LOCATIONS
LAND
22 Nov 23. Franmarine establishes global ops centre at Henderson. Western Australia’s Defence Industry Minister, Paul Papalia CSC, has announced that Australian-owned, Perth-based marine and underwater service provider Franmarine has taken its next step after receiving nearly $4m from the Western Australian government’s Investment Attraction Fund. As part of the company’s expansion, Franmarine is in the process of establishing a global operations centre at Henderson, which will provide the company with the capacity to consolidate technology development fabrication and assembly of its integrated in-water vessel cleaning system. The company has been delivering biofouling management and ships husbandry capability to the Royal Australian Navy since 2018 and has recently signed a new agreement with engineering company Babcock to deliver critical services under the regional maintenance program (RMP-W) as part of the Royal Australian Navy’s Plan Galileo integrated maintenance and sustainment program.
Western Australia’s Defence Industry Minister, Paul Papalia CSC, highlighted the importance and the success of the WA government’s Investment Attraction Fund (IAF), saying, “The Investment Attraction Fund allows the Western Australian government to support worthy endeavours, which create local jobs and bolster local industries.”
Franmarine’s cleaning system removes harmful biofouling to prevent non-indigenous invasive marine species (IMS) being transferred via vessels, the technology does this while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by minimising hull drag. Franmarine has also recently become qualified to provide in-water cleaning services direct to the Canadian government, Royal Canadian Navy and Coast Guard.
The company is the only organisation in Australia delivering all aspects of biofouling management. The company’s biofouling management capability includes:
- MarineStream biofouling management and Marine biosecurity compliance programs.
- MarineStream.
- In-water hull cleaning.
- Niche area cleaning.
- Invasive marine species treatment.
- Fleet-wide governance framework development.
- Regulatory compliance support.
- Biofouling management plan development, implementation, and maintenance.
- All aspects of inspection, maintenance, control, marine biosecurity compliance and quality assurance.
“Franmarine is [a] proud WA organisation with a global reputation for its underwater sustainment and biofouling management,” Minister Papalia added.
Franmarine’s new global operations centre will employ an additional 66 employees in WA and create 74 new jobs over the life cycle of the project. (Source: Defence Connect)
13 Nov 23. A new 75,000-metre-squared MoD storage facility is being built in Longtown, Cumbria. Enhancing the Ministry of Defence’s storage capacity, the £86m contract with Glasgow-based construction and civil engineering company McLaughlin & Harvey will strengthen industrial activity across the UK, supporting approximately 150 high-quality, skilled jobs in Scotland and a further 300 in the North of England, growing the economy across both sides of the border.
Due to complete in early October 2024, the new facility will be a key asset in supporting the armed forces on operations. The facility will provide safe and secure storage for equipment used by all three services such as engines and other large spare parts in the defence inventory.
Known as the MoD Distribution Centre (North), the Longtown facility will be the size of 12 football pitches and be built on a brownfield site within the Longtown estate. The build will provide greater resilience for UK Defence by enhancing MoD’s existing strategic warehouse sites in both Shropshire and Oxfordshire and will also allow older warehousing to be retired.
John Farrow, DE&S Director Logistics and Support Operating Centre, said: “The new warehouse will provide the UK with additional modern storage facilities, building on the success of similar facilities in Donnington, that will ensure assets are available more rapidly to meet surges in demand.
“This contract represents a fantastic example of the progress we have made in developing and implementing fit-for-purpose facilities that is helping to accelerate our mission of equipping and supporting our UK armed forces today and tomorrow.”
Much of the Departments’ warehouses were built around the Second World War, therefore the modernisation of warehouse facilities will provide the best protection for the assets it holds. The new facility will provide growth capacity for new capabilities coming into service over the next ten years and beyond.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said: “I am delighted that work is being done at DM Longtown by McLaughlin and Harvey. Longtown is a hugely important, strategic facility and contributes much to the operational capability of Defence. This work also highlights the number of people at the facility who work cross-border and that Defence is a pan-UK business, involving contractors from right across the UK, to keep its people and allies safe.”
Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, said: “I welcome this multi-m-pound UK Government defence investment and the hundreds of jobs it will support in Scotland and Cumbria. This giant facility will help ensure kit used by our armed forces is stored in the best possible condition and can be deployed speedily. The Ministry of Defence invests more than £2 bn annually with industry and commerce in Scotland and this project is another great example of how such expenditure is growing the economy and creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.”
When the facility reaches completion in late 2024, the assets stored to support the armed forces and their platforms will be better protected and more easily available in times of need, optimising support delivery. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
17 Nov 23. Hensoldt opens new offices in Stellenbosch. Hensoldt has expanded its presence in South Africa with the opening of offices in Stellenbosch, which form the new hub of its spectrum management operations.
“This modern establishment serves as a prime platform for the company’s spectrum management operations and provides a dynamic training space for Hensoldt South Africa’s clients,” the company said on 16 November.
Among Hensoldt’s four office locations in South Africa, the new site complements the existing offices in the Cape Town area, in Tokai, which focuses on radar solutions. In Irene, Gauteng, South Africa’s corporate office is housed, as well as its Optronics business unit and a portion of its Radar business unit, while Pretoria is home to its GEW business unit, which focuses on spectrum dominance solutions.
“We are excited to establish our presence in the dynamic Stellenbosch area, offering an engaging environment for current and potential employees, while serving as an ideal setting for client training,” said Rynier van der Watt, Managing Director of Hensoldt South Africa.
By being located in the heart of Stellenbosch, close to Stellenbosch University, the location aims to attract top-tier talent. “Beyond showcasing dedication to cultivating a strong professional network, this location solidifies Hensoldt’s status as a preferred employer in the Cape Town region. As part of this commitment, Hensoldt South Africa plans to offer bursaries for both pre- and post-graduate students pursuing technical fields at local universities,” the company said.
“By immersing itself in the locale of Stellenbosch, Hensoldt aims to showcase its expertise and remain at the forefront of cutting-edge developments in defence and security electronics. The choice of location underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing technological advancements and maintaining a significant presence in key global markets,” Hensoldt concluded.
Hensoldt South Africa exports its solutions to more than 45 countries across the world, and these range from electronic warfare and optronics, spectrum monitoring and security solutions, to radar, IFF and datalinks. The company offers the Astus unmanned aerial vehicle and recently launched its Quadome radar series, for land and sea applications.
With more than 800 South African employees across multiple sites, Hensoldt South Africa is the Group’s largest industrial base outside of Europe and one of the largest defence and security electronics companies in South Africa. Hensoldt South Africa has a portfolio of more than sixty products and solutions. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
MARITIME
22 Nov 23. Largest in USGC fleet, Legend-class National Security Cutter adds Calhoun. The US Coast Guard’s (USCG) new Calhoun National Security Cutter enhances maritime defence, expanding the Legend-class fleet.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has expanded its fleet with the addition of the new Legend-class National Security Cutter, the Calhoun (WMSL 759). The cutter departed from HII’s shipbuilding division on 19 November and is part of a class that will replace the ageing Hamilton-class cutters that entered service in the 1960s, and contribute to USCG efforts to maintain maritime homeland security, national defence, law enforcement, marine safety and environmental protection missions.
The Calhoun, scheduled for commissioning in 2024, will make its home port in Charleston, South Carolina. It will join the ranks of other cutters in the area, including the Hamilton, James and Stone.
HII cut steel on Calhoun, the tenth Legend-class cutter, in February 2019. In 2002, the USCG signed a contract with Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS) for $17bn to deliver 91 new cutters, along with 35 fixed wing aircraft, 34 helicopters, 76 UAVs, 93 upgraded helicopters and 49 upgraded cutters over a 20-year schedule, later extending the programme to 25 years following post-9/11 mission requirements, pushing the value of the contract up to $25bn.
Of the 91 cutters, eight were to be National Security Cutters, while the remainder were to be for Ocean Patrol (25 cutters) and Fast Response (58 cutters).
