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28 Aug 25. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY) (“Teledyne”) has entered into an agreement to acquire the TransponderTech business from Saab AB. The acquisition includes a portfolio of connected commercial maritime products, including Automatic Identification System (AIS), VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies. Based in Sweden, TransponderTech provides class-leading, SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)-certified communications and navigation solutions for commercial maritime, military, and airborne applications. The company is renowned for its high-quality, accurate products that perform reliably in the most challenging conditions. These include advanced solutions designed to counter GPS/GNSS jamming and spoofing threats in the maritime domain. TransponderTech is also a pioneer in developing the next-generation maritime AIS solution known as VDES. VDES transponders offer enhanced security, expanded data exchange capabilities, and interoperability with low Earth orbit satellites, enabling global coverage for maritime operators. The acquired business will become part of Teledyne FLIR’s Maritime group – which includes Raymarine, FLIR Marine, and ChartWorld.
“TransponderTech serves customers and markets familiar to Teledyne and designs and manufactures products that are complementary to existing Teledyne products,” said Grégoire Outters, Vice President and General Manager of Teledyne FLIR Maritime and Raymarine. “Today, Teledyne primarily participates in maritime navigation and safety by offering products such as electronic chart displays (ECDIS), radars, and thermal imaging systems. Adding TransponderTech’s business, employees, and advanced AIS, VDES, and GNSS technologies to Teledyne should enhance the safety, efficiency, and operational reach of our customers at sea.”
The acquisition of TransponderTech will represent Teledyne’s twelfth corporate carve-out transaction and the third carve-out completed in 2025. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
27 Aug 25. Hanwha Aerospace plans over $20bn global investment to expand defence and security portfolio. Hanwha Aerospace, part of the Hanwha Group, has invested US$7.6bn over the past five years across countries including Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, the United States, Romania, and Poland. The company has announced plans to invest more than $20 bn over the next five years to support nations’ defence and security objectives with platforms and solutions “from the seabed to space.” Operating under a multi-domestic model, Hanwha Aerospace emphasises localisation, sovereign capability development, and in-country industrial collaboration. This approach has been particularly evident in Australia, where the company has committed multim-dollar investments in infrastructure and personnel. In August 2024, Hanwha Defence Australia officially opened the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Victoria. The facility manufactures the K9-derived AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer and the AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle, and is preparing to begin localised production of the AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle for the Australian Army. The Geelong investment has generated significant economic and employment benefits while strengthening Australia’s defence industrial base. According to the company, this model of partnership is being replicated in other countries, including Poland and Romania, delivering both economic value and enhanced resilience. Hanwha Aerospace positions itself as a contributor to national defence ecosystems with a diverse portfolio of technologies. Its capabilities span land, sea, air, and space, including advanced air and missile defence systems, robotic and autonomous platforms, precision-guided munitions, propulsion technologies, satellite solutions, and laser-based counter-drone systems. (Source: Google/DIE)
26 Aug 25. Hanwha Group announced a $5bn infrastructure plan for Hanwha Philly Shipyard as part of South Korea’s commitment to supporting growth of the U.S. shipbuilding industry through a $150 bn investment fund. The announcement was made in time for the christening of a new training vessel, the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) third National Security Multi-mission Vessel (NSMV). The naming ceremony, which took place at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, was attended by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, the First Lady, and other senior officials. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Todd Young also joined the event. The ceremony followed summit talks between President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier, the Lee administration had pledged $150 bn in American shipbuilding investments during a trade deal between Korea and the U.S. Hanwha Philly Shipyard is expected to play a key role in future collaboration between the two countries. In his welcome address, Hanwha Vice Chairman Dong Kwan Kim expressed gratitude to the leaders of both countries and emphasized the importance of joint partnership in bolstering the shipbuilding industry.
“Today’s christening ceremony is the embodiment of our two nations working side by side to reindustrialize for the sake of shared security and prosperity. We are creating good manufacturing jobs, building the world’s most advanced ships, and fostering a new skilled workforce right here in America,” said Kim. “This is just the beginning. Hanwha is committed to being a partner in building the next chapter of American shipbuilding.”
Hanwha acquired Philly Shipyard last year through a $100 m investment, building a landmark hub for shipbuilding in America. It is investing to modernize infrastructure and create a digitally-enabled, high-efficiency shipyard, with world-class automation and smart yard technology.
The $5bn program will be dedicated to the installation of two additional docks, and three quays to increase capacity. Hanwha is also reviewing the build-out of a new block assembly facility. Through this expansion, Hanwha aims to increase Philly Shipyard’s annual production volume from less than two vessels to up to 20. As a global leader in LNG vessels, Hanwha aims to produce LNG carriers, naval modules and blocks, and, in the long-term, naval vessels out of its U.S. shipyard. In addition to the infrastructure plan, the U.S. subsidiary of Hanwha’s shipping arm, Hanwha Shipping, announced that it has ordered 10 medium range (MR) oil and chemical tankers from its affiliate, Hanwha Philly Shipyard, with the first tanker expected to be delivered by early 2029. The vessels will be designed to support the U.S. Jones Act fleet renewal and other strategic initiatives. Hanwha Shipping also announced it has exercised its option to order a second liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier from Hanwha Philly Shipyard. This follows Hanwha Shipping’s announcement last month that it signed a contract for the first U.S.-ordered, export-market-viable LNG carrier in almost 50 years. Hanwha Ocean CEO Hee Cheul Kim and Hanwha Global Defense CEO Michael Coulter were also present at the christening ceremony. Through joint synergy between its world-class shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean and U.S. affiliate Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Hanwha looks to drive mutual growth across both markets, fostering job creation and the development of a robust industry ecosystem.
