Management on the Move

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

August 9, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

08 Aug 24. New BAE Shipbuilding Facility. The vast new ship build hall that will transform shipbuilding in Glasgow has officially been named the Janet Harvey Hall, after one of the many women who took on industrial jobs when the country needed them most during the Second World War.

In 1940, at the age of 18, Janet Harvey joined the workforce to help the war effort as an electrician in the River Clyde’s shipyards. Janet played a crucial role in the UK’s war effort and was one of just a handful of women working as electricians alongside the 100,000 strong male workforce.

At the age of 96, Janet was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Glasgow’s shipyards during the war.

Poignantly, Janet died on Armistice Day (11 November) in 2023 at the age of 101.

The Janet Harvey Hall is currently under construction at BAE Systems’ site in Govan. Naming the hall after Janet not only honours her contribution, but also the efforts of all the women who stepped up and became electricians, welders, engineers and platers when the call came. The hall is a key element of the £300m transformation of BAE Systems’ shipbuilding facilities in Glasgow. Once complete, this vast facility will be large enough for two Type 26 frigates to be constructed side-by-side. It will consist of more than 6,000 tonnes of steel and 20,000m3 of concrete. Once complete, the hall will help enable efficient and safe shipbuilding for decades to come with future work unaffected by adverse weather. With two 100-tonne cranes and two 20-tonne cranes, the facility is designed to accommodate up to 500 workers per shift.

MARITIME

07 Aug 24. Unique US Navy submarine returns to base after two-year mission. Created from four ballistic missile submarines, the SSGN Ohio-class sub-variant is due to be removed from US Navy service completely by 2028. The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) departs Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in 2013. Credit: US DoD

Aunique sub-variant of the Ohio-class guided missile submarines, the converted nuclear-powered ballistic missile boat USS Florida, returned at the end of July 2024, to base at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, following a 727-day deployment to 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

Due to their payload of Tomahawk cruise missiles, rather than the Trident II D5 ballistic missile, the four converted sub-variant boats of the Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) have been designed as nuclear-powered guided missile submarines (SSGN).

During the near two-year mission, which saw five crew rotations carried out, the USS Florida conducted “vital missions” that were deemed “crucial to national security”, the US Navy stated in an early August release.

In total the boat travelled more than 60,000 nautical miles, with various crews visiting Greece, Guam, Diego Garcia, and the UK, as part of routine port calls. In November 2023, the US Department of Defense confirmed that an Ohio-class submarine was active in the 5th Fleet area of operations, amid the early actions of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Ohio-class SSGN sub-variant on the way out

The four converted SSGNs of the Ohio class, the oldest of the series, the USS Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia, which were refitted into their new configuration from the early 2000s onwards. The 14 remaining Ohio-class SSBNs will gradually be replaced by 12 Columbia-class SSBNs from 2031.

The Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics based at Groton, Connecticut, built 18 Ohio submarines commissioned between 1981 and 1997.

According to the requirements of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, START II, which was agreed in June 1992, the number of strategic missile submarines was limited to 14 from 2002. Rather than decommissioning these four submarines, the US Navy converted them to the SSGN configuration.

In September 2002, Electric Boat received a contract for the conversion of USS Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia, which were refitted to accommodate up to 154 Tomahawk TLAM (land attack) or Tactical Tomahawk (Block IV) missiles, while also being capable of conducting special operations missions.

In many respects, the SSGNs perform similar functions to the Los Angeles-class nuclear powered attack submarines (SSN), although their performance characteristics, while classified, will be significantly different. They are able to embark a much larger number of munitions compared to the Los Angeles-class.

However, according to the US Navy’s latest shipbuilding plan, all four SSGNs will be retired from service by 2028, with no direct replacement, with two boats (USS Ohio and USS Florida) to be decommissioned in 2026.

Given this, and the length of the deployment just undertaken, the USS Florida could well have concluded its operational service with the US Navy. (Source: naval-technology.com)

05 Aug 24. New class of Russian missile boat launched at Vympel Shipyard. Stupinets, the first of a new class of missile boat for the Russian Navy, was launched at Vympel Shipyard in Rybinsk on 31 July, according to local media reports.

Originally laid down in 1992, Stupinets is one of two vessels initially intended to be exported as Tarantul III-class missile boats. However, Russia was unable to find a buyer for the ships and work was halted.

In April 2016 Vympel signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence to complete the ship for the Russian Navy, albeit with some significant changes to the design.

As completed, Stupinets features a completely different superstructure to the Tarantul III, as well as an updated weapons and sensor fit. This includes removing the four SS-N-22 ‘Sunburn’ (3M80 Moskit) missiles mounted to port and starboard of the superstructure on a Tarantul III and replacing them with eight SS-N-25 ‘Switchblade’ (3M24 Uran) launchers mounted athwartships aft of the main superstructure.

The other main change from the Tarantul III is in the powerplant, which swaps the all gas turbine or combined gas turbine and diesel set up of the earlier class for an all diesel arrangement consisting of two Zvezda M507s. Zvezda is only able to produce these engines in very small numbers, and they are in demand for other programmes as well such as the Uragan-class corvettes, so this is likely to be one reason why it has taken eight years to get to the point where Stupinets can be launched.

(Source: Janes)

AIR

05 Aug 24. Turkish Hürjet jet trainer aircraft expected to debut in Egypt

Manufacturer TAI states that the Hürjet features an advanced mission computer and modern cockpit, equipped with a human machine interface to minimise conversion time to current and future Turkish fighter aircraft.

Turkish Aerospace (TAI) has opted to showcase the Hürjet jet training aircraft at the forthcoming Egypt International Airshow (EIAS) 2024 to the Egyptian Air Force and other militaries from Africa and the Middle East.

Designed by TAI as a single-engine, tandem-seat aircraft for modern pilot training, the Hürjet is intended to replace the ageing T-38s as advanced jet trainers (AJT) and F-5s as acrobatic team aircraft for the Turkish Air Force.

TAI states that the platform is an “attractive option” for air forces looking to modernise their fleets with “cost-effective and high performance” AJTs.

The new jet trainer has a single engine compared to the Turkish Air Force’s current T-38 Talon. Credit: TAI

Due to run from 3-5 September 2024 at El Alamein International Airport, EIAS is likely to draw significant interest from emerging industry from countries such as Türkiye and South Korea keen to open new markets in developing regions.

“We are excited to display the Hürjet for the first time at Egypt International Airshow. This event provides an ideal platform to demonstrate the Hürjet’s capabilities and explore potential collaborations in the region,” said Mehmet Demiroğlu, TAI CEO.

Hürjet jet trainer: features and capabilities

The Hürjet measures 45ft in length, with a wingspan of 30ft and a payload capacity of 2,700kg. On its inaugural test flight on 25 April 2024, the HÜRJET AJT achieved an altitude of 14,000ft and a speed of 250 knots, staying airborne for 26 minutes.

Türkiye has been developing a slew of military aircraft in recent years, including the supposed fifth-generation TA Kaan fighter and the Kızılelma uncrewed combat drone.

Australia has injected $400m (A$616) into the MQ-28A Ghost Bat programme, marking a milestone in the nation’s military aerospace capabilities. This injection of funds secures hundreds of skilled jobs. The MQ-28A Ghost Bat, developed in collaboration with Boeing Defence Australia,…

By Electro Optic System

Part of this drive towards indigenous development of combat aircraft was as a consequence of being kicked out of the US-led F-35 stealth fighter project, following Ankara’s decision to acquire Russian air defence missile systems. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

02 Aug 24. Successfully Performed the First Ground Run Test of the NGCTR’s Technology Demonstrator. At Leonardo’s Cascina Costa (Varese, Italy) site, the first ground run, with rotor testing, of the Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor (NGCTR) Technology Demonstrator (TD) took place. The next phase of the programme involves intensive testing in the coming months, with the aim of performing the first flight by the end of 2024 and then accumulating 200 flight hours to expand operational capabilities in helicopter and aircraft modes.

NGCTR’s Technology Demonstrator was built by Leonardo with the aim to design, develop and demonstrate in flight innovative tiltrotor technologies, paving the way for future product developments.

Using the AW609 fuselage, the NGCTR-TD incorporates technologies adaptable to possible future programmes and to industry development. These include an advanced wing architecture; an optimized V-Tail configuration that reduces trim drag; a non-tilting engine set-up, with a split gearbox, thus allowing a wider selection of engines and the avoidance of ground hot gas impingement and ground noise reduction; an advanced Fly-by-Wire Control that employs a modular, distributed, and scalable Flight Control System. Furthermore, an efficient nacelle architecture which minimises drag and improve control and reduces flapping in VTOL mode by a differential control of nacelle tilting.

By Component (Aero Structures, Engine, Avionics, Rescue Equipment?s, Electrical System, Others), By Type (Light, Medium, Heavy), By End-Use (Commercial, Military), By Region, Competition, 2019-2029F

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Since its conception, the project has been driven by the need to develop technologies for cleaner skies within the VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) domain. Cruising up to 280 kts – which is twice the speed of typical helicopters and closer to turboprop aircraft speeds – the NGTR-TD has reduced Co² emissions and noise, when compared with conventional helicopters of the same class.

Leonardo’s NGCTR Technology Demonstrator began life in 2015 as part of the part of Clean Sky 2, an EU-funded Initiative for the development and validation of aeronautical technologies that will improve environmental impact and enhance the European aerospace supply chain. After a first design and development phase, characterised by a System Engineering Technical Review process, assembly was completed in June 2024.

As Massimo Biggi, Next Generation Fast Rotorcraft Programs Manager at Leonardo Helicopters, explained, “the NGCTR-TD, the first clean-sheet European tiltrotor concept design in years, has enabled Leonardo to develop and test the core technologies needed to flight test a next generation high speed aircraft with long range and vertical take-off and landing capabilities.”

This initiative, part of the Clean Sky 2 project, is one of the key projects of the Leonardo’s Sustainability Plan. It is an important example of advanced mobility technologies combining improved performances and lower emissions, with a positive impact on citizen’s security.

(Source: ASD Network)

05 Aug 24. Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first MH-139A Grey Wolf production aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. This aircraft, part of a Low Rate Initial Production order in 2023 for 13 helicopters, will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.

“This aircraft will directly support ongoing U.S. Air Force modernization efforts,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 executive director and program manager. “Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”

In 2024, the U.S. Air Force awarded an additional seven MH-139As to Boeing. With six Research, Development, Test and Evaluation aircraft already delivered, Boeing currently has 26 aircraft on contract.

With a 50% increase in speed and range and a 5,000 pound-lb. increase in max gross weight compared it is predecessor, the MH-139A can execute multiple mission sets. Combined with lower operating costs, increased reliability and improved maintainability, the aircraft provides improved capability and greater flexibility for the U.S. Air Force.

The MH-139A team consists of Boeing as the prime contractor and Leonardo as an original equipment manufacturer. Leonardo produces the baseline helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement and installation and post-delivery support of the aircraft.

PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES

08 Aug 24. Germany retires Sea King helicopter. Germany has retired its Westland Sea King Mk 41 helicopters after nearly 50 years of service.

The last example was flown to the Bundeswehr’s Militärhistorisches Museum in Gatow, Berlin, on 8 August, bringing an end to a service career that began in 1975.

“We say thank you Sea King for around 50 years in the force. With the end of flight operations at the Luftwaffe, a chapter of helicopter history is over. Goodbye, King!” the Bundeswher said from its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Operated by the German Navy, the Sea King has been replaced in favour of the NHIndustries NH90 Sea Lion. At the time of retirement, Janes World Navies listed the Marineflieger aviation branch of the service as having 21 Sea Kings remaining in its inventory.

News of the retirement came weeks after Germany pledged to send six Sea King helicopters to Ukraine, where they will serve alongside three former UK Royal Navy (and latterly HeliOps) Sea Kings already being flown.

For more information on German Sea Kings, please see Ukraine conflict: Germany pledges Sea King helicopters. (Source: Janes)

02 Aug 24. US Navy steps towards deactivating oldest active aircraft carrier. The US Department of Defense has initiated the deactivation process for the USS Nimitz, marking a milestone as the Navy’s oldest active aircraft carrier begins its final chapter. HII has been awarded an $11.7m contract modification to assist in the deactivation of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the inaugural vessel of its class. Source: viper-zero/Shutterstock

Huntington Ingalls Inc. has secured a $11.7m contract modification to support the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) deactivation, the first vessel in its class and the oldest active aircraft carrier in the US Navy’s fleet.

The threat from artificial intelligence (AI) autonomous weapons and the need for international cooperation to mitigate the potentiality of “AI killer robots” was re-emphasised at the recent Humanity at the

In a development for the US Navy, the US Department of Defense has awarded Huntington Ingalls Inc., based in Newport News, Virginia, a contract modification valued at $11.7m. The contract focuses on additional support for pre-advanced planning related to the defuelling and inactivation of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the first Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

The USS Nimitz, commissioned in 1975, has played a part in US naval power for nearly five decades. As the Navy’s oldest active aircraft carrier, it has played a role in various military operations. The deactivation of this vessel marks a moment as it will be the first of the ten Nimitz-class carriers to be retired.

The end of the acquisition period for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was in 2009, as per GlobalData’s intelligence on the US defence market.

HII is tackling projects for the US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. HII recently secured a $913m contract for the Refuelling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), modernising the carrier and extending its service life by several decades. This follows ongoing progress on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), which, despite setbacks, continues its RCOH to ensure operational readiness for the future.

The initial phase of Nimitz’s deactivation will be at Huntington Ingalls’ Newport News Shipbuilding facility in Virginia, where the ship was originally constructed. The contract stipulates that this planning and preparation work will be completed by November 2024, with the actual decommissioning of the USS Nimitz expected to occur in 2026.

The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC, is overseeing the contracting activity.

Over the course of its service, the Nimitz has been involved in various conflicts and humanitarian missions, providing a platform for naval aviation.

On July 20, 2020, the US Navy’s USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and its Carrier Strike Group conducted a passing exercise (Passex) with the Indian Navy off the coast of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This contract is just the beginning of a multi-year effort to safely defuel, deactivate, and eventually dismantle the ship, ensuring it is done in accordance with environmental and safety regulations.

(Source: naval-technology.com)

04 Aug 24. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has formally lodged a disagreement with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over changes to the Position Mapping Procedure. The dispute has led to the MoD temporarily withdrawing the new policy changes until the matter is resolved.

The MoD civil service HR department has been engaged in a “policy simplification process” aimed at making policies easier to understand.

The department had assured that members’ entitlements and substantive policies would remain unchanged. However, PCS has identified several detrimental changes in the post mapping policy.

The contested changes include:

Removal of the second stage appeal
Elimination of the option for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to attend and advise post mapping panels
Modifications to the posts included in limited competition
Implications on priority mover status and potential risk of redundancy

PCS, along with other unions within the MoD civil service (MCSU), filed a formal disagreement, prompting the MoD to withdraw the new policy changes to maintain the status quo as outlined in the formal disagreement policy.

PCS has advised its members and activists to verify which policy is being applied to live post-mapping and ensure adherence to the previous policy. The employer may need to withdraw any post-mapping letters issued under the disputed policy.

PCS is scheduled to meet with the MoD next week to discuss and resolve these issues.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is the eighth-largest trade union in the United Kingdom, representing a significant number of employees in UK government departments and other public bodies.

(Source: UKDJ)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

06 Aug 24. Army BG John M. Cushing for appointment to the grade of major general. Cushing is currently serving as the commanding general, Combat Capabilities Development Command, U.S. Army Futures Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

06 Aug 24. Army Col. Jonathan C. Taylor for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Taylor is currently serving as the deputy commander (operations), U.S. Army Medical Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

06 Aug 24. AMD names new leadership, still seeking a chairperson. SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association.

South Africa’s representative organisation for the defence industry – widely known by the acronym AMD – is leaderless following a delayed annual general meeting (AGM).

This is expected to be short-lived and will not impact on the work of the SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association, its sixth newsletter of 2024 has it.

The AGM was set down for 13 June but put on hold while post-election negotiations were underway. At that time AMD Executive Director and SAAMDEC (SA Aerospace Maritime and Defence Export Council) Chief Executive Officer Sandile Ndlovu was on record as saying the delay would be “prudent”. This would, according to him, “allow the political dust to settle and we have a government in place”.

On the current lack of a chairperson, the newsletter has it: “we [AMD] are actively engaged in the process of identifying and appointing a suitable candidate to fill this important role. Updates will be communicated as soon as they are available”.

At the AGM Nico Troostheide of GAC Laser was voted in as Vice Chairperson with TMI Simulation Solutions’ Thivash Moodley Honorary Treasurer and Ratilal Rowji from Global Command and Control Technologies (GC²T) Honorary Secretary.

The AGM saw nine AMD directors named to chair working committees to “drive various strategic initiatives crucial to our industry’s success,” the newsletter has it.

Incomar’s Riaz Saloojee heads the AMD Policy and Strategy committee with Sicelo Ngubane (MN Group) chairing its DIP (Defence Industrial Participation) and NIP (National Industrial Participation) sub-committee. Retsibile Sekhukhune chairs the SMME (small, medium, and micro enterprises), BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) and Skills Development sub-committee component of the policy and strategic committee.

Other committee chairs are Colin Singarum of Aselsan (Marketing); James Kerr of Orion Consulting (Manufacturing); Dr MC Zondi of Sandock Austral (Innovation and Future Defence); Zane Cleophas of Areta Holdings (Space); retired admiral Rusty Higgs of Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) (Exports); Dr Nivan Moodley of Saab Grintek Defence (Risk and Audit) and Sihle Mayisela (Hensoldt Optronics) charged with overseeing the AMD remuneration committee (REMCO).

Board members include Sefale Montsi (Damen Shipyards Cape Town), Cornelius Grundling (DCD Protected Mobility), Sipho Khoza (Denel), Gilbert do Nascimento (GEW Technologies), Brian Greyling (Paramount), Geoerge Hiralal (Reutech), Shafiek Hendricks (GRIMMS), Johan Agenbag (Thales SA Systems), Chris Gildenhuys (OTT Technologies), Damian de Lange (Twiga Services), Andrew Olivier (OTT Solutions), Fabian Msimang (Swatek Defence and Aerospace), and Isaac Motale (Lerumo/Tesame), Michelle Nxumalo (DCD Protected Mobility). (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

08 Aug 24. After the departure of Peter Riedel, the Executive Board of Rohde & Schwarz. Rohde & Schwarz now consists of Christian Leicher as President and Chief Executive Officer and Andreas Pauly, who was appointed President and Chief Technology Officer on October 1, 2023. For the time being, Andreas Pauly will assume the tasks of Chief Operating Officer on an interim basis.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

09 Aug 24. Academy Securities, a registered broker-dealer, certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), today announced the addition of Admiral Sir George Zambellas to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Admiral Sir George Zambellas retired from the Royal Navy in 2016 after 36 years of service. His last 3 years in service were as the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, the professional head of the Royal Navy. Prior to this, he held several prominent leadership roles including the Commander, Allied Maritime Command Northwood, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet, the Chief of Staff to the Navy Command Headquarters, and the Chief Naval Warfare Officer. In 2006, he led the Fleet’s principal transformation program, and in 2005 he commanded the Royal Navy’s Amphibious Task Group through its implementation of two new classes of amphibious vessels. Earlier in his career, he commanded several notable ships, including the mine hunter HMS Cattistock, the frigate HMS Argyll, and the frigate HMS Chatham during Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

08 Aug 24. AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) today announced the appointment of Rob Rideout Jr. as Vice President, Strategic Procurement. Since joining AMETEK in 2007, Mr. Rideout has held various leadership roles, including Director of Strategic Sourcing for Power Systems and Instruments Division and the Divisional Vice President of Supply Chain and Continuous Improvement for the Aerospace and Defense Division. Most recently, Mr. Rideout served as the Division Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain for Aerospace and Power. Prior to joining AMETEK, Mr. Rideout held roles of increasing responsibility with Thermo Fisher Scientific and Danaher Corporation. (Source: PR Newswire)

08 Aug 24. AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) today announced the appointment of Vinatha Nathan as Vice President and General Manager, MCT Division. Ms. Nathan brings a wealth of experience to AMETEK, having most recently served as Senior Vice President & General Manager for Crane Payment Innovations. Prior to that, Ms. Nathan held various roles with increasing responsibilities at Crane ChemPharma & Energy and Eaton Corporation. (Source: PR Newswire)

05 Aug 24. Juan Alvarez, a respected long-time leader at Idaho National Laboratory, has been named Executive Vice President of Laboratory Operations for Battelle. Alvarez has served as Deputy Director for Management and Operations at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) since the forming of the Battelle Energy Alliance, which has managed INL since 2005. INL is the nation’s leading center of nuclear energy research and development, focusing on research related to nuclear science and engineering; nuclear reactor design, development, operations and safety; national security research and testing; and the development of sustainable energy and environmental solutions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

07 Aug 24. Sypris Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq/GM: SYPR) (the “Company”) announced today the appointment of Curtis S. Petrie, a corporate director of the Company, to the position of Vice President of Administration, effective September 1, 2024. Mr. Petrie will remain located at the Company’s headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky and will report to Jeffrey T. Gill, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sypris Solutions, Inc. Mr. Petrie has served as Corporate Director of Information Technology, Human Resources and Internal Audit since October 2022 and as Corporate Director of Information Technology and Human Resources from August 2019 to September 2022. Prior to 2019, Mr. Petrie served as the Corporate Director of Information Technology since joining the Company in 2007. Prior to Mr. Petrie’s tenure with Sypris, he served as Chief Information Officer for F+W Media, Inc., a media content and e-commerce company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 2006 to 2007 and as Chief Information Officer for Lexmark International, Inc., Asia Pacific Group from 2002 to 2006. Mr. Petrie began his career with Lexmark International, Inc. in 1995 and served in a number of increasingly responsible senior-level positions in multiple expatriate global assignments. In addition, Mr. Petrie served on the Robertson County, Kentucky Board of Education from 2000 to 2002 and is a Kentucky Governor’s Scholar. Mr. Petrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kentucky. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

August 2, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

AIR

31 Jul 24. USMC hit operational status with second carrier-capable F35-C unit. A West Coast Marine F-35C Lightning II squadron has achieved initial operational capability.

The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, hit that key milestone Wednesday, 1st Lt. Madison Walls, wing spokeswoman told Marine Corps Times. The status means a unit can employ, maintain and train on the jet.

The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, unit conducted its first independent live ordnance operations July 25.

“Initial operational capability is a milestone and achievement in readiness,” said Lt. Col. Michael Fisher, commanding officer of VMFA-311 in a statement. “It’s all on the backs of the Marines out there. What they do in their day-to-day actions is what made this possible.”

The squadron, also known as the Tomcats, flew more than 900 sorties, which equals nearly 1,700 flight hours and another 800 simulator hours and 2,400 maintenance actions to reach initial operational capability, according to a service release.

“The Tomcats have a storied history that includes legends such as Ted Williams and John Glenn, and participation in every major conflict since World War II,” Maj. Gen. James Wellons, commanding general of 3rd MAW, said in the release. “Today’s Marines add another chapter to that legacy with the introduction of the F-35C and fifth-generation capabilities to VMFA-311.”

In 2020, the squadron deactivated its AV-8 Harrier jets and then reactivated in April 2023 with 84 Marines and one F-35, reflecting the Marine Corps’ move to fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The transition has resulted in a gradual reduction in Harriers and F/A-18 Hornets.

The Corps’ two F-35C squadrons, VMFA-311 and VMFA-314, are both stationed at Miramar.

The VMFA-314, or Black Knights, reached initial operational capability in 2020, Marine Corps Times previously reported.

The F-35C is specifically engineered for carrier-based operations, featuring heavier landing gear and enlarged, foldable wings designed to facilitate catapult launches and arrestments on aircraft carriers. The foldable wingtips also facilitate easier storage on the carrier deck.

The “C” variant holds more fuel than other versions of the single-seat jet, with nearly 20,000 pounds of internal fuel capacity for long-range flights.

“The next step for VMFA-311 is full operational capability, attained when VMFA-311 receives its complete inventory of ten F-35C aircraft, projected for fiscal year 2025,” according to the release.

The Marine Corps has used the F-35B for years. The “B” variant, built to use short runways and flat-decked amphibious assault ships, is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings.

Currently, the Corps has eight operational F-35B squadrons and two training squadrons, totaling over 100 F-35B aircraft globally. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

01 Aug 24. ‘Overworked, underpaid, undervalued’ Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers set to strike. Officers at the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are to take strike action for the first time in the service’s history.

Nautilus International said its members will walk out on 15 August in a long-running dispute over pay.

It comes after officers have been taking action short of a strike since June.

It comes after the Government accepted the recommendation of the independent pay review body for a 6% headline pay rise for the Armed Forces.

The increase in military pay will be paid in September and backdated to April 2024, but did not include RFA personnel.

According to the union, RFA officers have experienced a real-term pay cut of more than 30% since 2010.

This includes a below-inflation pay rise of 4.5% imposed in November 2023.

Martyn Gray, Nautilus International director of organising, said striking is “always a last resort for us, but there is a palpable strength of feeling among our members at the RFA”.

“Over 14 years of cuts and pay restraint, despite the RFA undertaking increasingly complex operations, have taken their toll,” he said.

“Our members are overworked, underpaid and undervalued.

“The fact this is the first time RFA officers will take strike action in history is a scathing indictment on the state of the service that is experiencing a recruitment and retention crisis and rock-bottom morale across the workforce.

“Despite early engagement with the Ministry of Defence post the general election, we are yet to receive a new and improved pay offer for our members.”

He went on: “This is unacceptable and leaves us no option but to escalate from action short of strike to full strike action.

“Our message is simple. To avoid disruption at the RFA, who are vital to the UK’s naval capabilities, we need a pay offer that reflects the high rate of inflation and a pathway to pay restoration.

“We remain committed to working with government to achieve that.”

In response to the planned strike action, an MOD spokesperson said the RFA are “highly valued” and the department is “committed to listening to their concerns”.

The spokesperson also said the MOD will keep “a continued dialogue with them to address the issues they have raised”.

Ministers have met with the RFA twice in the first few weeks of the new Government, according to the MOD, who also said they are working to minimise the impact of any strike action.

(Source: forces.net)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

30 Jul 24. UK Armed Forces awarded largest pay increase in decades to ‘renew nation’s contract with those who serve.’

Government Armed Forces Pay Announcement confirms starting Armed Forces salary will be in line with National Living Wage for the first time

The government will “renew the nation’s contract with those who serve”, as it confirms that Armed Forces personnel will receive a 6% pay rise – the largest in 22 years.

This year’s pay award, recognises the extraordinary sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel to protect and serve the UK – and will help address recruitment and retention challenges.

It will also see new recruits awarded the largest increase for more than 20 years, meaning that, for the first time, the starting Armed Forces salary will be in line with the National Living Wage.

It comes as the new government sets out a clear commitment to improving service life and making military careers more attractive. In the recent King’s Speech, the government announced the creation of a new Armed Forces Commissioner – a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families.

The Defence Secretary has also pledged to bring the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. Taken together, these measures show a government getting on with the job of supporting Britain’s service personnel and tackling recruitment challenges.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: “We will renew our nation’s contract with those who serve. Our new government’s first duty is keeping the British people safe. And the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces. This pay award will benefit every member of the Armed Forces. It is an important step towards turning around the declining morale and recruitment crisis we have faced in recent years. A clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to improving service life. This is a first step and we know there is so much more to do. Our new Armed Forces Commissioner will be a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families, and we will place the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. I want to attract the brightest and the best into our Armed Forces, because only with strong national security can we build a confident, prosperous country.”

Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said: “This year’s pay award is testament to the hard work and extraordinary dedication of the Armed Forces at a pivotal time for our security. Alongside a comprehensive benefits package, it aims to ensure our people feel properly recognised and rewarded. The significant increase in starting pay for new recruits underlines the enormous stock we place in those young people who step forward to serve their nation. As the world becomes more contested and uncertain, this Award will help us to recruit and retain the high calibre people we need to keep the country safe and help it prosper.”

The independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body and Senior Salaries Review Body recommendations for 2024 have been fully accepted by the Government and will be backdated to 1 April 2024.

Highlights from the 2024 Pay Award are:

Initial Pay (payable to Other Ranks during their first six months or until completion of initial training; whichever is sooner) will increase to £25,200 from 1 April 2024.
Most Service Personnel up to and including 1-star rank and others in the Armed Forces Pay Review Body’s remit group (including Medical and Dental Officers) will receive an overall 6% pay increase (against 1 April 2023 rates) back dated to 1 April 2024.
The lowest paid personnel (OR2-01) have been awarded a higher level of investment. In April 2024 they received a 7.25% pay increase, both ensuring they received National Living Wage uplifts at the same time as other public sector workforces and providing a pay rise of c.£1,700 per year for around 6,700 personnel.
The MOD had also implemented small increases to OR2-02/3 rates on 1 April 2024; This group will see a further uplift under the pay award, providing them with an overall 6% increase above 1 April 2023 rates.
All members of the senior military (2-star rank and above) will receive a 5% consolidated increase to their base pay.
The pay award will also see increases to other targeted forms of remuneration, representing an annual increase of c.£3,000 in the nominal average salary in the Armed Forces as well as an annual increase of c.£1,878 in the starting salary for an officer.
Service Personnel receive a comprehensive benefits package including subsided food, medical and dental care, accommodation, and childcare. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

26 Jul 24. USAF MG Jennifer M. Short for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Short is currently serving as director, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

29 Jul 24. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy has been promoted into the Australian federal cabinet under a series of ministerial arrangements. Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese announced the changes to the cabinet and to the ministry on 28 July. Under changes to security and defence industry, former assistant minister for defence Matt Thistlethwaite has been moved to a role as assistant minister for immigration. Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, has been promoted into federal cabinet. Luke Gosling has been appointed special envoy for defence, veterans’ affairs and Northern Australia. (Source: Defence Connect)

28 Jul 24. Australia appoints new cyber security minister in cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed a veteran cabinet minister to oversee the Home Affairs and Cyber Security portfolios, following months of scrutiny into Home Affairs’ handling of the NZYQ ruling. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Tony Burke as Australia’s new Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, amid a raft of portfolio changes unveiled on Sunday (28 July).

He replaces outgoing Minister Clare O’Neil, who has taken the mantle of Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness

In addition to the Home Affairs and Cyber Security portfolios, Minister Burke will also oversee immigration taking over from the beleaguered outgoing Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles.

The removal of both Ministers from their respective positions comes following ongoing scrutiny over Australia’s release of immigration detainees as part of the NZYQ high court ruling.

Under the reshuffle, the Prime Minister also confirmed that Andrew Charlton would serve as Special Envoy for Cyber Security and Digital Resilience. (Source: https://www.cybersecurityconnect.com.au/)

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

26 Jul 24. Struggle for skilled workers in spotlight at Farnborough Airshow.

Aerospace sector faces talent shortage
If it were a country, it would have 4.4% unemployment -McKinsey
Sees rising competition for engineers from AI sector
STEM education, gender diversity seen key to addressing problem

Germany’s Lilium Jet has a queue of young engineers and students waiting to board thanks to the interest of a five-year-old boy.

The futuristic flying taxi is one of many high-tech projects on display as the Farnborough Airshow turns its attention to the aerospace industry’s urgent recruitment problem.

“We weren’t intending to open up the cabin today but a five-year-old boy came along and said ‘this takes off vertically and why can’t I get on board’ and since then we have had a queue of visitors,” said talent acquisition head Alex Jordan.

For the young boy, a job in aviation remains a distant dream, but the industry is hungry for skilled recruits to meet demand.

“Aerospace is always the high frontier… you see things flying and you want to work for them,” said Jeet Makadia, 27, a recent engineering graduate working on a project at Rolls-Royce (RR.

Visitors to the exhibition which ended on Friday will not immediately solve aerospace’s problem in replacing workers lost during the pandemic. But the threat from labour shortages to current production and future growth plans casts a long shadow over the show.

“There are very few people studying aerospace so there is a people shortage” said Tushar Subhash Dhulasawant, 26, a recently graduated engineer interested in control systems and UAV design.

Aerospace’s pitch to potential recruits includes visionary ambitions like space projects that few other industries can match.

But aerospace giants like Boeing (BA.N) and Airbus (AIR.PA), face competition from nimble sectors like artificial intelligence that deploy many of the same engineering skills.

Big Tech boost U.S. stocks

“You have to assume that they are going to do something different,” and not stay in one assignment indefinitely, said Paula Hartley, a senior defence executive at Lockheed Martin (LMT.N).

HQW Precision UK in Plymouth, England, supplies super-precision ball bearings for items like starter generators for planes, directional fins for missiles or satellites in space.

The 75-year-old company, previously known as Barden, is moving to supply not just components but pre-assembled systems that can slot into place and be sold for a higher value.

But the “secret sauce” for the highly specialist design work is availability of application engineers, a sought-after niche of engineers who convert customer needs into specific products, said Mark Wakeham, business development manager.

“For us to move into this area, which we absolutely have to do, we just need more and more engineers in the future pipeline,” he told Reuters.

STEM EDUCATION

The company is not alone. The mismatch between supply and demand for jobs is imposing a broad cost on the sector.

If aerospace were a country, it would have 4.4 % unemployment, according to McKinsey – about the level that economists deem full employment, driving up wages.

According to the same data, the aerospace industry’s talent gap could cost an average-sized aerospace company $300 m to $330 m in lost productivity every year.

Recruiters say the answer to the industry’s people problem starts in schools, but won’t deliver an immediate fix.

“It’s not only about promoting the women we have (and) hiring more women… but also about making sure that we get more women into the system at the entry level with education,” said Arjan Meijer, CEO of Brazil’s Embraer Commercial Aviation (EMBR3.SA).

He and other executives acknowledged that the male-dominated industry had not yet achieved its diversity targets.

Education ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations last month voiced concerns about access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching, especially for girls and marginalised groups.

“It is about showcasing it, especially to girls and young women,” Kirsten McGuire, who promotes STEM in schools with British education charity SATRO, said in an educational area at the show designed to capture the attention of young visitors.

There have also been concerns that aviation’s record on greenhouse gas emissions may deter young entrants. The industry has pledged to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, but has faced controversy over alleged greenwashing in northern Europe.

At the Lilium stand, tomorrow’s pioneers seemed undeterred.

“I don’t think it will put me off. Nearly every (company) here is worried about emissions. So probably by the time I am able to become an engineer there will be loads of engines I can use in my designs,” said 13-year-old Vincent Liao.

Asked what problem he would most like to solve, he said: “Probably something to do with emissions, a new concept… maybe an idea nobody has thought of to save as much fuel as possible”.

(Source: Reuters)

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

29 Jul 24. At its meeting, the Supervisory Board of HENSOLDT AG extended the contract of HENSOLDT CFO Christian Ladurner by five years. Christian Ladurner has been responsible for the finance function on the Management Board of HENSOLDT AG since 1 July 2022. “Christian Ladurner has been doing an excellent job for HENSOLDT for years and has played a decisive role in the company’s growth in recent years. The early extension of his contract gives the finance function the security it needs to continue successfully on its chosen path,” said Reiner Winkler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HENSOLDT AG. “In its current composition of CEO, CFO and CHRO, the Management Board is well positioned and, together with the top executives on the Executive Committee, forms a stable basis for a sustainable and future-proof orientation of the company.” HENSOLDT CFO Christian Ladurner added: “Over the past two years, we have built up a lot together that I would like to develop further. The great trust that the Supervisory Board has placed in me is an incentive for me to successfully tackle the challenges ahead. It is a privilege for HENSOLDT to work together with a powerful Executive Board and management team.”

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

31 Jul 24. Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Robert K. “Kelly” Ortberg as the company’s new president and chief executive officer, effective August 8, 2024. Ortberg will also serve on Boeing’s Board of Directors. He will succeed Dave Calhoun, who earlier this year announced his intention to retire from the company, having served as president and CEO since January 2020, and as a member of Boeing’s Board of Directors since 2009.

01 Aug 24. Elara Nova the Space Consultancy announced that Colonel (Ret) Pete Trainer, USAF, as the Managing Director of Industry Practice. In this new role, Trainer will oversee the execution and delivery of consulting services to Elara Nova clients across its portfolio. Mr. Trainer is uniquely qualified to serve at the cross-section of military and industry partnerships. With three decades of military and civilian leadership experience, he will leverage his expertise to facilitate new opportunities and secure client success within the national security space enterprise. In a civilian capacity, Mr. Trainer’s extensive leadership experience includes several senior executive roles at industry-leading companies such as BAE Systems, SAIC and Scitor Corporation. Retiring as a Reserve Colonel with the United States Air Force, Trainer served as the Senior Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) to the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), where he designed the NRO’s Corporate Decision Process and Secretariat. Pete Trainer’s proficiency in business strategy, as well as coordinating and implementing government contracts, will strengthen Elara Nova’s mission to elevate the strategic relevance of commercial space capabilities in military operations. (Source: PR Newswire)

01 Aug 24. General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) announced today that Kevin Graney, who currently serves as president of Electric Boat, has informed the company that he will retire at the end of the year. He will be succeeded by Mark Rayha, who currently serves as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Electric Boat, effective December 1. Graney joined General Dynamics in 1995 and served in a variety of leadership roles at Electric Boat and NASSCO before becoming a general manager and then president of NASSCO from 2013 to 2019 and president of Electric Boat in 2019. (Source: PR Newswire)

01 Aug 24. 3M appoints Otis executive Maheshwari as its new CFO. Industrial giant 3M Co on Thursday appointed elevator maker Otis Worldwide executive Anurag Maheshwari as its chief financial officer, succeeding Monish Patolawala, who was in the role for four years. Maheshwari would assume the role on Sept. 1, while Teri Reinseth would serve as the finance chief in the interim. Maheshwari joined Otis in 2020 and spent two years in the Asia Pacific region as vice president, finance, information technology and chief transformation officer. He is currently the executive vice president and CFO at the company. Before joining Otis, he was the vice president, investor relations at defense firm Harris Corporation, now called L3Harris Technologies. Former top boss at L3Harris, Bill Brown, took over as the chief executive officer at 3M in May. According to some Wall Street analysts, Patolawala’s exit from 3M was expected as he was likely passed over for the role of CEO for industry veteran Brown. (Source: Reuters)

01 Aug 24. Ursa Major, America’s leading privately funded company focused solely on propulsion, today announced that industry veteran Dan Jablonsky has been appointed Chief Executive Officer effective August 5, 2024. He will succeed Ursa Major founder Joe Laurienti, who has led the company for the past nine years. Ursa Major’s co-founders and leaders remain in their current positions and are working to ensure a seamless transition. (Source: PR Newswire)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

July 26, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

23 Jul 24. GKN Aerospace expands composite and electrical wiring systems capabilities in Chihuahua.

GKN Aerospace has inaugurated an 80,000-square-foot expansion in Chihuahua, Mexico, doubling the facility’s capacity
Multi-m USD investment enhances assembly of composite aerostructures and introduces electrical wiring interconnection capability into Chihuahua
Expansion expected to generate more than 200 new jobs, further strengthening local aerospace industry

GKN Aerospace has officially opened an expansion to its facility in Mexico, Chihuahua, representing a significant advancement in the company’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities for the North American market.

The upgraded site will now focus on both the assembly of composite aerostructures as well as manufacturing electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS). The enhanced production capacities will strengthen partnerships with customers in the region, including HondaJet and Gulfstream, and will position the site for future growth.

John Pritchard, President Civil Airframe of GKN Aerospace said: “The expansion of our Chihuahua facility is an important milestone for us. It will supplement our already established aerostructures footprint in the region, embedding our industry-leading EWIS capabilities into North America for the first time. Combined, lightweight structures and advanced EWIS systems are critical for both our customers’ platforms today, as well as to enable the future of sustainable flight. Having this multi-technology site in Chihuahua is an important step forward in enabling this.”

Maria Eugenia Campos, Governor of the State of Chihuahua, said: “We take immense pride in having GKN Aerospace as a cornerstone of Chihuahua’s aerospace industry. The company’s expansion in Chihuahua is a testament to the trust and confidence placed in our state. My administration is fully committed to supporting GKN Aerospace’s ongoing and future projects, providing the resources and infrastructure necessary for success and growth.”

By diversifying the site, with the addition of electrical wiring systems capability alongside its existing aerostructures capabilities, Chihuahua will be repositioned as a multi-technology aerospace manufacturing centre with the creation of more than 200 new jobs.

GKN Aerospace currently operates three facilities in Mexico, catering to both civil aircraft and the business aerospace markets in the United States and Europe. The Chihuahua facility specializes in providing the assembly of advanced composite and metal structures, specialized processes, and engineering services.

MARITIME

13 Jul 24. The launching ceremony of the PPA 7 Domenico Millelire: The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chief of the Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, by the Director of the Directorate of Naval Armament and Programme Committee Representative of the PPA Programme, Vice Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte and by the OCCAR-EA Deputy Director Mr. Massimo Scialpi. The Temporary Consortium between Fincantieri and Leonardo companies, responsible for the development and production of the seven (7) PPA ships, was represented by Fincantieri Naval Vessels BU Director Dr. Dario DESTE, along with senior managers of the two companies. The Godmother of the launching ceremony was Gianfranca Millelirle, a direct descendant of Domenico. The ceremony involved the christening through the breaking of a bottle of champagne by the Godmother, as a symbolic gesture to bring good luck and safe travel to the vessel whilst at sea. Domenico Millelire (1761-1827), was an Italian patriot and Officer of the Royal Sardinian Navy. He was decorated with the Gold Medal of the Kingdom of Sardinia and is considered the first man awarded the first Gold Medal for Military Valour of the Italian Armed Forces. Under the supervision of OCCAR-EA PPA Programme Division and the Italian Naval Armament Directorate, the seventh PPA is now ready to continue its technical activities. PPA vessels share a common platform, although they are built in three different configurations: LIGHT (two ships), LIGHT PLUS (three ships) and FULL (two ships). Domenico Millelire is the second PPA in FULL configuration. PPA Domenico Millelire is planned to be delivered to the Italian Navy by the third quarter of 2026. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)

AIR

22 Jul 24. GCAP ‘proceeding at pace’ to full development and design phase. The trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is “proceeding at pace” to the full development and design phase that is due to be launched in 2025, senior programme leaders said on 22 July. Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, which runs from 22 to 26 July outside London in the United Kingdom, industrial leaders from the three national primes of Leonardo for Italy, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for Japan, and BAE Systems for the UK said that with the current concepting and assessment phase due to be completed in the coming months, the programme is on track to commence the next phase that will run through to entry into service in 2035.

“We are heading towards 2025 at pace,” Herman Claesen, managing director, Future Combat Air Systems, for lead UK company on the project BAE Systems, said. “In readiness for 2025 to take on the international design and development contract, we have been working at phenomenal pace, and the key message is that pace has continued absolutely since the last time we got together [at Farnborough 2022], whether it is from a government point of view or whether it’s from an industry point of view.”

Claesen, along with his Italian compatriot Guglielmo Maviglia, chief GCAP officer at Leonardo, and his Japanese compatriot Hitoshi Shiraishi, senior fellow, GCAP, MHI, noted the importance of the upcoming full development and design phase in the context of developing the next generation of air power for all three partner countries over the coming decades. (Source: Janes)

22 Jul 24. In 2018, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (then Viking Air) announced a program to convert and upgrade previously used CL-215 aircraft into the CL-415 Enhanced Aerial Firefighter. To date, nine aircraft have been upgraded with the remaining two to be completed.

Building on the success of this program, and in keeping with our commitment to “keep the fleet flying,” De Havilland Canada (DHC) is pleased to announce a similar program for the Dash 8 fleet. DHC has actively been acquiring aircraft in the marketplace and has begun upgrading these aircraft for delivery to customers looking to expand their fleets or become Dash 8 customers for the first time.

The De Havilland Canada OEM Certified Refurbishment Program is a program whereby DHC acquires, upgrades and re-markets the aircraft for each specific customers’ needs. Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) work will take place at our facilities in Calgary, Alberta.

Refurbishments offered include:

Aircraft configuration to match the customer’s existing fleet
Completion of overdue maintenance, integration of Airworthiness Directives, and Service Bulletin upgrades
Airframe life extensions through our ESP (Extended Service Plan) to extend the lives of Dash 8-100/200/300 to 120,000 cycles, or the ESP+ which can take the Dash 8-100 to 160,000 cycles
Freighter conversions, including the introduction of the new Dash 8-400 Large Cargo Door and Quick Change between cargo and passenger missions
Avionics upgrades

To date, De Havilland Canada have acquired 28 Dash 8-400 aircraft for the program.

De Havilland Canada’s Dash 8 aircraft are well-known for their ruggedness, long-service life, unique performance capabilities and market leading operating economics. The DHC OEM Certified Refurbishment Program will extend the operational life of these aircraft and meet the needs of current and future customers of DHC.

Following today’s announcement of De Havilland Canada’s roadmap of the future of the Dash 8, this new program supports our customer’s need to grow or renew their Dash 8 Fleets while we work on our production plans for the future through DHC’s Product Strategy Council.

As an industry-leading OEM, DHC is uniquely positioned to provide turnkey solutions to customers. Customers will benefit from access and integration of DHC’s Engineering/DAO support, local parts depot, program expertise and history and all the support and services we can offer during the delivery and entry into service phase.

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

24 Jul 24. UK First Sea Lord: Joint Crewing Of SSN-AUKUS Submarines Likely. The United Kingdom and Australia’s future SSN-AUKUS (SSN-A) submarines will probably be operated by an integrated crew made of Australian and British sailors, the UK’s First Sea Lord said at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference in Perth.

“I’m confident that the work is going on, the way that the choices are being rigorously examined and slowly downselected against the timeline that we need to meet will ensure that SSN AUKUS, will arrive on time, delivering just the capabilities that we require and crewed by either a UK crew or [an] Australian crew or, very probably, a mixture of both because we will be so integrated by then that it will almost be a natural [extension] of what we’re doing,” said the First Sea Lord, Admiral Ben Key.

In conversation with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the US Chief of Naval Operations, Key explained that while some decisions around the design of SSN-A had already been made, notably the choice of a Rolls Royce PWR reactor and AN/BYG-1 derived combat system, there are still a range of decisions that need to be made about the SSN-A platform.

Some of those decisions, he explained, will be left to the last possible decision point so that the best capabilities can be secured by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Royal Navy (RN) whilst maintaining the planned schedule of the program.

“It’s not surprising that whilst a number of key decisions have been made around choices of combat system, choices of reactor and alike, there is still a lot of work going on in the design and maturing of the capability that we will build. Now, we can’t sit and wait years and years and years and sort of pontificate about that because there are a number of long-lead items that need to be procured, some of the reactor decisions have been absolutely confirmed and are in long-term production,” he told the audience in Perth.

His sentiment was echoed by Vice Admiral Hammond, who said that “We don’t want the best sonar in 2024 [for SSN-A],” noting the need to strike a balance between waiting for cutting edge capabilities to develop and actually maturing the core SSN-A capability.

The UK will start building the first of its SSN-A submarines later this decade, with delivery to commence in the late 2030s, while Australia will start work in the 2030s for delivery in the early 2040s.

Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, said previously that “one if not two” RN SSN-A boats will be in the water before Australia receives its first vessel. (Source: News Now/https://www.navalnews.com/)

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

25 Jul 24. Mr James Hooley OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba in succession to Sir George Hollingbery KCMG. Mr Hooley will take up his appointment during March 2025.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

24 Jul 24. Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida. Holsey is currently serving as military deputy commander, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida.

24 Jul 24. Rear Adm. Peter A. Garvin for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as president, National Defense University, Washington, D.C. Garvin is currently serving as president, Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island.

24 Jul 24. USAF LG John D. Lamontagne for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois. Lamontagne is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. USAFs in Europe, and deputy commander, U.S. USAFs Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

24 Jul 24. USAF LG Steven S. Nordhaus for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as chief of the National Guard Bureau, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Nordhaus is currently serving as the commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and commander, First USAF (USAFs Northern), Tyndall USAF Base, Florida.

