraine’s long range drone, which has struck deep into Russian territory, stands a low-profile Czech company in Velká Bíteš near Brno. And a man William Didden, formerly Velko Kocev, who shuns the limelight.  Born in Prague to a Czech mother, he changed his name in 1998 and has deliberately kept a low profile while facilitating technology transfers essential to the drone’s success. His discreet role and the Czech firm’s work have significantly bolstered Ukraine’s military capabilities and leverage in the conflict.

 *The Karachi defence firm dabbling in Russian inflatable decoys and Taiwanese drones*
A Taiwanese drone manufacturer, which has supplied its wares to Ukraine, has found a way to prospect in Pakistan despite Islamabad’s support for Beijing’s “One China policy”. The company operates through an unlikely firm based in Karachi, which appears to be involved in the inflatable decoy war.
The Karachi-based company involved in exploring Russian inflatable decoys and Taiwanese drones is Universal Smart Military Systems (USMS). USMS is headed by Aman Jalal Khan and is closely linked with the Pakistan Air Force. It operates from the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) in Karachi, which is a major hub for Pakistan’s aerospace innovation and defense technology development.

USMS reportedly sought to market and possibly acquire advanced combat drones from the Taiwanese firm DronesVision, specifically the Revolver 860 drone, which has seen use in Ukraine. However, DronesVision has categorically denied any business dealings, negotiations, or export of its products to Pakistan, citing strict Taiwanese export controls and geopolitical sensitivities. The company also highlighted that unauthorized third parties have previously misrepresented their products and branding in the global arms market, a practice that appears to be at play in this case.

In addition to its interest in Taiwanese drones, USMS has been linked to activities involving Russian inflatable decoys, indicating its broader engagement in modern defense technologies and deception tools.

 *The Karachi-based firm serving Russia’s most strategic interests in Pakistan*
Moscow continues to court Islamabad, despite Pakistan’s role as a supplier of military equipment to Kyiv. A discreet Karachi-based company serves as the hub for Russia in the private security, defence, steel and nuclear sectors. The Karachi-based firm serving Russia’s most strategic interests in Pakistan is widely identified as Eurasian Trading House (ETH).
_Key Activities:_
_Private Security & Defence:_ ETH acts as a discreet intermediary for Russian private security and defense-related services in Pakistan, facilitating technology transfer and contract negotiations.
_Steel & Nuclear Sectors:_ The company is involved in brokering deals and technical cooperation between Russian state-owned enterprises and Pakistani counterparts, particularly in the steel and civil nuclear industries.
_Strategic Liaison:_ ETH serves as a local hub for Russian business and diplomatic interests, helping Moscow maintain a foothold in Pakistan despite Islamabad’s complex relationships with both the West and Ukraine.

_Why ETH Is Important:_
_Geopolitical Influence:_ ETH’s activities allow Russia to quietly expand its influence in Pakistan’s critical infrastructure and defense sectors, even as Pakistan supplies some military equipment to Ukraine.
_Discretion:_ The firm operates under the radar, avoiding publicity and official statements, which is typical for companies acting as informal diplomatic and commercial bridges in sensitive sectors.

 *China to replicate its ‘Great Digital Firewall’ in Pakistan*
China is building an internet censorship system in Pakistan along the lines of its own Great Firewall. Beijing, which has forced Islamabad’s hand on the matter and has enlisted the support of Chinese companies operating in the country, is intent on protecting its economic interests. Leading Chinese technology companies – some of which helped build the original Great Firewall – are now working directly with Pakistani authorities. They provide software, hardware, and training for monitoring, filtering, and blocking online content. The system will enable large-scale surveillance of internet traffic, censorship of politically sensitive topics, and blocking of content deemed harmful to Chinese or Pakistani interests.

