LOCATIONS
MARITIME
24 Nov 23. Celebrating the Success of the FFX II Naval Programme,
- In South Korea, the eighth and final Daegu-class frigate powered by Rolls-Royce’s MT30 gas turbine is being delivered to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy.
The ship’s handover marks an important milestone in the culmination of the ten-year FFX Batch II/Daegu-class frigate programme. But, as Lee Skelton, Naval Programme Manager for Korea at Rolls-Royce remarks, “It’s no time to put our feet up” as the development of FFX Batch III/Ulsan-class frigate is already well underway.
Celebrating a strategic win
Rolls-Royce was selected by the ROK Navy in 2012 to deliver the propulsion system for their planned FFX Batch II frigate.
“The programme was a significant and strategic opportunity for us,” explains Sam Cameron, SVP Sales & Business Development, Pacific Rim at Rolls-Royce. “It was the first success of its kind in South Korea with us displacing a key competitor and winning a main propulsion engine contract with the ROK Navy.
“To do so, we had to build the trust that our engine would deliver for their current and future capabilities. We also drew upon the advocacy of our existing naval customers to speak to MT30’s high performance.”
MT30 is already demonstrating its success globally in a variety of propulsion system arrangements including mechanical, hybrid-electrical and full-electric for modern naval vessels. It first entered service in 2008 with the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and was then chosen to power the Zumwalt-class destroyers, the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, the Italian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s FFM programme. It has also been selected to power the Royal Navy’s City-class frigates and is the power behind the Global Combat Ship variants.
Proven performance that lasts
The ROK Navy needed a product which would enable the high-speed requirements of a navy vessel while offering reliability, low maintenance and low costs across a long lifecycle.
“The MT30 is a 21st-century gas turbine with the highest power density available,” continues Lee. “Today, the engine data we’re getting from the first ship shows that it performs just as it did when it entered into service in 2016. That’s out-of-the-box performance, living up to all expectations, and feedback from crews on the ease of operation has been really positive.”
Our modern MT30 gas turbine works as a boost engine alongside four Rolls-Royce mtu 12V 4000 M53B diesel generators which power an electric propulsion motor in the ship’s hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion system. As well as improving the ship’s availability during critical missions, it drastically reduces machinery noise levels – crucial to maintaining an advantageous position in anti-submarine warfare.
Building collaboration
For the programme to be fully successful and delivered within such a relatively short timescale, our naval team had to maintain close collaboration with partners Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI (EMD and SNSD)) and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) (now known as Hanwha Ocean Co, Ltd). But working across two shipbuilders wasn’t always plain sailing.
“At certain points throughout the programme, we had five ships in different intense phases of their build cycles at the same time,” explains Lee. “Communication was key, and we had to ensure our messages were consistent across everyone involved. We were able to take so many learnings from each other and this project. The FFX Batch III programme will be delivered across three shipyards, but we have confidence in our relationships with our partners and shipbuilders to know we can work well together.
“Today, HHI are our strongest advocate. We’ve worked through challenges to find solutions and build trust. I look forward to working on Batch III together.”
As a testament to the strong cooperation between partners, an award by DSME was presented to one of our Rolls-Royce naval engineers for his excellent contribution to supporting the sea trials and the delivery of the second frigate in the FFX II programme amid challenging COVID-19 restrictions.
Delivered without delay
“We are extremely proud to have successfully delivered the MT30 in a timely manner without a single day of delay throughout the programme for all eight frigates,” says Jongyel Lee, Vice President of Naval Business Development at Rolls-Royce. “And MT30’s core engine has been successfully operated without a single defect since the first ship was delivered.
“This is in part thanks to our engine health monitoring (EHM) system which works continuously to diagnose engine conditions. Today, MT30 dominates the advanced navy and Pacific Rim marine gas turbine market based on its excellent performance and high reliability.”