Hanwha Group
Hanwha is South Korea’s seventh-largest business group, with innovative businesses in the areas of aerospace & mechatronics, clean energy & ocean solutions, finance, and retail & services. We are a multinational company with a robust global network of affiliates, which allows us to leverage synergy to deliver transformative solutions and impactful innovations that catalyze sustainable growth across industries and communities. With strong fundamentals in core industries, we enhance lives through our technologies, products, and services.
For more information, visit: www.hanwha.com
About Hanwha Philly Shipyard
Hanwha Philly Shipyard is a leading U.S. shipbuilder that has earned a reputation as a preferred provider of ocean-going merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships, having delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going U.S. Jones Act commercial ships since 2000. The shipyard is part of Hanwha Group, a multinational company with a robust network of affiliates in the energy, shipbuilding, defense, aerospace, finance, and retail & services industries. For more information, visit: https://hanwhaphillyshipyard.com
26 Aug 25. General Atomics Acquires MLD Technologies, LLC. General Atomics announced today that it has acquired the business of MLD Technologies, LLC (MLD), a leader in the development and production of high-performance optical coatings and components primarily for aerospace and defense applications. Headquartered in Mountain View, California with primary engineering and manufacturing operations in Eugene, Oregon, MLD’s business will be integrated into the General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems group (GA-EMS). Founded in 1997, MLD specializes in the design, development and manufacture of ion-beam-sputtered (IBS), low optical-loss, laser-damage resistant thin-films for the UV-visible-IR spectral region. MLD’s product applications include lasers, laser devices, non-linear crystals, medical instruments and other photonic devices. MLD is highly qualified in large IBS optics, atomic layer deposition and ultrafast laser optics.
“Acquiring the MLD business enables us to streamline innovation and production of a key component in our laser weapon systems,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “This strategic acquisition also positions us to enhance the performance and durability of our high-power lasers, enabling us to deliver world-class directed energy weapon systems to our customers.”
As a trusted supplier, MLD has delivered superior optical coatings to GA-EMS for laser applications over the past six years. “We look forward to supporting the growing demand for laser weapon systems as part of GA-EMS,” said Len Mott, President of MLD. “Our expertise in optical coatings and components for high-energy laser systems will reinforce operational readiness and our ability to meet mission-critical customer requirements.” (Source: ASD Network)
26 Aug 25. Kessler & Co Acquires Timoney Dynamic Solutions: Enhanced Capability and Value Creation for Protected Vehicle Suspension Systems. Kessler & Co, a manufacturer of driveline components and systems for heavy-duty vehicles, has acquired Irish suspension specialist Timoney Dynamic Solutions Ltd. The combination of two long-standing industry experts strengthens the offering of both companies – particularly for customers in the off-highway and defence sectors. Timoney contributes extensive vehicle system knowledge and decades of experience in vehicle dynamics, independent suspension design, and modular mobility platforms. Kessler complements these strengths with a lean, flexible manufacturing operation featuring high in-house value creation across five production facilities, delivering precision and World-renowned quality.
For new and existing customers, the partnership means:
- Complete Driveline solutions from a single source – from engineering vehicle dynamics to reliable, quality, and volume driveline supply.
- Optimised system integration for maximum mobility and operational reliability.
- Expanded innovation capabilities for future technologies, including electrification.
- Confidence in a reliable European supply coupled with an enhanced product portfolio.
Timoney will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary within the Kessler Group. Existing contracts, products, and services will remain in place – now significantly enhanced by Kessler’s manufacturing capacities, validation capabilities and technological resources. Customers will benefit from field proven solutions with the added advantages of delivery capability, renowned Kessler quality, and system integration.
About Kessler & Co
Kessler & Co has been a family-owned manufacturer of driveline components and control software for heavy-duty mobile vehicles for over 75 years. Typical applications include construction and material-handling machines, mobile cranes, underground mining vehicles, and protected vehicles.
About Timoney Dynamic Solutions
Timoney is an Irish specialist in suspension engineering and mobility solutions. The company has been providing design, simulation, validation, and prototyping of suspension systems for defence and selected civil applications for over 50 years.
22 Aug 25. Invigorated Denel pursuing new UAV, missile, and other projects. Denel is making a research and development push to develop new products in order to drive business, and this includes fixed and rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles, and autonomous systems. The state-owned defence conglomerate’s latest Corporate Plan outlines its new market focus, with an effort to drive business by investing in research and development. Denel wants to use new partners and existing associate companies to help enter new markets, and collaborate with industry leaders and technology providers. This includes product co-development and collaboration with entities like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). One of Denel’s primary research and development focuses is the Marlin missile, now known as the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). This is a multi-role radar-guided beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air and surface-to-air system. The demonstrator has already been tested, from 2015 at the Overberg Test Range, with “global and local demand.”