 *Are China-made electronic warfare systems beating French Rafales in Pakistan?*
At least one Rafale and one Mirage 2000 fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force and involved in strikes in Pakistan were shot down during the night of 6 to 7 May. Islamabad’s aggressive online narrative is raising doubts even within France’s ministry of armed forces about the robustness of its SPECTRA system, the spearhead of French electronic warfare.
There is growing concern in France that the technological edge of Western systems like SPECTRA may be eroding in the face of rapid advances by China in radar, missile, and networked EW capabilities. The French are also reportedly reviewing operational doctrines and considering upgrades to their systems, as the events have demonstrated that their current solutions may not be fully effective against highly integrated, modern Chinese military technology as deployed by Pakistan.

The French defense community is experiencing a rare moment of doubt about the survivability and superiority of their flagship EW systems, with the recent losses serving as a wake-up call to reassess and adapt to the evolving threat landscape shaped by Chinese advancements.

 *India losing ground in geospatial intelligence to Pakistan-China allies*
The loss at launch of the Risat-1B radar observation satellite on 18 May comes at the worst possible time for India’s military, which is in desperate need of imagery over Kashmir. And while Pakistan remains a minor player in the field, it can count on solid Chinese support. China’s advanced satellite and radar technologies bolster Pakistan’s reconnaissance and surveillance capacities, allowing Islamabad to partially offset India’s traditional advantage in imagery intelligence.

 *China, United States*
*Washington’s plans to counter Beijing’s military expansion abroad*
Congress is striving to mobilise the US intelligence community, the Pentagon and the State Department to hinder the Chinese military’s expansionist ambitions. This strategy is expected to put Washington’s political and diplomatic clout to the test. The main elements of this approach include:

_Bolstering Military Presence and Alliances:_ The U.S. is increasing its military deployments and strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific, reassuring partners like Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines that they will not face Chinese pressure alone. This includes more frequent joint military exercises, new basing agreements (such as in the Philippines), and advanced arms sales, especially to Taiwan.

_Intelligence and Counter-Influence Operations:_ U.S. intelligence agencies are actively working to detect and disrupt Chinese espionage, influence operations, and cyber warfare targeting American military, economic, and political systems. Congressional oversight is focusing on safeguarding sensitive technologies and countering Chinese infiltration in critical sectors.

_Strategy of Disruption:_ Rather than direct confrontation, the U.S. is using a “strategy of disruption” to slow China’s expansion. This includes diplomatic efforts to build coalitions (like the Quad and AUKUS), economic measures to limit China’s technological and financial reach, and support for regional partners to resist Chinese influence.

_Technological and Economic Measures:_ The U.S. is investing in its own advanced military technologies, such as space-based missile defenses, and is tightening controls on technology transfers to China. Economic strategies include restricting Chinese access to critical supply chains and encouraging allies to do the same.

_Diplomatic Pressure and Global Engagement:_ Washington is leveraging its diplomatic influence to rally international support against Chinese assertiveness, particularly in contested regions like the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

 *US intelligence steps up surveillance of critical minerals amid tensions with Beijing*
The US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency wants to develop its capabilities to track more closely developments in the critical rare earth minerals market and its supply chains, currently dominated by China.

 *The discreet non-profit behind Donald Trump’s Syrian U-turn*
The US president’s announcement that the sanctions against Damascus were being lifted marked a sudden shift of his Syrian policy. Behind the scenes, this change of heart appears to have been strongly backed by the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity, a pressure group whose interests range from politics to real estate.

 *Syria’s Great Game: despite Trump fanfare, strategic headaches remain*
Despite intense US diplomatic pressure, the issues of Syria’s Kurds, Russian bases and foreign fighters remain under discussion between all involved parties. Their resolution will inevitably pass via Ankara, much to the chagrin of Tel Aviv, Paris and the Gulf states. Israel, France, and the Gulf states remain wary of both Turkish ambitions and the entrenchment of Russia and Iran. Syria’s fate is still being decided in a “Great Game” involving the U.S., Russia, Turkey, Iran, Israel, and European and Gulf states. Despite diplomatic fanfare, the real power to unlock solutions lies with Ankara.

 *Balkan arms manufacturer builds network of pro-Trump lobbyists*
In search of US funding for its munitions production, ATS Group is not skimping on contracts with lobbying firms that are well connected to the new Trump administration.