24 Jul 24. USAF LG Randall Reed for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois. Reed is currently serving as deputy commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois.

24 Jul 24. USAF MG Michael L. Ahmann for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, and commander, First USAF (USAFs Northern), Tyndall USAF Base, Florida. MG Ahmann is currently serving as director, Programs and Resources, J-8, National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C.

24 Jul 24. USAF MG Michael L. Downs for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as associate director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Military Affairs, Washington, D.C. Downs is currently serving as vice director for the Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

24 Jul 24. USAF MG Evan L. Pettus for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as military deputy commander, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida. Pettus is currently serving as commander, Twelfth USAF, Air Combat Command, Davis-Monthan USAF Base, Arizona.

24 Jul 24. USAF MG Rebecca J. Sonkiss for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general with assignment as deputy commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois. Sonkiss is currently serving as deputy commander, USAF Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

24 Jul 24. Army MG Gregory J. Brady for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as the inspector general, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, D. C. Brady currently serves as the chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt USAF Base, Nebraska.

24 Jul 24. Army MG Edmond M. Brown for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Futures Command, Austin, Texas. Brown currently serves as the chief of staff, U.S. Army Futures Command, Austin, Texas.

24 Jul 24. Army MG Curtis A. Buzzard for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Security Assistance Group – Ukraine, Operation Atlantic Resolve, Germany. Buzzard most recently served as commanding general, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Moore, Fort Moore, Georgia.

24 Jul 24. Army MG Gavin A. Lawrence for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commanding general/chief of staff, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Lawrence currently serves as the commanding general, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois.

24 Jul 24. Army MG Joel B. Vowell for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Vowell currently serves as the commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq.

24 Jul 24. Space Force BG Devin R. Pepper for appointment to the grade of major general. Pepper is currently serving as the deputy chief of staff, Strategic Plans and Policy, Supreme Allied Command Transformation, NATO, Norfolk, Virginia.

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

23 Jul 24. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), the global defense technology company, and Lufthansa Technik, a leading international provider of technical services for the aviation industry, have signed a collaboration memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Farnborough International Air Show. Speaking at the signing event, Michael Williamson, president Lockheed Martin International, said: “Today’s MoU brings together the expertise of two global aviation leaders. I’m excited about the potential this cooperation holds, enabling us to deliver a range of high-quality and affordable sustainment solutions to our international customers. This step reaffirms our commitment to partnering with European industry to enhance the resiliency of the defense industrial base.” Dr. William Willms, chief financial officer of Lufthansa Technik, said: “We are proud of our future closer cooperation with Lockheed Martin, a leading company in the defense sector. It is my firm conviction that we can achieve a lot together because our ways of thinking are very similar. Lufthansa Technik stands for aircraft availability worldwide, so our international network is an important success factor in this cooperation.”

23 Jul 24. Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Operational Energy Office have announced the extension of their collaborative research contract into its second year. The extension underscores the success of the first year and the shared commitment to enhancing mobility resilience and flexibility in support of distributed maritime operations and expeditionary warfighting.  The contract, as part of a three-year initiative, leverages the pioneering Airlander aircraft to explore new horizons in zero-emissions logistics support. The project, backed by the US Department of Defense Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF), focuses on advancing energy-efficient solutions across defence platforms. Airlander is designed for efficiency. By leveraging powerful technologies, including light weight advanced composites and fabrics, lifting body aerodynamics and thrust vectoring, together with large payload spaces, it has the ability to land large and heavy payloads away from airfields and fixed infrastructure, transforming defence logistics operations.

Capitalising on this momentum, HAV will concentrate research in the second year on scaling the electric propulsion architecture for Airlander 50.

Stemming from a thesis by students at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the collaboration has since evolved into a research and development contract. NPS has been instrumental in conducting simulations and modelling to showcase not only the feasibility of Airlander, but also the advantages it can bring to warfare.

In the first year of the project, Airlander 10 underwent rigorous analysis of forecast performance in roles such as maritime logistics support. These assessments, conducted in close coordination with operational end users, have been pivotal in defining mission profiles, use cases, and concepts of operations (CONOPS) for Airlander.

Similar assessment of the Airlander 50, with a 50+ tonne payload, will be applied in the next phase of the work. HAV will examine the benefits and use-cases of Airlander 50, focusing on logistics missions meeting US DoD requirements.

Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles says: “The extension of this contract is a testament to our shared commitment to transforming defence logistics, as well as making them sustainable, and underscoring the US DoD’s dedication to optimising operational energy use.

Airlander is designed from first principles to allow customers to rethink the skies. It can provide unique mission capabilities, low-emissions and low fuel use in military operations. We’re extremely proud to lead the charge with the US DoD in this critical area and look forward to collaborating with them further.”

Captain Ben Cohen, Project Principle Investigator says: “Throughout our first years’ work on OECIF, we have validated that hybrid aircraft enable a paradigm shift in logistics support in contested areas. As a true multi-domain platform, there are significant direct and indirect effects that enable operational solutions in a way not before seen. It is clear that innovative platforms such as hybrid aircraft offer unique opportunities to expedite hydrogen adoption and the path to zero-emissions whilst retaining inimitable capabilities. I am excited for the opportunities the second year of work will unlock.”

22 Jul 24. Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Antonov Company today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities to collaborate on defense-related projects.

“We’re pleased to continue working with the Antonov Company to support Ukraine development and economic growth,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company. “This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions – in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”

22 Jul 24. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) and Kratos Turbine Technologies, a division of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partner on the development and production of small affordable engines that could potentially power unmanned aerial systems (UAS), collaborative combat aircraft, and similar applications. The partnership builds on an existing joint development agreement and includes full-scale engine production.

For the last year, GE Aerospace and Kratos have been working together on a small affordable engine. The engine initially was developed and ground tested by Kratos. Under the existing joint agreement, GE Aerospace and Kratos completed additional development efforts and are now conducting tests on the engine. The team plans to continue development on the current engine, which will undergo altitude testing next year at GE Aerospace’s test cell in Evendale, Ohio.

Amy Gowder, President and CEO, Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace said, “Our defense customers have a growing interest in small affordable engines to meet their evolving mission requirements. Our initial collaboration has been very successful, and this agreement furthers our efforts in this new dynamic military segment.”

Eric DeMarco, President & CEO of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., said, “Kratos has made significant investments in the development of our family of small, low-cost jet engines for jet powered drones, missiles, and powered munitions that lead in technology and capability. We consider our relationship with GE Aerospace as invaluable based on our expectation and forecast for the potential future production of thousands of turbofan engines for multiple customers.”

Each company brings unique expertise to the partnership. Kratos has more than 20 years of experience in the development and production of small affordable jet engines for UAS, drones, and missiles. GE Aerospace has more than 100 years of experience in the development and scaling up of high-volume production for jet engine programs for a seamless transition from development to production.

22 Jul 24. AERALIS has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with StandardAero, one of the aerospace industry’s leading independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers. The MOU will explore opportunities for collaboration across the entire life cycle for applicable AERALIS products in the UK and internationally. The companies announced the partnership at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, Gloucestershire today as they commence the process of defining future workstreams through a series of tests, demonstrations and workshops. The scope of work considered under the MOU includes engine and accessories maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine nacelles and Ground Support Equipment as well as assembly and equipping for the entire AERALIS modular system. The two companies are looking forward to working together to ensure the best products available are incorporated into every AERALIS aircraft.

AERALIS CEO Tristan Crawford said, “We are delighted to announce this MOU with StandardAero, a company with highly impressive engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services capabilities as well as notable component repair services, and we are very much looking forward to working together to solve some of the biggest aviation challenges. We are thrilled to know that as we develop our best-in-class air system, we will be developing and incorporating the finest products on the market, ensuring world-class through life support and spiral development.”

StandardAero’s Andrew Ferguson, VP, Sales and Business Development, EMEA & APAC commented, “StandardAero is thrilled to partner with AERALIS, providing tailored maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions that meet AERALIS’ unique needs. Together, we are driving innovation and reliability in aviation.”

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

22 Jul 24. Indra Group has strengthened its organization.

o Miguel Forteza, the current Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Investment Director of the Nortia Group, is set to become the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

o The new geographic organization is to be promoted through regional divisions

Following the lines set by its Leading the Future strategic plan, Indra Group has strengthened its organization to become the leading Spanish multinational in defense, aerospace and advanced digital technologies, with a key role in Europe and a greater global footprint.

As of September 1, the company will incorporate as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Miguel Forteza, the current Deputy CFO and Investment Director of Nortia Capital Investment, where he has overseen the financial area, budgets and investments, as well as the definition of the strategic plan and M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions). As part of this group, he has been the chairman of Nortia Capital Riesgo SCR and director and member of the advisory committee of different entities. He was previously Chief Investment Officer at Citigroup, where he worked for 14 years, after his time at Ardizia de Inversiones, Self Trade Bank, Merrill Lynch and Banco Inversión.

Forteza, who will become a member of Indra’s Management Committee and report to the CEO, fills the vacancy left at the end of this February by the former CFO, Borja García Alarcón.

Organization by region

In addition to bringing on board Miguel Forteza, Indra Group has laid out its international organization, to be structured in regional clusters that will go operational starting September 1, appointing the managers as guest members of the Management Committee, giving a major boost to the international strategy announced in the presentation of its 24-26 plan:

o Latin America and Southern Europe will be headed by Pedro Rodríguez Veiga, who until now has been in charge of Minsait’s international business. This cluster will report to Luis Abril, executive director of Minsait.

o The Middle East will be led by Luis Permuy, head of Indra’s Asia, Middle East and Africa business since 2016. This cluster will report to José Vicente de los Mozos, CEO of Indra.

o United States, United Kingdom and Northern Europe, whose leadership will be taken on by Jacinto Monge, who will join Indra Group after more than 20 years of professional experience in companies such as Airbus Military or Bell Flight. This cluster will report to José Vicente de los Mozos, CEO of Indra.

The rest of the world will be coordinated, in an export model, by José Luis Gascó, currently running Asia-Pacific, reporting to Borja Ochoa, Managing Director of Defence. (Source: Google/Indra)

23 Jul 24. General Martin Herem, the former commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, is to join the team of Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer.General (ret) Herem will join the team as a Military Strategy Advisor starting in August. His role will be to bridge the gap between end-user requirements and product development, specifically leading the process of assessing lessons learned in Ukraine and converting them into use cases for land robotics in the future. Herem will also advise the company’s management, business development and capability development units in decision-making from a military user perspective.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

23 Jul 24. René Carbone Bardorf has joined AeroVironment (AV) as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. In line with the company’s continuous growth trajectory, Bardorf joins to lead AV’s global strategic marketing and oversee all facets of corporate communications strategy and execution. She will be based at AV’s corporate headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, under the leadership of Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Communications, Church Hutton. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

22 Jul 24. In line with AeroVironment’s (AV) continuous growth trajectory, the company is bolstering its presence at its global headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, by establishing a robust government relations team. Led by Senior Vice President of Government Relations Church Hutton, the new team comprises seasoned professionals Rachel Lipsey, Bill Pennington, Chris Meyers and Rocky Checca.

“AV has been a cutting-edge company for over 50 years and is trusted by the national security enterprise to deliver innovative solutions and advanced technologies for critical missions and rapidly evolving demands. Our exponential growth and expanding influence are a testament to our innovation and reliability,” said Hutton. “We are reinforcing this momentum by investing in a stellar team capable of effectively broadening AV’s reach within the executive branch and on Capitol Hill. Our newly formed team has decades of combined experience in service to our country, both in uniform and within our government, and they bring a deep understanding of the national security landscape and today’s complex global threat matrix.”

Rachel Lipsey, Senior Director for Washington Operations overseeing congressional affairs, joined AV from The Boeing Company, where she led congressional engagement and strategic advocacy on defense acquisition. Prior to her tenure at Boeing, Lipsey held staff positions in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and state government, advising on defense policy and national security matters.

Bill Pennington, also a Senior Director for Washington Operations focusing on congressional affairs, has extensive experience with federal appropriations and congressional relations. Pennington held a variety of increasingly prominent roles in the U.S. Navy before joining AV, including commanding aviation units at the squadron and wing levels. He most recently served as the Director of the Navy and Marine Corps Congressional Appropriations Matters Office, bringing vast expertise in defense resourcing and requirements.

Chris Meyers, Senior Director for Washington Operations, works with the Executive Branch in support of domestic business development. Before joining AV, Meyers served as the Director of Business Development for government programs at CesiumAstro. His distinguished military career in the Marine Corps saw him command units at all levels within the armor community, retiring as a Colonel. Meyers also served as a Congressional Fellow, Legislative Liaison, Budget Programmer, and Director of the Marine Liaison Office to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rounding out the team is Rocky Checca, Director for Washington Operations, who works closely with the Legislative and Executive branches, foreign embassies, industry associations, and think tanks in support of AV’s international affairs. Checca retired from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel and served as a Presidential helicopter pilot in Marine Helicopter Squadron One. He conducted deployments to Iraq in direct support of combat operations. He also served as a Congressional Defense Fellow for Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) and Deputy Director of the Marine Liaison Office to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Leading the team is Church Hutton, who joined AV in December 2023 and oversees the company’s strategic engagement with the Department of Defense (DoD) and Congress. “Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to AV and has already hit the ground running on increasing and enhancing awareness of AV with our government customers and elected officials,” continued Hutton. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

26 Jul 24. ECS, a leader in advanced technology, science, and engineering solutions, has named Peter Santighian senior vice president of Defense. As a member of the ECS executive leadership team, Santighian will be responsible for strategy, growth, and solution delivery related to Department of Defense (DoD) customers — including cybersecurity, cloud, enterprise transformation, AI/ML, and acquisition management solutions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

24 Jul 24. Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading innovator of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, announced today that William (Bill) Burns, chief executive officer of Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Oshkosh effective July 23, 2024. With the appointment of Burns, Oshkosh Corporation has 11 board members. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

18 Jul 24. SIAA chief executive quits after 3 months. The new CEO of the Space Industry Association of Australia has stepped down after just three months in the role. In a LinkedIn post announcing the news, Maria MacNamara gave no reason for her exit, while the SIAA has yet to issue a public statement on the departure. (Source: Space Connect)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

July 19, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

16 Jul 24. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is celebrating the completion of the Lossiemouth Development Programme (LDP) – a 6-year, £350m project to upgrade RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.. The work was required to prepare RAF Lossiemouth for the arrival of an additional squadron of Typhoons, the RAF’s new P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and a US Navy detachment. New and upgraded facilities were needed for the extra aircraft and the approx. 750 additional personnel who operate them. The programme also modernised and upgraded aspects of the station’s infrastructure such as the drainage system.

RAF Lossiemouth is the RAF’s only main operating base (MOB) in Scotland and has served as the northern base for the nation’s Quick Reaction Alert since 2014. The station’s Typhoon crews are on 24/7 alert to rapidly respond to potential threats in the northern portion of the UK’s airspace.

The programme resulted in a newly-resurfaced runway, completed in 2021, as well as work to allow Kinloss Station to be home to the station’s aircraft while the Lossiemouth runway work was completed. After the works, Kinloss airfield was permanently closed and the entire site handed back to the Army. A new facility for the station’s firefighters was completed, allowing them to respond within two minutes to an incident anywhere on the airfield. An existing hangar was also refurbished and new working space constructed for the Typhoons and personnel of IX(B) Squadron.

Recently, seven new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks were handed over to accommodate the increase in personnel. Significant drainage and electrical upgrades took place across much of the site, including installation of a number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points. Finally, an accommodation block and a large enclosed wash facility for their own P8-A Poseidon aircraft were completed for the US Navy.

The LDP facilities were delivered through the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). DIO contracted TetraTech to act as technical support provider to the programme, delivering project management and technical advice. Contractors varied depending on the project, with Balfour Beatty undertaking the works at Kinloss airfield, VolkerFitzpatrick performing the Lossiemouth Operating Surface project, Henry Brothers the US facilities and Crash, Fire and Rescue Building, Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure the drainage upgrade, FES the electrical system upgrades and Robertson Construction North the SLA blocks. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

MARITIME

16 Jul 24. Italy launches its seventh and final PPA multi-purpose vessel.

Domenico Millelire, the seventh and final Italian PPA ship, was transferred to water for the first time.

Italy’s final vessel in the new class of Offshore Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessels (PPA) was launched in Genoa on 13 July 2024.

Designated Domenico Millelire (P436), the seventh and final PPA ship was transferred to water for the first time.

The ceremony followed the age-old christening tradition that saw the ship’s ‘Godmother’, Gianfranca Millelire, a direct descendant of the the ship’s namesake, an eighteenth-century Italian patriot and Royal Sardinian Navy Officer, breaking a bottle of champagne off of the vessel as a gesture of good luck.

Their primary missions include patrolling, surface combat, anti-piracy, monitoring, protection and control of maritime zones and rescue of personnel in distress.

PPAs programme

A programme overseen by Europe’s stalwart programme manager the Organisation for Joint Armaments Cooperation (OCCAR) since 2015, and manufactured by a temporary consortium between Fincantieri and Leonardo, the PPAs will replace the Navy’s existing patrol boats, corvettes and frigates.

Some of the Italian Navy’s existing surface combatants entered service from as early as 1980s, such as its eight Maestrale-class frigates or four light Lerici-class minhunters.

PPAs come in three configurations: Light (two ships), armed with artillery; Light Plus (three), comprising ballistic missile defence; and Full capability (two) able to carry out any form of warfare from anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.

P436 belongs to the ‘full’ configuration and will proceed to undergo technical activities until she is delivered to the Navy by Q3 2026.

With all of the units launched, only three PPAs have been delivered including the first of the class, Paolo Thaon di Revel (P340), in March 2022; Francesco Morosini (P431) in October 2022; and Raimondo Montecuccoli (P432) in September 2023.

PPAs attract global buyers

Within a framework of collaborative relations initiated by the Italian Ministry of Defence, Indonesia will benefit from two PPAs in a deal worth €1.18bn ($1.2bn), according to a statement from Fincantieri in March.

However, it remains unclear whether the two ships will come from the seven Italian PPAs. This is unlikely given that Fincantieri launched Italy’s sixth PPA, the Ruggiero di Lauria, from Muggiano shipyard in October 2023.

Indonesia’s interest in PPA units stems from Italy’s maritime campaign in the Far East of the Francesco Morosini, the second ship of the Italian Navy’s PPA class, which also stopped over in Indonesia in July 2023.

Fincantieri suggests that “the transaction will catalyse additional synergies in the operational, industrial, and technological fields between the two countries.” (Source: naval-technology.com)

15 Jul 24. French Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine Tourville begins sea trials. French Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine, Tourville, began sea trials in the English Channel on 12 July.

The French Ministry of Defence announced the commencement of sea trials for the nuclear attack submarine (SNA) Tourville on 12 July 2024, following extensive works and dockside testing since transfer from the Naval Group construction hall in Cherbourg to the launching facility in July 2023.

The Barracuda programme, managed by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), aims to renew the French Navy’s fleet of nuclear attack submarines by 2030. The programme includes six submarines, with the Tourville following the Suffren and Duguay-Trouin, which were inducted into service in June 2022 and April 2024, respectively. The remaining submarines—Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca—are at various stages of construction, with all deliveries expected by 2030, aligning with the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law.

The sea trials, which will be conducted by the Tourville‘s crew alongside engineers and technicians from the DGA, Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission’s (CEA) Military Applications Department, Naval Group, and TechnicAtome, will test the submarine’s technical and operational capabilities. Initially, trials will take place in the Channel, followed by more extensive testing in the Atlantic Ocean, scheduled to continue until the submarine’s delivery at the end of 2024.

The Barracuda-class submarines represent a significant technological advancement, featuring enhanced speed, durability, and versatility compared to their predecessors. These submarines are equipped with advanced nuclear propulsion systems, offering remarkable range and stealth capabilities. They are also capable of supporting special forces operations and conducting land strikes with naval cruise missiles over several hundred kilometres, ensuring that France remains among the few nations with cutting-edge nuclear attack submarine capabilities.

The Tourville underwent rigorous testing of its onboard systems and equipment, including the crucial start-up of its nuclear boiler room on 24 April 2024. These preliminary tests, conducted in the Cachin basin, confirmed the submarine as watertight and demonstrated the effectiveness of its propulsion capabilities.

Throughout the sea trials phase, the Tourville remains under the ownership of Naval Group and TechnicAtome, while the French Navy oversees its operational command and serves as the delegated nuclear operator. The DGA and the CEA, as project owners, are responsible for the trials until the submarine is formally handed over to the French Navy. (Source: naval-technology.com)

AIR

16 Jul 24. Israel retires Barak 1-variant F-16s. Israel has retired the last of its Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon combat aircraft, named Barak-1 in national service. The last of the single-seat fighters that entered service with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in the 1980s was withdrawn from service during a ceremony at the type’s final operating unit of 115 Squadron at Ovda Air Base in the far south of the country.

“The end of the ‘Barak 1′ era as the last single-seat aircraft, which faithfully served the IAF’s squadrons for over three and a half decades, was withdrawn,” the service said on 16 July. Janes World Air Forces noted that the IAF had 81 F-16Cs at the height of the type’s service. Its retirement came eight years after the IAF retired the last of 90 earlier model F-16A/B Netz fighters in December 2016.

With the F-16A/B having been retired in favour of the Alenia M-346 Lavi in the trainer role, the F-16C is being retired as the IAF builds up its Lockheed Martin F-35A Adir force.

While the F-16A/B/C versions are now no longer fielded by the IAF, the service retains 47 of the F-16D Brakeet twin-seat operational trainer and 97 of the F-16I Sufa twin-seat combat variants. (Source: Janes)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

12 Jul 24. A crisis at Cammell Laird shipyard has been averted after an agreement was reached with the company.

Hundreds of workers were balloted for strike action after several of their colleagues were suspended.

Trouble began when members of the RMT union – who were on strike in a separate dispute – picketed the gates of Cammell Laird.

Several workers, members of both GMB and Unite, stopped to talk to the picketers and were accused by the company of joining the picket and immediately suspended.

The company has now agreed to bring the suspended workers back to work immediately with no case to answer.

Albe McGuigan, GMB Organiser, said:

“GMB members showed great spirit and determination by moving forward with an industrial action ballot in support of their suspended colleagues.

“Workers were unnecessarily suspended after RMT staged a picket at the Birkenhead shipyard.

“Now, thanks to the support of their colleagues, these workers can get back to their jobs.”

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

16 Jul 24. Immersive Program Arms DOD, Builds Acquisition Professionals’ Innovation Skills. The Defense Department is looking for the next cohort of acquisition professionals seeking to expand their careers with the tools and insights needed to harness commercial technology innovation.

Applications for the fiscal year 2025 Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program — a 12-month immersive fellowship offered in collaboration between the Defense Innovation Unit and Defense Acquisition University — are open through early August.

The two organizations launched ICAP in 2022 after recognizing the need to keep pace with commercial product cycles and adopt best practices for commercial procurement within DOD.

The program combines virtual classroom training and experiential learning covering other transaction, or OT, authorities through DAU’s Defense Acquisition Credentials program.

Those authorities provide federal contracting officers with the flexibility needed to leverage cutting edge commercial technologies offered by nontraditional defense contractors.

Participants also gain experience on leveraging DIU’s Commercial Solutions Opening, or CSO, process and receive first-hand knowledge of the commercial sector.

“To meet the strategic imperative we face as a nation, the DoD needs innovation-fluent contracting officers and dual-fluency talent across the workforce,” said DIU Director Doug Beck. “The experience and skills these fellows are learning is essential to complementing the DoD’s more traditional defense acquisition pathways with disruptive tech-sector innovation with the focus, speed and scale required.”

Cohorts work alongside a DIU contracting officer and project team and commercial solutions providers on a variety of projects.

The program was designed around four key goals:

Educate and provide top DOD contracting officers with experience on how to effectively acquire innovative commercial technologies from nontraditional defense contractors.
Provide experience and insight into how the commercial market operates and what drives an organization to do business with the government and DOD.
Empower change agents and arm contracting officers with the relevant tools and knowledge to craft acquisition, contracting and negotiation strategies that can effectively incorporate commercial technology and nontraditional vendors into DOD’s acquisition ecosystem.
Furnish organizations with trained contracting officers who can also train others to be fluent in the innovation ecosystem and network with their counterparts in other service components.

“Each year the ICAP program continues to set a high bar for future cohorts and achieves — and exceeds — our goal to provide innovation-fluent contracting officers,” said DIU’s Acquisition Director Cherissa Tamayori.

“We are excited to continue to provide the environment to learn firsthand how to leverage the OT authority, how to acquire novel commercial technologies — and to have ICAP fellows be change agents in the use of flexible acquisition methods within their organizations,” she said.

DIU and DAU recognized the first cohort to complete the program last October. The current cohort of acquisition professionals is expected to complete their capstone projects in the coming months.

As this year’s ICAP reached the halfway point, participants emphasized the value of the program in enhancing their careers as acquisitions professionals and further propelling innovation within DOD.

“As an ICAP fellow, my eyes have been opened to an entirely new way of doing business that I had no idea was even authorized,” said Brittany Harris, a senior procurement analyst for the Air Force Installation Contracting Center, in an interview for Defense Acquisition Magazine.

“Alternative authorities and CSOs are the way of the future in federal acquisition,” she said.

Tianna Seaman, a contracting officer at the Naval Information Warfare Center, said participating in ICAP has provided exposure to the strategic objectives of both the department and the commercial sector and underscored the importance of keeping end results in mind throughout the acquisition process.

“DIU and their defense mission partners are breaching innovation in a manner never seen before in the DOD,” Seaman said. “For companies, the goal is not just obtaining the prototype agreement; rather, it is putting their best and brightest teams on the projects at the best competitive prices to win the prototype, successfully completing the prototype, and noncompetitively entering into another agreement for full-scale production.”

“The end state for both the companies and DOD is obtaining those production agreements to scale the technologies and provide the innovative solutions to the warfighter,” she said.

Program administrators will competitively select up to six contracting officers for the next iteration of the program set to begin in October 2024.

The opportunity is open to DOD civilians and military professionals.

For more information:

https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/immersive-commercial-acquisition-program-icap(Source: U.S. DoD)

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

12 Jul 24. Army BG Joseph Lock took command this week of U.S. special operations troops in Europe, assuming leadership of a force that has played an integral role in training Ukraine’s military. On Monday, Lock replaced Maj. Gen. Steven Edwards, who is retiring after leading the Stuttgart-based Special Operations Command Europe for the past two years. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

12 Jul 24. Army LG Ronald P. Clark for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Clark is currently serving as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Stephanie R. Ahern for appointment to the grade of major general. Ahern is currently serving as director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Guillaume N. Beaurpere for appointment to the grade of major general. Beaurpere is currently serving as chief of staff, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Frederick L. Crist for appointment to the grade of major general. Crist is currently serving as deputy director, C-4, Combined Forces Command; director of logistics, U-4, United Nations Command; and director, J-4, U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Sean P. Davis for appointment to the grade of major general. Davis is currently serving as deputy chief of staff, G-4, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Patrick J. Ellis for appointment to the grade of major general. Ellis is currently serving as director, Network Cross Functional Team, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Jasper Jeffers III for appointment to the grade of major general. Jeffers is currently serving as commander, Special Operations Command Central, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Niave F. Knell for appointment to the grade of major general. Knell is currently serving as deputy commanding general (support), 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Michael B. Lalor for appointment to the grade of major general. Lalor is currently serving as commanding general, U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Michigan.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Francisco J. Lozano for appointment to the grade of major general. Lozano is currently serving as program executive officer, Missiles and Space, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Constantin E. Nicolet for appointment to the grade of major general. Nicolet is currently serving as director, J-2, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Kimberly A. Peeples for appointment to the grade of major general. Peeples is currently serving as commanding general, Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Mississippi.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Philip J. Ryan for appointment to the grade of major general. Ryan is currently serving as commanding general, U.S. Army South, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Christopher D. Schneider for appointment to the grade of major general. Schneider is currently serving as program executive officer, Program Executive Office Soldier, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Michael J. Simmering for appointment to the grade of major general. Simmering is currently serving as commandant, U.S. Army Armor School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Moore, Georgia.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Jason C. Slider for appointment to the grade of major general. Slider is currently serving as commanding general, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

12 Jul 24. Army BG James D. Turinetti IV for appointment to the grade of major general. Turinetti is currently serving as commanding general, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

12 Jul 24. Army BG Jeffrey A. VanAntwerp for appointment to the grade of major general. VanAntwerp is currently serving as deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

13 Jul 24. The crown prince of Dubai has been appointed as minister of defence for the United Arab Emirates as part of a broader cabinet shuffle, Dubai ruler and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum posted on X.

The 41-year-old Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who has served as Dubai’s crown prince since 2008, was also named as one of the UAE’s deputy prime ministers.

Sheikh Hamdan, who goes by the nickname Fazza, is a popular member of Dubai’s ruling family and has 16.4 m followers on Instagram.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE foreign minister, was also appointed as a deputy prime minister in the reshuffle.

Other new appointments include Alia Abdulla AlMazrouei as minister of state for entrepreneurship, Sarah Al Amiri as minister of education, Abdulrahman Al Awar as acting minister of higher education and scientific research, Sheikh Mohammed’s post said.

(Source: Google/Reuters)

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

12 Jul 24. Babcock and the Polish Naval Academy enter new academic partnership. Babcock and the Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia, Poland, have announced today that they are set to collaborate on an exciting new programme of professional internships following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement.

The MoU outlines the intent for Babcock to work in cooperation with the Polish Naval Academy to facilitate future academic collaboration, underpinning Babcock’s global commitment to skills development.

This summer, two Naval Academy students will take part in a six-week internship in Gdynia. During this time, they will work alongside Babcock employees to develop their skills and understanding of the Marine industry. They will also have the opportunity to visit Babcock’s Rosyth operations and learn more about the international business.

Ewa Kittel-Prejs, Babcock Country Director Poland, said: “The internship programme marks a significant milestone in our commitment to our wider workforce development plans in Poland and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the Naval Academy to recruit talented people to the business, ensuring we invest in tomorrow’s workforce today.

“By delivering initiatives like this with the Naval Academy in the Tri-city area of Poland, we open up career opportunities for young people to deliver the growth, skills and capability enhancements that will support our customers’ critical programmes for years to come.”

This cooperation agreement forms part of Babcock’s ongoing commitment to both current and future skills development and training across its global business, with a focus on establishing strong links with academic institutions.

Rector-Commandant, Rear Admiral Prof. Ph.D. Tomasz Szubrycht, said: “The Naval Academy employs specialists who have many years of experience in carrying out research projects and implementations from the university to the industry. Therefore, the relations between leading companies, such as Babcock, and institutions representing the industry and the university, are extremely important. “The planned internships with Babcock will allow the students to explore many innovative solutions and aid their professional development.’’The internship programme follows the successful introduction of an international apprentice exchange programme in Gdynia, as well as the upcoming commencement of our new Babcock Polska graduate scheme in September.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

10 Jul 24. AvL Technologies (AvL) owner and founder Jim Oliver announces the retirement of Guy Clerici, AvL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the appointment of Shannon Smith to Chairman of the Board. Mr. Oliver semi-retired in 2022 and appointed Guy Clerici as CEO. Mr. Clerici served as interim CEO during this transitional period and while a new Chairman of the Board was selected. (Source: Satnews)

15 Jul 24. Future Tech Enterprise, Inc., a leading technology solutions provider, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matthew ‘Mac’ McLauchlin as Chief Operating Officer (COO). McLauchlin brings over two decades of experience in strategic operations and leadership within the technology industry and multiple governmental agencies. As COO, McLauchlin will oversee the company’s operational processes, drive efficiency improvements, and implement innovative strategies to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as Future Tech Enterprise, Inc. continues to expand its global market presence and diversify its service offerings. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

15 Jul 24. ND Defense today announced the appointment of Imtiaz Uddin as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Uddin brings a wealth of experience to ND Defense, with a proven track record of success across aerospace, defense, and automotive portfolios. He is a seasoned leader with a clear vision to propel ND Defense towards a successful future. Uddin steps into the role following the well-deserved retirement of Ted Wright, who served as CEO for the company for the past five years.

15 Jul 24. Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading innovator of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, announced today that Angela M. Ambrose has joined the organization as vice president of government operations to lead global public policy. Ambrose brings more than two decades of combined legislative and executive branch experience to the company, most recently serving as vice president, government relations and communications for General Motors Defense. Prior, she held two private sector legislative roles, serving as the defense portfolio government relations lead within Accenture’s federal practice and as the chief congressional strategist for Northrop Grumman’s aerospace business. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

July 12, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

10 Jul 24. G3 Systems wins overseas construction works contract for security improvements for British Embassy in Luanda, Angola. G3 Systems Limited, the British company with over 20 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 started construction works to improve the facilities and security of the British Embassy in Luanda, Angola. The contract, awarded following a competitive tendering exercise, is a mix of demolition, refurbishment, new build and security improvement works estimated to take 15 months. The project involves a number of complex elements that will have a significant benefit to the location including drainage remedial works, installation of a sewage treatment facility, updating and installing new M&E systems and extensive repairs, improvements and construction of security features for the compound. In addition to the specified construction works, G3 Systems will also be seeking to complete a number of local sustainability/charity projects to support the local community.

AIR

09 Jul 24. Nigerian Air Force confirms 50 new aircraft are on the way. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed plans to acquire 50 new aircraft in the next year, from combat jets to attack helicopters.

Chief of Air Staff, Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, speaking during the opening of new aviation facilities in Katsina State on 18 June, said the aircraft include 12 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, 24 Leonardo multirole M-346 jets, 12 Leonardo Helicopters AW109 multipurpose helicopters, and two Airbus C295 transport aircraft.

The NAF expects to receive the aircraft by 2025. The acquisition is part of the government’s efforts to modernise the Nigerian military and enhance its ability to tackle security challenges in the country. The new aircraft will be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations against insurgents and criminals.

Previous announcements from the NAF indicate it plans to also acquire two AW109 Trekker helicopters from Leonardo Helicopters, two King Air 360 twin turboprops from Textron Aviation, four DA 62 surveillance aircraft from Diamond Aircraft, six T-129 helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries, and three Wing Loong II unmanned aerial vehicles from Chengdu.

The NAF received the last of its four DA 62 aircraft in October 2023, and these are fitted with Hensoltd Argos II HDT electro-optical gimbals. Since the first arrived in February 2023, they have been deployed to operating theatres in support of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country. It is also understood that three Wing Loong IIs have been delivered, and that the first King Air 360ER arrived from Textron Aviation in November 2023.

The first T-129 was taken into service in February this year and allocated to the Nigerian Air Force’s 115th Special Operations Group at Port Harcourt. The unit currently operates a mix of Mi-24P, Mi-24V and Mi-35 heavy assault/attack helicopters, together with Airbus Helicopters EC135s for observation and reconnaissance. The remaining four T-129s will be received from Turkish Aerospace Industries by year-end.

The Nigerian Army, meanwhile, is acquiring 12 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters from MD Helicopters and last week received two of three Bell UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopters for its new aviation wing.

Meanwhile, the NAF earlier this month said it achieved a maintenance-related milestone with an in-country 4800 hours maintenance inspection on a Dornier 228 aircraft for the first time. “This level of scheduled maintenance on the Do 228 aircraft, previously performed by foreign Maintenance Repair Organizations (MROs), was completed at a significantly cheaper rate and with reduced aircraft downtime,” the NAF said.

Air Vice Marshal Olanrewaju Oyename previously said that the inspection of the aircraft (NAF 031), began in May 2021 but faced several delays, primarily due to challenges in acquiring necessary spare parts. “This is history, and you made it happen. This is the first PDM [Periodic Depot Maintenance] on a NAF aircraft conducted entirely by NAF personnel in the First Engineering Unit of the NAF at the Premier NAF Base in Kaduna,” he said.

Commanding Officer of 30 Engineering Wing, Wing Commander Micheal Aransiola, explained that the 4 800-hour inspection was the highest level of maintenance carried out on the Do 228 aircraft. He then detailed the five-phase processes of the PDM as follows: Phase I involved acceptance, documentation and docking; Phase II included paint stripping and removal of components; Phase III focused on repairing discrepancies; Phase IV involved reinstallation of components and operational checks; and Phase V concluded with ground checks, taxi checks, and a Functional Check Flight.

New and refurbished assets are being used by the NAF to fight insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and oil theft. Earlier this month Abubakar highlighted the achievements of the Nigerian Air Force over the past year, in spite of challenges posed by Nigeria’s harsh economic realities, including high youth unemployment, increasing inflation, and multi-dimensional poverty.

“The NAF, so far, has achieved modest yet significant progress in fighting insurgency, terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities in the country,” he said. For example, NAF assets during Operation Hadarin Daji on 15 June eliminated over 80 terrorists at a hideout in Katsina State, along with 45 motorcycles.

“The strikes became necessary following intelligence that terrorists numbering over 100 were reported burning houses at a settlement about 5 kms away from Gidan Kare Village. Overhead the village at about 8.30pm, several houses were observed to be on fire with the entire village in pandemonium. Moments later, 12 motor cycles were seen departing the village and trailed along a footpath out of the village to a location near Gidan Kare Village and Kuka Shidda Camp, where they joined up with a large number of their cohorts. Other terrorists were also observed arriving the location from different directions, an indication that the location was a massing up point with the terrorists likely planning to further attack nearby villages,” the NAF stated.

“Having been presented such a rare opportunity, authorization was sought, obtained and the location was immediately struck at exactly 9:40pm, with over 80 terrorists confirmed eliminated and about 45 motorcycles burnt down, while few surviving terrorists were observed fleeing or limping off. Further intelligence received after the strike also revealed that the terrorists were closely linked with notorious terrorists kingpin Yusuf Yellow and his close associate Rabe Imani. These strikes, along with others before now, have no doubt disrupted terrorists activities in the area.” (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

09 Jul 24. New faces in Cabinet JCPS cluster. More clarity regarding the workings of the seventh democratic South Africa Cabinet, sworn into office last week, can be expected post this week’s two-day lekgotla with its JCPS (Justice, Crime Prevention and Security) cluster having a new line-up. Gone are ministers Thandi Modise (Defence and Military Veterans), Bheki Cele (Police), Home Affairs (Aaron Motsoaledi, back to Health) and Ronald Lamola (Justice and Correctional Services to International Relations and Co-operation).

In comes Angie Motshekga (Defence and Military Veterans) with two deputies to call on, while Senzo Mchunu exits water and sanitation to take on the police portfolio, also with a pair of deputies. Thandi Nkadimeng is now Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development with Correctional Services a stand-alone department and ministry under the leadership of Pieter Groenewald. The final new face in the JCPS cluster is that of Leon Schreiber at Home Affairs.

Party-wise the cluster has ANC (African National Congress), DA (Democratic Alliance) and FF+ (Freedom Front Plus) representation in line with the expanded multi-party Cabinet named by President Cyril Ramaphosa a month after the country went to the polls.

There is, as yet, no indication of whether the JCPS cluster will expand to include the now separate correctional services and justice portfolios.

Ahead of the opening of Parliament, by way of joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday, 18 July (Mandela Day), 30 portfolio and five other committees were named. Included is the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) while none of the others, including standing committees, are named by Parliament.

One is the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD), established as per the South African Constitution. Its mandate reads: “to investigate and make recommendations on the budget, functioning, organisation, armaments, policy, morale and state of preparedness of the National Defence Force and to perform such other functions relating to parliamentary supervision of the Force as may be prescribed by law”. Its members are drawn from the NA and NCOP and is, in similar vein to the PCDMV, a mechanism for multi-party supervision” of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) in its entirety.

The JSCD along with the joint standing committees on Financial Management of Parliament and Intelligence are the only three which are drawn from NA and NCOP public representatives.

NCOP public representatives make up the Select Committee on Security and Justice which covers five government departments. They are defence and military veterans, home affairs, justice and correctional services (split in the seventh democratic administration), International Relations and Co-operation and Police. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

10 Jul 24. Navy Under Secretary Erik Raven will step down from his position next month, the Navy said. Raven took on the job in April 2022 and has served as the Department of the Navy’s chief operating officer and chief management officer, according to his official biography. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Navy Times)

10 Jul 24. Leslie Beavers is the new acting chief information officer for the U.S. Defense Department. ,“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Acting Chief Information Officer at United States Department of Defense,” Beavers wrote in July on LinkedIn. The department’s website now lists her as acting CIO. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

10 Jul 24. Army MG Kevin D. Admiral for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as the commanding general, III Corps and Fort Cavazos, Fort Cavazos, Texas. Admiral is currently serving as the commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

10 Jul 24. Army MG William H. Graham Jr. for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as the chief of engineers and commanding general, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C. Graham is currently serving as the deputy chief of engineers and deputy commanding general for Civil Works and Emergency Operations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C.

10 Jul 24. Army MG Joshua M. Rudd for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as the deputy commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. Rudd is currently serving as the chief of staff, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

10 Jul 24. Army MG Joseph A. Ryan for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as the deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. Ryan is currently serving as the assistant deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

10 Jul 24. Army MG David Wilson for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy chief of staff, G-9, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. Wilson is currently serving as the commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Illinois.

10 Jul 24. Army National Guard MG Jonathan M. Stubbs for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as director, Army National Guard, Arlington, Virginia. Stubbs is currently serving as the adjutant general, Arkansas National Guard, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

10 Jul 24. Army Col. Eric W. Widmar for appointment to the grade of brigadier general, with assignment as the legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C. Widmar is currently serving as the staff judge advocate, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Steven G. Behmer for appointment to the grade of major general. Behmer is currently serving as the deputy commanding general, Security Assistance Group – Ukraine, U.S. European Command, Wiesbaden, Germany.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG William D. Betts for appointment to the grade of major general. Betts is currently serving as the director, Operations, Ninth Air Force, Air Forces Central; and director, U.S. Central Command Combined Air Operations Center, Air Combat Command, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Joseph L. Campo for appointment to the grade of major general. Campo is currently serving as the director, Operations, Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Colin J. Connor for appointment to the grade of major general. Connor is currently serving as the director, Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Site Activation Task Force, Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Luke C. Cropsey for appointment to the grade of major general. Cropsey is currently serving as the Department of the Air Force program executive, Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Robert D. Davis for appointment to the grade of major general. Davis is currently serving as the director, Operations, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Gerald A. Donohue for appointment to the grade of major general. Donohue is currently serving as the director, Operations, Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Aaron D. Drake for appointment to the grade of major general. Drake is currently serving as the senior defense official/defense attaché-Russia, Defense Intelligence Agency, Moscow, Russia.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Lyle K. Drew for appointment to the grade of major general. Drew is currently serving as the director, Logistics, Civil Engineering and Force Protection, and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Russell D. Driggers for appointment to the grade of major general. Driggers is currently serving as the commander, 502nd Air Base Wing, Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Michael R. Drowley for appointment to the grade of major general. Drowley is currently serving as the director, Joint Training and Exercises, Headquarters U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG David S. Eaglin for appointment to the grade of major general. Eaglin is currently serving as the deputy director, Operations, Headquarters U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Gregory Kreuder for appointment to the grade of major general. Kreuder is currently serving as the director, F-35 Integration Office, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Joseph D. Kunkel for appointment to the grade of major general. Kunkel is currently serving as the director, Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability, deputy chief of staff, Strategy, Integration, and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Jefferson J. O’Donnell for appointment to the grade of major general. O’Donnell is currently serving as the commander, Air Force Personnel Center, deputy chief of staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Derek J. O’Malley for appointment to the grade of major general. O’Malley is currently serving as the deputy director, Operations, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Neil R. Richardson for appointment to the grade of major general. Richardson is currently serving as the deputy director, Strategic Planning and Policy, Headquarters U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

10 Jul 24. USAF BG Frank R. Verdugo for appointment to the grade of major general. Verdugo is currently serving as the director, Financial Management, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

10 Jul 24. USAF Col. John M. Schutte for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Schutte is currently serving as the deputy chief of staff, Headquarters U.S. European Command, Wiesbaden, Germany.

10 Jul 24. USAF Col. Lucas J. Teel for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Teel is currently serving as the commander, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.

10 Jul 24. Navy Vice Adm. Michael E. Boyle for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as director, Navy Staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Boyle recently served as commander, Third Fleet, San Diego, California.

10 Jul 24. Navy Vice Adm. Daniel W. Dwyer for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy, and Warfighting Development, N3/N5/N7, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Dwyer is currently serving as deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting Deve lopment, N7, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

10 Jul 24. Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Scott M. Brown for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Brown is currently serving as director, Industrial Operations (NAVSEA 04), Washington, D.C.

08 Jul 24. MG Thomas M. Feltey, deputy commanding general, III Corps, Fort Cavazos, Texas, to commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

08 Jul 24. MG Daryl O. Hood, commanding general, 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to commanding general, U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson; and deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

08 Jul 24. BG Bernard J. Harrington, commander, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to deputy commanding general, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

08 Jul 24. BG Joseph G. Lock, military deputy director, Program Analysis and Evaluation, G-8, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to commander, Special Operations Command Europe, U.S. Special Operations Command; and director, Special Operations, U.S. European Command, Germany.

U.S. Army Reserve

08 Jul 24. MG Tina B. Boyd, commander (Troop Program Unit), 335th Signal Command (Theater), East Point, Georgia, to deputy director, J-3 (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), U.S. Africa Command, Germany.

08 Jul 24. MG Timothy E. Brennan, deputy director, J-3 (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), U.S. Africa Command, Germany, to commanding general (Troop Program Unit), U.S. Army Support Command, First Army, and deputy commanding general, First Army Headquarters, Rock Island, Illinois.

08 Jul 24. MG Jan C. Norris, deputy chief information officer (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Office of the Chief Information Officer, Arlington, Virginia, to commander (Troop Program Unit), 335th Signal Command (Theater), East Point, Georgia.

08 Jul 24. MG Joseph A. Ricciardi, deputy commanding general (Inactive Ready Reserve), Installation Management Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to commanding general (Troop Program Unit), 88th Readiness Division, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.

08 Jul 24. MG Jamelle C. Shawley, commander (Inactive Ready Reserve), Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa, Djibouti, to deputy director, Strategic Initiatives, J-5 (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

08 Jul 24. BG Matthew N. Metzel, deputy commanding general, Operations (Troop Program Unit), 200th Military Police Command, Fort Meade, Maryland, to deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7 (Inactive Ready Reserve), U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

08 Jul 24. BG Charles Phariss II, chief information officer and deputy chief of staff, G-6 (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), U.S. Army Europe-Africa, Germany, to commander (Troop Program Unit), 311th Signal Command (Theater), Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

08 Jul 24. BG Royce P. Resoso, deputy commanding general, Support (Troop Program Unit), 335th Signal Command (Mission Support Element), East Point, Georgia, to chief of staff (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Defense Information Systems Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland.

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

05 Jul 24. LG Susan Coyle takes reins as Australian Chief of Joint Capabilities. Lieutenant General John Frewen transferred command of the Joint Capabilities Group to Lieutenant General Susan Coyle at the Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey Forecourt this week, representing a change in Australia’s space, cyber and logistics leadership. The handover, attended by members of the Australian Defence Force, public service and industry, marks the first time Defence has had a female domain lead as LTGEN Coyle begins her tenure overseeing the ADF’s space, cyber and logistic effects. LTGEN Coyle previously served as Commander Forces Command in the Australian Army as well as Head of Information Warfare situated within the Joint Capabilities Group (JCG). During the ceremony, LTGEN Coyle reflected on her service within the ADF, beginning her career as a Private in the Reserves. (Source: Defence Connect)

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

11 Jul 24. Smarter Technologies Group Signs Strategic Alliance Agreement with KPMG. Today, Smarter Technologies Group (STG) and KPMG UK (“KPMG”) have signed a strategic alliance agreement that will enable clients to uncover new business opportunities through one of the leading asset tracking and condition monitoring technologies on the market. KPMG will have exclusive access among the big four accountancy firms in the UK to Smarter Technologies’ real-time asset tracking, monitoring, and recovery capabilities. Through this new alliance, KPMG and STG will collaborate to capture, host, and analyse real-time big data from STG’s proprietary Orion IoT network and sensors primary data. This will provide operators and managers with on-going and up-to-the-minute data from their business. The evidence-based insight gained will inform strategic and tactical decisions and unlock cost reduction and performance improvement opportunities not previously possible. For example, an operations manager could predict where equipment is going to be unavailable faster than ever before, to eliminate any impact on the customer. Ian West, Head of Alliances, KPMG UK, commented, “STG’s Orion IoT network allows us to identify a host of new ways to transform our clients’ operations. We can now make data-based decisions with conviction, where in the past a lack of good quality data often held our customers back from making advances and exploring new business lines.” Mark Read, Chief Executive at Smarter Technologies, said, “This is an important agreement for us. We’ve been working with KPMG for some time, on a range of fascinating projects where our respective expertise has made a real difference and highlighted significant savings for Defence. With this agreement in place, we can explore more opportunities to bring this expertise to bear, enabled by big data from our Orion IoT network and sensors.”