Customers are benefitting from the significantly reduced onboard maintenance time that MT30 requires – around just one hour per week – and this is enabling the ROK Navy to preserve valuable costs and manhours.
Leading Pacific naval propulsion
In the future, MT30’s proven success in electrical and hybrid-electric propulsion system arrangements means it will continue to meet the needs of a wider variety of platforms and applications from frigates to aircraft carriers and continue to support the ROK Navy’s frigate programmes including the planned FFX Batch IV if selected. Customers can also benefit from digitalisation advances such as Engine Health Management (EHM) analysis capability to further maximise engine performance and optimise on-board maintenance and immersive Virtual Reality training that simulates operator maintenance and service training.
Regionally, the MT30 also supports Japan’s FFM programme and Australia’s Hunter-class frigates, with its benefits being utilised as far east as the USA and soon, Canada. Within the next decade, it will become the dominant engine of choice across the Pacific Rim – a testament not only to the ongoing performance of the engine but the strong collaboration and experience that helped to enable its success.
Alongside MT30, the marine gas turbine portfolio includes its latest addition, the MT7 marine gas turbine, ideal for future the ROK Navy’s future Landing/Hovercraft programmes. MT7 is powering the U.S. Navy’s new LCAC 100, Ship to Shore Connector. (Source: ASD Network)
27 Nov 23. The Ninth Multipurpose Frigate “Spartaco Schergat” Launched.
The launching ceremony of the Spartaco Schergat frigate, the ninth of a series of 10 FREMM vessels – Multi Mission European Frigates, took place today at the integrated shipyard of Riva Trigoso (Genoa). The 10 FREMM vessels have been commissioned to Fincantieri by the Italian Navy within the framework of an Italo-French international cooperation program, under the coordination of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement), the joint organization for European cooperation in armaments.
The godmother of the launch was Arianna Somma, granddaughter of the Golden Medal for Military Valor Spartaco Schergat, from whom the ship takes its name.
Among others, the event was attended by the President of the Regional Council of the Liguria Region, Gianmarco Medusei, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Edoardo Rixi, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, the Director of OCCAR, General Joachim Sucker, and the Director of the General Directorate of Naval Armaments – NAVARM, Vice Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, welcomed by the Chairman of Fincantieri, General Claudio Graziano and Dario Deste, General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division.
After the launching, the fitting activities of the unit will continue at the Muggiano shipyard (La Spezia), with delivery scheduled in 2025. The Spartaco Schergat vessel, like the other units, will feature a high degree of operational flexibility and will have the ability to operate in all tactical situations. 144 meters long, with a beam of 19.7 meters, the ship will have a full load displacement of about 6,700 tons. It will be able to reach a speed of over 27 knots with a maximum capacity of about 200 people on board.
The FREMM program, representing the Italian and European defense state of the art, stems from the need to renew the line of units of the Italian Navy, including the “Lupo” and “Maestrale” class frigates, built by Fincantieri in the Seventies and Eighties. The vessel Carlo Bergamini was delivered in 2012, the Virginio Fasan in 2013, the Carlo Margottini in 2014, the Carabiniere in 2015, the Alpino in 2016, the Luigi Rizzo in 2017, the Federico Martinengo in 2018 and the Antonio Marceglia in 2019.
Chief Petty Frogman Spartaco SCHERGAT – Golden Medal for Military Value
He was born in Koper on July 12, 1920. Voluntary in the Royal Italian Navy starting from March 1940, and part of the “Frogmen” category, after having attended the course held at the C.R.E.M. School of San Bartolomeo (La Spezia) where he got the diver license, he entered in the 1^ Squadron M.A.S. (called 10^ M.A.S. Fleet in June 1941) as operator of special assault vehicles. He took part in the Gibraltar forcing missions in May and September 1941 and in the quest of Alexandria at the dawn of December 19 of the same year when, as 2nd operator of the “maiale” underwater assault vehicle led by Captain Antonio Marceglia (to whom the FREMM n. 8 is entitled), he placed the mine under the English battleship Queen Elizabeth, which sank in the port, due to the bursting of the charge, being unable to take part in the conflict a long time due to the damages sustained. He was captured and taken in the n. 321 English prison camp in Palestine, while in October 1944 he returned home participating in the War of Liberation in the Assault Vehicles Group. He retired in November 1945, becoming a member of the Role of Honour with the degree of Chief Petty.