 *Tehran delays launch of its two new Earth observation satellites*
The Iranian Space Agency has pushed back to July the launch of its two new Earth observation satellites, Pars 1B and Pars 2.

 *Disputes emerge over awarding of EU’s huge Afghan security contract*
The European Union recently awarded a lucrative security contract for its operations in Kabul to IDG Security, a major player in the private security industry. The contract covers the protection of EU personnel, facilities, and convoys in the highly volatile Afghan capital. Unsuccessful bidders for the EU’s Kabul security contract are now examining all possible avenues—legal, procedural, and political—to challenge IDG Security’s victory, hoping to overturn or at least scrutinize the outcome of this high-profile award. The process underscores the intense competition and high stakes involved in international security contracting, especially in conflict zones like Afghanistan. The move is a serious blow to France’s Amarante International, which previously held the contract worth over €70m.

 *The Intelligence College in Europe, an Erasmus programme for services*
Created by the French president and based in Paris, the Intelligence College in Europe bills itself as an Erasmus programme for intelligence, bringing together 89 services to share their expertise at training sessions. Like the Erasmus student exchange, the Intelligence College in Europe is about mobility, exchange, and mutual understanding – but instead of students, its intelligence professionals who benefit from exposure to different cultures, practices, and perspectives.
It organizes joint training sessions, seminars, and workshops where intelligence professionals can share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned. The College fosters a network of contacts among European intelligence officers, aiming to build trust and improve cooperation on issues such as counterterrorism, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare.

 *Tokyo feels the heat from Washington and Mossad amid GCAP jet programme developments*
Global Combat Air Programme: Tokyo’s decision to partner with European allies to develop a sixth generation fighter jet has irked Washington, although US diplomats remain cautious in their messaging. By contrast, angered by rumours of a Saudi entry into GCAP, a Mossad liaison cell in Tokyo issued a starker warning. Mossad is wary of Saudi participation in the program. Meanwhile, the UK is actively supporting the project by establishing a research team in Tokyo to facilitate collaboration and protect British aerospace interests.

 *Britain’s top spy Richard Moore, the cool-headed Europhile at the head of MI6
Richard Moore, the outgoing head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service.*
Despite dealing with the fall-out from Brexit and the AUKUS controversy, Richard Moore has become a well-liked figure in Europe, a testament to both his diplomatic acumen and his skill as a spy master. But his tenure as “C”, which is due to end this summer, has also been marked by unforced errors. Despite efforts to strengthen ties, Moore’s calls for enhanced cooperation between MI6 and the CIA have faced scrutiny, with critics questioning the effectiveness of these partnerships amid global instability and rising geopolitical tensions.
Despite efforts to strengthen ties, Moore’s calls for enhanced cooperation between MI6 and the CIA have faced scrutiny, with critics questioning the effectiveness of these partnerships amid global instability and rising geopolitical tensions.

 *Capture of the Top Daesh Commander – Pakistan-Turkiye collaboration* _Interestingly, there’s no confirmation of the news by international media & has only been reported in Pakistani newspapers._
Reportedly, senior Daesh (ISIS) operative, Ozgur Altun (alias “Abu Yasir Al Turki”), was apprehended in a high-stakes operation jointly conducted by Pakistan and Türkiye (Turkey). The operation took place at the border region connecting Afghanistan. Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) had been monitoring Altun’s movements for months. Upon uncovering critical intelligence, MIT coordinated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to carry out a swift and precise operation at a key border crossing. Altun was arrested and subsequently deported to Türkiye for further investigation and legal proceedings.

*Intel News – OSINT May 2025*
_*compiled by @sif*_

 *Saudi Arabia’s secret ‘desert dome’ to protect Neom sky*
Despite ongoing financial difficulties hindering the development of Neom, Saudi authorities are pushing on with a highly sensitive part of the megacity in the utmost secrecy. The plan is to create a vast air defence system for the territory in the north-west of the kingdom.

