Management on the Move

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

11 Jun 25. PCI Geomatics (DBA CATALYST), a leading Earth Observation company with over 40 years of experience supporting major players in the  space sector, has chosen Scotland’s thriving space ecosystem as part of its continued global expansion. PCI delivers advanced Earth observation image processing solutions and transforms spaceborne sensor data into actionable climate-related intelligence. PCI is focused on supporting critical risk mitigation efforts such as detecting and monitoring critical infrastructure for ground displacement, monitoring “corridor” industries for vegetation encroachment, identifying soil moisture conditions to help prevent catastrophic failures such as landslides with greater accuracy and frequency than traditional methods. PCI’s business aligns strongly with Scotland’s growing reputation in space-enabled applications which is supported by a vibrant ecosystem of more than 30 companies dedicated to observing and protecting Earth from space. PCI recently opened an office at the Future’s Institute in Edinburgh, marking a significant step in its UK expansion alongside its existing presence at the Harwell Space Cluster in England. The company is recruiting for multiple roles in Scotland and across the UK, signalling its commitment to the region. Speaking on the company’s growing Scottish presence, President and CEO June McAlarey stated: “Scotland’s rising profile in the global space economy has been unmistakable. When exploring locations to complement our Canadian headquarters, the UK quickly stood out as a strategic gateway to Europe and the Middle East. We now have a growing team across the UK and are excited to expand our Scottish office in the coming weeks.”

 

MARITIME

 

10 Jun 25. Seaspan delivers Canadian Navy’s HMCS Calgary frigate . The DWP supports Navy’s objective to maintain Halifax-class frigates’ operational readiness until their end of service life.   The Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Calgary has completed its full docking work period (DWP) at Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyard.  The extensive refit on the ship was executed as part of the shipyard’s Halifax-class work period (HCWP) contract to maintain and modernise Canada’s West Coast-based Halifax-class frigates.  According to Seaspan, HMCS Calgary underwent a series of engineering enhancements, equipment installations, routine and corrective maintenance, and essential dry-docking tasks.   The efforts align with the Royal Canadian Navy’s objective to maintain its frigates’ operational readiness and relevance until the end of their service life.  The vessel docked at Victoria Shipyards on 9 January 2023, after a six-month phase dedicated to project planning.   Over the ensuing 28 months, the project saw contributions from more than 1,000 trades personnel and office staff contributed to the project, culminating in the successful completion of this complex refit, Seaspan said. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

06 Jun 25. Naval Group launches HS FORMION frigate for Hellenic Navy. With all three FDI frigates now afloat on the Scorff river, the programme has reached an advanced stage. The Naval Group has launched the Hellenic Navy’s third FDI frigate, HS FORMION, at its shipyard in Lorient, France. This event signifies a crucial step in strengthening the maritime superiority of the Hellenic Navy in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. HS FORMION, weighing 4,500 tonnes (t), is a multipurpose and resilient warship equipped with advanced capabilities for various naval combat scenarios, including anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-ship operations. It also features special forces projection and capabilities against asymmetric threats. The frigate can also accommodate a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) simultaneously, showcasing the collaborative expertise of Thales, MBDA, and other partners. With all three FDI frigates now afloat on the Scorff river, the programme has reached an advanced stage. HS KIMON is currently undergoing sea trials, while HS NEARCHOS is being outfitted in preparation for harbour trials set to commence post-summer. The delivery of the three frigates is scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The current phase of HS KIMON’s sea trials is focused primarily on assessing platform systems such as propulsion and navigation. A second phase is scheduled in the coming weeks and will concentrate on the vessel’s combat systems and endurance at sea. The technical specifications of the FDI frigate include a length of approximately 122 metres (m), a width of 18m, and a maximum speed of 27 knots. Aviation facilities cater to a 10t class helicopter and a VTOL UAV. The main armaments comprise 32 Aster missiles, eight Exocet MM40 B3c missiles, RAM missiles, a 76 mm gun, four torpedo tubes with MU 90 torpedoes, and two decoy launchers with CANTO countermeasures, all developed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Hellenic Navy. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

 

11 Jun 25. Turkey maintains hold on UK warship recycling with HMS Bristol deal. No UK shipyard bid for the recycling contract, with the last Royal Navy surface vessel to be broken up in the UK being HMS Cornwall in 2013. Yet another Royal Navy warship will suffer the same apparently inevitable ending as seen by dozens of its predecessors, with the announcement that former Type 82 destroyer HMS Bristol will be towed more than 3,000 nautical miles for disposal in a Turkish shipyard. According to an 11 June statement by the UK’s Defence Equipment & Support, itself an arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the sale of HMS Bristol had been agreed, with the vessel to be taken to a “specialist recycling facility” within an EU-approved yard in Turkey. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

09 Jun 25. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Sunday replaced two ministers in his government, including the transport minister, who he had previously criticized for delays in infrastructure modernisation. He fired Defence Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov and replaced him with Zhaksylykov’s deputy and Air Defence Forces chief Dauren Kosanov, according to decrees published on the president’s site. (Source: Reuters)

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

10 Jun 25. Forsway, a provider of hybrid/satellite-terrestrial solutions for broadband connectivity, announces the appointment of Stefan Gustafsson to its Board of Directors. Former Chief Strategist at the Swedish Space Corporation, and formerly a top leader of the Swedish armed forces. Gustafsson brings extensive experience from numerous board roles in both the public and private sectors, along with a strong track record in developing and delivering advanced space services on the global market.

 

07 Jun 25. Former MI5 chief Lord Andrew Parker joins Vertical Aerospace board to support defence and government strategy. Vertical Aerospace has announced the appointment of Lord Andrew Parker to its Board of Directors, effective from 2 June 2025. The move bolsters the company’s leadership in defence, national security, and government affairs. (Source: Google/DIE)

 

11 Jun 25. UDSS Appoints Marcus Roberts as Special Projects Coordinator. Universal Defence and Security Solutions (UDSS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcus Roberts as Special Projects Coordinator. Marcus brings a wealth of leadership, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to this pivotal role, which will support UDSS’s mission to strengthen the UK’s defence sector and global security efforts.

Marcus has built a distinguished career at the intersection of Defence, Industry, and government, marked by his work as a trusted strategic thinker and leader. His experience in the British Army, where he managed complex transformation and cultural change initiatives, and his more recent roles in business development and operational leadership, position him perfectly to drive UDSS’s critical projects forward.

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

02 Jun 25. BAE Systems (LON: BA) unveiled its new shiplift and land level repair complex during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the company’s Jacksonville, Florida shipyard. This marks a significant milestone in the $250m investment to transform its ship repair capabilities and solidify its role as a key partner to the U.S. Navy and commercial maritime industry. The ceremony brought together approximately 500 attendees, including BAE Systems employees, subcontractors, Navy personnel, shipyard neighbors, local community members, and other distinguished guests, including Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jim Kilby and BAE Systems, Inc. President and CEO Tom Arseneault.

“Today marks an important milestone as we celebrate the completion of a world-class ship repair facility upgrade here in Florida. The introduction of our new shiplift and land level repair facility represents more than just progress for BAE Systems Ship Repair—it reflects a shared commitment to innovation, growth and collaboration,” Arseneault said. “Together with the United States Navy, and other key industry partners that depend on this port, we are building a stronger foundation for the future, to help maintain our maritime superiority.”

The shiplift and land level repair complex will support the maintenance and repair of Mayport-based Navy vessels and commercial ships sailing into the Port of Jacksonville. With the capacity to lift ships displacing up to 25,000 tons and accommodate multiple vessels for maintenance simultaneously ashore, the new complex expands the shipyard’s capabilities threefold. BAE Systems’ new facility will significantly enhance production efficiency, strengthen regional maritime capabilities, and advance environmental stewardship. Its completion represents the company’s long-term initiative to bolster support for the U.S. Navy while also accommodating a broader range of commercial vessels at competitive scales.

“From my vantage point, this shiplift and land level facility is contributing to the national movement that is making America safer and more secure,” said Admiral Kilby. “It’s a necessary element to forging a defense industrial base able to support, sustain and generate our fleet.”

The project, together with Pearlson Shiplift Corporation, Foth Engineering, and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., replaces an 80-year-old drydock that had reached the end of its lifecycle. The state-of-the-art shiplift system’s platform spans 492 feet by 110 feet, offering a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional drydocks. It will be one of the ten largest shiplift systems in the world and the largest in the Americas. The first vessel lift in the facility is anticipated later this month. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

MARITIME

 

04 Jun 25. Fin removal marks significant milestone for Babcock’s Submarine Dismantling Project. We have reached a major milestone on the demonstrator programme to fully dismantle and recycle a UK decommissioned nuclear-powered submarine, with the first major cut made on the demonstrator submarine’s exterior. Led by the Babcock team at our facility in Rosyth, the fin, from the decommissioned submarine Swiftsure, was expertly removed and carefully lifted to the dock bottom, marking a poignant moment in the final stages of her lifecycle. Working in close collaboration with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, contractor KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd and Rolls Royce, Swiftsure will be the first of the UK’s decommissioned submarines to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026, adopting a world-first methodology to disposal. An estimated 90% of Swiftsure’s total weight will be recycled, with some of the high-quality steel repurposed into components for future Royal Navy submarines.  As part of Babcock’s wider through-life support to the UK Royal Navy’s submarine fleet, the current work on Swiftsure lays the foundation for a proven, long-term and sustainable dismantling programme.

Harry Holt, Chief Executive of our Nuclear Sector, said: “Reaching this significant milestone sets a strong foundation for an enduring commitment that supports both national security and environmental responsibility and is testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams, as we look to provide a safe and secure solution to the dismantling of the UK’s decommissioned nuclear submarines.”

Sir Chris Gardner KBE, CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency, said: “To see the fin of Swiftsure removed is a significant marker of progress in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise’s Submarine Dismantling Project. Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly alongside our industry partners in Rosyth to deliver a proven dismantling method using this demonstrator vessel. My thanks go to everyone involved in this ground-breaking work.”

Lorraine Russell, Senior Responsible Owner for the Submarine Disposals Programme, said: “The Project showcases our commitment to sustainable disposal practices. By recycling materials wherever possible, we’re ensuring these vessels that served the nation so well continue to provide value even after decommissioning.”

 

03 Jun 25. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the secretary of the Navy to rename the oiler ship USNS Harvey Milk, according to a defense official. The ship, which was launched in 2021 and named after the gay rights activist and Navy veteran, who was made to resign from the force because of his sexual orientation, is set to be officially renamed later this month, the official said. It is not clear what the new name will be, but the timing is notable given that June is Pride Month. Military.com first reported the expected name change. The Office of the Secretary of Defense did not respond to a request for comment. It is rare for a ship to be renamed, and it has not happened on the orders of a defense secretary in recent memory. The last time a ship was renamed in 2023, the move was based upon the recommendation of a congressional commission established to review names across the military with ties to the Confederacy. As a result of the study, the Navy decided to rename the cruiser USS Chancellorsville and research ship USNS Maury. (Source: CNN)

 

AIR

 

29 May 25. Refurbished Mirage 2000Ds conduct aerial and ground attack firing. France’s multirole aircraft are conducting firing practice after a nine-year-long mid-life upgrade. The French Air and Space Force will conduct practice firings from newly refurbished Mirage 2000D multirole aircraft from Cazaux Air Base until the end of June 2025. Deploying around 15 aircraft and approximately 150 airmen, the 3rd Fighter Wing will undertake ground attack and aerial cannon firing to test the mid-life upgrades made to the legacy aircraft for the first time.

“The main objective of this campaign is to maintain personnel skills in aerial firing of war-ready weapons as well as to develop cannon firing skills,” a statement from the French Armed Forces confirmed on 28 May.

The mid-life upgrade, which began in 2016, and concluded in April 2025, has now designated the aircraft: Mirage 2000 D RMV. This renovation included optimised weapons systems, improved connectivity and intelligence gathering, and a modernised cockpit. In total, 50 of 66 aircraft are now equipped with the new technological suite. Technical specialists have developed onboard software for RMV since 2017. This modernisation of the navigation and attack systems allows the crews to have, on the ground and then in flight, a detailed vision of the situation thanks to the continuous updates and sharing of tactical data.

US Tariffs are shifting – will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis. In particular, the campaign will demonstrate the integration of a 30 millimetre cannon pod on the aircraft, designed to provide crews with close-quarter fire support, improving their effectiveness in ground attack missions. The weapon system will also make use of MICA infrared combat missiles (replacing the Magic 2) specialised in short-range self-defence. Moreover, the fighters benefit from a renovated architecture of the weapons system allowing the integration of precision weapons, such as the GBU-48 and GBU-50 laser-guided bombs. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

04 Jun 25. DASA-Funded Tech ‘DUCHESS’ Takes the Crown in AI Interviewing.

DASA funding helped DIEM Analytics develop a robust tool for interviewing military personnel at scale

• DUCHESS was developed before the generative AI boom, giving DIEM Analytics strategic advantage in the evolving AI landscape
• Through multiple DASA and Dstl funded projects, the innovation evolved from an automated feedback collection tool to a sophisticated interviewing system
• DIEM Analytics has successfully transitioned from defence consulting to creating cutting-edge AI solutions with international impact

From Interview Challenge to AI Innovation

Obtaining lessons learned and feedback is a vital aspect of any military activity. However, this can be a time-consuming process if done through traditional one-on-one in-person interviews. For instance, when naval vessels return from a deployment, only senior officers might be interviewed about lessons learned, leaving hundreds of valuable perspectives lost. But what if there was a way to capture insights from everyone on board, without the resource burden of conducting hundreds of individual interviews? DIEM Analytics’ DUCHESS system, developed with DASA funding, can do just that, transforming how defence organisations learn from experience.

DASA’s Early Investment in DIEM Analytics

Founded in 2011 as a consulting company by former Ministry of Defence staff, DIEM Analytics set out to explore whether AI could conduct the kind of dynamic interviews that normally required human expertise. Not just static surveys, but conversations that could listen to responses and generate intelligent follow-up questions and gather rich insights at scale.

Through DASA’s “People in Defence” Themed Competition in 2019, DIEM Analytics secured their first round of funding to develop the first iteration of DUCHESS, an automated interviewing tool – years before ChatGPT and the generative AI boom.

“We were a bit ahead of our time,” notes Dr. Jaya-Ratnam. “When we first started, talking to AI was quite an unusual experience. Now people are more used to talking to a device, and there’s a bit more understanding in the market that these things are actually really useful.”

How DUCHESS Works

DUCHESS uses natural language processing (NLP) technology and carefully designed defence-based interview methodology. The system begins with a set of initial open-ended questions tailored to the specific feedback scenario – whether its lessons learned from a deployment or insights during organisational transformation. What sets DUCHESS apart from simple surveys is its ability to analyse responses in real-time and generate relevant follow-up questions, mimicking the natural flow of a human interview.  The dynamic follow-on questions have been proven to generate an average of 63% more data than just using a static question set. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

04 Jun 25. Mrs Martine Sobey has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Lesotho in succession to Mr Harry MacDonald who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Sobey will take up her appointment during September 2025.

 

05 Jun 25. Michael Duffey Assumes Role as New Acquisition, Sustainment Chief. Michael P. Duffey was sworn in today as undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment following a swift Senate confirmation that places him in charge of the Defense Department’s vast procurement, sustainment and industrial base enterprise.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

05 Jun 25. USAF LG Alexus G. Grynkewich for appointment to the grade of general while serving as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.  NATO has also agreed to appoint Lt. Gen. Grynkewich as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.  Lt. Gen. Grynkewich is currently serving as director of Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. In addition to the NATO position, Lt. Gen. Grynkewich will be assigned as commander, U.S. European Command.

 

04 Jun 25. Navy Vice Adm. Charles B. Cooper II for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Cooper is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

 

04 Jun 25. USAF LG Dagvin R.M. Anderson for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany. Anderson is currently serving as director, Joint Force Development, J-7, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

 

03 Jun 25. Navy Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Bradley is currently serving as commander, Joint Special Operations Command/commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

05 Jun 25. Marshall to support Northrop Grumman in development of next-gen air defence system for British Army. Northrop Grumman has identified Marshall as a key supplier in its plans to develop a proposal for the British Army’s next-generation ground-based air defence (GBAD) programme. The project, if successful, will result in a fully integrated air defence “system of systems” offering a compelling and cost-effective answer to the requirements of the Ministry of Defence’s flagship Land GBAD Programme while leveraging the domestic capabilities of the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector. The scope of work has been defined in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor responsible for delivering the GBAD programmes of record for the U.S. Army, known as Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) and Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). Outside the U.S., Poland has recently adopted IBCS as the core battle management command and control system for its short range air defence programme.

“We are excited to work with Marshall to adapt our proven command and control capabilities in support of modernizing the MoD’s air and missile defence systems,” said Northrop Grumman Vice President and General Manager, Global Battle Management and Readiness, Kenn Todorov.

“We are confident that with Marshall’s support we can present a compelling and fully integrated proposal that will enable the British Army to stay ahead of evolving threats in our contested environment, giving warfighters more decision time to save lives.”

Marshall has a strong legacy of designing, integrating and manufacturing containerised storage and shelter products for armed forces in the UK and globally, including GBAD solutions such as the Fire Distribution Centre (FDC) for Kongsberg’s National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

“This agreement with Northrop Grumman opens the door for Marshall to build on its track record of delivering for the UK’s armed forces,” said Marshall Chief Growth Officer Bob Baxter. “Marshall is at its best when working alongside industry partners, and I am confident that this will be reflected in the exceptional engineering and production support that we will provide to compliment Northrop Grumman’s world-leading air defence technologies.”

 

04 Jun 25. Saab announced a partnership with Maxar Intelligence, a leading provider of geospatial intelligence. This collaboration is set to transform the multi-domain battlespace with cutting-edge space-based capabilities.  Through this partnership, Saab will leverage Maxar’s advanced satellite technologies and geospatial intelligence to further develop targeting capabilities, GPS-resilient systems and advanced C5ISR solutions (Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance). The initiative aims to create robust and intelligent systems that can operate effectively even in GPS-denied environments, ensuring greater operational capabilities on the modern battlefield.

“Our collaboration with Maxar represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to use information from the Space domain and thereby enhancing the strategic defence capabilities of Europe and beyond,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics.

“By integrating Maxar’s high-end geospatial insights and satellite capabilities with our advanced defence systems, we are setting new standards in the effectiveness and reliability of military operations across multiple domains.”

 

03 Jun 25. Kongsberg and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Enter Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Their Partnership. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have entered a cooperation agreement aimed at fostering further close industrial collaboration to support the defence requirements of Norway, Germany and other allied countries. The agreement primarily serves to strengthen the relationship of trust between the two cooperation partners and to further promote technological cooperation in the future. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence in 2024 selected Germany as one of four countries for discussions about a potential strategic partnership for deliveries of new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s current Fridtjof Nansen-class.

“KONGSBERG and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems already have a substantial cooperation related to submarines. This new agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between the two companies and between our two nations’ industries. It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and German defence forces,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Through industrial cooperation and a partnership approach, the two companies can provide a foundation for job creation, technology transfer and investment to benefit national and international markets.

“We have worked together with KONGSBERG for many years, which reflects the strong relationship between Germany and Norway, built over years of cooperation as close allies and friends,” said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. “This agreement brings together a number of areas in which our companies are already collaborating and further enhances our ability to deliver advanced defence capabilities for current and future Norwegian and German armed forces.”

Under the terms of this specific agreement, the two companies will seek to explore long-term cooperation in existing and future joint programs across all military domains. These may include the Vanguard vessel system, a strategic partnership for through-life support for the new frigates, strike missiles, maritime surveillance and targeting and ship system deliveries to both nations’ frigates and additional naval ships. (Source: ASD Network)

 

28 May 25. Hanwha has hosted an Industry Day event in Berlin to strengthen partnerships and explore collaboration opportunities with German industry. Hanwha, a global leader in aerospace and defence technologies, hosted its Industry Day event in Berlin on 27th May to strengthen partnerships and explore collaboration opportunities with German industry stakeholders. The industrial partnership event, Hanwha’s first of its kind in Germany, underscored the company’s growing commitment to Europe as a strategic localisation partner, with the aim of enhancing defence capabilities and responding to shifting geopolitical priorities Around 100 participants attended the gathering, including representatives from German defence companies and both federal and local government offices. Representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Berlin and South Korea’s state-run Defense Agency for Technology and Quality were also present. The event was organised to facilitate dialogue on opportunities for collaboration in localised manufacturing, joint R&D programs, and long-term industrial investment in Germany.

Mr. Kyounghoon Kang, Senior Vice President, Head of Germany Business, Hanwha Aerospace HQ said: “This marks a significant milestone in our journey to deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen collaboration with Germany’s dynamic defence sector. Today’s Industry Day is a key step toward building sustainable, mutually beneficial industrial ties.”

Hanwha currently partners with more than 60 German suppliers across the defence, shipbuilding, and industrial sectors, with annual procurement exceeding €100m. The company aims to further expand this network to unlock broader opportunities for strategic collaboration. During the event, Hanwha presented its vision to establish a manufacturing facility in Eastern Germany—an investment expected to create high-quality jobs and stimulate the local economy through localised production and integrated supply chains. Initial areas of cooperation include precision-guided missiles and ammunition, with potential to expand into additional domains such as aerospace, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and maritime defence. Hanwha’s strengths in rapid delivery, mass production, and localisation make it a capable and responsive partner for Germany’s defence modernisation efforts.

Mr. Peter Bae, Executive Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, said : “As Hanwha Aerospace expands its presence across Europe, we see significant potential to localise advanced defence capabilities in close partnership with Germany’s mature industrial base. This aligns with our broader commitment to strengthening NATO’s strategic autonomy by building sustainable supply chains across key allied nations. The collaboration between technology-driven nations like Germany and South Korea offers a unique opportunity to generate high-impact innovation and build a more resilient, future-ready defence ecosystem—amplifying mutual strengths through strategic synergy.”

The proposed investment in Germany is expected to contribute to strengthening supply chain resilience and creating high-value jobs—aligning with the country’s strategic objective of maintaining robust, independent defence manufacturing capabilities amid evolving security demands and growing emphasis on sovereignty. As a key defence pillar of Hanwha Group, Hanwha Aerospace is committing over USD 8 bn to global markets in the coming years to drive sustainable, partnership-based growth—anchored in localisation, technology transfer, and long-term collaboration with key industrial partners. (Source: joint-forces.com)

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

03 Jun 25. Chemring announces the appointment of Pete Raby as an independent non-executive director. He will join the Board on 1 September 2025. Pete has a strong technical background and extensive experience in planning and executing business strategy across global technology and manufacturing operations. Pete is currently CEO of Morgan Advanced Materials plc (“Morgan”), the FTSE-250 listed global manufacturer of advanced carbon and ceramic materials with 60 operating sites serving a diverse range of customers across a range of end-markets and employing approximately 8,600 people worldwide. He is highly-regarded for having driven considerable transformation and operational improvement at Morgan over a sustained period. Pete has been in this role for ten years and is due to retire on 1 July 2025.

 

04 Jun 25. OSL has appointed Victor Chavez CBE as Chair, following a year of service as a Non-Executive Director. His appointment reinforces OSL’s strategic focus on delivering advanced air and ground protection for fixed-site deployments in homeland defence and national security environments. Victor was Chief Executive of Thales UK for almost a decade, where he led major defence and security programmes across the UK and allied nations. During his career in industry, he has worked at the highest levels of government and the UK Ministry of Defence and was awarded a CBE in 2015 for services to the defence and security industry. As Chair, Victor will support OSL’s growing footprint in the defence and security market, where its operationally proven solutions are helping address evolving drone and ground-based threats. His leadership will help shape the company’s role in NATO-aligned programmes and advance its mission to bridge civil innovation with homeland defence readiness. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

06 Jun 25. SES has appointed Elisabeth Pataki as its new finance chief, the European satellite company said on Friday. Pataki, a veteran of the aerospace and defence industry, is currently the chief financial officer of L3Harris (LHX.N), opens new tab unit Aerojet Rocketdyne. She will take on the role at SES from Sandeep Jalan on June 16. (Source: Reuters)

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

02 June 25. CAE  tapped Northrop Grumman’s Matthew Bromberg as its new chief executive officer. Bromberg, set to join on August 13, will be succeeding Marc Parent, who has been at the helm since 2009 and had announced his departure in November last year. (Source: Reuters)

 

04 Jun 25. Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading innovator of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, today announced the renaming of its Defense segment to the Transport segment. The Transport segment will continue to deliver leading tactical wheeled vehicles and mobility solutions to defense customers. Additionally, it will focus on expanding into commercial markets, exemplified by Oshkosh’s Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) contract for the United States Postal Service (USPS). The Full Rate Production (FRP) milestone for the contract is expected later this year. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

30 May 25. Hanwha Defence Australia welcomes new managing director. Former BAE Systems Australia CEO Ben Hudson will step into the role of managing director at Hanwha Defence Australia effective from 2 June, as the company seeks to expand its footprint within Australia’s defence industry..(Source: Defence Connect)

VACANCIES

 

29 May 25. The UK government is currently advertising several high-profile roles for scientific experts. These positions offer a unique chance to inform policy and decision making at the highest levels and an opportunity to make a significant impact on national policy.

Chief Scientific Adviser roles

Chief Scientific Advisers (CSAs) provide independent science advice to ministers and departments, lead their department’s science systems, and contribute to evidence-based decision making. These are positions directly employed by a government department or arm’s-length body, usually for a minimum of 4 days a week and for a period of at least 3 years.

Who should apply

We encourage applications from individuals with:

• Strong scientific and/or engineering backgrounds and expertise
• A passion for applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges
• A desire to move into a government role at the intersection of science and government

Current CSA vacancies

• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils (SACs) positions

SACs help government departments (and their arm’s-length bodies) to access, interpret and understand the full range of relevant scientific information, and to make judgements about its relevance, potential and application. SAC member positions are part-time roles, which vary in terms of minimum time and length requirements. They are conducted at the same time as your existing work activities.

Who should apply

We encourage applications from individuals with:

• Strong scientific and/or engineering backgrounds and subject-matter expertise
• A passion for applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges
• A desire to work in government and closely influence policymaking but without moving away from academia

Current SAC vacancies

• Current SAC vacancies will be advertised here

If you are interested in joining a SAC, membership is usually through an open public appointment. Opportunities are advertised on the Apply for a public appointment page.

See: https://www.gov.uk/public-appointments (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

28 May 25. Applied Intuition UK has formally launched with the opening of their office in London, with the company already scaling at speed. This is a major step into the defence sector for Applied Intuition, the leading global vehicle intelligence company for automotive, trucking, construction, mining, agriculture and defence. Applied Intuition’s commitment to the UK is expected to deliver £50 m pounds worth of foreign direct investment into the UK, bringing jobs, skills and research and development directly into the market. Building on the foundations of civilian autonomous capabilities, Applied Intuition UK, a fully sovereign subsidiary, will focus on delivering mission-critical autonomy solutions across air, space, land and sea. Applied Intuition’s defence offering provides autonomy management and development systems for both existing and next-generation defence platforms. At a time of increasing global insecurity, autonomy offers a dual advantage, reducing reliance on extensive manpower traditionally required for fully crewed platforms, while also minimising risk to life for those operating in hostile environments.

“Opening our London office marks a considerable step towards creating a sovereign autonomy capability for the UK. This sizable investment reflects our resolution to providing cutting-edge autonomous systems, and the tools needed to build them for our Armed Forces,” says Tristam Constant, Head of European Government and Defence at Applied Intuition UK. “We’re building a strong team here, tapping into the UK’s incredible engineering talent to deliver autonomy solutions to meet the most demanding requirements,” Constant added.

Applied Intuition’s latest venture marks a significant evolution, delivering cutting edge autonomy solutions for civilian industries to enabling mission critical capabilities for the Armed Forces. The opening comes swiftly on the heels of the dual releases of two new software-defined product families: Axion, a specialised mission-critical toolchain allowing the development of all-domain autonomous capabilities, and Acuity, which delivers the onboard autonomy necessary to provide a decisive edge to the Armed Forces. As a dual-use technology provider, Applied Intuition is positioned to bridge the gap between commercial innovation and national security needs.  The introduction of a UK presence reinforces Applied Intuition’s commitment to delivering strategic autonomy at scale and providing serious defensive capabilities, all whilst encouraging growth and investment, and aligning with the British Government’s priorities.

Commenting on the opening of the office, and echoing the words of the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at London Defence Conference, Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said: “The UK is open for business, so I’m delighted that Applied Intuition’s commitment to the UK is expected to deliver £50m in foreign direct investment, boosting R&D, creating jobs and putting more money into people’s pockets. With defence being identified as a key growth sector in our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, we’re not only helping to attract and secure investment, but delivering long-term growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK.”

This new UK presence reflects a long-term commitment to industry collaboration, economic growth opportunities and life-saving capabilities.

 

MARITIME

 

29 May 25. Hanwha Ocean debuts Future Destroyer concept. South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has unveiled a large combatant concept that has been conceived to address upcoming requirements from naval services worldwide, including the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN). Known as the Future Destroyer, the concept has been designed to deliver a large payload of weapons while reducing its overall radar, acoustic, and infrared signatures. It will also be equipped with weapon systems that are still presently under development, said a Hanwha Ocean representative who spoke to Janes at MADEX 2025 in Busan. A main feature of the vessel’s form factor is its inverted bow, which has been incorporated to reduce pitching, which provides greater stability to the vessel’s sensors and fire-control systems. This inverted bow also makes it possible to equip the destroyer with more capable sensors in the bow section, including larger hull-mounted sonars, the representative added. Another distinctive feature of the Future Destroyer is its lack of masts and protruding structures. All main sensors, including its multifunction radars, are incorporated around its superstructure to reduce its visibility. Similarly, the Future Destroyer is equipped with pod propellers instead of conventional propellers, as it reduces the vessel’s acoustic signature and provides its crew with greater manoeuvrability in shallower waters. All of the Future Destroyer’s exhaust inlets are also located close to the waterline instead of on its superstructure to reduce its visibility to heat-seeking and infrared-guided munitions. In terms of weapons, the Future Destroyer can be equipped with up to 88 vertical launching system (VLS) cells. These are located in the forward section and on the superstructure. These cells can launch a mix of anti-air, anti-ship, and land-attack cruise missiles. (Source: Janes)

 

29 May 25. Hanwha positions Frigate 4000 for Thai navy requirements. South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has introduced a new counter-drone-optimised product known as the Frigate 4000 and is positioning it in anticipation of the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN’s) upcoming requirements. The RTN operates a sole Bhumibol Adulyadej (DW3000)-class frigate, which is derived from Batch I of the Republic of Korea Navy’s Incheon (FFX-1) class. It was launched by Hanwha Ocean’s predecessor Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in January 2017 and commissioned by the RTN in December 2018. Speaking to Janes at MADEX 2025 in Busan, a representative from Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship Global Marketing Team 1 described the Frigate 4000 as a more advanced version of the Bhumibol Adulyadej-class frigate. The Frigate 4000 displaces about 4,000 tonnes at full load and it has an overall length of 124 m, a beam of 14.4 m, and a depth of 4.3 m. This makes it slightly larger than HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, which displaces about 3,700 tonnes at full load with an overall length of 123 m. Driven by diesel engines in a combined diesel-and-diesel (CODAD) configuration, the Frigate 4000 will have a top speed of 27 kt. Where it differs from the older frigate is its weapon systems, which have been designed to tackle the evolving threat landscape, Kim said. In particular, the Frigate 4000 is designed for a directed energy weapon (DEW) to be placed in the forward section. This would defend the warship against threats such as hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This weapon system is located just behind a 16-cell vertical launching system (VLS), which can deploy a mix of anti-air and anti-surface missiles. (Source: Janes)

 

27 May 25. HMS Venturer ventures forth as the First Type 31 frigate makes its debut. Babcock, the FTSE 100 defence company, has marked a major milestone in UK sovereign defence capability as the first of class, Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer was unveiled at the company’s Rosyth site. The Royal Navy’s latest advanced warship emerged from the state-of-the-art build hall, signifying the transition from the construction phase into final preparations for entry into water. The 5,700 tonne, 139 metre long ship was carefully manoeuvred out of the Rosyth build hall using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) as Babcock’s expert team prepares the ship for float off into the River Forth in the coming weeks. This national shipbuilding programme is making rapid progress and is now well into its multi-ship build phase with three ships in production. The programme will see all five Type 31 frigates completed within ten years from the point of initial contract award. Based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design, the Type 31 Inspiration Class will form a core part of the Royal Navy’s fleet with the baseline design already exported to Indonesia and Poland, bolstering the ability for allied nations to work together in support of global security.

Sir Nick Hine, CEO of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said: “For the first time, we’re seeing HMS Venturer, the first of her class emerge from the build hall – a powerful symbol of UK naval ambition and sovereign capability. It marks another major milestone in a standout week for British shipbuilding, at a time when global uncertainty demands even greater defence capability. Right here in Scotland, we are building five complex warships in a single yard, in just a decade, true world-class performance. This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in Babcock and the wider programme partners. Not only does it reflect the hard work, dedication and exceptional skills of our people, but this programme and the other work that we do here in Rosyth contribute significantly to the prosperity of the local and national economy.”

Steve Ranyard, Type 31 Team Leader at DE&S, said: “Seeing HMS Venturer reach this pivotal milestone is a cause for celebration for all those working on the programme to make this day a reality. “The roll-out of HMS Venturer paves the way for the success of the entire fleet of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates. Once complete, they will be at the forefront of deterring aggression and maintaining the security and prosperity of our nation and our allies.”

Cdre Steve Roberts, Type 31 Senior Responsible Owner, said: “Seeing HMS Venturer, the first of the Type 31 Inspiration Class, unveiled is a proud moment not just for the Royal Navy and her crew, but all the organisations in Defence that have contributed to this key milestone. This is the first of many exciting stages for the Type 31 programme with now three of the five ships progressing in build. I look forward with anticipation to the moment when we will see HMS Venturer enter the water in the very near future.”

Cdr Chris Cozens, Senior Naval Officer of HMS Venturer, said: “The Ship’s Company have seen HMS Venturer grow from the keel up inside the build hall. This will be the first time Babcock and the Royal Navy can unveil this Next Generation Frigate to the public. This moment is taking the ship another step closer to where it is needed and contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.”

After the ship has completed float-off, she will return to Rosyth to undergo extensive outfitting and systems integration in dock before her sea trials and entering operational service.

 

26 May 25. Tunisia receives patrol boats to bolster maritime security operations. Tunisia has received two 34-metre Island-class patrol boats from the United States government to increase the country’s ability to secure its 1 148-kilometer coastline, which faces smuggling, organised crime and terrorism threats. The boats, named Tazarka and Menzel Bourguiba, were previously part of the US Coast Guard fleet. They were refurbished and modernized before being transferred to Tunisia. Each patrol boat is powered by two diesel engines enabling speeds of up to 30 knots and a range of 3 380 nautical miles at 8 knots. Their high-strength steel hulls, combined with aluminium superstructures, accommodate a crew of two officers and fourteen enlisted sailors. As for armament, they are equipped with a 25 mm Mk-38 cannon and two .50 calibre machine guns, providing basic defensive capability suitable for patrol duties. In a statement, Khaled Shili, Tunisia’s Minister of National Defence, praised the depth of historical relations between the two countries, their longtime strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation. He said Tunisia is ready to advance bilateral cooperation with the US to further develop operational capabilities and exchange military expertise. Officials commissioned the boats on 17 April, the same day the USS Mount Whitney visited La Goulette, home to Tunisia’s main naval base. The date also marked the anniversary of the 1805 Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War, when US Marines and Tunisian troops scored a decisive victory over the Barbary pirates. The Tunisian defence ministry said in a statement that the patrol boats will contribute to the protection of maritime borders, where various risks and threats such as smuggling, organized crime, irregular migration, and terrorism loom. Over the years, various countries have incorporated Island-class patrol boats through sales or transfers similar to the Excess Defence Articles programme. These vessels are currently in active service with the maritime forces of Colombia, Georgia, Costa Rica, Greece, Pakistan, and Ukraine, extending their operational life beyond US shores. A total of forty-nine have been built, and they were all named for US islands. Tunisia also is expected to buy an undisclosed number of 20-metre Archangel patrol boats from the US at an estimated total cost of $110 m. The purchase will include training, GPS, navigation and communications systems. The boats are intended for use near shore and in inland waterways. Analysts told Breaking Defense that such boats are particularly useful for anti-smuggling and light security patrols. Tunisia’s status as a regional maritime force began to change dramatically in 2009, when it received $14.5 m in military financing from the US for 10 small 8-meter response boats and five medium 13-meter response boats, along with spare parts, training and support. Response boats typically are used in counternarcotics operations, search and rescue, trafficking interdiction, and environmental response.

Since 2011, the US has invested over $1bn in security cooperation with Tunisia.