The National Security Cutter is the largest combat ship in the USGC fleet, accommodating 120 crew, with an overall length of 127.4m, and displacing 4,500 tonnes. The vessel is equipped with a forward-fitted MK110 57mm gun that can fire 220 rounds per minute, with a range of approximately nine miles, while air defence is supplied by a 20mm close-in weapon system.
Amanda Whitaker, Ingalls Shipbuilding NSC Program Manager, expressed pride in the shipbuilding team’s accomplishment, highlighting the anticipation of the cutter’s long service in national security. “Watching Calhoun sail away is a proud moment for us all,” Whitaker stated, underscoring the dedication and skill of the team involved in the project.
HII’s shipyard is currently constructing the final ship in this class, the Friedman (WMSL 760). (Source: naval-technology.com)
20 Nov 23. Philippines Receives 2 More Gunboats from Israel. The Philippine Fleet (PF) announced Sunday that it received two more fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) platforms, also known as the Acero-class gunboats from Israel.
The gunboats were delivered Saturday through general cargo ship Kogra Royal and are now at the Commodore East Posadas Wharf in Cavite City for enhancement, maintenance and training, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said in a statement.
The platforms will be commissioned as PG-906 and PG-907 under the Acero-class patrol vessels of the Fleet’s Littoral Combat Force.
The delivery is part of the FAIC Acquisition Project of the Revised AFP Modernization Program Horizon 2 contracted with Israel Shipyards, which includes a total of nine platforms, and the transfer of technology to bolster the Philippine Navy’s (PN) shipbuilding capability.
With the delivery and pending commissioning of PG-906 and PG-907, the PN now has six Acero-class gunboats.
The first two Acero-class gunboats, BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) were delivered in September 2022 and commissioned in November of the same year.
The third and fourth FAICs, BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) were delivered in April and commissioned the following month.
“It (deliveries) marks another milestone in the Fleet’s resolve of reinforcing the country’s littoral/coastal defense with modern fast patrol combat vessels that have proven to be highly reliable in addressing current and emerging threats and transnational crimes,” Badidles said.
The remaining three Acero-class gunboats are expected to be constructed and delivered within the next two years.
Four of the FAICs will be armed with non-line-of-sight missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.
The acquisition of the FAICs is among the 2019 projects approved by former president Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the AFP Modernization Program.
The notice of award for the FAIC-M project, worth around PHP10 bn, was issued on Jan. 5, 2021. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Philippine News Agency;)
17 Nov 23. Japan’s MHI launches eighth Mogami-class frigate.
Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the eighth Mogami-class guided-missile frigate on order for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) on 14 November at the former Mitsui E&S facilities in Tamano City, the JMSDF announced a day later.
The new vessel, which will enter service as JS Yubetsu once it has been fitted out, tested, and commissioned around 2025, is one of eight Mogami-class frigates that have been ordered for the JMSDF. The new frigates will replace the JMSDF’s fleet of Abukuma-class frigates that were commissioned in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The first ship-in-class, JS Mogami, was launched in March 2021 by MHI and commissioned in April 2023. The second vessel, Kumano, was launched by Mitsui E&S in November 2020 before divesting its naval shipbuilding business to MHI. Subsequent frigates, Noshiro, Mikuma, and Yahagi, were also launched by MHI in June and December 2021 and June 2022 respectively. The sixth and seventh frigates – Agano and Niyodo – were launched in December 2022 and September 2023.
Up to 12 of the 5,500 tonne multimission frigates are expected to be acquired for the JMSDF, followed by another 12 “New FFM” designs that would feature improved capabilities. Local media have reported, citing anonymous JMSDF officials, that the baseline design failed to meet performance expectations and were limited in their growth potential.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) had earlier selected MHI and Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) to be respective main and subcontractors to develop the New FFM design.
ATLA announced that the new design will have a greater overall length of about 142 m and a wider overall beam of about 17 m. In contrast, the current Mogami-class frigates feature an overall length of 132.5 m, an overall beam of 16.3m.
Two New FFMs worth US$1.2bn have already been provisioned for under the FY2024 budget request.