10 Jul 24. Leonardo and AID Collaborate on Innovation in the Defence and Security Sector. Leonardo announces a new collaboration with Agenzia Industrie Difesa (AID), which centres on the strengthening of technological and operational innovation in the defence and security sector. The focus of the partnership will be on the joint development of conventional 155 mm artillery ammunition, primarily for Italian defence. This collaboration, which will last 18 months with the potential of renewal, aims to leverage the expertise and resources of both organisations to develop advanced solutions that improve the operational capabilities of the Italian Armed Forces. The collaboration also intends to enhance domestic production capabilities in conjunction with the current supply chain. Leonardo will provide its technological expertise and experience in complex projects. The company will take on the design authority role for the ammunition, conduct evaluation and qualification at national and international ranges, and will also design and bring the pre-series production into service. Additionally, Leonardo will provide support in the training and instruction of personnel. AID will contribute its know-how in the management of infrastructure, plants and machinery, and logistical resources. It will also be responsible for the production and assembly of the pre-series batch, as well as the subsequent mass production phase. For over a decade, the two organisations have had joint activities in the production and marketing of conventional and guided ammunition for calibres 76 mm, 127 mm, and 155 mm. The new synergy between Leonardo and AID will generate significant benefits for the Italian defence sector, not only enhancing its operational capabilities but also creating additional opportunities for the defence industry and scientific research in Italy. Furthermore, the projects developed together will focus on the promotion of innovation and competitiveness at an international level. (Source: ASD Network)

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

11 Jul 24. Marcel Haar will be the new Managing Director of Frequentis Germany. Born in Vienna, Marcel Haar (39) started at Frequentis in 2016, where he initially built up the marketing organisation for all regions worldwide. As Director Group Communications & Marketing, he set the course for the digital transformation of Frequentis. Marcel Haar has an impressive track record in developing and implementing growth strategies and has more than 15 years of experience in finance, marketing, and sales. From 2009 to 2014, Marcel Haar worked at a US management consultancy, where his positions included Head of Marketing and Key Account Manager for Austria and Eastern Europe.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

09 Jul 24. ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC (“ArmorWorks”), a portfolio company of Littlejohn Capital, LLC, announced today the appointments of Justin Siebert as Chief Operating Officer and Kurt Hodgin as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Siebert is a seasoned executive with experience across Fortune 100 and private equity-owned organizations within the aerospace, defense and space sectors. Most recently, he served as Vice President – Operations & Production for Firefly Aerospace, where he led all of Firefly’s manufacturing and test operations. Prior to that, he served with BAE Systems Inc. as Deputy Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Magellan Aerospace Ltd., and held several positions with Honeywell Aerospace. He is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science. (Source: PR Newswire)

09 Jul 24. Czechoslovak Group (“CSG”), a leading global industrial holding company, has appointed Jeff Janey to serve as Executive Vice President of Munitions Programs for CSE USA, the company’s Virginia-based U.S. division. As part of his new role, Mr. Janey will be responsible for CSE USA’s development of the U.S. market for medium and large-caliber munitions through collaboration with partners and the U.S. Government, international trade, and the development of strategic relationships. Additionally, Mr. Janey will support the company’s U.S. Defense Security Cooperation and international expansion projects. He brings more than two decades of experience interfacing with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other Government Agencies as well as global acquisition and business development expertise. (Source: PR Newswire)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

July 5, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

03 Jul 24. MilDef expands its premises capacity in Swedish integration services. To meet growing demand for integration services in the Swedish market, MilDef is expanding its premises capacity in the Stockholm region. The construction of a new business-adapted property with over 6,000 square meters of office and production space quadruples MilDef’s capacity in integration services and opens up for larger assignments. Construction is expected to start in the fall of 2024, with move in one year later.

MilDef’s growth in integration services has led to the business outgrowing its existing production facility north of Stockholm. Existing business premises limit further expansion, why MilDef has agreed with real estate developer LEJE Fastigheter AB on the construction of a new office and production facility in Rosersberg. The new property will offer MilDef business-adapted production premises and offices. All with the highest focus on the needs of the business and the employees’ work environment.

“After the launch of our modern office and production facility in Helsingborg and last year’s opening of an assembly plant in Cardiff, it is now time to focus on our growing integration business in the Stockholm region. We are creating business premises that are well adapted for more efficient production while offering a good working environment for our employees. Quite simply, a springboard for continued acceleration on our growth journey and without a doubt a new milestone for MilDef,” says Daniel Ljunggren, President and CEO of MilDef.

“It feels fantastic to move to premises adapted to our operations and to gather all production staff under one roof. With a quadrupled production area, we have the opportunity to take on larger and more advanced assignments in Sweden, in premises adapted to existing and future operations,” says Carl Runemar, MD Sweden/Finland.

With the investment in a new office and production facility a natural hub for the part of the business that works towards the Swedish market is created. The location is chosen based on access to both highway, air and public transport. The new facility is also part of the consolidation of the company’s rental premises in the Stockholm region.

MARITIME

03 Jul 24. China again offers Thailand-ordered S26T submarine to Indonesia. Officials from China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) were in Jakarta to once again offer the S26T diesel-electric submarine (SSK), which was originally ordered for Thailand, to Indonesia.

Janes can confirm that the CSSC officials were at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) office on 28 June to make a presentation on the S26T SSK and how it can be customised for the Indonesian Navy’s requirements, despite the vessel having gone through its build process.

In attendance at the meeting physically were senior officials from the Indonesian MoD, while representatives from the Indonesian Navy’s submarine operations command and its Armada II’s submarine command joined via a video link. During the presentation CSSC officials assured the Indonesian MoD that its S26T submarine offer for Indonesia would not be faced with the same types of export restrictions experienced by the intended recipient of the boat, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).

In particular, the CSSC officials posited that it would be able to incorporate engines from a vendor of choice, including MTU, into the S26T SSK. And in an apparent move to sweeten the deal, CSSC’s offer for Indonesia includes a modification package that would enable the S26T SSK to deploy and launch the Chinese-made YJ-18 torpedo tube-launched anti-ship cruise missile.

Other than that, the S26T SSK would largely retain the features originally ordered for the RTN, including its air independent propulsion (AIP) system.

Thailand signed a THB13.5bin (USD366.5m) contract with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC) for the S26T SSK, which is essentially a modified version of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN’s) Yuan class, in 2017. (Source: Janes)

01 Jul 24. UAE Navy receives second Gowind corvette from France.

The first of the UAE Navy’s Gowind corvettes was delivered in late-2023, with the second due to arrive in Abu Dhabi in August.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken delivery of a second Gowind corvette from French defence prime Naval Group, with the vessel and crew to continue operational training ahead of its transit to Abu Dhabi later in July 2024.

The new corvette, Al Emarat, was manufactured by Naval Group at its Lorient shipyard and launched in May 2022. The vessel started sea trials in October 2023, around the same time as the first-in-class corvette, Bani Yas, was delivered.

It is expected at Al Emerat will arrive in the UAE in August, where it will begin to take up operations with the UAE Navy.

The delivery ceremony of the Al Emarat, ordered by the UAE to Naval Group, took place on 27 June 2024, in the presence of an official delegation of the UAE Navy led by the deputy commander of the UAE Navy, Brig Abdulla Al Mehairbi.

During French President Emmanuel Macron’s November 2017 visit to the UAE, the two countries officially announced that Abu Dhabi had chosen to acquire the Gowind corvette, with the initial build of two vessel with two additional platforms on option.

The projected contract allocation for four units of these corvettes over 2023–33 is expected to amount to approximately $1.7bn, with an anticipated per unit price of approximately $425m.

In focus: the Gowind corvette

In total, ten Gowind corvettes have been delivered to domestic and international customers, including Egypt, the UAE, and Argentina. The Gowind platform design is split into three distinct variants: a 1,000-tonne offshore patrol vessel, a 2,500 tonne corvette, and a 3,500 tonne light frigate.

However, national specifications and outfitting varies depending on requirements, and create a wide displacement band of the vessels manufactured to date.

The type delivered to the UAE Navy is the Gowind 2500 variant, which has a slightly increased displacement of around 2,800 tonnes and a length of 102 metres.

Exact equipment details are uncertain, although Naval Group states the Gowind 2500 design is able to be fitted with a 76mm main gun, and up to two 20mm secondary weapons systems.

The design can also accommodate a 16-cell vertical launch system for MICA surface-to-air missiles and 2 x 4 quad-canister MBDA MM40 Exocet missile launchers for anti-ship warfare.

All Gowind designs can be fitted with Naval Group’s Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM), which was developed specifically for the programme. The PSIM is distinctly visible in available imagery of the UAE’s Gowind corvettes.

PSIM combines several functional chains of the combat system from sensors to computing capabilities and operator consoles. Because PSIM is a modular part of the ship it can be built separately, activated, tested, and used for training ashore prior to integration on the hull.

The use of an integrated mast has a number of benefits over more standard sensor superstructures, such as the conventional layout of a US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer including reduced radar cross section and improved ergonomics.

A spokesperson from Naval Group told Naval Technology’s sister publication Global Defence Technology in June that in addition to the need for 360° coverage on PSIM, “strong transmitters and sensitive receivers are positioned on the same vertical, so that they don’t pollute each other from an electromagnetic compatibility point of view. Some antennas need zenithal coverage, which means no obstacles at maximum elevation.” (Source: naval-technology.com)

AIR

03 Jul 24. Chinese AG600 aircraft enters initial batch production. The CAIGA AG600 Kunlong large amphibious aircraft will be supplied to Chinese government entities as a firefighting and maritime rescue aircraft. The PLA will almost certainly employ it as a maritime patrol and transport aircraft. (VCG/VCG via Getty Image)

China’s CAIGA AG600 Kunlong large amphibious aircraft has entered “a new phase” of low-rate initial batch production and final assembly, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) said.

With an estimated payload-carrying capacity of 12 tonnes, the AG600 is being designed for various applications, such as maritime search and rescue, patrol, and amphibious transport. According to AVIC, the programme entered the production stage after the nose for the first batch-produced AG600 was delivered on 30 June.

This “marked the transition of the AG600 aircraft from the development phase to batch production”, AVIC said, according to the state-owned media.

According to AVIC, the nose of the aircraft required three months to produce. “The Central and Southern Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China carried out the airworthiness compliance inspection for the manufacturing of this large airframe segment,” the state-owned media said.

The next step in the programme is the final assembly of the production AG600 units at AVIC’s General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co, Ltd factory at Zhuhai in China’s Guangdong province. According to AVIC, the AG600 will obtain its type certificate by the end of 2024. “After obtaining the type certificate, it will be delivered to the customer,” AVIC said.

The corporation has not said which Chinese government entities will receive the initial production batch of aircraft. (Source: Janes)

28 Jun 24. US gifts C-130 Hercules to Botswana. The United States has delivered a C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft to Botswana to enhance the country’s ability to support military, humanitarian, and emergency response missions locally and within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The handover coincided with the Africa Chiefs of Defence Conference held in Botswana this week.

The US Embassy in Gaborone said the aircraft (OM4) arrived in Botswana on 24 May and was formally handed over at Sir Seretse Khama International airport in a ceremony on Thursday 27 June.

The aircraft is worth $30m (400m Pula) and was delivered under the United States Air Force Excess Defence Articles programme.

“The transfer of this aircraft from the United States to Botswana is a testament to how the US and Botswana work together to further a shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the region,” stated US Ambassador to Botswana Howard Van Vranken.

“The United States is honoured to play a role in ensuring that the Botswana Defence Force has the capability to perform vital missions not only in Botswana, but when called upon regionally as well.

“The delivery of this plane on the heels of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference underscores the theme for this week: ‘Together on the Ramparts.’ It’s a tangible example of the United States and Botswana’s commitment to meaningfully contribute to regional stability, safety, and prosperity,” Van Vranken added.

“This donation enhances Botswana’s strategic airlift capabilities and supports your national and regional objectives. From Botswana’s track record of utilising the older C-130B aircraft, this new addition will undoubtedly play pivotal roles in a variety of missions, including delivering humanitarian aid and supporting peacekeeping missions — much as the C-130B did for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique.

“We look forward to seeing the Hercules aircraft flying safely in many missions that benefit both Botswana and the broader SADC region,” the Ambassador concluded.

Kagiso Mmusi, Minister of Defence and Security, said the handover has made him very happy. “The C-130H couldn’t have come at a better time than this moment. Just a year ago, the last C-130B, which has served us fabulously for a quarter of a century, was grounded. This happened…just after it had deployed our troops to Cabo Delgado under the SADC mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). Then it delivered disaster relief to Malawi following the recent floods in that sister nation.

“This region has not been spared from the ever-growing effects of global warming, which have increased the frequency and severity of climate-related natural disasters with the resultant deaths and destruction. I cannot overemphasise the value of the C-130 aircraft in our response to contingencies of such nature. This aircraft can operate from [the] underdeveloped ground, rough and dirt strips of our side of the world as the prime transport for dropping troops and equipment in operational areas or supplies in disaster-hit areas.

“Since 1997 the C-130B fleet has been the backbone of BDF air operations. It has been employed locally, regionally and internationally as one of Botswana’s instruments of national power. Grounding of the C-130B last year has therefore greatly degraded the BDF’s operational capability. Hence my earlier remark that receiving the C-130H could not have come at a better time.”

Mmusi said the BDF has diligently performed a variety of mission using these aircraft over the years. These include supporting the United Nations mission in Sudan, African Union missions, SAMIM operations, security cooperation exercises such as SADC air power exercises, and special forces exercises with international forces.

“In addition, Botswana hosts the SADC Standby Force Logistic Depot to support peace support and disaster relief operations. The depot will be prepositioning supplies and logistics for SADC peace support and disaster relief missions. Currently the critical hinderances that undermine Africa’s peace support and disaster relief effort is lack of airlift capability. And there is no better aircraft to address this than the C-130. I am convinced that Botswana is in good stead to be the centre of excellence for Africa’s strategic airlift capability. We have thus far demonstrated capacity to operate and maintain a sizeable C-130 fleet. A lot of investment has been made over the years to capacitate the defence force in terms of logistics, support facilities, equipment and skills development for both operators and maintainers of the C-130 aircraft.

“The capabilities and competencies developed for operation of our C-130Bs are applicable and very relevant to the C-130H model. Since the differences between the two are minor, acquiring more aircraft would therefore require a relatively minor capital investment on our part. Government has committed to ensure the BDF has a budget for the C-130H aircraft induction and to put it into operation as quickly as the processes allow.

“Botswana is not just focussed internally. When we request for more aircraft we want to develop an airlift capability for the region and to support global peace and security. I consequently invite you, Africom Commander General [Michael] Langley, to partner with us in convincing the US government on how much capacitating the BDF will mean for African peace and security.”

Concluding his remarks, Mmus said the BDF and the C-130H “shall remain a force for good.”

Major General Hendrick Thuthu Rakgantswana, Chief of Botswana’s Air Arm Command, thanked the US for capacitating the BDF with the aircraft. “We just finished the African Chiefs of Defence Conference and our theme was Together on the Ramparts. Expanding collaboration and shared values is what General Langley was saying throughout the conference and we see this now manifesting in us receiving this aircraft.”

Rakgantswana said the acquisition of the C-130H is a step in the right direction, but he wants officials to start engaging the US government for additional aircraft. “With just one aircraft in my inventory that means if just a little screw falls off, I’m down to zero. So, we can see that as much as we appreciate this donation we are not where we want to be.”

He also pushed for spares for the aircraft, and an avionics upgrade.

The BDF acquired three former US C-130B Hercules for Z10 Squadron from the North Carolina Air Guard through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Programme. One (OM1) was subsequently placed in storage, leaving two (OM2 and OM3) in active service until the recent grounding.

(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

03 Jul 24. Cammell Laird Workers go on strike. Cammell Laird’s actions are completely unacceptable and will be met with full opposition, warns GMB Union. Hundreds of workers at Cammell Laird shipyard are to vote on strike action after GMB members were suspended.

Staff at the Birkenhead shipyard called for the industrial action ballot at a mass meeting outside the gates, in support of their fellow workers.

Trouble began when members of the RMT union – who were on strike in a separate dispute – picketed the gates of Cammell Laird.

Several workers, members of both GMB and Unite, stopped to talk to the picketers and were accused by the company of joining the picket and immediately suspended.

The strike ballot opens on 9 July and closes on 5 August.

Albie McGuigan, GMB Organiser, said: “Workers are understandably furious after their colleagues were suspended -despite having done nothing wrong. Cammell Laird’s actions are completely unacceptable and will be met with full opposition.”

28 Jun 24. After less than six years in service, RFA Tiderace faces uncertain future. The Tide-class tanker RFA Tiderace was only commissioned into service in August 2018, and has already been placed alongside with no current operational need for the vessel.

After less than six years of active service, RFA Tiderace, one of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA) Tide-class fleet tankers, appears to have headed into long-term layup amid ongoing troubles for a service struggling with recruitment and ongoing strike action.

The procession of another UK naval asset heading for a prolonged period out of the operational pool, or potential placed into extended readiness, has become a familiar sight for naval observers, as the active or available fleets of the Royal Navy and RFA further diminish.

Commissioned into service in August 2018, RFA Tiderace is a 37,000-tonne fleet tanker used to support Royal Navy operations around the world. RFA Tiderace is the second of the four-ship Tide-class tankers, the others being RFA Tidesurge, RFA Tideforce, and RFA Tidespring.

All the vessels were manufactured by DSME in South Korea in the mid-2010s before being outfitted with naval-specific equipment in the UK, ahead of entry into service.

In April 2024, UK Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge stated that RFA Tiderace, was currently “alongside for a period” and would be regenerated “as needed” depending on operational requirements.

The apparent placing into extended readiness of RFA Tiderace was noted by UK naval OSINT watcher Navylookout, who noted the movement of the vessel on the X social media platform. (Source: naval-technology.com)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

28 Jun 24. Estonian PM nominated for EU security chief. It is no coincidence that the EU has turned to their eastern borderlands for an outspoken, Baltic leader to transform European defence. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is in the running to succeed as the European Union’s (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in the coming months. Kallas – whose formative years were shaped by the Soviet Union, and whose politics now respond to the belligerent Russian President Vladimir Putin – will succeed the Spanish incumbent Josep Borrell in a switch from West to East. (Source: army-technology.com)

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

02 Jul 24. Amentum, a global leading engineering and technology solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Nathan Rutledge as Senior Vice President and Head of Investor Relations, effective immediately. Rutledge will spearhead all investor relations activities leading up to and following Amentum’s merger with Jacobs’ Critical Mission Solutions and Cyber and Intelligence businesses and the combined company’s subsequent public listing. Rutledge will be responsible for articulating the long-term strategy, business model and financial performance to its shareholders and the broader financial community. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

01 Jul 24. AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) today announced the appointment of Keith J. Kowalski as Vice President and General Manager, AMS Division. Mr. Kowalski previously served as Divisional Vice President and Business Unit Manager for the Precitech TMC business within AMETEK’s Ultra Precision Technologies division. Mr. Kowalski originally joined AMETEK’s Haydon Switch and Instrument business in 1995 as a Product Design Engineer and held various roles of increasing responsibility ultimately becoming Vice President of Technology in the Haydon Kerk business unit. In 2011, he was named Divisional Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Precitech TMC and, in 2014, became the Divisional Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Zygo. Prior to rejoining AMETEK in 2020, Mr. Kowalski was President & COO for Deringer Ney in Bloomfield, Connecticut. (Source: PR Newswire)

01 Jul 24. Kimberly A. Fields today became President and CEO of ATI Inc. [NYSE: ATI]. In a planned leadership transition, she succeeds Robert S. “Bob” Wetherbee, who becomes Executive Chairman. Fields served as ATI’s Chief Operating Officer since 2022, becoming President in July 2023. During Kim’s tenure, ATI has grown as one integrated operation, sharpening its operational advantages, increasing capacity and capability for the extraordinary materials customers value most. (Source: PR Newswire)

02 Jul 24. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that retired Lieutenant General Bob Marion is joining the CACI leadership team as a senior vice president in the new role of corporate strategic advisor. In this new position, Marion will provide insight on critical industry and acquisition issues as an active member of the team charged with leading efforts to augment CACI’s growing national security business. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

03 Jul 24. Capgemini Government Solutions LLC, an independent Capgemini subsidiary working with U.S. Government Agencies, today named Dan Ford as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Bill Webner who has stepped down to pursue a new opportunity. With nearly two decades at Capgemini Government Solutions, Ford has been instrumental in partnering with government agencies to transform and manage their business by unlocking the value of technology. He’s held leadership roles at Capgemini Government Solutions including National Security Sector Leader and, most recently, as Head of U.S. Federal Sectors. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

01 Jul 24. GE Aerospace (GE.N), said it has extended chief executive Larry Culp’s tenure till the end of 2027, with a possibility of further extension by another year, a regulatory filing showed on Monday. The decision comes two weeks after reports suggested that Culp declined Boeing’s (BA.N) offer to join the U.S. planemaker as its chief. Culp, 61, took over as GE Aerospace’s CEO in October 2018. The first “outsider” to get the top post in GE, he took charge at a time when the company was struggling with weak margins and a huge debt. He steered the company through the pandemic period in 2020 when the global air travel came to a stand still, impacting GE’s lucrative jet engine business. Culp oversaw the split of the 132-year-old conglomerate into three separate companies in 2024. During his tenure, GE’s debt reduced by more than $100bn, cash flow quadrupled and market cap increased by about $100bn. (Source: Reuters)

01 Jul 24. Intellisense Systems, Inc., a leading provider of electronic systems and sensors, announces that Frank T. Willis, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will retire after a 6-year tenure as CEO and 8 years as a Vice President at Physical Optics Corporation (POC) prior to the spin-off of Intellisense. Willis will transition to serve as Executive Director and special consultant to the company and Board of Directors. The Intellisense Systems Board of Directors has been engaged in continuous CEO succession planning since 2022, and the Board has appointed Dr. Robert Waldo as President and CEO, effective today. Waldo will also join the company’s Board of Directors. (Source: PR Newswire)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

June 28, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

MARITIME

24 Jun 24. USN names future Constellation-class frigate USS Gálvez.

The US Secretary of the Navy announced the sixth Constellation-class frigate, FFG 67, will be named the USS Gálvez.

The US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the name of the next Constellation-class frigate (FFG 67), the future USS Gálvez on 21 June 2024, at the US embassy in Madrid.

The ship was appropriated in May 2024. The option to procure FFG 66 and FFG 67, the fifth and sixth vessels in this class, came at a cost of $1.04bn.

Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), the US division of the Italian shipbuilder, laid steel of the first of the Constellation-class vessels (FFG 62), the future USS Constellation, in April 2024, after winning a $795m contract in 2020 for the lead frigate, with options for nine further ships that would bring the total cost up to $5.5bn.

So far, the US Navy has ordered five additional ships, including the future USS Hamilton (FFG66), USS Congress (FFG 63), USS Chesapeake (FFG 64), and USS Lafayette (FFG 65), and the most recently named USS Gálvez. Four vessels remain on option.

Constellation-class frigates will perform in a variety of missions, including anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and electronic warfare, operating in both littoral and blue water environments. The frigates will be the first to join service with the US Navy since the Oliver Hazard Perry-class FFGs left service in 2015.

The Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) were intended to overtake the capability left by the Oliver Hazard Perry-class FFGs, but the LCS programme was curtailed early following a series of issues in their first few years of operations.

The US Congressional Research Service stated that a seventh vessel is requested in the US Navy’s proposed budget, which seeks funds of $1.2bn for the ship.

The rate of development of the Constellation-class frigate programme has been notably faster than typical US Navy procurements. The development has drawn on the access to mature component systems and the experience of US and Italian Navies with the Italian-French FREMM frigate, which serves as a template for the design of the Constellation-class ships.

The high pace of development speaks to the US Navy’s requirement to match China’s naval posture, which maintains a numerical lead in naval vessels and continues to produce ships at a high rate. (Source: naval-technology.com)

25 Jun 24. Japan launches ninth Mogami-class frigate. Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the ninth Mogami-class guided-missile frigate on order for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The frigate, which will be in service as JS Natori once it is commissioned, was launched at MHI’s facilities in Nagasaki on 24 June, the JMSDF announced on the same day. Natori is one of 12 Mogami-class frigates that have been planned for the JMSDF. The new warships will replace the JMSDF’s fleet of Abukuma-class frigates that have been in service since the late 1980s and early 1990s.

First-of-class JS Mogami was commissioned in April 2022, while the second frigate, JS Kumano, was inducted in March 2022 ahead of the lead frigate.

The Mogami class displaces about 5,500 tonnes at full load, and it has an overall length of 132m with an overall beam of 16m.

Each warship has been designed for a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion configuration comprising two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine engine. It has a top speed of 30 kt and a crew complement of 90. The class is armed with a BAE Systems 127 mm naval gun in the primary position. It is also equipped with a vertical launching system (VLS) for the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile and two quad launchers for anti-ship missiles. Besides the JMSDF’s existing arsenal of anti-ship missiles, Japan also has plans to arm the Mogami-class frigates with a naval variant of the Type 12 missile to improve the class’s long-range strike capabilities. (Source: Janes)

AIR

25 Jun 24. Bangladeshi C-130J fleet reaches full strength with Marshall support. Marshall has delivered the last of five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), marking a key moment in the nation’s long-term investment in sovereign airlift capacity. Representatives from the Bangladesh High Commission in London and the BAF joined the Marshall team at the company’s headquarters in Cambridge yesterday to formally celebrate the handover of the final aircraft. Marshall’s multi-million pound programme to upgrade and enhance the BAF C-130J fleet originated in 2018 and 2019, following the acquisition of the aircraft from the UK Ministry of Defence. The most substantial work packages have included decommissioning the aircraft from their previous service within the UK Royal Air Force’s fleet, while integrating state-of-the-art avionics and installing capability enhancements including passenger transport and survival equipment.

“I am delighted to be here to preside over a proud moment for the entire Bangladesh Air Force, as we mark the culmination of a multi-year Investment into our fleets towards realisation of Forces Goal 2030 as envisioned by Prime Minister Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina,” said Her Excellency Saida Muna Tasneem, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK and Ireland.

“The work performed here in Cambridge will directly support us in fulfilling our operational commitments for decades to come, and I would like to thank the Marshall team for their expertise and commitment.

“The BAF-Marshall relationship perfectly exemplifies the collaborative spirit and commitment to shared interests that underpin the growing UK-Bangladesh defence relationship.”

While all five aircraft are now in active service with the BAF, Marshall is scheduled to deliver further modifications in the near future. Marshall will also continue to support the BAF with a range of technical services including global engineering support, supply chain and logistics management, spare parts procurement and provision of training.

“It has been a privilege to partner with the Bangladesh Air Force over the last six years as they have created a world-leading tactical airlift capability,” said Marshall Chief Growth Officer Bob Baxter. “Fielding these five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft with a range of sophisticated upgrades will ensure the BAF’s mission-readiness to support UN peace-keeping and humanitarian missions around the world, and this is something we are proud to have contributed to.”

25 Jun 24. First UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopters arrive for Nigerian Army’s new aviation win. Nigerian Army Aviation has received its first aircraft – two Bell UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopters – which were formally handed over in a ceremony last week at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The aircraft (NA 010 and NA 011) were formally received by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday 20 June in what the Nigerian Army said was a significant step forward in enhancing its operational capabilities. The arrival of the helicopters “marks a significant milestone in the development of the Nigerian Army Aviation’s capacity to provide air support for ground operations,” it said.

Lagbaja noted that the renewed drive to establish a Nigerian Army Aviation wing was conceived by the then-former COAS, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (rtd), in 2014, with a three-phase ten-year implementation plan.

In March last year, MD Helicopters announced that the Nigerian Army had awarded it a contract for the supply of 12 Cayuse Warrior Plus scout/attack helicopters to assist in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the country.

The aircraft were due to be delivered from the fourth quarter of 2023, but deliveries have yet to transpire.

Nigeria in 2023 budgeted NGN3.1 bn (then about $6.6 m) for three UH-1 helicopters and NGN2.8 bn for three Magnus MF-212 surveillance and attack aircraft for the Army. The 2024 budget allocated NGN2.6 trillion ($2.8 bn at the time) for establishing the Nigerian Army’s aviation wing.

Nigeria plans to locally assemble Magnus light aircraft at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, with $5m allocated towards this in January 2023.

Belarussian company BVST (Belspetsvneshtechnika) developed the Magnus Fusion into the MF 212 armed aircraft ideal for homeland security, surveillance and patrol tasks. It can apparently be fitted with an iSKY-30 HD electro-optical gimbal, and R-60-NT-L or R-60-NT-T-2 missiles. Although BVST has not provided any detail on its development of the aircraft, Greek company International Armour lists the BVST MF 212 in its sale catalogue. BVST has previously worked with the Nigerian Air Force, providing maintenance for Mi-35 helicopters as well as training. The Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, Brigadier General Musa Alkali, during the UH-1 delivery ceremony stated that the acquisition of the platforms is a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s aviation resolve, adding that this will boost its reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities. The Nigerian Army said the UH-1H helicopters are equipped with advanced sensors and enablers to conduct a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, rescue, logistics, transportation, and medical evacuation. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

26 Jun 24, Quickstep Holdings has informed the ASX that it intends to slash its local workforce as demand for F-35 components slows, with those impacted to be consulted “in due course”.

According to the filing, the company will reduce headcount in their direct production and operational support units by 20 per cent each.

Meanwhile, the aerospace composite business is also expected to reduce staff within its corporate support teams by 35 per cent.

The engineering development and services business units will not be impacted by the announcement.

ASX filings revealed that the restructure will save the ASX-listed company $5 m in annualised costs.

According to filings, impacted staff members have yet to be notified.

The announcement comes days after the company told the market it hoped to maintain “consistent” margins despite the reduced demand for F-35 parts.

“In line with customer requirements, overall demand for F-35 components will be circa 8 per cent lower than average demand over the FY23/FY24 period,” a statement from the company read. (Source: Defence Connect)

24 Jun 24. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sacked Lieutenant General Yuriy Sodol as commander of the joint forces of the country’s army hours after complaints about his conduct in the war with Russia were made by a prominent soldier. Zelenskyy announced on Monday evening that Brigadier General Andriy Hnatov would replace Sodol, in the latest shake-up to Ukraine’s senior military leadership. The changes came shortly after Bohdan Krotevych, chief of staff of the Azov national guard brigade, accused Sodol of incompetence on the battlefield and blamed him for the deaths of “thousands” of Ukrainian soldiers under his command. (Source: FT.com)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

28 Jun 24. Mr Nick Abbott has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Albania in succession to Mr Alastair King-Smith who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Abbott will take up his appointment during September 2024.

26 Jun 24. NATO appointed Mark Rutte as its next secretary-general on Wednesday, putting the outgoing Dutch prime minister in charge of the world’s biggest security organization at a critical time for European security as war rages in Ukraine. Rutte’s appointment was sealed by NATO ambassadors during a meeting at the 32-nation alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. U.S. President Joe Biden and his counterparts will formally welcome him to their table at a summit in Washington on July 9-11. (Source: Defense News)

25 Jun 24. Mr Colin Wells has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Eswatini in succession to Mr Simon Boyden, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Wells will take up his appointment during August 2024.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

24 Jun 24. Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Appointment of Derek Chollet as Chief of Staff. I am delighted that Derek Chollet will start in July as my Chief of Staff. He is one of the most distinguished, far-sighted, and skillful national-security practitioners of his generation, and I am grateful to him for taking on this key assignment at such an important moment. Derek has served with distinction in senior policy roles at the White House, the Pentagon, and the Department of State, including his current role as Counselor of the Department of State, where he has performed superbly as one of the top policy advisers to my friend Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. Derek will be returning to the Pentagon after serving from 2012-15 as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. He has also served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Strategic Planning on the National Security Council staff and as the Principal Deputy Director of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff. Until 2020, he was Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor for Security and Defense Policy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. He is a proud son of Lincoln, Nebraska.

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

26 Jun 24. Safran, MTU team up to power Europe’s next-gen military helicopter. France’s Safran and Germany’s MTU Aero Engines created a joint venture to develop a new power unit for Europe’s next-generation military helicopter project. The 50/50 venture will work on a “100% European engine” to power a military helicopter set to enter service by 2040, and will provide the core for a partnership with industrial firms from several other European countries, the companies said in a joint statement. The companies said the future heavy engine will be “significantly” more efficient with lower operating and maintenance costs, and allow for faster and more maneuverable helicopters with increased range. Safran and MTU are members of the Airbus Helicopters-led European Next Generation Rotorcraft consortium, which was awarded €40m by the European Defense Fund in 2021 to study future vertical-takeoff needs and capabilities. The joint venture “will enable us to start developing new technologies such as hybrid-electric propulsion and high-temperature materials, to meet the specifications of future helicopter projects,” Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet said in the statement. The new joint venture, called EURA for European Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance, will be based in Bordes in France at the Safran Helicopter Engines headquarters, and its CEO will come from within MTU, the companies said. Creating EURA will encourage a future call from the European Defense Fund for military helicopter engines, to which Safran and MTU would respond via the new joint venture, the companies said. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency, meanwhile, is working on its Next Generation Rotorcraft Program to develop a new-generation medium-lift helicopter, and in December awarded a first study on a new engine for the rotorcraft to GE Aerospace. The European Union’s Permanent Structured Cooperation scheme last year kicked off yet another project called the Next Generation Medium Helicopter which seeks to “provide coherent solutions for future EU rotorcraft capabilities” though both new platforms as well as upgrades of existing ones, particularly the NH90, and prepare the European next-generation rotorcraft program. Safran and MTU are already working together in a joint venture with ITP Aero to develop a next-generation engine for the Future Combat Air System. Safran supplies helicopters engines to Airbus and Leonardo, while MTU has been a partner for Safran on the power plant for the Tiger attack helicopter and with GE Aerospace on the engine for the Sikorsky CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. (Source: Defense News)

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

24 Jun 24. Chemring the FTSE 250 aerospace, defence and technology company today announces the appointment of a non-executive director and Chair-Designate, Tony Wood. Tony will succeed Carl-Peter Forster as Chairman of the Board on 1 December 2024, following Carl-Peter’s retirement on 30 November 2024. Tony is a member of the Board of Directors of Airbus SE, the CAC 40 aerospace and defence firm, and National Grid plc, an energy company operating in the UK and the US. From 2018-2022 he was Chief Executive of FTSE 100 Meggitt plc, where he led the operational and cultural transformation of the company.

24 Jun 24. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Management Board has elected Koen Milis, Director General of the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority, as its new Chair in a vote held at its regular half-yearly meeting on June 6-7, 2024. Anelia Marinova, Director General of the Bulgarian Civil Aviation Administration, was elected to the position of Deputy Chair. The Chair and Deputy Chair are elected by the EASA Management Board members from among their members. Their mandate runs for four years. The election was necessitated as the previous incumbents are leaving the Management Board. The Management Board is responsible for the definition of the agency’s priorities, the establishment of the budget and for monitoring the agency’s operation. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

27 Jun 24. Austal Limited announced the appointment of a former US secretary of Navy as the company’s new chairman following the retirement of its inaugural chair and founder, John Rothwell. Austal Limited has announced that former US secretary of Navy Richard Spencer has been selected as the chairman of ASX-listed Austal Limited, who will also join the board of Austal USA. The announcement comes as the company’s inaugural chairman, John Rothwell, retired from his position, though will serve on the Austal board as a non-executive director. Rothwell served as chairman of the company for 37 years, having founded Austal in 1987. (Source: Defence Connect)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

June 22, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

MARITIME

21 Jun 24. First steel cut for Hunter Class frigate. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas officially cut the first steel for the lead ship of Australia’s Hunter Class frigates, the future HMAS Hunter.

Taking place at BAE Systems Australia’s shipyard in Osborne, South Australia, this program milestone marks a major step forward for the embattled multi-bn frigate program first announced in 2018.

The contract for the construction phase for the first three Hunter Class frigates has now been signed by Defence and BAE Systems Australia, with the first Hunter Class frigate expected to be operational in 2034.

Construction of the Hunter Class frigates will take place at the Osborne Naval Shipyard as part of the Albanese government’s commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding in South Australia.

This comes following a decision earlier this year by the Albanese government to reduce the originally nine planned Hunter Class frigates to a fleet of six to be built in South Australia as part of a broader reconfiguration and reprioritisation of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet.

The construction phase of the Hunter Class Frigate Program will run for 20 years and at its peak, this program will support around 3,000 direct jobs and will support a further 5,000 indirect jobs across the Australian supply chain.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said, “This first milestone is not just about cutting steel; we are supporting Australian workers to build frigates in an Australian yard, supporting Australian industry.”

These jobs are in addition to the thousands of highly skilled workers that will be required to build our AUKUS submarines and extend the life of the Collins Class submarines, both of which will also take place at Osborne in South Australia.

“This milestone exemplifies our government’s commitment to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding in South Australia and a future made in Australia, by Australians,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said, “The construction of the frigates locks in a pipeline of continuous naval shipbuilding in South Australia, delivering thousands of secure, well-paid jobs for generations to come. This delivery of frigates alongside SSN-AUKUS submarines puts South Australia front and centre in the most crucial of national endeavours.”

The Hunter Class frigates are a key component of the Albanese government’s commitment to ensure the Royal Australian Navy has a surface fleet with high levels of lethality and deterrence in a time of increased global uncertainty.

“It also represents a step change in our state’s economic complexity, which will help improve the standard of living for South Australians more broadly,” Premier Malinauskas said.

The Royal Australian Navy’s six Hunter Class frigates are a key component of the Australian government’s commitment to ensure the Royal Australian Navy has a surface fleet with high levels of lethality and deterrence in a time of increased global uncertainty. (Source: Defence Connect)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

21 Jun 24. Marshall of Cambridge Holdings Ltd may slash 300 jobs.

Marshall of Cambridge Holdings Ltd is a privately-owned company based at Cambridge Airport whose sectors include aerospace and defence

An aerospace company is putting up to 300 roles at risk of redundancy following “a challenging 2023”.

Cambridge Airport-based Marshall Group said the posts going were “primarily within our support and administrative functions”.

The government recently announced the company would receive £40m to develop a new fuel system for zero emission aircraft, while Sweden signed a £100m defence contract with the firm in May.

Interim chairman Roger Hardy said it had “launched a voluntary redundancy programme and hope to keep the need for compulsory redundancies to an absolute minimum”.

Affected jobs were in administration and support, the company said

The company, which employs about 2,000 people worldwide, external, recorded “a modest, pre-tax, pre-exception profit of £4.1m” following “a challenging 2023”, it said.

Mr Hardy said it was now focused on “addressing underlying programme delivery issues, improving the competitiveness of our cost base and taking a more systematic approach to pursuing and winning business”.

“We will shortly begin formal consultation with those colleagues, and their representatives, who are potentially impacted,” he said.

Those affected work for its Skills Academy and also for its standalone Futureworx team, which focuses on development work in the areas of sustainable aviation and autonomous platforms and is based at the city’s St John’s Innovation Centre.

Both operations would be transferred to the core business.

Many of the people in the teams will transition to the new working model, but some will be at risk of redundancy, the company said.

Finally, a proposal to relocate its land operations for ground defence, to a new purpose-built facility at Alconbury Weald, near Huntingdon, will no longer go ahead.

The company’s chief executive officer Kathy Jenkins left the company in May. The board thanked her for working tirelessly for the group.

(Source: Google/BBC)

PERSONNEL

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

21 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that D-Fend Solutions, the leader in radio frequency (RF), cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, today announced the expansion of its U.S. team. In response to the rapid growth in demand for the organization’s solutions, these additions will support the continued advancement of its U.S. presence and operations from its Mclean, Virginia office. The company has appointed Gordon Kesting as Vice President of U.S. Sales and Business Development and Glenn McArthur as Business Development Manager. With their expertise and experience, D-Fend Solutions is poised to continue developing and leading in multiple C-UAS market sectors through its U.S. operations, sales, partnerships, and implementations. https://cuashub.com/en/content/d-fend-hires-defense-and-homeland-security-veterans/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8KvOHtoxHjTZi7omUPJDkGKJuULdBOXUMJfNcNzle52hcOJrAxuk-CChYyEvZuBmwvotR6hMajUvdFmaqQ43DGD5beK3yzx-j4MQMD_Lh7X7NRzM8&_hsmi=312437152&utm_content=312437152&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

19 Jun 24. Exostar, a leader in trusted, secure business collaboration solutions for highly regulated industries including aerospace and defense, life sciences, and healthcare, today announced Derrick Reig has joined the company as Chief Revenue Officer. He will oversee all aspects of the customer journey – from awareness and acquisition to fulfillment and retention – implementing go-to-market and revenue generation strategies that create and optimize value for the Exostar community. (Source: PR Newswire)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

June 19, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

MARITIME

14 Jun 24. Hellenic Navy commissions general-support ship for special operations. The Hellenic Navy (HN) commissioned its first general-support ship for special operations, Perseas (ex- VikingVision ), during a ceremony held at Salamis Naval Base on 11 June. The ship – a former seismic vessel converted into a multi-purpose naval vessel – was donated to the HN by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation. Following the training ship Kyknos (a former yacht) and the general-support ships Atlas , Heracles, and Aias (all three former platform supply vessels), this is the fifth and largest ship donation to the HN by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation. The 105 m long ship has a gross tonnage of 9,811 tonnes and a deadweight tonnage of about 5,539 tonnes. It was built in Spain in 1993, but underwent a USD50 m conversion into a research ship in 2007. Perseas features numerous significant technological innovations that will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Greek naval fleet. It carries a crew complement of around 18, and has 44 sleeping cabins providing 70 beds, which can be expanded to accommodate up to 200 individuals in fully air-conditioned cabins and areas. As a former seismographic research ship, it is equipped with numerous facilities designed to support personnel during extended operations lasting several months, enabling it to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts when required. (Source: Janes)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

14 Jun 24. Army MG David J. Francis for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command; and commanding general, U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Francis is currently serving as the chief of staff, U.S. Africa Command, Germany.

14 Jun 24. Army MG Mark H. Landes for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commanding general, First U.S. Army, Rock Island, Illinois. Landes is currently serving as the special assistant to the commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, with duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

14 Jun 24. Army MG Matthew E. McFarlane for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commanding general, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. McFarlane is currently serving as the deputy commanding general, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

14 Jun 24. Army MG Paul T. Stanton for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as director, Defense Information Systems Agency; and commander, Joint Forces Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network, Fort Meade, Maryland. Stanton is currently serving as the commanding general, Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia.

14 Jun 24. Air Force Col. William J. Creeden for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Creeden is currently serving as deputy commander, Fifteenth Air Force, Air Combat Command, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

14 Jun 24. Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Philip E. Sobeck for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Sobeck is currently serving as commander, Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia.

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

18 Jun 24. EURENCO and Thales have strengthened their collaboration and signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at ensuring the supply of energy materials and key components for both companies’ programmes. This strategic partnership agreement secures the partners’ commitment to order and supply agreed volumes of energy materials over a period of more than five years.

As part of this alliance:

Thales will be able to place orders for powders and specialised compositions produced by EURENCO to propel guided and unguided munitions.
EURENCO will be able to order trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexogen explosive (RDX), produced by Thales, to meet the growing needs of the high-performance explosives market.

The agreement also provides a framework for identifying mutually beneficial opportunities.

Thierry FRANCOU, CEO of EURENCO, underlines the importance of this partnership: “This alliance is a major step forward for both our companies. It testifies not only to our mutual trust, but also to our shared commitment to effectively meeting our customers’ expectations and the evolving needs of global defense in the face of new threats.”

Alexis Morel, Vice President Operations for Thales’ Land and Air Systems, commented: “This strategic agreement between Eurenco and Thales has been in preparation for several months. It will ensure that our respective supplies are secured. By leveraging the complementary nature of our energetic material production activities on a European and global basis, the agreement enables Thales to guarantee our customers the ability to contribute to their sovereignty programmes in the field of guided and unguided munitions.”

PERSONNEL

14 Jun 24. New Opportunities for Employees: Rheinmetall and Continental Sign Letter of Intent.

Rheinmetall workforce recruitment: job opportunities for Continental employees at German locations
Further success of Continental’s “from work to work” initiative
Dr. Ariane Reinhart, Continental Executive Board member for Human Relations and Sustainability: “Rheinmetall is now the third company we have enlisted to provide new job opportunities for employees affected by the transformation”
Peter Sebastian Krause, chief human resources officer of Rheinmetall AG: “We look forward to working with Continental. Not many companies in Germany are growing as strongly as Rheinmetall. In this situation, we are keen to find people interested in working for us and who we can add to our team – provided it is the right fit for both sides”

Against the backdrop of an upturn in the defense industry, Continental and Rheinmetall have signed a letter of intent to cooperate. The aim of the agreement is to partly cover Rheinmetall’s fast-growing personnel requirements in the coming years with Continental employees affected by the transformation. Rheinmetall expects sales growth of up to 40 percent in the current fiscal year alone compared to the previous year, with correspondingly high personnel requirements in the longer term.

To achieve this, Continental and Rheinmetall will begin the cooperation as soon as possible. Up to 100 employees from Continental’s Gifhorn location, for example, will find new job opportunities at Rheinmetall in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, around 55 kilometers north of Gifhorn. Events will also be organized at other German locations, where employees can find out about career opportunities at Rheinmetall.

Dr. Ariane Reinhart, Executive Board member for Human Relations and Sustainability: “The profound changes in all industries can only be tackled together. I am therefore delighted that Rheinmetall is now the third company we have enlisted as part of our ‘from work to work’ initiative to provide new job opportunities for employees affected by the transformation.” In addition to Rheinmetall, Continental has already concluded cooperation agreements with Stiebel Eltron and Siemens Mobility.

Peter Sebastian Krause, responsible for human resources on the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG: “We look forward to working with Continental, which like Rheinmetall is a long-established company, a technological driver and an industrial heavyweight. It is an excellent match. We are confident that Continental’s employees will bring outstanding qualities that can be highly valuable to us at Rheinmetall. Not many companies in Germany are growing as strongly as Rheinmetall. In this situation, we are keen to find people interested in working for us and who we can add to our team – provided it is the right fit for both sides.”

Peter Sebastian Krause: “We offer applicants excellent career opportunities in many fields. Our company and our products play an essential role in the security industry. With our products, we give security forces the means to protect free democratic values and secure peace. We are also a major player in the civilian sector, where we see great potential for our innovative developments both in automotive and in the use of hydrogen power. We welcome anyone with suitable talents who would like to work with us. We are currently working on similar cooperations that we also want to set up with other well-known industrial partners from a wide range of sectors.”

In order to be best prepared for a new job, employees will continue to have the opportunity to gain qualifications at the Continental Institute for Technology and Transformation (CITT). The CITT was founded back in 2019 and currently has 14 training locations throughout Germany. To date, more than 10,000 participants have obtained qualifications for other activities on the internal and external job markets here.