Motivation for the G.M.M.V.
“Heroic fighter, loyal partner of his Officer, he shared the risks of a tenacious and dangerous training, following him in the most daring quests, inspired by the same fiery determination to succeed. He participated with him in an expedition of underwater assault vehicles, forcing one of the most powerful and defended enemy naval bases, with an action in which operational understanding and practical application brilliantly matched with the cold courage and self-sacrifice of men. After having covered several miles under water, overcoming difficulties and obstacles of any kind, he was a valid and faithful help to the Officer; he attacked the ship with firm skill, joining the fate of his Officer in captivity, constantly refusing to provide the enemy with any information; superb example of bravery when in action and possessing extraordinary moral qualities”. (Source: ASD Network)
27 Nov 23. Imphal, India’s third guided missile stealth destroyer ready for Navy. Imphal will receive its crest after having recently completed the successful firing of an Extended Range BrahMos missile.
The Imphal set an Indian record for the shortest time for construction and in completing sea-trials, and will be commissioned into the Indian Navy in December.
Having recently carried out successful firing of an Extended Range BrahMos missile, the Indian Navy’s Imphal, the third among four Project 15B guided missile stealth destroyers, is set to receive its crest in a ceremony in New Delhi on 28 November.
Project 15B destroyers are the product of the incorporation of stealth features onto Kolkata-class destroyers in addition to a high degree of automation, and state-of-the-art sensors and weapons, marking the vessels as among the most technologically advanced guided-missile destroyers operating today. The sleek hull design in combination with radar transparent deck fittings will make the vessels difficult to detect.
Each vessel will measure 163 metres (m) long and 17.4m wide, with a displacement of 7,300 tonnes. The ships will be operated by a crew of 350, including 50 officers and 250 sailors, in accommodation designed to offer enhanced ergonomics and habitability. For improved survivability and reliability in emergency conditions, the destroyers will have multiple fire zones, battle damage control systems, and distributional power systems. The vessel’s total atmospheric control system is designed to protect the crew from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.
The Imphal was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) using indigenously sourced systems that account for 75% of the ship’s make-up, in-line with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative to encourage domestic manufacturing and assembly.
The Self-Reliant India initiative, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, is part of an aim by the government of India to achieve a defence manufacturing turnover of $25bn by 2025, that saw India exporting defence equipment to over 75 countries in 2022, and defence exports reaching an all-time high for 2022-2023, at $1.92bn, a tenfold increase over 2016-2017. (Source: naval-technology.com)
27 Nov 23. Iran unveils new destroyer warship amid maritime tensions. The new Iranian destroyer joins five similar ships that Iran has put to sea in the last decade.
Iran announced a new destroyer for its navy on Monday. Iranian Army commander Maj.-Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iranian Navy commander R.-Adm. Shahram Irani, and Iranian Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Maj.-Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri were present at the ceremony, Iran’s Mehr News said. The destroyer will be part of Iran’s Caspian sea fleet. The ceremony for the new ship was held at the port of Bandar Anzali on the Caspian.
Iran announced the commissioning of the new Iranian warship, named the IRIS Deylaman (Dilman; IRIS stands for Islamic Republic of Iran Ship) which they said has modern equipment and will contribute to Iran’s navy. The destroyer is part of an Iranian class of similar ships called the Mowj or Moudge class. They weigh around 1,500 tons and are based on Iran’s IRIS Jamaran destroyer which was launched in 2010.
Where were these ships built?