 *Turkey in lead to build Neom’s ‘Steel Dome’*
Riyadh’s plans to build an anti-aircraft defence system for its giant desert project are likely to be handed to Turkey’s Aselsan, which beat its rival European missile manufacturer MBDA to the job.

 *Ankara secretly sponsoring Uzbekistan’s drone development*
Tashkent is developing its tactical drone innovation and production capabilities with active support from Ankara, which is helping train engineers at the Uzbek Lochin state research and production centre.

 *China, United States*
*Intelligence report on Chinese leaders’ corruption double-edged sword for Trump*
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence remains committed to releasing its findings on the hidden wealth of Chinese leaders. But with the US president planning to meet Xi Jinping shortly, the report’s publication poses a dilemma for the White House and will test its relationship with the spy agencies.

 *France, Ukraine*
*French start-up teams up with Ukrainian military data fusion specialist*
French start-up Comand AI is co-developing a military data fusion platform with Ukraine’s specialist in the field, Griselda. The Franco-Ukrainian alliance could prove strategic for the field of military artificial intelligence.

 *MBDA losing ground in Gulf while Europe rearms*
While the European missile manufacturer refocuses its activities on Europe, several major projects in the Gulf, from Saudi Arabia to the Emirates, are at a standstill.
_In 2001, Matra BAe Dynamics merged with the French EADS Aerospatiale Matra Missiles and Anglo-Italian Alenia Marconi Systems to form a pan-European missile systems company, named MBDA._
MBDA has also suffered a major setback in Saudi Arabia. The company had hoped to sell its SAMP/T system with Aster missiles for Riyadh’s still-secret air defence project for the future city of Neom, but the Saudi authorities appear to prefer a Turkish solution

 *US partner of French consultant in Ukraine’s biggest Russian spy case has Israel intelligence ties*
Ukrainian spymaster’s treason and international connections. In Ukraine’s most high-profile case of spying for Russia, the former head of domestic intelligence in Crimea, Oleh Kulinich, is due to stand trial in Kyiv for being a Kremlin mole. The US business partner of a French consultant involved in the case claims to be a former Israeli special forces officer.

 *New evidence emerges in Rainbow Warrior sabotage case*
A new book based on archives and previously unpublished testimonies sheds fresh light on the sinking of the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior forty years ago in Auckland. It was bombed by the French DGSE spy service to protect the French state’s nuclear tests in the Mururoa atoll in French Polynesia.

 *Russia’s Yandex Maps helps Ukraine hit Russian targets*
Ukraine’s military have no need of classified satellite data from their Western allies to obtain precise information regarding Russia’s critical infrastructure. As recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure have shown, they often only need to connect to Russia’s Yandex Maps.

 *Ukraine, United States*
*i2k Defense, Kyiv’s secret inflatable army to dupe Russian satellites*
Behind the ‘Ghost Army’ deployed by Kyiv to deceive Russian satellites lies US firm i2k Defense. Specialising in the manufacture of inflatable military decoys, it provides the visual and thermal replicas that are now central to its war of dissimulation.

 *How Ukrainian counter-intelligence uncovered Moscow’s ‘moles’*
Kyiv’s domestic intelligence service has identified a network of people working for Russia suspected of playing a key role in preparing kamikaze drone strikes. Here is the story behind their investigations, which reveal Moscow’s use of Starlink terminals.

 *Zero Line, the highly secretive US non-profit backing the Ukrainian army*
The NGO Zero Line, founded by Isaac Flanagan, has established itself as a key pillar of Kyiv’s digital modernisation drive. The NGO supplies critical nonlethal aid such as computers, drones, communications equipment, and vehicles to Ukrainian frontline workers, significantly enhancing their survivability and operational efficiency.

Zero Line operates at what it calls “the zero line”—the front of the front lines—where Russian attacks cause the most casualties. Their aid helps save lives, keep families in their homes, and enable refugees to return safely. The organization uses proprietary algorithms to optimize the allocation of donor funds, ensuring maximum impact and return on investment.

