The paradoxical tragedy of Europe: they understand the importance of defense only when their main ally (U.S.) threatens them, when their main adversary (Russia) did, most remained quiet — no contingency plans, no defense spending increases, nothing.
In the waning weeks of the Biden Administration in late 2024, the United States quietly purchased and acquired a device that officials believe may be connected to the debilitating condition known as Havana Syndrome, which more than 1,500 American officials, primarily diplomats and intelligence officials, have reported experiencing since 2016, according to multiple sources briefed on the matter who spoke with CBS News.
The Biden Administration tasked the acquisition of the device to the Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations Division, using Pentagon funding that exceeded eight figures, according to two people familiar with the matter. The device is portable, backpack-sized, and contains components believed to have been produced in Russia.
Three of the people said the Pentagon has been testing the device, which emits pulsed, radio-frequency energy, for more than a year, but did not offer details on the nature of the tests. They said the department's investigators believe it may be capable of reproducing the effects described by victims of Havana Syndrome, a term derived from the cases first reported by U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers in Havana, Cuba, in 2016.
Victims of Havana Syndrome reported a spectrum of neurological symptoms, including severe headaches and head pressure, vertigo, nausea, and ringing or popping sensations in the ears. Many have described hearing an intensely high-pitched, painful sound that appeared to subside when they moved to another location. For some, the effects were so severe that they were ultimately forced to leave their jobs with the U.S. Government.
I often share videos with "how low can you go". Also often, British comment "the Buccanneer can go even lower and faster". Here´s an example of what they mean, in this pass by Test Pilot Derek Whitehead, at RAF Holme-on-Spalding Moor 📹 FAST Aviation Archive
Loading Firestreak missiles on to a Gloster Javelin FAW.9 all-weather interceptor, of No. 60 Squadron at RAF Tengah in Singapore.
Please note the 1960s hi-viz clothing and appropriate safety wear being worn! 😂 At least socks appear to have been mandatory.
✈️ #PhoonFriday from the South Atlantic
🇫🇰 @RoyalAirForce Typhoons remain permanently based in the Falkland Islands.
🛡️ Safeguarding UK sovereignty, with aircraft held at Quick Reaction Alert.
🌍 Ready, around the clock, around the world.
Lufthansa Airbus A320-200 makes emergency landing after impacting a flock of birds during go-around at Cluj-Napoca International Airport, Romania.
A photo taken of the incident shows the right hand engine ingesting a number of birds.
The aircraft diverted to Budapest about one hour after the incident. Emergency services checked the aircraft before it taxied to the apron. The aircraft D-AIZP remains on the ground in Budapest following the incident.
Photos: cluj.spotting
SAS A320neo grounded for inspection in Gran Canaria following a hard landing in windy conditions at Funchal Airport.
📹 madeiraaviation4656
🔗 https://t.co/kgxNHIZC7P
This is aviation history.
The UK's first pilotless helicopter, Proteus, has made its debut in the skies. 🚁
Designed by @Leonardo_UK, the autonomous helicopter made 2 short flights in Cornwall. It will serve as a testbed for future hybrid air wings.
https://t.co/wauUT9petY
Supersonic Sunday is back for 2026. ✈️
This year, we’re taking you closer to the RAF’s Typhoon & F-35B Lightning II than ever before. 🔍
What do you want to know? Aircraft, pilots, tech? Reply with your questions! 💬
#SupersonicSunday#RAF#Typhoon#F35