Building bridges to new employment

“We are shaping the transformation in a fair and socially responsible way and are transferring as many of our employees as possible from work into work. To do so, we are making full use of our tried-and-tested transformation toolbox and exploring new avenues – in close cooperation with social partners. This is transformation with opportunities,” said Reinhart.

One of these tools is ContiMotion, a careers company for training and employment, which Continental set up with IG BCE. Its primary goal is to offer employees attractive opportunities on both the internal and external job market.

Another tool the technology company is using successfully is its internal job market. With the support of in-house HR experts, well over 300 employees have already been placed in vacant positions at other affiliates and thus retained within the Continental Group.

Continental is also using its membership of the Allianz der Chancen (alliance of opportunities) association to build bridges to employment for employees. The Allianz der Chancen was founded in 2021 and today represents 70 companies and institutions as well as around 2.7 m employees in Germany.

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4bn and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Rheinmetall AG is an integrated technology group. The company, which was founded in 1889, is a leading international systems supplier in the defense industry and at the same time a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in civilian markets. Focusing on sustainability is an integral part of Rheinmetall’s strategy. With around 30,000 employees at 174 locations worldwide, the company, which has been listed on the DAX40 since March 2023, generated sales of €7.2bn in 2023.

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

03 Jun 24. Sean White appointed new EDA Director for Industry, Synergies and Enabler. Sean White, a former Irish Defence Forces Brigadier General, with over 38 years of active military service, has been appointed EDA Director for Industry, Synergies and Enablers (ISE) as of June 2024. In his capacity as ISE Director, he will oversee the work of the ISE Directorate and its respective units: Industry Strategy and EU Policies; Critical Enablers; Single European Sky; and Operations, Training and Exercises. (Source: EDA)

18 Jun 24. Melrose announced the appointment of Chris Grigg to its Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate, with effect from 1 October 2024. Chris is currently Chair of the UK Infrastructure Bank and its nominations committee, having served in those roles since April 2021. He is also Chair of Evelyn Partners and its nominations committee, having served in those roles since February 2022, prior to which he served as a non-executive director. He was a non-executive director of BAE Systems plc for over ten years until December 2023, latterly serving as its SID. During his executive career, Chris was Chief Executive of British Land from January 2009 and left the board in December 2020. Earlier in his career, Chris was Chief Executive of Barclays Commercial Bank, and Treasurer of Barclays Bank plc. Prior to this he spent 20 years at Goldman Sachs, latterly as a Partner. He started his career at Morgan Grenfell.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

13 Jun 24. AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AEI”), a private equity firm specializing in national security, aerospace and industrial services, today announced that the AE Shoals Manufacturing & Technology Center (“AE Shoals”), has appointed John Ofenloch as President. Acquired in January from the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), the AE Shoals Manufacturing & Technology Center is situated on 638 acres in Cherokee, Alabama and contains 2.27 m square feet of industrial-zoned manufacturing capacity that is operational and ready for use today. The facility will serve as a manufacturing and technology center of innovation focused on the national security, aerospace, and industrial services sectors. In addition to Ofenloch, leading development expert Mike Lanier and facility manager Nick Willis have joined as Vice President of Development and Facility Manager, respectively. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

13 Jun 24. Airbus’ Silicon Valley-based research and innovation center, today announced the appointment of Dr. Victoria Coleman as CEO, effective July 15, 2024. Dr. Coleman will also serve as Airbus’ Head of Research & Technology for North America. Dr. Coleman brings a breadth of experience to the dual role, as well as a distinguished track record of leadership, having most recently served as the Chief Scientist of the United States Air Force. In her new role, she will report to Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas, Inc. and the Board of Directors of Acubed. Dr. Coleman’s appointment positions Acubed to continue leading the industry in aerospace innovation and is instrumental to the center’s mission of accelerating AI and autonomy adoption to increase Airbus’ competitive advantage. Her proven track record of fostering collaboration, driving technological advancement, and navigating complex technical landscapes will be invaluable in guiding both Acubed and Airbus’ research and technology (R&T) ambitions. Her appointment underscores Airbus’ overall commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace technology. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

14 Jun 24. BAE Systems, Inc. today announced that former U.S. Senator Kelly A. Ayotte will step down as the Chair of the Board of Directors as she embarks on an official run for Governor of New Hampshire. We extend our deepest gratitude to Kelly for her outstanding contributions and long service to the Company. Current board member retired U.S. Navy Admiral Jonathan (Jon) W. Greenert will assume the role of Chair of the Board of Directors. Jon joined the BAE Systems, Inc. Board in April 2016 and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his distinguished 40-year career as a senior military officer and government leader. His background in management, operations, and strategic planning are highly valuable as we continue to drive innovation and growth at BAE Systems. Prior to his retirement, Admiral Greenert served a combined six years as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Vice Chief of Naval Operations, the two most senior military positions in the Navy. As CNO, he served as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He advised the President and the Secretary of Defense on a range of matters, including U.S. and global maritime security, overall naval operations and budget, and the positioning of Navy bases, ships, and aircraft. He also oversaw the development of technologies in such areas as advanced weaponry and uncrewed underwater vehicles. We wish Kelly all the best in her future endeavors and are confident that Jon’s expertise will ensure continued strong leadership for BAE Systems. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

18 Jun 24. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing power to the edge, today announced the appointment of Tod Brindlinger as Senior Vice President of Operations, effective June 10, 2024. The company also announced the completion of the second phase of an organizational restructuring that began in January to improve performance and accelerate growth by consolidating and simplifying its operations.

13 Jun 24. Reach Power (Reach), the leader in wireless Power-at-a-Distance, announced today that Jim Smith, former Acquisition Executive, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), has joined its Government Advisory Board. Smith will collaborate with Major General (Ret.) Clay Hutmacher and other government and military veterans to provide Reach with expert insights and operational guidance as the company delivers innovative power beaming solutions to the defense and intelligence community. Reach specializes in wireless power beaming systems that support persistent operations of drones, robotics, and sensors. Its wireless power transfer technology (WPT) uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to power and charge various electronic devices, from small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to ground robots and hard-to-reach sensors. This technology reduces the dependency on batteries and the necessity for manual battery swaps. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

June 13, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

11 Jun 24. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Boeing formally announced a new partnership Tuesday, June 11, 2024, that will bring 400 high-paying jobs to Volusia County, Florida, through 2026. New employees at this state-of-the-art center of excellence will perform engineering work for Boeing’s Defense, Space and Security aircraft programs and advanced technology capabilities.

Boeing will lease the entire Cici and Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology, located in Embry-Riddle’s Research Park, on the university’s Daytona Beach Campus. The center, which has been under construction for the past two years, will open for business by fall of 2024.

By year’s end, Boeing has committed to employ 200 highly trained workers at its new facility, aptly named Boeing Daytona Beach. The other 200 roles are set to be filled over the course of 2025-2026.

“Today is a momentous day — not just for Embry-Riddle or for the city of Daytona Beach, but for all of Florida,” said Mori Hosseini, chairman of Embry-Riddle’s Board of Trustees. “Four-hundred people and their loved ones will live and work here, invest in our local economy and, more broadly, in the future of aviation and aerospace. It’s an incredible impact, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the State of Florida, and Cici and Hyatt Brown.”

Philanthropists Cici and Hyatt Brown, who pledged $25 m to Embry-Riddle in 2022 — matching $25 m in support approved by Florida legislators that year and marking the single largest gift in university history — had lofty ambitions for their donation. Their goal was to create high-paying jobs through a revolutionary business makerspace at Embry-Riddle, and this goal was fully realized June 11.

“Our focused mission, now and in the future, is economic enhancement of entities in Volusia County that positively affect the quality of life for all our citizens,” Hyatt Brown said, after making the gift. “Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and other fine academic institutions are economic growth engines that augment and embellish local median family incomes and prepare citizens for productive, sustainable and visionary careers for generations to come.”

Community Impact

As part of its transition into the area, Boeing will make a $100,000 investment into several Volusia County nonprofit organizations.

To kick off this effort, the company will provide funding to support the Second Harvest Food Bank of Volusia County Schools Partnership Program, which offers a student-centered approach to increasing access to nutritious food for students facing hunger. Additional funding has been designated for local organizations supporting veterans and environmental programs in the area.

Later this fall, Boeing will also launch the DreamLearners Program in Volusia County Schools. The award-winning program offers students the opportunity to participate in hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs, and learn about careers in aerospace.

Those contributions are just a precursor to the broader economic impact Boeing will have on Volusia County, and on Florida, however.

According to Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., community impact has always been a priority for the university — both in developing the next generation of highly skilled workers to step into high-paying positions, but also in creating a hub where the business and education sectors can meet and collaborate

“The launch of our Research Park in 2017 marked a new era for Embry-Riddle,” Butler said. “By leveraging corporate partnerships, we’ve created a career pipeline that initially funnels students toward hands-on learning opportunities and, ultimately, fills jobs in the critical sectors of aviation, aerospace and STEM-related fields.”

And those efforts have paid off. According to an independent economic assessment released in 2021, Embry-Riddle’s Research Park generated $137 m in total economic impact in Florida, increasing the facility’s previous impact, reported in 2019, by 50%. In that same assessment, the park’s cornerstone facility, the “MicaPlex” (John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex), was also shown to have directly created over 120 jobs with an average salary of over $78,000.

Today, Boeing’s arrival promises to further expand those career, economic and community benefits.

Employment Opportunities

Boeing is committed to expanding the engineering work for its Defense, Space and Security programs and advanced technology capabilities at Boeing Daytona Beach.

“Increasing both our footprint in Florida and partnership with Embry-Riddle will accelerate innovation across combat aircraft programs,” said Steve Nordlund, Boeing Air Dominance vice president and general manager. “We expect this location to be attractive to not only Embry-Riddle graduates but also established aerospace engineers from across Florida and around the nation.”

At least 200 jobs will be filled at the new facility by the end of 2024. Learn more about Volusia County and life in Florida from Team Volusia. Information on career opportunities, and a portal through which to apply for positions, will be available online soon.

06 Jun 24. Leonardo’s AW149 helicopter production line takes flight in Poland. Poland can now manufacture AW149 helicopters domestically, a feat achieved in less than two years.

Leonardo, a global player in aerospace and defence, solidified its commitment to Poland’s security and technological advancement with the launch of the AW149 helicopter production line at PZL-Świdnik.

This milestone reveals Leonardo’s partnership with Poland but also pushes for a new era of self-reliance in the country’s defence industry.

With the opening of this production line, Poland can manufacture AW149 helicopters domestically, a feat achieved in less than two years since the contract’s signing. The move fosters the growth of its workforce, as local talents are engaged in the production process.

Poland has already taken delivery of two AW149 transport and utility helicopters from PZL-Świdnik for its land forces, as highlighted by GlobalData’s intelligence on the Polish defence market.

By leveraging investments in local production, Poland aims to reap economic benefits through job creation and technology transfer.

The AW149 helicopter programme represents a symbiotic relationship between Leonardo, PZL-Świdnik, and the Polish Ministry of Defence. A contract signed in 2022 covers production, integration, armament, modernisation, and technical support.

The AW149 helicopter offering competes to fulfil the UK’s new medium helicopter requirement. Leonardo’s AW149 faces competition from Airbus Helicopters, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.

Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters, emphasised the significance of PZL-Świdnik’s evolution from a manufacturer to a key market player, “There are growing requirements for our company based in Świdnik to continue to evolve from a manufacturer to a key market player that manages complex contracts and deliveries. The Polish MoD programme of AW149 is a clear example of this today.”

In 2016, the Polish Army’s air fleet expanded by delivering four W-3PL Głuszec helicopters developed by PZL-Świdnik and the armed forces. (Source: army-technology.com)

07 Jun 24. Rheinmetall pressing ahead with F-35A project: AERO-Bildungs GmbH commissioned with technical training for production mechanics.

Rheinmetall is pressing ahead with its F-35A programme. The technology group has commissioned AERO-Bildungs GmbH to provide technical training for the production mechanics for the centre fuselage section of the F-35A in Weeze.

AERO-Bildungs GmbH is a partner specialised in the field of technical training within the aviation sector. The mid-sized family business located in Oberpfaffenhofen in Bavaria will assist with planning of the training and the implementation of basic technical training. This shall enhance the knowledge and skills initially learnt at Northrop Grumman in the USA not only to be applied in Weeze, but also to be passed on to other employees in the same quality, thus enabling a transfer of knowledge. In cooperation with experienced Rheinmetall trainers, a dedicated training and competence center is being set up in Weeze to ensure sustainable knowledge building and ongoing employee qualification.

The commissioning of AERO-Bildungs GmbH as of April 2024 is the first step towards further integrating German companies into the F-35A delivery and supply chain for the Weeze site. It underlines the Duesseldorf-based technology group’s commitment to increasing German added value within the programme.

Rheinmetall has been commissioned by Northrop Grumman to produce at least 400 centre fuselage sections for the F-35A fighter aircraft in 2023. Extensive infrastructure measures are currently underway in Weeze, North Rhine-Westphalia, near the Dutch border. The aim is to complete the production facility in spring 2025 and then start production in summer 2025.

About Rheinmetall Aviation Services:

Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH (RAS), based in Bremen, was founded at the beginning of 2019 for strategic cooperation with Sikorsky in the Heavy Transport Helicopter (STH) procurement project. RAS has been working in close cooperation with the German Air Force at three different airfields since 2021/2022. RAS is seamlessly integrated into the German Air Force’s organisational structure and successfully takes over support, maintenance and repair of the CH-53G fleet.

Another important milestone was achieved in 2023 when RAS, in cooperation with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, entered into the production of centre fuselage sections for the F-35A. With an investment volume in the three-digit m euro range, Rheinmetall is currently building a state-of-the-art factory at the Weeze site in North Rhine-Westphalia for the production of at least 400 F-35A centre fuselage sections for the German Air Force and allied nations.

A new era in the air dimension will begin for Rheinmetall with the completion of the factory by the end of the first quarter of 2025 and the subsequent start of production and delivery of the first centre fuselage sections as of the first quarter of 2027.

About AERO-Bildungs GmbH

The company AERO-Bildung was founded in 2003 as a merger of the former Dornier departments for education and training and the technical school.

The technical school has been authorised to provide training for all classes of aircraft inspectors since 1984. In 1999 it received approval for JAR 147 and in 2004 for PART 147 Maintenance Training Organisation. With this recognition, AERO-Bildung offers basic training courses for all CAT A, B1, B2 licences and type courses for many common models. Since 2022, AERO-Bildung has been awarded as a training organisation in accordance with the new Bundeswehr standard DEMAR 147.

Industrial vocational training is offered for the job profiles of aircraft mechanic and aircraft electronics technician. For manufacturing companies in the aviation industry, programmes are also offered to qualify newcomers to aviation production.

MARITIME

12 Jun 24. US Navy christens latest Navajo-class T-ATS, USNS Cherokee Nation. USNS Cherokee Nation will be the second Navajo-class vessel to enter service in the US Navy. US Navy officials have christened the second Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue (T-ATS) ship to enter service at Bollinger Shipyards in Houma, Louisiana on 10 June 2024.

The new vessel is named USNS Cherokee Nation in honour of the Cherokee people, paying homage to the their significant contributions to the US Armed Forces and national defence. Cherokee Nation is the fifth US ship in history to be named in honour of the Cherokee people and the first since the Second World War-era Cherokee-Class fleet of US Navy ocean tugboats.

Navajo-class is operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command and provides ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue capabilities to support fleet operations.

T-ATS replaces and fulfills the capabilities previously provided by the Powhatan-class Fleet Ocean Tug (T-ATF) and Safeguard-class Rescue and Salvage Ships (T-ARS) class ships.

USNS Navajo, the first of the class, was christened T-ATS 6 from the same shipyard in late August 2023.

This new class of auxiliary ships will be deployed to support a range of missions such as towing, rescue, salvage, humanitarian assistance, oil spill response and wide-area search and surveillance operations using uncrewed underwater vehicles and uncrewed aerial vehicles.

T-ATS is a multi-mission common hull platform with a length of 263 feet (ft) (80 metres (m)), beam of 59ft (17.98m) and draft of 17.7ft (5.39m).

It has a displacement of 5,110 tonnes (t) and load carrying capacity of 1,796t. The winning design of Gulf Island was based on the Wartsila VS 4612 anchor handling tug supply vessel.

The propulsion system includes a diesel-mechanical propulsion plant with shaft generators. The ship has an installed power of 9,408kW with two 900kW bow thrusters and one 900kW stern thruster.

(Source: naval-technology.com)

AIR

12 Jun 24. First Kazakhstan A400M conducts maiden test flight ahead of delivery. Kazakhstan ordered two A400M transport aircraft from European OEM Airbus in 2021, with the first airframe on target for its H2 2024 delivery. The first A400M military transport aircraft for the Republic of Kazakhstan has conducted its first flight, a key milestone ahead of its delivery in the second half of 2024, as the central Asian country continues to develop its military ties with manufacturer Airbus.

Posting on social media on 10 June, manufacturer Airbus stated that the A400M took off from the company’s facilities in Seville to perform engine and aircraft systems tests in a flight that lasted for just under three hours. Prior to this first flight, as part of the certification process of the first of two A400Ms for Kazakhstan, the first engine run and taxi had taken place in April 2024, Airbus stated.

Kazakhstan placed an order for two A400M military transporters in 2021, in a deal that includes provision of platform maintenance and training support. Airbus stated at the time that the first aircraft was due to deliver in 2024, a timeframe that appears likely to be maintained.

At the time of the contract signing, Kazakhstan became the ninth confirmed customer for the A400M, joining the UK, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Germany, Turkey, Belgium, and Malaysia as current or future operators.

In total, Airbus has received orders for 178 A400M transporters, with deliveries of 126 aircraft having been completed, leaving a known backlog of 52 units.

As part of the 2021 deal, an MoU was signed to develop maintenance and overhaul services, including the creation of a Kazakhstan-based C-295 transport aircraft maintenance centre. This will be a key logistics capability for the country, which has a growing history with the European defence aeropace OEM.

According to data from Airbus’ annual reports, Kazakhstan has ordered 12 C295 tactical transport aircraft from the company, with 11 airframes having been delivered. Khazakstan’s C295 fleet has expanded since the original contract for eight aircraft was announced in March 2012. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

10 Jun 24. Mr Simon Day has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Gabonese Republic in succession to Ms Jo McPhail, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Day will take up his appointment during June 2024.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

07 Jun 24. MG Joseph B. Berger III for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as judge advocate general, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. Berger is currently serving as the deputy judge advocate general, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

07 Jun 24. MG Robert D. Harter for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as chief of Army Reserve, Washington, D.C.; and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Harter is currently serving as commanding general (Troop Program Unit), 81st Readiness Division, Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

07 Jun 24. MG Jeth B. Rey for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy chief of staff, G-6, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. Rey is currently serving as the director of Architecture, Operations, Networks and Space, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

07 Jun 24. BG Robert A. Borcherding for appointment to the grade of major general, with assignment as deputy judge advocate general, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. Borcherding is currently serving as legal counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C.

06 Jun 24. The Pentagon’s chief information officer will step down from his position at the end of June, the department announced Thursday. John Sherman will leave the government gig to become dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Under Sherman, the Defense Department refocused its approach to communications technology, spectrum management, cybersecurity, and positioning, navigation and timing policy. He told Congress last year that the U.S. must “regenerate” its electronic warfare capabilities after years of neglect to ensure dominance on the battlefield. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

07 Jun 24. BG Stephanie R. Ahern, director, Concepts, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Adelphi, Maryland, to director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

07 Jun 24. BG Frederick L. Crist, commanding general, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Eighth Army, Republic of Korea, to deputy director, C-4, Combined Forces Command; director of Logistics, U-4, United Nations Command; and director, J-4, U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea.

07 Jun 24. BG Kirk E. Gibbs, commanding general, Pacific Ocean Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, to deputy commanding general for Military and International Operations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C.

07 Jun 24. BG William C. Hannan Jr., commanding general, Transatlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Virginia, to commanding general, Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Oregon.

07 Jun 24. BG Martine S. Kidd, deputy director, C-4, Combined Forces Command; director of Logistics, U-4, United Nations Command; and director, J-4, U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea, to director for Logistics, Engineering and Security Cooperation, J-4, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.

07 Jun 24. BG Patrick A. Teague, senior defense official and defense attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office-Beijing, China, to senior defense official and defense attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office, India.

07 Jun 24. BG Geoffrey R. Van Epps, commanding general, Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Oregon, to deputy commanding general, III Corps, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

07 Jun 24. Col. (Promotable) Terri J. Erisman, staff judge advocate, III Corps, Fort Cavazos, Texas, to commander/commandant, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, Virginia.

07 Jun 24. Col. (Promotable) Grant S. Fawcett, deputy commander (Support), 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, to deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs (Europe, NATO, Russia), J-5, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

07 Jun 24. Col. (Promotable) Christopher A. Kennebeck, chief, Criminal Law Division, Office of the Judge Advocate General, Washington, D.C., to lead special trial counsel, Office of Special Trial Counsel, U.S. Army, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

07 Jun 24. Col. (Promotable) Steven M. Ranieri, executive officer to the Judge Advocate General of the Army, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to commanding general, U.S. Army Legal Services Agency; and chief judge, U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

U.S. Army Reserve

07 Jun 24. MG Timothy E. Brennan, deputy director, J-3 (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), U.S. Africa Command, Germany, to commander (Troop Program Unit), U.S. Army Support Command, First Army; and deputy commanding general, First Army Headquarters, Rock Island, Illinois.

07 Jun 24. MG Jeffrey W. Jurasek, commander (Troop Program Unit), U.S. Army Support Command, First Army; and deputy commanding general, First Army Headquarters, Rock Island, Illinois, to director of Operations, J-3 (Wartime) (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea.

07 Jun 24. MG Martin F. Klein, commander (Troop Program Unit), 75th Innovation Command, Houston, Texas, to deputy commanding general (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

07 Jun 24. BG Christopher W. Cook, commander (Troop Program Unit), 78th Training Division (Operations), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, to deputy commanding general – Support (Troop Program Unit), 63rd Readiness Division, Mountain View, California.

07 Jun 24. BG Michelle A. Link, deputy commander (Inactive Ready Reserve), Joint Task Force Red Hill, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, to commander (Troop Program Unit), 75th Innovation Command, Houston, Texas.

07 Jun 24. BG Andrew F. Scarcella, deputy commanding general – Support (Troop Program Unit), 88th Readiness Division, Fort Snelling, Minnesota, to deputy commander (Troop Program Unit), 78th Training Division (Operations), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

14 Jun 24. Renishaw: The engineering group has announced that its co-founder Sir David McMurtry will step down as executive chairman. McMurtry founded the company with John Deer more than fifty years ago and is a former chief executive of the business. He will remain on the board as a non-executive director. (Source: The Times)

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

06 Jun 24. Apogee, a leading provider of defense and security solutions for the US defense, government, and civilian industries, announced the appointment of Frank Varga as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 23, 2024. With this appointment, Mr. Varga succeeds CEO Wes Georges, who founded Apogee in 2004. As incoming CEO, Mr. Varga will focus on expanding Apogee’s impact across the federal and government markets and growing the company’s capabilities and solutions for its customers. (Source: PR Newswire)

12 Jun 24. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) announced today that William Vass has been appointed chief technology officer (CTO) and will join the firm’s leadership team effective June 17, 2024. Aligned with Booz Allen’s growth strategy, VoLT (Velocity, Leadership, Technology), Vass will focus on accelerating solutions that leverage the firm’s deep mission knowledge and leading position in AI, cyber, and software and data-centric capabilities. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

06 Jun 24. General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) announced today that Elizabeth L. Schmid has been appointed as senior vice president for Government Relations and Communications. Schmid joined General Dynamics in 2015 and has served as vice president for Government Relations since 2018. She previously served as vice president for National Security and Acquisition Policy at the Aerospace Industries Association, as a professional staff member and staff director for the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and as a Presidential Management Fellow in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. (Source: PR Newswire)

11 Jun 24. Kongsberg NanoAvionics hopes to significantly expand its government business after appointing national security specialist Atle Wøllo to lead the Lithuanian small satellite builder. The company appointed Wøllo as CEO June 10 to replace Žilvinas Kvedaravičius, who held the position on an interim basis following the departure of co-founder and former CEO Vytenis Buzas last year. Wøllo joined after nearly three decades at Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, which produces spacecraft subsystems and other products mainly for military customers and bought a majority stake in NanoAvionics in 2022. He was most recently senior vice president for special programs at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, part of Kongsberg, a Norwegian tech giant that recorded $3.7bn in revenue for 2023. (Source: Google/Space News)

06 Jun 24. Omega Optical (“Omega”), an Artemis company, announced the appointment of David Cooper as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 4 June 2024. David brings over 30 years of industrial technology leadership experience that will further Omega’s vision to be the most agile, customer-centric, technical partner for the design and development of mission-critical optics solutions that advance human health, mobility, connectivity, productivity and security. (Source: PR Newswire)

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

11 Jun 24. Equatorial Launch Australia has appointed a veteran ex-RAAF officer to oversee site operations at its spaceport. Joshua Daish previously worked in operations management at the ADF’s legendary Woomera Test Range, where he participated in the first flight trials of Boeing’s Ghost Bat “loyal wingman” drone. Daish will split his time between being based in ELA’s HQ in Adelaide as well as travelling to ELA’s Arnhem Space Centre spaceport in the Northern Territory. (Source: Space Connect)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

June 7, 2024 by

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

05 Jun 24. Australia: Military recruitment changes will likely partially mitigate security force capacity concerns. On 4 June, Australia introduced changes to its military recruitment policies as part of a broader effort to meet a target strength of 63,600 full-time personnel and to address a 4,400-person shortfall. Starting from January 2025, permanent residents from Canada, the UK and the US can enlist to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). New Zealanders can enlist from July this year. These countries, in addition to Australia, make up the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence-sharing network. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that the list will possibly expand in the future; Pacific nations are the most likely to be added in this case. The policy shift follows a governmental review which found that the ADF is not ‘fit for purpose’ in confronting China’s military expansionism. Marles highlighted the strategic need for change, citing Australia’s reliance on open trade routes and the necessity to resist foreign military coercion. Additionally, the Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme was modified to attract skilled military personnel from overseas in a further bid to enhance the ADF’s capabilities. If successful, we assess these initiatives will improve the ADF’s operational readiness in an increasingly contested region. (Source: Sibylline)

04 Jun 24. International Defence Force: ADF recruitment widened to non-Australian citizens. The federal government has announced expanded recruitment criteria to allow eligible permanent residents from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States to join the Australian Defence Force.

Under the newly announced changes, eligible New Zealanders who are living in Australia can apply to join the ADF from July this year while eligible permanent residents from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada will also be able to apply to join the ADF from January 2025.

As outlined in the National Defence Strategy, Defence must recruit, retain, and grow a highly specialised and skilled workforce. The new changes are expected to assist federal government initiatives to grow the Australian Defence Force.

“Australia and New Zealand have a longstanding relationship – opening the Australian Defence Force to New Zealanders living in Australia will increase opportunities whilst strengthening our Anzac bond,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said.

“The Australian government has chosen to grow the Australian Defence Force because it is essential to meet the nation’s security challenges through the next decade and beyond.”

As well as meeting ADF entry standards and security requirements, permanent residents wishing to join the ADF must have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately prior to applying, not have served in a foreign military in the preceding two years and be able to attain Australian citizenship.

Defence is also streamlining the existing Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme, which allows the ADF to fill capability shortfalls by recruiting skilled military overseas applicants.

Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said the changes are considered bold to grow the Australian Defence Force.

“Our people are our most important capability, but reversing the Defence recruitment shortfalls of the last government requires innovation,” he said.

“Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure our Australian Defence Force reflects the full diversity of Australia and is able to draw on the talents of the entirety of Australian society.”

In early 2023, the Defence Strategic Review, unveiled by the Australian federal government, revealed that Defence recruitment was considered a reoccurring issue across ADF, APS, and defence industry.

In addition, the document outlined that recruitment was likely to continue to deteriorate without creative and flexible responses, and recommended an increase in recruitment speed from application to enlistment to recruitment and the process of recruitment should be achieved in days, not months.

Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell, speaking at the Senate foreign affairs, defence and trade legislation committee (Senate estimates) meeting on 14 February, said current inflow rates remain below the level required to maintain the Defence Force.

“Recruiting and retention, Defence is addressing retention and recruitment as a priority. As at 1 January 2024, the ADF is 6.9 per cent or 4,308 people below its authorised strength (of total 62,735),” he said.

“Recruiting performance is highly correlated with unemployment: low unemployment, low recruiting, and vice versa.

“Nevertheless, considerable effort and innovation continue to inform changes to our recruiting system, focused in four areas of activity.

“Firstly, widening the aperture of eligibility to increase the number of potential applicants who might wish to join the ADF, including through consideration of non-citizen enlistment on a pathway to citizenship.

“Secondly, increasing the capacity of the recruiting system to manage a greater volume of applicants.

“Thirdly, improving recruiting processes so as to accelerate and thereby shorten the time taken to recruit an applicant.

“And finally, encouraging our people to remain in service through targeted retention initiatives. There have been some early encouraging results.

“Separation rates have declined from a high of 11.6 per cent per annum to 10 per cent, as at 1 February 2024. The size of our Air Force is at a 20-year high. The Australian Defence Force Academy has just commenced one of its largest intakes of trainee officers. Last year, Army graduated its largest cohort from the Royal Military College.

“Nevertheless, a considerable effort continues to be required to remediate our recruiting and retention challenges.” (Source: Defence Connect)

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

03 Jun 24. Mr Gareth Ward has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Georgia in succession to Mr Mark Clayton. Mr Ward will take up his appointment during August 2024.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

06 Jun 24. USMC MG Melvin G. Carter for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant for Information, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. Carter is currently serving as the deputy director of Cybersecurity for Combat Support, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland.

06 Jun 24. USMC MG Benjamin T. Watson for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commanding general, Training and Education Command, Quantico, Virginia. Watson is currently serving as the commanding general, 1st Marine Division, San Diego, California.

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

01 Jun 24. Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, AVSM, VSM assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, Indian Airforce Nagpur on 01 Jun 2024. He was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch of Indian Air Force on 19 Aug 1986. The Air Officer graduated from Regional Engineering College, Bhopal in Mechanical Engineering. He did his M. Tech in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Madras and was awarded Air India medal for standing first. He is also an alumnus of National Defence College. (Source: Google/https://pib.gov.in/)

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

06 Jun 24. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall expand strategic collaboration. Lockheed Martin, the global aerospace and deterrence company, and Rheinmetall, a leading international systems provider for security technology, have signed a new collaboration memorandum of understanding (MoU) at ILA Berlin. The two companies aim to collaborate in areas including land, air and naval forces as well as in simulation and maintenance. Specifically, this includes rocket artillery systems, laser weapon systems, simulation and training for land vehicles and helicopters, short-range air defence (SHORAD) and other areas of cooperation. Speaking at the signing event, Ray Piselli, vice president International at Lockheed Martin, said: “Today’s MoU marks a further step in the development of Lockheed Martin’s maturing relationship with Rheinmetall and will deliver business opportunities for both companies internationally. I’m excited by the opportunities ahead which will sustain German jobs, boost exports and enhance the country’s technical skills base well into the future.”

Dennis Goege, vice president for Central and Eastern Europe at Lockheed Martin, added: “This signing today builds on successful cooperation such as the German F-35 program or the GMARS rocket artillery system. It is a logical step for us to take our collaboration with Rheinmetall to a new strategic level which will strengthen our enduring relationship with German and European industries.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are pleased to take the next step in our proven cooperation with our US partner Lockheed Martin. Both companies have specific capabilities and technological expertise that complement each other perfectly. It is our declared goal to serve our customers from this ambitious partnership with cutting-edge technology that combines the best of both companies.”

Lockheed Martin has been a partner to the German industry for over 50 years and continues to strengthen these partnerships by working with companies like Rheinmetall that possess highly advanced technical capabilities. As part of the international F-35 supply chain, Rheinmetall will soon start the production of up to 400 F-35 center fuselages. The Düsseldorf-based technology group is thus creating at least 400 direct jobs for highly qualified workers in Weeze (North Rhine-Westphalia). In 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin teamed up to develop GMARS, a two-pod multiple rocket launcher system designed to meet the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery. If selected by the Bundeswehr, this system would bring significant workshare to the German industry.

03 Jun 24. Partnership with Lithuania: Rheinmetall and Minister of Economy and Innovation, Aušrinė Armonaitė, sign further agreement for a new factory. Lithuania takes another step towards strengthening its defence sector. The Lithuanian Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Aušrinė Armonaitė, has signed an agreement delineating the arrival of Rheinmetall, the German military industry giant, to Lithuania. The project has been granted the status of state importance.

“Rheinmetall establishing operations in Lithuania is a significant step towards meeting our country’s immediate defence and security needs. It will help us to ensure uninterrupted access to essential weapons and ammunition, as the products that European defence needs will be produced on Lithuanian soil. With an investment of more than EUR 180M, the new plant is also expected to create at least 150 new jobs,” Minister Armonaitė said.

The site of the investment project should be announced in the upcoming weeks. The plant is expected to produce tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition per year.

“We are grateful to have been selected by Lithuania as a partner of the defence industry. We are pleased to be able to make a contribution to national sovereignty in the field of ammunition,” said Maximilian Froch, Head of Strategic Programme Organisation International at Rheinmetall AG.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We at Rheinmetall are very grateful for this long-term partnership with Lithuania. It confirms us once again in our claim to be one of the pillars of national and international security provision.”

To ensure Lithuania’s security, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has also initiated legal amendments that facilitate the development of large-scale projects. Potential investors, including Rheinmetall, will be able to benefit from these new provisions.

The amendments simplify territorial planning, land procurement, and construction procedures. This will enable manufacturers in the defence industry to launch operations in Lithuania in the shortest possible time.

These amendments were drafted in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Office of the Government. It is expected that the Lithuanian Parliament will adopt these regulations during this year’s spring session.

The ‘Green Corridor’ initiative for large-scale investment projects, developed by the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation and launched in 2021, makes it easier and quicker for investors to set up operations in Lithuania, granting their project a status of state importance and a 0% corporate tax rate for a period up to 20 years.

The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has already signed contracts for 14 large-scale investment projects, which will create nearly 4,000 jobs and attract more than €1.25 bn in investment.

03 Jun 24. PT Len Industri (Persero) and Thales have signed an agreement on 30th May 2024, to launch a Joint Venture (JV) that will take Indonesia’s defence capabilities to the next level by reinforcing joint local industrial activities in manufacturing, engineering and services.

A Centre of Excellence, first of its kind in Indonesia, will be established to initially address the air surveillance requirements contributing to airspace protection capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force.
The Joint Venture is structured from the onset to be an agile platform able to expand to various other topics in the future, including but not limited to, C4ISR1, Military Satellites, Electronic Warfare, National Data Links, and National Combat Management Systems.

Two years on since the launch of DEFEND ID PT Len Industri (Persero) and Thales are proud to mark an important milestone on the 30th of May 2024, with the signing of the joint venture agreement, in the presence of Mr Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, State-Owned Entreprises (BUMN) Deputy Minister, Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO, Thales International and Fabien Penone, French Ambassador in Indonesia. The agreement was signed in Jakarta by Bobby Rasyidin, President Director for PT Len Industri (Persero) Holding DEFEND ID and by Nicolas Bouverot, Vice President Thales Asia.

Through this JV, PT LEN Industri (Persero) and Thales will kick-start a unique centre of excellence that will first address the Indonesian Air Force requirements in air operations, including collaboration on air surveillance radars and Command & Control (C2) systems. Thales will bring its deep expertise in radar technology, with transfer of knowledge. The JV will also cover Command and Control activities and the co-development of a national Air Operations Centre. Associated services, including Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) activities, will be carried out at PT Len’s site in Subang.

The signing of the JV Agreement is a step further for Thales in strengthening its local industrial footprint. By providing localised, engineering, maintenance and services with maximum operational availability, the JV will accelerate our response to end-user requirements and will strengthen proximity with the Indonesian forces. This joint venture aligns with the Indonesian government’s long-term “Made-in-Indonesia” strategy, thereby enhancing its sovereign capabilities. In addition, it will support DEFEND ID’s goal to increase the use of locally-manufactured components within the industry, enabling Indonesia to export its capabilities worldwide.

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Thales and explore further collaboration on these new topics that will bring advanced technology and greater value to the Indonesian defence industry. Through this JV, we can bring PT LEN products to compete in the global market. In the future, PT LEN and Thales will develop defence products and solutions that meet the needs and expectations of our local end users” Bobby Rasyidin, President Director, PT Len Industry (Persero) Holding DEFEND ID.

“I am pleased that the partnership between PT LEN and Thales has grown from strength to strength, resulting in today’s important milestone that entrenches Thales’ role in the defence ecosystem of Indonesia. We are establishing our Indonesian roots and driving change through training and transfer of knowledge. This joint venture will bring the best of both worlds, from Thales’ technological expertise, to PT LEN’s acumen and knowledge of local defence needs and challenges of our Indonesian end users. I have no doubt that this will help Indonesia strengthen its indigenous capabilities in the defence sector and is the start of many fruitful collaboration opportunities to come in other domains.” Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO, Thales International.

1Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance.

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

04 Jun 24. Team Defence has hired Ed Coleman, a project manager at BAESystems and already winning awards and acclaim – we are most fortunate to have him! Ed also serves in the British Army Reserves in the role of Company Second-in-Command. Please join me in welcoming Ed to our team and we particularly look forward to meeting many of you at DI24.

06 Jun 24. Terma, announces that its new CEO will be Henriette Hallberg Thygesen. With a series of senior positions in A.P. Moller Maersk and board positions in some of Denmark’s largest companies, she is a strong asset to take over the CEO position at Terma states the Chairman Carsten Dilling. On 19 August 2024, Henriette Hallberg Thygesen will assume the role of CEO at Terma. She will replace Jes Munk Hansen, who was announced earlier this year as the new CEO of ROCKWOOL. Henriette Hallberg Thygesen has held several senior positions at A.P. Moller Maersk – including CEO for the American and North Asian divisions of Damco, CEO for Svitzer, and head of Fleet & Strategic Brands. Most recently, she was Chief Customer Delivery Officer at A.P. Moller Maersk.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

06 Jun 24. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) today announced that retired Army Lieutenant General Scott Berrier has joined the firm as a senior vice president in Booz Allen’s national security business. In this role, Berrier will support and expand business growth and development across Booz Allen’s federal clients with a focus on strategic direction for intelligence. Berrier brings more than 40 years of experience as a joint intelligence operations leader, having most recently served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). In that role, he led more than 16,500 military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and contractors in the largest transformation in DIA’s history focused on the pacing challenge, and positioned the organization for strategic competition. He also served as U.S. Army deputy chief of staff for intelligence, where he stood up the Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Surveillance (ISR) Task Force and created the Army Counterintelligence Command (ACIC). (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

03 Jun 24. Capital Edge Consulting, the nation’s leading independent U.S. government contract consulting firm, is excited to announce that Tony Worick has joined the firm as Partner.. Based in the National Capital Region, Tony brings nearly twenty years of expertise in all facets of government contracting, having supported a large variety of both major and mid-size government contractors. Tony has earned the reputation as a government contracts expert from his clients, colleagues, competitors and by “Big Law.” Throughout his career, Tony has provided sage advice to numerous organizations on complex regulatory compliance matters and been embraced as an enabler to their corporate growth through his mastery of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, including agency supplemental regulations, Cost Accounting Standards, and 2 CFR 200 across both DoD and civilian agencies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

03 Jun 24. Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading innovator of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, today announced that Michael Pack, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Oshkosh, has been appointed as president of the Vocational segment, effective immediately, succeeding Jim Johnson in that role. Mr. Johnson is retiring from the Company, effective June 30, 2024. Oshkosh has initiated a search process with the assistance of a leading executive search firm to identify the Company’s next chief financial officer. Pack will continue to serve as CFO until a successor is named. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

03 Jun 24. Sypris Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq/GM: SYPR) announced today the appointment of Michael D. Sedgwick to the position of Vice President and General Manager of Sypris Electronics, LLC, effective June 3, 2024. Mr. Sedgwick will operate from the Company’s headquarters located in Tampa, Florida and will report to Jeffrey T. Gill, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sypris Solutions, Inc. Mr. Sedgwick will be joining Sypris following a successful career with SCI Technology, Inc., a division of Sanmina Corporation, where he most recently served as the Vice President of Defense and Aerospace Products and was responsible for the company’s product portfolio and electronics manufacturing services with annual sales in excess of $180m per year. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

04 Jun 24. Skydweller Aero, Inc. has selected a new Chief Financial Officer: Jilinda Crowley will be the company’s new CFO starting June 3, 2024. Jilinda brings tremendous skill and experience to the CFO role, having previously been CFO at magniX, and before that at Electra.aero. Prior to that, Jilinda held a series of senior positions with increasing responsibility at Rolls Royce: vice president of government relations, vice president of investor relations, CFO of Civil Small and Medium Engines, and senior vice president for Civil Aerospace Programs. In that position she managed the company’s $10 bn global engine and aftermarket business. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

03 Jun 24. Vision Products (www.visionproducts.llc) is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel P. Fata as a Strategic Advisor, bringing his decades of expertise in the aerospace and defense sector, government affairs, and strategic planning to the company. Mr. Fata has cultivated a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years. His extensive background includes roles in Congress, the Defense Department, the aerospace and defense industry, consulting, and renowned think tanks, making him a trusted advisor to C-Suite executives, Cabinet officers, military leaders, and public sector figures. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

May 31, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

30 May 24. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), U.S. Department of Defense, state and local officials celebrated the opening of the company’s new $18m engineering facility, labs and demonstration center in Huntsville. The 122,000-square foot facility has space for 500 employees who will advance national security capabilities and drive innovation in North Alabama.

“The crucial work being done here by our customers, our company, and our industry partners has made Alabama a key 21st-century, high-tech defense and deterrence provider that’s ramping up to ensure our troops will stay ahead of accelerating threats across every domain – land, sea, air, space, and cyber,” said Stephanie C. Hill, Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems president.

“I am proud to celebrate the opening of Lockheed Martin’s new engineering facility. Alabama is proud to support our military and defense sectors, and Lockheed Martin’s presence in our state plays a crucial role in advancing national security, ensuring that our nation remains at the forefront of technological advancement,” said Kay Ivey, Alabama Governor, “Lockheed Martin’s continued investment in Alabama is a testament to the strength of our workforce and the strategic importance of Huntsville in shaping the future of defense.”

Work performed at this site supports a more than 60-year legacy of Lockheed Martin customer partnerships in Huntsville supporting all domains air, space, land, sea and cyber.With the opening of this facility, Lockheed Martin’s footprint in Alabama expands to 30 work sites in the state employing over 3,300 people.

Teams in this new facility will advance Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security® efforts including:

Readiness and sustainment for the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, including the current Multi-Year X contract with production, Foreign Military Sales and all upgrades to the aircraft.

o The team is working toward a Multi-Year XI contract opportunity that will result in a modernized Black Hawk featuring more range, payload and networked connectivity to ensure the Black Hawk of tomorrow stays ahead of the threat.

Missile Defense Agency Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) system. C2BMC is a layered missile defense system providing commanders the ability to make synchronized decisions about threats at any range, in any phase of flight, from any location in the world.
Modeling and Simulation Contract – Framework and Tools program, supporting the modeling and simulation framework for the Ballistic Missile Defense System.

This site will further enhance the company’s 1LMX digital transformation that drives efficiencies, connecting and optimizing engineering tools to enable Lockheed Martin’s workforce to deliver critical capabilities with more agility.

A new Lockheed Martin Rotary Wing Innovation Center, equipped with a modernized Sikorsky Black Hawk mission simulator and next-generation capability simulation tools, will offer the Army an interactive view into the future of the Black Hawk and capabilities for the enduring fleet. The center will be a meeting place for key stakeholders across the military, government, and industry to chart a path forward for Army aviation for decades to come.

MARITIME

29 May 24. India to commission second nuclear submarine by end of 2024. India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) will be commissioned in the next few months, Janes understands. The vessel, which will be in service as INS Arighat once commissioned by end 2024, is going to be formally inducted almost seven years after it was launched. According to Janes data, Arighat was launched in Visakhapatnam in November 2017. It has a length of 111.6m, beam of 11m, draught of 9.5m, and a displacement of 6,000 tonnes. Arighat is one of three SSBNs that have been launched by India. First-of-class INS Arihant was launched in July 2009 and commissioned in August 2016, while a third yet-to-be-named vessel was launched in November 2021. Built at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Vishakhapatnam, Arighat is powered by an 82.5 MW pressurised light water reactor (LWR) developed with Russian assistance. The submarine can achieve a top speed of 24 kt, and a surfaced speed of 10 kt. The submarine is armed with 12 K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), developed by India’s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). (Source: Janes)

28 May 24. Italian Navy Launches Tenth FREMM Frigate, the Emilio Bianchi. The first sea going is planned for the last quarter of 2024, with the ship expected to be delivered to the Italian Navy in the third quarter of 2025 after completing outfitting activities. The Italian Navy has successfully launched its tenth FREMM frigate, the Emilio Bianchi, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Riva Trigoso on May 25, 2024, ahead of schedule and within expected timeframes. The Emilio Bianchi is an Anti-Submarine Warfare enhanced version of the FREMM frigate. So far, OCCAR-EA has delivered eight FREMM ships to the French Navy and eight of the ten ordered to the Italian Navy. Additionally, OCCAR-EA manages all Warship ISS (In-Service Support) for the entire Italian FREMM fleet. Launched with its combat system and platform equipment already installed and integrated, the frigate will soon be transferred to the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia). The first sea going is planned for the last quarter of 2024, with the ship expected to be delivered to the Italian Navy in the third quarter of 2025 after completing outfitting activities. This launch is a key milestone for the OCCAR FREMM Programme, a collaborative effort between Italy and France managed by OCCAR. The programme, under the supervision of OCCAR-EA FREMM SMs and the Italian Naval Directorate (NAVARM), is progressing swiftly, with both the ninth and tenth frigates scheduled for delivery to the Italian Navy in 2025. The ceremony was hosted by Fincantieri’s Chairman Claudio Graziano and CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, with notable attendees including OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker and Chief of the Italian Navy Admiral Enrico Credendino. The Emilio Bianchi is named in honour of an Italian military frogman who received a military gallantry medal during World War II. His daughter, Mrs. Elisabetta Bianchi, served as the godmother of the ceremony. (Source: naval-technology.com)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

29 May 24. USAF Col. Gordon R. Meyer for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Meyer is currently serving as chief of Joint Staff and director of Staff-Air, Joint Force Headquarters, Missouri Air National Guard, Missouri.

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

30 May 24. Raytheon Australia is set for a major shake-up as nearly half of its leadership team were confirmed to have left the global prime “effective immediately”. Defence Connect can confirm that four of Raytheon Australia’s nine-person strong executive leadership team are no longer employed by the company “effective immediately”, including long-term managing director, Michael Ward. According to an internal email on May 30, Ward, who had served for the company for 24 years had retired, with Ohad Katz to serve as interim Managing Director. Katz most recently served as Chief of Contracts and Supply Chain. He will work in both roles. The internal staff email also confirmed the departure of four additional staff, including Gerard Foley, chief of growth; Des McNicholas, chief of people & culture; Sarah Valentine, chief of corporate services; and Carly Habils, head of corporate services. Habils did not serve in the executive leadership team. Scott McRae, current general manager – Joint Battlespace Systems Product Line step in as chief of growth. Meanwhile, Peter Daniel, current head of human resources will commence and chief of people & culture. Velentine’s responsibilities are expected to be shared among other members of the leadership team, with Habil’s replacement due to be announced shortly. Defence Connect understands that staff were notified of the changes via email early on 30 May. (Source: Defence Connect)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

May 24, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

22 May 24. Philippines Navy establish new barracks in South China Sea. The National Defence Secretary visited the island, where he urged the need to preserve the West Philippine Sea from China. In a thinly veiled assertion over its exclusive economic zone, the Philippines Navy has announced it will establish new barracks on an island in the South China Sea. The facility will accommodate Navy personnel on Pag-asa Island, Palawan in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), located within the broader waters of the South China Sea. The country’s Defence Chief Gilberto Teodoro underscored the importance of defending the WPS on 16 May 2024, citing its significance for future Fillipino generations. Additionally, a new rural health unit with laboratories and a birthing facility will be built for the island residents.