Other Recent US Deliveries

In November 2024, the US delivered a C-130H2 Hercules aircraft valued at 36 m Tunisian dinars ($12 m) to the Tunisian Air Force, which is in the midst of a major modernization effort for its fleet of transport aircraft. In September 2024, Tunisia improved its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities by acquiring four Textron Aviation C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft from the US These planes are configured for intelligence missions, with night vision capabilities and other sophisticated surveillance equipment. The $54 m deal had a comprehensive support package with spare parts, flight training, technical drawings, logistics support and ground support equipment. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

23 May 25.  The First Multi-purpose Corvette Built at Rauma Shipyard has Been Launched. The first multi-purpose corvette built for the Finnish Navy’s pivotal Squadron 2020 project was launched at Rauma shipyard on Wednesday 21 May 2025. This is a significant milestone and an indication of RMC’s ability to successfully realise demanding building projects. The Squadron 2020 project is proceeding on schedule. The building pace will accelerate as work on the second and subsequent multi-purpose corvettes progresses. The building of the second multi-purpose corvette began during October 2024 and its keel was laid on 8 May 2025. The direct employment impact of the Squadron project in Finland is equivalent to more than 3,600 person-years.

“We have increased the capacity of Rauma shipyard purposefully while strategically implementing significant investments in the shipyard area. Rauma shipyard is now in peak condition”, says Mika Nieminen, CEO of RMC.

RMC’s capability is based on excellent engineering expertise, capable project management and a commitment to delivering complex and high-quality vessels. The ability to build different types of ships from high-efficiency commercial vessels to warships and icebreakers designed for extreme conditions emphasises RMC’s extensive technical expertise and adaptability.

“The newly launched vessel is a strong indication of the close and goal-oriented co-operation between the Finnish Government, the Finnish Defence Forces, the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Institute, the Finnish Navy, Rauma Marine Constructions, Saab and all our industrial partners”, states Timo Ståhlhammar, Project Director of RMC’s Squadron Project.

RMC will be building a total of four Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvettes for the Finnish Navy. The Pohjanmaa class is one of the most capable vessel types operating in the Baltic Sea region. They are designed to operate year-round in all Baltic Sea conditions.

Investments to strengthen production capacity

Significant investments have been made in Rauma shipyard throughout the 2020s to strengthen the shipyard’s shipbuilding infrastructure and independent production capacity. The closed multi-purpose hall designed for the construction of the multi-purpose corvettes ensures good working conditions, high quality results and the implementation of the required safety measures. In addition, investments have been made in steel production, a launching barge and heavy transfer ramps. The technical part of the launch process was initiated at the beginning of May, when the multi-purpose corvette was moved along the heavy transport ramp to the launching barge and transferred to the harbour. In the harbour, the ship was launched with the help of the barge and then towed to the shipyard’s dry dock for further work, including the mast installation. The demanding process as a whole was a great success and rewarding result of the long-term work that Rauma shipyard has engaged in for a decade to strengthen its shipbuilding infrastructure and expertise to meet even the most exacting of needs.

“The building of these corvettes will advance the shipbuilding industry and technological know-how in Finland. RMC is ready to utilise the capabilities acquired through the Squadron 2020 project both in Finland and internationally”, says Mika Nieminen, CEO of RMC.

Alongside the multi-purpose corvettes, Rauma shipyard is currently finishing the build of a second car and passenger ferry for Spirit of Tasmania to operate in Australia. The vessel returned from its second sea test this weekend and will be delivered to the client shortly.

Key dimensions of the multi-purpose corvettes:

• Length: 117 m
• Beam: 16.5 m
• Draught: 5 m
• Crew: 70

(Source: ASD Network)

 

26 May 25. Start of HS Kimon Sea Trials, 1st FDI Frigate for the Hellenic Navy. The first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, HS Kimon, started her first sea trials on May 21st in Lorient. The ship capitalized on the experience gained during the sea trials of Amiral Ronarc’hthe first of class for the French Navy. Developed to be operated by the Hellenic Navy, the FDI HS Kimon has begun her sea trials from the Naval Group site of Lorient, Brittany. The trials will be carefully attended by the Hellenic Navy representatives. Thanks to the experience gained during the Amiral Ronarc’h sea trials, the trials of HS Kimon will be performed much faster. The first period at sea will be mainly dedicated to test the platform systems including propulsion and navigation systems. The second period at sea, in a few weeks, will be dedicated to Combat systems and endurance at sea. 2025 marks a key milestone for the FDI programme, with sea trials and the upcoming delivery of the first frigate for the Hellenic Navy, along with the imminent launching of the third vessel, HS Formion. By 2026, the Hellenic Navy will operate three first-rank, multi-mission FDI frigates.

An all warfare domain frigate combat ready against current and emerging threats

Designed for first-rank navies aiming at ensuring their sovereignty, the FDI is a combat-ready ship capable of handling current and emerging threats. A multipurpose and resilient high-sea vessel, she will enable the Hellenic Navy to ensure its maritime superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea thanks to her high-level capabilities in all areas of naval combat: anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-ship, and special forces projection, with unique capabilities against asymmetric threats. She also benefits from the latest Thales innovations in radar, sonar and electronic warfare. Designed and produced using latest-generation digital tools, they are also the first frigates to benefit from an onboard digital architecture that will enable them to adapt continuously to technological and operational developments, enabling them to cope with constantly evolving threats. Her architecture and digital infrastructures guarantee a growth potential ensuring adaptation to future threats throughout her life, with incremental upgrades rather than costly Mid Life Upgrade. The FDI is also natively protected against the cyber threat, with a redundant IT architecture based around two data centres that host, in a virtualised manner, a large proportion of the ship’s software. In terms of operational innovation, the FDI is inaugurating the concept of a gateway dedicated to combat asymmetric threats. This system will make it possible to coordinate and lead the fight against small, close air and surface threats. Strongly armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3c anti-surface and Aster anti-air missiles, RAM system, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, artillery), the FDI for the Hellenic Navy embarks simultaneously a helicopter and a capacity of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). She also benefits from the expertise of Thales, MBDA, and all our other partners and subcontractors.

Technical specifications:

• Displacement: 4,500 tons ;
• Length: approx. 122 meters;
• Width: 18 meters;
• Maximum speed: 27 knots;
• Aviation facilities: 10-ton class helicopter, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Main armaments:

• 32 Aster missiles developed by MBDA;
• 8 Exocet MM40 B3c missiles developed by MBDA;
• RAM missiles;
• 76 mm gun;
• 4 torpedo tubes with MU 90 torpedoes developed by Naval Group;
• 2 decoy launchers with CANTO countermeasures developed by Naval Group.

(Source: ASD Network)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

28 May 25. Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman and Senior Advisor, Sean Parnell, on Reorganization of the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. As part of the Department’s commitment to rebuild our military, ensure lethality, and reestablish deterrence while advancing broader efficiency initiatives, the Secretary of Defense has directed a restructuring of the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). This decision eliminates redundancy in the defense acquisition system, returns DOT&E to its statutory intent as an oversight body, and empowers the Services and Combatant Commands with greater trust to ensure the warfighter is efficiently equipped to address emerging challenges and to preserve our decisive advantage. Thirty DOT&E personnel will be retained, civilian personnel employed by Military Departments at ODOT&E will be transferred back to those Military Departments and other civilians will receive a Specific Notice of reduction-in-force. The Department remains committed to continued reform and reducing bureaucracy. The memo can be found at: https://media.defense.gov/2025/May/28/2003725153/-1/-1/1/MEMORANDUM-DIRECTING-REORGANIZATION-OF-THE-OFFICE-OF-THE-DIRECTOR-OF-OPERATIONAL-TEST-AND-EVALUATION.PDF(Source: U.S. DoD)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

23 May 25. Mr Mark Bryson-Richardson MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt in succession to Mr Gareth Bayley OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Bryson-Richardson will take up his appointment during August 2025.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

27 May 25. United States Navy Fleet Master Chief David L. Isom, currently assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S Indo-Pacific Command, has been selected to replace SEAC Troy E. Black, as the next Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, District of Columbia.

 

29 May 25. United States Navy, Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer Lateef N. Compton currently assigned as the 19th Fleet Master Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, has been selected to replace United States Navy Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters, as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Central Command.

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

28 May 25. Australian Opposition announces new look shadow defence and national security team. Opposition leader Sussan Ley has officially unveiled her long awaited shadow ministry with some surprise new appointees across the defence and national security portfolios. Defence Connect can officially reveal the Opposition’s new look Defence and National Security team, to be lead by former Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor in the Shadow Minister for Defence role, replacing Andrew Hastie, to be supported by firebrand Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to serve as Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel. Andrew Hastie moves from his role as Shadow Minister for Defence, to Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, with former Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Science, Melissa Price set to become the Shadow Minister for Cyber Security and Shadow Minister for Science, with Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence, Phillip Thompson OAM retaining that role. Angus Taylor, a member of the Liberal Party, has represented the New South Wales seat of Hume in the House of Representatives since 2013. A former management consultant and Rhodes Scholar, Taylor quickly rose through the political ranks, serving in key ministerial positions. He was appointed Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister in 2018, before becoming Minister for Energy later that year under Prime Minister Scott Morrison. In 2019, he assumed the role of Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, a portfolio that drew both praise and controversy, particularly concerning Australia’s energy policies and emission targets. After the Morrison government’s defeat in 2022, Taylor became the Shadow Treasurer under opposition leader Peter Dutton, where he continues to shape economic policy for the Liberal Party.

Jacinta Nampijimpa Price, a Warlpiri-Celtic woman from Alice Springs, was elected as a Senator for the Northern Territory in 2022, representing the Country Liberal Party, which is aligned federally with the Liberal Party. Price gained prominence as a vocal advocate for Indigenous communities, particularly on issues of domestic violence, child protection, and opposition to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Her parliamentary debut was marked by passionate speeches on closing the gap and addressing dysfunction in remote communities. In 2023, she was appointed Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, cementing her role as a leading Indigenous voice within the Coalition and a prominent conservative critic of Labor’s Indigenous policies.

Andrew Hastie has been the Liberal Member for Canning in Western Australia since 2015. A former SAS officer, Hastie is known for his national security focus and conservative values. He chaired the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, where he influenced Australia’s stance on foreign interference and cyber security. Hastie served as Assistant Minister for Defence from 2020 to 2022 in the Morrison government, focusing on defence industry and capability. Following the Coalition’s 2022 election loss, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Defence, positioning himself as a key figure in shaping the opposition’s security and defence policy. His military background and forthright style make him a prominent voice on national security.

Melissa Price, a Liberal member from Western Australia, has represented the division of Durack since 2013, one of the largest electorates by area in the world. Initially serving on various parliamentary committees, she was appointed Minister for the Environment in 2018 under Scott Morrison, overseeing key environmental and conservation portfolios. Price later served as Minister for Defence Industry from 2019 to 2022, focusing on defence procurement and industry capability. Her tenure included efforts to increase local industry involvement in Australia’s defence projects. After the Coalition’s loss in 2022, she returned to the backbench, continuing to advocate for regional and defence interests. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

28 May 25. Vrgineers has been selected to be a part of the industrial cooperation project for the Czech Republic under the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) surrounding the Czech Republic’s purchase of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II aircraft.  This is not the first project that these two companies have worked on together, as the collaboration between Vrgineers and Lockheed Martin started many years ago when Lockheed Martin was among the first companies in the military industry to test Vrgineers’ next-gen virtual and mixed reality headsets for professional pilot training. Vrgineers has since made its technologies fully integrated with Lockheed Martin’s simulation software. This recent collaboration agreement reflects their mutual respect and an ongoing commitment to progress and innovation.  Under the industrial cooperation collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Vrgineers together with 10 other participants, including other companies and universities, will receive funding to develop or manufacture different parts, systems and equipment, which will support Czech industry and military technological advancement as the Czech Air Force transitions to a 5th Generation fighter.

 

27 May 25. Milaha and Fincantieri Sign Strategic MoU to Advance Maritime Cooperation and Technology Integration. Qatar Navigation Q.P.S.C. (“Milaha”), The leading provider of maritime and logistics solutions in the region, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest high-complexity shipbuilding groups, with operations across four continents. The MoU outlines a framework for potential cooperation in areas such as marine services, project management, and technology integration. Attending the signing ceremony in Doha on behalf of Fincantieri were Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero and Dario Deste, General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division. Representing Milaha H.E. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, Milaha Chairman, and Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani. Both parties have expressed a shared intent to explore further opportunities that support Qatar’s national development objectives, particularly in enhancing sovereign capabilities within the maritime sector.

Mr. Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani, Milaha Group CEO, stated: “The signing of this MoU represents a significant step for Milaha in advancing its strategic objectives as a Qatari company aligned with national priorities. Collaborating with a global leader such as Fincantieri provides access to advanced international expertise while supporting the development of sustainable capabilities within Qatar. This partnership will facilitate localisation, promote industrial autonomy, and enable effective knowledge transfer, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. It also reinforces Milaha’s commitment to enhancing its position as a regional maritime entity operating to international standards. Through this agreement, Milaha reaffirms its role as a key contributor to national development and a reliable partner in supporting the country’s long-term maritime ambitions.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri commented: “This agreement marks a further step in the consolidation of Fincantieri’s presence in a region of strategic importance for the development of advanced shipbuilding and maritime services. Qatar is a key partner with whom we have built a long-standing relationship. Our collaboration with Milaha reflects our shared ambition to move forward on this path, leveraging our industrial and technological expertise to support the country’s maritime sovereignty and contribute to the goals outlined in Qatar Vision 2030.”

The signing of this MoU represents a significant advancement in Milaha’s mission to redefine logistics and naval support capabilities in the region while contributing to the economic diversification goals outlined in Qatar Vision 2030. For Fincantieri, this agreement strengthens its position as a trusted industrial partner, supporting Qatar’s ambition to build a high-value and self-sufficient maritime sector. In collaboration with Milaha – Qatar’s leading maritime and logistics company- this partnership brings together Fincantieri’s consolidated know-how and advanced technological capabilities in shipbuilding, digitalization, and sustainability with Milaha’s deep-rooted local expertise and operational excellence. Together, both companies are ideally positioned to contribute to the development of an integrated, competitive, and future-ready maritime ecosystem in the country. (Source: ASD Network)

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

28 May 25. Acronis, a global leader in cybersecurity and data protection, announced the appointment of Eduardo García Sancho as Iberia Country Manager. In this role, García Sancho will lead the regional team in driving business growth, strengthening partner and customer relationships, and expanding Acronis’ presence across the Iberian market. García Sancho brings over 25 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, with a strong track record in sales development, business expansion, and strategic leadership. He has held senior roles at a number of leading companies, including Veracode, Syneto, Thycotic, Kemp Technologies, HPE, SMC Networks, and GTI. Over the course of his career, he has developed deep expertise across Channel, SMB, and Enterprise segments, including IBEX35 organizations.

 

LOCATIONS

 

MARITIME

 

22 May 25. HMS Glasgow naming ceremony marks milestone for UK security and economy. The people and city of Glasgow have been honoured today (22 May) as the Royal Navy’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare warship is officially named HMS Glasgow. The naming ceremony at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.  Smashing a bottle of whisky against the hull for good luck, Her Royal Highness formally named HMS Glasgow and declared the time-honoured words:

I name this ship Glasgow. May God bless her and all who serve in her.

The Type 26 frigate is the first of eight to enter service and will provide critical protection for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. The Type 26 programme represents a £7.9 bn investment in British shipbuilding. It directly supports 2,000 jobs in Scotland, including apprenticeships, at BAE Systems’ Govan and Scotstoun shipyards in Glasgow, with a further 4,000 roles sustained across the wider UK supply chain until 2035. This long-term commitment shows how defence is an engine for growth, supporting the Government’s Plan for Change to grow the economy, particularly in Scotland. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

20 May 25. Keel Laid for Future USS Quentin Walsh. The keel for the future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on May 20, at Bath Iron Works (BIW). The keel laying represents the start of a ship’s construction. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the ship’s sponsor welds their initials into the keel plate, with the assistance of a BIW welder. The ship’s sponsor is Madison Ann Zolper, great-granddaughter of the ship’s namesake, Coast Guard Capt. Quentin R. Walsh, who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during World War II. Walsh received the Navy Cross for his leadership during the 1944 Battle of Cherbourg, where his 53-man reconnaissance unit captured 750 German soldiers and liberated 52 American prisoners of war. After World War II, he served during the Korean War and held various roles at Coast Guard headquarters. After his Coast Guard career, he worked as a teacher and parole officer in Maryland and became known for his dedication to community preservation.

“We are honored to mark the beginning of the construction for the future USS Quentin Walsh and celebrate his legacy with his family,” said Capt. Jay Young, Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). “DDG 132 will provide our Navy with critical strategic capabilities to support Fleet readiness.”

Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet. The keel laying of future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132) symbolizes the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy’s enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power. PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, and auxiliary ships, including special mission ships, sealift ships, and support ships. (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

22 May 25. Dedication and professionalism of Armed Forces rewarded with above inflation pay rise. Government recognises professionalism and dedication of the Armed Forces with 4.5% pay rise, which follows last year’s record pay deal for personnel. Military personnel are to receive an above inflation pay rise of 4.5% (3.75% for senior officers), recognising their extraordinary professionalism and the sacrifices they make to keep the British people safe.    The award forms part of the government’s efforts to fix recruitment and retention, while demonstrating how it is renewing the contract with those who serve.   The pay rise maintains the MOD’s status as a National Living Wage employer, while recognising the important work of military personnel in keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad – foundational to this government’s Plan for Change.   This pay award follows last year’s headline award of 6% (5% for senior officers) and a significant uplift for new recruits of approximately 35%, ensuring all full-time members of the Armed Forces were paid the National Living Wage for the first time. This means Armed Forces personnel have received a cumulative pay award of 10.5% (8.75% for senior officers) since July 2024. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

19 May 25. Dr Christian Turner CMG has been appointed UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York in succession to Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG, OBE.  Dr Turner will take up his appointment at the end of 2025.

 

16 May 25. Mr Peter Wilson CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China in succession to Dame Caroline Wilson DCMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Wilson will take up his appointment during August 2025.

 

21 May 25. Mr Mark Bryson-Richardson MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt in succession to Mr Gareth Bayley OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Bryson-Richardson will take up his appointment during August 2025.

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

22 May 25. Saab’s CEO Micael Johansson elected President of ASD. The Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), has today elected Saab CEO Micael Johansson as its new President and Chairman of the Board. Micael Johansson, who previously served as Vice Chairman of the ASD Board, was elected during the Association’s Board meeting and 2025 Convention in London. He was appointed for a 2-year term and will take office on 15 June, 2025. The appointment will not affect his role as President and CEO of Saab. As Europe faces unprecedented security challenges, Micael Johansson’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the continent’s security. He is committed to leading ASD in a way that promotes innovation, collaboration, sustainability and a shared vision for a secure Europe.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

19 May 25. Red River, a technology transformation company specializing in AI-driven cybersecurity and IT infrastructure solutions serving government and enterprise customers, announced today that Anthony Christie has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Christie has been a leader at Red River for four years, serving as a Board member since 2021, and more recently, as Executive Chairman and Interim CEO. He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in enterprise technology and telecommunications. Prior to joining Red River, he served as Chief Operating Officer at IT services firm Trace3. He also held key executive roles at Level 3 Communications, where he was Chief Marketing Officer, and at Global Crossing, where he served as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Executive Vice President of Strategy. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

12 May 25. SciTec, Inc., a leader in advanced scientific and engineering solutions for national security, has executed significant expansion of its physical footprint, adding new office space across all its operating locations: Boulder, CO; Dayton, OH; Huntsville, AL; El Segundo, CA; and its headquarters in Princeton, NJ. This year SciTec added a second building at its “Boulder South” location and secured a second building adjacent to its Princeton headquarters. In addition, SciTec will move to a new location in El Segundo this summer, doubling office space there. The expanded facilities allow SciTec to accommodate its growing workforce, enhance collaboration with key government and industry partners, and accelerate development in areas critical to U.S. defense and space operations.

“We are seeing unprecedented growth in the sectors we support, and expanding our physical plant is critical to delivering timely, mission-driven solutions,” said John Scavone, SciTec’s Executive Director of Business Operations. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering national security solutions and supporting the talented teams that make our work possible.”

While each location plays a unique role in access to customers and employees, they are interconnected at various security levels to optimize contract execution, leverage expertise across the company, and support employee quality of life. SciTec plans to continue hiring across all locations, with an emphasis on software engineering, physics, data science, and systems engineering. We routinely hire recent graduates from colleges and universities across the United States. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

12 May 25. Saab grows in Gothenburg and establishes new facility. As a result of the increased demand for radar and sensor systems and a high recruitment rate, Saab is expanding its operations in the Gothenburg region in Sweden with another facility in Mölnlycke, Härryda municipality. This enables Saab to continue to grow and increase its delivery capacity in the region. Saab in Gothenburg develops and produces airborne and ground-based radar- and sensor systems such as the GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft and the Giraffe radar family. Saab has already expanded its production capacity for radar and sensors by establishing new facilities at a number of sites, including in Halmstad in Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom. In order to meet the high demand for our world-leading capabilities, we are expanding our operations in the Gothenburg region with additional office space and production capacity. Gothenburg has a strong cluster of microwave competence as well as universities and other industry. We look forward to continuing to grow and create jobs in the region,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, Head of Saab’s business area Surveillance. Saab will keep its existing Gothenburg site in Kallebäck and will add another multifunctional facility with capacity for around 500 work stations in Mölnlycke. Saab currently has around 3,200 employees in Gothenburg.

 

MARITIME

 

09 May 25. Indian Navy receives first anti-submarine vessel from GRSE. The Arnala-class ASW SWC will replace the existing Abhay-class corvettes currently in service. The Indian Navy has received ‘Arnala’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu. The vessel has been designed and built indigenously by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) under a collaborative public-private initiative with L&T Shipyard. The delivery marks a key development in the Indian Navy’s efforts toward self-reliance in defence production. Over 80% of the ship’s components are sourced domestically. The Indian Ministry of Defence signed contracts with GRSE and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in April 2019 to construct eight ASW SWC ships each. They are part of Make in India initiative. The GRSE constructed vessels are designated as Arnala-class and ones built by CSL are designated as Mahe-class vessels. The ASW SWC are set to replace the existing Abhay-class corvettes currently in service. The Abhay-class corvettes entered service with the Indian Navy in 1989. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

14 May 25. Capita-led consortium welcomes more than 170 colleagues to fulfil Royal Navy Marine engineering training. Capita plc (‘Capita’) has gone live with its expanded training contract with the Royal Navy to deliver marine engineering training, which was announced in February this year. The Capita-led consortium – including Raytheon UK, Elbit Systems UK, Fujitsu, the University of Lincoln and several smaller British suppliers – will welcome more than 170 additional personnel to fulfil training services for Marine Engineering at HMS Sultan, home of the Royal Navy’s Marine Engineering Training Group and the Royal Naval Air Engineering and Survival School. The new colleagues joined the Capita and Raytheon businesses on 1 May. Under the contract expansion, the Capita-led consortium will deliver training delivery and support services designed to enhance the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities and ensure the highest standards of training for its personnel. Services to be fulfilled by Capita and its partners include training design and media, quality assurance and equipment management.

Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE, MP for Gosport, said: “HMS Sultan plays a vital role in the heart of Gosport, supporting the Royal Navy’s training capability, and I’m delighted to see this significant expansion of marine engineering training being delivered here. I welcome the 170 new jobs in Gosport through the Capita-led consortium which strengthens not only our local economy but also the Navy’s operational readiness. I’m particularly pleased having led the successful campaign to keep HMS Sultan’s marine engineering training in Gosport and I look forward to seeing this partnership continue to enhance the world-class training that HMS Sultan is renowned for”.Capita will leverage its extensive experience in training delivery to integrate the new services into its wider Royal Navy partnership, share best practices, and explore opportunities to extend training transformation programmes into Marine Engineering.

Since 2021, Capita has led the consortium of world-class defence and technology companies to transform shore-based training for Royal Navy personnel across fourteen sites as part of a 12-year, £1.3bn contract.

David Hook, managing director for Capita Defence and National Preparedness, said: “I am hugely proud to welcome a significant number of new colleagues as part of our expanded partnership with the Royal Navy as we bring the Maritime Engineering Training Group into our delivery contract. This marks the 10th service transition managed under the Royal Navy Selborne training contract, originally awarded to Capita in 2021.  The work we fulfil for the Royal Navy – in delivering over 80% of shore-based training and a modern and interactive teaching environment for personnel – is an example of Capita’s national preparedness capabilities.”

Gillian Dowds, head of Training Transformation at Raytheon UK, said: “World-class training is at the heart of our partnership with the Royal Navy as part of a consortium of leading defence and technology businesses. We look forward to continuing to equip Marine Engineering personnel with the critical training and support services they need to fulfil their roles”.

Commodore Jo Deakin, Deputy Director, People Training, said: “As a former Commanding Officer, HMS SULTAN will always be very special to me. The inclusion of Marine Engineering Training within this expanded contract represents an exciting opportunity to work with our consortium partners to modernise training throughout the Royal Navy. I look forward to working with the new personnel”.

 

08 May 25. US Army names newly combined futures and training command. Then-Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy and then-Army Futures Command Chief Gen. John Murray tour the Robotics Center of Excellence at the University of Texas on Oct. 2, 2020. (UT Austin) The U.S. Army will consolidate its Futures Command with its Training and Doctrine Command under a new command called the Army’s Transformation and Training Command, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George said during a House Appropriations defense subcommittee posture hearing Wednesday. The naming comes a week after the service announced sweeping changes to its command structure and formations, with the intention to transform the force while scrapping programs that don’t meet current threats or its vision of overmatching those threats in the future. The new command’s headquarters will be in Austin, Texas, George said, which is where Army Futures Command is headquartered now. AFC, a four-star command, was established during President Donald Trump’s first administration under then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, whom Trump has sought to disgrace since returning to office, including by having Milley’s joint chiefs chairman portrait removed from the Pentagon hallway where it originally hung. Milley proposed the four-star command he dubbed Army Futures Command as a new way forward, breaking free of the bureaucracy and silos that had hampered the Army’s previous major modernization efforts. Working with other top service officials, Milley shifted bns of dollars into modernization programs, including the top priority — long-range precision fires — and based the new command in Austin, an area known for its innovative, technology-focused workforce. AFC was formed to help wrangle a neglected requirements development process. Prior to its formation, the requirements development process lived within TRADOC, where it competed for attention alongside training, recruitment and professional military education. The more focused organization was built to enable the Army to move faster. The consolidation of the two commands, in a way, nests the requirements development process back together with TRADOC. But this time, “TRADOC is going to merge into AFC,” George said during a press briefing last week.

“That way we have one headquarters that can oversee the design, build, doctrine and training. We know we have to advance in how we’re going to train individual soldiers right now on the tactical change, how we’re doing things.”

While AFC was intended to solve a broken requirements process and help provide a more rapid and efficient bridge over the valley of death between development and actual procurement, it evolved over the last four years from a command with control over investment decisions and a focus on near-term programs to an advisory body focused more on emerging technology and what the force would look like several decades down the road. Even so, AFC’s contributions include seeing some successful programs in development through to fielding from missile defense capabilities to new aircraft and long-range precision fires. And its leaders helped to develop a more flexible requirements process, choosing to forego lengthy and rigid requirements documents with simple one-page statements outlining a specific capability need the service wants industry to help fill. Yet Army leadership now views that the two commands should come together again, arguing that separately, there is too much bureaucracy.

“The advantage is we’re going to put majors, sergeant first class, you know, different NCOs and officers back into our formation, which is what we need to do and green up some other areas,” George said of the consolidation last week.

Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll noted during Wednesday’s posture hearing that there are 35,000 people in its acquisitions. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

15 May 25. Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM is to be appointed as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty.

 

14 May 25. Mr Qudsi Rasheed OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to The State of Kuwait in succession to Ms Belinda Lewis who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Rasheed will take up his appointment during September 2025.

 

09 May 25. Mrs Sarah Hulton OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Palau in succession to Ms Laure Beaufils.  Mrs Hulton will take up her appointment during September 2025.

 

13 May 25. Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Poland in succession to Ms Anna Clunes CMG OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dame Melinda will take up her appointment during August 2025.

 

13 May 25. Mr Kanbar Hossein-Bor has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji, non-resident British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kiribati and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in succession to Dr Brian Jones who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Hossein-Bor will take up his appointment during July 2025.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

13 May 25. The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Troy Meink as the next Air Force secretary in a 74-25 vote, with multiple Democrats breaking ranks to vote for President Donald Trump’s nominee. Meink, who previously served as deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, will now take charge of the Air Force and Space Force. He has a deep background in acquisition and technology development specializing in space and also served as NRO’s director of signals intelligence systems acquisition. (Source: Defense News)

 

08 May 25. The Trump administration has tapped Stephen Winchell to head the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DefenseScoop has learned. DARPA, one of the Pentagon’s premier R&D organizations, aims to create “technological surprise” and game-changing capabilities for the U.S. national security community. It has been credited with aiding major technological breakthroughs, including precision weapons, stealth technology, the internet and GPS, among others. The agency has six technical offices overseeing biological technologies, defense sciences, information innovation, microsystems technology, strategic technology and tactical technology. Winchell is coming to DARPA from the Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office, where he served as the AI and autonomy portfolio leader. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense Scoop)

 

07 May 25. New Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director named by NASA. Dave Gallagher will become the director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California on Sunday, June 1. (Source: Satnews)

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

09 May 25. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and BAE Systems have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen their industrial collaboration in support of the defence needs of Norway, the United Kingdom, and allied nations. The agreement was formalised onboard HMS St Albans in Oslo on Friday, 9 May. The move is seen as a strategic step towards bolstering maritime capabilities for both the Norwegian and UK armed forces. Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, described the agreement as an opportunity to build on the longstanding partnership between the two companies.

“This agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between KONGSBERG and BAE Systems and between our two nations’ industries. It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and UK militaries,” Lie said.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the historical ties between the two companies.

“We have worked together with KONGSBERG for more than 80 years, which reflects the strong relationship between the UK and Norway, built over decades of cooperation as close allies and friends. This agreement brings together a number of areas in which our companies are already collaborating and further enhances our ability to deliver advanced defence capabilities for current and future Norwegian and UK armed forces,” he stated.

The agreement is expected to cover long-term cooperation on existing and future joint programmes across various military domains. Key areas identified include the Vanguard vessel system, strategic partnerships for through-life support of the new Norwegian frigates, strike missiles, maritime surveillance, and targeting systems, as well as ship system deliveries for both nations’ frigate fleets. (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)

 

PERSONNEL

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

12 May 25. BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) today announced that Robb A. LeMasters has stepped down from his position as executive vice president and chief financial officer. The company has named Mike T. Fitzgerald, current chief accounting officer, as the interim chief financial officer. Mr. Fitzgerald joined BWXT in 2022 as vice president, finance and chief accounting officer, responsible for overseeing and reporting on the company’s day-to-day financial operations. He previously led MorganFranklin, LLC’s aerospace and defense practice as managing director and was an audit senior manager at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. In 2024, his financial leadership at BWXT was recognized with a rising star award from the Northern Virginia Technology Council. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

14 May 25. Cyberlux Corporation (OTC: CYBL), a leading provider of advanced defense technologies and unmanned systems, today announced the appointment of Brigadier General Steven M. Anderson (Ret.) to its Defense Board of Advisors. General Anderson will play a key role in guiding the company’s Global Integrated Services (GIS) strategy, helping shape Cyberlux’s global logistics, sustainment, and infrastructure support capabilities. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

09 May 25. Fairbanks Morse Defense, a leading OEM and aftermarket provider to a large installed base of mission-critical marine technologies, today announced the appointment of Steve Pykett as Chief Executive Officer. Steve brings more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry. Most recently, he served as President of Investment Castings at Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC), where he drove significant growth across a global operation spanning more than 30 international sites and over 7,000 employees. Prior to PCC, Steve served in senior leadership and engineering roles at L3Harris Technologies, GKN Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

IN MEMORIAM

 

09 May 25. Simon Mann, who has died aged 72, was an Old Etonian, former SAS officer and soldier of fortune who made millions from providing mercenaries to protect diamond mines and oil refineries in Africa; in 2004, however, he bit off more than he could chew when he became involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the government of Equatorial Guinea. The plot went disastrously wrong when Mann and 67 fellow mercenaries – mostly old sweats from Apartheid-era South Africa’s bush wars – were arrested by Zimbabwean security forces at Harare airport, where they had touched down in order to take on a consignment of arms. Mann claimed that they were on their way to protect diamond interests in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. But they were accused of setting out to overthrow Equatorial Guinea’s tyrannical president Teodoro Obiang Nguema. (Source: Daily Telegraph)

BATTLESPACE Comment: The Editor knew Simon Mann well, he was his Segeant Major in the Eton College CCF.

 

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

06 May 25. Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI), a pioneering leader in advanced defense and space solutions, proudly announces the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters located at 4501 N. Fairfax Drive in Arlington, Virginia. The event marks a significant milestone in Safran DSI’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the United States and unlocks a new chapter in bringing world-class technological innovations to the forefront of American defense and space sectors. The Arlington headquarters will serve as a hub for Safran DSI’s expanding portfolio of high-tech capabilities, including electro-optical and infrared systems, resilient navigation, geospatial artificial intelligence, power and propulsion, and space technologies.

 

MARITIME

 

08 May 25.  Construction begins on Polish Navy’s second Miecznik frigate. Being developed by PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium, the Miecznik-class frigates can achieve a maximum speed of 28 knots.  The Polish Ministry of National Defence has revealed the beginning of construction on the Navy’s second Miecznik-class frigate, ORP Storm, at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ SW) in Gdynia.   The start of the construction process was marked by the traditional sheet metal burning. The first frigate, ORP Wicher, is already under construction at PGZ SW. Being developed by the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium, the Miecznik-class frigates will enhance the operational capacity of the Polish Navy. The warships’ missions include maritime surveillance, naval base protection, surface and subsurface combat, coastal zone defence and maritime air defence. Polish Ministry of National Defence head Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated: “The Prime Minister, a few months ago – in Stockholm, later in Helsinki – presented the plan of the Baltic Guard, the Baltic Warta, the Baltic Sentry – Nato operation, which aims to strengthen the potential of the countries located on the Baltic Sea, but also our allies, for example from Belgium and France, who dedicate their units to operate on the Baltic Sea in order to deter [aggression]. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

08 May 25. Ms Kara Owen CMG CVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland in succession to Mr Paul Johnston.  Ms Owen will take up her appointment during September 2025.

 

06 May 25. Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell, Ben Key’s deputy, has taken full command of Royal Navy operations until a permanent successor is announced. (Source: FT.com)

 

06 May 25. Mr David Cairns has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic in succession to Mrs Kirsty Hayes who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Cairns will take up his appointment during September 2025.

 

05 May 25. Boris Pistorius, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, is to remain Germany’s defence minister in Friedrich Merz’s new coalition. (Source: FT.com)

 

0 May 25. The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Dame Janet Beer, Emma Loxton and Sheena Wagstaff as Trustees of the Imperial War Museum for a four year term from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2029.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

05 May 25. Force reduction announcement. The Department of Defense is committed to ensuring the lethality of U.S. Military Forces to deter threats and, when necessary, achieve decisive victory. To accomplish this mission, we must cultivate exceptional senior leaders who drive innovation and operational excellence, unencumbered by unnecessary bureaucratic layers that hinder their growth and effectiveness. A critical step in this process is removing redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership by reducing excess general and flag officer positions. Therefore, I direct the following actions: • A minimum 20% reduction of 4-star positions across the Active Component; • A minimum 20% reduction of general officers in the National Guard; and • An additional minimum 10% reduction in general and flag officers with the realignment of the Unified Command Plan. Through these measures, we will uphold our position as the most lethal fighting force in the world, achieving peace through strength and ensuring greater efficiency, innovation, and preparedness for any challenge that lies ahead.

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

02 May 25. Singaporean Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has announced his upcoming retirement from politics. The five-term MP and Singaporean military strategy adviser will reportedly retire and not contest the next general election after more than two decades in cabinet. Dr Ng’s political career included serving as MP for Singapore’s Toa Payoh Central ward and other political appointments as Minister of State for Education and Manpower, Minister for Manpower, Second Minister for Defence. Crucially, he served as Minister for Defence from 2011 to 2024, Deputy Leader of the House from 2007 to 2011 and Leader of the House from 2011 to 2015. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

08 May 25. Terma and Lockheed Martin have further strengthened their long-standing relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony held at Terma’s office in Søborg. The MoU, signed by Terma CEO Henriette Hallberg Thygesen and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control President Tim Cahill, marks a strategic step towards expanding collaboration across both companies’ portfolios.  Building on a history of successful cooperation across various defense and aerospace programs, Terma and Lockheed Martin have now formalized their commitment to exploring new areas of partnership. The signing of the MoU reflects a shared ambition to deliver advanced, integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of allied forces worldwide. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is recognized globally for its leadership in precision strike weaponry, integrated air and missile defense systems, air dominance and strike weapons, and next-generation sensor technologies. Terma, with its proven track record in defense electronics, aerospace structures, and mission system solutions, brings complementary capabilities and a strong customer-centric approach to the collaboration. Through this agreement, Terma and Lockheed Martin aim to leverage their respective strengths to address critical defense and security challenges. The partnership also aligns with Terma’s strategic objective of building robust international collaborations to deliver superior, cross-domain operational capabilities.

Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Terma, stated: “We are proud to take another important step with Lockheed Martin, a valued and trusted partner for many years. This agreement underscores our shared commitment to innovation and delivering best-in-class solutions to our customers around the world.”

Tim Cahill, President of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control stated: “By collaborating with leading innovative companies like Terma, we’re able to leverage our collective expertise and capabilities to deliver advanced, integrated solutions that contribute to a stronger, more secure Europe and NATO alliance. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient defence ecosystem, which not only benefits both sides of the Atlantic, but also supports the United States industrial base to the mutual benefit of all parties involved.”

 

06 May 25. At the DEFEA 2025, HENSOLDT, a leading provider of sensor solutions for defence and security applications, and AEROSERVICES S.A., a premier Greek Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO) and NATO contractor, have signed a agreement to expand their cooperation in the Greek defence and security sector. The agreement builds on the two companies’ existing collaboration for the integration of HENSOLDT’s Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS) into Greek military helicopters, including the UH-60 Blackhawk fleet under procurement for the Hellenic Army. The newly signed agreement reflects a mutual intent to explore further joint opportunities across a range of defence programs of strategic interest.

“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to the Greek defence market,” says Christina Canitz, Head of the Optronics Division at HENSOLDT. “We are proud to partner with AEROSERVICES, whose technical excellence and deep understanding of local requirements will enable us to deliver enhanced value to our Greek customers. Our goal is to support the Hellenic Ministry of Defence’s vision for increased local industry participation in defence procurements.”

Through this collaboration, HENSOLDT and AEROSERVICES aim to combine their complementary capabilities to provide advanced, integrated solutions to Greek Armed Forces and governmental security organizations. The cooperation is expected to cover future upgrades, maintenance programs, and potential new technology areas in airborne, land, and naval platforms. Both companies expressed their shared commitment to contributing to the Greek economy by creating local added value, enhancing skill development, and strengthening Greece’s sovereign defence capabilities.

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

07 May 25. Atheras Analytics SAS has appointed David Gibbons as CEO. As the company transitions from its start-up phase and moves into commercial delivery of its unique and highly innovative AI-based SaaS-delivered software tools, David will take charge of the go-to-market strategy and spearhead the commercial strategy of the business. A veteran of the satellite and defence business, David was Global Space Sales Director at TERMA Group (formal Atos/Siemens) where he focused on forging new markets and business opportunities and was also Head of ESA Space Solutions Centre, Ireland and held senior positions at Magellan and Moog.

 

08 May 25. Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, announces that Claire Burgess will be appointed as a Director, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Company Secretary of the Group and that Paul Farquhar is retiring and will therefore resign as a Director, CFO and Company Secretary of the Group, both with effect from 1 June 2025. Ms. Burgess will join Kromek on 12 May 2025 to allow for a period of handover ahead of her assuming her new role.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

07 May 25. Academy Securities, the nation’s first Post-9/11 veteran owned and operated investment bank, today announced the addition of Lieutenant General Lewis Craparotta to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Lieutenant General Lewis Craparotta retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2021 after 38 years of service. His final assignment was as Commanding General of Marine Corps Training and Education Command, where he oversaw the development and execution of training and education programs. He previously served as Commanding General of US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and I Marine Expeditionary Force. Additional assignments included Director of Operations at US Northern Command and senior roles on the Joint Staff and at US Special Operations Command Europe. Commissioned in 1983, General Craparotta began his career as an infantry officer with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

06 May 25. C2 Technologies, Inc., a leader in AI-powered training, MODSIM, immersive learning, and digital transformation for defense, proudly announces the appointment of the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, 78th Secretary of the Navy, to its Advisory Board. At a time when global threats evolve faster than ever, the next frontier of military readiness demands innovation at the speed of relevance. Few understand the urgent need for transformation better than Mr. Del Toro. Over four decades — from the bridge of a Navy warship to the highest offices of defense leadership — he has navigated the tides of change, driving modernization and resilience across America’s armed forces. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

05 May 25. IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), the leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, today named Jordan Shapiro as President and General Manager, Quantum Networking, effective immediately. Shapiro previously served as Vice President Financial Planning & Analysis, Corporate Development and Investor Relations. In his new role, Shapiro will oversee the company’s quantum networking business, guiding IonQ’s technical roadmap to build critical infrastructure for the quantum internet. His leadership will focus on integrating recent strategic acquisitions and advancing IonQ’s position in quantum-secure communications. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

06 May 25. Radia, developer of the largest high-volume, heavy-lift cargo aircraft, the WindRunner™, is proud to announce that General Mike Minihan, USAF (Ret), has joined the company as a strategic advisor. In this role, General Minihan will support Radia as it introduces its transformational WindRunner aircraft into the U.S. and international defense markets. A four-star general with over three decades of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, General Minihan most recently served as Commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), where he led over 107,000 Total Force aviators and was responsible for global airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and the global air mobility support system. Under his leadership, AMC advanced its rapid global mobility capabilities, increased operational readiness, and implemented innovative solutions to maintain U.S. air superiority in contested environments. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

06 May 25. TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) (“TransDigm” or the “Company”) announced today that Kevin Stein will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of TransDigm, following his more than ten years of service in senior leadership positions at the Company, effective as of September 30, 2025. Mike Lisman, the current Co-Chief Operating Officer of TransDigm, will succeed Mr. Stein as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Stein will continue to serve as an advisor to the Company through March 31, 2026 to help facilitate the leadership transition. Additionally, he will continue to serve as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

01 May 25. Velo3D, Inc. (OTCQX: VLDX), a leading metal additive manufacturing technology company for mission-critical parts, today announced Brice Cooper has joined the company as Vice President of Defense and Government Relations. A retired Green Beret with over 25 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, Brice has built a career leading high-performing teams in the defense and military sectors. His expertise spans special operations, defense acquisition, and product management, making him an ideal fit to lead Velo3D’s Defense Sector business. In this role, Brice will be responsible for expanding the company’s footprint within the defense and aerospace industries, focusing on strengthening customer relationships and driving new market opportunities. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

01 May 25. Xenith Solutions, a leading provider of innovative IT, data, and mission support services for the federal government, proudly announces the hiring of Mario Contreras as Account Executive for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This pivotal hire underscores Xenith’s growing commitment to supporting the unique missions of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Mario Contreras’ distinguished career spanning over three decades allows him to bring unparalleled experience in intelligence, data strategy, and defense operations to the Xenith team. His extensive background includes service as a retired Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) in the U.S. Army, over nine years at the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and significant leadership roles within USSOCOM’s Chief Data Office. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

05 May 25. XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) (“XTI”), a pioneer in xVTOL and powered-lift aircraft solutions, today announced the appointment of Hanna Tomory, a senior executive at Palantir Technologies, to its Corporate Advisory Board. Mrs. Tomory is an accomplished engineer and executive, currently leading Palantir Technologies’ commercial business in Canada and spearheading strategic initiatives across the U.S. and globally. Palantir is widely regarded as one of the world’s most elite software companies, known for deploying cutting-edge AI and ontology-driven data platforms in high-stakes environments. Mrs. Tomory’s experience spans large-scale projects in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, telecommunications, and finance as well as other commercial industries and various government sectors across North America, Latin America, and Europe. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

CAPUA VACANCIES

 

Associate Director (Singapore) – https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4214493696

Associate Director Africa (London) – https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4214477640

 

LOCATIONS

 

AIR

 

30 Apr 25. Safety fears keep most of India’s go-to military helicopters grounded. Following a fatal crash in January, India’s entire fleet of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters – ALH for short – remains grounded, but the military has allowed some to fly after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 23. The Indian Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard rely heavily on 330-plus of the rotorcraft workhorses in their fleets. No end to their prolonged suspension is in view while an accident investigation unfolds. It was therefore notable that some Dhruvs were recently seen flying, suggesting temporary clearance was granted for counterterrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. To date, the ALH fleet manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has flown 450,000 hours, but the platform has suffered 28 crashes in the past 25 years. According to HAL, preliminary investigations blamed the latest crash on a swashplate fracture – a transmission part that translates pilot inputs into rotor blade motion. D.K Sunil, HAL’s chairman and managing director, claimed in February that the ALH design had no fault. “However, we’re working with the Indian Coast Guard to examine their maintenance practices and determine whether any changes are required.” A final Defect Investigation Committee report is due in May, at which point “we’ll further take a call on the clearance,” Sunil said. Depending on any rectification work required, the ALH fleet may end up being grounded at least six months. The measure has already strained the military’s fleet and forced the leasing of civilian helicopters as gap fillers. The grounding has also prompted criticism toward the manufacturer.

Earlier this year, air force head Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh bluntly said: “At the moment, I’m just not confident in HAL.” He urged the company to “alleviate those worries.”

HAL lashed out in an April 10 press release, calling out “speculative stories with malicious intentions” about safety issues. The company’s order book backlog has grown to seven years, and it has other helicopter projects on the go. These include the Light Utility Helicopter, which achieved its maiden flight in September 2016. However, serial production is yet to proceed. In the next decade will come more than 300 13-ton-class Indian Multi-Role Helicopters, too. HAL logged its latest helicopter orders on March 28, with two deals for Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) – 90 for the army and 66 for the air force. The two contracts are reportedly worth an equivalent of over $7bn.

India’s Ministry of Defence said the first LCHs would be delivered three years after contract signature, with production continuing five years thereafter. Furthermore, it is “planned to achieve an overall indigenous content of over 65% during the execution of this procurement,” the government said. HAL previously delivered 15 limited-series production LCHs to India’s military, the first of these handed over in 2021. HAL has declared a goal of aircraft exports accounting for 25% of the company’s revenue. However, overseas sales currently account for a mere 1%. (Source: Defense News)

BATTLESPACE Comment: Janes reported on May 5th that India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has “cleared” Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) in service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) for flight operations. In a statement on 1 May, HAL said, “Dhruv army and air force versions are cleared for operations based on the Defect Investigation (DI) Committee recommendations.” The announcement clears 213 Dhruv helicopters in the army and air force for flight operations. Janes assesses that these include the Mk I/II/IV variants. However, the 38 Dhruv helicopters (primarily the Mk III variant) of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard remain grounded. “The Indian Navy and Coast Guard helicopters are still grounded because they require additional investigation,” an HAL source told Janes on 5 May.

 

28 Apr 25. Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA] celebrate the upcoming completion of the CV-22 Program of Record (POR) for the U.S. Air Force. Bell and Boeing commemorated the V-22 Osprey production milestone during a ceremony at the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center on April 18.

“Completing the CV-22 production aircraft for the U.S. Air Force is an immense honor and testament to the amazing men and women who have worked to design, engineer, and build these incredible aircraft,” said Eldon Metzger, Bell V-22 program director. “As we reach this milestone of CV-22 production we embark on the next chapter of our journey as we transition from full-rate production to fleet wide sustainment.”

The V-22 is the first tiltrotor aircraft introduced into military service and has successfully provided speed, range, and terrain agnostic capabilities unlike any other aircraft. The U.S. Air Force is the first of the U.S. military branches who operate the V-22 Osprey with improved nacelles to complete their program of record for new build aircraft.

“The CV-22 Osprey represents the dedication and determination of all those who had a hand in creating a unique aircraft and capability for the U.S. Air Force,” said Kathleen (KJ) Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift for Boeing Defense, Space & Security.  “We are proud of all the work that has gone into the program over the years and look forward to maintaining the CV-22 for decades to come in support of its mission critical operations.”

The Air Force variant of the Osprey is designed specifically for special operations missions leveraging the speed and range advantages too long and complex for other aircraft. Some high-profile CV-22 Osprey missions include:

• The longest distance nighttime hostage rescue of American citizens in the Department of Defense history.
• The evacuation of 194 people from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
• Landing on a naval vessel traveling at full speed more than 250 nautical miles from land to rescue an American during a medical emergency.

The final CV-22 aircraft will complete production in the coming months before delivery to the U.S. Air Force. With the completion of the CV-22 Program of Record, Team Osprey, the group of industry partners supporting the V-22, is now focused on fleet wide sustainment and upgrades for the U.S. Air Force Osprey variant. Bell and Boeing continue to build new MV-22 and CMV-22 variants for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Navy.

 

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

 

01 May 25. National security adviser Mike Waltz is expected to depart from the Trump administration in the coming days, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN, after losing the president’s confidence over the course of his first 100 days in office. Waltz’s job has been in limbo after it was made clear to him earlier this week that his time leading the National Security Council had come to an end, according to a source familiar with the matter. Alex Wong, the deputy national security adviser, will also exit the White House, according to another person familiar. Special envoy Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and friend of President Donald Trump, is under consideration to replace Waltz as national security adviser, that person said. (Source: CNN)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

01 May 25. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recommended the president nominate Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the Joint Staff’s director for operations, to lead U.S. forces in Europe, according to a senior U.S. defense official, U.S. official and two congressional aides. The nomination to head European Command, which is not yet final, comes at a moment of uncertainty for America’s military commitment to Europe, potentially including cuts to U.S. forces on the continent and a lesser role in the NATO alliance. The White House still needs to review the nomination and pass it to the Senate before it becomes official, the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing process. (Source: Defense News)

 

28 Apr 25. The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA), announced today, will be a new unit in the Brigade of Gurkhas and will operate within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The regiment will strengthen the UK’s military capabilities by taking on 400 Gurkha personnel, yet another example of Government action to deliver national security for Britain as part of our Plan for Change. A new Gurkha cap badge has also been created – the first in 14 years – to represent the new unit and the expanded breadth of specialisms that the Brigade of Gurkhas deliver, continuing their proud tradition of military service to the UK.

• Over the next four years, 400 Gurkha personnel will join the unit known as The King’s Gurkha Artillery, bolstering UK security through the Plan for Change
• New unit will offer career and development opportunities for Gurkha soldiers in recognition of their service to the UK
• A new Gurkha unit is being created to bolster the Army – with the famous Nepalese soldiers taking up artillery roles for the first time.

A new Gurkha cap badge has also been created – the first in 14 years – to represent the new unit and the expanded breadth of specialisms that the Brigade of Gurkhas deliver, continuing their proud tradition of military service to the UK.  The KGA will become an integral part of the UK Armed Forces’ artillery capabilities. As part of the new offer for Gurkha soldiers, and in recognition of the demands of modern warfare, personnel who join the KGA will be trained on advanced equipment, including the Archer and Light Gun artillery systems. In the future they will also train on the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system.  Today’s announcement follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.

Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns said: “The Brigade of Gurkhas has rightly earned a reputation as being amongst the finest soldiers in the world, and the formation of The King’s Gurkha Artillery recognises the outstanding contribution that they have made, through their years of dedicated service.  Our government is already delivering for defence through our Plan for Change, and this latest development will support retention efforts amongst Gurkhas while protecting and defending UK interests at home and abroad. The first recruits will finish initial training in November 2025 before going to Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire, the home of the Royal Artillery for trade training.   Currently, around 4,000 Gurkhas serve across many trades in the British Army. All Gurkhas are recruited from Nepal, with thousands of candidates competing annually for a limited number of places.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

BATTLESPACE Comment: The fact that the Light Gun role is inclsuded in the duties of this new Gurkha Regiment suggests a wider role for the ubiquitous Light Gun, may of which have been supplied to Ukraine, and the opening of  a n new production line which would suit such companies as BAE Systems, Leonardo and Hall & Watts.

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

28 Apr 25. Mrs Victoria Busby OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta in succession to Ms Katherine Ward LVO OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Busby will take up her appointment during September 2025.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

25 Apr 25.  Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor

Justin Fulcher, Senior Advisor

Patrick Weaver, Senior Advisor

Ricky Buria, Senior Advisor

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

30 Apr 25. Lockheed Martin, the global security and aerospace company, and Rheinmetall, a leading international system house in the defence industry, have agreed to expand their existing cooperation. An extension of an already existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from June 2024 has been signed between both partners.  Building on their existing partnership, the companies intend to extend the scope of collaboration in order to serve as a European center of excellence for the manufacturing and distribution of various rockets and missiles to enhance the security and self-reliance of Europe. The centre of excellence, based in Germany, will be led by Rheinmetall and will primarily operate in Germany and other European countries.  The companies have begun working together to identify the best method to establish the centre of excellence, and plans of the resulting review will be subject to approval by the U.S. and German governments. With this project, two leading defence suppliers are joining forces to work together in the growing military market for the benefit of their customers: Rheinmetall with its market access in many countries as a leading system house in Europe, and Lockheed Martin as an internationally leading manufacturer defence technology and mission systems.

Ray Piselli, vice president, International at Lockheed Martin: “This partnership reflects our steadfast commitment to advancing transatlantic security and delivering proven, cutting-edge capabilities to European allies. This is a step toward helping our European customers meet their NATO commitments and by combining Rheinmetall’s deep regional expertise with Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile technologies, we’re creating a powerful foundation to meet evolving security needs. This relationship will strengthen both defense industries and create jobs in the US and Europe.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “Two strong partners have found each other. We are delighted to be taking the next step in our proven cooperation with our friends in the USA. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall complement each other perfectly with their specific capabilities and technological expertise. We want to play a significant role in the growing European market with rockets and missiles, where we see a considerable demand. Rheinmetall will not only be involved in sales but will also contribute significantly to the production.”

Dennis Goege, vice president and chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin: “Europe is central to our international partnerships, and this initiative marks an important next step. By deepening trusted ties with industry in Germany and across the region, we are supporting Europe’s defence industrial base and enhancing security through shared innovation and technology.”

Lockheed Martin has been a partner to the German industry for over 50 years and is continuing to expand these partnerships through cooperation with companies such as Rheinmetall, that have highly developed technological capabilities. For example, as part of the international F-35 supply chain, Rheinmetall will begin producing the first of approximately 400 F-35 fuselage centre sections in July.  Back in 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joined forces to develop the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system, designed to meet the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery. It was unveiled to the public for the first time in Paris in the summer of 2024 at the Eurosatory trade fair.  Lockheed Martin remains committed to strengthening the U.S. and European defence industries through strategic collaborations that harness the best of allied technology progress and create jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, training, research and development.  Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ammunition, land systems and defence electronics. The construction of the F-35 centre fuselage factory in Weeze also marks the corporation’s entry into the high-tech military aerospace industry.

 

PERSONNEL

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

28 Apr 25. J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”), a leading alternative asset manager focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, government, maritime, environmental and infrastructure sectors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stanley Deal to its Operating Executive Board (“OEB”).  JFLCO’s OEB is a group of senior executives and general and flag officers with deep expertise in the firm’s target markets.  Through deep industry relationships and unique expertise, OEB members contribute to sector-specific investment origination, due diligence, strategy development and portfolio company oversight and support.

 

28 Apr 25. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) (“Teledyne”) announced today that Teledyne’s Board of Directors named George C. Bobb III as Teledyne’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Simultaneously, Edwin Roks has retired as Teledyne’s Chief Executive Officer, but will continue as a special advisor to Robert Mehrabian, Executive Chairman, through August 31, 2025. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

VACANCIES

 

25 Apr 25. Capua and BATTLESPACE form an agreement on specialist defence, cyber and technology recruitment. “Capua is the UK’s leading recruitment consultancy for candidates with 0 to 6 years of professional experience. We work with an industry-leading network of over 200,000 young professionals to match them with top employers in the UK and overseas. We partner with a range of high-growth companies to source and interview top quality candidates for critical technical and commercial roles. We’re sector-agnostic, working primarily across sectors including Defence Tech & Aerospace, Engineering, and various Professional Services to deliver cost-effective and timely hires for our clients.” said Ollie Gordon Brown of Capua.

Julian Nettlefold of BATTLESPACE said, ”We are delighted to sign this agreement with Capua which will give our international audience of government and industry readers an excellent opportunity to source new jobs at a time when the growth in arms production around the world is predicted to soar at a time of a predicted shortage of candidates with the required credentials to meet the job requirements. BATTLESPACE will be advertising new job opportunities on our weekly Management on the Move segment.”

 

LOCATIONS

 

MARITIME

 

19 Apr 25. Taiwan Accelerates Tuo Chiang-class guided missile corvettes Production Amid Rising Chinese Naval Threats. On April 18, 2025, an image circulating on Telegram social media revealed that Taiwan has accelerated the construction of its second batch of Tuo Chiang-class guided missile corvettes. Photographs taken at Lung Teh Shipbuilding’s Su’ao shipyard in Yilan County show two of the five new vessels under construction, signaling a significant advancement in Taiwan’s indigenous naval capabilities. The Tuo Chiang-class corvettes are central to Taiwan’s asymmetric defense strategy, designed to counterbalance the growing maritime capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). These fast, stealthy, and heavily armed vessels are optimized for operations in the confined waters around Taiwan, providing a formidable deterrent against larger adversaries. This latest move comes amid a noticeable intensification of Chinese naval activity in the region. Over the past several months, the PLAN has significantly ramped up its presence around Taiwan, frequently conducting large-scale military drills, joint patrols, and simulated blockade exercises near the island. These maneuvers, involving aircraft carriers, destroyers, and amphibious assault ships, are viewed by Taipei as deliberate displays of force aimed at pressuring Taiwan and challenging its sovereignty. In response, the Taiwanese military has prioritized bolstering its maritime defenses, with the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes forming a critical component of its countermeasure strategy. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the second batch of five corvettes is expected to be completed and launched by 2026. This follows the successful delivery of the first batch of six corvettes, which entered service earlier this year. Once the second batch is commissioned, the Republic of China Navy (ROCN) will operate a total of 12 Tuo Chiang-class vessels. These will be complemented by 12 Anping-class patrol frigates, which are based on the same hull design and currently serve with Taiwan’s Coast Guard, enhancing the nation’s layered maritime defense posture. Developed and built domestically by Lung Teh Shipbuilding in collaboration with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the Tuo Chiang-class represents a significant achievement in Taiwan’s indigenous defense manufacturing. The design features a wave-piercing catamaran hull, which provides high stability and reduced radar cross-section, essential for stealth operations in littoral environments. The vessels are powered by waterjet propulsion systems, enabling top speeds of up to 40 knots and high maneuverability. In terms of armament, the Tuo Chiang-class corvettes are equipped with a mix of domestically developed weaponry. One of the most potent systems onboard is the Hsiung Feng III (HF-3 or Xiongfeng-3) supersonic anti-ship missile. The HF-3 is a key component of Taiwan’s maritime strike capability. It is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2.5 and has a range estimated between 150 to 400 kilometers, depending on variant and launch profile. The missile is designed to penetrate advanced naval defenses using a high-speed, sea-skimming trajectory and terminal maneuvering. Its 225 kg high-explosive warhead is capable of disabling or destroying large warships, making it a critical deterrent against any naval incursion. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)

 

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

 

20 Apr 25. Three former senior advisers to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth decried on Saturday what they called “baseless attacks” after each was escorted from the Pentagon in an expanding probe on information leaks. Dan Caldwell, a Hegseth aide; Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg; and Darin Selnick, Hegseth’s deputy chief of staff were among four officials in Hegseth’s inner circle who were ousted this past week. While the three initially had been placed on leave pending the investigation, a joint statement shared by Caldwell on X said the three were “incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended. Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door.”

“At this time, we still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of ‘leaks’ to begin with,” the post said. Former Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot also announced he was resigning this week. The Pentagon said, however, that Ullyot was asked to resign. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/AP)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

22 Apr 25. Mr Chris Rampling has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in succession to Ms Joanna Roper CMG. Mr Rampling will take up his appointment during July 2025.

 

24 Apr 25. Mrs Sally Axworthy MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan in succession to Ms Kathy Leach who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mrs Axworthy will take up her appointment during August 2025.

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

22 Apr 25. X-Bow Systems Inc (X-Bow), the leading non-traditional producer of advanced manufactured solid rocket motors (SRMs) and defense technologies, today announced the appointment of Hector Fernandez as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Fernandez will oversee the company’s financial strategy, accounting operations, and investor relations. He will report directly to X-Bow Founder and CEO Jason Hundley and join the executive team, leveraging his experience in driving profitable growth, strategic initiatives, and enhancing shareholder value. (Source: PR Newswire)

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

18 Apr 25.  Homes fit for heroes: Raft of news measures to improve military family housing. Living conditions for families in military housing will be transformed under a new Consumer Charter, as Defence Secretary John Healey promised to “stop the rot” in military housing.

• New Consumer Charter for families in military homes, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
• Measures will include higher move-in standards, more reliable repairs, renovation of the worst homes, and a named housing officer for every family – all in place before the one-year anniversary of 36,000 military homes being brought back into public ownership.
• Pledge comes alongside the announcement of an independent, expert team appointed to help deliver a rapid Defence Housing Strategy – with work already underway.

The Charter will be part of a new Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, which will set out further plans to improve the standard of service family homes across the country. Under the Charter, basic consumer rights, from essential property information and predictable property standards, to access to a robust complaints system, will be rapidly introduced. These will be underpinned by new, published satisfaction figures, putting forces families front and centre. The wider Defence Housing Strategy – overseen by the Defence Secretary and the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns – will also turbocharge the development of surplus military land, creating opportunities for Armed Forces homeownership. It will further support the delivery of affordable homes for families across Britain as part of the government’s Plan for Change. It follows the Government’s landmark deal, completed in January, to bring back 36,000 military homes into public ownership, reversing a 1996 sale described by the Public Accounts Committee as “disastrous”, and saving the taxpayer £600,000 per day by eliminating rental payments to a private company. The announcement follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to deliver “homes for heroes” and means that under this government, support will be there for veterans at risk of homelessness. This included removing local connection tests for veterans seeking social housing, meaning as of November, veterans will have access to the housing support they need. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

MARITIME

 

11 Apr 25. STM begins construction of three Royal Malaysian Navy corvettes. The vessels are part of the Littoral Mission Ship Batch-2 programme and their construction will take place in Türkiye. Türkiye’s naval engineering company STM has initiated the construction of three corvettes for the Royal Malaysian Navy, as part of the Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) Batch-2 programme. The keel-laying ceremony took place at the Istanbul Shipyard. The three corvettes are custom-designed by STM to suit the specifications of the Royal Malaysian Navy and expected for construction in Türkiye, with delivery expected by 2027. On 10 June 2024, Ankara played host to the signing of the government-to-government memorandum of understanding concerning the procurement of defence products between Türkiye and Malaysia.  This event also included the handover of the letter of acceptance for the LMS Batch-2 project. The steel-cutting ceremony for these corvettes was subsequently held in Istanbul on 4 December 2024. As the main contractor, STM’s responsibilities encompass the entire project lifecycle, from design and performance to construction and final delivery. This includes ship design, project management, procurement of materials and systems, integration design and assembly, testing, and Integrated Logistic Support. Additionally, STM is tasked with preparing design and ILS documentation pertinent to the project. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

15 Apr 25. The multi-role frigate Spartaco Schergat was officially delivered at Fincantieri’s Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), the joint venture between Fincantieri (51%) and Leonardo (49%). Spartaco Schergat is the ninth FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) delivered under the Italian-French international cooperation programme managed by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement). The programme began in 2005 and represents the most ambitious and technologically advanced collaboration in European naval defence to date. As Prime Contractor, Whole Warship and Combat System Design Authority, OSN oversees the delivery of ten units for the Italian Navy. The ceremony was attended, among others, by Dario Deste, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division, Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of OSN, OCCAR Director General Joachim Sucker, Admiral Vincenzo Montanaro, Commander of the Interregional Maritime Command South, Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director of Naval Armaments and General Francois Watteau, DGA representative. Built at the Fincantieri Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, Spartaco Schergat is the first of two vessels in the Enhanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) configuration. The ship combines advanced systems from Fincantieri, Leonardo, MBDA, and Elettronica and integrates both General-Purpose and ASW capabilities. It is designed for superior operational flexibility across all domains—from sea control and naval interdiction to complex command and control operations. With a length of 144 metres, a beam of 19.7 metres, and a full-load displacement of approximately 6,700 tons, the frigate reaches speeds over 27 knots and hosts a crew of up to 200. Enhanced automation, cyber resilience, and human-centric design make it a next-generation platform tailored for sustained deployment beyond the Mediterranean theatre. This delivery reaffirms Italy’s industrial and technological leadership in the naval sector, where the integration of innovation, modularity, and interoperability continues to shape the evolution of European defence.

 

AIR

 

14 Apr 25. Lockheed Martin and the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence formally celebrated the arrival of the first F-16 Block 70 in Bulgaria on Sunday, commemorating the beginning of F-16 operations in Bulgaria. F-16 Block 70 fighter jets will enable Bulgaria to ensure the protection of its airspace and strengthen European security cooperation across allies.   Bulgaria has ordered 16 total F-16 fighter jets. The first eight will be delivered by the end of 2025.

Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, emphasized during the ceremony, “This is not just a celebration of a new aircraft for the Bulgarian Air Force – it represents a new era of enhanced security, advanced capabilities and strengthened partnerships in the region. Lockheed Martin has been proud to serve as a bridge between the United States and Bulgaria as we work together to achieve peace through strength around the globe.”

The F-16 Block 70 jets are equipped with the Northrop Grumman APG-83 AESA Radar, advanced avionics, an extended structural service life of 12,000 hours, and critical safety features like the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS). Since its integration into the U.S. Air Force in late 2014, the Auto GCAS has been instrumental in saving 13 pilots across 12 F-16 incidents, exemplifying the aircraft’s unparalleled safety and performance standards.  Bulgaria’s new F-16s join a global network of more than 700 F-16s operating in Europe today and more than 3,100 operating around the world.  Lockheed Martin has a backlog of 114 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, South Carolina, with 26 total jets delivered to-date for international partners.

 

11 Apr 25. France declares upgraded Mirage 2000D operational. The French Air and Space Force has declared its upgraded Dassault Mirage 2000D combat aircraft to be fully operational. Announced on 10 April, the milestone brings to an end a decade-long mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme that was launched in 2015.

“The renovated Mirage 2000D is officially operational. A fleet of 50 modernised aircraft will be in service by the end of 2025 from Air Base 133 in Nancy-Ochey,” the service said.

The Mirage 2000DRMV (D Rénovation Mi-Vie), as the upgraded platform is designated, features enhancements to the weapons and avionics systems as France looks to maintain the airframe as a force multiplier to the Dassault Rafale in the close air support, and interdiction and strike roles. For weapons, the Mirage 2000DRMV has been fitted with a 30 mm cannon pod; the retired MBDA R550 Magic 2 short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) has been replaced with the newer MBDA MICA InfraRed (IR) AAM; and the Sagem Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) Hammer precision-guided munition (PGM) has been integrated. The aircraft has also been made compatible with the Thales Talios laser designation pod as fitted to the Rafale. The French Air and Space Force described the upgraded avionics as comprising “a renovated architecture, a more intuitive and digitalised dashboard, [and an] ergonomic and real-time tactical vision [system]”. There has been no announcement on the possible integration of the Astac electronic intelligence pod previously fitted to the now-retired Dassault Mirage F1 and trialled on the Mirage 2000D. The Mirage 2000D has been in service since 1993, and the now modernised Mirage 2000DRMV is slated to remain in service through to beyond 2030. (Source: Janes)

 

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

 

15 Apr 25. Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been placed on administrative leave and was escorted out of the Pentagon by security on Tuesday, two defense officials said. The officials said Caldwell’s sudden downfall was tied to an investigation into unauthorized disclosure of department information. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters. Caldwell, who served in the Marine Corps, was one of several senior advisers who worked closely with Hegseth. Caldwell’s ties to the secretary go back to Hegseth’s time as the head of Concerned Veterans for America, a nonprofit that fell into financial difficulty during his time there. Caldwell worked at CVA beginning in 2013 as policy director and later as executive director. (Source: Defense News)

 

11 Apr 25. The commander of a Space Force base in Greenland was fired Thursday, hours after the revelation that she had sent an email distancing the base from Vice President JD Vance’s comments during a recent visit. Pituffik Space Base commander Col. Susan Meyers was removed from command “for loss of confidence in her ability to lead,” the Space Force said in a statement Thursday evening. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

14 Apr 25. Sir Thomas Drew KCMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic in succession to Dame Menna Rawlings DCMG CVO.  Sir Tom will take up his appointment in August 2025.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

14 Apr 25. The Space Force will reinstate Space Development Agency Derek Tournear this week after an investigation into past contracting practices involving the agency’s proliferated satellite constellation, officials said. Tournear, who has been on administrative leave since mid-January, will resume his duties as SDA director April 17, according to an Air Force spokesperson. William Blauser, deputy director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, had been serving as the agency’s acting director. (Source: Defense News)

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

16 Apr 25. Fincantieri announced its new strategic partnership with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, following the signing of an Industrial Collaboration Agreement. This partnership aims to provide the Philippine Navy with advanced subsea solutions as part of the Horizon III military modernisation programme, which seeks to strengthen defence capabilities and secure the country’s territorial waters in contested areas such as the South China Sea. The partnership will focus on the delivery of the advanced U212 NFS submarines, which are currently being built by Fincantieri in Italy. These submarines incorporate the latest technologies, including Air Independent Propulsion and advanced stealth features, offering unparalleled operational advantages. This collaboration will not only enhance the Philippine Navy’s operational capabilities but also contribute to the development of local infrastructure and promote long-term industrial cooperation between the partners. The agreement extends to comprehensive support for the Philippine Navy, including specialised training, doctrine and logistics, facilitated by the Italian Navy. Furthermore, against the backdrop of the Philippine Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalisation Act,  the partnership will assist the Philippine government in the development of a new naval base, leveraging decades of experience in shipbuilding and naval collaboration. Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have a long-standing relationship, dating back to their successful collaboration on the U212A submarines for the Italian Navy. This new agreement extends that partnership, bringing together the strengths of both companies in the design, construction and operational support of the U212 NFS submarines. Commenting on the announcement, Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri, said: “With decades of experience in submarine con struction, Fincantieri has developed a solid expertise in delivering high-performance marine solutions. This cooperation is a key milestone in promoting our international export strategy, leveraging the latest cutting-edge Italian and German technologies and quality.”

 

15 Apr 25.  Saab and Omnigo sign supplier agreement to expand production. Saab Grintek Defence (SGD) has doubled its turnover in the last two years and witnessed a five-fold increase in its order backlog, precipitating a supplier agreement with electronic manufacturing company Omnigo that paves the way for greatly increased component production. The supplier agreement was signed at SGD’s Centurion facilities on Wednesday 9 April by Jan Widerström, President and Managing Director of Saab Grintek Defence, and Trevor Raman, Segment Chief Executive Officer at Reunert Applied Electronics. Widerström explained that the supplier agreement supports SGD’s growth as the company is seeing exponential demand from all over the world across the air, land, and sea domains. “We have taken a decision to grow the supply chain. This is one important step with Omnigo,” he said.

The supplier agreement is seeing Omnigo further commit to providing turnkey electronic manufacturing services to Saab, and Saab Grintek Defence committing to certain business volumes for Omnigo, which will have “bigger responsibility,” Widerström noted. “It’s a win-win. They get more predictable sales volumes, more turnover – we get security of supply,” he told defenceWeb. Raman said SGD and Omnigo have had a tight partnership for many years. “Given instability in global supply chains, now is a good time for Omnigo and Saab to forge deeper partnerships. We’ve seen over the last seven years significant downturn in local defence work but we are now experiencing an uptake in defence contracts. We have a versatile workforce to meet demand,” Raman told defenceWeb.

Omnigo started out as Factum Electronics in the 1980s, becoming Omnigo in 1999 through a joint venture with Grintek (subsequently Saab Grintek Defence). In 2015, Omnigo was acquired as a wholly owned subsidiary and became a part of the JSE-listed Reunert Group under the Reunert Applied Electronics segment, with Reunert injecting a large investment into the company. Omnigo specialises in the manufacture of printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies (PBAs), and offers clients a complete turnkey manufacturing solution including production design for manufacture (DFM) services, sourcing and procurement of materials, automated assembly, and design and industrialisation of production and test systems. Omnigo is one of the preferred suppliers to companies in the defence and mining industries The new supplier agreement with Omnigo covers manufacturing for Saab’s self-protection systems for air, land, and sea. Saab Grintek Defence foresees continuous growth due to the strong global need for electronic warfare self-protection systems, and has numerous multi-year contracts with international customers. The company has for many years manufactured laser warning and missile approach warning sensors for ships, submarines, and aircraft. These are incorporated into its Land Electronic Defence System (LEDS) modular active protection system for land vehicles, and its Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) for helicopters, transport aircraft and combat aircraft. SGD carries out full research and development as well as manufacturing, creating local intellectual property and products that are sold globally. More than 90% of its products go to international markets, and Saab’s South African operation has exported to nearly 20 countries. About 80% of Saab Grintek Defence’s supply chain is sourced locally through companies like Omnigo. Securing the supply chain is an important consideration given the need to adapt to the rapidly changing global situation, Widerström said, adding that the agreement with Omnigo could be expanded further down the line. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

15 Apr 25. Fincantieri has formalised a strategic investment in WSense, a cutting-edge Italian deep tech company specialising in underwater monitoring and communication. The transaction includes a €2.5m convertible loan, with the option to increase the investment by an additional €2.5m. This partnership, initiated with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2023, is already delivering tangible results. The two companies have jointly secured three tenders issued by the Italian National Centre for the Underwater Domain. These projects draw on the complementary expertise of Fincantieri and WSense to develop and deploy advanced underwater communication technologies. The collaboration also extends to further national and European innovation tenders and joint commercial initiatives. The investment marks a significant milestone in Fincantieri’s underwater strategy, reinforcing its commitment to developing next-generation solutions for underwater monitoring and surveillance — a sector of increasing strategic importance, particularly for dual-use applications. With this move, Fincantieri strengthens its competitive positioning in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, confirming its role as a leader in maritime and underwater innovation. Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, commented: “This investment is another step forward in our innovation and digitalisation strategy. The WSense technologies open up new possibilities for the monitoring and security of maritime infrastructure and act as key enablers for the advancement of the entire underwater domain. With this transaction, we are confirming our commitment to investing in pioneering solutions that can define the future of shipbuilding and underwater defence, while simultaneously supporting the growth of an Italian centre of excellence and reinforcing Fincantieri’s leading role in our country’s industrial landscape.”