These locally made ships have been produced since the early 2000s when Iran sought to bolster its navy. Tehran doesn’t have a very large navy or air force, in part due to sanctions. Often, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a separate military system in Iran, sponge up assets for defense needs, meaning that the actual Iranian army, navy and air force don’t receive key resources.
First release of security prisoners sees them greeted with cheers and Hamas flags
The new destroyer joins its sister ships, the Dena, Sahand and Damavand, along with the Jamaran. H.I Sutton’s Covert Shores website has some information on other ships in this class. He wrote about the Dena in 2021, noting that it was “the first built at the Shahid Darvishi yard near Bandar Abbas.”
“Despite being launched more recently, her superstructure is less modern than the preceding IRIS Sahand. That featured slightly canted sides to reduce the radar signature, and a new 30mm ‘Kamand’ AAA [anti-aircraft artillery], which is based on the Russian AK630 family. IRIS Dena has older weapons, such as the 40mm Bofors AA [anti-aircraft] gun.” (According to TS2 Space, AAAs have more firepower, but AA systems are highly maneuverable and can engage aircraft at shorter ranges.)
“But the Dena does have a version of the Asr phased-array radar which may be a major step forward for the frigate program.” He also notes that these ships are based on British-built Iranian Alvand class frigates.
The new ship will serve in the landlocked Caspian, projecting Iran’s influence in Central Asia and also along the shores of the sea. As such, it may not require some of the armaments of ships that serve in the Indian ocean or the Persian Gulf. Iran’s announcement about the vessel talked about search and rescue, training and other mundane operations. (Source: News Now)
AIR
30 Nov 23. The first NH90 Sea Tiger took off on-schedule for its maiden flight, at Airbus Helicopters’ site in Donauwörth, Germany. The German Bundeswehr ordered 31 NH90 Sea Tiger multi role frigate helicopters for the German Navy’s shipborne operations in 2020. Airbus Helicopters is now entering a qualification phase that will focus on flight testing the helicopter and new systems to be installed on board the NH90 Sea Tiger. Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of 2025.
“We are proud to equip the German Navy with the NH90 Sea Tiger. Operating both the NH90 Sea Lion and the Sea Tiger will allow the Navy to further streamline its operations and maintenance,” said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. “The NH90 Sea Lion, which is already in service with the Navy, has recently proven its capabilities during a first major rescue operation in the North Sea.”
The helicopters will replace the German Navy’s ageing Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet which entered into service in 1981. The Bundeswehr already operates 18 NH90 Sea Lion naval transport helicopters which were delivered on schedule between 2019 and 2023.
The Sea Tiger is the latest version of the proven NH90 NFH (Naval Version). It has been specifically designed to match the needs of the German Navy for a state of the art anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Novelties include a new Electro-Optical System and improved Electronic Support Measures (ESM). On top, the Sea Tiger is equipped with a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and weapons (torpedoes and missiles). The shipborne Sea Tigers’ missions include, in addition to reconnaissance and transport, engaging targets above and below the surface.
135 naval NH90 helicopters have already been delivered to six nations and have completed over 90,000 flight hours in search and rescue, humanitarian, and military operations. There are more than 500 NH90 helicopters in service worldwide that have accumulated over 370,000 flight hours.
NHIndustries is the largest rotorcraft joint venture and it is responsible for the design, manufacturing and support of the NH90 helicopter, one of the leaders in the latest generation of military helicopters. The Company takes the best from the European rotorcraft and defence industry, being owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%) and GKN Fokker (5.5%). Each company has a long aerospace pedigree and brings the top of its skills and expertise to the end product.
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
28 Nov 23. Cessna-maker Textron to cut 725 jobs as part of restructuring plan. Business jet maker Textron (TXT.N) said on Tuesday it would cut 725 jobs as part of its restructuring plan in an attempt to reduce operating expenses, sending its shares up more than 2% after the bell.