“The WPS is the hope of the Philippines, so we cannot give up and must fight for it,” he urged.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Coast Guard are known to traverse territories across the Indo Pacific to assert their claim to areas beyond their legal domain. These Chinese services often engage other maritime forces through the use of water cannon, for example. (Source: naval-technology.com)

22 May 24. Teledyne FLIR Defense recently completed a major upgrade to its partner-supported service center capability in Turkey that performs maintenance and repair work on the company’s advanced surveillance and imaging systems. Managed and operated since 2015 by Istanbul-based Periter Arastirma ve Teknoloji A.S., the service center provides essential in-country support for a number of Teledyne FLIR customers and end users, both government and semi-government organizations.

Periter is authorized to service a wide range of Teledyne FLIR Surveillance products, including the Star SAFIRE® 380 series of airborne imaging systems, the Recon® series of hand-held thermal binoculars, as well as the SeaFLIR ® and TacFLIR ® 380 series of imaging and targeting systems.

“This marks a significant milestone for our partnership with Periter, one that will enable world-class, timely maintenance and repairs for essential mission equipment,” said Stan Crawford, Teledyne FLIR Defense senior director for the Middle East, Central Asia & Africa. “The new capital investment will ensure that most customer repair engagements will take place within Turkey and establishes Periter’s service center as one of the most capable centers outside FLIR’s own facilities, both in terms of skilled personnel and equipment.

“Upgrading Periter’s service capacity is a vital part of our global service center network strategy, providing efficient and critical mission support to customers worldwide,” Crawford added.

The recent Periter enhancements include upgrades to infrared and shortwave infrared (SWIR) calibration equipment, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) alignment, and various other advanced measurement and testing procedures.

FLIR Defense operates five prime service centers for its military and public safety Surveillance customers worldwide – two in the United States (Billerica, Mass. and Portland, Ore.), plus locations in West Malling, United Kingdom; Täby, Sweden; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The company also partners with expert local service providers at more than 30 regional service centers around the globe, close to customer bases and facilities. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

MARITIME

22 May 24. US Navy LCS programme reaches end of road with USS Pierre. The USS Pierre is the final Littoral Combat Ship to be built for the US Navy, a class that failed to live up to the hype that travelled with its unique twin-design programme. The US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme looks as though it will mark 2024 as being the end of the road for the twin-variant warship class, with the now officially named USS Pierre (LCS 38) joining the USS Cleveland as being the final iterations of their respective designs. Taking place at manufacturer Austal’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, on 18 May, the USS Pierre is the 19th and last of the Independence-class LCS vessels, which when conceived in the mid-2000s along with the Freedom-class variant, were intended to offer the US Navy a new multirole warship and fill the gap of the departed Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigates (FFG).

However, the vessels have been plagued by issues, to an extent that the US Navy has sought to decommissioned hulls decades ahead of schedule and develop the Constellation-class FFG to add much-needed combat capability to the service’s battleline.

Intended to provide forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence functions, the LCS are thought by the US Navy to be unable to operate in a contested environment such as could be seen in any conflict with China. Delays have also hit the mission modules designed to slot into the LCS warships to enable them to fulfill additional roles, such as mine countermeasure operations, further limiting their usefulness for the US Navy.

The procurement of the LCS programme was planned to see the introduction of 52 vessels split evenly between the two variants, but this was continuously scaled back before settling somewhat on a 32-ship fleet.

However, even this reduced ambition was unable to be met, with the US Navy currently operating 25 LCS (11 Freedom class and 14 Independence class) in its fleet, with at least two Independence class and two Freedom class due to be decommissioned later in 2024, or else sold to foreign buyers.

Earlier this year the final Freedom-class LCS, USS Cleveland (LCS 31), was provided its ship’s crest and will be the last of the 16 Freedom class warships.

The Littoral Combat Ship: a troubled tale of twin designs

The LCS class consists of two variants, Freedom and Independence, designed and built by two separate industry teams. The Independence-variant LCS is led by Austal USA and is recognisable for their unique trimaran design and even-numbered hulls.

The first Independence-class LCS, USS Independence, was commissioned into service in 2010, departing service 11 years later in 2021. The first four LCS, two each of the Freedom and Independence variants, were introduced into service effectively as trial ships, intended to test the platforms and operational concepts ahead of future builds.

According to the US Navy, the Independence variant is an aluminum trimaran design originally built by an industry team led by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for LCS 2 and LCS 4. Currently, Independence variant LCS (LCS 6 and subsequent even-numbered hulls) are constructed by Austal USA in the company’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard. (Source: naval-technology.com)

AIR

17 May 24. Indonesia receives final C-130J-30. The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has announced that it has received its fifth and final Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules. “The fifth C-130J-30 (with tail number A-1342) has arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta,” the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on 16 May. Janes has previously reported that the acquisition of the five aircraft was part of a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) contract with Lockheed Martin. According to the original delivery schedule, four C-130J-30s were to be delivered by October 2023, with the final aircraft to be delivered in January 2024. According to the MoD, three C-130J-30s were delivered in 2023: the first in March 2023 (serial no A-1339), the second aircraft in June 2023 (A-1340), and the third in August 2023 (A-1343). A fourth aircraft (A-1344) was delivered in January 2024. (Source: Janes)

16 May 24. BAE touts long-term relevance of Eurofighter to UK. BAE Systems has touted the continued relevance of the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 to the UK, saying the ‘fourth-generation’ combat aircraft can provide much-needed mass and resilience beyond its projected out-of-service date (OSD). Speaking at the site of the BAE Systems’ Warton production facility in northern England on 14 May, Mike Baulkwill, Combat Air Strategy director at the company, said that, with the international Eurofighter operator base set to fly improved and upgraded variants of the type out into the 2060s, the Royal Air Force (RAF) could retain its own aircraft beyond its current 2040 OSD. “The Typhoon will be relatively enduring, as sometimes you will not want to use your higher-end aircraft [such as the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning and/or Tempest] – the Typhoon and the Typhoon Evolution [along with Eurofighter Evolution, the name being given to the Long-Term Evolution [LTE] mid-life refresh standard aircraft now being developed] is in a good place for that,” Baulkwill said. (Source: Janes)

16 May 24. Military Ospreys Can’t Fly More Than 30 Minutes from Landing Airfield Months After Grounding Lifted. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy V-22 Ospreys were all given the green light to fly again in early March and have been slowly taking to the skies following a tragic crash that killed eight airmen late last year in Japan.

But months after the grounding was lifted, there are still restrictions in place that significantly limit the aircraft’s ability to operate, Military.com has learned.

The services are barred from flying the controversial tiltrotor aircraft more than 30 minutes away from a suitable airfield to divert to in case anything goes wrong. That has caused some of the services, such as the Navy, to continue relying on other aircraft to accomplish tasks that the Osprey would have taken on.

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Cmdr. Beth Teach, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, confirmed to Military.com on Thursday that the restriction was handed down by the V-22 Joint Program Office, part of Naval Air Systems Command, and is a requirement that all the services are following.

It was not immediately clear what would constitute a suitable landing zone for the tiltrotor aircraft which, by design, is meant to land quickly like a helicopter in austere conditions.

The Joint Program Office declined to comment to Military.com regarding the restriction.

A spokesperson for the Marine Corps could not provide details on the restriction, but said efforts are underway to return the aircraft to full operations.

“Operational security associated with our forward-deployed Marines and sailors limits our ability to provide details regarding any potential platform restrictions,” Capt. Pedro Caballero, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps, told Military.com when asked whether the restrictions applied to its roughly 350 Ospreys, the vast majority of the military’s fleet.

“The Marine Corps, after a thorough review of all available engineering data and with revisions to the flight manual in place, is now enacting a deliberate plan to return all 17 MV-22 squadrons to full capability,” Caballero said. “The Marine Corps’ three-phased approach begins with a focus on regaining basic flight currency, rebuilding units’ instructor cadres, and achieving proficiency in core and basic skill training for pilots and aircrew.”

Lt. Col. Rebecca Heyse, a spokesperson for Air Force Special Operations Command, told Military.com that the service is following the Joint Program Office’s guidance for their return to flight plans but didn’t provide additional details about current flight restrictions.

That restriction was publicly identified in a House draft text of the national defense authorization bill released this week. The bill details limitations and woes with the Navy’s variant, the CMV-22, and how it’s forcing the sea service to continue to rely more heavily on its aging C-2A Greyhound fleet, lawmakers wrote.

“The committee understands that current CMV-22 operations are limited to flights and missions that stay within 30 minutes of a suitable divert airfield,” according to the House Armed Services Committee document. “This prohibits the use of the CMV-22 for carrier onboard support of deployed aircraft carriers once they have left their homeport.”

The Navy used the Greyhound, which has been in service for 60 years and is slated to be retired by 2026, to fill the gaps when the Ospreys were grounded, but even though the Osprey is flying again, it appears the service is still relying on the planes.

That raised concerns for lawmakers who asked the Navy to provide House Armed Services with a report by Feb. 1, 2025, on how the service will adjust once the C-2A is no longer available.

“With no other option available, the committee supports this interim solution but recognizes it is not a viable long-term solution beyond 2026,” the draft bill said.

News about the Navy’s restrictions and that it affected all variants of the Osprey was first reported by Aviation Week.

All of the services have been cautiously returning to the skies following a Nov. 29 Air Force special operations Osprey crash off the coast of Japan that killed all eight service members on board — the deadliest CV-22 crash in the service’s history — and led to a monthslong, military-wide grounding of the aircraft.

Military.com reported earlier this month that the Air Force had begun conducting flight checks for its Osprey variant, the CV-22. The Marine Corps and the Navy began flying some of their aircraft in March, the same month the Joint Program Office gave the OK to resume operations.

The Osprey Joint Program Office provided few details on what mechanical failure led to the deadly crash and how it planned to fix it.

“We have high confidence that we understand what component failed, and how it failed,” Marine Corps Col. Brian Taylor, the manager of the V-22 program, told reporters in March. “I think what we are still working on is the ‘why.'”

Meanwhile, the Osprey is looking at a makeover that officials hope will keep the aircraft flying until at least 2055 — and beyond.

The Joint Program Office, which oversees the V-22’s development and operations, is looking to replace aging components in the aircraft’s cockpit, as well as test solutions for a mechanical issue that has led to more than a dozen mishaps in its operational lifespan.

“There’s a ton of life left in this platform and there’s a ton of mission left in this platform,” Taylor said last month at the Modern Day Marine Expo in Washington, D.C.

The mechanical issue the program office hopes to address involves a notorious clutch problem, called a “hard clutch engagement,” which contributed to a crash in 2022 that killed five Marines. It is also known to have been involved in at least 15 other V-22 incidents since 2010.

Taylor mentioned that the program office oversaw the disassembly of clutches within the aircraft, including V-22s with 2,000 hours of flight and those with less than a hundred, which “helped us better understand this environment inside of this clutch assembly,” he said.

He added that a new prototype for one of the likely culprits causing this issue — the input quill assembly — will be tested within the next month. That prototype includes 15 design changes, he said.

“When you purchase aircraft over about a 30-year span, you end up with some configuration challenges,” Taylor said. “And that’s what we’re still kind of working through.”

While operations are limited, Taylor said that Ospreys are abundant in the air — and have been for more than two months.

“I haven’t done this math problem, but it’s pretty safe to say that 24 hours a day, there’s a V-22 flying somewhere on the planet … doing our nation’s business,” he said. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Military.com)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

23 May 24. ASC puts new pay offer on the table as unions call for executive’s head. Government-operated submarine builder ASC Pty Ltd has put forward a new pay offer to striking South Australian submarine workers, as unions call for the sacking of the executive.

ASC Pty Ltd, formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation, is currently facing protected industrial action from Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) of Australia workers at its Osborne Naval Shipyard.

Around 300 trades and operator support workers providing maintenance and sustainment have been taking industrial action each day for the last three weeks over the pay dispute, reportedly resulting in ongoing stoppages.

Workers in South Australia are protesting against pay discrepancy with Western Australian workers, who allegedly receive around 17 per cent on average more, despite WA ASC workers being trained in South Australia and being reportedly paid more in the process than by those training them.

AMWU SA assistant state secretary Stuart Gordon said around 300 members across the AMWU, AWU and ETU want to see ASC chief executive officer Stuart Whiley removed from his position.

“This is a 100 per cent majority no confidence vote. Workers are fed up with Stuart Whiley’s personal self-interest. His massive pay increase (allegedly 31 per cent wage increase of $250,000) has come at the sacrifice of the workforce because for years, ASC has degraded workers’ wages. He should be sacked effective immediately.

“Why is Stuart Whiley paid an eye-watering salary that is north of $1 million from public funds to oversee submarine workers who are not paid their worth despite performing critical work in maintaining Australia’s naval defence system? Workers expect the CEO to address unequal pay experienced by SA tradespeople, but he continues to shirk off his responsibilities.”

The AMWU also alleged that Whiley has not attended a single negotiation meeting despite many requests and is the highest-paid CEO of a federal public entity in Australia.

“It’s quite incredible that his total package is worth $1,084,725, and he oversees a relatively small agency compared to the other public agencies and commissions that have far greater employees and scope,” Gordon said.

“This workforce has secured the future of Australian and South Australian shipbuilding. The workers have done so through their performance and by rallying in their own time to force the government to invest in shipbuilding in Australia, while the CEO has sat back reaping the rewards.

“These workers are needed for the AUKUS arrangement with BAE Systems and ASC to be successful. Unequal pay for work that is vital for our national security is unacceptable.”

The South Australian workers are the only ones in the country able to carry out the Collins’ deep maintenance, otherwise known as a full-cycle docking, which is necessary maintenance to keep the submarines operational.

AMWU, AWU and ETU members have recently rejected the offer by ASC of 6.75 per cent which is around 11 per cent short of parity with their counterparts in Western Australia.

ASC has reportedly presented an offer to the unions and its members that would provide an average increase of 12 per cent at the commencement of the agreement, with further opportunities for the employees to achieve additional increases through arbitration by the Fair Work Commission.

The shipbuilder has publicly stated that it has not threatened its workers with dismissal and is disappointed by recent comments against the executive that are not conducive to bargaining in good faith.

“I have complete trust in my executive team’s ability to undertake these negotiations with the AMWU. This is a normal and acceptable position for a large company such as ours,” managing director and chief executive officer Stuart Whiley said.

“While I do not attend these negotiations, I am fully briefed on the outcomes and will continue to work collaboratively with the executive team towards achieving a mutually beneficial outcome for ASC, the AMWU and its members.”

(Source: Defence Connect)

20 May 24. HMAS Anzac retired as RAN fleet enters long-term restructure process. The future Royal Australian Navy will increase in size but will have to endure a period of gradual decline in the medium-term. The long-serving eponymous lead vessel of the Anzac-class guided missile frigates (FFG) of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has been decommissioned after 28 years in operation in what might be seen as the first major step in a wider restructuring of the RAN surface fleet. Decommissioning HMAS Anzac will pave the way for the long-term investment in enlarging and enhancing the RAN’s fleet, in response to the recommendations made by the Independent Analysis of Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet, stated the Australian Department of Defence, in an 18 May 2024, release.

With the announcement, it was confirmed that HMAS Anzac would be the first of the Anzac-class FFGs to be retired, followed by its sister ship HMAS Arunta in 2026. With the decommissioning of HMAS Anzac, the RAN has seven vessels of the class still in service. If each of the remaining Anzac’s is expected to service for around 28 years, the last vessel in class, HMAS Perth, could be decommissioned in the 2034 timeframe. In February, the Australian Government announced that it would scrap the planned upgrades to the Anzac class, which are to be replaced by 11 new general-purpose warships able to conduct land and maritime strike, air defence, and maritime security operations.

The acquisition of the new general-purpose frigate was to be accelerated to replace the Anzac-class frigates, meaning the ‘Transition Capability Assurance’ upgrades would no longer be required. The new general-purpose frigates will require smaller crews than the Anzac class, the Australian Government stated.

With the decommissioning of HMAS Anzac, the RAN’s main surface combatant fleet has been reduced to ten frigates and destroyers, the latter type being the Hobart-class guided missile destroyers. Under the restructure of the RAN, the Hobart class will be upgraded with Aegis air defence capabilities.

The restructure also saw the reduction of the UK Type 26-derived Hunter-class frigate acquisition from nine hulls down to six, with the first vessels not expecting to enter service until 2031 at the earliest, potentially running into 2032.

Under original planning, the upgraded Anzac class was expected to begin decommissioning after 2030, and potentially into the 2040s.

Anzac-class frigates: Australia’s naval workhorse

In November 1989, the joint Australian/New Zealand frigate project contracted Australian shipbuilders Tenix Defence Systems (now BAE Systems Australia) to construct ten Anzac-class frigates; eight for Australia and two for New Zealand. The first frigate, HMAS Anzac, was commissioned for the RAN in May 1996.

The 3,600 tonne frigates were built at Tenix’s Williamstown yard in Victoria, Australia. The design is based on the Blohm + Voss Meko 200 modular platform which utilises a basic hull and construction concept to provide flexibility in the choice of command and control, weapons, equipment and sensors, depending on national requirements.

The RAN’s Anzac class have been extensively upgraded over their lifetime, adding new anti-submarine and anti-surface weapons capabilities, as well as updated radars. However, the cancellation of the Transition Capability Assurance programme, which would have extended their service life by several years, has brought an end to their upgrade process with the vessels now expected to operate with what capabilities they have until decommissioning.

In cancelling the Transition Capability Assurance programme, the RAN has sought to save the more than A$600m ($401m) assigned for the Anzac upgrade, which was also known as Sea 5014 Phase 1. (Source: naval-technology.com)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

22 May 24. Mr Giles Enticknap MBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Botswana in succession to Ms Sian Price who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Enticknap will take up his appointment during August 2024

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

17 May 24. USN Rear Adm. Jeffrey T. Anderson for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Sixth Fleet; commander, Task Force Six; commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa; and Joint Force Maritime Component commander Europe, Naples, Italy. Anderson is currently serving as director of Operations, J-3, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

17 May 24. USN Rear Adm. Christopher C. French for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as judge advocate general of the USN, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. French is currently serving as deputy judge advocate general of the USN, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

17 May 24. USN Rear Adm. Nancy S. Lacore for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as chief of USN Reserve, N095, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Lacore is currently serving as commandant, Naval District Washington, Washington, D.C.

17 May 24. USN Rear Adm. Scott W. Pappano for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as principal military deputy assistant secretary of the USN (Research, Development and Acquisition), Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Pappano is currently serving as program executive officer, Strategic Submarines, Naval District Washington, Washington, D.C.

17 May 24. USAF Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as superintendent, U.S. USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bauernfeind is currently serving as commander, USAF Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

17 May 24. Army Lt. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Europe-Africa, Germany. Bernabe is currently serving as the commanding general, III Corps and Fort Cavazos, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

17 May 24. USAF Maj. Gen. John J. DeGoes for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as surgeon general of the USAF, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. DeGoes is currently serving as deputy surgeon general, Office of the Surgeon General of the USAF, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

17 May 24. Army Maj. Gen. Brian S. Eifler for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy chief of staff, G-1, U.S. Army, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Eifler is currently serving as commanding general, 11th Airborne Division/deputy commander, U.S. Alaskan Command, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

17 May 24. USAF Maj. Gen. Thomas K. Hensley for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Sixteenth USAF, Air Combat Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Hensley is currently serving as deputy commander, Sixteenth USAF, Air Combat Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

17 May 24. USAF Maj. Gen. David H. Tabor for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy chief of staff, Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Tabor is currently serving as director of Programs, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

17 May 24. USAF Brig. Gen. Michael E. Conley for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, USAF Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida. Conley is currently serving as director, Operations, USAF Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

23 May 24. Forcys Limited and SH Defence Sign a MOU at the Defence Leaders CNE in Farnborough (UK). Forcys, a leading global maritime defence company, and SH Defence, part of SH Group, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the integration of Forcys’ advanced solutions into SH Defence’s Cube™ Modular Mission Capability system. The signing took place during the Combined Naval Event (CNE) in Farnborough (UK), with Ioseba Tena, Managing Director of Forcys, and Jimmy Gehring Sales Director of SH Defence, in attendance.

Forcys integrates and brings to the defence market world-changing solutions from leading technology partners Chelsea Technologies, EIVA, Sonardyne, Voyis, and Wavefront Systems. These companies are renowned for their innovative offering in underwater and maritime operations, making them ideal partners for SH Defence’s Cube™ system.

The Cube™ Modular Mission Capability system is the future in Maritime mission modularity. Capable of turning (almost) any platform into a future-proof multi-mission capability using interchangeable modules for all four dimensions of modern warfare.

This agreement follows the successful recent delivery of a Containerised ROTV (Remotely Operated Towed Vehicle) solution to a NATO Navy. In this project, Forcys’ sister company EIVA A/S delivered a ScanFish L ROTV, which was seamlessly integrated into an SH Defence Cube™, demonstrating the potential of this collaborative integration.

“We are excited about the opportunities this MOU brings,” said Ioseba Tena, Managing Director of Forcys. “Integrating our advanced solutions with the Cube™ system will provide operational flexibility and capability to naval forces worldwide. This collaboration underscores our commitment to enhancing maritime defence through innovation and strategic partnerships.”

Jimmy Gehring, Sales Director of SH Defence, echoed this sentiment, stating, “we are proud of the future cooperation with Forcys and look forward to promote our joint efforts to the defence industry.”

The MOU marks a significant step towards a deeper collaboration between Forcys and SH Defence. Both companies are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in naval operations, leveraging their combined expertise to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to defence markets worldwide.

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

20 May 24. JFD welcomes Peter Laughton MBE as Head of Military Diving. JFD Limited, part of James Fisher & Sons PLC, the world leading underwater capability provider serving the commercial and defence diving markets, is pleased to welcome Peter Laughton as Head of Military Diving to support the company’s continued growth within both the UK and international defence markets. Peter brings over 32 years of extensive operational experience in the Royal Navy, with a substantial part of his career at sea in frigates, destroyers, and minehunters. His specialisation since 1998 as a Mine Clearance Diving Officer, along with his recent operational command of a 12-nation International Maritime Security Construct and Coalition Task Force SENTINEL, ensures that, as Head of Military Diving, Peter will provide unparalleled expertise and knowledge to enhance JFD’s Defence Diving Product Line. As a member of the Defence Management Team, Peter will be accountable for the general management of our global Defence Diving team and responsible for the further development and implementation of our strategy and delivering mission success to our customers. A key part of Peter’s role will be working closely with our international teams and customers to develop JFD’s Military Diving product portfolio for the future, enhancing our offering in response to the requirements and challenges faced by modern dive teams.

23 May 24. His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as SSAFA’s new Patron. As a much-valued supporter, we are delighted and honoured to inform you that King Charles III is our new Patron. The Monarch’s patronage continues SSAFA’s long-standing association with The Royal Family, dating back to its earliest days when the then future queen, Alexandra, Princess of Wales, became the first President of SSFA (The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association), long before the formation of the RAF and SSAFA as it is known today. Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth went on to become joint Patrons of SSAFA – including the dark days of the Second World War – until the King’s death in 1952. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, had an active interest in SSAFA long before joining the Royal Family. She was a SSFA volunteer during the First World War, and frequently attended branch and fundraising events for the charity. On becoming Her Majesty The Queen Mother, she continued as co-Patron, this time with her daughter, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who took on the role upon her ascension to the throne. The Queen continued to honour SSAFA with her Patronage until her death in September 2022.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

23 May 24. Academy Securities, a registered broker-dealer, certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), today announced the addition of Vice Admiral Collin Green (a U.S. Navy SEAL) to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Prior to retiring, Vice Admiral Collin Green last served as the deputy commander of the United States Special Operations Command. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

22 May 24. BAE Systems, Inc. today announced that former National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Director Betty Sapp has been appointed to its Board of Directors. Sapp joined the NRO, a joint Department of Defense – Intelligence Community organization, in 1997, and in 2012, was named the first woman to serve as director of the agency. After serving as the 18th Director of the NRO for seven years and as a CIA officer for more than 20 years, she retired in 2019. Additionally, she was Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence from 2007-2009. She began her career as a United States Air Force officer, serving 17 years in various roles that included acquisition and financial management assignments on space and satellite programs.

22 May 24. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced its board of directors has elected Dr. Heather Wilson to the board, effective today. Wilson served as the 24th Secretary of the U.S. Air Force from 2017 to 2019 and is the president of the University of Texas at El Paso, a 24,000-student research university.]]

22 May 24. TrustPoint, Inc., a venture-backed deep tech company dedicated to developing and providing next-generation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) products and services, welcomes Charles Beames as Executive Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. Beames brings over three decades of aerospace and investment expertise to TrustPoint. In his new role, Beames will lead the TrustPoint board and work closely with the company’s executive team in their mission to deliver solutions that address the evolving needs of GPS customers and stakeholders worldwide. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

May 17, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

16 May 24. Silentium Defence pushes for greater share of US market. South Australian passive radar developer Silentium Defence has announced a further commitment to the US market, posting co-founder and chief experience officer Simon Palumbo to a new base in Virginia, USA.

Palumbo will assume the role of executive vice-president at Silentium Defence Corporation and will be responsible for in-country customer support, business development, talent acquisition and growth of the US team.

The move follows Silentium’s first US contract announced in October 2023 and is a direct response to increased demand for its MAVERICK M8 passive radar systems across the defence, commercial, and government markets.

“It is clear we have a unique technology that addresses a specific capability gap in the current operating picture, especially as it relates to counter-UAS and expeditionary force protection,” Palumbo said.

“Our low-size, weight and power passive radar system is highly mobile and can see everything in the airspace, even non-emitting objects like silent, autonomous systems and dark drones.

“As the conflict in the Ukraine continues to demonstrate, these threats pose a clear and present danger to troops and mission success. We are committed to getting our systems into the hands of the warfighters as quickly as possible to overcome that challenge and help protect what matters.”

Recently trialled at Exercise Trident Spectre 2024 and exhibited at SOF Week in Tampa, Silentium’s MAVERICK M8 passive radar goes from backpack to operational in less than seven minutes to provide persistent, covert surveillance of the environment.

Already in various stages of trial and use by the Australian Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as global customers and partners, Silentium is the only company in the world delivering passive radar systems for surveillance of sea, air, land, and space.

“Ours is a globally relevant technology and now is the time to get it into the hands of the people who can benefit from it the most, our defence force and allied partners,” Dr James Palmer, chief executive officer of Silentium Defence, said.

“Simon’s posting to the US is a clear demonstration of our commitment to that market, directly aligns to our global growth strategy, and reflects the size and scale of opportunities we have identified.

“His presence in country expedites our ability to respond to those opportunities and capitalise on our recent momentum.”

Palmer remains at the helm of the Australian operation and will continue to drive the 60-strong team headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, while Palumbo will leverage his deep customer and industry relationships in the US to convert current opportunities and build the operational and leadership footprint required for scale. (Source: Defence Connect)

14 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Dedrone Opens Office at UAS Denmark Test Center. Dedrone is set to leverage the test facilities at UAS Denmark Test International Test Center (UAS Denmark) at the Hans Christian Andersen (HCA) for real-time development and testing, offering access to cutting-edge sensors and threat simulation capabilities. UAS Denmark Test Center in Odense, Denmark, serves as a premier unmanned systems technology test and development hub. It results from a collaboration between HCA, Odense Municipality, and the University of Southern Denmark. The mission at UAS Denmark is to enhance the potential of drones by providing optimal conditions for startups, businesses, and public entities, offering access to top-tier testing facilities, expertise, skills, and a vibrant ecosystem right in the heart of Europe’s robotics hub in Odense.

“We are happy to witness that our test center serves as a hub for the entire drone ecosystem – both in terms of physical drones and their software systems as well as anti-drone technology (counter UAS/C-UAS),” says Head of UAS Denmark Test Center Michael Larsen, adding:

“With Dedrone we are adding an internationally acclaimed counter-drone specialist to our ecosystem, and we are confident that both Dedrone, the test center and our other companies will benefit Dedrone’s presence at the airport.”

Established in 2014 and based near Washington D.C., Dedrone operates in 32 countries and is utilized by five G-7 nation governments.

This move marks Dedrone as the second American company to establish a presence at HCA Airport this year. In an earlier development in 2023, Thunderstrike Aviation unveiled plans to construct a test, development, and demonstration center at the airport.

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

MARITIME

13 May 24. New German Navy corvette christened, boosting coastal defence. Karlsruhe’s modernisation signals enhanced surveillance and engagement in coastal waters. In a ceremony at the NVL Blohm+Voss location in Hamburg, the German Navy welcomed the christening of the corvette Karlsruhe. The event, attended by dignitaries from politics, business, and administration, highlighted the importance of the new corvettes in bolstering surface reconnaissance and maritime target engagement, particularly in coastal waters. Karlsruhe’s First Mayor, Gabriele Luczak-Schwarz, underscored the city’s longstanding association with the German Navy, dating back over a century. With pride, she christened the third unit in the name of Karlsruhe, emphasising the vessel’s role in promoting peace, democracy, and human rights across the world’s oceans. The christening ceremony symbolised the launch of a new ship and the bond between the city of Karlsruhe and its naval counterparts. The new corvettes, manufactured by the joint venture K130, comprising NVL Group, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and German naval yards Kiel, represent a technological leap forward in naval warfare. Equipped with technology, these vessels are poised to expand the German Navy’s operational capabilities. According to GlobalData’s intelligence on the German defence market, the German Navy has five Braunschweig-class corvettes in its fleet, acquiring them between 2008 and 2013. Tim Wagner, CEO of the NVL Group, emphasised the corvettes’ importance in the fleet’s modernisation efforts. Despite challenges in the construction process, including the integration of command and weapon deployment systems, Wagner affirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to ensuring the timely readiness of these assets. Beyond their combat capabilities, the corvettes serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts of diverse professionals, each contributing their specialised skills to the design and production process. From logistics and service provision to crew training, the construction contract encompasses a range of tasks. As the corvette Karlsruhe undergoes final equipment and testing in Hamburg, anticipation grows for its operational deployment. With all five corvettes in various stages of production, the German Navy looks ahead to a future marked by enhanced maritime security and presence in coastal regions. In other recent German naval developments, Damen Shipyards Group, in collaboration with NVL Group, commenced constructing Germany’s largest maritime project with the steel-cutting ceremony for the F126 frigates at the Peene shipyard in Wolgast. (Source: naval-technology.com)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

15 May 24. HMAS Sirius sails into history as Australia’s largest vessel scrapped. The RAN fuel tanker finds new life as scrap metal after 15 years of service. In a departure from its days as a naval asset, HMAS Sirius, one of the largest vessels to grace Australian waters, has embarked on its final journey – this time to the scrapyard. After 15 years of service as a RAN fuel tanker, the decommissioned ship has been transformed into scrap metal, marking the end of an era. Located at the Australian Maritime Complex facility near Perth, industry partner Birdon Group took on the task of dismantling Sirius, a vessel steeped in history and significance. Acting First Assistant Secretary Strategy Planning and Independent Assurance Suzanne Kerrigan expressed satisfaction at Birdon Group’s successful bid.

“We are pleased to see the successful disposal of one of the largest ships in Australia to have been awarded to an Australian industry partner,” Ms Kerrigan said.

Initially commissioned in 2006 and named in honour of HMS Sirius of the First Fleet, the vessel underwent modifications to fulfil its role as a naval fuel tanker. Over the years, HMAS Sirius played a role in various operations, from delivering fuel to the RAN fleet at sea to conducting patrols during operations Resolute and Red Raptor.

Following its final deployment to Southeast Asia and the South West Pacific, HMAS Sirius officially retired from service in December 2021. As it undergoes recycling, the ship’s materials will find new life in projects across Australia and beyond.

Despite this development, naval vessels and surface combatants are the second-largest sector by forecast value in Australia’s defence market, according to GlobalData. The cumulative market value is $9.9bn, with a positive CAGR of 2.4%. Australian expenditure on naval vessels is anticipated to increase from $1.5bn to $1.7bn in 2028. Kerrigan highlighted the significance of recycling the vessel: “After the Sirius deconstruction, 99% of the ship’s materials have been recycled for the industry for the development of new projects, which will be used across Australia and the world. It is encouraging knowing that her ongoing service continues as she is recycled into new projects.” Though its days at sea may be over, Sirius reincarnates through new ventures and endeavours. (Source: naval-technology.com)

13 May 24. RoK plans to retire F-4 Phantom IIs in June. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) is preparing to retire its Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) F-4E Phantom IIs in June 2024. The fleet conducted final weapon launches and a cross-country flight as it prepares to wind down from service, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on 13 May. Four F-4E Phantom IIs took off from the RoKAF’s Suwon Air Base on 9 May for the commemorative flight, the MND added. (Source: Janes)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

16 May 24. Russia will expel the UK’s defence attaché in Moscow in a retaliatory move for the expulsion of its own representative from London last week, the foreign ministry said on Thursday. It confirmed that the decision was a tit-for-tat response after the UK expelled Russia’s defence attaché, who the British government said was an “undeclared military intelligence officer”, last Wednesday. Moscow viewed that move as “a politically motivated action with a clearly expressed Russophobic character, which deals irreparable damage to bilateral relations”, Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement. Russia’s response would “not be limited” to the expulsion, the ministry added, without elaborating. The British diplomat has been given a week to leave the country. Grant Shapps, UK defence secretary, called Russia’s retaliation a “desperate” response. “Whilst Russia’s DA in the UK was acting as a spy, Putin’s only issue with ours was that they personified the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of his illegal and barbaric invasion,” he said on X. (Source: FT.com)

04 May 24. SAS faces perfect storm of overstretched troops and shrinking talent pool. Cuts to Army troop numbers leave special forces struggling to recruit enough personnel to meet their operational needs.

The Special Air Service Regiment is facing a perfect storm of being operationally overstretched while recruiting from a shrinking talent pool, senior defence sources have claimed.

Cuts to Army troop numbers mean that Britain’s special forces have struggled to recruit enough personnel to meet their operational and training commitments with both the SAS and the Special Boat Service (SBS) undermanned, defence sources have disclosed.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Sunday Telegraph has revealed that almost every infantry regiment, from which the SAS recruits the vast majority of troops, is short of personnel, some by almost 100 soldiers.

The FOI reply shows that all five of the King’s Guards regiments are understrength, with the Scots Guards being the worst recruited.

Key units such as tank, artillery and engineering regiments, which also supply personnel to the SAS, are facing troop shortages too.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) did not include figures for the Parachute Regiment, whose soldiers make up 50 per cent of the SAS, and the Royal Marines, who supply the vast majority of troops to the SBS.

But figures obtained by The Telegraph last week revealed that since 2016, the strength of the Parachute Regiment had fallen by almost a tenth from 2,200 troops to 2,030 in October 2023, while the Royal Marines have fallen by more than 1,000 marines from 7,110 to 6,040.

The Ranger Regiment, which is composed of about 660 personnel and is described by the MoD as “Special Forces capable”, is also facing troop shortages. According to the MoD, the Rangers should be composed of four units of 250 personnel each.

When the war on terror began in 2001, the Army was composed of around 110,000 personnel but the current trained strength of the British Army stands at 73,150, a figure which will reduce to 73,000 by next year.

The last time the Army was this small was in 1770, just prior to the US War of Independence when George III was on the throne and the Army was composed of 48,000 troops.

More now leaving than joining

Meanwhile, the size of the SAS and SBS has remained the same and their operational commitments have increased, although now both units received operational support from the Special Forces Support Group, which is largely composed of Paras.

Both the SAS and SBS are currently deployed in Iraq, Syria, the Baltics and have reported as undertaking training missions in Ukraine.

Troops from the SAS and the SBS also conduct numerous training missions around the world, especially in Africa, where they help train the special forces of the UK’s allies.

Two special forces selection courses are held every year and those who pass are given the option of serving in the SAS or the SBS. Up to 100 experienced soldiers attend each course but fewer than 10 are usually selected and the recent courses have produced even fewer recruits.

Defence sources have said that more members of the special forces are now leaving than joining which is placing SAS and SBS personnel under even more strain.

One source told The Sunday Telegraph: “The SAS is about to be hit by the perfect storm of over-tasking and being understrength – it simply cannot recruit enough personnel because it won’t lower its standards and the talent pool is now too small. Something will have to give very soon.

“It’s alway been a struggle to get enough volunteers of the right calibre to join the SAS and the SBS but it is even harder now.”

Extremely demanding and rewarding

The Special Reconnaissance Regiment, which is also part of the Tier 1 Special Forces Group, has a different selection process and recruits both men and women from all three of the armed forces and so the recruiting pressures are seen as being not as severe.

The SAS source added: “Life in the special forces is both extremely demanding and rewarding but it is not as glamorous as most people, even in the Army, think. It is a continuous round of unrelenting operations and training interspersed with leave.

“The toll is huge and it is little wonder that the regiment has the highest divorce rate in the Army.”

Colonel Phil Ingram, a former Army Intelligence Corps officer who worked with the special forces during his career, said: “A shrinking number of personnel in the military will have a disproportionate impact on special forces recruitment as the pool of potential volunteers is reducing.

“The Paras have survived numerous troop cuts because they are a traditional feeder for SF but this is a growing worry and an unsustainable situation. Modern conflicts need increased special forces – smaller recruiting pools have a severe negative impact.

“This puts more pressure on those already in SF roles and that impacts retention. This is not a healthy cycle for our wider security.”

An MoD spokesperson said: “By spending £75 billion more on UK defence over the next six years, we will be the biggest defence power in Europe, and have already deployed 20,000 personnel this year to the largest NATO exercise in a generation.

“Headline numbers do not define the British Army’s effectiveness and we are already making the Army more integrated, agile, and lethal, helping protect the UK at home and abroad.

“Increasing recruitment and improving retention across the Armed Forces are absolute priorities and we have put in place a number of measures, including improved career opportunities and making it easier for people to re-join, on top of the largest pay increase in more than 20 years.”

(Source: Daily Telegraph)

16 May 24. 30,000 forces families helped to buy own home with life-changing government support. In the 10 years since the Forces Help To Buy scheme launched, over 30,000 families have so far benefitted from government support, with more than £450m in interest free loans issued to service personnel to help them get onto the property ladder.

More than £450m provided to help service personnel onto property ladder as Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) celebrates 10th anniversary
Over 5,000 expect to benefit from scheme this year, the highest since its launch
Scheme offers interest-free loans of up to 50% of an individual’s annual salary

Nearly 30,000 service men and women have been helped to buy their own home thanks to a life-changing government support scheme celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The Ministry of Defence’s Forces Help to Buy scheme has provided more than £450 million in financial support and helped 29,400 service personnel onto the housing ladder since launching in April 2014.

More than 5,000 service men and women are expected to take advantage of the scheme this year, which would be the highest annual figure since the launch.

The scheme offers interest-free loans of up to 50% of an individual’s annual salary, with a maximum limit of £25,000.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, said: “Getting onto the housing ladder is an aspiration for so many people across the country and through Forces Help to Buy, we’ve been able to make that dream a reality for thousands of service families. These incredible men and women sacrifice so much in service of their country and I’m proud we’ve helped over 30,000 of them take the life-changing step onto the housing ladder over the past decade. I look forward to supporting many more in the years to come. By helping service personnel secure a permanent residence for them and their families, the scheme also supports spouses to develop their own careers and ensure their children have a stable start in life. The Forces Help to Buy Scheme is open to regular personnel and the loans can be used towards the deposit, legal fees, and other costs associated with buying a property.”

Staff Sergeant Sean Hanlon said: “After renting locally we wanted to put down roots to allow my partner Nicola to concentrate on her own career. Forces Help to Buy provided the financial aid and support we needed to ensure we had the home we desired. The best part about having our house is it’s ours. Having somewhere for Nicola and our dog Reggie knowing they are settled and happy is important for a good work life balance.”

The scheme started as a pilot and was made permanent at the beginning of 2023 as a commitment in the Defence Accommodation Strategy.

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

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

17 May 24. General Dame Sharon Nesmith DCB ADC Gen is to be appointed as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of General, in succession to General Gwyn Jenkins CB OBE ADC Royal Marines in June 2024.

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

16 May 24. Babcock signs UK charter to secure critical nuclear skills. Babcock has reinforced its commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs to deliver national security and energy resilience. Alongside Nuclear Skills Executive Council members, Babcock CEO David Lockwood signed the new UK Nuclear Skills Charter, a collaborative approach to delivering the 10-year National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills (NNSPS), to upskill and retain the current workforce, to attract skilled employees from across the UK, to significantly increase the investment in early careers, as well as investing in the nuclear leaders of the future. The NNSPS will build a strong and resilient UK nuclear capability for the future.

David Lockwood, said, “The defence and civil nuclear sectors underpin thousands of jobs across the UK and this collaborative national endeavour is about making sure the UK has the skills it needs. With Government, academia and industry working together, we will upskill today’s UK nuclear workforce and open up career opportunities to a broader range of people. Attracting people with different backgrounds and experience will help ensure the UK has the nuclear skills needed for today and tomorrow.”

Babcock plays a critical role across the nuclear enterprise, delivering nationally important programmes such as the maintenance of the UK’s fleet of nuclear submarines and the provision of critical support to the country’s nuclear power facilities. As a key industrial partner delivering the NNSPS, Babcock is taking a leading role in developing the South West regional hub, working collaboratively with industry and education partners to identify areas of opportunity for enhancing nuclear skills. Babcock is actively supporting Destination Nuclear, the first ever national nuclear communications and recruitment campaign, and has provided full-time executive support to the government-led task force. Last year, Babcock launched its own Skills Academy, focusing on developing the current and future nuclear skills it needs to support the UK’s civil and defence sectors, including supporting the submarine enterprise. More than 2,000 people are expected to pass through the Skills Academy in its first three years, and a further 10,000 over the following five years.

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

17 May 24. A new era of leadership at MCL After six years at the helm of Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL), Shane Knight has retired as MCL’s managing director. Shane has led the company through some of its most successful and exciting years and we wish him well in his next journey. Last week, MCL announced the appointment of Claire King as the new managing director. Claire has over 20 years’ experience in the defence sector, having joined MCL from Leonardo in 2012. Throughout her career she has taken on supply chain, commercial, and sales and marketing roles primarily within the C4ISR Land and Maritime domains within both the UK and international defence and security markets. Claire has drawn on her experience in larger defence organisations to great effect within her former roles as head of business development and sales and marketing director.

14 May 24. Raytheon UK, part of RTX’s Raytheon business, has today announced the appointment of James Gray as its new chief executive and managing director, effective 1 June 2024. Since 2018, Gray has served as the managing director of the company’s Cyber, Space & Training business where he has secured significant growth building enduring sovereign capabilities. He succeeds Jeff Lewis, who is retiring after serving in the role for the past four years.

15 May 24. Ursula Biernert succeeds Peter Sebastian Krause as Chief Human Resources Officer. The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Employee Relations Director of Rheinmetall AG in office since 2017, Peter Sebastian Krause (64), will officially retire at the end of his Executive Board contract on December 31, 2024, bringing his long career at Rheinmetall to a close just before his 65th birthday. After joining the Rheinmetall subsidiary Pierburg GmbH in 1997, the law graduate held a number of different management positions at various subsidiaries and at the holding company before finally being appointed to the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG in 2017. He will be succeeded by Dr Ursula Biernert (54), who, after working in human resources at Volkswagen, Porsche, Thales and DB Cargo, previously worked as CHRO and Employee Relations Director at the automotive supplier Leoni AG. The full handover to Ms. Biernert will take place with effect from October 1, 2024already to allow for a rapid and smooth orientation. From 1 October 2024, the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG will therefore consist of Armin Papperger (CEO), Dagmar Steinert (CFO) und Dr Ursula Biernert (CHRO). The Supervisory Board and his colleagues on the Executive Board would like to thank Mr. Krause for his valuable work over many successful years together.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

14 May 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announces that Dave Keffer, corporate vice president and chief financial officer, has announced his intent to retire, effective February 21, 2025, to spend more time with family. In addition, Mark Caylor, corporate vice president and president of Mission Systems, has announced his intent to retire, effective July 26, 2024. The board of directors has elected Kenneth B. Crews, vice president of business management and chief financial officer for the Space Systems sector, to succeed Keffer, effective October 1, 2024. Crews will become vice president, Corporate Finance on July 1, and work directly with Keffer to ensure a smooth transition. Effective July 1, Roshan Roeder, corporate vice president and president of Defense Systems, will succeed Caylor as president of Mission Systems. The board of directors also has elected Ben Davies corporate vice president and president, Defense Systems sector, to succeed Roeder. Davies is currently corporate vice president and general manager of the Strategic Deterrent Systems (SDS) division in Space Systems. The SDS division, which includes the Sentinel program, also will be realigned into Defense Systems effective July 1.

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

13 May 24. Riaz Saloojee joins Incomar. Riaz Saloojee is now Head of Strategy and Business Optimisation at Incomar. Aerospace and defence company Incomar, in addition to expanding its capabilities and adding new aircraft to its fleet, is also adding key personnel to its team, with former Denel executive Riaz Saloojee taking up the role of Head of Strategy and Business Optimisation. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

May 10, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

10 May 24. BCB International Ltd have won a UK Government grant that will allow the implementation of the FireDragon Fuel for Ukraine (FFU) project. Funds will introduce FireDragon to the following target markets.

The Ukrainian Military – FireDragon was employed by the British MoD in 2014 following reports that hexamine was damaging frontline soldiers’ health. The project aims to distribute our clean cooking fuel to the Ukrainian military to ensure frontline soldiers have access to a high performing, clean cooking fuel.
The internally displaced – Ukraine contains 3.7 million displaced people; many have resorted to using traditional fuels for cooking. Increasing costs of firewood is forcing many to explore forests which are littered with unexploded mines. The project will work with NGO’s to ensure our clean cooking fuel is made available to those who have been displaced by the War.
Ukrainian households – Nationwide blackouts are extremely common, It is imperative that a safe to use clean cooking fuel is available in times of blackout.

Funds will be used to coordinate market research and to set up a solidified ethanol factory in Ukraine. The project is concerned with helping the most vulnerable in Ukraine, therefore fuel affordability and social inclusivity is at the heart of the project.

Andrew Howell Managing Director of BCB International said:

““ BCB International are delighted to be setting up a factory to manufacture our Fire Dragon eco solid fuel in Ukraine. We will be proud to be supporting and helping not just the Ukrainian armed forces in the front line, but also the civilian population, when the power infrastructure is damaged.”

09 May 24. Corvus Technology Solutions has opened an office in the Republic of Korea to support the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) program. Corvus is in final negotiations with Australian company, Hanwha Defence Australia, a subsidiary to South Korean company, Hanwha Aerospace Systems, to manufacture in Australia nearly 2,000 suspension units for the Australian Army’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle. This contract will make Corvus Technology Solutions one of the top suppliers to Hanwha Defence Australia on the Redback project. The suspension units, 14 of which are on each Redback vehicle, improve ride, comfort and manoeuvrability in the field. They also provide better under vehicle blast resistance and vehicle survivability than other designs by avoiding the use of torsion bars. The new office, officially opened on 5 March, will oversee the technology transfer from South Korea to Bayswater in Victoria where the work will take place, in a move likely to create around 40 technical jobs over the life of the project. (Source: Google/ADM)

06 May 24. Hanwha Phasor, a UK-based satellite communications business, today announced that following a successful four years in the UK, it has opened its first office in the United States. The initial focus of the business will be on developing its market position in the US which presents a wider potential for the portfolio of user terminals. The office, located in Virginia, will serve as the primary base for the Hanwha Phasor employees based in the US, including the Vice President Business Development Mike Young, the recently joined Business Development Director, Rick LePage, and the new Commercial Director Aviation, Scott McCobb. Alongside the new US office, Hanwha Phasor has two office locations in the UK. These include the business’ international headquarters in London as well as the ASICs Centre of Excellence in Cambridge. Recent contract signings with Lufthansa Technik and OneWeb have demonstrated that there is strong interest in Hanwha Phasor’s range of satellite communication products. The business’ unveiling of its land user terminal, the Phasor L3300B, at Satellite 2024, in Washington DC, generated significant interest in a land-based electronically steered antenna which has a strong use case for both the military and emergency services. The A7700 user terminal designed for use in aviation, which will transform satellite-based communications and connectivity for aircraft, is due to be released in mid-2025.