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

17 Apr 25. Clare Partridge has joined Canny Comms as the new Delivery Excellence Manager. Clare brings over 20 years of industry experience from her previous roles, including Director at Morgan Stanley and Business Efficiency Manager at BNP Paribas. Clare will be working with Helena to develop and maintain the operational frameworks that ensure consistent project quality and client satisfaction across our delivery system. Her expertise in resource management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement approaches will directly enhance how we deliver for their clients.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

16 Apr 25. Academy Securities, the nation’s first Post-9/11 veteran owned and operated investment bank, today announced the addition of Gerry Byrne to its Advisory Board. Gerry Byrne brings a wealth of experience in media, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership to Academy Securities. Throughout his accomplished career, he has played pivotal roles in shaping and expanding several influential media organizations. As publisher of Variety, he led the brand’s transformation into a global force in entertainment journalism. He was instrumental in launching Crain’s New York Business, held senior leadership positions at ACT III Communications, and founded the NBC Quill Awards. He later oversaw a major division at Nielsen that included The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, and AdWeek. Today, he serves as Vice Chairman of Penske Media, where he guides strategic initiatives across its diverse media portfolio, while also serving on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations dedicated to veterans, such as the Bob Woodruff Foundation. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

10 Apr 25. Allison Transmission (ALSN), a leading designer and manufacturer of commercial and defense vehicle propulsion solutions, announces the appointment of Scott Mell as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer, effective April 14, 2025. This announcement follows the June 2024 appointment of Fred Bohley to Chief Operating Officer (COO), who continued to serve as CFO and Treasurer while the company sought a successor. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

17 Apr 25. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has named Evan Scott as the company’s senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) succeeding Jesus “Jay” Malave, who advised the company that he is pursuing other opportunities. Scott, a 26-year Lockheed Martin finance executive has served as the company’s treasurer and the CFO of two business areas. The appointment is effective immediately.

VACANCIES

 

20 Jan 25. DE&S have created 150 apprenticeships and graduate jobs based primarily in Bristol. Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) are recruiting their future workforce with the creation of 150 apprenticeships and graduate jobs. With 10 different programmes, including a brand-new Security Graduate Scheme, DE&S are continuing their commitment to developing tomorrow’s talent and building on their previous success, having recruited thousands of apprentices and graduates to date.

The new round of vacancies closed on 17 February 2025, for:

• Finance Apprenticeship Scheme
• Project Delivery Apprenticeship (Manchester)
• Project Delivery Apprenticeship (Portsmouth)

These vacancies are in addition to new apprenticeships and graduate jobs that closed for applications at the end of 2024, but will begin later this year, including:

• Finance Graduate Scheme
• Security Graduate Scheme
• Engineering Graduate Scheme
• Air Systems and Platform Engineering Graduate Scheme
• Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship
• Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
• Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship

The newly-introduced Security Graduate Scheme has been designed to support and enable the effective delivery and operational success of the armed forces and wider MOD by protecting people, information and physical assets. This could include shadowing opportunities through rotational placements in cyber, project and corporate security.

Across all schemes, further opportunities can become available at other DE&S locations around the UK as apprentices and graduates progress. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

09 Apr 25. New accommodation completed for soldiers in Bicester. A major investment programme to improve living conditions across the army estate has delivered new accommodation for soldiers at St George’s Barracks, Bicester. The new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block, constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), provides 72 ensuite single bed spaces, kitchen and diner facilities, utility rooms and furnished communal space for Junior Rank soldiers. The project was funded under the army’s SLA programme and delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), contracting to off-site construction specialists Reds10 and engineering consultants Arcadis.  The modular, sustainable SLA features solar energy harvesting, air source heat pumps and a SMART building management system, which processes data from an array of sensors and equipment to monitor energy consumption and to ensure the building runs as efficiently as possible. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

MARITIME

 

07 Apr 25. US Navy hits midpoint of Virginia Block IV with USS Iowa commissioning. The first of the Virginia-class SSNs was commissioned in 2004, with the design constantly updated through to the Block VI and VII iterations. The submarine was built under a unique teaming agreement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding; both companies build sections of each submarine and then alternate deliveries. SSN 797 is the 13th Virginia-class submarine delivered by GDEB. The USS Iowa’s keel was laid in August 2019, with the SSN subsequently christened in June 2023.   Each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800-tons and 377 feet (ft) in length, has a beam of 34ft, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. The boat’s reactor will not need to be refuelled through its expected 25–30-year service life. A total of ten Virginia-class SSNs are either in production or undergoing testing after being launched. A further nine boats are publicly announced as being planned for acquisition.  The US Navy has three classes of SSNs in service. The Los Angeles-class (SSN 688) submarines have been the backbone of the submarine force for the last 40 years, with 23 still commissioned. They are equipped with 12 Vertical Launch System (VLS) tubes for firing Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Navy also has three Seawolf-class submarines. The first of the class, USS Seawolf (SSN 21) was commissioned July 1997. Instead of VLS, the Seawolf class has eight torpedo tubes and can hold up to 50 weapons in its torpedo room. The third boat of the class, USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), has a 100ft hull extension called the multi-mission platform to accommodate advanced technology used in carrying out classified research. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

 

08 Apr 25. Cuts expected in UK Defence civil service workforce. The Minister for Defence Procurement alluded to the coming job losses in a parliamentary written response. Workforce cuts will reduce the Ministry of Defence (MoD) civil service as part of upcoming defence reforms. Minister for Defence Procurement, Maria Eagle, alluded to the coming job losses in a parliamentary written response on 7 April 2025, as the government tries to cultivate a “workforce which will be more skilled, agile and… better exploits technology.” This restructuring “means tackling bureaucracy and streamlining processes to increase productivity” across the MoD. Problems in recruitment and retention are said to have risen under the previous Conservative government, Eagle claims, which were unloaded onto the new Labour government. The number of UK Armed Forces personnel has fallen by 1.3%, or 2,350 people, since January 2024 according to recent statistics. However, promising results have emerged as a result of defence procurement reforms that the former government instituted in February 2024. These measures were directed by Eagle’s predecessor, James Cartlidge, which sped up the delivery of the first Archer artillery system six months after signing the contract, and developing DragonFire laser weapon systems soon to be fitted onto Royal Navy warships.

Cuts in context

The UK government had originally tasked all departments to cut down on spending to realise potential efficiencies. In Labour’s first Budget statement in October 2024, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, tasked departments with making 5% reductions. Now though, given inflationary pressures from US tariffs and the trend towards European strategic autonomy over the last few months, the MoD will need to scrape the barrel even more. In a testament to the Defence Committee last year, the MoD’s Permanent Secretary David Williams referenced a headcount reduction by around 10%, or over 5,000 people, by the end of the current parliament. At present, the MoD employ 60,549 people full time according to figures from November 2024. This has reduced by 1.4% from 62,631 personnel in October 2023.

New funding focus

Following cuts to the civil service workforce, the MoD will allocate the funds towards delivering capability as laid out in the MoD’s Defence Industrial Strategy statement of intent published at the end of last year. Defence will be an integral part of Reeves’ efforts to boost economic growth, and as the global defence industry picks up pace in a fragmented security environment, at least 10% of MoD funds will be spent on developing “innovative” capabilities. It is unclear what the definition for innovative technologies allows for, although it is likely a call to promote the greater integration of small and medium enterprises in providing for military capability, an area where the MoD has historically been poor. Likewise, the government will no doubt prioritise enablers such as space over domain-specific platforms, which is something Cartlidge, now the Shadow Defence Minister, similarly called for in a speech in March 2025. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

04 Apr 25. Trump fires 4-star general heading NSA, US Cyber Command. President Donald Trump has abruptly fired the director of the National Security Agency, according to U.S. officials and members of Congress, but the White House and the Pentagon have provided no reasons for the move. Senior military leaders were informed Thursday of the firing of Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh, who also oversaw the Pentagon’s Cyber Command, the officials said. They received no advance notice about the decision to remove a four-star general with a 33-year career in intelligence and cyber operations, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel decisions. The move has triggered sharp criticism from members of Congress and demands for an immediate explanation. And it marks the latest dismissal of national security officials by Trump at a time when his Republican administration faces criticism over his failure to take any action against other key leaders’ use of an unclassified Signal messaging chat that included The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg to discuss plans for a military strike. It’s unclear who now is in charge of the NSA and the Cyber Command. (Source: AP/Defense News)

 

03 Apr 25. US Navy relieves CO of Navy Information Operations Command Colorado. The Navy relieved the commanding officer of Navy Information Operations Command Colorado on Thursday, the service announced. Cmdr. Christopher Johnson was relieved of his duties by Capt. Chelsey Zwicker, commodore of Naval Information Operations Command Pacific, due to a “loss of confidence in his ability to command,” the Navy said. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Navy Times)

 

07 Apr 25. Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, a top U.S. military official at NATO, has been fired as the Trump administration continues its widespread removal of senior uniformed officers, according to multiple U.S. and European officials. It’s unclear whether the firing originated from the Pentagon or the White House, which last week removed several national security officials — including Gen. Timothy Haugh, head of the NSA and Cyber Command — after President Donald Trump met with far-right activist Laura Loomer. (Source: Defense News)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

10 Apr 25. US Military Met 2024 Recruit Contracting Goals, Plans for Repeat. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force met their contracting goals for new recruits last year and expect to do so again this year. At the same time, military personnel leaders said they are undergoing transformations with an eye toward lethality.

“Our Army can provide combat power anywhere in the world to protect American and allied interests,” said Army Lt. Gen. Brian S. Eifler, deputy chief of staff for personnel. “Our Army is lethal, cohesive and ready. We are proud, but we are not satisfied.”

During testimony yesterday before the Senate Armed Services Committee’s military personnel subcommittee, Eifler said the Army is moving forward with a focus on warfighting, ready combat formations, continuous transformation and strengthening the Army profession.

“Within these four pillars, our team of professionals will execute all human resource actions that directly support our most important asset: our people,” the general told senators.

Part of that effort, he said, is an overhaul and revamping of the Army’s retention processes.

“This will ensure quality over quantity and provide leaders the right skills for our formations,” he said.

Also on the Army’s personnel docket, he said, is modernization of its centralized promotion board system, leveraging of artificial intelligence and an overhaul of its officer professional management system. Barracks renovations and updates to dining facilities, he said, will improve the quality of life for soldiers and ensure they remain focused on the mission of defending the nation.

Eifler said the Army exceeded its recruiting goal by adding over 55,000 new soldiers in fiscal year 2024 and plans to add an additional 61,000 to the force this year.

He said the Army is currently on a path to surpass its goal without lowering standards.

At sea, Navy Vice Adm. Richard J. Cheeseman Jr., chief of naval personnel, told lawmakers the Navy had a “historic” recruiting year in 2024, exceeding its goal by the highest number of sailors on contract since 2003. It plans to do the same again in 2025.

While the Navy exceeded the number of sailors it wanted to put on contract in 2024, some of those recruits were unable to immediately attend boot camp due to capacity. Cheeseman said he’s making sure that this year, the Navy has slots in basic training to accept new recruits.

“I remain focused on ensuring our schoolhouse supply chain is ready to receive this influx of motivated students, and we are ensuring every future sailor receives the training they need to be ready on day one in a fiscally responsible, efficient and effective manner,” he said.

With a newly established Recruiting Operations Center, implementation of the Future Sailor Preparatory Course to improve accession success, a streamlined medical waiver review process, an increase in recruiters, and improved marketing efforts, Cheeseman said the Navy will be successful in fiscal year 2025 with its goal to recruit 40,600 new sailors.

The Navy also found success in its retention goals — keeping good sailors in the service. Cheeseman said the Navy exceeded retention forecasts across all zones and expects to do the same in 2025.

“Our sailors stand ready as a lethal fighting force to deter or confront any adversary,” he said. “You and every American can be proud of your Navy and this team. ”

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, told lawmakers that Marine Corps recruiting efforts are focused on lethality.

“The Marine Corps approaches the challenges of this critical manpower portfolio with a singular focus, and that is delivering combat-credible lethal forces to operational units wherever they are needed,” he said. “Every decision we make, whether that’s through recruiting, retention, assignment or policies, is evaluated through the lens of lethality.”

The Marine Corps met its recruiting goals in 2024, and Borgschulte said the Marines will do it again in 2025.

“We’ve achieved these recruiting goals while exceeding all DOD quality standards, without lowering and without ever compromising those standards that define us,” he told senators. “We believe our discipline, culture, our warfighting ethos and high standards attract the competitive, high-performing Americans that we need to fill our ranks with tough, smart and gritty Marines.”

Borgschulte also said the Marine Corps has exceeded its retention goals.

“The retention of our Marines has also reached historic heights,” he said. “This year, we’ve exceeded last year’s unprecedented numbers, and just this last week, we surpassed 100% of the retention goals that we need, and we’re not stopping. This year marks the highest number and highest quality we’ve retained of Marines in decades and proves that warriors that earn the title ‘Marine’ want to stay Marine and are proud to protect and defend the nation that we love.”

Last year, an increase in recruiter manning helped the Air Force achieve its fiscal year 2024 recruiting goals, said Air Force Lt. Gen. Caroline M. Miller, the deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services.

“Fiscal year 2024 saw improvements in recruiting due to an increase in recruiter manning, changes to training processes and an increase in the delayed entry program to its highest level in 10 years,” Miller said. “The department is also improving pilot retention through increased accessions and training throughput capacity, using monetary and nonmonetary authorities granted by Congress.”

She said the Air Force plans to succeed again in its recruiting goals this year.

“We exist to fly, fight and win, none of which is possible without the dedication and talent of the men and women who volunteer to serve,” said Miller. “This year, we continue to focus on recruiting, developing and retaining skilled and innovative individuals ensuring they are equipped with essential operational skills and resources.”

Talent management, Miller said, remains a priority for the Air Force to build and develop the force needed to defend the nation.

“Our talent management philosophy is based on high standards, accountability and meritocracy,” she said. “Each airman record is evaluated on its own merit, specifically in terms of job performance, demonstrated skills and warfighting readiness.”

While the U.S. Space Force is the smallest service, its mission to secure the nation’s interests in, from and to space is outsized.

Katharine Kelley, the Space Force deputy chief of space operations for personnel, said last year that the service met its recruiting goals and will do so again this year.

“Currently, we have more than 440 recruits awaiting entry into the Space Force, which will allow us a further pipeline for next year as well,” she said. ” to ensure the long-term pipeline of guardians, we’ve established a recruiting squadron, which is the first time for the Space Force to have a guardian recruiting other potential guardians.”

Kelley said the service remains focused on developing guardians with the necessary skills and experience. In the past year, for instance, the Space Force launched an inaugural officer training course — a 12-month course covering space operations, intelligence, cyber and acquisition.

“As the space domain becomes increasingly contested, no longer a benign environment, we remain steadfast in our mission to secure our nation’s interests,” she said. (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

10 Apr 25. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has officially opened BAE Systems’ Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Glasgow at a ceremony at the Company’s Scotstoun site. The £12m state-of-the-art training facility, which provides life-long learning to the entire workforce, will help ensure that current and future employees reach their full potential in priority areas for the shipbuilding and maritime industry. Measuring 5,500m2, the Academy comprises a multipurpose flexible learning hub and a modern trade hall, where students can test their practical skills. The hub opened in September 2024, welcoming almost 300 new apprentices and graduates. It includes over 30 teaching zones and a cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and maths innovation space, alongside an exhibition and conference area.  The trade hall provides a high quality, hands-on training environment where learners are fully immersed in realistic ship mock-ups. Since opening in December 2024, 60 craft apprentices have completed or begun an eight-week shipbuilding training course, including both vocational and theory-based lessons within fabrication, electrical, sheet metal work, welding and pipefitting. Another 30 apprentices will begin training before June.

Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to our Applied Shipbuilding Academy to meet with some of our colleagues and see first-hand how we’re developing the next generation of shipbuilders. The Academy is an exceptional facility, which will help provide innovative career-long learning and skills development activities for more than 4,500 employees. This will help ensure we have a pipeline of talent available to deliver the best possible equipment to the Royal Navy and our allies around the world as they operate in an increasingly challenging and complex environment.”

The Company’s training curriculums and new facilities are a key element of the modernisation and digitalisation of its Govan and Scotstoun yards, directly supporting the delivery of eight Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy, as well as variants in Australia and Canada, alongside potential future orders. The construction of the Janet Harvey Hall, a cutting-edge new shipbuilding facility in Govan, is also set to be completed in the coming weeks. The new facilities, together with a range of additional investments in technologies and equipment, form an overall £300m investment in BAE Systems’ two shipbuilding sites in Glasgow.

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

09 Apr 25. Mr Paul Brummell CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius in succession to Ms Charlotte Pierre who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mr Brummell will take up his appointment during July 2025.

 

08 Apr 25. Mr Ajay Sharma CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Ms Ailsa Terry CMG. Mr Sharma will take up his appointment during April 2025.

 

07 Apr 25. Mr Greg Houston has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama in succession to Mr James Dauris.  Mr Houston will take up his appointment during July 2025.

 

10 Apr 25. Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

 

09 Apr 25. Mr Ajay Sharma CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Ms Ailsa Terry CMG.

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

10 Apr 25. Fincantieri and Accenture are delighted to announce the establishment of Fincantieri Ingenium, a new joint venture focused on accelerating digital transformation across the cruise, defence and port infrastructure sectors. The company will be majority-owned (70%) by Fincantieri NexTech, a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group, with Accenture holding the remaining 30%. This initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Fincantieri Ingenium will combine Fincantieri’s expertise in naval technology with Accenture’s capabilities in digital engineering, AI, connectivity and cybersecurity. The joint venture aligns with the strategic goals of Fincantieri’s Industrial Plan, aiming to enhance digital service offerings and improve value chain efficiency through data and process innovation. Among its first initiatives is Navis Sapiens, a digital ecosystem for next-generation ships and fleet upgrades. It will include a suite of operational optimisation applications, an advanced AI-powered platform and a marketplace for maritime digital solutions. The first ship equipped with this technology is scheduled to enter service by the end of 2025. The joint venture will also support enhanced sea-to-shore interoperability, helping improve real-time communication between ships and land-based infrastructures such as ports and shipyards. All projects will be developed with sustainability in mind, particularly in energy optimisation and emissions reduction.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, said: “With Fincantieri Ingenium, we strengthen our leadership position in technological innovation applied to shipbuilding and the naval engineering industry. This joint venture represents a strategic step forward in accelerating the digitalization of the sector, leveraging artificial intelligence and the most advanced technologies. Thanks to the synergy with Accenture, we will develop cutting-edge solutions that will make our ships and infrastructures increasingly connected, efficient and sustainable, consolidating Fincantieri’s role as a global leader in the sector.”

 

08 Apr 25. Sentinel Photonics, a leading UK-based designer and manufacturer of advanced laser detection and protection systems, today announces three pivotal partnerships in Eastern Europe. The company has established strategic collaborations with Glomex in Poland, Eqqus in Estonia, and Precision Technic Defence Group in Denmark, significantly expanding its presence in Northern Europe’s defence and security markets. These partnerships will facilitate the distribution of Sentinel Photonics’ military-grade LASERD® detection systems and FROST protection filters, addressing urgent and growing concerns about laser threats in modern battlespace environments across Northern Europe.

“Having access to the defence and security markets is key to our growth strategy,” says Jackson White, Head of Commercial at Sentinel Photonics. “Northern Europe represents a sophisticated market with advanced defence requirements, and the partnerships with Glomex, Eqqus and Precision Technic Defence Group provide crucial channels to serve this strategic sector.”

The collaborations enable all partners to support and resell Sentinel Photonics’ complete range of defence and security-certified products. This announcement builds upon Sentinel Photonics’ existing European presence, complementing recent partnerships with StarC4SIS in Romania and TMB Netherlands.

 

07 Apr 25. Teledyne Micropac announced the finalization of our highly anticipated partnership with DigiKey Corporation. This significant milestone marks an important step forward, enabling us to expand our reach to a wider customer base and make our products more accessible to customers globally. As a trusted leader in high-reliability electronic components, Teledyne Micropac is committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the demanding requirements of our customers. Our initial focus will be on introducing our “Hero Products” to the DigiKey platform, ensuring that customers have immediate access to our most impactful offerings. These products represent the best of our portfolio, offering superior performance and reliability for critical applications. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

07 Apr 25. Astroscale Ltd, the UK subsidiary of Astroscale Holdings Inc., has appointed four industry leaders to its newly formed UK Advisory Board to support its growth in satellite servicing and orbital sustainability across the UK and Europe. The new board members include Richard Franklin, a specialist in defence and aerospace; Rachel Gardner-Poole, an expert in aviation and aerospace; Ian Annett, a leader in telecommunications and space; and Stuart Martin, a respected strategist in the space sector. The appointments come as Astroscale continues to expand its footprint in the UK and Europe, focusing on satellite servicing and addressing the growing issue of space debris. (Source: Google/https://bdaily.co.uk/)

 

07 Apr 25. Forcys announced the promotion of Dan Zatezalo to the role of Vice President, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge naval and subsea solutions to the US military and its allies. Backed by over fifty years of experience, Forcys offers the global maritime naval sector remote, autonomous, and networked control capabilities delivering integrated situational awareness to customers in the underwater domain. Covering a range of maritime operations including asset protection, littoral strike, mine warfare, submarine rescue, and submarine and anti-submarine warfare, Forcys seeks to transform the underwater domain by enabling increasingly distributed and automated operations. This is made possible by integrating and bringing to market world-changing solutions from leading technology partners Chelsea Technologies, EIVA, Sonardyne, Voyis, and Wavefront Systems.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

07 Apr 25. AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, announced that Sharon Purnell has joined the Company as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, Purnell will oversee the Company’s global Human Resources department, including its recruitment, talent management, and engagement initiatives. Purnell brings more than two decades of experience achieving positive human resources results through coaching and strategic leadership. She joins AAR from Stepan Company, where she served as the Chief Human Resources Officer and led development, retention, and cost saving efforts. Prior to Stepan Company, Purnell served as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Streamland Media, overseeing the integration of multiple companies and optimizing employee benefit programs. She also held Human Resources leadership positions at Riddell Sports, Underwriters Laboratories, Honeywell Aerospace, and General Electric Company.

 

09 Apr 25. Air Space Intelligence (ASI), a pioneer in AI-powered operations software for the world’s most demanding domains, is proud to announce that Lieutenant General Leo Kosinski, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), has joined the company as its Chief Strategy Officer. Leo brings more than three decades of distinguished military service, culminating as the Director of Logistics on the Joint Staff, where he advised the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on strategic initiatives in global mobility and contested logistics. His deep expertise in operational planning and national defense strategy will be instrumental as ASI continues to scale its impact across defense and commercial sectors. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

07 Apr 25. Diamondback Firearms, a leading American firearms manufacturer, today announced the appointment of Dave Larson as Director of Marketing, effective immediately. Larson will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Faith Denman and is responsible for overseeing all marketing initiatives across the company’s product lines. In his new role, Larson will lead the strategic direction of Diamondback Firearms’ comprehensive marketing efforts, including brand development, product launches, media buying, advertising campaigns, trade show representation, and digital presence. He will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent brand messaging and drive market growth for the company’s diverse portfolio of firearms and accessories.

 

07 Apr 25. Saildrone, the world leader in maritime autonomy, today announced the appointment of Vice Admiral John Mustin as President of Saildrone Inc. In this role, Mustin will work alongside Richard Jenkins, Saildrone founder and CEO, to focus on growing the defense business at Saildrone. Mustin joins Saildrone following a distinguished 34-year career in the US Navy. He most recently served as the 15th Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, where he led approximately 60,000 Reserve Component personnel supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint forces operations worldwide. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

10 Apr 25. SES Space & Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, is pleased to announce the appointment of Maj Gen Roger W. Teague, USAF (Ret), to its Board of Directors. Teague served over three decades in the U.S. Air Force, leading advanced satellite programs like MILSTAR and Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS). Teague commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels, and served in executive leadership positions at Headquarters U.S. Air Force and Air Force Space Command. After retiring in 2017, he held executive roles at Terran Orbital Corp., PredaSAR Corp., Boeing, and is a founding partner at Elara Nova Consulting. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

07 Apr 25. Streamlight®, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance lighting, announced that it has promoted Michael F. Dineen to President. Formerly Chief Revenue Officer, Dineen succeeds Raymond L. Sharrah. Sharrah will retain the title of Chief Executive Officer while continuing to provide overall corporate executive oversight. Dineen joined the company in 2009 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, where he was responsible for the overall sales management and leadership of all Streamlight markets, both domestic and international, including Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Industrial, Military and Federal Government, Automotive, and Fire/EMS. During his tenure, he managed the company’s sales organization, which includes direct sales staff and a network of independent sales representatives and distributors, while also leading the development and execution of the company’s marketing strategy.

 

07 Apr 25. Vision Products (www.visionproducts.llc ), a leader in high-performance head-mounted displays (HMDs) for military and commercial applications, is pleased to announce the addition of Lieutenant General (Ret.) John Evans to its Strategic Advisory Board. With extensive leadership experience in military aviation and operational command, LTG Evans will provide valuable insights to help guide Vision Products’ growth and innovation in advanced head mounted display technologies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

LOCATIONS

 

MARITIME

 

03 Apr 25. Fincantieri has officially begun the construction of the first “FREMM EVO” frigate for the Italian Navy, marking a key milestone in the modernisation of the country’s naval fleet. The sheet metal cutting ceremony was held today at the Riva Trigoso shipyard in Genoa, with prominent figures from the Italian Navy and defence industry, including Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte and Giovanni Sorrentino, CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, in attendance. The FREMM EVO project, part of Italy’s multi-year FREMM program, is backed by a contract signed in July 2024 between Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (the joint venture between Fincantieri and Leonardo) and OCCAR. The first unit is set for delivery in 2029, with the second following in 2030. These next-generation frigates will feature pioneering technologies, including a Cyber-resilient Ship Management System, advanced radar systems like the DBR-X-C Dual Band fixed-face radar and the SADOC 4 Cyber-resilient Combat Management System. Additionally, they will integrate enhanced anti-drone capabilities and multi-dimensional unmanned systems management, strengthening the Navy’s defence against evolving and covert threats. Designed with sustainability at top of mind, the FREMM EVO will incorporate eco-friendly solutions, modernised electrical distribution systems and updated air conditioning to reduce its environmental footprint. The frigates will also ensure interoperability with allied forces, guaranteeing high operational availability and mission success.

 

28 Mar 14. HD Hyundai launches Philippine Navy’s second corvette.  The 3,200t corvette is set to be delivered in September following sea trials and final equipment. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has conducted a launching ceremony for the Philippine Navy’s second 3,200-tonne (t) corvette, named ‘Diego Silang‘, at its headquarters in Ulsan, South Korea.   Following sea trials and final equipment installations, the Philippine Navy anticipates the ‘Diego Silang‘ to be fully operational by September 2025. It will join its predecessor, the ‘Miguel Malvar‘, which was launched in June 2024 and is expected for delivery to the Philippine Navy on 31 March, a full five months ahead of the initial schedule.   HD Hyundai Heavy Industries president Lee Sang-kyun said: “Based on the strengthened cooperative relationship between our two countries, we will continue to actively support the success of the Philippine military’s modernisation.” The ‘Diego Silang‘ corvette features dimensions of 118.4 metres (m) in length and 14.9m in width, with a cruising speed of 15 knots, which is roughly 28km/h, and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.   It is outfitted with new weaponry, including a close-in defence weapon system, a vertical launching system, hull-mounted sonar, and a search radar.  The Philippine government’s military modernisation project has been a driver of this development, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries receiving orders for a total of ten ships.   This fleet of ten ships includes two frigates ordered in 2016, two patrol ships in 2021, and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in 2022.  The first 2,600t Philippine frigate was delivered by HD Hyundai in 2021.  Philippine National Defense Agency undersecretary for Acquisition Salvador Melchor Mison, Jr said: “HDHHI’s innovative technologies and high-quality shipbuilding capabilities have played a vital role in the modernisation of the Philippine Navy. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

28 Mar 14. Hegseth Orders Civilian Workforce Realignment in DOD, Reopens DRP. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum yesterday directing the realignment of the Defense Department’s civilian workforce. The memo, “Initiating the Workforce Acceleration and Recapitalization Initiative,” — which is addressed to senior Pentagon leadership, combatant commanders, and defense agency and DOD field activity directors — states that DOD will “realign the size of our civilian workforce and strategically restructure it to supercharge our American warfighters consistent with interim National Defense Strategy guidance.”  The memo states that DOD seeks to reduce duplicative efforts and reject excessive bureaucracy through an honest analysis of the workforce. Additionally, it states automation through technological solutions will be sought out, particularly at the headquarters level.

“The net effect will be a reduction in the number of civilian full-time equivalent positions and increased resources in the areas where we need them most,” the memo reads.

It then lists two courses of action to implement Hegseth’s intent.  First, Hegseth calls on the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness to immediately implement DOD’s Deferred Resignation Program and to also offer voluntary early retirement for all eligible DOD civilian employees.  The DRP, first implemented by the Office of Personnel Management Jan. 28, 2025, offered most full-time federal employees — including most of the nearly 900,000 DOD civilians — the limited opportunity to resign with full pay and benefits until Sept. 30, 2025. OPM also offered early retirement for eligible personnel. With this newly signed memo, the DRP and the early retirement program are being reopened for nearly all DOD civilians, only this time under the authority of the Defense Department rather than OPM.

“Exemptions should be rare,” Hegseth said via the memo. “My intent is to maximize participation so that we can minimize the number of involuntary actions that may be required to achieve the strategic objectives.”

Second, Hegseth directs senior DOD leadership to provide “a proposed future-state organizational chart” of those leaders’ respective departments. A summary of all those charts — which should include functional areas and consolidated management hierarchies with positional titles and counts clearly depicted — is due from USD(P&R) to the defense secretary no later than April 11, 2025.  While the memo does not specify a targeted percentage for layoffs at DOD, it mentions that important changes are required “to put the department on ready footing to deter our enemies and fight for peace.”   To accomplish that goal, it states that the intent of the realignment is to “execute a top-to-bottom methodology that results in a force structure that is lean, mean and prepared to win.”  (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

04 Apr 25.  Mr John Marshall has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Togo in succession to Ms Catherine Brooker who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Marshall will take up his appointment during June 2025.

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

03 Apr 25. Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3), a global aerospace leader, and Denel, the leading South African aerospace and defense company, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the LAAD Defense and Security exhibition in Brazil. This MoU, signed by Chris Boshoff, Group Executive, CEO Aerospace of Denel, and Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security, outlines the framework for a potential future collaboration on the KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with focus on aerostructures manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our ties with Denel, a proven aerospace leader in South Africa, as the country looks to replace its legacy military aircraft. We are looking forward to providing South Africa with the most advanced aircraft in its category while cooperating with South Africa’s defense industry,” said Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security.

Chris Boshoff, Group Executive CEO Aerospace of Denel, expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with a company renowned worldwide for its quality and craftsmanship, like Embraer. “Our longstanding relationship spans several decades, and this collaboration will further strengthen our ties. Denel is well-equipped and is a suitably qualified industrial partner to undertake the necessary tasks envisaged for the collaboration and will significantly enhance the strategic airlift support capabilities on the African continent.”

The KC-390 Millennium is a next generation military transport aircraft particularly suited for operations in South Africa. Its versatility, ease of reconfiguration between two missions, and ability to operate from unprepared airstrips make it an ideal, cost-efficient, aircraft for modern armed forces of the African continent. The KC-390 Millennium can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions including humanitarian aid, transport and airdrop of cargo and troops, air-to-air refueling both as tanker and receiver, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and special operations, while operating from temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft has been acquired by eight countries: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and an undisclosed customer. It has also been officially selected by Sweden and Slovakia to modernize their air forces. Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military aircraft has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current global fleet of KC-390 Millennium aircraft presents mission completion rates exceeding 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in its segment.

 

01 Apr 25. Turkish Aerospace and Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore potential industrial cooperation. Embraer is actively seeking new suppliers and partners around the world to meet the growing demand for Embraer’s products. Turkish Aerospace aims to leverage its strategic capabilities in manufacturing and assembling metallic and composite structures, final assembly of fuselages, components, test and production flights, and painting. The agreement outlines the collaborative phase between Embraer and Turkish Aerospace to discuss a potential comprehensive industrial partnership involving R&D.

 

PERSONNEL

 

31 Mar 25.  Babcock supporting one in every 550 jobs in the UK. New independent research by Oxford Economics reveals how defence company Babcock International Group (Babcock) drives growth across the UK economy through jobs, investment in the supply chain, and tax contributions. The Oxford Economics report published today shows the FTSE 100 company made a total contribution of £4.3 bn to UK GDP in FY2024, a significant increase of £1bn since FY2022. For every £1 spent with Babcock on UK defence, £3 goes back into the UK economy. Over the last two years, Babcock has substantially grown the number of UK jobs that it supports to 67,000 across the country, equivalent to one in every 550 jobs in the UK.

Other key findings include:

• Significant impact on the UK’s regional economies, including over 12,000 staff directly employed in the South West of England and 5,400 in Scotland
• 1,800 people being trained through Babcock’s graduate and apprenticeship programmes
• An estimated total tax contribution of £1.1 bn to the UK Exchequer, directly and indirectly
• £550m spent with UK Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), supporting more than 3,800 businesses

David Lockwood, Chief Executive of Babcock, said: “We are proud of the role we play across the country. Babcock doesn’t just help protect the UK; we are helping to drive prosperity. At this critical time for national security, our highly experienced teams play a key role in developing sovereign capabilities to create a safe and secure world, together with our wider industry colleagues and partners. We are investing in infrastructure, technology, and skills that we need today to bolster the growth of our business for tomorrow. This commitment to our customers and continuous investment in our people is making us a better business. We are determined to continue supporting the communities we work in whilst delivering the capabilities our armed forces need to keep the country safe.”

Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, said: “Babcock is a fantastic example of how defence is an engine for growth, creating jobs across the nation. The company supports thousands of skilled jobs across the South-West and Scotland and invests in British SMEs, building up local communities and developing talent through graduate and apprenticeship programmes. Our Defence Industrial Strategy will help direct more defence spending to British-based firms, such as Babcock, boosting defence jobs in every nation and region.”