The company said it will downsize jobs in its Industrial, Bell and Textron Systems segments, and restructure specialized vehicles and Kautex segments due to lower demand for powersport products and fuel systems.
The restructuring, which is likely to be completed in the first half of 2024, is expected to save nearly $75m annually, Textron said.
Major U.S. companies from Amazon.com (AMZN.O) to Wall Street heavyweights like Goldman Sachs (GS.N) have slashed thousands of jobs as they look cut costs amid worries over a slowing economy due to rising borrowing costs.
Textron’s plan would result in a pre-tax special charge of $115m to $135m in the fourth quarter. It also expects an asset impairment charge of $80m to $90m and severance-related costs of $35m to $45m. The parent of Cessna business jets said charges related to restructuring and impairment would not impact its full-year financial outlook.
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
28 Nov 23. Middle East personnel comprise 45% of overseas cadets at Sandhurst. The UAE recorded the highest number of its military officers enrolled from the Middle East, with 139 personnel, followed by Qatar (120), and Bahrain (115).
The depth of defence ties between the UK and the Gulf states have been highlighted in figures published by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), which showed cadets from the Gulf comprised more than one-third of overseas students at the British Army Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).
Information published in written parliamentary responses on 24 November showed that of 1,347 foreign cadets enrolled into RMAS from 2010-2023, a total of 505, or around 37%, were from the GCC states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The UAE recorded the highest number of its military officers enrolled, with 139 personnel, followed by Qatar (120), and Bahrain (115). The Sultanate of Oman, which particularly close ties with the UK, saw 93 personnel pass through RMAS from 2010-2023, followed at a distance by Kuwait (25) and Saudi Arabia (13).
No personnel from Saudi Arabia have enrolled at RMS Sandhurst since the 2018 class, a full five-year hiatus.
Other countries in the Middle East that sent personnel to Sandhurst included Iraq (53) and Jordan (55). RMA Sandhurst has also seen nine personnel from ‘Palestine’ pass through, with the last batch (two) enrolled in 2022, according to UK figures.
Including cadets from Jordan and Iraq, and Middle East countries contribute 45% of the total number of overseas personnel who have gone through RMAS in the past 13 years.
(Source: army-technology.com)
28 Nov 23. Stockholm’s Amphibious Regiment Takes Over Responsibility for the Naval Harbor in Härnösand. Responsibility for the marine infrastructure was regionalized from 1 October 2023. This means that the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment will take over responsibility from the Finnish border in the north to Bråviken in the south.
For Sweden, the sea has always been important and thus the need for a strong navy. Along the Norrland coast, the harbor in Härnösand forms an important support point. The area around Härnösand and Sundsvall is ideal for various types of marine training and practice and will be used to an increasing degree in the future. There are expedient firing ranges and suitable infrastructure for the practice of both amphibious and marine base units.
Important for NATO membership
This opens up opportunities to increase defense capacity and efficiency along Sweden’s coastline and to ensure that the country can face potential threats effectively.
“I am really looking forward to in-depth work with the Northern Military Region. In Härnösand, there are already conditions for the navy’s current and future needs. With these opportunities linked to Swedish NATO membership, we can give and receive support to future allies, says Colonel Adam Camél, regiment commander at the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment.
Important part of Sweden’s coast
Earlier this fall, the head of the Northern Military Region, Colonel Lars Karlsson and Adam Camél met in Härnösand to discuss the formalities surrounding the takeover of the port and coastal area.
“There has been a fruitful discussion about the navy’s activities along the Norrland coast. It is very gratifying that the Navy is expanding its operations and basing along the coast that is part of the Northern Military Region’s geographic area. The area is an increasingly important part of Sweden’s coast with regard to, among other things, the expansion of the ports in Sundsvall and Luleå,” says Lars Karlsson.