“The Marlin BVRAAM technology demonstrator project (Marlin/Glow) was defunded in 2019, and resulted in a successful launch of a demonstrator missile from the Gripen test aircraft at TFDC [Test Flight and Development Centre]; the key elements of the dual-pulse rocket motor and the radar seeker exist,” Denel told Parliament in a mid-June report.
The Joint Strike Missile will be developed for both ground- and ship-launch (Umkhonto-R) and for air-launch (R-Darter or Marlin). It will also be an integral part of a wider ground-based air defence system (GBADS) solution for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Denel is also looking at space capabilities, including the completion of a locally designed, manufactured and launched satellite. It is also pursuing the upgrade of the Overberg Test Range for satellite launchers, and tracking and testing for national space initiatives. South African National Space Agency and Department of Science and Innovation funding will be used to ensure the Overberg Test Range is ready to launch a first satellite in 2028. “This will strategically position South Africa to develop a sovereign space launch capability,” according to Denel’s latest Corporate Plan. Two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are on the cards, including fixed and rotary wing platforms. The rotary wing aircraft would have a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kg and be able to carry 120 kg of payload. The Rotary Wing UAS (RW-UAS) has applications in law enforcement, public safety, border patrol, search and rescue, communications relay etc. The aircraft is at the concept development and testing phase.
Denel has added a rotary-wing UAV to its product line-up.
The fixed wing aircraft (Denel FW-VTOL) would feature four rotors for vertical takeoff and landing and a pusher propeller for horizontal flight. The electric aircraft is envisaged to be able to fly for about 50 km and have an endurance of 45-60 minutes. Denel said it is designed to fill an ‘eye in the sky’ role by carrying cameras and other payloads up to 2 kg. Applications include aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, security and surveillance, search and rescue, disaster response, law enforcement, agricultural monitoring, mapping and surveying, infrastructure inspection, emergency medical delivery etc. The FW-VTOL is at the product development stage, which is to be followed by test marketing and product launch. According to the 2025-26 Corporate Plan, Denel has seen how artificial intelligence is enabling greater autonomy in defence systems, such as self-driving vehicles, and as a result Armscor, Denel and Dibakwane Group will collaborate to develop self-driving and weapon launching autonomous systems. Also on the unmanned front, Denel is looking at incorporating first person view (FPV) attack drones as part of vehicle weapon systems. There are various potential areas of collaboration Denel is pursuing, including with Turkey’s Aselsan on the 105 mm Light Medium Turret for armour applications; with Tata India for development Ahead type 35 mm ammunition; and with Turkish companies to develop a 35 mm turret system on a land vehicle. Denel would supply the main weapon or full turrets and the Turkish companies the platform. Denel also wants to diversify its aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) offerings, including on the AS350 and A109 helicopters, C-130 Hercules transport, and PT6A and T56 engines.
SANDF support
For the SANDF, Denel has several proposals, including fitting its Impi lightweight missile on Rooivalk attack helicopters and the Seeker 400 UAVs used by Defence Intelligence; developing the Joint Strike Missile for air defence and air-to-air applications; upgrading the Seeker 400 (dual payloads, weapons, synthetic aperture radar, extra fuel, electronic warfare payload); and integrating the Umbani bomb kit on the Gripen fighters for an indigenous stand-off strike capability. Opportunities, including an upgrade of the Rooivalk attack helicopter. A mid-life upgrade of the South African Air Force’s 11 Rooivalks would mainly centre around the avionics and electronic systems as well as software updates, with smaller improvements to the airframe. The upgraded helicopter could be sold internationally. “This will include upgrading the manufacturing capability and producing new airframes – potential 50 -100 units,” Denel reported. The Rooivalk could be fitted with Denel’s Impi lightweight guided missile. This weighs 12-25 kg (depending on boost model) with ranges of up to 14 km.
Denel’s Impi-S missile.
Part of Denel’s turnaround plan it is improving support for the SANDF and the security cluster, including rejuvenation of Denel Pretoria Metal Pressings (PMP). The latter is planning product diversification, including a 23 mm press-in primer, a 30×173 mm hardened cartridge case for the Bushmaster cannon, a 30/35 mm electronic fuze, and 27×145 mm Mauser ammunition for the SA Air Force’s Gripen fighters (at present this ammunition is imported from Germany). (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
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SPX CommTech, part of SPX Technologies Inc, innovates specialised technologies within the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum to ensure a smarter, more secure future for all. Formed by TCI and ECS, SPX CommTech’s Battlespace portfolio enables defence and security teams to detect, defeat and exploit RF signals to enhance communications intelligence (COMINT) and counter unmanned aerial systems (Counter-UAS). Additionally, its Tactical Data Link portfolio allows intelligence gathering agencies, special forces, emergency response, and security teams to securely and reliably transfer video and data between enabled-aircraft and ground teams over long distances for airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR).
For more information visit www.tcibr.com and www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk
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