MARITIME

09 May 24. USNS Earl Warren delivered. MSC welcomes the arrival of USNS Earl Warren. US Military Sealift Command (MSC) received the delivery of its latest fleet replenishment oiler, USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), from shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO.

This addition marks another step forward in maritime logistics support and commemorates the legacy of a figure in American history.

With a length of 746 feet, the vessel, named in honour of Earl Warren, symbolises maritime advancement and a tribute to a figure in American jurisprudence.

In other oiler developments in recent years, the US Navy celebrated the delivery of the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), the second vessel of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers, which enhances at-sea operations with improved fuel supply capabilities. Construction commenced for the USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), named after the suffragist.

The future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) was also named to honour the civil rights activist and former Supreme Court Justice. These vessels, designed by General Dynamics NASSCO, signify advancements in the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force. They will provide vital fuel replenishment capacity at sea and reinforce the fuel delivery system for the US Navy’s operations worldwide.

This class has forthcoming vessels named after luminaries such as Robert F. Kennedy and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

General Dynamics NASSCO, the shipbuilder behind the USNS Earl Warren, continues to deliver vessels that enhance maritime capabilities.

According to GlobalData’s report on “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033“, General Dynamics is the third leading supplier of naval vessels and surface combatants in North America; it is set to hold a 5.6% share of the North American market over 2023–33.

As MSC marks its 75th anniversary in 2024, the addition of USNS Earl Warren shows its dedication to supporting the joint warfighter across military operations. With a workforce comprising thousands of dedicated personnel, MSC’s mission is to ensure operational readiness and logistical support for the US Navy and deployed forces worldwide. (Source: naval-technology.com)

09 May 24. US ship USNS Robert E. Simanek christened in ceremony. General Dynamics NASSCO and MSC unveiled the seventh Expeditionary Sea Base. The USNS Robert E. Simanek, the latest addition to the US Navy’s Expeditionary Sea Base programme, was christened at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego in a ceremony attended by dignitaries and military officials. The USNS Robert E. Simanek (ESB-7) was also a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Private 1st Class Robert E. Simanek, a hero of the Korean War. Representatives from General Dynamics NASSCO and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) joined forces to unveil the seventh vessel in the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) programme. The event drew a distinguished gathering, including political figures, military leaders, and members of the Simanek family, all united in honouring the ship’s namesake.

The daughter of the late hero, Ann Simanek Clark, bestowed the traditional christening honour upon the vessel.

Construction on the USNS Robert E. Simanek started in December 2021, and the keel was authenticated just short of a year later, in October 2022. These 784-foot ships are configured with a 52,000 square-foot flight deck to support MH-53, MH-60, MV-22 tilt-rotor, and H1 aircraft operations.

The vessel is poised to undertake a range of maritime missions, from supporting Special Operations Forces to conducting airborne mine countermeasure operations.

The USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8), the sixth ship in the ESB programme, is scheduled to be christened in 2025. The first four ships in the ESB programme – USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), and USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) – have been delivered to the US Navy.

In October 2023, General Dynamics NASSCO clinched a contract from the US Navy worth up to $754m. This agreement entailed modernising, maintaining, and repairing two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and the USS James E. Williams (DDG 95). (Source: naval-technology.com)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

09 May 24. Israeli labor dispute could disrupt production of Arrow 3 weapon. The Israel Aerospace Industries workers’ union has announced a labor dispute and is threatening to disrupt the company’s supply to its customers.

The dispute, announced Monday, follows the Israeli Finance Ministry’s demand that it regulate so-called salary anomalies found within the state-owned defense company. The government is seeking the return of hundreds of millions of shekels that IAI employees received over multiple years without governmental approval, contrary to what is customary in state-owned firms.

But the union describes the anomalies as incentives, claiming they are primarily meant to help with employee retention. The union wants the salary deviations to be incorporated into the company’s budget.

The union added that if the Finance Ministry does not meet its demands, the supply of the Arrow 3 air defense system to Germany, which is the largest defense deal in the history of Israel and the company, will be among the disrupted programs.

“Our goal is not to harm the company or its customers,” Yair Katz, chairman of the union, told Defense News. “Rather, exactly the opposite: to preserve it by preserv[ing] our employees.”

“Since our demands were not met by the Ministry of Finance, we declared a labor dispute, and we now demand the intervention of the prime minister,” Katz added.

Katz said IAI workers will not carry out their threat of disruption until after they have exhausted discussion procedures with all the relevant parties, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the minister responsible for the authority of government companies, David Amsalem.

A meeting held with Amsalem on Tuesday — which also involved IAI management, the union committee and the salary commissioner with Israel’s treasury — ended without an agreement.

“The employees don’t want foreign customers to think twice about doing business with the IAI, but if our issue will not be addressed, it is possible that the prime minister will receive complaints from foreign leaders about delivery delays of systems, and then he will understand the magnitude of the crisis and intervene to solve it,” Katz said.

The treasury has said it is ready to meet with the company’s management and union representatives to discuss a new collective agreement that will respond to the changing labor market.

However, the union said the proposals from the latest meetings did not address the issue to their satisfaction.

Defense News has learned that during Tuesday’s meeting with Amsalem, the parties decided to try drawing up an interim agreement within a week that would last for three months, during which they would discuss a permanent agreement to resolve the issue. An interim agreement is yet to be signed.

On Thursday, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced that officials representing the government and the German Defence Ministry met to discuss the production of the Arrow 3. The contract was signed in November 2023 after approval from the U.S. government in August that year. Germany is set to receive its first Arrow 3 battery as early as the end of 2025. Germany has already transferred $600m of the $3.5bn deal, and IAI is supposed to complete the delivery of the remaining batteries up through the end of 2030.

IAI has experienced so-called salary irregularities for several years, with the treasury bringing them up annually. Until the recent dispute, the Israeli government had conceded to one-off salary increases for IAI employees, while also agreeing to discuss with the union a way to settle so-called salary anomalies and set up a new employment agreement. But these discussions never ended in a resolution.

The workers’ union and the company itself are united in the union’s demand to incorporate the alleged salary anomalies into the company’s budget.

IAI is fully owned by the Israeli government and as such is subject to supervision by the Finance Ministry, which outlines the salary framework for the company’s managers and employees.

“IAI employees have been working 24/7 since Oct. 7, and the decision of the salary commissioner at the Ministry of Finance comes in the most wrong timing,” Boaz Levy, the chief executive of IAI, told Defense News, referring to the day Hamas attacked Israel, which led to the ongoing war in Gaza.

“Wage irregularities are nothing new, and the issue can wait until the war subsides,” Levy added. “The company’s management and its employees should not be distracted from their work due to this issue. And the company’s board of directors, its management and its workers’ union stand together in opposition to it. The company is ready for a new collective agreement, but this is not the time.”

The executive expressed confidence that the prime minister’s intervention would help, noting that any resolution would be ”a temporary solution until the end of the war,” after which there would need to be “a comprehensive solution.”

The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to Defense News’ request for comment.

The Finance Ministry declined to discuss whether it will impose sanctions on the company, its management or its employees — or whether a solution has been found.

However, the ministry did tell Defense News that its commissioner in charge of payments “is not opposed to salary promotions for IAI employees, provided that these promotions do not lead to a deepening of the existing salary anomalies.”

Amid the dispute, Levy said, the company will “continue to work fully, both with our clients abroad and in Israel.”

“But I cannot declare that there will be no disruption, since I do not know what the day will bring,” he added. (Source: Defense News)

09 May 24. End of an era as SAAF Dakota retirement looms. After 81 years of military service in South Africa, the C-47 Dakota is finally being withdrawn from the South African Air Force (SAAF). Air Force Base Ysterplaat-based 35 Squadron, which operates the type, was this week told that the aircraft will be phased out.

This is hardly surprising as they have not flown for about two years. In September last year Armscor told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) that all eight C-47TPs in the SAAF’s inventory were grounded, with the prospect of them never flying again due to challenges finding a maintenance provider.

A request for maintenance last year elicited no valid bids, and Armscor was forced to cancel the process for the second time. “The Dakota C-47TP is a very old aircraft, thus the support for this aircraft is very limited in South Africa and the world,” Armscor stated. “Due to the age of the aircraft, it is no longer supported by the OEM [original equipment manufacturer]. There are no AMOs [aircraft maintenance organisations] with a Dakota C-47TP stipulated on the Operational Specification.”

Armscor added that there have been numerous attempts to get a support contract for the C-47TP Dakota fleet since 2018, which resulted in no valid bids and several user requirement specification amendments. “Discussion are being held with SAAF regarding the future usage of the aircraft due to reasons indicated above,” Armscor stated in its presentation to the PCDMV last year.

The C-47 Dakota entered SAAF service in 1943. At one stage in the 1980s, the SAAF had the distinction of operating the largest fleet of Dakotas in the world. The Dakota carried out yeoman service during the Border War from the 1960s through to the end of hostilities in 1988, performing such roles as troop transport, resupply, medical evacuation, paratrooping and other ancillary activities.

Following the end of the Border War, the number of squadrons operating the Dakota was reduced, along with the disposal of airframes.

The early 1990s saw a large number of Dakotas upgraded to ‘TurboDak’ configuration under Project Felstone. This conversion involved replacing the piston engines of the classic Dakota with two Pratt and Whitney PT6A 65R turboprop engines, lengthening of the fuselage and installing modern avionics. Thereafter, the aircraft were re-designated as the C-47-TP TurboDak. Between 1989 and 1994, twelve aircraft were converted to C-47-TP standard.

35 Squadron has been associated with the Dakota since 1985, when several C-47s were acquired to replace the recently retired Avro Shackleton MR3 in the maritime surveillance role.

When 25 and 27 Squadrons were amalgamated with 35 Squadron on 31 December 1990, additional Dakotas were utilised for air transport, leaving the Squadron responsible for both the Maritime and Transport roles. The classic piston-engined workhorses were finally withdrawn in September 1994 and replaced with the modified turbine engine C-47-TP Dakota.

Apart from the Squadron’s maritime role and transport role (consisting of paratrooping, target towing, scheduled passenger services, aero medical evacuation and logistical support), the Squadron also performs other support functions. These include electronic intelligent gathering, tactical image (photo) reconnaissance and numerous training functions, such as navigator and telecommunication operator training.

As a result of rationalisation that has taken place over the last few years, only five C-47TPs remain in SAAF service, where they serve with 35 Squadron in Cape Town in a variety of roles. The variants operated are three in maritime surveillance configuration and two in transport configuration. The sole Electronic Warfare platform was previously taken out of service. Not all are currently airworthy and none have flown for some time.

The actual date of withdrawal is not currently known, nor details of any final flight or disposal plans. One or two aircraft still undertake regular ground engine runs.

It would appear that 35 Squadron will not be closed, but may operate another current SAAF platform to keep pilots current.

An official announcement from the SAAF is still awaited. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

08 May 24. The Australian Defence Force has announced the decommissioning of the minehunter coastal vessel, HMAS Huon (II) later this month. HMAS Huon (II), the first of six Huon Class minehunter coastal vessels, will be decommissioned on Thursday, 30 May, following 25 years of service with the Royal Australian Navy. A decommissioning ceremony is expected to be held at the ship’s homeport of HMAS Waterhen in Sydney, NSW, on the same day.

The 52-metre long, 46-crew member, 1,600 nautical mile ranged vessel was originally commissioned in May 1999 and launched in July 1997 after being designed in Italy from the Italian Navy’s Gaeta Class and built by ADI Newcastle. It was outfitted with improved accommodation and minehunting modifications to suit Australian conditions. The Huon name was derived from Australian rivers, and it was the second ship to carry the title after World War I River Class Destroyer, HMAS Huon (I).

HMAS Huon (II) featured a unique hull design with an inherently low magnetic signature to facilitate operation in hostile mine environments. It also was equipped with variable depth sonar capable of detection ranges in excess of 1,000 metres ahead of the ship, a pair of electrically powered Bofors Underwater Systems Double Eagle mine disposal vehicles equipped with a searchlight, closed-circuit low-light television camera and an onboard close-range identification sonar.

It was also fitted with an MSI DS30B Oerlikon 30mm rapid-fire cannon, the only 30mm cannon in service with the Australian Defence Force.

Earlier this month, the ship’s company of HMAS Huon marched through the streets during a Freedom of Entry ceremony in Huonville, Tasmania. The crew of Royal Australian Navy minehunter HMAS Huon and members of the Navy Band marched in a Freedom of Entry ceremony at Huonville in south-east Tasmania in a tradition that dates back to medieval times. Granting of Freedom of Entry is the highest accolade a town can award a military unit, bestowing the right to march through the streets with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and ensign flying. The ceremony is a mark of trust and respect.

Late last year, HMAS Huon was one of the vessels tasked by the Royal Australian Navy to conduct search operations in the vicinity of Lindeman Island, Queensland, on July 2023 during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23. The vessel provided underwater sensor, sonar detection, clearance diving and remotely operated vehicle capabilities in assistance during the multinational and multi-agency search effort following an Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter impacting waters near Lindeman Island on 28 July last year. (Source: Defence Connect)

08 May 24. Australia: Strikes at major shipyard will potentially cause delays to existing submarine maintenance. On 6 May, workers at Australian state-owned submarine manufacturer ASC Ltd began strikes at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, demanding higher wages. While around 300 workers went on strike for an hour on Monday, a separate meeting of union members decided to extend their strike actions indefinitely. These strikes will possibly disrupt maintenance for Australia’s submarines. This industrial action will likely delay maintenance on the Collins-class submarines, with significant impacts expected on scheduled works for the HMAS Rankin and repairs on the HMAS Sheean if the industrial action drags on. The Osborne shipyard is slated to construct Australia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact between Britain, the US and Australia. However, with construction slated to begin in the late 2020s, the project is less likely to be impacted by the current industrial dispute. This industrial action follows Australia’s announcement in February, which saw the nation commit to building up its naval capabilities with an additional AUD 11.1 bn in defence spending. This expansion, including its joining of the AUKUS pact, is a response to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific, driven by the rivalry between the US, its allies and China. (Source: Sibylline)

06 May 24. Slap in the face: Submarine workers drop tools over wage parity. Submarine workers in South Australia have commenced strike action and branded current arrangements as a “slap in the face”, as they seek wage parity with other parts of the country.

Hundreds of tradespeople critical to the survival of Australia’s future AUKUS submarine fleet are calling for pay fairness and walking off the job at government-operated ASC maintenance and sustainment facility on 6 May.

The facility is part of the Osborne Naval Shipyard, where 350 trades and operator support workers are taking protected industrial action over poor pay and conditions. It’s understood that Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), Australian Workers’ Union, and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) members recently rejected an offer by ASC which was 7 per cent short of parity with their counterparts in Western Australia.

It’s alleged by the unions that ASC workers in Western Australia receive 17 per cent on average more than ASC workers in South Australia, despite Western Australian ASC workers being trained in South Australia and being paid more in the process than by those training them.

The AMWU is seeking ASC address the discrepancy with South Australian wages, according to Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union SA assistant state secretary Stuart Gordon.

“South Australian workers are performing essential work and critically support the ASC workers in Western Australia. Why are these workers treated any less than those out west?”

“The SA division of ASC fulfils a vital role in Australia’s submarine capability by performing a huge volume of work unlike anywhere else across the country. They are the only team able to carry out the Collins’ deep maintenance or full-cycle docking where the boat is completely stripped down and has its massive diesel engines and main motor removed and refurbished. The WA division of ASC only do the running maintenance of the boats and breakdowns. The SA submarine workers are constantly helping and training their WA colleagues and fixing all the equipment they remove as the SA division has the skills, expertise, and knowledge to undertake these tasks.

“Hundreds of submarine experts work on the Collins Class submarines which are an essential part of Australia’s current naval capability. It’s a slap in the face for trainers in SA who are being paid less than those they are training. They should be paid more, but they’re just asking to be paid the same. These workers deserve respect. (Source: Defence Connect)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

10 May 24. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has put his former defence chief and outspoken Russia critic in charge of the interior ministry amid heightened concerns about Moscow-backed spying. Announcing his first government reshuffle since taking office in December, Tusk on Friday said Tomasz Siemoniak will run the interior ministry while retaining his current role as co-ordinator of domestic intelligence services. Siemoniak was defence minister from 2011 to 2015 during Tusk’s previous term as prime minister. (Source: FT.com)

10 May 24. Ms Samantha Job CMG MVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden in succession to Ms Judith Gough CMG. Ms Job will take up her appointment during August 2024.

09 May 24. Mr Malcolm Green has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in succession to Ms Faye O’Connor OBE. Mr Green will take up his appointment during August 2024

09 May 24. Ms Danielle Dunne has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Paraguay in succession to Mr Ramin Navai who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Dunne will take up her appointment during January 2025.07 May 24. Mr Ramin Navai has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador in succession to Mr David Lelliott OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Navai will take up his appointment during December 2024.

07 May 24. Mr Patrick Lynch has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar in succession to Mr David Ashley who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Lynch will take up his appointment during August 2024.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

09 May 24. USMC LG Stephen D. Sklenka for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant for Installations and Logistics. Sklenka is currently serving as the deputy commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii.

09 May 24. USMC MG Calvert L. Worth Jr. for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Worth is currently serving as the commanding general, 2d Marine Division, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

09 May 24. USMC MG Gregory K. Anderson for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Anderson is currently serving as the commanding general, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum, New York.

09 May 24. USMC MG Jered P. Helwig for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Helwig is currently serving as commanding general, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

09 May 24. Army Col. Terri J. Erisman for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Erisman is currently serving as staff judge advocate, III Corps, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

09 May 24. Army Col. Christopher A. Kennebeck for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Kennebeck is currently serving as chief, Criminal Law Division, Office of the Judge Advocate General, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

09 May 24. Army Col. Steven M. Ranieri for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Ranieri is currently serving as executive officer to the Judge Advocate General of the Army, U.S. Army, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

09 May 24. USAF Col. Lisa A. Nemeth for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Nemeth is currently serving as the Air National Guard advisor to the commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois.

09 May 24. USAF Col. Peter M. Boone for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Boone is currently serving as the chief, Programs Division, Office of Legislative Liaison, National Guard Bureau, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

09 May 24. Navy Vice Adm. John F. Wade for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Third Fleet, San Diego, California. Wade most recently served as commander, Task Force Red Hill, Camp H.S. Smith, Hawaii.

09 May 24. Navy Rear Adm. Michael J. Vernazza for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Naval Information Forces, Suffolk, Virginia. Vernazza is currently serving as commander, Fleet Information Warfare Command Pacific/Information Warfare Task Force (TF-501), Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

08 May 24. USAF MG Jason T. Hinds for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe; and deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Hinds is currently serving as director of Operations, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany.

04 May 24. Rear Adm. Heidi K. Berg will be assigned as deputy commander, Navy Space Command; and deputy commander, Fleet Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Berg is currently serving as assistant deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy, N3/N5B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

04 May 24. Rear Adm. Nicholas M. Homan will be assigned as deputy director, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations; and director, Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations Center, J-3, Joint Staff, Fort Meade, Maryland. Homan is currently serving as director, J-2, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

04 May 24. Rear Adm. Kevin P. Lenox will be assigned as director, J5, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Lenox is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, Bremerton, Washington.

04 May 24. Rear Adm. Darryl L. Walker will be assigned as president, Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island. Walker is currently serving as commander, Combined Joint Task Force, Cyber, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland.

04 May 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Benjamin R. Nicholson, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as assistant deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy, N3/N5B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Nicholson is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

04 May 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Kristen Acquavella will be assigned as commander, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapons Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Acquavella is currently serving as director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, N4, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

04 May 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Eric J. Anduze will be assigned as deputy director for Joint Training, Joint Staff, Suffolk, Virginia. Anduze is currently serving as deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa, Djibouti, Africa.

04 May 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Kurtis A. Mole will be assigned as deputy commander, Joint Forces Headquarters-Cyber (Navy); and deputy commander, Fleet Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Mole is currently serving as deputy commander, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland.

04 May 24. Capt. Kevin J. Brown, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, with additional duties as director, Tidewater Market/chief of Medical Service Corps, Portsmouth, Virginia. Brown is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Medical Readiness and Training Command/Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

04 May 24. Capt. Todd F. Cimicata, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific; and commander, Task Force Seven Three, Singapore. Cimicata is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.

04 May 24. Capt. Jorge R. Cuadros, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic; and director, Fleet Installations and Environmental Division (N46), U.S. Fleet Forces Command, with additional duties as fleet civil engineer (N01CE), U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Cuadros is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Washington, D.C.

04 May 24. Capt. Marcos A. Jasso, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Plans, U.S. Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Jasso is currently serving as director for Operations, N3, Maritime Operations Center, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

04 May 24. Capt. Cassidy C. Norman, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, Joint/Fleet Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Norman is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia.

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

10 May 24. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine has made another change in military leadership by appointing Brigadier General Oleksandr Trepak as the new commander of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The decision, announced through two presidential decrees, marks the second replacement of the SOF commander in just six months, following the dismissal of Colonel Serhiy Lupanchuk. Brigadier General Oleksandr Trepak, the appointed successor, has an extensive background, particularly noted for his leadership during the defense of Donetsk airport in 2014 against Russian-backed forces. Since then, Trepak has been actively involved in defense operations in eastern Ukraine, where he has been instrumental in various strategic operations against separatist forces. His military career has been marked by commendations including the title of Hero of Ukraine. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

03 May 24. Babcock partners with AEROCAMPUS Aquitaine to enhance skills and careers in France. Babcock announced a new partnership with the AEROCAMPUS Aquitaine, a school dedicated to careers in aviation and space maintenance. As part of our commitment to skills development and recruitment, this collaboration will support students from AEROCAMPUS Aquitaine and promote internships and apprenticeships within Babcock in France. Additionally, this enables us to offer our employees additional training to enhance their skills and career development opportunities, with AEROCAMPUS Aquitaine fast becoming an integral part of the training programme for our engineers in France.

Pauline Amaury, HR Development Manager, Babcock France, said: “Building on the Babcock Skills Academy launched last year, this collaboration with AEROCAMPUS Aquitaine emphasises our desire to support and train our young people, contributing to their future employability.

“Babcock is the first employer to offer this type of support and training to its people with AEROCAMPUS and we look forward to working with them to enhance skills and career pathways as well as making a positive contribution to the local community.”

This partnership was also the perfect opportunity to appoint Pauline as sponsor to the Lycée Aéronautique Flora Tristan’s students. Over 50 students will benefit from Pauline’s experience as she shares her professional expertise and ideas for their future development.

Pauline commented: “I’m delighted to be the first sponsor of the Lycée Flora Tristan class. Being a class sponsor gives me a chance to guide these talented young people, and underpins Babcock’s commitment to future generations.”

This collaboration forms part of our ongoing investment in growing workforce’s capabilities to ensure we are equipped to meet the evolving challenges our customers will face in the future.

In addition to the Babcock Skills Academy, to upskill and rapidly get our people ready to deliver the critical capabilities our customers need, we are also delivering programmes to open up career opportunities to a broader range of people with different backgrounds and experience. This includes programmes to support people back into employment, like skills-based training programmmes, and pre-apprenticeship programmes to help people to develop the skills, experience and confidence they need to move into work and be successful in an apprenticeship.

Pictured: Anne-Catherine Guitard, General Manager, Aerocampus Aquitaine, Bruno Mandon, General Manager of F-AIR21 and Pauline Amaury, HR Development Manager, Babcock France.

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

07 May 24. Dr. Carmen Jorge-Diaz. Carmen joined Flare Bright part-time during her PhD in 2023 as a Research Scientist, and is now our Modelling and Statistics specialist, acting as a team lead within our Engineering department, and also collaborating actively with our Commercial department. Carmen finished her PhD in Mathematical Physics at the University of Oxford in 2023, working under Prof. Luis F. Alday FRS in the development of novel mathematical techniques to tackle unsolved problems in String Theory. Prior to that, she completed a MASt in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge and a BSc in Physics in the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain).

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

09 May 24. AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) today announced the appointment of Patrick L. Williams as Vice President and General Manager, MRO Division. Mr. Willams currently serves as Division Vice President and Business Unit Manager for the Power Protection and Quality Solutions (PPQS) business within AMETEK’s Power Systems and Instruments Division. (Source: PR Newswire)

07 May 24. EOS announced the appointment of Shawn Baerlocher as CEO of EOS Defense Systems USA. Shawn will work with Christian Tobergte, Executive Vice President, Defence Systems (International). Shawn brings over 30 years of experience in leading multiple defense programs across the entire Department of Defense and other government agencies. Serving in several senior leadership roles at Northrop Grumman and L3Harris, his critical experience in program management and technology commercialization will be essential to the continued growth at EOS. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Shawn’s primary focus will be on expanding EOS’ presence in the North American defense markets for Remote Weapon Systems and Counter-UAS systems, as well as enhancing the production capabilities of EOS to better serve both US and international customers. Shawn steps into the role following the recent retirement of Brigadier General (Retired) Philip Coker.

09 May 24. Frontgrade Technologies (“Frontgrade”), a leading independent supplier of high-reliability, advanced electronic solutions for space and national security missions, announced today the appointments of Allen Couture as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Kevin Fox as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. After outgoing COO Neil Dial and CFO Conrad Gagnon announced their intentions to retire earlier this year, the company conducted a comprehensive search for their replacements, resulting in today’s announcement of its two new executive team members.Couture brings more than 25 years of operations, engineering, and program management experience with leading aerospace, defense, and automotive companies including RTX, Ford Motor Company, Bombardier Aerospace, and Hawker Beechcraft. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Execution Excellence at Mercury Systems, following 10 years with Raytheon, which culminated in his position as Vice President of Operations and Security for Raytheon Missiles & Defense. Fox joins Frontgrade from his role as Chief Financial Officer of Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. where, in addition to directing the company’s finance strategy, he led its accounting, corporate development, and information technology functions. Fox brings to Frontgrade nearly 20 years of experience in corporate finance and strategy within the industrial manufacturing and transportation industries, which includes 13 years with General Electric. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

03 May 24. OSI Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OSIS) announced today that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Deepak Chopra has informed the Company’s Board of Directors of his plans to retire from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer by the end of the current calendar year, after the appointment of a successor. Following his retirement as President and CEO, Mr. Chopra will continue to work with the Company as Executive Chairman of the Board. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

08 May 24. VSE Corporation (NASDAQ: VSEC, “VSE”, or the “Company”), a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services, announced today the appointment of Tarang Sharma to interim Chief Financial Officer effective May 27, 2024. Mr. Sharma, VSE’s Vice President, Controller and Corporate Development, succeeds Steve Griffin, who is departing the Company to pursue an opportunity outside of the Aerospace industry. VSE has initiated a search for a CFO with the assistance of an executive search firm. Mr. Griffin will remain with the Company through the end of May and then serve as a consultant for a period of three months to ensure a smooth transition of his responsibilities. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

03 May 24. Northrop Grumman Australia has confirmed that chief executive and general manager Christine Zeitz will retire from her position at the end of September. Zeitz has been with Northrop Grumman Australia for the past four years, taking over as chief executive from Chris Deeble, now Deputy Secretary responsible for Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG). During her time with the company, Zeitz has been responsible for an extensive organisational transformation of Northrop Grumman Australia and supporting the Australian acquisition of MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aerial systems and was influential in broadening the company’s expanded support across multiple domains. An experienced C-suite executive and board director, Zeitz is currently the deputy chair and an active board member for SBS Broadcasting and chair of Defence Trailblazer. As part of the leadership shake-up, Northrop Grumman Australia will reshape its leadership structure, bringing the company in line with the broader Northrop Grumman international business strategy, to support changing market conditions and the local technology portfolios. (Source: Defence Connect)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

May 3, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

MARITIME

30 Apr 24. Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine unveiled in China. China is constantly increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean and has also financed the development of ports in Pakistan.

In a ceremony held at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company in Wuhan, China, the Pakistan Navy unveiled its maiden Hangor-class submarine.

Addressing the assembly, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasised the importance of maritime security, particularly in the current geostrategic landscape. The Hangor-class submarines, equipped with weaponry and sensors, are poised to safeguard regional waters, reinforcing the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to a secure maritime environment.

Amidst rising tensions, India and Pakistan are using strategic manoeuvres to fortify their defence capabilities.

In 2023, India’s collaboration with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems aimed to extend the service life of the INS Shankush HDW Class-209 Type 1500 submarine, responding to Pakistan’s acquisition of Yuan-class submarines.

Given the degree of asymmetry between the Indian Navy and Pakistani Navy, the Pakistani Navy cannot be expected to mount a head-on assault against an Indian naval armada, and instead is likely to depend on its fleet of small missile-equipped Chinese fast attack crafts and French submarines to mount rapid hit-and-run attacks on Indian battle groups, as revealed by GlobalData’s information on the Pakistani defence market.

The latest submarine acquisition, part of a broader agreement settled during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan, underscores the enduring Pak-China friendship.

China is constantly increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean and has financed the development of ports in Pakistan.

For example, Pakistan’s Gwadar port (part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in the BRI) can serve as a deep-water port with dual uses for commercial and military interests, as per GlobalData’s intelligence on the Chinese defence market.

Under the terms of the agreement, eight Hangor class submarines will be acquired, with four to be constructed in China and the remaining four at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) in Pakistan under transfer of technology (ToT). These submarines are designed to engage targets at extended ranges. (Source: naval-technology.com)

30 Apr 24. China’s 3rd Aircraft Carrier Fujian Prepares for First Sea Trial. The Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian, after more than six years of construction and outfitting at Jiangnan shipyard, is nearing its first sea trial. Initially scheduled to move from its berth in the Yangtze River Delta on April 29, the carrier remained stationary, delaying the anticipated trial. Social media and updates from the scene showed the vessel powered under its own capability, assisted by tugboats, but has not yet embarked on the sea trial.

Launched on June 17, 2022, Fujian is China’s first supercarrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a technological advancement over the ski-jump systems used in the earlier Liaoning and Shandong carriers.

The ship, named after the Fujian province directly opposite Taiwan. The Fujian’s development highlights China’s continued focus on expanding its naval power and technological advancements in military capabilities.

The vessel measures approximately 316 meters in length with a beam of 76 meters at its widest point, making it one of the largest carriers in the world with a displacement exceeding 80,000 tons. The design includes three catapults, four arrestor wires, and a complement of advanced radar systems and defensive armaments such as the HQ-10 missile system and H/PJ-11 30mm autocannons.

For its air group, the Fujian is expected to carry the J-15B fighter jets, the new generation J-35 fighters, and possibly the J-15D electronic warfare variant. It will also support the KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft.

While the exact date for the commencement of the sea trials remains unconfirmed, the preparation and recent movements indicate that they could begin soon. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

26 Apr 24. HII Delivers Virginia-Class Submarine New Jersey (SSN 796) to U.S. Navy. HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has delivered Virginia-class fast-attack submarine New Jersey (SSN 796) to the U.S. Navy.

New Jersey is the 11th Virginia-class submarine delivered by NNS, and the 23rd built as part of the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat.

“It is a proud day for our entire team when we deliver a high-quality submarine like New Jersey to the fleet,” said Jason Ward, NNS vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction. “The mission ahead for New Jersey and her crew is clear, and we applaud our shipbuilders for delivering this critical capability to the fleet, while maintaining our highest standards of safety and quality.”

More than 10,000 shipbuilders from NNS and Electric Boat participated in the construction of New Jersey, alongside thousands of suppliers across the country, including more than 100 in New Jersey who support submarine construction. It is the first Virginia-class submarine designed and built with crew gender integration.

New Jersey was christened in November 2021 at NNS by ship’s sponsor Susan DiMarco, a New Jersey resident, retired dentist and wife of former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson. The submarine is expected to be commissioned later this year. (Source: ASD Network)

AIR

01 May 24. V-22 Osprey could see second life, with new drive system, wings in 2050s. The V-22 program office is studying the future of the tiltrotor aircraft, weighing both a technology refresh as well as whether it could rip off the wings and nacelles to add decades of additional life to the airframes. U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian Taylor, the joint program manager for the aircraft, told an audience at the Modern Day Marine conference in Washington that the U.S. military is the only one flying a tiltrotor because it’s a complicated plane with a complicated drive system.

That said, Osprey operators continue to find “the mission sets the V-22 are getting into is absolutely unlimited” because the plane is so robust and flexible.

The program office is eyeing a V-22 Cockpit Technology Replacement, or VeCToR, upgrade effort that will begin research and development in 2026 and would be fielded from 2032 to 2042. That effort aims to bring more off-the-shelf technology to the screens, keyboards, computers and radars in the cockpit, for example.

The office is also in the early stages of studying a Renewed V-22 Aircraft Modernization Program, or ReVAMP, effort that would consider how to keep the fuselage for decades beyond what would otherwise be the end of the plane’s effective life in the early 2060s.

Research and development for the ReVAMP effort would formally begin in 2036, according to his briefing slides, and installations would take place in 2042 to 2050.

“If we had to do V-22 all over again, what would that look like? And really focusing on keeping the fuselage, and maybe you replace the wing and the nacelle, maybe you don’t,” he said during his presentation.

“Something we’re learning about the fuselage is that it is actually kind of life-unlimited, that there’s enough margin in it. And so if we put a new wing and a nacelle on there, we’re probably good for another 40 years,” he added. “So that is a study that’s ongoing, but it’s [all about] how you take this platform and make it available to the services” into the 2070s.

Taylor said the effort is in its infancy and that his office is soliciting ideas and input from industry to shape the effort.

Asked if a V-22 fuselage with new wings and drive system would continue carrying out transport missions or take on other work, Taylor said: “I don’t know, and that’s the fun part.”

Taylor added that the office is considering an optionally unmanned version while it looks at how to make the plane more reliable, maintainable, affordable and safe.

The drive system has been at the heart of several challenges for the platform. In February 2023, the program office halted operations for an undisclosed number of planes until their input quill assembly was replaced. This input quill assembly, which attaches the Osprey’s engine to its proprotor gear box, was causing hard clutch engagements in cases when the assembly was over a certain age.

Taylor said a new input quill assembly prototype that incorporates 15 design changes will be delivered in the next month or so to begin testing.

The proprotor gear box itself may also see changes in the near term, as it has seen reliability issues, including “chipping,” where metal shavings come off during routine operations and can damage the rest of the drive system. Taylor said the Navy is investing in a gear box upgrade for its CMV-22 planes.

Taylor said the idea was that the program office would work with industry to engineer a plan to extend V-22 fuselages for the next chapter of their service lives. That plan would then go to the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force so they can decide if they want to spend their money on this life-extension plan or if technology is changing such that they’d rather pursue something entirely new to meet their mission needs.

“I’m a little bit biased; I would love to see the V-22 stay in service for the next 100 years. But if there’s a better thing that we need to pivot to, then that’s really kind of up to the services,” Taylor said.

On the VeCToR cockpit effort, Taylor said the program office is struggling to support displays that were developed in the 1980s.

“We are kind of at the tipping point where we are spending enough on just maintaining what we have, that it’s time to do something different,” he said. “Honestly, it was a keyboard that pushed me over the edge, the astonishing bill to keep the keyboard on the aircraft. It’s 26 letters, 10 numbers, maybe a couple other buttons, but it seems like there’s a smarter way to do this stuff.”

As the Marines undertake this effort, Taylor said he also wants to help the plane become more software-centric to allow for faster capability upgrades. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)

26 Apr 24. First AH-64E attack helicopters now operational with Netherlands. The Netherlands has brought online remanufactured AH-64D Apache attack helicopters that have been upgraded to the ‘E’ standard.

The first of the Netherlands’ new Apache AH-64E attack helicopters have returned to service after undergoing an update and modernisation programme, and are expected to remain operational until 2050, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Announcing the development in its weekly update, the Netherlands MOD stated that the first four remanufactured aircraft were now returned to operational capability with the Royal Netherlands’ Air Force 301 Squadron, with a further 16 due to be updated in the years ahead.

Six AH-64E aircraft are currently being used for training purposes at Texas Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in the United States, with a further two updated platforms to be delivered in 2025.

The Netherlands is upgrading its legacy AH-64D fleet to the ‘Echo’ (E) Version 6 standard and operates a fleet of 28 airframes, delivered between 1998-2002. A 2022 statement from Boeing said that all 28 AH-64Ds would be upgraded to the Version 6 standard.

In October 2022, the first of the remanufactured AH-64Es was handed over to the RNLAF.

The Apache attack helicopters, manufactured by US prime Boeing, are widely operated by Nato militaries, with the UK declaring the first of its own AH-64E aircraft operational in Q4 2023.

Netherlands defence spending spike following Russia-Ukraine war

GlobalData analysis of Dutch defence spending shows that since the return of high-intensity warfare to Europe, the Netherlands has made a more determined effort to modernise its military and better share the burden of Nato’s Article 5 collective defence initiative.

While the Netherlands only spent $12.8bn on defence at the start of the decade, 2024 is expected to be a consequential year, with $22.8bn earmarked for military spending, representing a 41.8% increase from 2023.

Analysis of the Netherlands’ defence spending from 2020 to 2024 shows a compound annual growth rate of 15.5%, indicating that the increase in military budget, to some extent, predated Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

29 Apr 24. Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Diligence headed for the scrapheap. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel, once important in Falklands and Gulf conflicts, is marking the end of its era as it heads towards disposal. The UK’s Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) has facilitated the sale of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship, Diligence, for disposal, showing the UK’s stance on disposing of surplus military assets.

Previously deployed in conflicts such as the Falklands and the Gulf, RFA Diligence has served as a support vessel for the Royal Navy. Now, as it sets sail for Turkiye under the ownership of LEYAL Ship Recycling Group, the ship’s retirement signals the end of an era.

Richard Whalley, head of DESA and a former crew member of RFA Diligence, emphasised the importance of responsible asset disposal, stating, “Responsible disposal of surplus defence assets is a key part of DESA business.” He further highlighted the economic benefits of the sale, which avoids unnecessary environmental costs and generates revenue for the UK.

The journey towards scrapping the ship was challenging. The onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic disrupted DESA’s initial tender process, limiting international sales competition.

The former fleet repair vessel was taken off the market after the UK could not find a buyer.

However, LEYAL Ship Recycling Group emerged as a candidate for the contract, securing the future of RFA Diligence.

RFA Diligence‘s past includes serving as a fleet maintenance vessel and offering support during various naval operations. Its retirement marks the end of a chapter in British naval history.

The UK’s shipbuilding industry is crucial for both the economy and national security, yet it has faced declines in recent decades. However, the UK plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, with £87bn allocated. (Source: naval-technology.com)

26 Apr 24. US Coast Guard Airbus MH-65s retire from Arctic mission. The last US Coast Guard (USCG) Airbus MH-65 Dolphin in Alaska retired from Air Station Kodiak on 23 April, ending the type’s 36-year employment in the service’s Alaska Patrol (ALPAT) role.

“For decades, the cutter and helicopter team were the core of the ALPAT mission,” said Commander James Kenshalo, a USCG MH-65 Dolphin pilot. “Together they projected force and protection to the most extreme remote regions of our nation’s territories, operating beyond where help could reach.”

Air Station Kodiak operates six Sikorsky MH-60Ts and is scheduled to receive three more in 2025. The service intends to standardise its full rescue helicopter fleet on the MH-60T, which has a longer range, greater payload capacity, and commonality with other armed service fleets. Alaska is among the first regions to complete the transition because of the long ranges required to perform rescue and security missions in the region. (Source: Janes)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

29 Apr 24. UK STRATCOM and US DIU place liasion officers in each others’ hubs. The arrangement will deepen UK-US ties when it comes to sourcing innovation and dual-use technologies. At the UK Strategic Command (STRATCOM) Conference 2024, Doug Beck, director of the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and General Jim Hockenhull, Commander of UK Strategic Command, signed an agreement to place liaisons officers in each nation’s defence innovation hubs.

STRATCOM’s innovation team ‘jHub’ connects technology and talent with users across Defence. The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), based in Silicon Valley, focus on accelerating the adoption of commercial and dual-use technology to solve operational challenges at speed and scale.

Doug Beck, the unit’s director, reports directly to the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III as of April 2023 after the institution’s restructuring to encourage private sector innovation.

“As technological advancements continue to accelerate, we must collaborate ever more closely with our international allies and industry partners,” stated STRATCOM in a recent statement.

The STRATCOM Conference brought together over 250 experts from international allies and partners, across government, industry, and academia to discuss challenges and share ideas.

“This agreement will help us continue to share knowledge and ideas with our close ally and collaborate on the development of cutting-edge science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic,” STRATCOM continued. “Partnerships like this help protect both our nations and strengthen what is already the most robust, deepest, and advanced military partnership of any two countries.”

AUKUS goes global

UK-US ties have also strengthened in a global context too under the auspices of the trilateral AUKUS alliance with Australia recently.

The alliance recently announced it will open up for collaboration with potential partners, such as Japan, as the three seek to benefit from global innovation in emerging technologies under the Pillar II initiative.

As part of the second pillar initiative, the three nations have set up various schemes to boost innovation in these emerging tech areas.

Recently, numerous defence companies attempted to resolve vulnerabilities of land-based autonomous systems in electronic warfare congested environments in February 2024 – a far cry from the central policy of nuclear submarines for Australia under Pillar I. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

02 May 24. Nathalie Guichard joins the European Defence Agency (EDA) as Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Director. Ms Guichard is a Brigadier General and was previously the managing director of L’Atelier Industriel de l’Aéronautique de Clermont-Ferrand (AIA CF), a French state-owned military aircraft maintenance facility. Ms Guichard is a military engineer who graduated from France’s L’École polytechnique and the Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace (ISAE-Supaéro). She also holds a master’s degree in public management. With her engineering background, Ms Guichard brings a wealth of experience to EDA. She started her career in 1990 as a project manager for flying test bench modification. Two years later, she became head of the equipment maintenance department. After transferring to the aeronautical programs office of Délégation générale pour l’armement (DGA), France’s procurement agency, in 1998, Ms Guichard then became the Rafale manufacturing and support manager at the French Ministry of Defence. (Source: EDA)

02 May 24. Ms Katherine Smitton has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan in succession to Mr Timothy Marschall Jones who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Smitton will take up her appointment during October 2024.

30 Apr 24. Ms Juliana Correa has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras in succession to Nick Whittingham. Ms Correa will take up her appointment during October 2024.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

01 May 24. MG Jason E. Kelly, commanding general, U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, to deputy commanding general for Civil Works and Emergency Operations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C.

01 May 24. MG John V. Meyer III, commanding general, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, Fort Riley, Kansas, to chief of staff, U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

01 May 24. MG Duane R. Miller, provost marshal general, U.S. Army; and commanding general, Army Corrections Command, Washington, D.C., to deputy commanding general, Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, Operation Atlantic Resolve, Germany.

01 May 24. MG William D. Taylor, commanding general, 2nd Infantry Division (Combined), Eighth Army, Republic of Korea, to director of Operations, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea.

01 May 24. BG John B. Hinson, commanding general, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Illinois.

01 May 24. BG Kareem P. Montague, deputy commanding general (Support), 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, to deputy commanding general for Interoperability, Land Forces and Operations Command, France.

01 May 24. Col. (Promotable) W M. Bochat, commandant, U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to commanding general, 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

01 May 24. Col. (Promotable) David P. Elsen, deputy chief of staff, G-2, U.S. Army Pacific Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, to director of Intelligence, J-2, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.

U.S. Army Reserve

01 May 24. MG William S. Lynn, commanding general, (Troop Program Unit), Army Reserve Medical Command, Pinellas Park, Florida, to deputy surgeon general for Mobilization and Readiness (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Office of The Surgeon General, U.S. Army, Falls Church, Virginia.

01 May 24. BG Michael L. Yost, deputy commander for Professional Services, (Troop Program Unit), 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support), Forest Park, Georgia, to commanding general, (Troop Program Unit), Army Reserve Medical Command, Pinellas Park, Florida.

01 May 24. BG Todd W. Traver, deputy commander, (Troop Program Unit), 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support), Fort Gillem, Georgia, to deputy commander (Troop Program Unit), 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), Salt Lake City, Utah.

01 May 24. BG Katherine A. Trombley, deputy commanding general, (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Reserve Affairs, U.S. Army Combined Arms Command, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to commander (Troop Program Unit), 9th Mission Support Command, Honolulu, Hawaii.

01 May 24. BG Mark W. Siekman, commander (Troop Program Unit), 9th Mission Support Command, Honolulu, Hawaii, to deputy commanding general, (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Reserve Affairs, U.S. Army Combined Arms Command, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

01 May 24. BG Ronald D. Sullivan, chief judge, (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), U.S. Army Legal Services Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to commanding general (Troop Program Unit), U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

30 Apr 24. USAF Command Chief Master Sgt. Ted R. Braxton Jr., currently assigned as command chief, 406th Air Expeditionary Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, has been selected to replace Navy Command Master Chief Michael S. Koch as the command senior enlisted leader, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

30 Apr 24. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle J. Gilliam, currently assigned as command sergeant major, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, has been selected to replace Army Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Perry as the command senior enlisted leader for the Defense Intelligence Agency, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.

30 Apr 24. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Rose, currently assigned as senior enlisted advisor, Program Executive Office Soldier, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, has been selected to replace Navy Command Master Chief Timothy L. Garman as the command senior enlisted leader, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, Baghdad, Iraq.

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

02 May 24. Forcys has appointed Dr Ioseba (Joe) Tena as Managing Director and Mr Peter Hodgkinson as Non-Executive Director. Ioseba, who takes up the role with immediate effect, has served as Forcys Commercial Director since the company’s formation in 2022. Prior to that, Ioseba was Head of Defence at Sonardyne International Limited who are also part of the Covelya Group alongside Forcys, Chelsea Technologies, EIVA, Voyis, and Wavefront Systems.

30 Apr 24. Roke announced the appointment of Raj Dedi as Futures Director with immediate effect. Raj, who was previously Roke’s Assistant Director in its National Security business, alongside Chair of the Roke Operating Board, will focus on driving and further leveraging Roke’s world-class expertise to deliver the Futures 5-year business strategy. Roke’s Futures business focusses on applying Roke’s advanced technology in new and adjacent markets. It draws on the innovative skills and expertise of more than 800 engineers and scientists with experience across a multitude of industries and disciplines. From concept to product development, they help clients create innovative solutions to problems in the most challenging physical and digital domains. The Futures team boasts world-leading capability in intelligent sensing, machine vision, artificial intelligence, and autonomy, bringing these skills together through cutting-edge products and services. Raj will be leading the team to deepen our existing client relationships and identify cross-market opportunities to accelerate business growth. A key element of this strategy will be to leverage Roke’s extensive in-house R&D to help solve our clients most urgent problems.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

26 Apr 24. Austal USA today announced its board of directors has elected industry veteran Michelle Kruger as the company’s new president. Kruger joined Austal in 2022 as vice president of global services and support, and had been serving as interim president since August 2023 when the previous Austal USA chief, Rusty Murdaugh, resigned. Kruger, a marine engineer by trade, held various positions at General Dynamics prior to joining Austal, including at Electric Boat, Bath Iron Works and NASSCO. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)

01 May 24. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) announced today that it has hired Retired Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener and Retired Major General David Gaedecke as senior executive advisors within the firm’s global defense business. In their respective roles, Kitchener and Gaedecke will provide critical mission context, leadership, and advanced technological understanding to accelerate the development and delivery of new solutions and capabilities for complex global defense challenges. As Booz Allen continues to prioritize talent investments to advance defense missions, hiring senior leaders with firsthand experience in the Department of Defense and strategic global regions provides the firm with critical mission context and understanding to help build new defense solutions that reflect the latest technologies and critical mission challenges. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

02 May 24. Lockheed Martin Announces Election of Thomas Falk as Independent Lead Director of the Board. The independent members of Lockheed Martin’s board of directors unanimously elected Thomas J. Falk as independent lead director of the board effective today, succeeding Daniel F. Akerson who, along with James O. Ellis, Jr., retired from the board this morning following the company’s annual stockholders meeting. Falk has served on Lockheed Martin’s board of directors since 2010 and as Audit Committee chair since 2015. As independent lead director, Falk will assume all duties and responsibilities of that position, including presiding over executive sessions of independent directors, approving agendas for board meetings and providing feedback to management. He will also chair the board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and serve as ex officio member of each of the other committees. In connection with Falk’s election as independent lead director, Patricia E. Yarrington has been appointed Chair of the board’s Audit Committee.