Exercises in the area
During the autumn, Stockholm’s amphibious regiment has had training and exercises for combat boat crews, where the naval harbor in Härnösand has been the starting point. It is important to get to know the varied archipelago terrain along Sweden’s coast. The character along the coast of Norrland differs from the Stockholm archipelago, where the unit is based.
“When the regiment began the takeover of the naval harbor in Härnösand, we saw the opportunity to place the operations around Härnösand and the chance to practice in different terrain than around the Stockholm archipelago,” says Sergeant Patrik Ekström, head of the combat boat course 2023 at the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment.
The goal is for the takeover of the marine infrastructure to be completed by the summer of 2024. The operations are coordinated with the Fortifications Agency and the Defense Materiel Administration, and the work is in full swing. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Swedish Armed Forces; issued Nov. 27, 2023)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
28 Nov 23. Mr Philip Hall OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in succession to Ms Bridget Brind OBE. Mr Hall will take up his appointment this month.
30 Nov 23. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Jason Barrett as its new CEO as the world-renowned spectacle looks ahead to an exciting future. Jason steps up from his role as Chief Operating Officer, having originally joined the Tattoo three years ago, and takes over from Major General Buster Howes, who stood down following this August’s incredible Show, Stories. Originally from Colorado, Jason has the military in his blood, having served for both the US and UK militaries. He served for 20 years as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he held leadership positions involved in high-level strategic planning and on active service with the UK Royal Marines. Jason retired from the Marine Corps as Lieutenant Colonel in 2010 having led over 1,000 marines with $150m in assets.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
29 Nov 23. SAMI and Embraer sign MoU to Begin Cooperation Between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in the Defense and Security Sector. SAMI, the national defense and security champion, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to establish a cooperation in their respective aerospace industries, prioritizing defense and security.
This agreement is geared towards expanding the operational footprint of both companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on promoting the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and delivering support to the kingdom’s Ministry of Defense. SAMI and Embraer will work to establish comprehensive maintenance capability for the Embraer aircraft in the Kingdom. Additionally, both companies will explore a Regional MRO Hub and a final assembly line for the Embraer C-390, as well as a mission system integration in the Kingdom. Furthermore, SAMI and Embraer will engage in training activities, which will enable the opening of new opportunities for both companies across the aerospace sector in the Kingdom and the region.
Eng. Walid A. Abukhaled, SAMI’s CEO, says: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Embraer, bringing new support and production facilities into the Kingdom. This growth in our business scope and capabilities highlights SAMI’s dedication to advancing and supporting the development of the aerospace ecosystem in the Kingdom. It is another important step in SAMI’s efforts in supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency in the defense sector and contribution to the localization of 50% of the defense spending In the Kingdom by 2030.”
“While this expansion of our MRO capabilities is important, the key to this agreement is the establishment of joint training activities, to support the development of Saudi talents and the transfer of valuable skills within the aerospace sector.”
Bosco da Costa Junior, President, and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security added: “We are very pleased to sign this agreement with SAMI. This is the first step to advance cooperation in Defense and Security involving production chains between the two countries. With this Memorandum of Understanding, Embraer advances further into a strategic market. We will work hard to add value to the local industry, to the Royal Saudi Air Force, and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The agreement will support SAMI’s efforts in empowering local talents and contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of the localization of the defense sector in the Kingdom.
30 Nov 23. Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) and the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV) signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 34th NIDV Exhibition for Defense and Security (NEDS 2023). The signing of the MoU represents a key element in the strategic relationship developed between Embraer and the Netherlands, covering ongoing initiatives associated with the C-390 Millennium and A-29 Super Tucano.
The MoU between Embraer and NIDV adds to Embraer’s existing partnerships and strategic relationships in the Netherlands while structuring a joint framework aimed at exploring additional opportunities aligned with the priorities of the Netherlands’ Defense Industry Strategy.