Beyond supplying equipment, Zero Line also supports coordination and research efforts, working closely with Ukrainian software developers and military units to create digital maps and modernize intelligence infrastructure, replacing outdated paper-based systems. This digital modernization is a key factor in enabling Ukraine’s smaller military to counter a larger adversary effectively.

 *Montana-based munitions firm casts net wide, from Alberta to Ukraine*
US munitions production and investment firm Shield Group has just appointed two new advisers well-connected to London’s corporate intelligence community. The company also plans to expand into Canada and has partners well-established in Ukraine.

 *Unveiling the secrets behind Ukraine’s critical drone Palianytsia*
Behind Ukraine’s long range drone, which has struck deep into Russian territory, stands a low-profile Czech company in Velká Bíteš near Brno. And a man William Didden, formerly Velko Kocev, who shuns the limelight.  Born in Prague to a Czech mother, he changed his name in 1998 and has deliberately kept a low profile while facilitating technology transfers essential to the drone’s success. His discreet role and the Czech firm’s work have significantly bolstered Ukraine’s military capabilities and leverage in the conflict.

 *The Karachi defence firm dabbling in Russian inflatable decoys and Taiwanese drones*
A Taiwanese drone manufacturer, which has supplied its wares to Ukraine, has found a way to prospect in Pakistan despite Islamabad’s support for Beijing’s “One China policy”. The company operates through an unlikely firm based in Karachi, which appears to be involved in the inflatable decoy war.
The Karachi-based company involved in exploring Russian inflatable decoys and Taiwanese drones is Universal Smart Military Systems (USMS). USMS is headed by Aman Jalal Khan and is closely linked with the Pakistan Air Force. It operates from the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) in Karachi, which is a major hub for Pakistan’s aerospace innovation and defense technology development.

USMS reportedly sought to market and possibly acquire advanced combat drones from the Taiwanese firm DronesVision, specifically the Revolver 860 drone, which has seen use in Ukraine. However, DronesVision has categorically denied any business dealings, negotiations, or export of its products to Pakistan, citing strict Taiwanese export controls and geopolitical sensitivities. The company also highlighted that unauthorized third parties have previously misrepresented their products and branding in the global arms market, a practice that appears to be at play in this case.

In addition to its interest in Taiwanese drones, USMS has been linked to activities involving Russian inflatable decoys, indicating its broader engagement in modern defense technologies and deception tools.

 *The Karachi-based firm serving Russia’s most strategic interests in Pakistan*
Moscow continues to court Islamabad, despite Pakistan’s role as a supplier of military equipment to Kyiv. A discreet Karachi-based company serves as the hub for Russia in the private security, defence, steel and nuclear sectors. The Karachi-based firm serving Russia’s most strategic interests in Pakistan is widely identified as Eurasian Trading House (ETH).
_Key Activities:_
_Private Security & Defence:_ ETH acts as a discreet intermediary for Russian private security and defense-related services in Pakistan, facilitating technology transfer and contract negotiations.
_Steel & Nuclear Sectors:_ The company is involved in brokering deals and technical cooperation between Russian state-owned enterprises and Pakistani counterparts, particularly in the steel and civil nuclear industries.
_Strategic Liaison:_ ETH serves as a local hub for Russian business and diplomatic interests, helping Moscow maintain a foothold in Pakistan despite Islamabad’s complex relationships with both the West and Ukraine.

_Why ETH Is Important:_
_Geopolitical Influence:_ ETH’s activities allow Russia to quietly expand its influence in Pakistan’s critical infrastructure and defense sectors, even as Pakistan supplies some military equipment to Ukraine.
_Discretion:_ The firm operates under the radar, avoiding publicity and official statements, which is typical for companies acting as informal diplomatic and commercial bridges in sensitive sectors.

 *China to replicate its ‘Great Digital Firewall’ in Pakistan*
China is building an internet censorship system in Pakistan along the lines of its own Great Firewall. Beijing, which has forced Islamabad’s hand on the matter and has enlisted the support of Chinese companies operating in the country, is intent on protecting its economic interests. Leading Chinese technology companies – some of which helped build the original Great Firewall – are now working directly with Pakistani authorities. They provide software, hardware, and training for monitoring, filtering, and blocking online content. The system will enable large-scale surveillance of internet traffic, censorship of politically sensitive topics, and blocking of content deemed harmful to Chinese or Pakistani interests.