02 May 24. Longtime RTX leader Greg Hayes passed the reins of the world’s second largest defense contractor to Chris Calio today, as Hayes stepped down as chief executive officer and became the company’s executive chairman. The long-awaited transition, announced in December, went into effect at the company’s annual shareholder meeting this morning. Calio, formerly the company’s president and chief operations officer, steps into the role of chief executive at a critical juncture for RTX. He will lead the company’s continued efforts to boost weapons production — a vital concern of the company as munitions demand skyrockets due to the war in Ukraine — and while Pratt & Whitney wrestles with a material defect of its Geared Turbo Fan engines that could cost the company billions. As COO, Calio oversaw the realignment of RTX into three business segments: Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace and a single Raytheon unit that combined the company’s weapons and space arms. In October the company announced it was setting its cybersecurity unit for $1.3bn. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

30 Apr 24. Marshall Middle East has appointed Rob Bricker to the newly created role of Business Development Director, reporting to Managing Director Chris Walton. Drawing on nearly twenty years of experience across defence and security exports, training transformation and programme management, Bricker will build relationships with new and existing customers in one of Marshall’s fastest-growing regions. Bricker joins Marshall from the UK Department for Business and Trade, where he led a large and diverse team across a range of sectors as UAE Country Director. In his two prior roles within the Department, he served as First Secretary for Defence and Security for the UAE and Kuwait, in both cases leading defence and industrial collaborations, building strategic partnerships and intergovernmental contact networks. From 2012 to 2018, Bricker was also responsible for planning and delivering technology and knowledge transfer initiatives for the UK Ministry of Defence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

April 19, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

MARITIME

12 Apr 24. HII Delivers Amphibious Transport Dock Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) to US Navy. Richard M. McCool Jr. is the 13th San Antonio-class ship delivered by Ingalls and is the final Flight I transition ship before Ingalls moves into production of the LPD Flight II line.

“The LPD 29 delivery demonstrates how our shipbuilders are enabling our combined Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. “It is the most recent example of what U.S. industry and government partnerships can accomplish by putting another player on the field. We will now bring the full weight of this collaborative team to bear on steady-state Flight II execution going forward.”

Ingalls has two Flight II LPDs under construction including Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). In March 2023, Ingalls was awarded a modification to the contract for the procurement of the detail design and construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32), the 16th ship in the San Antonio class and the third LPD Flight II. The San Antonio class is foundational to the U.S. Marine Corp’s Force Design construct and can support a variety of crisis response, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions. LPDs can operate independently or as part of amphibious readiness groups, expeditionary strike groups, or joint task forces. These capabilities allow the U.S. Navy to protect America’s security abroad and promote regional stability and preserve future peace. (Source: ASD Network)

AIR

17 Apr 24. Equatorial Guinea flying new Chinese helicopters. The Armed Forces of Equatorial Guinea (FAGE) is now operating two new Harbin Z-9 helicopters, the country’s ruling Democratic Party (Partido Democrático de Guinea Ecuatorial: PDGE) revealed on 9 April when it reported that Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue had inspected the aircraft. The PDGE released photographs showing the vice-president with at least one of the new helicopters at a location that could be identified as the airbase at Malabo International Airport. It was fitted with a gimballed electro-optical system under its nose and pylons for weapons that can include guns, rockets, and anti-tank missiles. The Z-9 is the Chinese-made version of the Airbus AS365 Dauphin. The PDGE identified the new helicopters as the Z-9WE variant. It added that Equatorial Guinea is considering acquiring additional combat helicopters. The FAGE was not previously known to have any Chinese aircraft in its fleet, which consists almost entirely of Soviet-era types. (Source: Janes)

12 Apr 24. British Atlas transport aircraft cleared for low level parachuting. Atlas aircraft have been cleared to conduct low-level parachuting following the successful completion of a capability demonstration, say the Royal Air Force. Following trials in the United States last year, a capability demonstration was given by the Air and Space Warfare Centre to RAF Brize Norton based 24 Squadron in March.

“In a series of day and night sorties, paratroopers were dropped simultaneously from both side exit doors over Everleigh Drop Zone on Salisbury Plain. 24 Squadron and the Airborne Delivery Wing will now train their instructor cadre, aircrew, and despatchers before the broader airborne force.

Richard Curzon, Head of Air Mobility Capability Delivery in the RAF and responsible for delivery of the Atlas Programme, recognises this clearance as a significant milestone in the incremental expansion of a deployable airborne forces capability. He thanked a combined effort from the RAF and Army, trials evaluation teams, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and Airbus in achieving this clearance, with additive manufacturing techniques being used to increase the speed in which technical challenges have been overcome.”

Atlas is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that can deliver 37 tonnes of cargo over 2,000 nautical miles at an impressive speed. As well as deploying troops and equipment between theatres, the aircraft has been used to support many humanitarian missions recently including the dropping of aid in Gaza. (Source: UKDJ)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

12 Apr 24. Ms Victoria Harrison has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia in succession to Mrs Tiffany Sadler who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Harrison will take up her appointment during August 2024 and will be accompanied by her guide dog Otto.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

16 Apr 24. The U.S. Army’s Network Cross-Functional Team is slated for a leadership shakeup. Maj. Gen. Jeth Rey, the team’s director, will be succeeded by Brig. Gen. Patrick Ellis, according to a personnel announcement shared by the Department of Defense. Rey has led the team at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, since 2021. He pinned a second star in his time there. Ellis is expected to take over this summer. Rey will become the director of architecture, operations, networks and space at the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6. The Network Cross-Functional Team is an outgrowth of Army Futures Command, established in 2018 to tackle the service’s modernization requirements. It is one of eight original teams convened and works closely with the Program Executive Office for Command, Control and Communications-Tactical, or PEO C3T. Other foundational cross-functional teams include Long-Range Precision Fires, Next-Generation Combat Vehicles, Future Vertical Lift and Synthetic Training Environment. The change of directors comes as the Army pays increasing attention to connectivity and digital security. Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George at the Association of the U.S. Army convention in October described an overhauled network as his priority. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

18 Apr 24. Academy Securities, a registered broker-dealer, certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), today announced the addition of Lieutenant General David Fridovich to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Lieutenant General David Fridovich retired from the United States Army in 2011 after more than 37 years of service. His active-duty career culminated with his role as the Deputy Commander of US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). His previous assignments include the Director of the Center for Special Operations at SOCOM, the Commander of Special Operations Command – Pacific, the Commander of the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) where he led the Army Special Operations Task Force: Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines, and the Commander of Combined/Joint Special Operations Task Force in Operation Joint Forge, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

15 Apr 24. Siemens Government Technologies (SGT) announced that Elizabeth “Liz” Larson has been appointed its Chief Financial Officer. Larson joins SGT from Siemens Industry Inc., where she most recently served as Head of Finance for the Apparatus Segment of Electronic Products since 2019. An essential member of the business leadership team, she played a key role in increasing business volume more than 200% while also increasing profitability 20% over the past five years. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

16 Apr 24. Skydweller Aero, Inc., a pioneering transatlantic aerospace company developing and manufacturing a fleet of large solar powered aircraft for defense and commercial missions, today announced the appointment of Barry A. Matsumori, a former senior executive at both SpaceX and Impulse Space, as Skydweller’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Skydwellers are uncrewed solar-powered aircraft with wingspans greater than a 747 that leave zero carbon footprint. Skydwellers are autonomous and capable of perpetual flight, staying aloft for 90 days or more, at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

April 12, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

09 Apr 24. Fogmaker International AB, one of the leading global suppliers of fire suppression systems for machines and vehicles, announced the launch of Fogmaker Brazil LTDA. This will be Fogmaker’s first subsidiary in South America and marks a significant milestone in strengthening the company’s presence on this continent. The focus will be to meet the evolving needs of customers in the region, delivering advanced, environmentally friendly, and comprehensive fire suppression solutions. Fogmaker works in eight different segments and the Brazilian branch will initially focus on Busses, Forestry, Agriculture, Material Handling, and Mining. Sustainability is important to Fogmaker International AB and the company’s new suppressant Eco 1 is 100% PFAS Free and GreenScreenTM certified at the silver level. The system can be customized to meet the different needs of various sectors, a flexibility that makes it perfect for the diverse market of Brazil. Fogmaker Brazil LTDA combines Swedish quality with knowledge of the area and will drive further growth on the South American continent. The company is already looking for more distributors to be able to keep a high service level to the vast country and continent.

08 Apr 24. Axient LLC (Axient) has opened its first international office and has established a wholly owned subsidiary in the Netherlands, Axient Systems B.V. (Axient Systems). Over the last two years, Axient has established working relationships with several Netherlands-based technical organizations. These partnerships include a previously-announced collaboration with FSO Instruments and their partners VDL Groep, Demcon and TNO – the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research to support satellite laser communications development (Axient and FSO) and an agreement with TNO to support NATO Air and Missile defense analysis (Axient TNO Partnership). To further expand these relationships, build upon joint capabilities, and be closer to more customer missions, Axient has established Axient Systems with an office in Delft, Netherlands. This office, located at Poortweg 4A, 2612 PA Delft, places Axient Systems near those partners and in a new market for Axient in the aerospace community. At this new location, Axient System’s solutions and service offerings will focus on three main business areas: Space Systems Engineering, Critical Asset Security, and Modeling, Simulation and Analysis. These areas directly leverage Axient’s core capabilities, and with the new location and existing partnerships, Axient will further develop those capabilities and utilize their experience to collaborate and offer more expertise to serve civil, defense, and commercial customers in the Netherlands and in the United States. (Source: PR Newswire)

MARITIME

11 Apr 24. Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Stirling Castle was formally dedicated during a high-profile ceremony. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh today joined the Dedication Service of a new Naval ship which will help safeguard UK waters from underwater threats. Resplendent in her unique blue and white livery, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Stirling Castle was formally dedicated during a high-profile ceremony. The ship marks a move away from traditional minehunting, embracing cutting-edge technology as she acts as a ‘mother ship’ for an array of remotely-operated and autonomous systems which will scour home waters looking for mines. With Stirling Castle due to begin operations later this year, a break from training offered the ideal opportunity to welcome the new ship into the RFA family in the presence of the Service’s Commodore-in-Chief, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. It’s the second high-profile Royal visit to the Royal Navy in Scotland in 24 hours; yesterday, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid her first visit to new Type 31 frigate HMS Venturer under construction in Rosyth. Prince Edward joined Robert Aldridge, the Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, Commodore David Eagles, the Head of the RFA, and civic leaders from Stirling among others.

“Bringing a ship into service is a demanding endeavour which relies on a diverse, multi-skilled team, strong leadership, and unflinching determination,” said Commodore Eagles.

“RFA Stirling Castle is no different and I pay tribute to the men and women in the UK – military and civilian – who have contributed to this project and made today possible.

“In particular, I would wish to reflect the efforts of all our partners across the Royal Navy and Defence Equipment and Support, along with our industrial partners and of course the ship’s company.”

Procured and delivered by Defence Equipment & Support in less than a year, for the past few months RFA Stirling Castle has been on the Clyde working with the experts from the Royal Navy’s Mine Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG) at HM Naval Base Clyde.

The Group’s Zulu Squadron are at the forefront of advancing new minehunting technologies, helping the Royal Navy to keep pace with the evolving threat from naval mines.

Some of the new, high-tech, equipment includes Autonomous Surface Vessels and Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) capable of being operated remotely using a portable command centre.

And that is where RFA Stirling Castle comes in. Not only can the portable command centre be located onboard the new vessel, but it can also be used to store, prepare, and deploy boats and UUVs on mine warfare and hydrographic survey tasks.

RFA Stirling Castle is helping to extend the reach and effectiveness of Royal Navy mine hunting operations and to make it safer for those sailors whose job it is to locate and destroy mines.

Her Commanding Officer Captain Duncan Vernoum RFA, hailed his ship as “a highly-capable vessel with a highly-trained and motivated ship’s company. In concert with embarked Royal Navy Mission Teams and specialist personnel, the ship is at the forefront of the Royal Navy’s future minehunting capability.

“The Service of Dedication, held in the presence of His Royal The Duke of Edinburgh, Commodore in Chief of the RFA, is an opportunity for Stirling Castle to showcase her abilities, and the hard work that has been put in by the ship’s company both on and off-watch to get her to this stage.

“There is more work to be done to achieve full operational capability and this will take place in the next few months.”

His ship began life as oil rig support vessel MV Island Crown but was snapped up by the Navy last year and underwent extensive conversion at HM Naval Base Devonport to transform her into the first RFA vessel dedicated to supporting mine hunting.

The ship is operated by 27 RFA officers and crew, augmented by 15 Royal Navy minehunting specialists on operations – with room onboard for up to 100 more personnel depending on the mission.

There are plans to acquire up to three additional ships to perform the role of mine countermeasures command and support from the mid-2020s.

RFA Stirling Castle – Facts and Figures

o Displacement: 6,000-tonnes.

o Length: 96.8 metres (as long as Big Ben is tall).

o Beam: 20 metres (as wide as a cricket pitch).

o Complement: RFA crew of 27 with the capacity for up to 100 personnel.

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

05 Apr 24. New submarine Duguay-Trouin joins French active service. The second in a series of advanced submarines is set to modernise the French Navy’s fleet. In a ceremony presided over by Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff of the French Navy, the nuclear attack submarine (SNA) Duguay-Trouin was officially commissioned into active service on Thursday, April 4, 2024. The Duguay-Trouin becomes the second in a series of six Suffren-class submarines intended to replace the entire fleet of Rubis-class submarines by 2030. The French government ordered six new Suffren-class SSN vessels from Naval Group for a total cost of €10.4bn ($12.4bn), or €1.3bn ($1.6bn) per submarine, according to GlobalData’s intelligence on the French defence market.

The submarine’s journey to active duty began with sea trials initiated in March 2023, culminating in its formal admission following the Verification of Military Characteristics (VCM) phases. These trials enabled crews to test the vessel’s performance, endurance, and equipment compliance with specified standards. Notably, the Duguay-Trouin navigated through cold and warm waters, including a stopover in Fort-de-France in March 2024, a first for a Suffren-class submarine.

With its induction into operational service, the Duguay-Trouin, akin to its predecessor Suffren, will undertake missions akin to the Rubis-class submarines but with enhanced capabilities. These include the ability to strike land targets with Naval Cruise Missiles (MdCN) and deploy special forces through swimmer lockout chambers and a hangar deck.

In collaboration with the French Navy, the Naval Group secured a multi-m-euro contract spanning over three years to conduct operational maintenance on the Rubis and Suffren-class nuclear attack submarines. Meanwhile, the French Navy announced last year the return of its Ruby-class SSN, Perle, to the operational cycle after undergoing maintenance and repairs following a fire incident in June 2020.

The Submarine Force, comprising 3200 sailors, is equipped with ten nuclear submarines, including six SSNs and four SSBNs, which ensure national security and stability.

Since 1972, at least one SSBN has remained at sea, ensuring continuous deterrence capability across the world’s oceans. Meanwhile, SSNs like the Duguay-Trouin are versatile assets, combining combat with reach. Their versatility enables roles from supporting nuclear deterrence to protecting naval task forces and conducting strikes and special operations.

Within the last year, France’s commitment to maritime defence modernisation has been evident, with the recent commencement of the construction of France’s first third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SNLE 3G) at Cherbourg shipyard. This initiative, expected to remain in service until 2080-90, will replace the ageing Le Triomphant-class submarines. In parallel, Naval Group, in collaboration with TechnicAtome and the CEA, celebrates the rollout of the third Suffren-class nuclear attack submarine, Tourville. (Source: naval-technology.com)

AIR

09 Apr 24. USMC delays 1st deployment of new heavy-lift helicopter to 2026. The Marine Corps plans to deploy its powerful new heavy-lift helicopter for the first time in 2026 — the year after it previously had anticipated. The CH-53K King Stallion will get deployed from the East Coast sometime in 2026 with a Marine expeditionary unit, said Col. Kate Fleeger, the helicopter’s program manager, on Tuesday at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

At the same conference in 2023, Fleeger said the Corps planned to deploy the King Stallion with a Marine expeditionary unit in 2025.

But the Marine Corps has adjusted how many heavy-lift helicopter squadrons it anticipates having on the East Coast, Fleeger said Tuesday.

The Corps’ previous plan had been to deactivate Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, keeping Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, but now the plan is for both North Carolina-based squadrons to remain in the fleet, according to the colonel.

Before sending the helicopters abroad with a Marine expeditionary unit — a crisis-response force that travels aboard three amphibious ships — the Corps wants to make sure it would have enough spare components and repair capability left in the United States, according to Fleeger.

“What we don’t want to do is we don’t want to send aircraft forward and then have a deficit at home,” Fleeger said.

The Marine Corps has tweaked its deployment timeline for the King Stallion before: Back in 2022, the service said it planned to deploy the helicopter in 2024.

The sea services tout the King Stallion as the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military.

A replacement for the aging CH-53E Super Stallion, the King Stallion can haul armored vehicles or other heavy equipment over long stretches of land and sea. The service predicts the King Stallion would be especially useful in providing logistics support to Marines who are spread out on and near shore in the Indo-Pacific.

Sikorsky, the Lockheed Martin subsidiary that manufactures the helicopter, has delivered 14 King Stallions to the Marine Corps and has 79 total on contract, including 12 for Israel, according to Andrea Ulery, program manager for the aircraft at the company.

The King Stallion won’t reach full operational capability until 2029, according to Fleeger, but the helicopter already has shown off its power in domestic missions.

In September 2021, Marines used a King Stallion to recover a Navy MH-60S Seahawk that had experienced a hard landing in California’s White Mountains. It was déjà vu all over again in October 2023, when Marines once again used a King Stallion to recover a downed Navy Seahawk from California mountains. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Marine Times)

09 Apr 24. USMC clears MV-22s after safety review. The MV-22 Ospreys, which are in development for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, has been cleared for flight operations after a safety evaluation.

After scrutiny and training, the US Marine Corps greenlights the return of MV-22 Ospreys, prioritising safety and mission readiness.

The MV-22 Ospreys, which are in development for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, has been cleared for flight operations after a safety evaluation. This decision, made by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), comes after a period of grounding that began on December 6, 2023, following an Air Force CV-22 mishap.

While the tragedy of the CV-22 incident loomed large, the Marine Corps remained steadfast in its commitment to aircrew safety and readiness. Lieutenant General Bradford J. Gering, Deputy Commandant for Marine Corps Aviation, emphasised the Marine Corps’ focus on protecting its personnel.

“The Marine Corps has confidence in the Osprey, and we are laser-focused on the safety and mission readiness of our pilots and aircrew. We are flying the Osprey again because our airworthiness authority cleared it for flight because we trust our well-established operational risk management procedures, and most of all because we trust our professional pilots, aircrew and maintainers to safely get this combat-proven aircraft back into the fight.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Laird, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, highlighted the persistence of aircrew training despite the grounding.

“During the four-month grounding period, aircrew development persisted through simulator training and academic endeavours. Complex tactical simulations facilitated leadership skill development and enhanced readiness for combat missions.”

The decision to resume MV-22 operations shows confidence in NAVAIR’s analysis and the engineering assessments, driving the return to flight. Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Eric M. Smith, emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum in operations and maintenance funding.

“To effectively balance crisis response and modernisation, we must articulate the importance of Operations and Maintenance funding of ground and aviation training, maintenance, safety, and readiness…”

With the MV-22 Ospreys back in action, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing stands ready to fulfil its mission with enhanced safety measures. (Source: naval-technology.com)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

10 Apr 24. Ms Lindy Cameron CB OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of India in succession to Mr Alex Ellis CMG who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Cameron will take up her appointment during April 2024.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

09 Apr 24. Dr. Radha Plumb Assumes Role as Department of Defense Chief Digital and AI Officer. In a ceremony held today at the Pentagon, Dr. Radha Plumb was officially sworn in as the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO). Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III administered the oath of office to Plumb with family and colleagues in attendance. Plumb most recently served as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

10 Apr 24. USMC MG Michael J. Borgschulte for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Quantico, Virginia. Borgschulte is currently serving as commanding general, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, San Diego, California.

10 Apr 24. USMC MG Roberta L. Shea for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, U.S. USMC Forces Command; commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic; and commander, Marine Forces North. Shea is currently serving as the legislative assistant to the commandant of the USMC, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USMC MG Paul J. Rock Jr. for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as director, USMC Staff, Headquarters, U.S. USMC. Rock is currently serving as the commandant, National War College, National Defense University, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. Space Force BG Dennis O. Bythewood for appointment to the grade of major general. Bythewood is currently serving as the deputy commander, U.S. Space Forces – Space, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

10 Apr 24. Space Force BG James E. Smith for appointment to the grade of major general. Smith is currently serving as the assistant deputy chief of space operations for Operations, Cyber and Nuclear: and deputy chief operations officer, Office of the Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Jack R. Arthaud for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Arthaud is currently serving as the deputy director, Operations, Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters U.S. USAFs Europe–USAFs Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Anthony D. Babcock for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Babcock is currently serving as chief, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Catherine V. Barrington for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Barrington is currently serving as the military assistant to the deputy secretary of defense, Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Ariel G. Batungbacal for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Batungbacal is currently serving as the commander, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Wright-Patterson USAF Base, Ohio.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Cassius T. Bentley III for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Bentley is currently serving as the deputy director, Strategic Plans, Programs and Logistics, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. John A. Cluck for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Cluck is currently serving as the wing commander, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, Missouri.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Michael D. Curry for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Curry is currently serving as the director, Secretary of the USAF; and chief of staff of the USAF Executive Action Group, Office of the Secretary of the USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Lindsay C. Droz for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Droz is currently serving as the director of staff, Headquarters USAF Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson USAF Base, Ohio.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Mason R. Dula for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Dula is currently serving as the executive officer to the commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill USAF Base, Florida.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Todd R. Dyer for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Dyer is currently serving as the division chief, Futures and Concepts Division, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Travis L. Edwards for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Edwards is currently serving as the deputy director, Operations, Strategic Deterrence & Nuclear Integration, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Chad R. Ellsworth for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Ellsworth is currently serving as the deputy director, Contested Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Paul G. Filcek for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Filcek is currently serving as the director, Space Force Mission Sustainment Division, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear, Headquarters U.S. Space Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Brian A. Filler for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Filler is currently serving as the director, USAF Colonel Management Office, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. John B. Gallemore for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Gallemore is currently serving as inspector general, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Timothy A. Herritage for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Herritage is currently serving as principal deputy director, USAF Public Affairs, Secretary of the USAF Office of Public Affairs, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. James V. Hewitt for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hewitt is currently serving as the chief, Legislative Affairs, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort George Meade, Maryland.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Jay A. Johnson for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Johnson is currently serving as the chief of staff, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Matthew E. Jones for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Jones is currently serving as the division chief, Joint Operations Division Africa Command, Regional Operations Directorate, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Michele A. Lobianco for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Lobianco is currently serving as the commander, 15th Wing, Pacific USAFs, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Sean E. Lowe for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Lowe is currently serving as the commander, 603rd Air Operations Center, U.S. USAFs Europe–USAFs Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Robert P. Lyons III for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Lyons is currently serving as the senior materiel leader, F-35 Air Vehicle Program Management Office, USAF Material Command, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Mark A Massaro for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Kimberly A. McCue for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. McCue is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the director, Medical Operations, Office of the USAF Surgeon General, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Falls Church, Virginia.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Craig D. Prather for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Prather is currently serving as the chief of staff, Headquarters USAF Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Joseph L. Sheffield for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Sheffield is currently serving as the chief, House Liaison Division, Office of the Secretary of the USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Andrew J. Steffen for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Steffen is currently serving as the assistant deputy commander, 16th USAF, Air Combat Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Kristen D. Thompson for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Thompson is currently serving as military fellow, Council on Foreign Relations, New York, New York.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Brian E. Vaughn for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Vaughn is currently serving as the wing commander, 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, Alabama.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Shane S. Vesely for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Vesely is currently serving as the deputy commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii.

10 Apr 24. USAF Col. Douglas P. Wickert for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Wickert is currently serving as the commander, 412th Test Wing, USAF Materiel Command, Edwards USAF Base, California.

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

09 Apr 24. Australia announces next CDF and new-look Defence leadership. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recommended a raft of senior ADF leadership changes to the Governor-General. Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral David Johnston AC, RAN, will be appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Force, replacing retiring Chief General Angus Campbell AO, DSC, the Prime Minister’s office confirmed this morning (9 April). The changes are subject to the Governor-General’s consideration and approval, with the changes expected to take effect in July. VADM Johnston joined the Australian Defence Force in 1978 and has served as the Vice Chief of the Defence Force since 2018. Under the appointments, Air Marshal Robert Chipman AO, CSC, will be appointed as Vice Chief of Defence Force, having served as Chief of the Air Force since July 2022. In his place, Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM, will be appointed Chief of the Air Force, having served as the head of military strategic commitments. The Prime Minister’s office has also confirmed that the Chief of the Defence Force and secretary of Defence, Greg Moriarty, recommended several additional appointments within the ADF to Minister for Defence Richard Marles. Under the recommendations, Major General Susan Coyle, AM, CSC, DSM, is expected to replace Lieutenant General John Frewen, AO, DSC, as Chief of Joint Capabilities. These recommendations will also see Rear Admiral Justin Jones, CSC, replace Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, AO, CSC, as the Chief of Joint Operations. RADM Jones is currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Joint Operations. A civilian appointment will succeed Lieutenant General Gavan Reynolds, AO, as the inaugural Chief of Defence Intelligence. (Source: Defence Connect)

09 Apr 24. Australia Space Command shake-up as new JCG chief announced. A former commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East is to become the new Chief of Joint Capabilities – effectively overseeing Space Command. Major General Susan Coyle will replace Lieutenant General John Frewen in the role following a reshuffle of senior military positions announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday. Coyle is currently the Commander of the Army’s Forces Command but previously saw operational service in Afghanistan and East Timor. Born in Kyogle, NSW in 1970, she gained a degree in science at the ADF Academy and graduated from the Royal Military College in 1992 into the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. She will now direct the head of Space Command, Major General Greg Novak, who will be delivering a presentation at Space Connect’s AusSpace24 summit in May. (Source: Defence Connect)

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

11 Apr 24. Embraer and ENAER (National Aeronautical Company of Chile) today announced two industrial and services cooperation agreements involving the A-29 Super Tucano and the C-390 Millennium defense aircraft, as well as commercial aircraft. The cooperation will expand Embraer’s network of suppliers and services in Chile and contribute to the integration of the aerospace industries in both Brazil and Chile. The cooperation is the result of an understanding between Embraer, ENAER, and the Chilean Air Force. The Chilean company will begin manufacturing components and will be a designated maintenance center for the Chilean Air Force’s fleet of 22 A-29 Super Tucano units. The agreement is linked to the expansion of the A-29 Super Tucano fleet in operation in the country. Furthermore, the cooperation aims to expand both ENAER’s role as a supplier and Embraer’s presence in Chile.

“These agreements represent the resumption of commercial ties between the two companies, which lasted many years with successful results. The new stage that begins today allows us to look very optimistically at the future to face, between both countries, the challenges of the aerospace industry in an increasingly dynamic world,” said Henry Cleveland, Executive Director of ENAER.

“This contract will promote reciprocal investments in the aerospace industry in Brazil and Chile. Our objective is to further deepen our relationship and expand both cooperation and mutual investments. This includes not only the A-29 Super Tucano but also other programs, such as the C-390 Millennium, for example,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

With this agreement, Embraer and ENAER intend to resume a successful history of cooperation, which began in the 1990s. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Chilean company was an important and recognized supplier of Structures for the ERJ-135/140/145 family of jets and winner of several awards for the best suppliers in Embraer’s global supplier chain.

10 Apr 24. Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, today signed a four-year renewal agreement extending Satair’s global distribution rights for Collins electric, environmental control and engine system parts. The agreement covers multiple Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer commercial and military platforms.

“Satair is pleased to further its longstanding relationship with Collins by renewing our distribution agreement with its Power and Controls division for another four years,” said Thomas Lagaillarde, head of product management for Satair. “The agreement marks Satair’s second renewal with Collins, building upon our history of collaboration across various product lines. As a world leader in the commercial aerospace aftermarket, this contract renewal will allow us to continue to provide our customers with reliable parts and services.”

“Extending this agreement enables Collins and Satair to continue to provide world-class distribution support to our global customers,” said Ryan Hudson, Vice President, Power and Controls Aftermarket for Collins. “Collins is a leading provider of electric power, air management and engine control systems for commercial and military aircraft, and this contract will ensure Satair customers have access to high-quality components from the original equipment manufacturer.”

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

09 Apr 24. European Springs, a leading player in spring manufacturing and a proud member of the Lesjöfors Group, a global powerhouse operating nearly 40 spring and pressing manufacturing companies worldwide, announced two significant management changes. Stuart McSheehy will be stepping up into the role of Sales & Business Development Director for Europe as part of the Lesjöfors Group, promising to utilise his deep industry knowledge and extensive strategic expertise to lead the region’s growth initiatives.

08 Apr 24. HENSOLDT completes management change. Oliver Dörre has taken over as Chairman of the Management Board of the HENSOLDT Group with effect from 1 April 2024. As a member of the Management Board, Dörre had worked closely with his predecessor Thomas Müller since the beginning of the year to ensure a smooth succession. The handover is the result of long-term succession planning announced in March last year. Together with Oliver Dörre, Chief Financial Officer Christian Ladurner, Chief Human Resources Officer Dr Lars Immisch and Celia Pelaz as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) will form HENSOLDT’s management body with immediate effect. As CEO, Oliver Dörre will be directly responsible for all HENSOLDT divisions, among other things, as part of a new division of responsibilities. He will also be responsible for external and customer relations and the internationalisation strategy. In her new role as COO, Celia Pelaz will be responsible for optimising HENSOLDT’s process and organisational efficiency and promoting innovation in order to expand delivery capability in terms of both quantity and quality. Before joining HENSOLDT, Oliver Dörre was CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Thales Germany. With his many years of experience in the development of innovative technologies, sales and business development, the multi-award-winning former general staff officer will contribute his extensive knowledge of the defence and security solutions of the future to the management of HENSOLDT. In the past financial year, HENSOLDT built up an order backlog of almost 6bn euros. With its strategic focus and the efficient further development of its operating business, HENSOLDT will continue to expand its leading position in the global defence and security market.

10 Apr 24. Sir Robert McAlpine has today announced the appointment of Mike Hickson OBE as Managing Director of Defence. Joining Sir Robert McAlpine from HS2 Limited, Mike will be responsible for setting and delivering the company’s Defence strategy. This forms an essential part of growing the infrastructure business unit, one of the company’s core sectors. Mike brings 30 years of military experience to his new role, including active service in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a Brigadier, he was appointed Chief Logistician at PJHQ Northwood before becoming Director of the Royal Logistic Corps. After the military, Mike joined Fluor, initially in business development for government services, before becoming Logistics Director. He then joined HS2 Limited as Programme Director for the Central Section of Phase 1, ultimately spending the last three years as Land and Property Director. In post, Mike will help develop projects that are critical to the UK’s Defence infrastructure.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

08 Apr 24. Bank of America namesRowland Phillips head of European aerospace and defence coverage. Bank of America has promoted a senior dealmaker to lead its coverage of the aerospace and defence industries in Europe in the latest senior change at the Wall Street bank. Rowland Phillips, a managing director who joined Bank of America in 2011, has been named head of aerospace and defence in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, according to an internal memo seen by Financial News. This means a switch into the global industrials team for the dealmaker. (Source: Google)

08 Apr 24. Stoke Space announced that the company has appointed retired U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. John E. Shaw to its Board of Directors and Paul Croci as its chief financial officer. Lt. Gen. Shaw has more than 30 years of experience in national security space and aerospace engineering. He was among the first general officers to accept a commission in the U.S. Space Force. Shaw’s last active-duty assignment was as deputy commander of U.S. Space Command, where he directed more than 12,000 personnel worldwide and oversaw a $525 m budget to defend the nation’s critical space capabilities and to deliver space effects to terrestrial warfighters and human society. In this role, Shaw advocated for the U.S. Space Force to pursue advanced capabilities that enable dynamic space operations in which in-space assets can actively maneuver without constraint. (Source: PR Newswire)

11 Apr 24. Vision Products (www.visionproducts.llc) is pleased to announce the addition of Vice Admiral David Dunaway to its Advisory Board. Vice Admiral Dunaway brings a wealth of experience and expertise from his distinguished career in the United States Navy, where he served as Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command, the Operational Test and Evaluation Force, and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. During his tenure in the Navy, Vice Admiral Dunaway led groundbreaking initiatives in aviation technology, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision. His contributions have been instrumental in advancing the capabilities of naval aviation and enhancing national security. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

08 Apr 24. Voyager Space (Voyager), a global leader in space exploration, today announced the appointment of Neeraj Gupta as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer. As CSO, Neeraj will lead the development and execution of comprehensive strategic initiatives to drive innovation, market expansion, and sustainable growth. Prior to Voyager, Neeraj was the Senior Vice President and General Manager for Space Destinations at Sierra Space, where he was responsible for the overall business sector’s activities and performance, including the products and services provided. This included the co-development and operation of its commercial space station with partner Blue Origin, and multiple elements for on-orbit destinations. Sierra Space’s LIFE™ habitat (Large Integrated Flexible Environment) and the connected node module were two core products in Neeraj’s line of business. Neeraj was a key player in establishing the company in 2021 and helped secure the second-largest series A capital raise in aerospace history: $1.4 bn. (Source: PR Newswire)

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

11 Apr 24. The Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) has appointed a former adviser to an ex-science minister to become its next CEO. Maria MacNamara joins the organisation after a series of state and federal cuts to space investment last year, including the axing of a $1.2-bn Earth observation program. She replaces James Brown who announced his intention to step back from the position in October. (Source: Space Connect)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

April 5, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

05 Apr 24. Ground-breaking ceremony in Szeged: Rheinmetall builds new hybrid plant in southern Hungary – production capacities for civil business units and defence technology Rheinmetall builds a new plant in Szeged, Hungary, and thereby expands its footprint in the EU and NATO partner country. The groundbreaking ceremony on 26 March 2024 was attended by prominent guests. The Hungarian Minister of Defence, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, the Mayor of Szeged, Dr. László Botka, Prof. Dr. Gábor Szabó, Managing Director of the research institute ELI-ALPS, Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged, Milhálffy Béla, Member of Hungarian Parliament, and many other high-ranking representatives from politics, government and industry followed the invitation of Christoph Müller, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Power Systems division, to attend the ceremony. The new plant is Rheinmetall’s first major hybrid site, where the Group’s civil business and defence technology activities will be united under one roof. The site, which is scheduled to go into operation in August 2025, is part of Rheinmetall’s Power Systems division. A plant with a floor area of 15,000 square metres is to be built on an area of 85,000 square metres in the first industrialization step. Up to 300 highly qualified jobs will be created. The total investment volume is €63 million. The Rheinmetall site in Szeged will primarily manufacture products for the Automotive business unit, including electrical components such as nanostructure capacitors, as well as products for the use of hydrogen in mobility and energy generation. In addition, around ten percent of the production area is planned for goods from the military business of Rheinmetall’s Electronic Solutions division.”

“We are delighted to further expand our presence in Hungary, one of our home markets,” says Christoph Müller. “Szeged, the ‘City of Sunshine’, will now be the fourth Rheinmetall site after Budapest, Zalaegerszeg and Várpalota. We are grateful for and proud of the Hungarian government’s trust in us as a partner in the civil and defence industries.”

04 Apr 24. Norway Establishes Arctic Base for Long-Range Drones. The Norwegian government has great ambitions for Andøya, and proposes to reverse the decision to close Andøya so that there will still be a daily military presence at the air station. Andøya is to be developed into a base for long-range drones, and will be central to the support and development of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ space operations. In addition, Andøya is an important airbase for allied reception.

Long-range drones will become a completely new capability in the Armed Forces and will increase our ability to continuously understand the situation and monitor our local areas. A good understanding of the situation is important to ensure national control and freedom of action. Andøya will be an absolutely central base for this development in the Norwegian Armed Forces going forward, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).

The procurement of large drones with adapted sensors and systems in the Norwegian Armed Forces will contribute to continuous monitoring and control with a focus on maritime areas of interest in the north. This new capacity will also be able to help support total defense with monitoring and incident management in the event of, for example, natural disasters or rescue operations. The drones will be operated in a multinational collaboration with close allies that involves both training, operation and development. The former premises of the maritime patrol aircraft can be used for the establishment of drones on Andøya.

“Space-based services are central to military operations and are becoming increasingly important in cooperation with allies, partners and in the NATO community. Secure access to space is becoming central in line with the development of satellite-based services.

The government has a clear ambition for Norway to be foremost among allies in understanding the situation in the north. Satellites help to provide an overview of what is happening in our immediate areas, and Andøya has a unique location when it comes to access to outer space,”says Gram. Andøya Spaceport helps to support the needs of the Armed Forces, as well as bilateral and allied space investment. The government, in cooperation with allies, will develop the ability to quickly replace satellites if necessary. A first measure is to help strengthen the security level at Andøya Spaceport to satisfy military security requirements. This will mean that Andøya Spaceport can be a resource for the rapid launch of replacement satellites either in a national or allied framework. Furthermore, a joint training and development department and permanent guarding and security are established for the base’s function as a base for allied aircraft in peacetime, in crisis and war. The air station area is being developed to support this activity and the Armed Forces’ own innovation and development activities. Andøya air station is important in NATO’s planning. Andøya, Værnes, Sola and Bodø are further developed to be able to receive allies in peacetime and to be able to receive larger amounts of allied air forces in crisis and war. (Source: UAS VISION)

MARITIME

04 Apr 24. HHI delivers Shin Chae-ho submarine to South Korea. HHI showcases its delivery of the third hull within Batch I of the KSS-III class diesel-electric attack submarines to the South Korean Navy. Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) – the world’s largest shipbuilder based in Ulsan, South Korea – recently showcased its delivery of the Shin Chae-ho, a KSS-III class diesel-electric submarine to the South Korean Navy. KSS-III includes the development of nine attack submarines built in three batches as part of South Korea’s indigenous submarine production programme. The first and second hulls of Batch-I were built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), while the third – Shin Chae-ho – was constructed by HHI. Batch-II will include three submarines, with some design changes from the Batch-I hulls. The remaining three submarines will form Batch-III and feature even more advanced technologies. According to GlobalData intelligence, Batch-I alone will cost the Navy just over $1bn over the next ten years. Shin Chae-ho is the first 3,000 tonne submarine that HHI designed and built independently and delivered on time. “This has been possible due to the full support and co-operation from DAPA [South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration] and the Korean Navy,” HHI said in a statement during the delivery on 4 April 2024. “The company has been gaining more attention in terms of shipbuilding technologies and business management capabilities as it has been successful in delivering battleships on time from the Ulsan class Cheonan and Chuncheon frigates, to today’s Shin Chae-ho.” KSS-III Batch-I submarines are fitted with six vertical launch system tubes and eight 533-millimetre torpedo tubes. The boats are also capable of carrying cruise and ballistic missiles. They are also are equipped with Safran Electronics & Defense’s new generation electro-optical surveillance masts, which feature high image resolution and processing capabilities. As part of the ceremony, 20 representatives from nine other countries attended the event including Michael L. MacDonald, member of the Canadian Senate; Michael Jacobson, Director General Submarines of the Royal Australian Navy; Paul Duclos, Peru Ambassador to Korea, all of whom had the chance to see various Korean battleships in person. Such promotional work serves to tap into a larger consumer base as HHI’s offerings may suit other navies, including Poland and Peru, which has recently opted for HHI submarines. (Source: naval-technology.com)

27 Mar 24. Taiwan receives fifth, sixth Tuo Chiang-class corvettes. The Republic of China Navy (RoCN) has received its fifth and sixth Tuo Chiang-class guided-missile corvettes. Presiding over the vessels’ handover ceremony on 26 March at Yilan was Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen who in an official social media post on the same day described the handover event as “an important step forward for Taiwan’s indigenous naval defence”. The Tuo Chiang class is a catamaran-hulled corvette that features a wave-piercing form factor with reduced radar cross-section (RCS) exteriors. It was developed by the country’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology (NCSIST) with local shipbuilder Lung Teh. First-of-class ROCS Tuo Chiang (618) was commissioned in December 2014. The programme’s second-of-class onwards are based on an improved design with a longer overall length of 65 m and a higher displacement of 685 tonnes. The first-of-class displaces about 600 tonnes and has an overall length of about 60 m. The vessels that were handed over on 26 March are named An Chiang (625) and Wan Chiang. (Source: Janes)

AIR

29 Mar 24. HAL delays delivery of first Tejas Mk 1A to mid-2024. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has test-flown its first production Tejas Mk 1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). However, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is unlikely to get the aircraft until mid-2024, an industry source told Janes. According to HAL, the first production aircraft, serial no LA-5033, conducted an 18-minute successful sortie from the HAL airport in Bengaluru on 28 March. HAL intended to deliver at least one Tejas Mk 1A to the IAF by February 2024, a deadline that was subsequently moved up to 31 March. Janes understands that the handover of LA-5033 to the IAF could possibly require at least two additional months. An industry source told Janes that the delay in delivery is because of ongoing “disruptions in the supply chain” for the programme. (Source: Janes)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

05 Apr 24. Unconfirmed reports today suggest that Colin McClean has left RBSL where he was Managing Director. This would make the fourth MD to depart RBSL since its formation. RBSL declined to comment. Sources suggest that Will Gibby starts Monday as the replacement for Colin McClean.

04 Apr 24. Denmark’s government has fired the country’s top military official after embarrassing revelations about faulty air defences on a frigate it sent to the Red Sea to fend off Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. General Flemming Lentfer was sacked late on Wednesday night after failing to report to the defence minister that the Iver Huitfeldt had experienced a half-hour long malfunction of its missile and radar systems during a drone attack last month. The ship was recalled early from its mission. “I have lost trust in the chief of defence,” said Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark’s defence minister, who found out about the incident from a specialist military outlet, Olfi. “We are facing a historic and necessary strengthening of Denmark’s defence forces. This places great demands on our organisation and on the military advice at a political level.” The dismissal of its top defence official comes as Denmark is massively ramping up its defence spending in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and aims to meet Nato’s target of using 2 per cent of GDP on the military this year. Poulsen warned in February that Russia could attack a Nato country within three to five years. (Source: FT.com)

04 Apr 24. Sweden’s Saab said on Thursday its Chief Financial Officer Christian Luiga has decided to leave the defence materials group for another job and it has initiated a search for his successor. (Source: Reuters)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

29 Mar 24. U.S. Army Faces Shortfall in PSYOP Personnel. The U.S. Army is currently experiencing a notable deficit in trained psychological operations (PSYOP) soldiers, essential for conducting military information support operations (MISO) against strategic competitors such as China and Russia. This finding was detailed in a report released by the Department of Defense’s Inspector General (IG) on Wednesday, emphasizing challenges in recruitment, training, and retention within the PSYOP workforce. The shortfall has led to an increased reliance on reservists to meet the continuous, full-time demands of global MISO missions, with operational groups operating at only 60% of their authorized strength. The shortage of PSYOP soldiers is attributed to various factors, including an operational tempo that risks burnout, according to the IG report. The IG report underscores the strategic importance of MISO as a non-traditional tool for shaping the operational environment and deterring large-scale combat operations. It highlights the crucial role of PSYOP in conveying information to influence foreign audiences favorably. Yet, the current shortfall in PSYOP personnel hampers the U.S. military’s information warfare capabilities against key adversaries, underscoring the need for immediate action to address recruitment, training, and policy challenges within the PSYOP community. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

01 Apr 24. Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker Announces Western Hemisphere Policy Leadership Transition. As we continue to strengthen our nation’s alliances and partnerships in the critically important region of the Western Hemisphere, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy expresses profound appreciation for Daniel P. Erikson’s exemplary service as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs. From March 2021 to March 2024, DASD Erikson effectively and skillfully managed U.S. defense and security policy in the thirty-four nation region that encompasses Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. His tenure was marked by his strategic vision, the trust and confidence that he built with defense and military partners across the Americas, and his commitment to advancing the U.S. national interest through innovative approaches that transcended traditional bureaucratic barriers. We thank DASD Erikson for his exceptional public service and his lasting contributions to the Department of Defense, including successful implementation of the National Defense Strategy in the Western Hemisphere, stronger security partnerships, regional defense modernization, advancing climate resilience, and an enduring commitment to democracy and human rights. We wish him continued success as he assumes new responsibilities as the Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at the National Security Council. We also express appreciation to Mr. James Alverson, Principal Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, who will serve as Acting DASD for Western Hemisphere Affairs in the coming period. (Source: U.S. DoD)

29 Mar 24. Dr. Aprille Ericsson took the oath-of-office to become the first ever Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu administered the oath at the Pentagon today. Ericsson comes to the DOD after more than 30 years at NASA, where she most recently led the new business portfolio for the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Instrument Systems and Technology Division. As ASD (S&T), Ericsson will oversee a broad range of S&T portfolios aimed helping the department achieve leap-ahead defense capabilities, including the 4 areas of critical emerging technology Shyu prioritized as critical for national security. In July, the Pentagon announced the establishment of three assistant secretary of defense posts under R&E: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities, and the post Ericsson now holds. She assumes duties after being nominated by President Joe Biden last year and receiving Senate confirmation Feb. 28.

04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. Marc J. Miguez will be assigned as chief of legislative affairs, Washington, D.C. Miguez is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Two, Norfolk, Virginia.

04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. Ralph R. Smith III will be assigned as director, J2, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Smith is currently serving as deputy director, Operations, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland.

04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. Dennis Velez will be assigned as chief of staff, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Velez is currently serving as director, Plans and Policy, J-5, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.

04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Matthew Case will be assigned as deputy to the assistant director for Health Care Administration, Defense Health Agency, with additional duties as chief of Medical Service Corps, Falls Church, Virginia. Case is currently serving as commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, with additional duties as director, Tidewater Market; and chief of Medical Service Corps, Portsmouth, Virginia.

04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael B. Devore will be assigned as senior military official, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Apra, Guam. Devore is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Surface Forces/Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.