The Japanese defence ministry also stated that the New FFM will be armed with an improved version of the ship-launched Type 12 surface-to-surface missile as well as the new surface-to-air missile.
It added that the new vessels will also be equipped with improved anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities – with a multifunction hull-mounted sonar, towed-array and variable depth sonars and the ability to deploy sea mines – as well as improvements for other maritime operations.
(Source: AMR)
21 Nov 23. India Launches Fourth Coastal ASW Corvette. Launch of ‘Amini’, Fourth Ship of ASW SWC (GRSE) Project M/S L&T, Kattupalli. ‘Amini’, the 4th of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow-Water Craft (SWC) Project being built by M/s GRSE for Indian Navy was launched on 16 Nov 23 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli. The launch ceremony was presided over by VAdm Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel. In keeping with maritime tradition, Mrs Manju Naithani launched the ship to the invocation from Atharva Veda. The ship has been named Amini to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Amini at Lakshadweep, located about 400 Km west of Kochi. The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on 29 Apr 19. As per the build strategy, four ships are being built at GRSE, Kolkata and the balance of four ships sub-contracted to M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli for hull and part outfitting. The Arnala class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of Indian Navy and are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, as also Low Intensity Maritime operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations. The 77m long ASW SWC ships with a displacement of 900 tons have a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of approx 1,800 nautical miles. The third ship of the class was launched on 13 Jun 23 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli. Launch of four ships of the same class within a year highlights our strides in indigenous shipbuilding, towards AatmaNirbhar Bharat. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in early 2024. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Indian Ministry of Defence)
AIR
23 Nov 23. Portugal receives two new Koala helicopters. The Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa; FAP) has boosted its rotary-wing inventory with two new Leonardo AW119 MkII Koala utility helicopters. The new aircraft were officially received on 22 November at the Maneuver Airfield No1, in Ovar, the FAP said. The helicopters were delivered from Leonardo Helicopters in Italy, the FAP told Janes. The two helicopters were acquired as an option placed as part of a contract worth EUR20.49m (USD22.32m) signed with Leonardo on 27 December 2017 for five US-delivered AW119 MkII Koala helicopters to replace the SE 3160 Alouette III helicopter. The 2017 contract for the initial five helicopters also included ground support equipment, spare parts, search-and-rescue (SAR) kits and training, the FAP said. The FAP declined to provide the contract signature date and the amount of the contract for these two new helicopters. The acquisition was funded by the European Union.
The initial five helicopters were received between 2019 and 2020 for Squadron 552 ‘Zangões’ located at Air Base No 1. (Source: Janes)
21 Nov 23. UK to shortly stand-up second operational F-35B squadron. The UK is to stand up its second operational squadron for the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning combat aircraft in the coming days, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed to Janes on 20 November. With the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron already established as the type’s first and so far only operational unit, the Royal Navy’s (RN’s) 809 ‘Immortals’ Naval Air Squadron (NAS) will be reconstituted in early December. The MoD told Janes that, as with 617 Squadron, 809 NAS will be a joint RAF/RN unit. “Both squadrons will operate as part of an integrated force,” the ministry said, with pilots, maintainers, and other support staff drawn from both services. As previously disclosed, both units will be located at RAF Marham. (Source: Janes)
20 Nov 23. Boeing Grey Wolf helicopter production ramps up as test phase ends. The first two field-ready MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters are now in final assembly and Boeing said it expects the long-awaited delivery of the first of these helicopters to the Air Force in mid-2024. The sixth and final test Grey Wolf helicopter was delivered in October, the company said in a statement Monday, marking the end of its research, development, test and evaluation phase and a move toward solely concentrating on production.
The Grey Wolf is slated to replace the Air Force’s fleet of 63 Vietnam War-era UH-1N Huey helicopters for security personnel to patrol the service’s nuclear missile fields and to transport senior officials in the Washington area. The Air Force plans to buy as many as 80 MH-139s, which are a militarized version of Italian aerospace firm Leonardo’s AW139 commercial helicopter design.