 *Are China-made electronic warfare systems beating French Rafales in Pakistan?*
At least one Rafale and one Mirage 2000 fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force and involved in strikes in Pakistan were shot down during the night of 6 to 7 May. Islamabad’s aggressive online narrative is raising doubts even within France’s ministry of armed forces about the robustness of its SPECTRA system, the spearhead of French electronic warfare.
There is growing concern in France that the technological edge of Western systems like SPECTRA may be eroding in the face of rapid advances by China in radar, missile, and networked EW capabilities. The French are also reportedly reviewing operational doctrines and considering upgrades to their systems, as the events have demonstrated that their current solutions may not be fully effective against highly integrated, modern Chinese military technology as deployed by Pakistan.

The French defense community is experiencing a rare moment of doubt about the survivability and superiority of their flagship EW systems, with the recent losses serving as a wake-up call to reassess and adapt to the evolving threat landscape shaped by Chinese advancements.

 *India losing ground in geospatial intelligence to Pakistan-China allies*
The loss at launch of the Risat-1B radar observation satellite on 18 May comes at the worst possible time for India’s military, which is in desperate need of imagery over Kashmir. And while Pakistan remains a minor player in the field, it can count on solid Chinese support. China’s advanced satellite and radar technologies bolster Pakistan’s reconnaissance and surveillance capacities, allowing Islamabad to partially offset India’s traditional advantage in imagery intelligence.

 *China, United States*
*Washington’s plans to counter Beijing’s military expansion abroad*
Congress is striving to mobilise the US intelligence community, the Pentagon and the State Department to hinder the Chinese military’s expansionist ambitions. This strategy is expected to put Washington’s political and diplomatic clout to the test. The main elements of this approach include:

_Bolstering Military Presence and Alliances: _ The U.S. is increasing its military deployments and strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific, reassuring partners like Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines that they will not face Chinese pressure alone. This includes more frequent joint military exercises, new basing agreements (such as in the Philippines), and advanced arms sales, especially to Taiwan.

_Intelligence and Counter-Influence Operations: _ U.S. intelligence agencies are actively working to detect and disrupt Chinese espionage, influence operations, and cyber warfare targeting American military, economic, and political systems. Congressional oversight is focusing on safeguarding sensitive technologies and countering Chinese infiltration in critical sectors.

_Strategy of Disruption: _ Rather than direct confrontation, the U.S. is using a “strategy of disruption” to slow China’s expansion. This includes diplomatic efforts to build coalitions (like the Quad and AUKUS), economic measures to limit China’s technological and financial reach, and support for regional partners to resist Chinese influence.

_Technological and Economic Measures: _ The U.S. is investing in its own advanced military technologies, such as space-based missile defenses, and is tightening controls on technology transfers to China. Economic strategies include restricting Chinese access to critical supply chains and encouraging allies to do the same.

_Diplomatic Pressure and Global Engagement:_ Washington is leveraging its diplomatic influence to rally international support against Chinese assertiveness, particularly in contested regions like the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

 *US intelligence steps up surveillance of critical minerals amid tensions with Beijing*
The US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency wants to develop its capabilities to track more closely developments in the critical rare earth minerals market and its supply chains, currently dominated by China.

 *The discreet non-profit behind Donald Trump’s Syrian U-turn*
The US president’s announcement that the sanctions against Damascus were being lifted marked a sudden shift of his Syrian policy. Behind the scenes, this change of heart appears to have been strongly backed by the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity, a pressure group whose interests range from politics to real estate.

 *Syria’s Great Game: despite Trump fanfare, strategic headaches remain*
Despite intense US diplomatic pressure, the issues of Syria’s Kurds, Russian bases and foreign fighters remain under discussion between all involved parties. Their resolution will inevitably pass via Ankara, much to the chagrin of Tel Aviv, Paris and the Gulf states. Israel, France, and the Gulf states remain wary of both Turkish ambitions and the entrenchment of Russia and Iran. Syria’s fate is still being decided in a “Great Game” involving the U.S., Russia, Turkey, Iran, Israel, and European and Gulf states. Despite diplomatic fanfare, the real power to unlock solutions lies with Ankara.