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

01 Apr 25. Lorenzo Mariani is joining MBDA as Executive Group Director Sales & Business Development, effective 01 April 2025, succeeding to Giovanni Soccodato. Reporting directly to the MBDA Chief Executive Officer Eric Béranger, Lorenzo Mariani also becomes a member of the Executive Committee of MBDA and Managing Director of MBDA Italia. As Executive Group Director Sales & Business Development, Lorenzo Mariani will lead an integrated multinational team responsible for generating the order intake to sustain MBDA’s long-term performance, the understanding of customers’ operational needs, and the development of the most effective solutions to meet current and future operational requirements.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

01 Apr 25. Academy Securities, the nation’s first Post-9/11 veteran owned and operated investment bank, today announced the addition of Lieutenant General David Bellon to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Lieutenant General David Bellon retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2024 after 35 years of dedicated service in both its active and reserve components. His career culminated as the Commander of US Marine Corps Forces Reserve and US Marine Corps Forces South, directing the service’s Reserve forces and managing all Marine Corps operations throughout 32 Latin American countries. He previously served in key leadership roles, including Deputy Commander (Mobilization) for I Marine Expeditionary Force, Deputy Commander of Marine Forces Command, Director of Reserve Affairs, and Director of Strategy, Policy, and Plans at US Southern Command. Commissioned in 1989, he began his military journey as an Infantry Officer and completed multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

03 Apr 25. HawkEye 360, the global leader in signals intelligence data and analytics, is pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Probert as President, U.S. Government. In this role, he will lead the company’s strategic engagement with defense and intelligence partners, driving innovation in RF data and analytics to address evolving national security challenges. Todd Probert Joins HawkEye 360 as President of U.S. Government Business Todd is a seasoned executive with deep expertise in signals intelligence, space operations, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare. Before joining HawkEye 360, he served as President of National Security and Innovative Solutions (NSIS) at CACI International Inc., where he managed a portfolio of mission-driven technology solutions for defense, intelligence, and federal government customers. His leadership in software modernization and multi-domain operational systems has been instrumental in delivering next-generation capabilities that enhance decision-making and operational advantage. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

01 Apr 25. Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Stephen Williamson, 58, current Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., to its Board of Directors as an independent Director and Audit Committee member, effective April 1, 2025. Williamson was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific in August 2015 and is responsible for the company’s finance, tax, M&A, treasury and global business services functions.  After joining Thermo Fisher Scientific in July 2001, he held a variety of finance leadership roles including Vice President of Financial Operations, leading the finance support function company-wide, and Vice President, European Financial Operations, overseeing integration activities across Europe.  Prior to working at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Williamson held various finance positions at Honeywell, including Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Asia Pacific and other corporate development and operational finance roles.  Williamson began his career with Price Waterhouse in the transaction support group and the audit practice.     (Source: PR Newswire)

 

01 Apr 25. Peraton announced the appointment of Todd Borkey as chief technology officer (CTO). In this role, Borkey will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s technology strategy, research and development (R&D) portfolio, and strategic campaigns to create new capabilities and disruptive solutions for customers. In addition, Borkey will manage the Peraton Strategic Innovation Group, which includes the company’s applied research innovator known as Peraton Labs. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

26 Mar 14. BWXT Launches Innovation Campus to Speed Development of Advanced Nuclear Technologies. BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) today announced the opening of the BWXT Innovation Campus, a 170,000 square-foot facility that focuses on nuclear technology advancements for land, sea and space. The Lynchburg campus is home to BWXT’s Advanced Technologies business unit and its more than 350 team members. They will utilize its laboratories and workspaces to design, build and test advanced nuclear systems for NASA, the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, national research labs, state governments and commercial applications. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin addressed employees and dignitaries at the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the Innovation Campus.In 2021, BWXT received local and state tax grants worth up to $2 m tied to an investment target of $65m and hiring 97 additional employees. Since signing those incentive agreements, BWXT has hired an additional 115 employees and consolidated all Advanced Technologies operations in the Lynchburg area at the Innovation Campus. Through the end of 2024, BWXT has invested $51m in the site and received $227,000 in tax incentives. The commonwealth’s grant payment is expected in the second quarter of 2026. One of the projects in development at the Innovation Campus involves deploying a demonstration mobile microreactor for the Department of Defense, under the sponsorship of the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). Known as Project Pele, this BWXT-designed transportable microreactor will provide clean, reliable energy meeting mission-critical power demands. From concept to reality, the Advanced Technologies team designs, builds and tests new nuclear solutions–from powering electricity and thermal heat in remote locations to rocket propulsion and power during space travel. The team has been involved with NASA and the DOE’s groundbreaking Nuclear Thermal Propulsion design since 2017, focusing on fuel design and engineering, work BWXT continues to support today. In 2023, BWXT was selected, as part of a joint venture, to deliver the fuel and reactor for the DARPA DRACO program, a partnership between DARPA and NASA to develop a nuclear thermal rocket engine for an in-space demonstration. The Advanced Technologies team is also working on the BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor, or BANR, a high-temperature gas reactor that is being designed to produce 50 MWt using TRISO fuel, and small enough to be transported by rail, ship or truck. BWXT recently signed a letter of intent with Tata Chemicals Soda Ash Partners LLC to explore deploying up to eight BANRs at a mining site in Wyoming. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

MARITIME

 

25 Mar 25. Damen Naval delivers RNN’s CSS Den Helder. The CSS Den Helder is designed for global operations and is capable of replenishing naval ships with essentials. Damen Naval has delivered the Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNN) new Combat Support Ship (CSS) Den Helder to Command Materiel and IT organisation (COMMIT). This marks the first phase of the RNN fleet renewal programme.  The CSS Den Helder is designed for global operations, capable of replenishing naval ships with essentials such as fuel, provisions, water, and ammunition. It is equipped to offer emergency assistance following natural disasters and to support counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean. Damen Naval maintains a strategic partnership with the Dutch Ministry, contributing to ongoing and prospective naval projects.  COMMIT commander Jan Willem Hartman said: “Along with a new ship being handed over, we are also receiving all the ILS data required to ensure the ship’s continued operation. This means a significant part of the maintenance and support for the future is already being provided, ensuring the ship’s long-term readiness. As strategic partners, I have every confidence that we will continue to work together in close cooperation.”  Constructed at Damen Naval’s shipyard in Gala?i, Romania, the CSS Den Helder’s procurement was first announced to the Dutch Parliament in December 2019.The building contract was formalised with Damen on 19 February 2020. The engineering is primarily conducted in the Netherlands, with numerous components sourced from Dutch suppliers.  The CSS Den Helder embarked on its maiden sea trial in November 2024, setting sail from Romania to the Netherlands. It arrived at Vlissingen-Oost on 13 December 2024, where Damen Naval performed additional outfitting. On 22 February 2025, the vessel was christened by Princess of Orange Catharina-Amalia. On 14 March, the CSS Den Helder departed from Vlissingen to resume sea trials, which included sea acceptance tests (SATs) and a replenishment at sea (RAS) exercise with HNLMS Johan de Witt. With the ship now in COMMIT’s hands, the Directorate of Materiel Sustainment (DMI) and the Joint IV Command (JIVC) will oversee the commissioning of its sensor, weapon, and command system.  They will also manage the integration of hardware and software within the combat management system.  Damen Naval project director Arjan Risseeuw adds: “After an intensive outfitting period in Vlissingen, we carried out a number of final tests during the transit of the ship to Den Helder. We have now largely addressed the points for attention from the earlier sea trials.   Later in the year, the CSS Den Helder is scheduled for formal induction into the RNN. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

24 Mar 25. Indian Navy’s frigate Tavasya launches.   Measuring 124.8m in length and 15.2m in width, the frigate is equipped to conduct offensive and defensive tasks. The Indian Navy’s second Project 1135.6 additional follow-on frigate ‘Tavasya‘ has launched at Goa Shipyard Limited’s (GSL) facility in Goa. Tavasya measures 124.8 metres (m) in length and 15.2m in width, with a draught of 4.5m, and is designed for various combat operations including surface, sub-surface, and air engagements.   The contract for constructing two Project 1135.6 follow-on frigates was finalised with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 25 January 2019.  The first vessel, ‘Triput‘, was launched on 23 July 2024. Both of these ships incorporate a proportion of indigenous equipment, weapons, and sensors. The launch marks progress in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in warship construction and aligns with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in defence manufacturing.  It also supports the MoD’s goal to reach Rs500bn ($5.85bn) in defence exports by 2029. Indian State Defence Minister Sanjay Seth said: “This launch is a defining moment in India’s Naval history, showcasing our technological capabilities and unwavering commitment to self-reliance. The launch of Tavasya is not just a step forward for the Indian Navy but a giant leap for India’s strategic defence ambitions.”

He also highlighted the growing resilience of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem including the successful localisation of critical components such as the BrahMos missile system, torpedo launchers, sonar, and auxiliary control systems.  Capable of reaching a top speed of 28 knots and displacing more than 3,800 tonnes, the two Project 1135.6 follow-on frigates are equipped to conduct offensive and defensive tasks.  The warships feature stealth capabilities, new weapons, sensors, and platform management systems.   They are engineered for multi-role operations, offering naval warfare capabilities across air, surface, and sub-surface domains.   In 2016, an official agreement was established between India and Russia for the procurement of four supplementary stealth frigates based on the Krivak-class design. This contract stipulates that two of these vessels will be constructed domestically at GSL with the benefit of transferred technology from Russia.  Tavasya represents the final vessel in this series and is the second unit to be built at GSL under this technology-sharing arrangement, reported The Hindu.  GSL has launched two weapon-intensive frigates within an eight-month span and a total of seven ships over the past year.  GSL chairman and managing director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay said: “The launch of ‘Tavasya’ is the culmination of our relentless pursuit of excellence in indigenous warship building.

“From being a mid-sized shipbuilder, GSL has evolved into a leading defence yard, now delivering some of the most complex naval platforms. This project reaffirms our capability to execute high-end warship programmes with precision, efficiency, and unmatched commitment to national security,” he added.

In December 2024, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Tushil, the first of two additional upgraded Talwar class ships, at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.  INS Tushil represents an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6 and is the seventh vessel in the series.  So far, six ships from this project are in service: three Talwar class ships built at the Baltiysky shipyard in St. Petersburg, and three follow-on Teg class ships built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad.  (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

 

26 Mar 25. RAF bids a fond farewell to its Pumas as they take part in goodbye flypast. The RAF is bidding farewell to an aircraft that’s served the British Armed Forces for more than 50 years. The Puma is being retired from service at the end of March having been part of the British military since 1971. Since then, they’ve been used in a whole variety of roles, from carrying troops and logistics to the battlefield as well as casualty evacuation and humanitarian relief operations. Two days of flypasts – today and tomorrow – are taking place to mark the end of their long and illustrious career. Three Puma Mark 2 aircraft are flying from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire for a farewell flight across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The aircraft will be passing by airfields at RAF Odiham, Middle Wallop and MOD Boscombe Down. After flying over Hereford and RAF Shawbury they head towards RAF Valley and on to Aldegrove in Northern Ireland. The formation – call sign WARLOCK – then flies over Giant’s Causeway and heads across the Irish Sea and north towards the Ribble Viaduct, Catterick Garrison and RAF Leeming. From there, it’s south, overflying the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, then east to RAF Marham and RAF Honington. (Source: forces.net)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

25 Mar 25. Army LG Christopher C. LaNeve for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. LaNeve currently serves as commanding general, Eighth Army/chief of staff, Combined Forces Command, Republic of Korea.

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

26 Mar 25. Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) has selected Adam Clarke as chief executive of Leidos U.K. & Europe effective from 31 March 2025. Clarke brings more than 20 years of experience across aerospace, defence and security sectors to lead Leidos’ European operations. He replaces Eric Freeman who is facilitating the transition before returning to the U.S. Prior to joining Leidos, Clarke was U.K. managing director for the helicopters division at Leonardo and held senior positions with the company for over two decades, including strategy and competitive analysis director for the electronics division. Clarke holds a master’s degree in manufacturing engineering and operations management from the University of Nottingham and a Master of Business Administration from the INSEAD Business School. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

25 Mar 14. Academy Securities, the nation’s first Post-9/11 veteran owned and operated investment bank, today announced the addition of Neil Wiley to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Neil Wiley joins Academy with a wealth of expertise in the national security and intelligence domains, following a 38-year career in government service, first as a commissioned naval officer and later a civilian intelligence professional. Most recently, he held prominent roles at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), including Principal Executive—fulfilling the responsibilities of the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence—and Chairman of the National Intelligence Council. Earlier, he occupied multiple leadership positions at the Defense Intelligence Agency, such as Director for Analysis, Principal Deputy Director for Analysis, Chief of the Defense Technology and Long-Range Analysis Office, and Chief of the Military Forces Analysis Office. Before transitioning to these civilian intelligence posts, Mr. Wiley served 20 years in the United States Navy, as a Surface Line Officer and later becoming an Intelligence Officer. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

27 Mar 25. Boeing [NYSE: BA] today named Eric Hill as vice president of Investor Relations. Hill will lead Boeing’s engagement with the investment community to provide timely, accurate and transparent information on the company’s market environment, business, performance and outlook. Hill was most recently vice president of Finance for Mobility, Surveillance & Bombers, a division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. He previously held Finance leadership roles on the 777/777X/767 programs and Everett site. These leadership appointments are effective May 5.

 

27 Mar 14. Corvias, a trusted infrastructure and resiliency partner to the U.S. military and higher education institutions, has named Denise Hauck President of its Department of Defense (DOD) division. In this capacity, Hauck will oversee the energy, indoor environments, and military housing solutions Corvias delivers to the DOD to support the readiness and resiliency of service members and their families. In addition to providing oversight for property operations, construction, asset management and development, Hauck will also lead efforts to create efficient, future-ready communities to improve quality of life and help residents thrive. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

26 Mar 14. Karman Space & Defense (NYSE: KRMN) (“Karman” or “the Company”), a leader in the design, testing, volume manufacturing, and sale of highly engineered, mission-critical subsystems for advanced missile, uncrewed aircraft, and space systems, today announced the appointment of Steven Gitlin as Vice President of Investor Relations, effective immediately. Gitlin reports to Karman Space & Defense’s Chief Financial Officer, Mike Willis. Gitlin is responsible for leading Karman Space & Defense’s Investor Relations function, working with investors and equity research analysts to broaden awareness and understanding of the Company’s investment thesis, financial performance and long-term strategy. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

27 Mar 14. Peraton  announced the appointment of Christy Wilder as chief security officer (CSO). In this role, Wilder will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive strategies, risk management and mitigation initiatives, incident response preparedness, and enterprise safety protocols in support of Peraton’s employees and physical assets. Wilder previously served as an advisor to Peraton’s Defense Mission and Health Solutions Sector with a focus on identifying and implementing strategies to further optimize our services in securing the nation. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

REST OF WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

27 Mar 25. Babcock Australasia has appointed Gary Potts – Regional Maintenance Provider West to lead the company’s surface ship sustainment efforts at Henderson in Western Australia. Former Babcock employee Gary Potts returns to the company to assume the role following the retirement of Rob Dunn, who has held the position since 2023. During his previous tenure at Babcock, Potts served as major programs director overseeing JP 9101 (high frequency communications), counter-chemical, biological, radiological nuclear and explosives asset management, ADF ground support equipment and ASC Collins Class sustainment. Potts reportedly has an extensive experience leading defence and maritime programs, including 15 years at BAE Systems in program leadership roles on Hunter Class, air warfare destroyers and landing helicopter docks, according to the company. (Source: Defence Connect)

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

20 Mar 25.  Barrow granted royal status to recognise its UK nuclear submarine-building heritage. The King has agreed to confer the title of “Royal” to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s contribution to national security as the home of nuclear submarine building in the UK.  His Majesty is said to be hoping to visit the town in due course following the announcement that the home of Britain’s nuclear submarines will receive the title. It comes as the Prime Minister is set to describe Barrow as a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country. The Prime Minister’s visit follows him secretly joining submariners returning home a few days ago. He boarded HMS Vanguard as she returned to UK waters, known as a “Day Zero”, to thank the submariners for their months of silent service deep underwater. It was the first time a Prime Minister had been on a nuclear submarine since David Cameron was welcomed on board in 2013. In a post on X, Sir Keir thanked the submariners for “months of silent service”.

“It was an honour to join them on board, and to meet their loved ones,” he said. “Thank you for your service to our country – welcome home.”

The PM will also lay the keel to the first boat of the next generation nuclear-armed submarines, known as the Dreadnought class during his visit to Barrow. He is also announcing a new £28m funding package for T-Levels, an alternative to A-levels, delivered by providers across England including Furness College in Barrow. (Source: forces.net)

 

19 Mar 25. Kratos Breaks Ground on $50m State-of-the-Art Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, today announced the groundbreaking of Kratos’ Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility (IPIF) in Crane, Indiana. This state-of-the-art 68,000-square-foot office, laboratory, integration and test complex will support critical hypersonic vehicle and payload activities and systems for the Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Testbed (MACH-TB) program. The project demonstrates Kratos’ commitment to advancing hypersonic system payload integration and test capabilities and expanding crucial infrastructure needed to accelerate the time to Mach 5+ flight testing. With an investment in construction and equipment estimated to exceed $50m, the Kratos IPIF is being designed for rapid, affordable preparation of experimental payloads to significantly boost the tempo of flight testing for next-generation hypersonic systems and technologies and to accelerate the development of advanced weapons systems. The facility is expected to create over 100 high-tech jobs, with an estimated average annual wage of $80,000+. IPIF operational readiness is expected by the end of 2026. The hypersonic system IPIF expands Kratos’ footprint in Indiana and complements the recently announced agreement with Kratos and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., launching Prometheus Energetics LLC (Prometheus), a new U.S.-based merchant supplier of Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) and other energetics with Prometheus headquarters and production campus located on an approximate 550-acre site in Bloomfield, Indiana, at ACMI’s National Security Industrial Hub (NSIH). (Source: ASD Network)

 

18 Mar 14. Peraton announced the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art facility in Huntsville, Alabama. This 27,000-square-foot facility, located in the Redstone Gateway complex, serves multiple federal customers, including the Defense Intelligence Agency/Missile and Space Intelligence Center, US Army, FBI, Missile Defense Agency, and NASA. The facility features more than 12,000 square feet of space for a Secure Compartmentalized Information Facility (SCIF). The new Huntsville location is part of Peraton’s ongoing expansion, with career openings currently available and more expected in the months and years ahead. There are currently 200 Peraton employees in the Huntsville-Madison County area.

“We are excited to officially open our new Huntsville facility, which represents a significant investment in our mission to provide top-tier services and solutions to federal agencies,” said Steve Schorer, chairman, president, and CEO, Peraton. “This facility strengthens our ability to serve customers and creates an environment for innovation and collaboration. We’re proud to contribute to the local economy by bringing new opportunities to Huntsville and its skilled workforce.”

The Huntsville facility is strategically located within the Redstone Gateway complex, which is home to several major defense and aerospace contractors, making it an ideal location for supporting the growing needs of Peraton’s customers. With a focus on security and technology, the new facility will enable the company to continue delivering high-quality services to its federal partners.

“Huntsville continues to be a hub for innovation, and we’re excited to see Peraton expanding here,” said Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL), who was in attendance and has been an advocate for increased economic development in Huntsville. “This new facility shows just how important Huntsville has become in supporting key federal projects. Partnerships like this help create jobs, boost our economy, and play a vital role in national security and technology advancements.”

The new facility furthers the federal government’s efforts to maximize taxpayer dollars by bringing world-class technology and expertise to protect and strengthen America and its interests. In supporting the military and civilian workforce in Huntsville, Peraton is continuing its proud tradition of being by the side of its customers, working as partners. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

19 Mar 25. Australian Federal Minister Officially Opens New Sydney HQ.  On Tuesday 11 March 2025, the Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, The Hon. Pat Conroy MP, officially opened DroneShield’s new Sydney headquarters, marking a significant milestone for the company. This is a reflection of our growth and the continued development of our world-leading counter-drone technology, which plays a crucial role in modern security and defence efforts globally. Founded in 2014, DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a small office with just a handful of staff. The company has continually focused on developing cutting-edge counter-drone technologies that protect people, assets, and infrastructure from the rapidly evolving threat of drone-based attacks. Today, we’re proud to employ around 250 people in Sydney, including 200 engineers, and a commitment to maintaining a predominantly Australian supply chain. This approach allows us to not only create cutting-edge technology, but also contribute to the local economy and the Australian defence industry ecosystem.

 

18 Mar 25. G3 Systems completes Stage 1 on their third overseas infrastructure contract with the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). G3 Systems Limited, the British company with nearly 25 years of operationally proven expertise in designing and producing deployable containerised solutions and providing infrastructure support to military and government organisations in remote locations across the globe, has just competed the Stage 1 surveys of their third overseas construction project for the FCDO.  In the last 12 months, G3 Systems has announced contracts to refurbish two other FCDO locations in Lagos and Luanda.  This latest contract is for the refurbishment of the British High Commission in Maputo, Mozambique.  The contract was awarded following a competitive tendering exercise run by the FCDO and is a combination of initial structural and civil surveys (Stage 1) followed by the main refurbishment works (Stage 2).  It includes the construction of a single-storey extension, remodelling of the existing building, improvements to internal facilities and external landscaping.  The Stage 2 works will take approximately 18 months to ensure full compliance with current regulations and are designed to meet the highest standards of quality, health and safety, sustainability and security.

Nick Rose, Managing Director G3 Systems said, “We now have extensive experience of delivering on complex overseas construction projects in remote locations for the FCDO.  This is just another example of our expertise in action.   G3 Systems has worked with the military on high quality complex construction projects in remote and challenging locations for many years and it is fantastic to see these skills supporting UK national interests elsewhere in the world.  I am also really looking forward to sharing more good news soon in other areas of our business.”

 

MARITIME

 

20 Mar 25. The keel of the first of the UK’s new Dreadnought submarines, the most powerful and technically advanced boats ever designed for the Royal Navy, has been laid at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard.  HMS Dreadnought is the first of four Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines, which BAE Systems is designing and building in Cumbria, and will succeed the Vanguard Class of submarines. The ceremonial event, attended by UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, marked a significant milestone in the programme to maintain the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) and protect national security.  The Dreadnought Class will begin to enter service in the early 2030s. CASD will be maintained throughout the transition from Vanguard to Dreadnought Class.

Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: “Laying the keel for the first of class, HMS Dreadnought, is an incredibly proud moment for everyone across the Company, Defence Nuclear Enterprise and Royal Navy. It comes as the boat’s last major unit prepares to make its way into the Devonshire Dock Hall for final integration, demonstrating the progress made across the programme to date. Our collective role in maintaining Continuous at Sea Deterrence is our most critical responsibility. It’s a truly national endeavour vital to safeguarding our way of life, as well as making a significant contribution to local and national prosperity. I’m proud that thousands of our highly-skilled people are at the heart of today’s achievement.”

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said: “It’s an honour to be in Barrow to lay the keel for the next generation of nuclear-armed submarines. These boats will protect our people and Allies from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life for future generations. Investing in the British defence industry, underpinned by companies like BAE Systems, is at the heart of my government’s commitment to national and economic security as part of our Plan for Change. This investment is supporting good, secure jobs and putting money in the pockets of working people.  The people of Barrow, and the submarines manufactured here, have been an integral part of our deterrent capability for decades. We will continue to foster that innovation and industrial excellence to protect the UK for the decades to come.”

Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said: “Since April 1969, Royal Navy submariners have been proud to deliver the Continuous at Sea Deterrent, maintaining at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine on patrol, ready to respond to the most extreme threats to the UK.  Whilst the Vanguard Class of submarines continues to deliver CASD today, the Royal Navy is greatly looking forward to operating highly sophisticated and advanced Dreadnought Class submarines. This keel laying ceremony is considered the ‘birth’ of a vessel and I congratulate all those involved across the Alliance for reaching this important milestone in the life of HMS Dreadnought and look forward to bringing this exciting and highly capable submarine into service.”

Dreadnought submarines will be the largest ever operated by the Royal Navy at 153.6 metres long – approximately the length of three Olympic swimming pools. Technological advances, changing threats and new methods of design and production mean the new boats will represent a significant step change compared to their predecessors. It is one of the largest and most complex engineering projects in the world. The Dreadnought Alliance, a partnership between BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence’s Submarine Delivery Agency, manages delivery of the UK’s next nuclear deterrent platform. As part of the Government’s Nuclear Skills Plan initiative, the Submarines workforce, centred in Barrow, has grown by more than 3,000 since 2023 to 14,700. That growth is set to continue as both the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS programmes develop. The overall Dreadnought programme is expected to support in the region of 30,000 jobs across the UK over the life of the programme. The Barrow shipyard has undergone more than £1 billion of redevelopment to drive efficiencies and boost capacity to accommodate the build of Dreadnought and ensure the historic shipyard can continue delivering world-class submarines to the Royal Navy for generations to come. BAE Systems estimates that it will spend in the region of £7.5 billion with 1,500 suppliers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring the economic impact of the programme is felt right across the UK.

 

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

 

18 Mar 25. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed his defence minister, Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur, on Sunday following lobbying efforts by the US military, sources told Middle East Eye. Nur has been reassigned as the minister of ports amid indications that US military support for Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab – an armed group designated as a terrorist organisation by Washington – has slowed.  Two sources familiar with the situation told MEE that Nur’s efforts to deepen Somalia’s military, energy and aerospace cooperation with Turkey unsettled Washington, which maintains closer ties with the United Arab Emirates in the Horn of Africa.  Under Nur’s leadership, Somalia and Turkey signed a comprehensive naval, trade and defence agreement in February last year. While the full details of the deal remain undisclosed, sources indicate that it grants Turkey the responsibility of safeguarding Somali waters, establishing a Somali navy and assisting in the exploration of energy resources, as a response to Ethiopia’s naval deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.  (Source: Google/https://www.middleeasteye.net/)

 

17 Mar 25. Australian defence workers undertake mass walkout over shipbuilding wages. Industry. More than 500 defence workers are taking part in a massive walkout today over wages, according to the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union. More than 400 workers from the AMWU and around 100 workers from the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) are taking industrial action as BAE Systems Australia’s leadership team addresses its maritime workforce in response to a dispute over workers’ wages. Workers at BAE Osborne are seeking a 30 per cent wage increase on average over three years to keep them in line with industry rates.

“BAE Systems Australia is negotiating an enterprise agreement that seeks to ensure improvements to wages and longer-term job security for our employees,” a BAE Systems Australia spokesperson said.

“We continue to negotiate in good faith with the aim of achieving an outcome that balances reward and sustainability, to ensure value for money to the Commonwealth and taxpayer.

“We will provide a further update when appropriate.”

An all-hands meeting hosted by BAE Systems Maritime Australia acting manager director Paul Berryman will be held to attempt to resolve the dispute.

“Workers at BAE are rightly angry that they are paid, on average, 20 per cent less than other workers with the same skills in the same industry,” AMWU SA acting state secretary Stuart Gordon said.

“We are the highly skilled tradespeople who are building the next generation of ships for the Australia Defence Force.

“We are taking a stand because BAE isn’t recognising the value of our skills and our work. BAE wouldn’t accept lower-quality ships, so why should we accept lower wages?

“The future of the industry is built on attracting and retaining our skills and experience. Same job, same pay – that’s why we’re out, and that’s what will resolve it.”

AMWU members have been tasked with the critical Hunter Class Frigate Program that will provide continuous naval shipbuilding capability for the country and will complement future AUKUS work with its anti-submarine capability. It comes at a critical juncture as the program commences with the construction of the first of the Hunter Class frigates and as BAE Systems Australia bolsters its workforce to support the program. Workers will commence maintenance and upgrades mid-year on the Hobart Class destroyers as part of the Defence Capability Enhancement Program. The workforce also conducts work on offshore patrol vessels. Currently, BAE workers are paid, on average, 20 per cent less than other workers with the same skills in the shipbuilding industry, according to the AMWU. BAE Systems Australia is currently offering workers a 12 per cent wage increase over three years. The blue-collar workers have been undertaking stoppages in the last month, having been in negotiations with the multinational company since July 2024. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

19 Mar 25. UK’s new National Armaments Director job open to Turkish and EU nationals. The National Armaments Director will be charged with £20bn in defence investment as part of wider defence procurement reformation. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finally published a job advertisement for the newly created National Armaments Director (NAD) role, with its scope not excluding non-UK application from the role, including Commonwealth, European Union (EU), and Turkish nationals. In a UK Civil Service job posting, it was stated that the NAD role will “lead the MoD” alongside the Permanent Secretray, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the Chief of Defence Nuclear, delivering the defence industrial strategy, leading reformation, and security “standardisation in Nato and across allies to achieve interoperability”. The post of an MoD NAD was first unveiled by UK Defence Secretary John Healey at an Institute for Government press briefing in February 2025, where he announced the role would be responsible for more than £20bn ($25.9bn) in the defence procurement portfolio. Speaking at the time, Healey said the NAD would be tasked with “fixing procurement and driving growth”. However, Healey admitted that the MoD could not pay the same rate to the NAD as would be available in the private sector, instead calling to patriotic duty and pride in national defence industrial renewal.

Job specs: UK National Armaments Director

The newly published job advertisement indicates a salary of £290,000 – £400,000. A Civil Service pension is also offered, with an employer contribution of 28.97%. The NAD role also offers an annual bonus of up to 60% of the salary. At the top end, this could offer an annual salary with bonus of £640,000. In addition, the role is also open to range of non-UK nationals from within the European Union who have either settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), or those who have made a “valid application” for the EUSS. Recruitment would also consider applications from Republic of Ireland nationals and those from Commonwealth countries who have a right to work in the UK. The job outline added that Turkish nationals, “and certain family members of Turkish nationals”, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service could apply. The UK recently announced that it would increase defence spending up to 2.6% as a proportion of its GDP, up from around 2.2% currently, paid for through a cut in overseas aid and the bringing into the MoD budget of the Single Intelligence Account, which pays for the operations of MI5, MI6, and GCHQ. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

18 Mar 25. Fundamental changes to Armed Forces processes to better support Women in UK Defence. As part of a series of changes to eradicate unacceptable behaviours in the military a new Tri-Service complaints unit for the Armed Forces has been announced.

* New initiatives to tackle unacceptable behaviours in the military to be introduced at pace.

* Changes include a new specialist Tri-Service team for taking the most serious complaints, such as bullying, discrimination and harassment, outside the single Service chain of command.

* MOD creates a central Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce, to drive cultural improvements

* Progress comes as Armed Forces Commissioner Bill continues through Parliament as part of the Government’s Plan for Change

As part of a series of changes to eradicate unacceptable behaviours in the military, and step-up support for women across UK Defence, a new Tri-Service complaints unit for the Armed Forces has been announced.

The new team will be independent of the single Service chain of command to provide individuals with greater confidence and help ensure that the most serious complaints are dealt with quickly, fairly and in a standardised way across the Armed Forces. Building on the change in 2022 when complaints were taken out of the direct chain of command, providing greater independence and confidence.

The change will see Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination related service complaints dealt with by a team outside the commands of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

This builds on the successes of the tri-service approach to sexual offending, within the Defence Serious Crime Command which was set up in 2022.

In addition, the Ministry of Defence will set up a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce, led centrally by Minister Carns to cohere and drive the work to change culture from the heart of the department. Minister Carns will be supported by a network of regional champions who will help raise awareness of and tackle violence against women and girls across the military, and a Defence Voices Panel – a challenge group made up of service personnel and civil servants to provide honest feedback and lived experiences.

The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Al Carns will set out these new measures before the House of Commons Defence Select Committee later today. He will give evidence alongside Service chiefs.

Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns said: 2This government was elected on a manifesto of change, and we are delivering for Defence. I am personally committed to ensuring that we do everything within our power to root out unacceptable behaviour and ensure that the Armed Forces is a place where everyone can thrive.  Women in the armed forces play a vital role in our keeping our nation safe. This is not just a matter of basic justice and equality, it is essential to military effectiveness.    Our people have spoken, and we have listened. We are moving at pace to create a new Tri-Service Complaints team to take the most serious complaints out of the chain of single Service command for the first time and to launch a central taskforce to give this issue the attention and focus it deserves.”

The MOD’s VAWG Taskforce will include regional support network, trained on topics including domestic violence and sexual offending. These roles will use a network of multidisciplinary experts to support Armed Forces personnel, including healthcare providers, social workers, and HR advisors and will link into the Victim Witness Care Unit.   These measures are part of the government’s commitment to improving Service life and renewing the contract with those who serve and have served and support this government’s foundation of strong national security.   The government introduced the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill in November – the first ever independent champion for serving personnel and their families. The Bill has passed through the House of Commons and is now in Committee Stage in the Lords. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact Service life. They are expected to be appointed by the end of 2025.  With powers to visit Defence sites unannounced and commission reports, the Commissioner will hold Defence to account and drive improvements to Service life.   The government is committed to standing up for those who serve the nation. At the end of July, the Armed Forces received the largest pay rise in over 20 years, and in December the MOD struck a landmark deal to bring the military housing estate back into public ownership to enable additional investment into homes for military families and deliver savings for taxpayers. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

14 Mar 25. Jeffrey Kessler Confirmed as DOC Under Secretary for Industry, Security. The Senate on Thursday confirmed Jeffrey Kessler, a partner at international law firm WilmerHale, as under secretary of commerce for industry and security in a 54-45 vote. In this capacity, he will lead the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, which advances national security, economic objectives and foreign policy by fostering U.S. strategic technology leadership and ensuring an export control and treaty compliance system. Kessler’s Senate confirmation for the under secretary role marks his return to the department. During President Trump’s first term, he served as assistant secretary of commerce for enforcement and compliance for two years. In this role, he oversaw efforts to ensure foreign compliance with trade agreements, enforce U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws and support the implementation and negotiation of international trade agreements to open foreign markets, among other responsibilities. Kessler most recently served as a partner within WilmerHale’s international trade practice. The Yale University graduate first joined WilmerHale in 2011 as a counsel.Kessler holds a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago and a juris doctor and master’s degree in economics from Stanford University. (Source: glstrade.com/ExecutiveGov.com)

 

14 Mar 25. The Senate today confirmed Stephen A. Feinberg as the Defense Department’s 36th deputy defense secretary by a vote of 59-40. Feinberg, a New York native and businessman, last worked in government as chair of President Donald J. Trump’s Intelligence Advisory Board during the president’s first administration from 2018 to 2021.  As deputy defense secretary, Feinberg will be responsible for DOD’s day-to-day business, including executing the defense secretary’s priorities and managing the department’s budget.

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

18 Mar 14. Amentum (NYSE: AMTM), a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, today announced the appointment of Corhyn Parr as Vice President of International Business Development. Corhyn joins Amentum after a distinguished tenure as CEO of Nuclear Waste Services, a subsidiary of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), where she played a pivotal role in advancing the UK’s nuclear waste management strategies and initiatives.In her new role, Corhyn will leverage her extensive experience in the nuclear sector and proven track record in international business development to drive growth and expand Amentum’s global defence, energy and environment footprint. Her expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and building collaborative partnerships will be instrumental as the company seeks to enhance its service offerings in the nuclear, environmental, and defence sectors worldwide. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

18 Mar 14. Cognyte Software Ltd. (NASDAQ: CGNT) (“Cognyte”), a global leader in investigative analytics software, today announced the appointment of Dr. Ronny Lempel as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In this role, Lempel will apply over 25 years of proven, cross-discipline technology expertise to extend Cognyte’s innovation leadership and bring unparalleled vision and value to Cognyte’s customers. Among his previous leadership roles, Lempel led research and technology initiatives at Google Ads, Microsoft Azure Machine Learning, Outbrain and Yahoo, developing vast and varied expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), search engines, recommendation systems and ad tech. Lempel’s distinguished expertise in these fields combined with his military experience in an intelligence unit come together to drive AI innovation and bring added value for customers. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

17 Mar 25. Cubic Corporation announced that Mac Curtis will retire as Chairman of the Board, effective today. Stevan Slijepcevic, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cubic since January 2022, will assume the additional role of Chairman of the Board. The move reflects Cubic’s commitment to continuity and strategic growth under Slijepcevic’s leadership. Since becoming CEO, Slijepcevic has led Cubic’s strategic transformation, strengthening its core businesses and driving efficiency across the organization. Under his leadership, Cubic has reinforced its presence in the transportation and defense industries, secured key contracts, and positioned itself for continued growth.