04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Joshua Lasky will be assigned as deputy commander, Joint Interagency Task Force South, U.S. Southern Command, Key West, Florida. Lasky is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command; and deputy commander, Fifth Fleet, Manama, Bahrain.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Douglas J. Adams, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as program executive officer for Undersea Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C. Adams is currently serving as deputy, program executive officer, Undersea Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Timothy A. Brown, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations Division, N4L, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Brown is currently serving as assistant chief of staff for Force Logistics, Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Todd M. Evans, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center; and commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Washington, D.C. Evans is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Todd A. Figanbaum, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Strategic Targeting and Nuclear Mission Planning, J-5N, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Figanbaum is currently serving as director, Submarine Officer Career Management and Distribution Division (PERS-42), Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Bret M. Grabbe, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy chief of staff, Submarines, Maritime Command Headquarters (MARCOM); and commander, Submarines, NATO, Northwood, United Kingdom. Grabbe is currently serving as chief of staff, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawai.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Liam M. Hulin, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Operations – Fire and Effects, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Hulin is currently serving as executive officer to the commanding general, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Brian T. Mutty, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), is assigned as assistant chief of staff, J-3, Joint Forces Command, Naples, Naples, Italy. Mutty recently served as commanding officer, Surface Warfare Schools Command, Newport, Rhode Island.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Craig C. Sicola, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Strategy, Plans and Policy (DJ5), U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Sicola is currently serving as assistant chief of staff for Education, Training, and Planning, Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.

04 Apr 24. Capt. Peter D. Small, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander for Ship Design, Integration and Engineering, SEA-05, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. Small is currently serving as project manager, Program Executive Office, Attack Submarines, Washington, D.C.

03 Apr 24. MG Kimberly M. Colloton, deputy commanding general for Military and International Operations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C., to deputy chief of engineers, Office of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army; and deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C.

03 Apr 24. MG Lance G. Curtis, deputy chief of staff, G-4, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to commanding general, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

03 Apr 24. MG Christopher L. Eubank, commanding general, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, to chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

03 Apr 24. MG Clair A. Gill, deputy director for Regional Operations and Force Management, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., to commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel, Fort Novosel, Alabama.

03 Apr 24. MG Gavin A. Lawrence, commanding general, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to deputy chief of staff for Logistics and Operations, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

03 Apr 24. MG Kevin C. Leahy, commander, Special Operations Command Central, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq.

03 Apr 24. MG Michael C. McCurry II, commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel, Fort Novosel, Alabama, to chief of staff, U.S. Army Futures Command, Austin, Texas.

03 Apr 24. BG Stephanie R. Ahern, director of Concepts, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Adelphi, Maryland, to commandant, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

03 Apr 24. BG Sarah K. Albrycht, commandant, U.S. Army Military Police School, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to provost marshal general, U.S. Army, and commanding general, Army Corrections Command, Washington, D.C.

03 Apr 24. BG Guillaume N. Beaurpere, commanding general, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to chief of staff, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

03 Apr 24. BG Chad C. Chalfont, deputy commanding general (Maneuver), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas, to commandant, U.S. Army Armor School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Moore, Georgia.

03 Apr 24. BG Kendall J. Clarke, deputy commanding general (Operations), 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York, to director of Concepts, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

03 Apr 24. BG Jasper Jeffers III, deputy director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., to commander, Special Operations Command Central, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

03 Apr 24. BG Shane P. Morgan, commandant, U.S. Army Field Artillery School, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to deputy director for Regional Operations and Force Management, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

03 Apr 24. BG Jason B. Nicholson, commanding general, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

03 Apr 24. BG Michael J. Simmering, commandant, U.S. Army Armor School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Moore, Georgia, to commanding general, First Army Division East, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

03 Apr 24. BG Brian D. Vile, commandant, U.S. Army Cyber Warfare School and Chief of Cyber, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia, to deputy director, Future Operations, J-3, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.

03 Apr 24. BG Scott D. Wilkinson, commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command; and deputy commanding general-Futures, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to chief, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, D.C.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Jeremy A. Bartel, chief of staff, U.S. Army Central, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, to commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central, Operation Enduring Sentinel, Qatar.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) James T. Blejski Jr., assistant chief of staff, G-3, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to director of intelligence, J-2, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Robert G. Born, deputy commander (Support), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas, to deputy commander (Maneuver), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Kirk E. Brinker, deputy commander (Support), 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to deputy commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Kevin S. Chaney, project manager, Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, Program Executive Office Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to deputy, Program Executive Office, Command, Control and Communication (Tactical), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Kenneth C. Cole, deputy commander (Support), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to deputy commander, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Ronald L. Franklin Jr., NATO Branch Chief, J-5, U.S. European Command, Germany, to senior defense official and defense attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office, Russia.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Rogelio J. Garcia, deputy commander (Support), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, to commandant of cadets, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Peter C. Glass, deputy director/chief of staff, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, to deputy commander (Support), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Joseph C. Goetz II, commandant, U.S. Army Engineer School, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to commander, Pacific Ocean Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Phillip J. Kiniery III, deputy commander (Operations), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence; and director, Future Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, Army Futures Command, Fort Moore, Georgia.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Paul T. Krattiger, deputy commander (Support), 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, to deputy commander (Operations), 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Matthew J. Lennox, deputy commander, Cyber National Mission Force, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland, to deputy commander, Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber, U.S. Army Cyber Command, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Robert J. Mikesh Jr., project manager, Integrated Personnel and Pay System–Army, Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems, Arlington, Virginia, to deputy program executive officer, Enterprise Information Systems, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Jin H. Pak, commandant, U.S. Army Quartermaster School, U.S. Army Sustainment Center of Excellence, Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, to commander, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Eighth Army, Republic of Korea.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Allen J. Pepper, senior defense official and defense attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office, Iraq, to commander, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Brendan C. Raymond, director of integration, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to deputy commander (Support), 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Adam D. Smith, deputy commander for operations, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, to The Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Human Resources Command; commander, U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency; and executive director, Military Postal Service Agency, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Kevin J. Williams, chief of staff, Joint Task Force–Red Hill, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Honolulu, Hawaii, to deputy commander (Operations), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

02 Apr 24. Brazilian Navy and Embraer sign innovation partnership agreement. The Brazilian Navy and Embraer have signed a partnership agreement for mutual support in research, development and innovation. The cooperation aims to develop on-board Surface Search and Coastal Surveillance Radars, with an increase in the maturity of the Gaivota X Radar. The signing ceremony took place today during LAAD in São Paulo, Brazil. Rear Admiral Alexandre de Vasconcelos Siciliano said: “We are proud to partner again with Embraer. This agreement consolidates the continuity of a long-term collaboration with a global technology leader that will expand the range of capabilities for the Brazilian Navy to fulfill its missions. Our expertise in the Gaivota X Radar will be complemented by Embraer’s cutting-edge technologies and advanced capabilities, allowing us to share knowledge and cooperatively develop cutting-edge solutions for the global market. We are very pleased to sign this new agreement with the Brazilian Navy, an institution with which we have a solid, long-term relationship. This cooperation will bring many advances, not only for the Brazilian Navy and Embraer but also for the Brazilian Defense Industrial Base,” says Fábio Caparica, Vice President Business Development, Latin America, at Embraer Defense & Security. Studies by the Brazilian Navy and Embraer cover the integration of the Gaivota X Radar with the Georeferenced Command and Control System (SisC2Geo) and with the Unified Situational Awareness System for Maritime Information Acquisition (SCUA). The cooperation is an important contribution to increasing both the high technological content of the Navy’s Strategic Programs and the development of the Defense Industrial Base, one of the main objectives of the Brazilian National Defense Strategy.

PERSONNEL

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

04 Apr 24. CAE Inc. announced changes to its Defense & Security business unit’s leadership team. Jason Goodfriend has been appointed Interim Group President, Defense & Security, effective immediately. Mr. Goodfriend replaces Daniel Gelston, who will remain at CAE in a supporting capacity through May 2024. CAE thanks Mr. Gelston for his vision, leadership and many accomplishments and wishes him well in his future endeavours. Mr. Goodfriend, based in Chantilly, Virginia, joined CAE in January 2023 as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for CAE’s Defense & Security business unit. CAE created the COO position at the Defense & Security business unit level as part of a series of organizational and structural changes intended to improve execution and performance. Since then, Mr. Goodfriend has been responsible for managing strategic, operational, and tactical efforts to deliver effective and efficient operations. Mr. Goodfriend came to CAE with over 20 years of experience in the government and private sectors leading and managing organizations and P&L execution for defence companies including BAE Systems Inc., and Akima, LLC. Mr. Goodfriend also brings valuable insight into our defence customers as a distinguished U.S. Army veteran. A search is currently being conducted for a permanent Group President among several highly qualified external and internal candidates with proven track-records of execution in the defence sector to lead and accelerate the transformation of CAE’s Defense & Security business. CAE also announced the recent appointment of Srini Dixit as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Defense & Security. Mr. Dixit has an extensive background that includes structural engineering, international business management, oversight of multi-billion-dollar strategic business units, and leadership of large finance teams. He joined CAE in March 2024 from RTX Corporation where he served as Vice President Finance and CFO of RTX’s Raytheon Air Power strategic business. Before that, Mr. Dixit held various defence unit financial leadership positions for over a decade at Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Source: PR Newswire)

24 Mar 24. Comtech names Jeff Robertson as new president of the firm’s Terrestrial & Wireless Networks business segment. Prior to joining Comtech, Robertson served as President and CEO of Intrado Life Safety, a company specializing in first responder technology in North America. Under his leadership, Robertson enhanced Intrado Life Safety’s operating structure, implemented critical digital transformation initiatives, migrated legacy products to next-generation cloud-based infrastructures, improved employee retention, and strengthened key go-to-market partnerships in under four years. Intrado Life Safety was sold in 2023 for $2.4 bn under Robertson’s leadership. Throughout his career, Robertson has held numerous leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Public Safety for startup innovator RapidSOS, CEO of Airbus DS Communications North America, Vice President and General Manager of Intergraph’s public safety software division, CEO of TCI – TelControl, and CML Emergency Services. He was also the founding executive director of the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance. (Source: Satnews)

28 Mar 24. HawkEye 360 Inc., the world’s leading defense technology company for space-based radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, announced its new members of the Advisory Board, forming the Class of 2024 today. Retired Generals, Gen. David D. Thompson, and Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, two individuals with unique perspectives and vast experience, join for the first time, while Terry McAuliffe and Joan Dempsey return for another term.

General David D. Thompson (Ret.) brings 38 years of experience in the Air and Space Forces to his role, highlighted by his service as the first Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force. In this capacity, he contributed to creating the Space Force and represented the Chief of Space Operations in high-level meetings, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Thompson has commanded at squadron, group, and wing levels and has held senior positions at the National Reconnaissance Office, Air Force Warfare Center, and United States Strategic Command. His education includes a Master of Science in National Security Industrial Policy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University, and a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. Thompson’s career showcases his strategic planning and execution skills in national security and space operations.

Lt. General H.R. McMaster (Ret.) is a soldier and scholar who brings a unique blend of strategic insights and global defense understanding to HawkEye 360. McMaster served in the US Army for thirty-four years and commanded forces in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq before serving as the 25th Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina and authored two bestselling books. He is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, a fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute, a lecturer at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, and a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Arizona State University.

Joan Dempsey & Terry McAuliffe are welcomed back to the HawkEye 360 Advisory Board, each bringing a distinguished blend of experience and achievements to our team. Joan offers unparalleled strategic insights with her extensive background in intelligence, security, and leadership roles at Booz Allen Hamilton and various high-level federal positions. Terry, recognized for his dynamic tenure as the 72nd Governor of Virginia and his significant contributions to economic development and cybersecurity, brings a visionary approach to our mission. Together, their combined expertise and achievements will continue to guide HawkEye 360 in its strategic initiatives and further advancement in the industry. These individuals, forming HawkEye 360 Advisory Board’s Class of 2024, will join the board’s 20 current members. (Source: PR Newswire)

03 Apr 24. Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LECO) (“Company”), announced today that Michele R. Kuhrt has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), effective April 8, 2024. In this newly created role, Kuhrt will lead initiatives to accelerate business process standardization and organizational alignment under the Lincoln Electric Business System (LBS) to support the Company’s strategic goals. She will continue to serve as a member of the executive leadership team and report to Steven B. Hedlund, President and Chief Executive Officer. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

04 Apr 24. Science Applications International Corp. (NASDAQ: SAIC), a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation’s digital transformation across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Srinivas “Srini” Attili as executive vice president, Civilian Business Group, effective May 6, 2024. In this role, Mr. Attili will report to Chief Executive Officer Toni Townes-Whitley and will further extend SAIC’s position as a leader across Civilian markets through innovation and revenue growth. Mr. Attili brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leading transformation initiatives in technology and systems integration across a diverse array of healthcare, technology and public sector organizations. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

02 Apr 24. Vision Products, LLC (www.visionproducts.llc) announced the promotion of Kevin Mellott to the position of Vice President. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the engineering team and technology development initiatives for Vision Products. Mr. Mellott brings years of experience in technology development, having previously served as both the Director of Electrical, Systems and Software Engineering and a program manager at Vision Products. His extensive expertise in these areas, combined with his strong leadership skills, make him the ideal candidate to drive innovation and spearhead the advancement of cutting-edge head mounted display technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from U.C. Berkeley, as well as a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

28 Mar 24. Gresham Worldwide, Inc. (OTCQB: GIGA) (“Gresham Worldwide”) today announced the appointment of Nissim Ovadia as Chief Executive Officer of Enertec Systems 2001, Ltd. (“Enertec”), its defense industry and medical device engineering subsidiary.. Mr. Ovadia joined Enertec in 2017 and has been a catalyst for record growth of the Company during his tenure. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Ovadia served concurrently as CFO and COO and was responsible for the full financial and operations management of Enertec. He was instrumental in the implementation of first-class project management systems and engineering interface protocols and comprehensive customer interfaces. Mr. Ovadia’s appointment ensures a seamless transition and continuity for the Company’s business operations. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

03 Apr 24. Christopher Pyne emerges as Hanwha’s man in Canberra. Hanwha Group, the Korean defence and aerospace conglomerate which has lobbed a $1 bn bid for ASX-listed Austal, has engaged former Coalition defence minister Christopher Pyne as it accelerates its lobbying efforts in Canberra. Pyne & Partners is the latest heavyweight consultancy advising Hanwha, which has had a significant presence in the local defence industry. Austal rejected Hanwha’s $2.825 per share offer, telling investors it is unlikely the Korean firm would be granted approval by officials in Australia and the United States given its sensitive defence contracts. (Source: Google/https://www.afr.com/)

03 Apr 24. Hypersonix Launch Systems Ltd, Australia’s leading aerospace engineering, design and build company, today announces the appointment of former Australian Ambassador to the United States the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO to the position of Chair of the Board effective 18th March 2024. Arthur Sinodinos is currently also Co-Chair of the AUKUS Forum which is a skilled team of entrepreneurs, innovative leaders and visionary change-makers, supporting the trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, The United Kingdom, and the United States. He was Australia’s Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2023, and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and Senator in the Australian Government from 2011 to 2019. Arthur Sinodinos also served as Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Hon. John Howard AC from 1997 to 2006. Leveraging his deep knowledge of both industry and government, having spent years brokering international bridges, Mr. Sinodinos is well primed to guide this visionary company into the global aerospace and satellite launch markets. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

March 28, 2024 by

LOCATIONS

LAND

26 Mar 24. Construction officially underway on MQ-28 Ghost Bat production facility. Construction is officially underway on a new production facility to support the manufacture of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial vehicle, Australia’s first military combat aircraft designed and developed in over 50 years. The 9,000-square-metre facility unveiled by American defence prime Boeing at the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct in Toowoomba, Queensland, on 26 March is expected to be operational in the next three years. The MQ-28 production facility will include aerospace manufacturing capabilities including carbon fibre composites manufacture, advanced robotic assembly for major components, final assembly, and test capabilities.

“Boeing Australia is investing to bring this innovative, uncrewed capability to market in the timeframe that supports our customers’ future needs,” according to Amy List, Boeing Defence Australia managing director.

“The MQ-28 is designed to transform air combat and provide affordable mass for Australia and our allies.

“We’re partnering with the Queensland government and Wagner Corporation to build Boeing’s first final assembly facility outside of North America – which is indicative of our global focus and a continued commitment to a sustainable and robust Australian aerospace industry.”

Boeing’s latest investment in Australia will bring new aerospace skill sets and technologies, such as advanced composites manufacturing and robotics to Queensland, according to an official statement from the company.

Queensland property and infrastructure company Wagner Corporation will develop and manage construction of the facility at their Toowoomba precinct using sustainable construction methods, and work with Boeing to incorporate renewable technologies and human-centric design.

In addition, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Collaborative Combat Aircraft), formerly known as the Loyal Wingman, was allocated an additional $399 m in funding by the federal government earlier this year.

Part of that funding boost will enable a focus on developing sensor and mission payloads, an integrated combat system and autonomous systems.

Further development of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat comes after the government agreed with a Defence Strategic Review recommendation in 2023 to develop options for collaboration and technology sharing with the United States. In line with the government’s response, Defence signed a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) development project arrangement with the United States on 30 March 2023.

Originally announced in 2019, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is designed to provide a disruptive, “fighter-like” performance with a range in excess of 2,000 nautical miles in a platform capable of integrating a suite of sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare. (Source: Defence Connect)

MARITIME

27 Mar 24. Macron and Lula launch submarine built in Brazil with French tech. The presidents of France and Brazil on Wednesday launched a submarine built in the South American country with French technology in a program that aims to build Brazil’s first nuclear-powered submarine by the end of the decade. Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended a ceremony in the Itaguai shipyard near Rio de Janeiro launching the third diesel-powered submarine built in a $10bn partnership. Brazil’s first lady Janja da Silva smashed a champagne bottle on the bow of the submarine Tonelero and the two presidents activated a lever sending the Scorpene-class vessel into the sea. The submarine program, begun in 2008 during Lula’s previous presidential term, is a partnership with France’s state-run Naval Group in which defense contractor Thales (TCFP.PA), opens new tab has a 35% stake. The program, called ProSub, is Brazil’s biggest international cooperation project in the defense sector, Lula said, and aims to protect its sovereignty over waters from where 85% of the country’s oil and 75% of its gas comes. The Brazilian government said its submarine fleet is needed to defend the country’s nearly 7,500-kilometer (4,700-mile) coastline and the Atlantic waters where Brazil is developing vast offshore oil fields. Macron is on a three-day visit to Brazil, opens new tab that aims to relaunch the bilateral relationship and strategic partnership that stalled during the previous government of Jair Bolsonaro, whom the French president criticized for failing to defend the Amazon rainforest. Macron landed on Tuesday in the Amazon city of Belem, where Brazil will host the United Nations COP30 climate negotiations in 2025. Lula met him there and they pledged to work together to stop deforestation in the Amazon by 2030. Macron will meet business executives in Sao Paulo later on Wednesday and make a state visit to Brasilia on Thursday. (Source: Reuters)

27 Mar 24. US Navy Wasp-class LHD USS Bataan to enter two-year refit. The US Navy’s Wasp-class amphibious assault ships first entered service in 1989 and are used as a focal point for amphibious ready group deployments. Having recently returned to the US from an eight-month-long Mediterranean deployment, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan is set to enter a two-year maintenance and modernisation period before returning to the active fleet in mid-2026. General Dynamics NASSCO–Norfolk, based out of Norfolk, Virginia, has been awarded a $311.1m firm-fixed-price contract action for maintenance, modernisation, and repair of the USS Bataan, according to a 26 March announcement from the US Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD statement said that the contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the deal to nearly $343.7m, with work to be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and expected to be completed by May 2026. According to the DoD the contract was competitively procured, with two offers received. The USS Bataan was the centrepiece of the Bataan amphibious ready group (ARG), which also comprised the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde, which was deployed to the Mediterranean to support US interest in the wake of the war in Gaza following Hamas’ assault into Israel in October 2023. As part of the deployment, around 2,400 US Marine from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) were embarked throughout the Bataan ARG. A total of eight Wasp-class amphibious assault ships (LHD) were built, with all still in service with the US Navy, commissioning from 1989 onwards. The LHDs can embark and support all elements of a USMC MEU of 2,000 marines, inserting forces ashore via helicopter, landing craft, and amphibious vehicles. The Wasp class was designed to employ air-cushion landing craft (LCACS) and to carry a squadron of Harrier II (AV-8B) STOVL (short take-off vertical landing) jets, with the newer F-35B STOVL aircraft also able to be embarked. The USS Bataan was commissioned into service in September 1997, with the latest modernisation period taking the vessel into its 29th year of service. Displacing around 41,000 tonnes at full load, the Wasp class are larger than most countries’ aircraft carriers, and can accommodate a mix of assault helicopters, plus six to eight Harriers for close air support. A typical mix of helicopters is 12 CH-46 Sea Knight, four CH-53E Sea Stallion, three UH-1N Huey, and four AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters. The vessels are also able to embark the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. (Source: naval-technology.com)

AIR

28 Mar 24. Flight testing Paramount’s Mwari ISR aircraft. Although the turboprop light tactical aircraft space is well stocked with established and new offerings, Paramount’s Mwari is a welcome addition, with its internal pod system and pending smart weapons integration enabling it to make its presence felt over the battlefield.

This is according to UK-based publication Flight Global, which recently had the opportunity to flight test the aircraft at Paramount’s Wonderboom National Airport facility outside Pretoria.

The AHRLAC (Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft), as it then was, first flew in 2014, after being developed by ADC, a Paramount and Aerosud partnership. A shareholders’ legal dispute stopped the project in 2019 before Paramount assumed full control of the programme and resumed development.

Mozambique is the Mwari’s launch customer, receiving its first aircraft in late 2022. A year later, it had accumulated over 70 hours of flying on the type, which Paramount is hoping to sell to other African and European customers. Mozambique has ordered three aircraft, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) six.

Paramount is optimistic about the Mwari’s prospects in the armed overwatch market, noting that global air capability spending will reach over $476 billion over the next five years, with the Armed Overwatch/Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) market estimated to provide $32.3bn of opportunities.

The Mwari is the first new clean-sheet manned military aircraft in South Africa since the Rooivalk attack helicopter.

The Mwari is marketed as a relatively inexpensive alternative to high-end military aircraft for surveillance, maritime patrol and counter-insurgency operations. It can also be used for training.

The Mwari has been designed to easily perform multiple missions thanks to an innovative Interchangeable Mission Systems Bay (IMSB), located in the belly of the aircraft, providing near-endless sensor and payload options which can be integrated and be swapped out in less than two hours. Open-architecture and flexible systems allows for the quick and low-cost integration of new pods, avionics, cargo, special mission equipment, weapons and sensors. The IMSB can carry payloads up to 317 kg, and the Mwari can supply 400 kW of power for payloads. Six external hardpoints on the wings can carry up to 1 000 kg in total.

The PT6 turboprop-powered Mwari has a service ceiling of up to 31 000 feet, and offers a maximum cruise speed of 250 knots, a mission range of up to 550 nautical miles with ordinance and an overall endurance of up to 6.5 hours. The aircraft also offers a short take-off and landing (STOL) capability, with retractable landing gear optimised for both semi and unprepared airstrips or sites.

Sensors and equipment that have already been fitted to the aircraft include Hensoldt’s Argos II electro-optical gimbal, Paramount Advanced Technologies’ 420 sensor ball, Thales’s Avni thermal reconnaissance system, Sysdel’s MiniRaven radar warning receiver, and Reutech’s ACR510 radio, amongst others. Future options could include a synthetic aperture radar (SAR). A pusher propeller configuration ensures debris is not kicked up into the sensor gimbal during takeoff or landing.

Weapons integration is taking place this year, by Paramount Aerospace Industries. The specifics of newly adopted mission and weapons systems will be disclosed at a later date.

Mwari has been designed with portable production in mind. The aircraft could, depending on customer requirements, be exported in kit format for final assembly in customer countries and can easily integrate into supply chains around the world, enabling scalable mass production.

Flight Global in late 2023 experienced the Mwari first hand, noting its purpose-built ‘find, fix, finish’ design, which includes a high wing and pusher design for excellent cockpit visibility – the weapon systems officer sits notably higher than the pilot, the publication noted.

Its pilot flew a production representative aircraft three times, first from the rear seat, and then twice from the pilot’s seat, exploring its performance limits, aerobatic abilities, and mission profile capabilities, including with its Argos II sensor gimbal. The testing, which also included a simulated forced landing, left “a big smile” on the test pilot’s face. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

27 Mar 24. Zambia Air Force introduces Enstrom 480B, Bell 412 helicopters into service. The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has taken into service a new rotary wing type – the Enstrom 480B – and expanded its fleet of Bell helicopters. During a ceremony at Air Force Base Lusaka on 25 March, two newly delivered Enstrom 480B turbine helicopters were inducted into service. ZAF Commander, Lieutenant General Oscar Msitu Nyoni said, “The Helicopters we are about to induct into service today will serve a multitude of crucial tasks, thereby contributing to our combat capabilities such as training of pilots, search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, reconnaissance operations, anti-poaching efforts in collaborations with our counterparts, the national parks and wildlife, and combating smuggling activities.

“The Enstrom 480B helicopter will also be deployed in the crucial role of addressing food security by aiding in the surveillance of mealie meal smuggling and preventing mineral pilferage by illegal miners, who continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the general citizenry.”

Nyoni said the induction of the Enstrom 480Bs comes barely days after the induction into service of two Bell 412EP helicopters and the handover of agricultural equipment such as tractors, disc ploughs, planters and boom sprayers to Air Force farms for expansion of agricultural activities.

Two Bell 412EPs were handed over to the Zambia Air Force by Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma on 13 March at Air Force Base Lusaka. Nyoni said the aircraft were key in enhancing national defence and emergency response capabilities. He said the helicopters were a game-changer, offering strategic advantages in various scenarios, from military operations to disaster response. The Zambia Air Force has four Bell 412EP helicopters on order, with the first two (formerly N412HS and N412TH) delivered at the beginning of March. These were built in 1996 and 1997 and most recently owned by Copter Lease of the United States. The United States in September 2023 announced an $80 m grant to Zambia for the supply of four Bell 412EPs. The Zambia Air Force has a substantial Bell/Agusta-Bell fleet, having operated many of their types over the decades. In 2021, three Bell/Agusta-Bell 412SP helicopters (AF717, AF718, and AF720) arrived from Italy and South Africa, joining a dozen surviving Agusta-Bell 205s. In March 2023, then Zambia Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Colin Barry, said the ZAF had concluded procurement procedures for a medium utility helicopter, which would be delivered in the coming months for troop movement, search and rescue, disaster relief, and other tasks: a second hand Bell 212 was delivered from the United States in June. The aircraft, AF721, was formerly operated by Era Helicopters in Canada and sold via US company Copter Lease LLC. Barry indicated another two helicopters would be subsequently acquired for medical support.Zambia operates a diverse range of helicopters, including half a dozen Mil Mi-171Sh and Mi-171E troop transport and assault helicopters delivered from Russia between 2015 and 2017. Zambia’s defence ministry in February 2023 signed a contract for the two Enstrom 480B helicopters for training pilots and personnel – a training package is included in the deal. The helicopters are equipped with cargo hooks and hard points for cameras, as well as Garmin avionics and glass panels. One helicopter is supplied with a full glass cockpit and one with a hybrid glass and analogue panel to provide training with a flight deck similar to the gauge-equipped Mi-17s used as the mainstay of the fleet. South Africa’s Safomar Aviation Group coordinated and assisted Enstrom in the sale to Zambia, including logistics, specifications, and configuration of the Helicopters. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

25 Mar 24. Fond farewell: British Army’s Apache Mk1 attack helicopter makes final flight. A special flypast over locations across England and Wales marked the end of service for the Mk1 with its replacement the new Apache AH-64E model, bringing new technology and greater capabilities.

People turned out to watch the iconic attack helicopters fly over locations including PJHQ Northwood, RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Apaches did face some delays on the flypast route which included some 15 locations.

They were originally due to arrive back home at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk for the final time at 17:30.

The Mark 1’s final operational deployment was earlier this month on Operation Clockwork in Norway.

The retirement of the Apache Mk1 marks the end of an era for the British Army after it proved itself to be a battle-winning asset in Afghanistan and Libya.

This final flight and flypast will serve as a fitting farewell to a helicopter that played a significant role in British military history. (Source: forces.net)

25 Mar 24. US Navy plans to decommission 19 ships in FY 2025, 10 before the end of their service lives. The US Navy (USN) wants to decommission 19 vessels during fiscal year (FY) 2025, including 10 ships before they have reached planned end of their expected service lives (ESLs), according to the Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels for Fiscal Year 2025, often called the USN’s 30-year shipbuilding plan, sent to US lawmakers on 19 March.

The shipbuilding plan details the USN’s long-term strategy for fleet composition, including ship acquisitions and decommissionings.

The proposed pre-ESL decommissionings include two guided-missile cruisers (CGs) – USS Shiloh (CG 67), which has been in service for 33 years and USS Lake Erie (CG 70), which has been in service for 32 years – with ESLs of 35 years each. Both vessels are being slated to be logistic support assets (LSAs), the plan noted.

Another two CGs – USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Normandy (CG 60) – which have reached their 35-year ESLs, or beyond, are also being proposed for decommissioning to be LSAs, according to the plan. (Source: Janes)

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

PERSONNEL

30 Mar 24. Royal Marine Commandos look to huskies on the Arctic battlefield.

Britain’s elite commandos have trialled using dogs to supply troops operating deep behind enemy lines with ammunition and food in the Arctic Circle.

Specialists from Chivenor-based Commando Logistic Regiment and the Commando Helicopter Force’s Ground Mobility Troop trained with huskies during their deployment to Northern Norway to look at how the dogs could be used on high-risk supply runs into adversary territory.

Known as a Combat Service Support Squadron, the group of Royal Marines and Army Commandos are responsible for punching through the front lines and quickly supplying advanced commando raiding parties with ammunition, fuel, food and medical kit.

Whisky Squadron is made up of expert engineers, logisticians and drivers as well as protection troops well-armed with heavy and grenade machine guns, taking lessons from Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine on the way in which logistics has continued to evolve on the modern-day battlefield.

Mainly operating at night, the squadron uses various methods to reach the raiding teams – on foot, skis or snowmobiles or in some cases using tracked vehicles and trucks depending on the delivery size. The emphasis is on speed and remaining hidden.

The commandos looked at how sleds pulled by huskies – known for their strength and endurance – could help deliver supplies to troops, making considerations on the types of operations canine companions could be deployed on.

The squadron looked at the distance the dogs can travel, how snow conditions can affect their speed and endurance, the planning required to navigate complex routes given the significant speed the huskies reach that make them unable to make quick turns.

The need to avoid compromise while restocking hidden caches was also considered, given the huskies would become restless if left too long.

“We have been addressing the threat of high tech weapons by looking at low tech, low signature solutions, like the huskies, to resupply advanced forces,” said Captain Al Hunter Royal Marines, about the training with the dogs from Norwegian organisation Riverland Husky.

This training was just one small part of Whisky Squadron’s inaugural deployment, which has bonded the deployed troops and headquarters tightly together having only formed six months ago.

Marine Robert Swart, a Weapon Technician said: “As a young marine you want to come out to Norway and test yourself in one of the hardest environments in the world, operating in the frozen plateau is arduous and a great way to confirm one’s soldiering ability.”

Private James Gledhill, a Royal Logistics Corps Logistic Supply Specialist, added: “As a young soldier you read the news and see what is happening today in Ukraine, I think this more than any other exercise serves as a mission rehearsal to make sure we are ready if the worst were to happen to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Norwegian partners.”

Whisky Squadron are responsible for operating in the extreme cold of the Arctic with 45 Commando as part of the Littoral Response Group (North), a Royal Navy task force designed to react to world events in Northern Europe’s waterways and chokepoints.

Delta Squadron, meanwhile, are responsible for operating in desert and jungle with 40 Commando, which forms the main punch of Littoral Response Group (South) that keeps a continuous presence in the strategically-important Indo-Pacific.

The need for these squadrons is borne out of the Commando Forces’ return to raiding operations, landing in small teams on coastlines to cause mayhem on an adversary.

Major Rory Bate of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the Officer Commanding Whisky Squadron was jubilant about the inaugural deployment of his squadron in its new role.

He said: “Having such a firm offer of support for the Littoral Response Group as it counters the pernicious threat faced in Northern Europe is reassuring. With such a responsive and credible squadron, we are able to adapt to the need of the Strike Companies and literally deliver the goods.”

The early phases of the deployment taught the commandos of Whisky Squadron’s Fenrir Troop essential skills in surviving, moving and fighting in the Arctic, mastering the ability to ski with ever-increasing loads in their bergens and pulks.

This culminated in a week-long phase where the whole troop deployed on the multinational Exercise Nordic Response to carry out their main responsibilities; recovering stricken vehicles, repairing vehicle breakdowns in the field, conducting supply missions and punching through enemy lines.

The commandos landed ashore from RFA Mounts Bay instantly getting to work, delivering 18,000 litres of diesel and 3,500 ration packs to troops operating across Northern Norway.

Sergeant Ashley Marsh Royal Marines, the Fenrir Troop’s second in command, said: “In today’s and tomorrow’s battlefield slow large moving vehicles are vulnerable. We must continue to invest into Combat Service Support as a concept in order to remain a credible force that can support 45 Commando and allied forces.”

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

25 Mar 24. Babcock supports Government’s national endeavour to secure critical nuclear skills. Babcock welcomes the Government’s announcements today on the national endeavour to secure the critical nuclear skills needed to protect our nation’s security and deliver our clean energy ambitions.

Playing a critical role across the nuclear enterprise, we deliver nationally important programmes through our defence and civil nuclear businesses. We are a key industrial partner on the Nuclear Skills Task Force, which has today delivered the 10-year National Nuclear Strategy Plan for Skills (NNSPS) developed to secure the specialist skills needed to deliver the national nuclear enterprise, today and into the future.

Providing full-time executive support to the government-led task force, we are taking a leading role in the development of a south west regional hub collaboration, as well as actively supporting Destination Nuclear, a first ever national nuclear communications and recruitment campaign.

In addition, last year we launched the Babcock Skills Academy, which focuses on addressing the current and future nuclear skills demand we need for our programmes, as well as the wider civil and defence nuclear enterprise. This includes a focus on submarine support and the critical nuclear skills required to perform deep submarine maintenance. More than 2,000 people will pass through the Skills Academy in its first three years, and a further 10,000 over the following five years.

David Lockwood, CEO Babcock International and member of the Nuclear Skills Executive Council, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the UK to deliver a stronger nuclear industry that will contribute to the resilience of the UK’s independent deterrent and will support the UK’s energy security ambitions and net zero targets. As well as providing bed-rock support for the ambitious development required across industry and government for the AUKUS programme. Babcock is proud of the leading role it is taking in driving forward initiatives to retain and grow the critical mass of nuclear skills we need today and tomorrow. We have a keen focus on our major nuclear sites in the South West of England and in Scotland and are determined to leverage the benefits of the NNSPS, with our customers and other industry partners, across the broader communities we serve.”

From sustaining the entirety of the UK’s submarine fleet, to supporting the operation and build of nuclear power plants, Babcock operates across civil and naval nuclear, performing critical roles in nationally important programmes where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation and ensuring energy security.

26 Mar 24. Operational medals is broadened with the new Wider Service Medal. The Wider Service medal recognises the contribution of service personnel fulfilling crucial operational roles.

A new operational medal recognising the service of personnel delivering crucial operational impact, but where the physical risk to life is lower than traditionally required for the award of an operational medal, has been announced by the Defence Secretary today.

The Wider Service Medal (WSM) medal, which has been approved by HM The King, recognises Armed Forces personnel and civilians working outside the traditional criteria of existing operational medals.

The move has been made to recognise the ever-changing nature of warfare and ensure that those fulfilling crucial roles can receive medallic recognition.

Personnel eligible for the medal are likely to include those deployed on a wide range of missions such as international coalitions and deterrence.

These operations include Royal Navy personnel serving on the UK’s continuous at sea Nuclear Deterrent, as well as maritime activity in the Middle East; Army personnel deployed as part of the UK’s reassurance to the people of Estonia; and RAF pilots and supporting ground crew deployed to Estonia and Romania as part of the UK’s commitment to the NATO air policing patrol.

The Wider Service Medal recognises the wide range of roles our personnel play in ensuring success on operations.

It also recognises the ever-changing nature of warfare, underlining the importance of operations which deter adversaries in a pre-war world.

The WSM is being introduced to recognise the changing nature of operational activity, whereby Armed Forces personnel are increasingly deployed or used to deliver operational impact but not necessarily in roles that expose them to physical risk.

This activity does not fall within the traditional, operational medallic criteria that continues to rely on ‘risk and rigour’. For the first time, the WSM will ensure that Armed Forces personnel who are delivering this type of operational effect will be eligible for medallic recognition.

Criteria for the medal includes:

Defined operational activity where there is evidence of operational impact that contributes to the UK objectives but does not meet the traditional medal threshold in terms of physical risk to the individual.
The individual must have accrued 180 days’ aggregated service on eligible operations. Subsequent service of 180 days will result in the award of a bar to the medal, up to a maximum of three bars.

The medal will be retrospective to December 2018 for ongoing operations.

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

22 Mar 24. British Army applicants give up after waiting six months to join. Recruitment delays come as the number of troops could dip below the Ministry of Defence target of 73,000 within months. Tens of thousands of young people are withdrawing their applications to serve in the armed forces every year after waiting months to join, it can be revealed.

Fewer than one in ten of the 137,000 people who applied to join the army, navy and RAF last year ended up serving, with nearly 74,000 potential recruits — 54 per cent — giving up on the process altogether.

The problem was worst in the army, with 70 per cent of potential recruits pulling out before they were through the doors.

More than 8,400 of the 54,128 people who withdrew their applications to join the army waited at least six months before doing so, according to the figures uncovered by John Healey, the shadow defence secretary.

Although 1.1 m young people have applied to join the armed forces since 2014, three in four people withdrew their applications, leaving the Ministry of Defence to sign up just over 132,000 people and reject almost 170,000. The alarming data comes amid mounting concern that the recruitment crisis engulfing the military is so bad that the Royal Navy does not have enough sailors to man its ships, the RAF is short of pilots and the army could dip below its target force of 73,000 within months.

Countries across the world — including the US, Australia, France and Germany — are suffering from a recruitment and retention crisis, with many military personnel leaving for lucrative private sector jobs. (Source: The Times)

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

28 Mar 24. The Polish commander of Eurocorps, a multinational Nato-EU battlegroup based in France, has been dismissed and recalled to Warsaw to face a counter-intelligence investigation. The Polish defence ministry said the probe was to look at “the personal security clearance” of Lieutenant General Jarosław Gromadziński and gather new information about him. Warsaw said it notified its allies “in advance” and the dismissal caused no particular concern. “There is no concern between us and the allies,” Polish defence minister Władyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told Polish news channel TVN24 on Thursday. He described the dismissal as a “serious matter”, but insisted that the investigation was so far only “a process of clarification” without detailing what had prompted it. Poland has appointed Lieutenant General Piotr Błazeusz as a replacement chief for Eurocorps. “Everything is being done in accordance with procedures,” the minister said. (Source: FT.com)

26 Mar 24. Ministerial Appointments. The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments. Following the departure from Government of the Rt Hon James Heappey MP and the Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:

Nus Ghani MP to be a Minister of State (Minister for Europe) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office;
Leo Docherty MP to be a Minister of State (Minister for the Armed Forces) in the Ministry of Defence;
Kevin Hollinrake MP to be a Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade;
Luke Hall MP to be a Minister of State in the Department for Education;
Alan Mak MP to be a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State jointly in the Department for Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office.

26 Mar 24. Mr Nikesh Mehta OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Singapore, in succession to Ms Kara Owen CMG who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Mehta will take up his appointment during July 2024.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

25 Mar 24. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has selected a new Republican to head the China panel after its current leader, Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., abruptly announced on Friday his departure from Congress. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., said Monday that Johnson had selected him to fill the vacancy atop the House’s Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Moolenaar already sits on the 24-member committee, which House Republicans established last year to put forth a wide array of U.S.-China policy recommendations. While Gallagher also sits on the Armed Services Committee, and chairs its cyber and information technology panel, Moolenaar does not sit on any of the other national security committees. As an appropriator, Moolenaar sits on the agriculture and labor spending panels.(Source: Defense News)

25 Mar 24. USAF MG Case A. Cunningham for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Alaskan Command, U.S. Northern Command; commander, Eleventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region. Cunningham is currently serving as commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

25 Mar 24. USAF MG Stephen F. Jost for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Forces Japan; and commander, Fifth Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Jost is currently serving as commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, U.S. Transportation Command, Norfolk, Virginia.

25 Mar 24. Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Upcoming Departure of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker. Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker will step down at the end of April. I am deeply grateful for her outstanding contributions to the Department and to U.S. national security. Acting Under Secretary Baker was asked to step into a difficult and critical position, and she has been a pillar of strength and wisdom. Under her leadership, our Policy team has helped the Department navigate a range of complex global challenges, including major crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. Her strategic acumen and steadfast commitment to our national security have helped her play a pivotal role in shaping our defense policies, tackling emerging threats, and strengthening interagency relationships and international alliances. As Acting Under Secretary Baker moves on to her next chapter, we wish her continued success and thank her for her service to the Department and the United States. Amanda Dory, a career civil servant and OSD Policy veteran who is currently the Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in Washington, DC, will perform the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy when Acting Under Secretary Baker departs. I urge the United States Senate to confirm Derek Chollet, our outstanding nominee to serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. At this crucial moment for U.S. defense policy, the Department needs a confirmed principal adviser in this critical role. (Source: U.S. DoD)

23 Mar 24. Leadership Change in Naval Special Warfare Group 8. Capt. Richard A. Zaszewski, the commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group 8, was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, the U.S. Navy announced. The decision, made by Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, was attributed to a “loss of confidence in his ability to command.” As a result of this decision, Deputy Commodore Capt. Stig Sanness has taken over the leadership role, with the Navy stating that the change will not affect the group’s mission readiness. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

25 Mar 24. DoD Announces New Director for Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has announced that David M. Cattler has been selected as the next director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. The appointment will be effective March 24, 2024. Mr. Cattler has extensive leadership experience within the intelligence community, military, and NATO, making him the ideal candidate to hit the ground running and lead DCSA. He has served multiple times as an intelligence enterprise mission manager in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and led complex efforts across organizational and functional boundaries. He has significant intelligence collection management and analytic experience at the national, joint, and service levels, and has advised the President, civilian agencies, Defense department and military leaders, and operational forces through roles at the Defense Intelligence Agency, Joint Staff, National Security Council, and during a career as a naval surface warfare officer. Mr. Cattler understands the criticality of the DCSA security mission to the Department, our federal partners, and industry. Mr. Cattler will replace Acting Director Daniel Lecce, who has been serving in an acting capacity since September 2023 and who will return to his current position as Deputy Director. (Source: glstrade.com)

22 Mar 24. President Joe Biden said he will tap Michael Sulmeyer, the U.S. Army’s principal cyber adviser, to be the Department of Defense’s inaugural cyber policy chief. The role of assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy was established by the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Sulmeyer in the past served as a senior director of cyber policy at the National Security Council and as a senior adviser at Cyber Command. He was also the director of the cybersecurity project at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. (Source: glstrade.com/ C4ISR & Networks)

INDUSTRY

PERSONNEL

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

27 Mar 24. Goldilock, the British cybersecurity startup behind a unique physical network isolation solution, today announced a strategic shift to a channel-only sales model. The move will enable Goldilock to leverage the expertise and reach of channel partners to accelerate market penetration and more quickly deliver its unique and much-needed security solution to a broader customer base. The current geopolitical climate and nature of constantly evolving cyber threats necessitate rapid adoption of advanced security solutions. Goldilock’s mission-critical solutions are applicable across numerous sectors, from IT to OT and IoT environments. This breadth creates challenges in terms of scaling the sales force and ensuring deep domain expertise in every vertical. A channel-based approach allows Goldilock to tap into the extensive networks and expertise of channel partners, ensuring customers receive the tailored support they need. The Goldilock solution compliments existing technologies like firewalls, routers, and switches, offering partners a multi-layered security approach that the industry hasn’t seen before.

27 Mar 24. Pearson Engineering announces Ian Bell as Group Chief Executive Officer. Ian Bell has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of Pearson Engineering Limited and daughter company Responsive Engineering Limited as Craig Priday steps down as Managing Director of Pearson Engineering Limited after 10 years in the role. Craig’s tenure ends on 2nd April after having led Pearson Engineering’s transition from a family-owned business to a strategic asset for the UK, with contracts spanning major armoured vehicle programmes of the UK MOD and international allies. Following a successful military career, Ian held several senior appointments across the commercial defence sector before joining Pearson Engineering and has an extensive background both within the UK MoD and internationally having led several businesses across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Pearson Engineering warmly welcomes Ian and extends thanks to Craig for his leadership over the last 10 years.

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

25 Mar 24. Boeing [NYSE: BA] President and CEO Dave Calhoun today announced his decision to step down as CEO at the end of 2024, and he will continue to lead Boeing through the year to complete the critical work underway to stabilize and position the company for the future. Board Chair Larry Kellner has informed the board that he does not intend to stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual Shareholder meeting. The board has elected Steve Mollenkopf to succeed Kellner as independent board chair. In this role, Mollenkopf will lead the board’s process of selecting Boeing’s next CEO. In addition to these changes, Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, will retire from the company and Stephanie Pope has been appointed to lead BCA, effective today. Kellner has served on the Boeing Board for 13 years and served as its chair since late 2019. As chair, he oversaw the establishment of a new board aerospace safety committee, and during his tenure led the recruitment of seven new independent directors, bringing deep engineering, safety, manufacturing and aerospace expertise to Boeing’s board. Mollenkopf has served on the board of directors since 2020. He was previously CEO of Qualcomm. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. Pope has been serving as chief operating officer of Boeing since January of this year. Previously, she was president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services, where she was responsible for leading the company’s aerospace services for commercial, government and aviation industry customers worldwide. Prior, she was chief financial officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and has held positions in every Boeing business unit. She begins her role as President and CEO of Commercial Airplanes immediately.

25 Mar 24. Howmet Aerospace Announces Leadership Appointment. Effective April 8, 2024, Johan (John) Wall will join Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM) as President, Engineered Structures. In this role, John will have responsibility for all Engineered Structures employees and locations globally. John will be based in Cleveland, OH, and will report directly to John Plant, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. John was most recently with Precision Castparts (“PCC”) as President for its Aerostructures business. During his 17-year tenure with PCC, John held roles of progressive accountability including Regional Vice President of PCC Aerostructures, General Manager – Aerospace Dynamics International, General Manager – Centra Industries, Director of Sales – Centra Industries, and Director of Quality – Centra Industries. Prior to PCC, he worked for Linamar Automotive for nine years in various quality roles of increasing responsibility. John holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Waterloo, Canada. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

27 Mar 24. Victorian Police leader Andrew Crisp appointed to expert adviser role with Proximity. Australian public servant and former Victorian Police senior leader Andrew Crisp has been appointed as an expert adviser for consulting, legal, and commercial services company Proximity. Proximity, a Defence Industry Security Program member, has previously assisted Defence with multibn-dollar capital acquisition and sustainment projects and ICT projects. Company clients in Defence include the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Chief Information Officer Group, Defence Legal, Navy Training Force, Materiel Procurement Branch, Non-Materiel Procurement Branch, Associate Secretary Group, Joint Health Command, Defence Member, and Family Support. As an expert adviser, Crisp is expected to lead major business transformation initiatives and taskforces, undertake governance, organisational and operational reviews, and set strategic direction to deliver tangible client results. Crisp has accumulated more than 30 years of experience with the Victoria Police and has previously served as a deputy commissioner of regional operations at Victoria Police, as Victoria Emergency Management commissioner, and as a peacekeeper with the Australian Federal Police in East Timor. He was awarded the Australian Police Medal during the 2012 Australia Day Honours and is a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022. (Source: Defence Connect)

28 Mar 24. Redarc Defence & Space has announced the appointment of Craig Inns as the newly appointed General Manager Sales, reporting directly to Scott Begbie, EGM Defence & Space. Inns holds a Bachelor of Aeronautical Technology, Aeronautics from UNSW and several graduate diplomas in Avionics from the School of Air Warfare. (Source: Google/https://www.australiandefence.com.au/)

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Protek Selected By Dutch Armed Forces

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

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