“Delivering all of the RDT&E aircraft to the Air Force enables them to continue critical operational testing and allows Boeing to focus on building the first production aircraft,” Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 program director, said in the statement. “The Grey Wolf will provide crucial national security capability improvements to the Air Force. This is an important step in getting the aircraft into service.”
The Air Force in March reached a Milestone C decision to move forward on low-rate initial production of the Grey Wolf, and awarded Boeing and Leonardo a $285m contract to start building the first 13 helicopters.
Leonardo starts building the MH-139A at its factory in Philadelphia and then moves it to Boeing’s Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, facility where it is adapted for military use.
Boeing spokesman Brett Anker told Defense News the first two production MH-139 in final assembly are still at Leonado’s facility, as the companies ramp up work on their initial 13 helicopters. Anker said procurement and manufacturing work is already under way.
The MH-139 program has struggled in recent years with unexpected challenges integrating military systems on to the commercial helicopter platform, which caused delays that led to a schedule breach in April 2021, the Government Accountability Office said in a weapons systems assessment report this year.
The MH-139 program also experienced delays getting necessary FAA certifications, which in 2021 caused the Air Force to push procurement plans back. Program officials told GAO that the FAA certifications came in 2022, and allowed the service to accept the first four test helicopters. The milestone decision beginning production ultimately came about a year and a half later than expected due to the FAA certification testing delays, GAO said. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
21 Nov 23. Royal Navy Subs Set For Delays As Mersey Shipyard Workers Vote To Strike. Type 26 frigates built at Cammel Laird could also be delayed due to industrial action over pay and conditions. Royal Navy Dreadnought submarines and Type 26 frigates built at Cammell Laird shipyard are set for delays after workers today [Monday 20 November 2023] voted to strike. More than 400 members of GMB and Unite unions are ready to walk out in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Workers include welders, pipefitters, electricians, fitters, labourers and cleaners as well as office staff voted to strike with a majority of 94 per cent [GMB] and 96 per cent [Unite]
They had been offered a pay increase of just 6 per cent – a real terms pay cut when inflation has been over ten per cent earlier this year.
Any industrial action would see significant delays to the construction process of Dreadnought submarines and Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy as well as Seatruck, Stenna and Calmac ferries and support vessels for the oil and gas industry.
Dates for strike action will be announced in due course.
Albie McGuigan, GMB Organiser, said: “These are skilled workers doing vital work for the Royal Navy and the commercial sector. Yet because of Cammell Laird’s poor response to their pay claim and unnecessary delays they’re struggling to keep up with the cost of living. It’s no wonder they’re frustrated, angry and have voted to strike with a huge majority.”
Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, said: “Cammell Laird has signed contracts worth hundreds of ms with the UK Government to build and maintain their ships, yet thinks it can get away with cutting our members’ pay in real terms. Unite won’t stand for such behaviour or any attempts by management to bully, harass or discriminate against our members.”
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
22 Nov 23. UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary sees decade-long negative outflow of personnel. The force operates alongside Royal Navy operations worldwide, providing logistics support to home and forward-based assets.
The UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) has seen a sustained negative outflow of personnel from the service between 2010 and 2023, with a difference between incoming and outgoing calculated at minus 681 during the period.
During this time, the obligations of the RFA have grown, with new vessel classes introduced into service, including the Tide-class fleet tankers – RFA Tidespring (2017), RFA Tiderace (2018), RFA Tidesurge (2019), and RFA Tideforce (2019).
The first of the Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ships, RFA Proteus, was also introduced into service this year. RFA Stirling Castle, a mine countermeasures trials platform, joined the service in the third quarter of 2023.
In addition, up to three new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships are being built for the RFA, which, following the planned start of manufacture in 2025, will begin to be delivered into service around 2031.
From the start of manufacture of the FSS programme in 2025, intended to deliver three naval logistics vessels to the RFA, it will take six years before the first of the ships will enter service, it can be revealed.
According to figures released by the UK Government on 15 November, a total of 1,782 recruits joined the RFA from 2010 to 2023. In the same period, 2,463 personnel departed the service.