 

14 Mar 25. Skylark Labs, the innovative U.S.-based artificial intelligence company revolutionizing adaptive security solutions, today announced the formation of a distinguished Defense Advisory Board comprised of former military leaders and defense technology experts to guide the company’s strategic growth in the defense and security sectors. The board brings together decades of leadership experience across military branches, intelligence operations, and defense technology deployment—providing Skylark Labs with unparalleled insights as it expands its footprint in the national security space. The advisory board includes several distinguished members with extensive backgrounds in military leadership and defense technology:

* Lt. Gen. Michael S. Groen (Ret.), former US Marine Corps Commander of JAIC and Deputy Chief of Computer Network at NSA, who brings deep expertise in implementing AI solutions across military operations

* Colonel Brad Boyd (Ret.), former U.S. Army Chief of Staff at US Army HQ, JAIC, Stanford, and DIU, with extensive experience in defense technology implementation

* Colonel Douglas Drakeley (Ret.), former U.S. Air Force Director ISR US Air Force, JAIC, and DIU, bringing decades of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance expertise

* Retired Border Patrol Agent in Charge, Philip Calk, with 28 years of experience at DHS and USBP with TS Clearance, offering specialized expertise in border and public safety operations. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

LOCATIONS

 

MARITIME

 

13 Mar 25. Navantia’s 2nd S80 Submarine Starts Tests and Safety Milestones. The S-82 ‘Narciso Monturiol’ submarine, second of the series of four that Navantia is building for the Spanish Navy, has successfully accomplished its first safety milestone: the “power up” of the equipment. The “power up” consists of the start-up of the main and emergency electrical distribution networks. From the completion of this milestone, the various equipment can be safely powered from their distribution panel. The “power up” is the first safety milestone planned within the Safety Milestones Management Plan of the S-80 Program, which aims to establish a framework that demonstrates that the construction and testing process of the S-80 Program submarines is carried out in a way that ensures the lowest possible risk level. More than 1,500 harbour tests. As a complement to the safety milestone, the first Harbour Acceptance Tests of the S-82 ‘Narciso Monturiol’ submarine have been carried out, as part of a program that includes more than 1,500 verifications, including acceptance and builder tests. These milestones show the satisfactory advance of the S-80 program, with the first submarine already in service for the Spanish Navy, and the second one accomplishing these tests prior to its launching, scheduled for next summer. The S-80 submarines have a total length of 80.8 meters, a diameter of 7.3 meters, and a submerged displacement of around 3,000 tons. Among their technological contributions are the combat and platform control system from Navantia Sistemas, and a revolutionary anaerobic propulsion system developed by Navantia that provides great stealth in immersion, called BEST-AIP. This air-independent propulsion system allows it to obtain electrical energy from fuel cells using technology from the aerospace sector, at any depth. Thus, it can remain submerged for weeks without surfacing, which improves its discretion, the main attribute of a submarine. The S-80s are the most advanced conventional (non-nuclear) submarines in the world, which have aroused the interest of several navies from other countries like Poland or Canada, and opened a door to the international market in a highly technological sector. (Source: ASD Network)

 

10 Mar 25. New Iraqi fast patrol boats built by Ares Shipyard enter service. The Iraqi naval forces’ three new Type 55 SAT special operations support and fast attack craft have officially entered service. Announcing the milestone on 7 March, Türkiye’s Ares Shipyard, which built the vessels under subcontract to ENM Korea, said the new boats have now commenced patrol duties in and around Umm Qasr in southern Iraq. The Type 55 SAT boats were ordered by the Iraqi Ministry of Defence from ENM Korea under a contract awarded in October 2022. Construction began at Ares Shipyard’s facilities in Antalya on 7 October 2022 and the three units, with pennant numbers P 1011, P 1012 and P 1013, were delivered to the Iraqi naval forces in December 2024. The all-aluminium vessels have an overall length of 19.1 m, a 4.1 m beam, and a draught of 1 m. They are powered by twin diesel engines and two waterjets to provide a top speed of 45 kt. Armament includes one Aselsan Stamp stabilised remote-controlled naval weapon system and two 12.7 mm machine guns. Other equipment on board includes a suite of naval communications equipment, an electro-optic (EO) sensor, and an X-band radar. The boats are designed for fast patrol, surveillance, protection of critical infrastructure, and asymmetric warfare operations.  (Source: Janes)

 

07 Mar 25. Japan inducts fourth Taigei-class submarine. Japan has commissioned its fourth Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK). The boat, which has been named JS Raigei, was inducted on 6 March, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) disclosed in a post via its official social media page on the same day. Raigei was launched by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in October 2023 as part of plans to equip the JMSDF with a fleet of lithium-ion battery-fitted submarines. The Taigei class displaces about 3,000 tonnes when surfaced and has an overall length of about 84 m, an overall beam of 9.1 m, and a hull draught of about 8.5 m. The SSK can accommodate a crew complement of 70, and this includes a separate compartment for female crew members. Its form factor incorporates an X-configuration stern rudder, which provides the boat with better manoeuvring capabilities in shallower waters. Raigei is powered by two Kawasaki 12V 25/25SB diesel engines, and it can attain top speeds in excess of 20 kt when dived. In terms of sensors, the class is equipped with bow- and flank-mounted sonars and will also be able to deploy towed array sensors. For weapons, Raigei is armed with six 533 mm tubes that can deploy the Type 89 wire-guided torpedo, which can strike targets at distances of up to 50 km away. All submarines across the Taigei class are also expected to deploy Japan’s future Type 18 heavyweight torpedoes and the UGM-84L Harpoon submarine-launched anti-ship missile in due course. (Source: Janes)

 

AIR

 

11 Mar 25. Airbus Helicopters has introduced its H140 at the vertical lift industry show VERTICON in Dallas, Texas. The multi-mission helicopter raises the bar in the light twin-engined category, for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. The H140 is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters’ current light twin offering for the emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment.

“Introducing a new helicopter to the light twin engine segment is a testimony to our commitment to meeting our customers’ evolving mission requirements, leveraging our R&T programmes such as Bluecopter,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We worked hand in hand with our H135 customers to bring their additional requirements together in the H140’s efficient design. It enables customers to benefit from a bigger mission-enhancing cabin space that was sized to an optimised engine performance for the best-in-class payload and range. We are proud to be able to offer our customers the most competitive choices,” he added.

The Company presented a full-scale model in an emergency medical services configuration at VERTICON. The H140 features a wide range of innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, and new powerful engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin space, large windows and optimised cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to the large clamshell doors and the high tail boom, the H140’s rear loading capabilities allow the use of different types of stretcher systems including intensive care ones and transport incubators while its large sliding doors facilitate access to the cabin. The H140, powered by the Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engine, offers the best payload/range in its class. The two engines of the helicopter are managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, guaranteeing unprecedented levels of performance in all engines operative (AEO) operations and considerable power reserves in one engine inoperative (OEI) scenarios. The new H140 also features the same five-bladed rotor system that was introduced on the H145 in 2019. The bearingless main rotor design simplifies maintenance, improves serviceability and reliability, and provides the highest level of passenger and crew comfort. H140 operators will benefit from an optimised maintenance plan that harmonises airframe and engine maintenance schedules and allows longer intervals between inspections, reducing the helicopter’s operating and maintenance costs. In total, the company will have four dedicated prototypes, with the first aircraft already being flight tested at the company’s site in Donauwörth.  The H140 will feature Helionix, Airbus Helicopters’ avionic system that also equips the H135, H145, H160 and H175. Helionix, in addition to the 4-axis autopilot, offers an innovative cockpit layout to enhance situational awareness, reducing the pilot workload and increasing the safety during the mission.

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

12 Mar 25. USAF LG John D. Caine (Ret.) for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

10 Mar 25. Mark Carney won the race to become leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party and will succeed Justin Trudeau as prime minister, official results showed on Sunday. Carney will take over at a tumultuous time in Canada, which is in the midst of a trade war with longtime ally the United States under President Donald Trump and must hold a general election soon. Carney, 59, took 86% of votes cast to beat former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in a contest in which just under 152,000 party members voted. (Source: Reuters)

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

06 Mar 25.  Silvus Technologies, Inc., a global supplier of advanced wireless networking communication solutions, has announced the appointment of Jeffrey Lassiter to its executive management team as Chief Financial Officer. With more than 20 years of experience in aerospace and defense, industrial manufacturing and engineering services industries, Mr. Lassiter brings strategic financial leadership and a deep understanding of advanced communications systems engineering to Silvus. (Source: UAS VISION)

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

05 Mar 25. Robosys Automation, has celebrated the opening of its new UK headquarters in Southampton, UK, in support of the company’s global expansion. The new office features workshops and administration offices to accommodate Robosys’ growing team, which consists of software developers, technologists, vessel integrators, and administration staff.
The new headquarters are also adjacent to Southampton Water which have the added benefit of a launching ramp close to the premises, enabling the swift deployment of craft for commissioning and testing.

 

AIR

 

05 Mar 25. Morocco receives first AH-64 Apache helicopters. The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has taken delivery of its first AH-64E Apache helicopter from the United States. Deliveries of 24 aircraft were originally scheduled to take place from last year, but were delayed, with the first aircraft arriving in the North African country on Monday 3 March. Footage showed six of the rotorcraft being unloaded from a vessel. Newly built Moroccan Apaches were seen on 27 January at Midland/Odessa Air Terminal in Texas on an overnight stop before heading east to board a ship for Morocco. Anwar Press reported that the first six helicopters were delivered to the 7th Air Base in Khouribga, with the remaining rotorcraft to follow through mid-2026. The base has been upgraded to accommodate the new helicopters.
Boeing began manufacturing Morocco’s first AH-64Es in late 2023 after receiving an order for 24 in June 2020. The company is building the new Moroccan Apaches under a contract with the US Army through the US government’s Foreign Military Sales process, and has apparently completed the first ten. In November 2019 Morocco requested the sale of 24 new helicopters and 12 options, along with AGM-114R/L Hellfire missiles, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System munitions, AIM-92H Stinger missiles, M261 rocket launchers, 70 mm rockets and 30 mm cannon ammunition in a deal worth $1.5bn. The AH-64E that Morocco has ordered features an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying ground and air targets, Boeing said the Longbow Fire Control Radar has been updated to operate in a maritime environment. Morocco has been seeking a new attack helicopter for some time. In early 2019, reports emerged that Morocco had selected the Apache over the T-129 ATAK and Bell AH-1Z. Morocco’s military has no dedicated attack helicopter, instead relying on two dozen Gazelles, which are flown by both Army Aviation and the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Morocco is also acquiring other military aviation assets from the United States, including 25 F-16C/D Block 72 fighter jets to replace the Mirage F1s it received in the 1970s, the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger IIs it received in the 1980s, and to augment and eventually replace the F-16C/Ds it received from 2011. Other purchases from the US include 18 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, M57 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) rounds, 40 AGM-154C Joint Stand Off Weapons (JSOW), and 612 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, among others. Morocco is also seeking $175m worth of AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs from the United States. The North African country is keen to bolster its military capabilities amid rising regional tensions and boosted its defence budget for 2025 to about $13bn. Its defence budget was $12 bn in 2024 and $11.4 bn in 2023, according to Morocco World News. The country is Africa’s second-largest military spender behind Algeria, which has a 2025 defence budget of $25.1bn. Recent Moroccan acquisitions from other countries include Barak MX air defence systems and two spy satellites from Israel, 40 Caesar self-propelled howitzers from France, 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled howitzers from Israel, and 200 Cobra II armoured vehicles from Turkey. An agreement was also signed in September 2024 with the Indian company Tata Group on the joint production of 150 wheeled WhAP infantry fighting vehicles. In addition, the Kingdom agreed to establish a subsidiary of the Turkish company Baykar on its territory. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

04 Mar 25. USAF Names New OA-1K Light Attack Aircraft ‘Skyraider II.’ The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has officially named its forthcoming OA-1K light attack and reconnaissance aircraft the Skyraider II, reviving the legacy of the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, a rugged close air support aircraft that saw extensive combat in Korea and Vietnam. The announcement was made at the recent Special Air Warfare Symposium in Florida as the Air Force prepares for the aircraft’s arrival in the coming weeks.
“I am excited about the Skyraider II,” Lieutenant General Michael Conley, AFSOC’s commander, said in a press release. “I think we have a capability that’s only ours, and we are going to have the ability to shape that into something that the rest of the nation might not even know they need right now.”
The Skyraider II, developed under U.S. Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) Armed Overwatch program, is a militarized version of the Air Tractor AT-802 crop duster. Designed as a crewed, multi-role aircraft, Skyraider II is expected to support the AFSOC through close air support, precision strikes, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Skyraider II can carry up to 6,000 pounds of ordnance, including precision-guided bombs, laser-guided rockets, and air-to-ground missiles. It is also equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
“Providing scalable and precision effects is where the Skyraider II will come in. The Skyraider II could take on missions from the southwest border to Africa and create dilemmas for those we are in competition with,” Brig. Gen. Craig Prather, AFSOC’s director of strategic plans said.
The aircraft is set to replace older ISR platforms, such as the U-28A Draco, and supplement A-10 retirements, as the Air Force gradually phases out the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II—a legendary close air support platform that has long been the subject of debate over its relevance in modern warfare. AFSOC expects the first operational Skyraider II aircraft to arrive at Hurlburt Field in late March. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

 

02 Mar 25. Australia commits to “reinstating” fourth F-35 squadron as election anticipation heats up. Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton and Shadow Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie have announced plans to reinstate the planned acquisition of a fourth squadron of F-35A fighter aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force. As anticipation about the upcoming Federal Election heats up and amid growing national security concerns, the Coalition appears to have fired the first salvo, with Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton and Shadow Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie confirming an elected Dutton Government would “reinstate” the acquisition of a fourth F-35 Lightning II squadron for the Royal Australian Air Force.
This commitment would see an additional AU$3 bn to fund the acquisition of up to 28 additional F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, bringing the nation’s total F-35 acquisition to 100, as was originally planned in the program of record with Lockheed Martin.
The Coalition announcement stated the speed to delivering the capability to the Royal Australian Air Force, stating, “Negotiations will commence immediately upon coming to government to ensure we can acquire the aircraft in a timely manner; with the aim to begin delivery of additional aircraft within the next five years.”
Shadow Minister for Defence and Defence Industry, Andrew Hastie said, “Despite repeatedly warning that Australia is facing the most strategic circumstances since the end of the Second World War, Labor has spent three years dithering and delaying.
“We have a Prime Minister misleading the public and not across his brief, while his Defence Minister plays down national security issues. As an island nation in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region. It is essential that we are able to defend ourselves and protect our nation’s interests. Increasing our F-35 capability is an effective way we can do so,” Mr Hastie added.
Australia received it’s first F-35A Lightning II, in 2018, and has steadily grown it’s fleet of fifth generation fighter aircraft since then, culminating in the delivery of the “final” of the original 72 aircraft in 2023.
The Coalition added, “Labor has cut, delayed and reprioritised more than $80 bn of funding from Defence. This is a Government who less than a year after promising to grow defence spending to 2.4 per cent of GDP, have backflipped and reduced the target to “over 2.3 percent”.”
For the RAAF, the F-35A’s combination of full-spectrum, low-observable stealth coatings and materials; advanced radar-dispersing shaping, network-centric sensor; and communications suites – combined with a lethal strike capability – means the aircraft will be the ultimate force multiplying air-combat platform. Australia has committed to purchasing 72 of the advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft as part of the AU$17 bn AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program to replace the ageing F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets that have been in service with the RAAF since 1985. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

28 Feb 25. Mozambique Air Force gets a C295. Mozambique’s Air Force has taken delivery of a C295W transport aircraft from Airbus as it continues to expand its transport fleet. The C295W (FA655) departed Seville, Spain, on its delivery flight on 24 February. It arrived in Maputo on the 27th, according to flight tracking data, after stops in Senegal, Benin, and Angola. The Mozambican C295 was first seen in mid-2024 in temporary Spanish markings while undergoing flight testing prior to delivery. The order has not been officially announced by Airbus, but the company has noted an undisclosed African customer for the type. Mozambique’s Air Force has been expanding its transport fleet of late, notably acquiring a second hand CN235M and a Let-410 from Paramount Group in late 2022. Air Force officials at the time of delivery said the two aircraft would be used to transport cargo and troops and deploy special forces and paratroopers. Paramount supplied the aircraft as well as training and maintenance. The company has also delivered several second hand Mi-24, Mi-8/17, and Gazelle helicopters to Mozambique and sold its Mwari multi-role aircraft to Mozambique – these have been used operationally in northern Mozambique since December 2022 to combat the Islamist insurgency there. With three Mwari aircraft ordered, Mozambique is the type’s launch customer. Airbus continues to grow its C295 customer base in Africa. Angola recently took delivery of the first of three new C295 transports from Airbus, with the aircraft (T-214) arriving in Luanda in July 2024. Two of the aircraft will be specifically equipped for maritime surveillance with the Airbus-developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) mission system. FITS includes a search radar, electro-optical sensors, magnetic anomaly detector and other avionics. Weapons can include torpedoes, missiles, mines and depth charges. Other African countries to have acquired the C295 include Algeria (6), Egypt (24), Equatorial Guinea (2 on order), Mali (2), Gabon (1), Burkina Faso (1), Ivory Coast (1), Ghana (3), and Senegal (one delivered, one on order). In total, ten countries (including one undisclosed customer that is presumably Mozambique) operate or have ordered 44 aircraft in Africa, and these have reached over 100 000 flight hours since 2005.
“Africa is the only region in the world that has acquired C295s every year since 2018 – when one aircraft was ordered by Ivory Coast followed by Burkina Faso one year later. Even in 2020 during COVID-19 times, when the entire market was challenged, Mali acknowledged the great performance of the C295 and decided to acquire an additional aircraft. Senegal, Angola and Gabon came next, between 2021 and 2023,” Airbus said.
The company cited a good example of “resiliency and outstanding performance of the C295 in African territory” during the international peacekeeping mission that the Senegal Air Force performed in Mali in September 2023, with 28 troops rotations in 14 days, performing a total of 200 flight hours – 16 hours per day. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

05 Mar 25. Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 VA employees, memo says. The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning a reorganization that includes cutting over 80,000 jobs from the sprawling agency that provides health care for retired military members, according to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. The VA’s chief of staff, Christopher Syrek, told top-level officials at the agency that it had an objective to cut enough employees to return to 2019 staffing levels of just under 400,000. That would require terminating tens of thousands of employees after the VA expanded during the Biden administration, as well as to cover veterans impacted by burn pits under the 2022 PACT Act.
The memo instructs top-level staff to prepare for an agency-wide reorganization in August to “resize and tailor the workforce to the mission and revised structure.” It also calls for agency officials to work with the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency to “move out aggressively, while taking a pragmatic and disciplined approach” to the Trump administration’s goals.
Government Executive first reported on the internal memo.
Veterans have already been speaking out against the cuts at the VA that so far had included a few thousand employees and hundreds of contracts. More than 25% of the VA’s workforce is comprised of veterans.
The plans underway at the VA showed how the Trump administration’s DOGE initiative, led by bnaire Elon Musk, is not holding back on an all-out effort to slash federal agencies, even for those that have traditionally enjoyed bipartisan support.
Michael Missal, who was the VA’s inspector general for nine years until he was fired last month as part of Trump’s sweeping dismissal of independent oversight officials at government agencies, told the AP that the VA is already suffering from a lack of “expertise” as top-level officials either leave or are shuffled around under the president’s plans.
“What’s going to happen is VA’s not going to perform as well for veterans, and veterans are going to get harmed,” said Missal, who was a guest of Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., at Trump’s Tuesday address to Congress.
Rather than leaning on the missions of inspectors general, whose job is to search out waste and fraud at government agencies, Trump has moved forcefully against them, flouting statutes that require a 30-day notice and specific reasons for their dismissals. Missal is challenging his dismissal in court alongside seven other fired inspectors general.
Missal described the VA as “a really complicated, hard to manage organization” that is similar in size to the largest corporations in America. He defended his work at the agency as committed to make it more efficient and responsive to veterans. By Missal’s count, the VA inspector general’s oversight resulted in $45 bn being saved at the agency during his tenure.
But he added that Trump’s actions against the inspectors general is making it more difficult for the officials still in those offices to do their jobs.
In Congress, Democrats have decried the cuts at the VA and other agencies, while Republicans have so far watched with caution the Trump administration’s changes.
Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Senate committee that oversees veteran’s affairs, said in a statement that the Trump administration “has launched an all-out assault” against progress the VA has made in expanding its services as the number of covered veterans grows and includes those impacted by toxic burn pits.
“Their plan prioritizes private sector profits over veterans’ care, balancing the budget on the backs of those who served. It’s a shameful betrayal, and veterans will pay the price for their unforgivable corruption, incompetence, and immorality,” Blumenthal said in a statement.
Democratic leaders in the House also spotlighted the impact of Trump’s cuts on veterans Wednesday.
“Democrats are here to say in unison we will not allow our veterans to be defined as government waste,” said Rep. Katherine Clark, the No. 2 ranked in House Democratic leadership, at a news conference. (Source: Army Times/AP)

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

03 Mar 25. The European Leadership Network (ELN) announced that the next ELN Executive Director will be Dr Robert Ondrejcsák – a diplomat, defence expert, think tank founder and prolific author who served most recently as Slovakia’s Ambassador to the UK since 2020.

 

04 Mar 25. NSSLGlobal, a leading independent full-service project engineering, satellite communications and systems integrator, has appointed Andrew Burns as its new Group Sales Director to take the next step in its growth in the maritime, enterprise and defence sectors.
Andrew brings over 35 years of global experience in sales and business development of solutions and services in the defence sector and will oversee the sales strategy of the group companies. Andrew’s background includes senior international management roles in commercial marine and defence markets driving teams that ensure exceptional customer satisfaction as well as developing new markets. Having proven his ability at mentoring teams to increased order inflow across maritime markets while developing new defence verticals worth millions, Andrew had the ability to help businesses grow profitably.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

29 Feb 25. MITRE’s Board of Trustees elected Richard Clark, a global finance and transformation executive formerly with Accenture, to serve as a member. With a life-long commitment to governance that blends resilience with innovation, Clark retired in 2023 as chief transformation officer of Accenture, where he led global change initiatives across the company’s full infrastructure. During his 39-year career at Accenture, Clark spearheaded numerous transformational programs that streamlined global processes, optimized operations, and integrated cutting-edge technologies, delivering significant strategic and financial impacts. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

LOCATIONS

 

MARITIME

 

21 Feb 25. Construction begins on Indian Navy’s third FSS. The FSS are equipped to provide at-sea replenishment for fleet vessels, supporting extended deployments. The start of construction of the Indian Navy’s third of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was marked with the first steel cut at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu. The FSS will support the Indian Navy’s blue water operations by providing refuelling services to fleet ships while at sea. In August 2023, the Indian Navy contracted Hindustan Ship Yard Limited (HSL) for the acquisition of five FSS. Deliveries of the FSS are scheduled to begin by mid-2027. As part of the project, HSL has subcontracted the construction of two ships to L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. This collaboration aims to optimise India’s shipbuilding capacity and ensure timely delivery under a public-private partnership model. The ships are part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to prioritise the use of locally produced equipment and promote the ‘Make in India’ campaign. These vessels will be both designed and built domestically, incorporating 80% materials sourced from within the country. In a press statement, the Indian Ministry of Defence said: “With a completely indigenous design and sourcing of the majority of equipment from indigenous manufacturers, this project will boost the Indian Shipbuilding Industry and is in consonance with GoI initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World.” The Indian Ministry of Defence sanctioned the acquisition of these vessels at a total cost of around $2.24bn (Rs194bn). With a displacement exceeding 40,000 tonnes, these vessels are designed to carry essential supplies such as fuel, water, ammunition, and stores. The FSS vessels have an overall length of 200 metres (m), a breadth of 25m, a draft of 10m and can cruise at a speed of 20 knots. Additionally, the FSS will serve a secondary role in humanitarian aid and disaster relief by facilitating the evacuation of personnel and rapid delivery of relief materials during natural disasters. In December 2024, Kongsberg Maritime was selected by HSL to supply electric replenishment-at-sea equipment for the FSS programme, further enhancing the ships’ operational capabilities. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

24 Feb 25. British aircraft carrier goes to sea. HMS Prince of Wales has put to sea for pre-deployment training ahead of a British Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Pacific later this year. The warship, after departing Portsmouth this morning, will be at sea for a number of weeks conducting training ahead of Carrier Strike Group 25. Onboard the vessel one word dominates the mood: excited. For the crew of the Royal Navy’s flagship, this mission marks the culmination of years of preparation, hard work, and perseverance. Speaking aboard the ship, Captain Will Blackett spoke to me on the sense of accomplishment that has brought them to this moment. “Excited” he said when asked to summarise the mood among the crew. For Captain Blackett and his team, this deployment isn’t just another task; it represents the result of rigorous trials and intense training.

“It’s the first time this ship has held the duty of flagship,” Captain Blackett explained. “Over the course of four years, we’ve overcome quite a lot of challenges.” Among these was a major repair to the ship’s propeller system, a period that Captain Blackett acknowledged was critical in shaping the ship’s readiness.

Since then, the crew has put HMS Prince of Wales through its paces, both materially and operationally, ensuring that both the vessel and its sailors are prepared for the challenges ahead. “We’re ready to go,” said Captain Blackett. “The ship works, the team know what they’re going to do, and we’re on standby now waiting for instructions.”

The upcoming Carrier Strike Group 2025 operation will see HMS Prince of Wales take her task force east of the Suez Canal on a global mission. Britain’s two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth, regularly rotate the flagship title between them, with one ready for deployment and the other in routine maintenance. This is the first time in her five-year career that HMS Prince of Wales has assumed the prestigious role. Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Captain Blackett remarked, “This is a proud moment for HMS Prince of Wales. We’ve been training hard, ably assisted by our sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth. We’re ready, we’re excited, and look forward to taking the next step in the ship’s life.” (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

26 Feb 25. Dame Sarah MacIntosh DCMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Australia in succession to Mrs Victoria Treadell CMG, MVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dame Sarah will take up her appointment during April 2025.

 

26 Feb 25. Mr Neil Bradley has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia in succession to Mr Charles Moore who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Bradley will take up his appointment during April 2025.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

26 Feb 26. President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of Dan “Razin” Caine for the position of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Feb. 21, 2025. The chairman is the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to the president, defense secretary and National Security Council. Caine, a retired Air Force lieutenant general, will require Senate confirmation before taking on the role.  (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

24 Feb 25. NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro announced Monday Vanessa Wyche will serve as the acting associate administrator for the agency at NASA Headquarters in Washington, effective immediately. Wyche, who had been the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, is detailed as Petro’s senior advisor leading the agency’s center directors and mission directorate associate administrators. She will act as the agency’s chief operating officer for about 18,000 civil servant employees and an annual budget of more than $25 bn. Stephen Koerner will become the acting center director of NASA Johnson. The agency also named Jackie Jester as associate administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs and announced Catherine Koerner, associate administrator for the agency’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, will retire effective Friday, Feb. 28. Lori Glaze, currently the deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development, will become the mission directorate’s acting associate administrator. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

21 Feb 25. SIAA picks telco exec as new CEO after JP 9102 axe. The appointment of Dan Lloyd comes months after the axing of the $3 bn JP9102 SATCOM project and also follows the cancelling of several other high-profile space contracts in 2023. Lloyd held various senior positions globally at Vodafone for 15 years and advised the federal minister for communications. He is currently the group executive of regional telco Field Solutions Group. JP 9102 aimed to deliver a new military satellite communications capability for Australia. Headed by Lockheed Martin, it was also supported by scores of other smaller local businesses. (Source: Space Connect)

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

27 Feb 27. Manuel Escalante has been appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and member of the Indra Group Management Committee, replacing Miguel Ángel Morell. Manuel Escalante holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and has more than 25 years’ professional experience in the aerospace and defence sector. At Indra Group, he held the positions of Managing Director of Defence and Security and member of the Indra Management Committee, as well as Director of Cybersecurity and Cyber Defence and member of the Minsait Management Committee. He was previously Director of Business Development and member of the Management Committee of S21Sec Thales; General Manager of the National Cybersecurity Institute (Incibe); and Director of Public Policy and member of the Management Committee of the Public Business Entity Red.es. Indra Group thanks Miguel Ángel for his work and commitment to the company.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

24 Feb 25 Billington CyberSecurity today announced Troy Schneider has been promoted to president of the organization. Schneider will assume full operational responsibility for the company, enabling founder Thomas K. Billington to focus on continuing to build the overall cyber government ecosystem and the trusted relationships to advance the cybersecurity education mission he began in 2010. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

27 Feb 25. Core4ce, a federal contractor with expertise in data and cyber operations, today announced that Doug Small is joining the company’s Board of Advisors. Small is a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral with over 30 years of distinguished service. From 2020 to 2024, he served as commander of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR), where he led 11,000 personnel in advancing the Navy’s networking, communications, and cyber capabilities. In addition to his role as commander, Small led Project Overmatch, the Navy’s contribution to the Department of Defense’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative, which aims to digitally connect the entire fleet with the Joint Force. Earlier in his career, Small served as program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems, overseeing the development and sustainment of surface navy combat and weapon systems among many other vital roles. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

27 Feb 27. IonQ, Inc. (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, today announced that the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Niccolo de Masi as President and Chief Executive Officer. Niccolo will begin this new role effective immediately, and Peter Chapman will continue in the leadership role of IonQ’s Executive Chair. Niccolo, who has served on IonQ’s board of directors since 2021, is a seasoned public company chief executive officer. He has held c-suite positions at publicly traded companies such as Monstermob Group, Resideo Technologies, Glu Mobile, and most recently served as Director and CEO at dMY Squared Technology Group. He was also the Chief Executive Officer of dMY Technology Group III, the special purpose acquisition company that took IonQ public via SPAC merger in 2021. Niccolo is a physicist by training, holding a B.A. and Master of Science in Physics from Cambridge University and began his career with roles at both Siemens Solar and Technicolor. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

24 Feb 25. KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) announced today that the independent directors of the KBR Board have unanimously elected Lt. General Wendy M. Masiello as Lead Independent Director, effective as of KBR’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders to be held in May 2025. Lt. General Masiello has served on KBR’s Board of Directors since August 2017, including as the current Chair of the Cybersecurity Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee and Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility Committee. A three-star General of the U.S. Air Force, Lt. General Masiello brings a wealth of relevant experience and a deep understanding of KBR’s strategic vision and operations.

 

24 Feb 25. SGI Global, LLC (SGI) welcomed Mr. Patrick McElwain as SGI’s new Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to its corporate leadership team. Mr. McElwain brings over 27 years of federal law enforcement experience as a special agent with HSI and the U.S. Customs Service. His most recent role with HSI was as the Deputy Executive Associate Director (Deputy EAD) from May 2023 until January 2025. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

24 Feb 25. SOSi announced today that it welcomed Lieutenant General (Ret.) Scott A. Spellmon as Senior Account Executive to support the company’s growth in the defense and national security sectors. In the newly created role, Spellmon will cultivate business opportunities and help shape the company’s market strategies and capture plans for the defense and national security market. He will be responsible for strengthening relationships with customers and industry partners so the company can continue delivering solutions tailored to unique agency and mission requirements. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

25 Feb 25. Terran Orbital, a leading manufacturer of satellite solutions primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries, today announced the appointment of Richard Ullman as Senior Vice President, Finance & Business Operations (F&BO). Ullman brings over three decades of financial leadership experience in the aerospace and defense sector, with a proven track record in strategic financial planning, business operations, cost management, and government contracting. He joins Terran Orbital from The Boeing Company, where he most recently served as Senior Director of Finance & Divisional CFO for Boeing Space Mission Systems. In this role, Ullman led financial strategy, capital investment planning, and operational integration for multiple subsidiaries, including Millennium Space Systems and Spectrolab.

 

27 Feb 25.  Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) announced that Rob Mionis has been elected to the company’s Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2025. Mionis is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Celestica Inc., a multinational leader in design, manufacturing, hardware platform and innovative supply chain solutions for a wide range of industries including aerospace, industrial and communications. Celestica’s solutions span design and engineering through to after-market services. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Celestica employs approximately 27,000 people across 40 locations in the Americas, Asia and Europe, and generated $9.7 billion in revenue in 2024. Mionis has served as Celestica’s CEO since 2015. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

24 Feb 25. SpearUAV, a leading developer of autonomous, AI-based encapsulated loitering weapon systems, announces the appointment of Mr. Yiftach Kleinman as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Over the past few years, SpearUAV has achieved significant milestones, expanding its market presence and securing major contracts under the leadership of Founder and CTO, Gadi Kuperman, and the company’s experienced management team. Most recently, SpearUAV secured a $20m contract, further reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

 

25 Feb 25. TSS Solutions, a global defense electronics company focused on the repair, modernization, operations, maintenance, and leasing of radar systems, has appointed Harry Wilson as Vice President of Production. In this new role, Harry is responsible for guiding the Production teams that repair and upgrade radar system components, fabricate cables and harnesses, and manufacture the new TSS TIGAR tactical radar system from the ground up. He joined TSS Solutions, an Acorn Capital Management Company, in 2020 and previously held positions as the Director of Production, Production Manager, and the Radar Upgrade Program Manager. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

LOCATIONS

 

MARITIME

 

14 Feb 25. Saab launches last Gotland-class SSK after mid-life upgrade. Securing critical underwater infrastructure and sea lanes is more important than ever. Saab has launched the Swedish Navy’s third and final Gotland-class (A19) submarine, HMS Halland, at its shipyard in Karlskrona following the boat’s mid-life upgrade on 13 February 2025. The upgrade saw the replacement of more than 20 of the platform’s central systems, including sensors and command systems, besides a new range of technologies and components that will be used in the country’s two future Blekinge-class (A26) submarines. Halland will go on to servce in the Swedish Navy for many years to come with new capabilities, alongside her sister submarines HMS Gotland and HMS Uppland which have previously undergone similar mid-life modifications. Sweden’s three Gotland-class (A19) diesel-electric (SSK) submarines commissioned between 1996-7; with Halland having served almost 30 years. The submarines are fitted with four 533mm torpedo tubes and two 400mm torpedo tubes. The Bofors Underwater Systems Type 613 torpedoes are fired from the 533mm tubes. Type 613 is a heavy-weight, high-speed, anti-submarine and anti-surface torpedoes with a range of more than 40km and speed of more than 40 knots. The submarine is equipped with two MTU diesel engines and two Kockums V4-275R Stirling Air Independent Propulsion units. “Securing critical underwater infrastructure and sea lanes is more important than ever,” observed Mats Wicksel, head of Saab’s business area Kockums. Particularly after, it is believed, a Russian ‘shadow vessel’ sabotaged an undersea power cable – Estlink 2 – running between Estonia and Finland in December 2024. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

14 Feb 25. Damen launches new range naval logistics support ships.  The LSS series is designed to enable sustained deployment and provide enhanced support in a cost-effective manner. Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled a new series of naval support vessels, the Logistics Support Ship (LSS), aimed at bolstering the logistical capabilities of naval forces.   The LSS series is designed to extend the operational reach of navies by enabling sustained deployment and providing enhanced support in a cost-effective manner.  The new range features two vessel types, the LSS 9000 and LSS 11000, measuring 127 metres (m) and 140m in length respectively.   These vessels have dual functionality, providing logistic support and replenishment both at sea and when docked.   Damen said that the ships come equipped with Nato-standard replenishment at sea systems, roll-on/roll-off capabilities, and significant cargo transport capacity.   Additionally, they feature new navigation and communication systems for secure and efficient operations.  The LSS series is designed to streamline the transfer and transportation of fuel, munitions, provisions, personnel, and other critical supplies.  Damen Defence & Security commercial manager Piet van Rooij said: “We have developed the LSS based on discussions with our naval clients around the world. As such, we are confident it represents an appropriate response to the operational challenges they are facing, now and in the future.”   (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

21 Feb 25. DoD Probationary Workforce Statement. As the Secretary announced yesterday, the Department of Defense is re-evaluating our probationary workforce, consistent with the President’s initiative to reform the Federal workforce to maximize efficiency and productivity.

This re-evaluation of probationary employees is being done across government, not just at the Defense Department, but we believe in the goals of the program, and our leaders are carrying out that review carefully and smartly.

We anticipate reducing the Department’s civilian workforce by 5-8% to produce efficiencies and refocus the Department on the President’s priorities and restoring readiness in the force.

We expect approximately 5,400 probationary workers will be released beginning next week as part of this initial effort, after which we will implement a hiring freeze while we conduct a further analysis of our personnel needs, complying as always with all applicable laws.

As the Secretary made clear, it is simply not in the public interest to retain individuals whose contributions are not mission-critical. Taxpayers deserve to have us take a thorough look at our workforce top-to-bottom to see where we can eliminate redundancies.

As we take these important steps to reshape the workforce to meet the President’s priorities, the Department will treat our workers with dignity and respect as it always does. Those who commit themselves to defending our nation deserve nothing less.

– Darin Selnick, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness(Source: U.S. DoD)

 

21 Feb 25. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Statement on General Officer Nominations. This evening the President announced that he intends to nominate Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine, USAF, for the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council.

General Caine embodies the warfighter ethos and is exactly the leader we need to meet the moment. I look forward to working with him.

The outgoing Chairman, Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, Jr., USAF, has served with distinction in a career spanning four decades of honorable service. I have come to know him as a thoughtful adviser and salute him for his distinguished service to our country.

I am also requesting nominations for the positions of Chief of Naval Operations and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. The incumbents in these important roles, Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, respectively, have had distinguished careers. We thank them for their service and dedication to our country.

We are also requesting nominations for the Judge Advocates General for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting and winning wars. – Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

20 Feb 25. Mr Alex Pinfield OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco in succession to Mr Simon Martin CMG.  Mr Pinfield will take up his appointment during August 2025.

 

19 Feb 25. Mr Charles King has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia in succession to Mr Michael Nithavrianakis MVO. Mr King will take up his appointment during May 2025.

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

19 Feb 25.  Calidus, a leading UAE-based defence manufacturing company, has today announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Safran Electronics & Defence, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and security systems. This partnership aims to address the growing demand for advanced aerial delivery support services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a focus on enhancing military and humanitarian capabilities. The MoU represents a significant step forward in strengthening the UAE’s defence infrastructure by combining Calidus’ deep expertise in regional manufacturing and market knowledge with Safran’s world-class technologies in avionics, navigation, and aerospace systems. Together, the two companies will provide cutting-edge aerial delivery solutions designed to meet the unique needs of the region.

“We are proud to partner with Safran to enhance the air support industry capabilities and meet the vital logistics needs of the MENA region,” said Dr. Khalifa Al Balooshi, CEO of Calidus. “This partnership aligns with our mission to deliver advanced defence solutions locally, while supporting military operations and humanitarian efforts across the region.”

The collaboration will focus on the research, development, and deployment of advanced aerial delivery systems, optimising logistics for a range of operations, from military missions to disaster relief. Safran’s proven expertise in systems integration and mission-critical equipment, paired with Calidus’ knowledge of the region’s specific needs, ensures that these solutions will be both reliable and efficient.

“Partnering with Calidus in this venture allows us to further strengthen our commitment to the UAE and MENA region,” said Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defence. “Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver state-of-the-art technology that enhances operational effectiveness and supports the region’s growing defence and humanitarian needs.”

The aerial delivery services market in the MENA region is rapidly growing, driven by increasing military logistics requirements and the region’s expanding humanitarian missions. This strategic partnership is well-timed to meet those needs, providing high-tech, flexible, and efficient delivery systems that will support the region’s security and stability. Both companies will showcase the results of this partnership at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where they present their joint aerial delivery solutions to global defence leaders and industry stakeholders. (Source: WAM)

 

20 Feb 25. HENSOLDT and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), an EDGE Group entity and regional leader in the design, construction, repair, maintenance, refit, and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities in the development of advanced naval technologies. The agreement, signed during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2025), held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February, aims to foster collaboration between the two companies in the field of naval technology.