 *Balkan arms manufacturer builds network of pro-Trump lobbyists*
In search of US funding for its munitions production, ATS Group is not skimping on contracts with lobbying firms that are well connected to the new Trump administration.

 *Tehran delays launch of its two new Earth observation satellites*
The Iranian Space Agency has pushed back to July the launch of its two new Earth observation satellites, Pars 1B and Pars 2.

 *Disputes emerge over awarding of EU’s huge Afghan security contract*
The European Union recently awarded a lucrative security contract for its operations in Kabul to IDG Security, a major player in the private security industry. The contract covers the protection of EU personnel, facilities, and convoys in the highly volatile Afghan capital. Unsuccessful bidders for the EU’s Kabul security contract are now examining all possible avenues—legal, procedural, and political—to challenge IDG Security’s victory, hoping to overturn or at least scrutinize the outcome of this high-profile award. The process underscores the intense competition and high stakes involved in international security contracting, especially in conflict zones like Afghanistan. The move is a serious blow to France’s Amarante International, which previously held the contract worth over €70m.

 *The Intelligence College in Europe, an Erasmus programme for services*
Created by the French president and based in Paris, the Intelligence College in Europe bills itself as an Erasmus programme for intelligence, bringing together 89 services to share their expertise at training sessions. Like the Erasmus student exchange, the Intelligence College in Europe is about mobility, exchange, and mutual understanding – but instead of students, its intelligence professionals who benefit from exposure to different cultures, practices, and perspectives.
It organizes joint training sessions, seminars, and workshops where intelligence professionals can share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned. The College fosters a network of contacts among European intelligence officers, aiming to build trust and improve cooperation on issues such as counterterrorism, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare.

 *Tokyo feels the heat from Washington and Mossad amid GCAP jet programme developments*
Global Combat Air Programme: Tokyo’s decision to partner with European allies to develop a sixth generation fighter jet has irked Washington, although US diplomats remain cautious in their messaging. By contrast, angered by rumours of a Saudi entry into GCAP, a Mossad liaison cell in Tokyo issued a starker warning. Mossad is wary of Saudi participation in the program. Meanwhile, the UK is actively supporting the project by establishing a research team in Tokyo to facilitate collaboration and protect British aerospace interests.

 *Britain’s top spy Richard Moore, the cool-headed Europhile at the head of MI6
Richard Moore, the outgoing head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service.*
Despite dealing with the fall-out from Brexit and the AUKUS controversy, Richard Moore has become a well-liked figure in Europe, a testament to both his diplomatic acumen and his skill as a spy master. But his tenure as “C”, which is due to end this summer, has also been marked by unforced errors. Despite efforts to strengthen ties, Moore’s calls for enhanced cooperation between MI6 and the CIA have faced scrutiny, with critics questioning the effectiveness of these partnerships amid global instability and rising geopolitical tensions.
Despite efforts to strengthen ties, Moore’s calls for enhanced cooperation between MI6 and the CIA have faced scrutiny, with critics questioning the effectiveness of these partnerships amid global instability and rising geopolitical tensions.

 *Capture of the Top Daesh Commander – Pakistan-Turkiye collaboration* _Interestingly, there’s no confirmation of the news by international media & has only been reported in Pakistani newspapers._
Reportedly, senior Daesh (ISIS) operative, Ozgur Altun (alias “Abu Yasir Al Turki”), was apprehended in a high-stakes operation jointly conducted by Pakistan and Türkiye (Turkey). The operation took place at the border region connecting Afghanistan. Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) had been monitoring Altun’s movements for months. Upon uncovering critical intelligence, MIT coordinated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to carry out a swift and precise operation at a key border crossing. Altun was arrested and subsequently deported to Türkiye for further investigation and legal proceedings.