As of 21 November 2023, the RFA had a total of 13 vessels in its fleet, comprised of four Tide-class replenishment tankers, three Bay-class landing ship docks (RFA Cardigan Bay, RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Mounts Bay), two Wave-class tankers (RFA Wave Knight and RFA Wave Ruler) a single remaining Fort-class solid support vessel (RFA Fort Victoria, pictured above), aviation training platform and Role 3 medical facility RFA Argus, as well as RFA Stirling Castle and the MROS RFA Proteus.
In December 2010, the UK reported an RFA service strength of approximately 2,300 personnel. By May 2023, the UK Government reported that the RFA had 1,750 serving personnel, indicating an approximate 25% drop in RFA personnel numbers.
Put another way, more RFA personnel have left the service over the past ten years than there are currently serving in the fleet. The past two complete years (2021–22 and 2022–23) saw a significant uptick in annual outflow at 251 and 221, respectively, with inflow recorded at 167 in 2021–22 and 169 in 2022–23.
A net positive inflow was recorded in just three of the 13 years in the reporting period (2010–11, 2015–16 and 2020–21), with another year (2014–15) at parity.
In May this year, UK Defence Minister James Cartlidge confirmed that the two Wave-class tankers had been placed into extended readiness in 2022 (RFA Wave Knight) and 2017 (RFA Wave Ruler). Both vessels are scheduled to be kept in such conditions until 2028, under RFA management.
Typically, vessels placed in extended readiness are de-crewed, with personnel that would be assigned redistributed elsewhere depending on requirements.
In addition, in 2016 the RFA forward repair ship RFA Diligence was also decommissioned from service without replacement. The vessel, listed for sale for years afterwards, will be scrapped.
Refit and repair cost of the RFA fleet
Operating costs of the RFA are another factor to consider in how many vessels it can maintain in its fleet while also meeting the requirements placed on it by the Royal Navy. From 2010 to 2022, RFA refit costs from all in-service platforms amounted to £636.1m ($797.38m).
RFA managed vessels are maintained under the Future In-Service Support (FISS) agreement. These contracts were signed in 2018, have a duration of ten years, are worth approximately £1.1bn and are expected to deliver around £115m of savings, according to a 9 May parliamentary written response.
Prior to the signature of the FISS agreement, RFA managed vessels were managed under a set of five In-Service Support contracts. These contracts were awarded in 2008 and renewed in 2012 for a further five-year period at an additional cost of £349m. (Source: naval-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
20 Nov 23. SA Air Force (SAAF) Chief Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo now chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Standing Aviation Committee (SAC). The SADC Standing Aviation Committee usually meets once a year, on a rotational basis among members. The meetings are convened in line with the aims and ideals of the SADC Inter-State Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC). Established in 1977, the ISDSC is a forum for defence and security co-operation and played a crucial role in the liberation struggles of SADC members. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
17 Nov 23. SANDF promotions. By far the majority of SA National Defence Force (SANDF) appointments/promotions in a 2023/24 bulletin made public this week see senior officers filling vacant posts. The Department of Defence (DoD) Bulletin listing appointments and/or promotion of brigadier generals/rear admirals (junior grade) has 80 officer names across the four SANDF services and divisions including Joint Operations, Legal Services, Human Resources, Defence Intelligence, the Inspector General and Military Police. Of the 80 named in the Bulletin, 41 go to vacant posts that will be filled come 2024 with a number taking up new posts before year-end. One of these is right at the top in the form of a personal staff officer (PSO) for SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya. Colonel LL Xaba will be the right hand man in the CSANDF suite in the Armscor building come 1 December at brigadier general level where he fills a vacant post.
In the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) all seven appointments see one-stars and colonels fill vacant posts. At the SA Army, seven of 12 appointments will fill vacant posts with the number for the SA Air Force (SAAF) six of nine and four of 10 in the SA Navy (SAN).