David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said: “Our partnership with HENSOLDT underscores our commitment to delivering breakthrough naval technologies. By actively exploring new avenues for collaboration, we aim to integrate our shipbuilding expertise with HENSOLDT’s advanced sensor solutions, to meet the evolving demands of the maritime and naval defence sectors.”

On his part, Russell Gould, Head of Group Global Business Development at HENSOLDT, added: “The naval domain is a cornerstone of our business success. The MOU with Abu Dhabi Ship Building enables HENSOLDT to offer state-of-the-art naval solutions to our customers, as well as expand our footprint in new markets.”

HENSOLDT radars, including the Quadome 3D Air and Surface Surveillance radar and the TRS-4D radar, feature the latest software-defined Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. Radars from the TRS-4D product family are already in service in various versions onboard German Navy vessels, including the F125 frigate and the K130 corvette. The company also offers a range of systems catering to the naval sector, including the Integrated Navigation Bridge System (INBS) and maritime electromagnetic warfare systems.

 

20 Feb 25. Sentinel Photonics, a leading UK-based designer and manufacturer of advanced laser detection and protection systems, announces European expansion with two new strategic partnerships in Romania and the Benelux region. The collaborations strengthen the company’s presence in key European defence and security markets. Sentinel Photonics has appointed StarC4SYS as its official sales partner in Romania and TBM Netherlands as an authorised reseller in the Benelux region. The partnerships will enhance local expertise, streamline access to Sentinel’s cutting-edge LASERD® detection systems and FROST retro reflection protection solutions, and ensure that military and security organisations benefit from faster deployment and stronger technical support.

Jackson White, Head of Commercial at Sentinel Photonics, comments: “Our partnerships with StarC4SYS and TBM Netherlands represent crucial milestones in our rapid international growth strategy. Romania’s growing defence modernisation initiatives and the Benelux region’s advanced security market present strong opportunities for our laser detection and protection systems. Partnering with established, trusted organisations in these regions ensures we can deliver cutting-edge solutions where they are needed most.”

CEO Cristian Ghimfus, CEO of StarC4SYS, which will manage all sales activities in Romania, says: “Within Romania, StarC4SYIS is known for our deep understanding of customer needs in the C4ISR and EW domains. Adding Sentinel Photonics’ laser detection and protection solutions allows us to support our customers in tackling the emerging laser threats they face.”

TBM Netherlands will serve as Sentinel’s gateway to the Benelux region, leveraging its extensive defence and security expertise. “Laser technology is playing a significant role in the current defence and security sector across a number of user cases,” says Bjorn Beke, Sales Director of TBM. “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Sentinel Photonics to deliver detection and protection solutions to our long-standing customer base.”

 

19 Feb 25. AMMROC and Marshall sign strategic service agreement to advance C-130 fleet readiness at IDEX 2025. Marshall and AMMROC, the Middle East’s leading provider of military maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) solutions, today signed a strategic service agreement outlining the first work package to be delivered within their new long-term strategic partnership.  The announcement of this initial work package represents a major milestone for the partnership, which aims to advance C-130 fleet maintenance and operational readiness by upgrading and modernising aircraft, enhancing their operational capabilities and extending their service life. The signing ceremony, held at IDEX 2025, was attended by Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of AMMROC, and John Davis, Head of Service Development for Marshall’s Aero Engineering Services business, along with other senior representatives from both parties. The new strategic service agreement outlines an 18 month joint project under which Marshall will deploy engineering expertise to support AMMROC in attaining UAE Military Design Organisation Approval (MDOA). Marshall is now making preparations to dispatch an initial cadre of engineers to AMMROC’s state-of-the-art MRO facilities in Al Ain. AMMROC and Marshall will jointly provide engineering, technical support and fleet readiness solutions for C-130 aircraft, strengthening operational efficiency and long-term performance. By delivering comprehensive MRO solutions aligned with global military standards and best practices, both companies aim to optimise fleet performance and ensure mission readiness for defence customers in the UAE and beyond. Additionally, the collaboration will play a key role in enhancing local capability development by facilitating structured knowledge transfer and specialised training programs, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for defence aviation excellence. By leveraging Marshall’s deep expertise in aircraft sustainment and modifications and AMMROC’s facilities and unmatched regional presence, the partnership will reinforce the region’s aerospace capabilities, supporting long-term growth and self-sufficiency in defence aviation maintenance and support.

Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of AMMROC, commented: “Signing this agreement reflects the strategic nature of our collaboration with Marshall and reaffirms AMMROC’s commitment to driving excellence in defence sector and defence aviation maintenance. By strengthening this partnership, we are reinforcing our position as a trusted service provider for defence forces while expanding the UAE’s leadership in advanced MRO solutions. Together, we will introduce new sustainment capabilities, optimise fleet readiness, and enhance operational efficiency for our customers.”

Bob Baxter, Chief Growth Officer at Marshall, said: “We are proud to formalise our partnership with AMMROC through this first joint project. This agreement brings together Marshall’s extensive expertise in C-More information can be found at marshallgroup.com

130 engineering and sustainment solutions with AMMROC’s world-class MRO capabilities, ensuring we deliver highly effective, tailored solutions that enhance fleet performance and mission readiness for military operators worldwide.” The signing of this agreement demonstrates the strategic importance of supporting regional and international defence aviation. This partnership follows the MoU announced earlier in 2025, deepening the relationship between the two companies and paving the way for new advancements in MRO capabilities.

 

19 Feb 25. QinetiQ announces expansion of Team TECSA with new industry partners. QinetiQ’s Team TECSA, a collaboration between Australian industry and academia focused on advancing Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities in Test and Evaluation, Certification and Systems Assurance (TECSA), has welcomed three new members. The addition of BosTECK, DEWC Services, and Mercury Information Security Services enhances Team TECSA’s expertise in key areas. BosTECK brings specialist knowledge in explosive ordnance and safety assurance, DEWC Services contributes extensive experience in electronic warfare and intelligence, while Mercury Information Security Services strengthens cyber security and information assurance capabilities. These new partnerships further bolster Team TECSA’s ability to support Defence across multiple warfare domains. Team TECSA is aligned with Defence’s push for a nationwide approach to test and evaluation (T&E). Since its launch by QinetiQ in September 2024, the initiative has expanded to include 19 industry and academic members, working collaboratively to ensure Australia’s defence readiness.

Gary Stewart, QinetiQ chief executive Australia sector, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We recognise the wealth of capability within Australia’s defence ecosystem, and Team TECSA is harnessing that expertise to meet national defence requirements. Our approach is streamlined, scalable and focused on delivering high-quality solutions through local expertise.”

He further emphasised the increasing complexity of T&E, underscoring the need for Defence, industry and academia to work together to develop integrated solutions that provide joint force assurance and interoperability.

“Team TECSA unites the best minds in the sector to reduce fragmentation and ensure a unified, mission-ready approach,” Stewart said.

The three new members have welcomed the opportunity to contribute to Australia’s defence capabilities. DEWC Services CEO Allan Dundas expressed his company’s pride in joining Team TECSA, saying, “As a collaborative company dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for Defence, our approach strongly aligns with Team TECSA’s mission.”

Edward Farrell, Mercury Information Security Services CEO, highlighted the value of collaboration in cyber security. “Mercury has remained committed to understanding threat actors and securing mission systems and networks. Working alongside other experts presents a unique opportunity for our team to contribute to national security,” he said.

(Source: Defence Connect)

 

19 Feb 25. EDGE Group and Leonardo Sign Groundbreaking Collaboration Agreement.

• Strategic agreement aims to enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo to design cutting-edge, complex and disruptive systems for international export
• A crucial step in diversifying and completing both groups’ portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber solutions

EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Leonardo, a major global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in aerospace, defence, and security, have signed a groundbreaking collaboration agreement to further enhance their partnership in developing solutions across six critical domains. The agreement aims to strengthen existing synergies and capitalise on new complementary opportunities for deeper cooperation.

The pivotal agreement, signed at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, establishes a strategic framework for the UAE market while advancing a global export strategy. It aims to enhance synergies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and optimise specialised resources to capitalise on emerging opportunities more effectively. The collaboration will focus on key domains: Airborne Capabilities including Radar – particularly for Multi Mission Aircraft; Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence; Counter-Drone and Mobile Surveillance Systems; Naval Combat Management Systems; Radio Communications; and Optronics Commander Sight.

Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: “This important step marks the next phase in our existing strategic agreement with industry leader Leonardo, building on the opportunities presented by the strong relationship between the UAE and Italy. Fundamentally, however, it reinforces our vision of growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, ensuring a win-win approach to sourcing and realising complementary multi-domain opportunities across the world, and expanding these synergies for continued economic growth, innovation, and excellence, all in support of the sustainable preservation of security.”

The agreement is a precursor to a structured partnership focused on jointly marketing these products and solutions to governments across multiple countries. It also commits to the development of shared intellectual property (IP) and future design innovations.

Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, added: “We are deeply honoured and thrilled to collaborate with EDGE Group, aiming to establish unprecedented industrial capabilities for national and export requirements. The sectors identified as pillars of this joint strategy are getting more and more important in an evolving market and operational scenario. That is why we believe that joining forces in these fields will deliver the level of capabilities that the UAE and other export markets are requiring.”

The strategic agreement aims to further enhance the capabilities of both EDGE and Leonardo in the design of cutting-edge, complex systems in disruptive sectors with significant market potential, and is a crucial step in diversifying and expanding both groups’ portfolios of airborne, terrestrial, naval, and cyber solutions. (Source: ASD Network)

 

18 Feb 25. EPI, an EDGE entity and the cornerstone of precision engineering in the UAE’s aerospace, oil and gas, and defence industries, today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Lockheed Martin, a global defence technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery, to explore emerging opportunities to support the UAE’s industrial growth, reinforce its national defence capabilities and strengthen self-sufficiency in key defence domains.

The LoI was signed by Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, and John S. Clark, Vice President of Business Development at Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division, and witnessed by Khaled Al Zaabi, President of Platforms and Systems cluster at EDGE, during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 that runs at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 17th to 21st February.

Under the LoI, EPI and Lockheed Martin will explore areas of opportunities to strengthen EPI’s commitment to support the UAE’s industrial growth, national defence capabilities, and self-sufficiency in significant defence domains.

Speaking on the synergy, Michael Deshaies said, “Part of our core strategy at EPI is to explore mutually beneficial partnerships to drive the diversification of our operations and join forces with key players in aerospace and defence, in line with our commitment to excellence and innovation. Also aligned with EDGE’s mission to localise trailblazing technologies and industrial capabilities, we are well on track to strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading competitive industrial centre in various sectors.”

“Lockheed Martin is proud to work alongside EPI to foster innovation, strengthen local industry, and advance the UAE’s long-term defence capabilities,” said John Clark. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies and building a sustainable industrial base in the region.” (Source: Google/https://www.wam.ae/en/article)

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

19 Feb 25. Flare Bright welcomed Brigadier General (retired) John “Dragon” Teichert to the Flare Bright team. He brings a wealth of experience in the aerospace industry, having served in the United States Air Force for nearly 30 years as a leader, fighter pilot, and test pilot. He has held a variety of leadership positions, including command of Joint Base Andrews and Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Senior Defense Official to Iraq, and the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. He is a prolific author, speaker, consultant, and media personality on leadership, innovation, technology, and national security. We are confident that his expertise will be a valuable asset as we expand our operations and proliferate our ground-breaking offerings.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

20 Feb 25. Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced Jeff Shockey as the company’s new executive vice president of Government Operations, Global Public Policy & Corporate Strategy, effective Feb. 24.

Shockey will lead Boeing’s global public policy efforts, including U.S. federal, state and local government operations and sustainability, as well as the company’s global philanthropic organization Boeing Global Engagement. Additionally, Shockey will ensure a cohesive corporate strategy to communicate Boeing’s business interests and drive engagement with public and private stakeholders.

 

18 Feb 25. Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) (“Comtech” or the “Company”), a global communications technology leader, today announced that the Comtech Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed David (Dave) B. Kagan as an independent director to the Board, effective February 13, 2025.

 

18 Feb 25. Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jim Breuer, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 1, 2025. David E. Constable, Fluor’s current Chairman and CEO, will transition into the role of Executive Chairman on the same date, ensuring continuity of leadership and strategic direction of the company. Breuer has held the role of COO since 2024, driving a more holistic approach to Fluor’s markets, talent deployment and project delivery excellence. Prior to his COO role, he held several executive leadership positions including Group President of Energy Solutions. His engineering, procurement and construction experience spans four continents in the energy, chemicals, mining and metals, and power sectors. In his 31 years at Fluor, Breuer has held a variety of executive and project roles, including spending half of his career on assignments outside of the United States. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

18 Feb 25. Kymeta, the world-leading satellite communication technology provider, announced the appointment of Tom Jackson as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) as the company positions for extended growth. In this role, Jackson will lead Kymeta’s revenue-focused initiatives, including strengthening client relationships, expanding the company’s presence in key markets and aligning business development efforts with Kymeta’s long-term strategic objectives. Jackson brings over 30 years of leadership experience in aerospace, defense and commercial markets, having successfully led revenue and growth strategies at organizations such as Sierra Nevada Corporation, GE Energy, Aeryon Defense and Sarcos Defense. His extensive career includes overseeing global P&L responsibilities of up to $250 m that were responsible for complex manned and unmanned aircraft programs as well as building sales pipelines of over $2 bn with customers that have included the US Department of Defense (DOD) and numerous Ministries of Defense (MOD) across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

 

19 Feb 25. Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ: PDYN and PDYNW) (“Palladyne AI”), a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic platforms in the commercial and defense sectors, today announced that Michael Young will join its Board of Directors effective February 24, 2025. With more than 35 years of professional experience, including more than 17 years at Caterpillar where he led Caterpillar Ventures as well as Caterpillar’s mergers and acquisitions activities across Asia Pacific, Young brings extensive knowledge and industry connections to the board. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

18 Feb 25, TEVET, a leading federal reseller of test and measurement equipment in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin Lessing-Caller as Chief Growth Officer. In this newly created role, Gavin will be responsible for driving TEVET’s growth strategy, expanding market presence, and fostering innovation within the company. Gavin brings over 25 years of experience in international business, with a proven track record in strategic sales and marketing across the test and measurement industry. Prior to joining TEVET, Gavin served as Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Electro Rent, where he led cross-functional teams and managed operations across multiple regions, including Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. He will be responsible for our core business development alongside our LIBERTY Platform. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

18 Feb 25. Trovares today announced it has rebranded as Rocketgraph and appointed Brock Alston, a seasoned software executive and graph analytics expert, as its new Chief Executive Officer. With decades of experience in data analysis and a track record of driving growth for analytics companies, Alston will lead Rocketgraph’s mission to deliver powerful, next-generation graph analytics solutions to government agencies and commercial enterprises so they can discover the hardest-to-find insights without hiring a command center full of rocket scientists. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

17 Feb 25. Advanced Navigation, a world leader in navigation and autonomous systems, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Maximilian Doemling as Head of Product Management. The decision underscores the company’s commitment to advance deep tech innovation across robotics, inertial, photonic and quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, underwater acoustics, and GPS antennas and receivers. Advanced Navigation’s suite of technologies and sensors deliver resilient positioning and navigation where GPS is contested or unavailable—spanning land, air, sea, and space. As Head of Product Management, Maximilian will lead the strategy and execution of product development, from launch and lifecycle management to maintenance.

LOCATIONS

 

MARITIME

 

05 Feb 25. Fincantieri renames two new combat ships for Indonesian Navy. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has formally renamed two MPCS (Multipurpose Combat Ship/PPA) vessels acquired by the Indonesia at its shipyard in Muggiano, the company announced on 29 January. The two ships, originally built as the fifth and sixth units for the Italian Navy and formerly named Marcantonio Colonna and Ruggiero di Lauria, were formally renamed KRI BRAWIJAYA-320 and KRI PRABU SILIWANGI-321 at a ceremony witnessed by Indonesian navy chief Admiral Muhammad Ali, Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, as well as senior company officials. Built at Fincantieri’s integrated Riva Trigoso-Muggiano shipyard, the new vessels will be the largest combat ships in the Indonesian Navy and are expected to strengthen Indonesia’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests. Both vessels were sold to Indonesia under a 2024 contract worth approximately €1.18bn. The Italian Navy had been part of an aggressive marketing campaign to boost awareness and interest in the Indo-Pacific, with MPCS/PPA vessels – also known as the Thaon di Revel-class offshore patrol vessels in Italian service – Francesco Morosini and Raimondo Montecuccoli having conducted high-profile visits Indonesia in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The new ships are scheduled for delivery to the Indonesian Navy in 2025. According to Fincantieri, the MPCS/PPA is a highly versatile platform designed to perform a wide range of missions, including combat operations, maritime patrol, rescue, and civil protection activities. Depending on the configuration, the vessels displace between 5,800 and 6,300 tonnes. When configured as a ‘light’ variant, the Italian Navy’s PPAs are armed with a Leonardo 127/64 mm main gun, a 76/62 mm secondary gun, and two 25 mm remote control guns. The service’s first- and second-of-class vessels are configured as ‘light’ variants. Meanwhile, the ‘light plus’ variant of the PPA includes anti-air warfare capabilities with MBDA’s surface-to-air anti-missile system extended self-defence (SAAM ESD) guided-weapon system as well as Leonardo’s Kronos Quad C-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Italy’s third PPA is configured as such. (Source: AMR)

 

31 Jan 25. Indonesia set to receive first PPA by mid-2025. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is on track to deliver the first of two multirole offshore patrol ships (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura: PPA) on order for the Indonesian Navy by mid-2025. A milestone to mark the vessels’ progress towards delivery was marked on 29 January when a renaming ceremony for both ships was held at Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso-Muggiano shipyard. This milestone was announced by Fincantieri via an official social media page on the same day. The ship, formerly known as Marcantonio Colonna, has now been renamed Brawijaya with pennant number 320, while the vessel formerly known as Ruggiero di Lauria is now called Prabu Siliwangi with pennant number 321. Both vessels are set to be the largest warships in service with the Indonesian Navy once they are commissioned in the latter part of 2025. Fincantieri first disclosed in March 2024 that it has signed a EUR1.18 bn (USD1.23 bn) contract for two PPAs with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD). The PPA is a class of 143 m frigate-like warships that can be configured for a wide spectrum of missions ranging from ‘light’ low-tempo maritime surveillance operations to ‘full combat’ higher-end warfighting scenarios. Also referred to as the Thaon di Revel class, the Italian Navy has thus far commissioned three units that were inducted between March 2022 and September 2023. At the vessels’ renaming ceremony, Indonesian Navy’s Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali described the PPA programme as a significant milestone in the country’s bid to modernise its armed forces. (Source: Janes)

 

AIR

 

03 Feb 25. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced the delivery of the first F-16 Block 70 jet to Bulgaria, marking a major step forward in the country’s efforts to modernize its air force.  The delivery was celebrated in a ceremony last Friday morning in Greenville, South Carolina, attended by Bulgaria’s Minister of Defence, Atanas Zapryanov, alongside American and Bulgarian leaders. F-16s are built by the Lockheed Martin team in Greenville. Bulgaria has ordered 16 total aircraft.   “The F-16 will help the Bulgarian Air Force stay ahead of threats in the region and play a key role in the allied peacekeeping mission in Europe and around the world,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president and general manager – Integrated Fighter Group. “The F-16 has proven its air dominance time and again, and the Block 70 version will give the Bulgarian Air Force a highly capable, combat-proven aircraft.”   Lockheed Martin has a backlog of 117 F-16 Block 70/72 jets to be produced in Greenville, with 23 already delivered for international partners. The F-16 program supports more than 46,000 American jobs, making it a vital part of the country’s industrial base.

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

06 Feb 25. Serco, the international provider of critical government services, has today been selected to deliver the Ministry of Defence’s next-generation recruiting solution for the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force and Strategic Command following a rigorous competitive process. The contract sees recruitment for these branches of the military brought together for the first time. The Armed Forces Recruitment Service (AFRS) contract, will be for seven years, plus options for a further three one-year extensions.  A 21-month mobilisation period is expected to begin in April 2025 with the new service commencing in early 2027.

Mark Irwin, Serco Group Chief Executive, said: “It is a true privilege to be selected to partner with the UK Ministry of Defence in service of the nation’s current and future Armed Forces.  Serco has been working with the MOD for over 60 years, and we fully recognise the critical importance of recruiting and retaining the right number of well-trained personnel willing to serve and defend their country. Along with our partners, we have invested in the development of this solution since the procurement for AFRS was launched in 2021 and we are fully committed to ongoing collaboration with the MOD to ensure we adapt to current and emerging needs.”

Anthony Kirby, UK & Europe Chief Executive, said: This contract reflects our broader ability to support members of the Armed Forces on their career journey, from recruiting the right personnel, to providing assessments, medicals, and onboarding, leading into their military training. I am proud of the significant and strategic partnership we have with the MOD and look forward to building upon this as we enter this new service.”

Serco will be the prime contractor and, in conjunction with a strong team of delivery partners, will provide an end-to-end service from candidate attraction through to assessment, enlistment and onboarding into initial training.  The new recruitment service, including management of all Armed Forces Career Offices across the UK, will operate with a blended workforce that incorporates military service personnel.  It is underpinned by best-in-class integrated technology, designed to improve the overall candidate experience at the same time as modernising and speeding up the current recruitment process.

The principal members of ‘TEAM Serco’ are:

• Serco – as the prime contractor, will be responsible for overall AFRS delivery including integration of all programme activities to be undertaken and will lead the transition from the current recruitment arrangements, providing career advice, a new contact centre, asset and fleet management, and estate management.
• Pegasystems – specialises in enterprise transformation and platform solutions, empowering leading organisations worldwide. They are the current provider of the Recruiting Information Technology System for the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. By leveraging intelligent automation and insights, Pega has revolutionised and automated various stages of the recruitment process, modernising and improving the candidate experience.
• Adecco – with a presence in 60 countries, Adecco is a global leader in workforce solutions, supporting 3.5 million careers daily. It has provided innovative recruitment services to the UK public sector for over 30 years and is the appointed prime partner of the tri-Service Australian Defence Force Recruiting contract.
• Akkodis – as Adecco’s in-house technology business, Akkodis specialises in Talent Management Digital Solutions, with 20+ years supporting the UK Ministry of Defence.
• TMP – the largest UK recruitment marketing agency, with over 80 industry awards for creativity and effectiveness. Their attraction and awareness campaigns utilise 1,200 media channels to recruit hard to fill roles across the public and private sector, plus the early careers space.
• Optima Health – the UK’s leading supplier of employee health assessments, supporting over 10% of the entire UK working population. With a team of over 1,600 staff, including over 800 clinicians, they deliver around a million clinical assessments each year throughout the UK, including at over 50 clinics.
• PA Consulting – works across the defence and security ecosystem, helping it to innovate and transform. Their people are experienced industry professionals and leaders in building innovative systems and solutions, using their experience and relationships to challenge conventional thinking, foster ingenuity and deliver rapid results.
• MPCT– is a leading provider of vocational education and training for people aged 16+ in the UK. With a focus on fitness, vocational qualifications, and employability skills, MPCT prepares learners for rewarding careers in the Armed Forces or uniformed services.

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

03 Feb 25. Council for Science and Technology. Eight new members have been appointed to the Council that advises the Prime Minister and Cabinet on science and technology. Eight new members have been appointed to the Council for Science and Technology (CST). The Council advises the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on strategic science and technology policy issues that cut across the responsibilities of individual government departments.

New members:

• Mark Enzer OBE is a Strategic Advisor at Mott MacDonald. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London.
• Professor Dame Lynn Gladden DBE is Shell Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, and former Executive-Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
• Priya Lakhani OBE is Founder CEO of CENTURY Tech. She co-founded the Institute for Ethical AI in education.
• Avid Larizadeh Duggan OBE is a Senior Managing Director, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Teachers’ Venture Growth. She is a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barclays Bank UK.
• Professor (Emeritus) Nick McKeown is Senior Fellow at Intel Corporation, Professor (Emeritus) of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Stanford University and Visiting Professor of Engineering and Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University.
• Professor Sir Nigel Richard Shadbolt is Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford and Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. He is Co-Founder and Chair of the Open Data Institute.
• Richard Slater is Chief R&D Officer for Unilever. He was previously Senior Vice President R&D, GSK Consumer Healthcare. He is a Non-Executive Director at Future Origins.
• Paul Taylor CBE is Director of Morgan Stanley International, Chair of Interrupt Labs Ltd and Chair of Beyond Blue. He is a Non-Executive Director on the Defence Technology and Innovation Board at the Ministry of Defence.  (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

04 Feb 25. Mr Angus Lapsley CMG has been appointed as the UK’s next Permanent Representative to NATO. The NATO Alliance is made up of 32 countries in Europe and North America and keeps 1 bn people safe. It is the cornerstone of transatlantic security and key to underpinning prosperity at home and abroad. Mr Lapsley has more than 30 years of experience in the Civil Service, with relevant expertise from a variety of previous roles – including most recently as NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning. He is also a member of the Strategic Defence Review Team, advising the UK government as part of the root and branch review of UK defence and making sure Britain is secure for decades to come. Mr Lapsley will remain on the review team until the review is complete.

 

INDUSTRY

 

06 Feb 25. A science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) roadshow for schools that has been running for 20 years has secured £3.5m worth of funding to continue for a further five years. BAE Systems launched the nationwide educational event in 2005, engaging and inspiring around 1.3m pupils since then. The RAF joined as a partner in 2008, with the Royal Navy adding its support in 2015. Designed to spark excitement and interest in STEM subjects, the programme offers a highly interactive experience for primary and secondary school students aged 10 to 13 years old, demonstrating practical applications of scientific and technological concepts in real world scenarios. This year’s series launched today at St Mary’s College in Hull and will go on to visit more than 500 schools up and down the country, bringing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to life as around 130,000 pupils use the technology to create songs and accompanying music videos with the help of a robot dog called Lexi. The scheme is so successful that the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and BAE Systems have now agreed to continue delivering the roadshows until at least 2030.

Tania Gandamihardja, Group Human Resources Director at BAE Systems, said: “As one of the UK’s leading advanced engineering and technology companies, we have a long history of nurturing young talent and helping to educate young people on the value of studying STEM subjects. I’m proud of the part our schools’ roadshows have played in that over the last 20 years and delighted that we have secured this new funding to take us up to a quarter of a century of inspiring young minds in this way.”

The roadshow has visited over 5,000 schools across the length and breadth of the UK in the two decades since its launch, covering topics such as electricity, space, magnetism, energy, maths, waves, physics and biomimicry.

Maria Stead, Head of School at St Mary’s College in Hull, said: “We are very excited to be able to host this STEM roadshow at St Mary’s and to work with such an innovative and important local and national company. As we move into an ever-greater technological future, we want our students to be at the forefront of all such developments and therefore being part of a day like today is an amazing opportunity. We know our youngsters will take a lot from the experience and that this will help to shape their future paths.”

Together, BAE Systems, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy employ thousands of engineers across the world and are committed to engaging with young people through initiatives like the STEM roadshow to encourage and support a highly skilled workforce of the future.

Commander Chris Pinder, Royal Navy STEM Programme, said: “The Royal Navy relies on STEM expertise to design, build, deploy and maintain our world-class ships, submarines and aircraft around the world. Galvanising the engineers and scientists of the future is essential and the additional funding to maintain this excellent programme is hugely welcome.”

Wing Commander Russ Barnes, Royal Air Force Youth STEM Programme, said: “STEM subjects are at the heart of everything we do in the Royal Air Force and wider UK Armed Forces. Without skilled and passionate individuals, our day-to-day work would be impossible. “The schools roadshows will continue to play an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators, aviators and engineers.”

For more information on career opportunities with BAE Systems, including apprenticeships and graduate training programmes, please visit baesystems.com/ukcareers

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

05 Feb 25. Thales’ Board of Directors (Euronext Paris: HO) which met on February 4, 2025, coopted as a Board member Valérie Guillemet, Human Resources Director and member of Dassault Aviation’s Executive Committee. Upon the recommendation of Dassault Aviation, Valérie Guillemet is now a Director on Thales’ Board, following Charles Edelstenne, who ended his term on January 9, 2025. She will serve the remaining term, until the Ordinary General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the 2025 financial year. Additionally, Eric Trappier succeeds Charles Edelstenne as a member of the Strategy & CSR Committee, and Valérie Guillemet succeeds Eric Trappier as a member of the Governance and Remuneration Committee. As a result of new appointments by the trade unions of two employee representative directors, Anne-Marie Hunot-Schmit is reappointed in her role and Stéphane Jubault succeeds Nadine Relier-David, for a 4 year term starting December 9, 2024. Stéphane Jubault has been appointed as a member of the Strategy & CSR Committee and Anne-Marie Hunot-Schmit remains a member of the Audit and Accounts Committee and the Governance and Compensation Committee.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

03 Feb 25. Former RTX CEO Gregory Hayes will step down as executive chairman and member of the board, the aerospace and defense major said on Monday. Hayes will remain an employee of RTX as a special advisor to CEO Christopher Calio, who will take on the role of chairman of the board, the company said. The transition will be effective April 30, 2025, the company said, adding that Hayes’ role as special advisor will run through Jan. 2, 2026. (Source: Reuters)

 

05 Feb 25. Peter Krauss appointed by Terran Orbital as President and Chief Executive Officer is focused on leveraging the company’s proven track record to drive innovation, enhancing its portfolio and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

 

27 Jan 25. Digital job opportunities at Dstl. Help maintain and improve the digital services and infrastructure that enable Dstl’s vital science and technology work for UK defence and security.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the Ministry of Defence’s science and technology organisation, providing specialist solutions and advice to help find and fix problems for UK defence and security.

We are currently recruiting key roles in our digital team to help us meet some of the unique and exciting challenges of our work.

The team

You will join a team of digital professionals and work with team leaders who understand the importance of investing in talent. They also ensure skills and resource match the delivery needs. The team are expected to:

• communicate effectively
• be adaptable
• be forward thinking
• coach and support others
• empower others

What our digital team do

Our digital team is the centralised IT service for Dstl. The team provide essential support for all users including finance, HR and commercial, and our science and technology business areas.

The team deal with high volumes of service requests on a daily basis – approximately 45,000 a year!

These requests can be for new services or changes to existing ones.

The digital team also maintain and continuously improve the foundation infrastructure that all our digital services stem from.

If you want something new to get involved with, there are usually about 50 projects going on!

Reasons for joining us

Here are some good points about becoming one of our digital professionals:

People

As part of our team, you will work on ground-breaking projects that deliver the technology Dstl people need to work alongside the very best in industry, academia, across government and our allies around the world.

Contribute

Help us make an impact and deliver our ambitious and exciting digital agenda – enable the cutting-edge science and technology that keeps the UK safe in our volatile and contested world.

Variety

Join a great team of specialists who work across a broad range of digital services.

Benefits of working at Dstl

As well as a rewarding career in defence science and technology, Dstl offers a wide range of benefits and training opportunities in a supportive, encouraging and flexible environment.

“One of the most embracing and helpful cultures I’ve worked in. The team challenge one another and hold each other to account… there’s been support and development at every point. Digital really enables us to be the best leaders.”

Chris, Digital Team Leader

The deadline for job applications has now passed but you can still look at our current opportunities on Civil Service Jobs: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?SID=cGFnZWFjdGlvbj1zZWFyY2hjb250ZXh0Jm93bmVydHlwZT1mYWlyJm93bmVyPTUwNzAwMDAmcGFnZWNsYXNzPVNlYXJjaCZjb250ZXh0aWQ9MTE1MjYxNzM4JnJlcXNpZz0xNzM3OTYxNDY5LTA5ZGE5ZWI3NmNjMjNmYzQxZjBiMGMwMzcwZGY4ODBiMmZjNjA1YTY=

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

30 Jan 25. Babcock and Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) Launch Collaborative Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, is creating more than 100 jobs at its newly-opened Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) in Bristol, as the company further invests in supporting the development of nuclear skills and defence infrastructure in the South West of England. The bespoke facility brings together partners and experts from across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise including: Babcock, the Ministry of Defence, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the UK’s Royal Navy, and demonstrates how collaboration between industry and government is strengthening Britain’s submarine enterprise as part of a critical national endeavour. The additional roles, to the 400 already existing in the Hub, will include positions in engineering, project management, business and data analysts, adding to the already significant number of highly skilled personnel in the region, dedicated to the upkeep of the world’s most complex defence assets.

Welcoming the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, to the official opening, Babcock showcased its facility, which offers a step change in submarine support through a custom designed, collaborative working environment, promoting innovation and closer integration, and ensures data-led decisions are at the forefront of planning.

The Hub also further strengthens submarine support operations which Babcock delivers at Devonport Royal Dockyard, its Rosyth facilities and His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.

Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said: “The Submarine Availability Support Hub is an exemplar facility for defence collaboration in the UK. We are working alongside our customers and partners to provide long-term sustainable infrastructure in the South West that will not only host and support the important operations that protect our country but also provide career opportunities for people passionate about our industry.”

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said: “It was a privilege to open the new Babcock Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol, and to have the opportunity to speak with civilian colleagues and Navy personnel alike. The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth.  This brand new facility will benefit the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security, and bolsters our country’s prosperity.”

Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) CEO Sir Chris Gardner, KBE, said: “The opening of the Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol provides a collaborative space that will support submarine availability for the Royal Navy in defence of our nation. This innovative facility is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the UK’s defence nuclear enterprise. It offers a dedicated capability for the Submarine Delivery Agency and Babcock to undertake vital joint work which will support waterfront operations, as well as presenting an opportunity to develop future talent by providing placement roles for engineering students.”

 

27 Jan 25. ConductorAI Corporation (“ConductorAI”), a pioneering defense technology company specializing in AI-enabled software solutions for sensitive, document-based compliance processes, today announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Biddeford, Maine. The startup will leverage this strategic location and engineering talent located in the Greater Portland, Portsmouth, and Boston areas to support a growing roster of public and private sector customers.

“We’re beyond excited to expand our footprint in the Greater Portland area given its proximity to top-tier institutions, access to nature, and fantastic engineers,” said Fichter.

Post this

ConductorAI is focused on accelerating document-based compliance and approvals for highly regulated entities, starting with the Federal Government. The company’s approach leverages approved large language models (LLMs) and decades of expertise building software for defense sector customers to bridge the gap between novel capabilities and mission-oriented needs. With the increased attention on increasing government efficiency, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and accelerating the adoption of innovative new technologies, ConductorAI is poised to assist in the modernization and transformation of government processes.

Its commercial platform, Conduit, is designed to meet the unique needs of defense organizations, including the ability to analyze documents at various classifications, ensure compliance with specific security requirements, and provide full transparency into underlying LLM processes.

This relocation to Biddeford, in addition to its satellite location in New York, builds on the footprint established by its Co-Founder and CTO, Ben Fichter, who moved to Biddeford in 2022 from South Portland, and sees Maine-based engineering talent as critical to the company’s future success.

“We’re beyond excited to expand our footprint in the Greater Portland area given its proximity to top-tier institutions, access to nature, and fantastic engineers,” said Fichter. “We look forward to partnering with local universities and businesses in the Maine defense community, and to growing our footprint in Biddeford in the years to come.” (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

27 Jan 25. Proposal for a joint operating model at Benson and Odiham airbases. Under RAF command, the two airbases would also accommodate helicopters from the British Army’s Joint Aviation Command.

There is a proposal to introduce a joint operating model at two British airbases: Benson, in Oxfordshire, and Odiham, in Hampshire.

The plan, referenced by the Minister for Defence Procurement, Maria Eagle, in a parliamentary written response on 23 January 2025, will enable the Royal Air Force (RAF) and British Army units to use the facilities.

This would, however, transfer the responsibility of running both airbases from the Army to the RAF, while helicopters from the Army’s Joint Aviation Command (JAC) would continue to operate from both sites.

“This will have no effect on operational outputs,” the Minister assured the Shadow Secretary of Defence, James Cartlidge.

Home of the Chinook

RAF Benson is home to two front-line Puma HC2 helicopter squadrons and one operational conversion unit, flying a mix of Puma HC2 and Chinook HC4 helicopters.

Likewise, RAF Odiham accommodates three Chinook squadrons. In September 2024, the station hosted a joint exercise – Dark Lightning – to interoperate with American counterparts, the US Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, who also operate the Chinook transportation helicopter.

Notably, JAC is tasked with lift, find, and attack tasks on the battlefield, supporting ground forces in the land and littoral environments.

Estate consolidation and retiring platforms

The Forestry Commission – tasked with managing woodlands, forests, and trees – and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are the two departments owning the majority of the UK government estate.

In the Strategy for Defence Infrastructure (2022), the MoD said they aim to reduce its vast estate as the management of 240,000 hectares can be a financial drain.

“We need to adjust the size of the estate, investing into a smaller consolidated estate footprint that is better able to support the delivery of current capability and adaptable to future demands. We will dispose of assets no longer required, creating a smaller and more affordable estate.”

Likewise, another senior MoD official, in another parliamentary response on 24 January 2025, revealed that the number of Logistics (air ground stewards) in the RAF have declined since 2010.