These may include services and the development of new capabilities within Embraer’s existing projects, further contributing to the development and application of military knowledge, technologies, and industrial capabilities in the country. Contributions from the Dutch ecosystem to the supply chain of the Embraer C-390 program for export markets will remain a central goal.
“The collaboration with Embraer is important for the NIDV and its members. Embraer is a forward-leaning OEM with a strong focus on innovation and new ideas to contribute to the operational readiness of their platforms. I am convinced that Embraer has added value for the Netherlands Defense Technical and Industrial Base” says Hans Huigen, Director of the NIDV.
“We are pleased to deepen our partnership with NIDV. We are confident that the collaboration strategies under this MoU will bring further value to the Dutch defense and security ecosystem, including knowledge institutes, and the business community across different fields,” says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.
NIDV’S contributions have deepened Embraer’s collaboration with the Netherlands defense, technical and industrial base, which are aligned with the policies of the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The partnership focuses on developing innovative solutions in defense and at supporting the C-390 Millennium multi-mission platform. This agreement follows in line with several other MoUs in place, involving technological and industrial partners like Fokker Services Group and MultiSIM, and research institutes such as the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (Royal NLR) and the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
28 Nov 23. Cambridge Pixel announces the appointment of former Royal Navy Engineer Officer Martin Hoather as Director of Operations. Martin joins the company to further advance its manufacture and support of radar processing products and to enhance the senior management team. Since transitioning to an employee-owned company three years ago, Cambridge Pixel has continued to grow its global business. With the naval industry as one of its largest markets, the company will benefit from Martin’s background with the Royal Navy. During his naval career, Martin undertook a wide variety of roles with a recurring focus on maritime radar and command systems. More recently, he has gained nearly a decade of SME operations and management experience in the Cambridge technical sector, making his appointment ideal to support Cambridge Pixel’s future growth.
29 Nov 23. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK – CILT(UK) announced the appointment of Paul Adams as its new Chief Executive Officer. With more than 20 years of global experience in senior leadership roles, Paul joins CILT(UK) from the Institute of Directors (IoD) where he held the role of National Director/Chief Operating Officer for two years. Prior to this, Paul held various CEO roles within the charity sector, including CEO of the Civil Mediation Council from 2018 to 2021 and CEO of the Clive Richards Foundation. Paul also served for 17 years in the military, including front line service in several conflict zones.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
28 Nov 23. The Cyber AB announced today the election of new officers to lead its Board of Directors in 2024-2025. Current Vice Chair Paul Michaels was elected by the Board to serve as Chairman; Mathew Newfield, who served as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, will become Vice Chair; and Debbie Taylor Moore will serve as Secretary. This transition is within the normal cycle of the organization’s governance procedures. Current Board Chairman Jeff Dalton will remain on the Board for the remainder of his current Directorship tenure through 2025 and will enjoy the title of Chairman Emeritus. Sheryl Hanchar, the incumbent Secretary, will also remain on the Board for the fulfillment of her second term as a Director. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
28 Nov 23. High Point Aerotechnologies, a global leader in counter unmanned autonomous systems (C-UAS) solutions, today announced the appointment of Tom Adams as its Senior Director of Business Development. In this role, Tom will leverage his extensive experience in C-UAS operations, training, and law enforcement to advance the company’s innovative C-UAS offerings with federal, civilian, and defense customers. Mr. Adams brings a wealth of experience to High Point, having previously served as co-founder of Aerovigilance, a leading provider of counter-UAS training, consulting, and services, and CUASHub.com, an online counter-UAS knowledge platform featuring news, educational resources, and C-UAS vendor profiles. A 20-year veteran of the FBI, Tom’s last role was spent as a Supervisory Special Agent in the FBI’s Counter UAS program, where he investigated UAS incidents, protected mass gatherings in the Homeland, and created training curriculum to further educate operators within the Department of Justice. He led numerous high-profile Counter-UAS missions, including protecting the nation’s highest-profile sporting and cultural events, critical infrastructure, and senior U.S. and foreign officials. (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
30 Nov 23. PsiQuantum today announced the creation of the company’s inaugural Government Advisory Board (GAB), which brings together a diverse group of leaders with decades of public service in the White House, the Departments of Defense and Commerce, the Intelligence Community, and the U.S. Congress. Although currently focused on priorities pertaining to U.S. Government, PsiQuantum plans to expand the Government Advisory Board to include leaders from other allied nations as well.