The Military Police Division will have a new provost marshal come March next year. The current incumbent, Rear Admiral (JG) Mokgadi Maphoto, is moving on and will be Director OHS in the DoD Human Resource Division. His replacement is current Colonel M Mbusi who goes up a rank to brigadier general when becoming the national defence force’s “top cop” on 1 March next year. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
21 Nov 23. Richard Drake named GM of Anduril UK and Europe. Anduril Industries is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Drake as the General Manager of Anduril UK and the broader European region. As General Manager of Anduril UK, Drake will guide Anduril through a period of high growth. This appointment reflects Anduril’s strategic intent to replicate its successful approach to autonomous defense capabilities in other key regional markets. With 16 years of experience in defense systems technology, Drake brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the defense procurement market. In his previous position at Babcock International as Chief Executive of Mission Systems and Group Chief Technology Officer, Drake was pivotal in fostering innovation and technology across the Group. Managing over 1,500 staff and reporting directly to the Group CEO, he achieved substantial business growth and profitability for Babcock’s Defense Systems Technology business. Drake’s tenure with the same business also included roles such as Programme Director, Business Development Director, and Engineering Director, where he led engineering activities for nearly a decade. Before his time at Babcock, Drake was Airbus’s Head of Landing Gear Extension and Retraction Systems. (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
20 Nov 23. Embraer Defense & Security today appointed José Gustavo as the new Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Europe and Africa. He will be based in Lisbon, Portugal, under the leadership of Frederico Lemos, CCO of the business unit. With more than 20 years of experience José Gustavo brings a wealth of extensive international experience, from countries such as the United States and Turkey. The executive has held several leadership positions in Defense projects including functions in the NATO Command Structure and has solid sales records for Embraer, which includes the A-29 in Africa and the C-390 sales campaigns in EuropeJosé Gustavo has actively participated in projects developing the A-29 (A-29N) NATO configuration and creating additional capabilities for the C-390, as well as integrating with Embraer’s other business units.
17 Nov 23. Guidehouse, a leading global provider of consulting, digital and managed services to public sector and commercial clients, announced that David Walters has joined the firm to drive its Defense and Security growth in the United Kingdom (UK). A consulting leader with over 30 years of experience working with government and private sector defense and national security clients, both in the UK and internationally, Walters advises clients on cost-based and enterprise transformations and critical project and program delivery. He works with clients to accelerate outcomes, increase quality and drive bottom line improvements in operations and capital spend. He is a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders and has been recognized in the Management Consultancy Association (MCA) awards across a range of categories, including innovation, change management and commercial excellence.
(Source: PR Newswire)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
22 Nov 23. RTX (NYSE: RTX) today announced the appointment of Fredric G. Reynolds as lead independent director. Mr. Reynolds replaces Dinesh C. Paliwal who will step down from the Board, effective December 1, 2023. In addition to his duties as Lead Independent Director, Mr. Reynolds will continue to serve as chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Governance and Public Policy Committee. (Source: PR Newswire)
21 Nov 23. Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”), a global leader of advanced wireless networking communication systems, today announced the addition of Eduardo Iniguez to its executive management team as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Iniguez brings more than fifteen years of strategic and financial leadership experience with prominent aerospace companies including AllClear Aerospace & Defense, and Cadence Aerospace, as well as market disrupting technology companies Getaround, HyreCar and RxSight. In his new role at Silvus, Mr. Iniguez will drive the company’s overall financial strategy, leading its budgeting & planning, accounting, cash flow, strategic M&A activity, and capital management operations. This addition underscores Silvus’ commitment to accelerating the growth of its global operations, while delivering sustainable financial performance across the company’s diverse portfolio of products and technology. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
21 Nov 23. Babcock Australasia has appointed Rob Dunn into a leadership role, overseeing the company’s sustainment of Royal Australian Navy ships at Henderson in Western Australia. As part of RMP-West, Babcock will work in partnership with the Department of Defence to deliver naval sustainment capability for Australia in the region, while Rob Dunn will act as the new program director, Regional Maintenance Provider West. Dunn has previously served for 13 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, held the role of project director Uncrewed Aerial Systems Ranges at QinetiQ Australia in Canberra, worked in various roles at BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia and the UK, including as head of capability integration for the Salam Project in Riyadh to deliver Typhoon aircraft into Saudi Arabia. (Source: Google/Defence Connect)