According to the cited figures, the total number of ground stewards reduced steadily each year from 482 in 2010 to 291 in 2024. This appears to correlate with plans to cut the defence estate.

The number of military platforms are similarly reducing to an extent that does not warrant such a vast amount of space.

John Healey, UK Defence Secretary, is retiring a number of military assets, including ships, uncrewed aerial systems, and tens of helicopter – 14 Chinooks and 17 Pumas – to save just £500m ($624m) to invest in other areas.

While the falling number of platforms may be more proportionate to the size of the defence estate, there remains a sense of foreboding. Still, these actions indicate more difficult decisions to come with Strategic Defence Review, due in the spring. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

MARITIME

 

24 Jan 25. China’s new Type 054B frigate exposes US naval inertia. The Type 054B/Jiangkai III-class have several differences compared to the earlier Type 054/A guided missile frigates. The commissioning of the first of a next generation of surface combatants for China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the Type 054B frigate Luohe, has once again highlighted the disparity of the pace of development between Beijing and its superpower rival, the United States.

Laid down in 2022 at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard and launched in 2023, the first of the Type 054B frigates is being followed by a second vessel, currently in build at Huangpu Shipyard. Also known as the Jiangkai III class under Nato designation, the US Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) states that “multiple units” are under construction.

As the latest variant of the earlier Type 54A/Jiangkai I and ‘Mod’ II frigates, the Type 054B is likely to be larger than the 134m length and 4,000 tonne displacement of earlier designs, potentially in the 6,000 tonne and 140-150m range.

It is likely that the Type 054B design was long planned, in keeping with the PLAN’s current programme to rapidly develop and transit through generations of surface combatants, in what appears to be a process of spiral development to incorporate new technologies and weaponry.

A 2024 update from the ONI revealed the PLAN had 50 Jiangkai-class frigates in service, with the more modern Jiangkai II guided missile frigates forming the bulk of this force, with 40 operational vessels. The PLAN also has 50 Jiangdao light frigates operational, which could be classified as corvettes, with a length of 90m.

Additional large combatant classes include two Luhu-class destroyers, four Sovremennyy DDGs in two distinct batches, a single Luhai DDG, and two Luzhou-class DDGs.

Comparing the Constellation

In comparison, the US Navy is building the first of the Constellation-class frigates, a process which began in 2022 and still years away from entering service.

A May 2024 report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the build of the US Navy’s first Constellation-class frigate was “at a standstill” amid continued delays of a programme that sought to provide an effective solution to the woes of its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) forebearer.

“Due to ongoing major design challenges, construction on the first ship is at a standstill. Now, the Navy forecasts the ship will be delivered three years late,” the GAO report stated.

A consequence of delays in completing ship design have created “mounting construction delays”, with the US Navy acknowledging that the planned April 2026 delivery date of first-in-class USS Constellation – which was set in the contract at the award – is unachievable.

The USS Constellation is likely to be delayed by 36 months, meaning a delivery now scheduled for the April 2029 timeframe. With construction beginning on the ship in August 2022, this will mean a more than seven-year span between manufacturing start and delivery.

The Constellation class will be the first guided missile frigates (FFG) operated by the US Navy since the last of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class FFGs left service in 2015, which were intended, in part, to be replaced by the twin-variant LCS progamme.

However, the LCS programme was curtailed with some vessels decommissioned after just a handful of operational years following a series of setbacks for the type. Responding to this, the US Navy returned to the FFG concept as the lead element of its Small Surface Combatant force.

Analyis: China’s Type 054B frigate

Analysis of imagery released by China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) and vessel silhouettes from the ONI’s documentation on the PLAN’s surface force indicates the Type 054B/Jiangkai III appears to be a significant evolution compared to the earlier Jiangkai I and Mod II designs.

On profile, the Type 054B has a stealthier design, with integrated masts fore and amidships, and a differently angled prow.

Images released by the MND show a main gun forward, larger than the PJ26 76mm calibre fitted to the Jiangkai Mod II, likely the PJ87 100mm naval weapon system. A 30mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) is fitted in front of the ship’s bridge for point protection from airborne threats.

Mounted on top of the ship’s hangar towards the rear is a missile-based CIWS similar to the US SeaRAM, probably of the HQ-10 series, offering further air defence capability.

Forward, the Type 054B has a 32-cell vertical launch system for medium-range area air defence, while amidships what appear to be 2×4 canister-launched anti-ship missiles. On earlier Type 054 frigates the YJ-83 anti-ship missiles were mounted, offering ranges of up to 200km, while its air defence missile was the HQ-16A, providing a 40km range.

Modernised variants of the HQ-16 missile reportedly provide air defence coverage out to 160km.

Although it is difficult to determine crew size, with the Type 54A/Jiangkai I and Mod II having a complement of around 165 sailors, the Type 054B will be able to accommodate more personnel, potentially around 240-250.

MND imagery shows two mass blocks of 200 PLAN sailors apiece, with around 80 sailors standing to attention on the Luohe itself. This could indicate the crews of the first two Type 054B ships, or around 240 each, although this cannot be confirmed. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

AIR

 

30 Jan 25. Airborne Technologies announce the successful official handover of two fully customized De Havilland DHC-6-300 surveillance aircraft to the Danish Home Guard. At a ceremonial event, the aircraft were formally delivered to the end user.They are now fully operational in their designated zone. The aircraft, named Hugin and Munin after Odin’s ravens in Norse mythology—the symbols of thought and memory This achievement marks the culmination of a remarkable collaboration with the prime contractor Zimex Aviation Ltd., the Danish Airforce Home Guard, and the Danish Ministry of Defence. The state-of-the-art patrol platforms, equipped with the Airborne LINX Surveillance System, are designed to undertake a wide range of missions, including Surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR), and Maritime Patrol operations. The project’s highlights include a cutting-edge operator workstation, an observer station, and a comprehensive ISR surveillance suite. The modifications were finalized through a collaborative cross-European effort between Altenrhein, Switzerland, and Wiener Neustadt, Austria, showcasing the expertise and dedication of all teams involved.

Wolfgang Grumeth, CEO of Airborne Technologies, remarks, “Seeing these aircraft take to the skies is a proud moment for our team. Together with Zimex, we have created two exceptional platforms that align perfectly with the demanding mission profiles of the Danish Home Guard. Having already modified more than a dozen Twin Otters for various clients worldwide, this project represents another significant achievement for our team. We wish the Danish crews safe operations.”

This state-of-the-art operator workstation is designed for maximum efficiency, providing full control over mission systems, communication, and real-time data analysis. Ergonomic and intuitive, it integrates live data, seamless command and control, and tactical decision-making in one place—ensuring optimal situational awareness and performance. The Observer/Mission Commander operates from a fully equipped workstation, controlling communication and maintaining full oversight of the mission. The table can be stowed for takeoff and landing.

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

28 Jan 25. A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has today [28 January] been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment as the Government pulls every lever available to drive economic growth under its Plan for Change.  The 32 parliamentarians, drawn from across the political spectrum, have been assigned target markets across six continents and tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses and championing the UK as a destination of choice for investment in those markets.   Each market has been identified as presenting significant potential for growing UK trade and Trade Envoys are appointed on their ability, relevant skills and experience. This can be based on their respective markets or UK sector knowledge, including previous government-to-government experience, as well as their commitment to the UK’s growth mission.

The new appointments are:

• Afzal Khan MP appointed to Türkiye
• Alex Sobel MP appointed to Ukraine
• Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP appointed to Ghana
• Ben Coleman MP appointed to Morocco & Francophone West Africa
• Calvin Bailey MP appointed to Southern Africa
• Carolyn Harris MP appointed to New Zealand
• Dan Carden MP appointed to Mexico
• David Pinto-Duschinsky MP appointed to Switzerland & Lichtenstein
• Fabian Hamilton MP appointed to Southern Cone
• Flo Eshalomi MP appointed to Nigeria
• George Freeman MP appointed to Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei
• Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride appointed to Jordan, Kuwait & the Palestine Territories
• Lord Ian Austin of Dudley appointed to Israel
• Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath appointed to Ethiopia
• Jess Morden MP appointed to Central America
• Lord John Alderdice appointed to Azerbaijan & Central Asia
• Lord John Hannett of Everton appointed to Sri Lanka
• Lord John Speller of Smethwick appointed to Australia
• Josh MacAlister MP appointed to Brazil
• Kate Osamor MP appointed to East Africa
• Matt Western MP appointed to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
• Mohammad Yasin MP appointed to Pakistan
• Naz Shah MP appointed to Indonesia & ASEAN
• Paulette Hamilton MP appointed to Commonwealth Caribbean
• Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester appointed to Taiwan
• Lord Roger Liddle appointed to Andean
• Dr Rosena Allin-Khan appointed to South Africa
• Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster appointed to Bangladesh
• Sarah Olney MP appointed to North Africa
• Sharon Hodgson MP appointed to Japan
• Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest appointed to Republic of Korea
• Yasmin Qureshi MP appointment to Egypt

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

24 Jan 25. Mr Edward Roberts has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica, and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Nicaragua in succession to Mr Ben Lyster-Binns who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Roberts will take up his appointment during autumn 2025.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

25 Jan 25. The Senate voted on Saturday morning to confirm Kristi Noem as President Donald Trump’s Homeland Security secretary, installing a longtime Trump ally at the helm of an agency poised to play a central role in the president’s promised immigration crackdown. The vote was bipartisan, 59-34. Noem has served as governor of South Dakota since 2019 and is a former state legislator and four-term congresswoman. She will now be tasked with leading the Department of Homeland Security, a sprawling agency that oversees everything from US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the US Secret Service. (Source:CNN)

 

24 Jan 25. Pete Hegseth will become US secretary of defence after the Senate voted 51-50 in his favour late on Friday night, squeaking by after vice-president JD Vance broke the tie. Republican senators Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joined Democrats in voting against Hegseth’s confirmation.  Hegseth survived a last-ditch effort by Democrats to prevent his confirmation after his former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, made a sworn statement accusing him of being so abusive to his ex-wife that she hid in a closet out of fear for her safety. She also alleged that he had abused alcohol for years.  The former Fox News host is a departure from the typical defence secretary. His predecessor, Lloyd Austin, was a retired army general who oversaw US Central Command, which encompasses military operations in the Middle East. A vocal opponent of “wokeness”, Hegseth has vowed to bring a “warrior” culture back to the US military as the Trump administration moves to do away with the federal government’s diversity initiatives. He also said one of his priorities will be to secure the US-Mexico border. The Pentagon on Wednesday said it would send an additional 1,500 active duty troops to the US’s southern border, a 60 per cent increase, on the president’s orders. (Source: FT.com)

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

27 Jan 25. Marshall and AMMROC forge strategic partnership to explore growth opportunities. Marshall and AMMROC, the UAE-based industry leader in aviation MRO services and integrated logistics support, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to identify synergies and growth opportunities in the aerospace industry. The MoU marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aiming to harness each organisation’s strengths, identify, explore and pursue new opportunities and markets that align to their mutual strategic goals, and further enhance their competitive positions. Additionally, Marshall and AMMROC will work collaboratively to connect with new potential customers for maintenance, repair and overhaul aircraft services.

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to broaden our market potential and enhance our service offerings,” said Marshall Chief Growth Officer Bob Baxter.

“We will be able to leverage our strengths combined with AMMROC’s expertise to drive collaboration and innovation, identifying ways to better serve our customers and explore new markets.”

The partnership incorporates a capability enhancement objective which will see Marshall support AMMROC in achieving Military Design Organisation Approval. As a UK CAA recognised Part 21J Design Organisation with an unmatched depth of expertise and breadth of capabilities, Marshall will assist AMMROC in achieving Part 21J, helping to greatly enhance their service offering and the scope of potential joint projects for both parties to collaborate on.

“By combining AMMROC’s industry-leading MRO expertise and strong presence in the SAMENA region with Marshall’s State-of-the-art engineering solutions, this partnership will enhance our joint capabilities to support a wider range of military and commercial aircraft platforms and extend our regional and global reach.” said AMMROC CEO, Jasem Al Marzooqi.

As part of this partnership, Marshall and AMMROC will seek to develop a comprehensive “Joint Growth Plan” outlining the opportunities that each organisation aims to pursue. This will document potential markets and strategic initiatives that have been identified as part of the collaborative efforts.

 

27 Jan 25. Fincantieri has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating its commitment to the region following the establishment of its subsidiary, Fincantieri Arabia for Naval Services, in 2024. These agreements highlight Fincantieri’s strategic focus on innovation, sustainability and industrial development through partnerships with Saudi entities and international collaborators. Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the MoUs underscore Fincantieri’s unique role as the only shipbuilding group active across all high-tech marine industry sectors, leveraging its vertically integrated business model and expertise in cruise, offshore and defence markets.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented: “These agreements reaffirm our strong commitment to the region and our readiness to explore new business opportunities across our three core segments, primarily focusing on defence. Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a global hub for maritime technology, and we are proud to collaborate with Saudi entities to leverage our extensive capabilities. Together, we aim to foster innovation and sustainability while contributing to the ambitious Vision 2030 agenda.”

Partnership Highlight: King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) The MoU with KAUST establishes collaboration in cybersecurity for naval applications, focusing on securing communications, preventing cyberattacks, and protecting onboard automation systems. Recognised as a centre of excellence in technological innovation, KAUST will combine its academic expertise with Fincantieri’s industry leadership to address cybersecurity challenges in the naval sector.

 

26 Jan 25. In the framework of bilateral meetings between Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held today, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) of the Kingdom and Leonardo announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to discuss, develop and evaluate a range of investment and collaboration opportunities further expanding the collaboration in the aerospace and defence sector.  This latest agreement leverages the MoU signed and announced in early 2024 which considered and explored multiple areas of collaboration to include space industry, airframe MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul), localisation of electronic warfare systems and radars and assembly of helicopters, a focus on Combat Air and Cross-Domain Integration fields, industrialisation processes and human capital development, national supply chain in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the country’s role for Leonardo in the region as well as the global value chain. Following the excellent results achieved implementing the agreement signed in 2024, the MoU signed today paves the path for a further expansion of the industrial collaboration in the Combat Air and helicopter fields.  Over decades, Leonardo has been supplying to the Kingdom platforms, systems, technologies and services including passenger transport, energy support and rescue rotorcraft, electronic systems and sensors, maritime defence and cyber capabilities as well as providing a key contribution in the air defence domain, among others. This latest agreement represents the most recent step of Leonardo to reinforce its activities in the Kingdom, where the company has a dedicated Headquarters.  Collaborating with local technological partners, research establishments and end-users, Leonardo will be able to generate sustained development and production in the country. The MoU will significantly contribute to the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aimed at the implementation of unprecedented reforms in the public sector, diversifying the economy, empowering citizens and businesses to reach their full potential and creating innovative growth opportunities.

 

PERSONNEL

 

28 Jan 25. Registration is open for Embraer Social Tech Careers, a free career acceleration program in technology offered by Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3). The initiative aims to encourage more women and people with disabilities to enter this market, which is why it is exclusive to these groups. With 70 available spots, the course focuses on data analysis and the simplified development of applications and other computer systems using programming techniques that are accessible for beginners.

“The market is increasingly seeking more skilled individuals in the technology field, and more professionals are interested in working with data science. With Social Tech, we hope to contribute to increasing the pool of these professionals and meet the growing demand from companies,” says Embraer’s Vice President of People, ESG, and Corporate Communications, Andreza Alberto. “At the same time, the course encourages diversity in the technology field, so that people from different backgrounds and life experiences can expand their skills in this highly relevant area today.”

Organized in partnership with the edtech SoulCode, Social Tech Careers aligns with the public’s desire for quick courses that cater to those with limited time or a sense of urgency to enter the tech market. Throughout the program, students learn to work with low-code platforms, covering programming languages like Python and creating dashboards in Power BI, for example. The classes will take place between March and June 2025, in an online format. They will be broadcast live from Monday to Thursday, from 7 PM to 10 PM. Of the total number of scholarships offered, 60 will be available to the general public, and the remaining 10 will be for Embraer employees. Registration to apply for one of these scholarships must be done by March 9 through the link https://soulcode.com/embraer-social-tech-careers. The selection process includes logic and basic computer tests, a short personal introduction video, and a group dynamic. Created in 2021, Social Tech Careers has already selected over 1,600 professionals in four editions dedicated to underrepresented groups – women, people with disabilities, and Black/Brown individuals. Upon completing the training, students become part of Embraer Group’s talent pool, shortening the distance to new job opportunities.

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

27 Jan 25. Katja Ziegler will resign from her position as Managing Director and CFO of ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH on 31 March 2025 and leave the company at her own request and on the best of terms in order to take on new professional challenges. Until then, Mrs Ziegler and ESG Managing Director Dietmar Thelen will ensure a seamless transition as part of the initiated succession plan and structural transformation. In the future, ESG will be a mainstay of the new HENSOLDT Multi Domain Solutions division. “We regret Katja Ziegler’s decision, as we will lose an excellent manager. She played a key role in the acquisition of ESG and its successful integration into the HENSOLDT Group, and thus contributed significantly to its success. On behalf of the entire Management Board, I sincerely wish Mrs Ziegler all the best for her future career,” said HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre. “We are grateful for the exemplary commitment of Katja Ziegler and are pleased that Dietmar Thelen, together with his strong management team, will continue the successful course we have taken: HENSOLDT’s solutions business will be bundled into the new Multi Domain Solutions division, which will spearhead our growth. We look forward to continuing our work with Dietmar Thelen in the Executive Committee,” Dörre continued.

 

28 Jan 25. The Supervisory Board of HENSOLDT AG extended the contract of HENSOLDT CHRO Dr. Lars Immisch to 30.04.2029. Lars Immisch has been responsible for the HR function on the Management Board of HENSOLDT AG since 1 October 2022. “Lars Immisch has played a major role in HENSOLDT’s continued growth and, in particular, in building a modern, inclusive corporate culture. The early extension of his contract confirms the value of his contribution,” said Reiner Winkler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HENSOLDT AG. “The Management Board in its current composition of CEO, CFO and CHRO gives the company the stability needed in the current transformation process towards HENSOLDT 2.0.”

 

29 Jan 25. SubSea Craft (SSC) announced the appointment of former Secretary of State for Defence and Leader of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt, as its new company Chair. The appointment follows the announcement of the defence start-up’s second international partnership for overseas manufacture support. Having recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Athens-based Skaramangas Shipyards, the company is looking to establish a foothold in Europe to provide the Hellenic Navy and NATO allies with stronger access to its maritime technology, including its flagship covert submersible craft, VICTA.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

27 Jan 25. AllClear Aerospace & Defense (AllClear) announced the appointment of Brent Wisch as its new Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development. This pivotal role will see Brent leading strategic sales and business development initiatives across all operating segments – Distribution, Repair Services, and Engineered Products – and subsidiaries.

 

30 Jan 25. The vice president leading Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft unit, Mark Nappi, has left his role in the program and been replaced by the company’s International Space Station program manager, John Mulholland, a Boeing spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday. (Source: Reuters)

 

29 Jan 25. Spectral Capital (OTCQB: FCCN), a leader in quantum innovation and sustainable technology, is proud to announce the appointment of Scott Robison, a distinguished U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and seasoned strategist, to its Advisory Board. With over 22 years of exemplary service in high-stakes military environments and extensive experience in emerging technologies and defense strategies, Robison brings a wealth of expertise to advance Spectral Capital’s mission of revolutionizing quantum computing and sustainable solutions. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

27 Jan 25. Stanton Chase, a global retained executive search firm, announced the appointment of Richard Sarmiento as Managing Director in Stanton Chase’s Industrial and Aerospace & Defense sector. Based in Washington, D.C., Richard will focus on strengthening the firm’s Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services practice, leveraging his extensive experience to connect organizations with transformative executive leadership. Richard specializes in placing leaders across Private Equity-backed, publicly owned, and non-profit organizations, with a focus on roles such as CEOs, Presidents, General Managers, and functional heads of Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Strategy, and Corporate Development. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

29 Jan 25. TD International LLC (TDI), the strategic advisory and risk intelligence firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Eliza Ehrlich to Partner. Most recently, Ms. Ehrlich led the firm’s operations in Dubai as Managing Director. With a reputation for strategic thinking and leadership, Ms. Ehrlich has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations through today’s most complex global challenges. She advises a global portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and commercial clients in the private equity, energy, mining, and financial services sectors. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

30 Jan 25. XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) (“XTI Aerospace” or the “Company”), a pioneer in advanced aircraft design, today announced the addition of Kimberly Montgomery, President of GMR Health Systems at Global Medical Response (GMR), a leading provider of pre-hospital healthcare solutions, to its Corporate Advisory Board. Ms. Montgomery brings over two decades of leadership experience in air medical transport and pre-hospital healthcare, having served in various senior roles at Seven Bar Aviation, Med-Trans Corp, and EagleMed. In her current role at GMR, Ms. Montgomery and her team oversee the business operations of GMR’s health system, and partner with medical transport programs across the U.S., in over 70 base locations.  (Source: PR Newswire)

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

27 Jan 25. Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY), announced the appointment of Major-General (Ret.) Roch Pelletier to the role of Regional Vice President (RVP) Global Defence & Security. This newly created role addresses the growth of Calian’s defence business, driven by increased global military spending, geopolitical instability and the rising demand for advanced technologies. This appointment will advance Calian’s strategic business development, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and provide operational support to drive growth and efficiencies within the region.

 

 

 

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

23 Jan 25. Sigma Defense Systems, a leader in defense technology, proudly announced the grand opening of the expanded office facility of the EWA Warrior Services division in Huntsville, Alabama. This new 12,000 square-foot office provides critical resources to support customers across the Department of Defense (DoD) that includes Army, Navy, Space Force and other organizations as the company has added 20 new jobs in Huntsville since 2023. The ribbon cutting took place on January 22nd, 2025, with Sigma Defense Systems executives, employees and distinguished guests taking part in the ceremony. Those who attended included representatives from the office of Congressman Dale Strong, Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, representatives from Huntsville mayor’s office, Tommy Battle, and members of the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. EWA Warrior Services specializes in the design, development, and sustainment of advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) systems and threat simulation technologies, supporting test and training missions for multiple customers within the DoD. The new facility is the third building added to the Huntsville campus which represents over 19,500 square feet of research and development space already in operation. The site serves as a hub for developing and delivering test and training solutions and includes CNC machines, 3-D printers, specialized laboratory spaces and equipment for rapid prototyping manufacturing and production Jeff Morgan, President of EWA Warrior Services, presided over the opening ceremony and shared his perspective: “This new facility represents not just growth for EWA Warrior Services, but our ability to deliver cutting edge solutions for our customer and bring new jobs to the Huntsville community. We are excited to celebrate the opening of this new office, but more importantly we are excited about what this means for our ability to deliver on our commitment to our customers.” EWA Warrior Services joined Sigma Defense in May 2024 through the acquisition of its parent company EWA. Sigma Defense employs over 800 people globally, delivering solutions for CJADC2, DevSecOps and C5ISR and other services for national security. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

MARITIME

 

23 Jan 25. China commissions first Type 054B frigate.  China has commissioned the first of its next-generation Type 054B class of guided-missile frigates. The warship, which has been named CNS Luohe, was commissioned at a ceremony held at the military base in Qingdao on 22 January, China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) disclosed in a statement on the same day. While the MND’s statement did not provide further details on the unit that Luohe will be commissioned into, Chinese Communist Party-sponsored media outlet China Daily reported on 22 January that the frigate will serve with the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN’s) North Sea Fleet. No further details were provided on Luohe other than the fact that it displaces close to 5,000 tonnes.  Luohe was launched by China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai in 2023. It is one of two Type 054B frigates that have been constructed for the PLAN, with the other being built by Huangpu Shipyard in Guangzhou. The second vessel is also believed to be close to completion. Satellite imagery suggests that Luohe has an overall length of about 147 m and an overall beam of about 18 m. This makes the ship significantly larger than its predecessor, the Type 054A, which has an overall length of about 134 m and an overall beam of 16 m.= Images accompanying the MND’s statement on the commissioning confirm that Luohe has been armed with a 32-cell vertical launching system (VLS) in the forward section and launchers for anti-surface missiles amidships. (Source: Janes)

 

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

 

21 Jan 25. Israeli military chief of staff resigns over failure to prevent October 7 attack. Israel’s military chief of staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has said he will resign in March over the failure to prevent the October 7 attack. In a letter to Israel’s prime minister and defense minister released by the military, Halevi said: “As a result of my responsibility for the IDF’s failure on October 7, and at a time when the military has recorded exceptional achievements in restoring Israel’s deterrence and strength, I wish to conclude my tenure on March 6, 2025.” Halevi’s resignation marks the highest-profile departure of an Israeli official linked to the security establishment’s failures on October 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declined to take responsibility for those failures, stating that accountability will come only after the war. (Source: CNN)

 

17 Jan 25. A Polish general was dismissed last week by the nation’s defense minister after reportedly misplacing a batch of anti-tank mines that were later found in an Ikea warehouse, according to Polish news outlet Onet. Maj. Gen. Artur Kępczyński was fired Jan. 9 for reasons that were not specified by Polish military officials, though numerous local reports suggested the missing explosives were — naturally — the catalyst for his dismissal. In June 2024, a train carrying more than 1,000 tons of explosives was improperly unloaded by Polish troops, the report said, who mistakenly left the anti-tank mines to continue their rail-bound journey around the country until they were eventually offloaded in the furniture behemoth’s warehouse. Kępczyński, meanwhile, reportedly kept the mishap from his superiors while furnishing subsequent supply reports that featured false numbers. That approach appeared to have worked — at least until an Ikea warehouse representative telephoned military officials and inquired about “when they would collect their mines,” according to one report. The Polish defense ministry posted on X confirming the dismissal of Kępczynski, who was reportedly a lead figure in the service’s logistics support element. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, the report said. (Source: Defense News)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

17 Jan 25. DOD Talent Chief Aims to Reform Hiring to Attract Gen Z. At a recent panel discussion on government talent acquisition, Brynt Parmeter, the Defense Department’s chief talent management officer, underscored the urgent need to attract members of Generation Z to civilian defense careers. The panel convened yesterday to discuss solutions to an emerging problem: A large portion of DOD’s civilian workforce is approaching retirement age, forcing its agencies to adjust how they recruit and retain early-career professionals to fill the void.

“If we don’t get more Gen Z members into this workforce, we are not going to be able to accomplish our mission,” Parmeter said.

Parmeter was appointed CTMO in April 2023 — a position created to address DOD’s evolving talent management needs. The department, which encompasses 60% of the federal civilian workforce, must not only fill thousands of essential jobs across fields like cybersecurity, logistics and engineering but also reform its hiring approach to resonate with younger applicants.

According to Valerie Capers Workman, an industry expert who joined Parmeter on the panel, Gen Z values job stability, meaningful work and comprehensive benefits.

“For the Gen Z cohort, there is no more attractive space right now than the federal government,” she said.

Parmeter agreed, noting that DOD civilian roles, which offer robust retirement packages, competitive health care and an opportunity to contribute to defense in a non-uniformed capacity, are uniquely suited to appeal to a generation that values public service.

However, Parmeter explained that many young professionals “didn’t know” about the civilian roles within DOD and often equated careers in defense to military service. Overcoming this confusion and communicating the breadth of opportunities is paramount to federal agencies in search of Gen Z talent.

Last spring, Parmeter launched a pilot program to attract 300 cybersecurity professionals in line with the department’s 2023-2027 Cyber Workforce Strategy Implementation Plan. As part of the program, DOD partnered with workforce development intermediaries, civilian companies, non-profits and universities.

Following the pilot program, 88% of candidates reported that they were “very” or “extremely” interested in opportunities within DOD, even though 80% revealed that they had never applied for employment with the department.

“Through the outreach, we ended up getting 6,000 eligible and qualified applicants,” Parmeter said. “We realized people want to come in and work for the federal government.”

However, the department cannot offset its impending manpower shortfall with awareness campaigns alone. Parmeter admitted that DOD is still hamstrung by complex, decades-old hiring regulations.

“There are 43 steps in the hiring process,” he said. “And 34 are mandated in congressional statute; we have to comply.”

In response, DOD officials are exploring opportunities to work with the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and draft legislation to evolve the compliance-based steps standing in the way of talent acquisition.

The department also aims to leverage partnerships with job platforms, integrate artificial intelligence for resume matching, and shorten the overall timeline from application to offer.

“We want to make the hiring process more user-friendly for the job applicants and for DOD,” Parmeter said.  Parmeter noted that generational challenges could also be discouraging candidates from pursuing DOD careers. Long-tenured hiring managers still expect 30-year commitments from Gen Z applicants. Parmeter argued that his generation’s perspectives fail to capture the interest of emerging professionals.  To reconcile these perspectives, Parmeter suggested a fluid approach: allowing employees to “rotate out” into private-sector roles to gather expertise and then return to federal service. “We want to amplify and tell our stories,” he said. “Including stories of those who join, receive advanced training and then leverage that expertise in other sectors before returning to public service.”  The 2022 National Defense Strategy reinforces this stance by encouraging the department to “increase the availability of fellowships, internships and rotational assignments” to build a more adaptable, experienced workforce.  Parmeter concluded the panel discussion by challenging government employees to inspire young people to join their teams. “Take 10 minutes to rethink how you describe your role … and translate your excitement into a language that resonates with the next generation of public servants.” (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

23 Jan 25. Mr Daniel Shepherd has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea in succession to Mr John Marshall who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Shepherd will take up his appointment during April 2025.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

21 Jan 25. Trump Names Acting Secretary of Defense, Designates Acting Service Secretaries. President Donald Trump named Robert Salesses as acting secretary of defense pending the confirmation of Pete Hegseth for the position. Salesses assumed the functions and duties of the office at 12:01 p.m. yesterday.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has sent Hegseth’s nomination to the full Senate, which is expected to act on the nomination later this week.

Salesses is a retired Marine Corps officer and a member of the senior executive service. He previously served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense integration and defense support of civil authorities.

He is a senior executive service member who has been serving as the deputy director of Washington Headquarters Service. According to his bio, he managed a portfolio of complex and integrated operational services to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the Military Departments, Defense Agencies, Congress and the Executive Office of the President.

In addition to Salesses, the White House announced that Mark Averill will serve as acting secretary of the Army, Terence Emmert as acting secretary of the Navy and Gary Ashworth as acting secretary of the Air Force. Averill is the head of the Army’s Office of the Administrative Assistant. Emmert served as DOD’s principal deputy chief technology officer for mission capabilities. Ashworth served as DOD’s acting assistant secretary of defense for acquisition.

All of the acting individuals were sworn in yesterday. (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

21 Jan 25. New Officials Sworn-in at the Department of Defense. The following individuals were sworn-in yesterday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the Pentagon:

• John A. Byers, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (South and South-East Asia)
• Colin J. Carroll, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense
• Austin J. Dahmer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Strategy)
• Timothy D. Dill, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs)
• Michael P. DiMino IV, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Middle East)
• Mark Ditlevson, Senior Advisor, Department of the Navy
• Michael P. Duffey, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense
• Stephen L. Ferrara, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
• David R. Fitzgerald, Chief Strategic Advisor, Department of the Navy
• Eric J. Geressy, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense (Strategy)
• Terence E. Hagans, Chief of Staff, Department of the Army
• Mateo Haydar, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
• Macon D. Hughes, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs
• Jules W. Hurst III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Readiness)
• Colby C. Jenkins, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Irregular Warfare and Counter Terrorism)
• Joseph R. Kasper, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense
• Rafael F. Leonardo, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Plans and Posture)
• Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
• James G. Mazol, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
• Sean C. McAndrews, Confidential Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
• Matt A. McNitt, Deputy White House Liaison
• John Noh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (East Asia)
• Tami Radabaugh, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (Strategic Engagement)
• James R. Sapp, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (House Affairs)
• Darin S. Selnick, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense
• Katherine E. Thompson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Global Partnerships)
• Jonathan L. Ullyot, Principal Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
• Alexander J. Velez-Green, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
• Patrick R. Weaver, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
• Kingsley R. Wilson, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary
• Patrick J. Witt, Chief of Staff, Office of Strategic Capital
• Charles L. Young III, Principal Deputy General Counsel (DOD)

(Source: U.S. DoD)

 

INDUSTRY

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

21 Jan 25. Javier Escribano, the current CEO of the EM&E Group, will assume the presidency of the Group following the appointment of his brother as Executive President of Indra. Ángel Escribano will therefore step down as President of the EM&E Group. Fernando Fernández, Chief Operating Officer of EM&E Group since 2014, will become the company’s new CEO. Fernández has more than 20 years of experience in the defence sector, having held senior positions in several of the sector’s leading engineering companies.

 

21 Jan 25. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) has appointed Ronny Opsjøn Langset as Executive Vice President Naval Surface Ships, with responsibilities for key initiatives such as standardised vessels. Langset joins KONGSBERG from his position as yard director at Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord in northwestern Norway. Langset will also head up KONGSBERG’s office in Ålesund, which was launched last year to strengthen the company’s naval activities, in close cooperation with Kongsberg Maritime and Kongsberg Discovery and in the heart of the Norwegian maritime cluster.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

22 Jan 25. Academy Securities, the nation’s first post-9/11 veteran owned and operated investment bank, today announced the addition of Lieutenant General Brian Cavanaugh to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Lieutenant General Brian Cavanaugh retired from the United States Marine Corps after more than 35 years of exceptional service. His career culminated as the Commanding General of Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, Marine Corps Forces Command, and Marine Corps Forces Northern Command, where he led 48,000 Marines, Sailors, and civilians in global operations and homeland defense. He previously served as Deputy Commander of Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Deputy Director for Operations on the Joint Staff, and Assistant Deputy Commandant for Programs at Headquarters Marine Corps, managing the service’s $50bn budget. Beginning his military service as a Naval Aviator, he commanded the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan and squadron HMH-362 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

22 Jan 25. Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE : ACHR) added Lieutenant General (Ret) Scott Howell to its Advisory Board to help guide its newly formed Archer Defense business unit. The goal of Archer Defense, announced in December, is to leverage the company’s expertise in aircraft development, advanced flight controls and scalable manufacturing to deliver next-generation aircraft for defense applications. Its first project, in partnership with Anduril, is the development of a hybrid-propulsion, vertical-take-off-and landing (“VTOL”) aircraft. Lt. Gen. (Ret) Scott Howell is a highly decorated retired military leader whose time in service spanned Iraq, Afghanistan, the Pentagon and the White House. Notably, Howell helped accelerate the military’s organizational transformation while leading 14,000 Special Operations forces globally as the 15th Commander of Joint Special Operations Command. Previously, as Vice Commander for the U.S. Special Operations Command, he helped secure the largest-ever budget for the country’s most elite warfighters. Now in the private sector, Howell will continue his work with General Catalyst as an advisor focused on modern defense and intelligence. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

21 Jan25. The Cirlot Agency announces the appointment of its founder and CEO, Liza Cirlot Looser, to the National Defense Industrial Association’s (NDIA) Washington, D.C. Chapter Board of Directors for 2025. Her appointment recognizes her leadership and strategic expertise in advancing defense companies and initiatives in the U.S. (Source: Google)

 

21 Jan 25. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announced Ken Bedingfield, 52, has been appointed President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, effective Feb. 3, 2025, in addition to his responsibilities as L3Harris’ Chief Financial Officer. He succeeds Ross Niebergall, who will remain with the company to support a seamless transition before retiring. Sam Mehta’s role will be expanded to lead enterprise Strategic Collaboration Agreements while continuing to lead the Communication Systems segment. Mehta, 52, will establish, grow and leverage strategic relationships with industry partners to deploy next-generation capabilities to the U.S. and its allies. In addition, the company’s transformation initiative, LHX NeXt, led by Heidi Wood, 59, has been elevated to report to L3Harris Chair and Chief Executive Officer Chris Kubasik. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

22 Jan 25. QinetiQ US announced today the appointment of Tom Vecchiolla as President and Chief Executive, effective 17th January 2025, succeeding Shawn N. Purvis in leading QinetiQ US’ operations. A defence industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Vecchiolla joins QinetiQ US after serving on its Special Security Agreement Board since April 2024. His career spans military service, public sector leadership and defence industry executive roles. Vecchiolla spent 22 years as a US Navy pilot and DoD Acquisition Professional before transitioning to public service as national security and military affairs advisor on the US Senate staff. He later joined Raytheon Technologies Corporation (RTX), where he served 15 years, culminating in his role as president of Raytheon International Inc. He subsequently assumed responsibility as president and chief executive of ST Engineering North America responsible for all US operations of a diverse industrial and technology portfolio. (Source: Google/ADS)

 

23 Jan 25. Xona Space Systems (Xona), a leading provider of advanced satellite navigation services, is proud to announce the appointment of Jonathan “Jay” Wakenshaw as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. Jay brings over 25 years of global leadership experience across aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing industries. Jay will spearhead Xona’s operational scale-up efforts and optimization of supply chains to expand the company from the prototype phase to full operational capacity of their PULSAR™ low Earth orbit satellite navigation system, and support operations to deliver state-of-the-art navigation services to a broad set of industries. (Source: PR Newswire)