The creation of the Government Advisory Board is a natural progression of the company’s longstanding partnerships with the U.S. and allied governments. Since PsiQuantum’s founding in 2015, the company has recognized the critical importance of quantum computing technologies to national and international interests and is committed to operating as a trusted partner to the U.S. and other allied governments.
PsiQuantum ensures that its government partners are kept apprised of technological progress against key milestones and new breakthroughs in fault tolerant quantum applications as well as the critical economic and national security implications therein. In turn, PsiQuantum relies on government partners to ensure the company is cognizant of their most pressing challenges to better understand how fault tolerant quantum computing could address those problems.
The inaugural members of the GAB will provide the PsiQuantum executive team with invaluable perspectives and strategic insights gained from their prior government experience as well-established leaders in their respective fields. Through this Board, PsiQuantum will also be better placed to continue its work developing public-private partnerships across the U.S. and allied governments. The Inaugural Members of the PsiQuantum Advisory Board include:
- Ronnie Chatterji, Ph.D. is the Mark Burgess & Lisa Benson-Burgess Distinguished Professor of Business and Public Policy at Duke University. Ronnie works at the intersection of academia, public policy and business, investigating the most important forces shaping our economy and society. His primary appointment is in the Fuqua School of Business, from where he has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in the top journals in strategic management, economics, finance and organizational studies. Chatterji is committed to public service, both at the national level and in his home state of North Carolina. He most recently held senior economic policy positions in the Biden Administration. Chatterji served as the White House CHIPS coordinator, overseeing the implementation of the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act, one of the largest industrial policy initiatives in a generation He was also the Acting Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, overseeing the Administration’s work on supporting American manufacturing, building more resilient supply chains, and driving technological innovation. Prior to his White House role, he served as the Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he was the principal economic adviser to the Secretary of Commerce and responsible for policy development related to U.S. competitiveness, innovation, trade and economic growth. Ronnie also previously worked for President Obama as a Senior Economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA).
- Michèle Flournoy, is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of WestExec Advisors, and a Co-Founder, former Chief Executive Officer, and now Chair of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Michèle served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy from February 2009 to February 2012. She was the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense in the formulation of national security and defense policy, oversight of military plans and operations, and in National Security Council deliberations. In January 2007, Michèle co-founded CNAS, a bipartisan think tank dedicated to developing strong, pragmatic, and principled national security policies. She served as CNAS’ President until 2009 and returned as CEO in 2014. In 2017, she co-founded WestExec Advisors, a strategic advisory firm. In the mid-1990s, she served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Threat Reduction and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy.
- Congressman Jim Langevin is the former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation. A cybersecurity expert who is the cofounder and former cochair of the House Cybersecurity Caucus, Jim served Rhode Island’s second congressional district for 11 terms beginning in 2001 before retiring in early January 2023. Jim’s legislative work on cyber policy issues began in 2008, when he became Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science. Before serving in Congress, Langevin was first elected a member of the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1988 and served as a state representative until he was elected Secretary of State of Rhode Island in 1994.
- Vice Admiral Bob Sharp, USN (Ret.), served as the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, one of our nation’s premier intelligence agencies, from February 2019 until June 2022. As Director, he and his team were responsible for delivering world-class geospatial intelligence to provide a decisive advantage to policy makers, military service members, intelligence professionals, first responders, and international partners. He was accountable for over 14,000 civilian, military and contractor employees working around the clock and globe in over 120 locations world-wide. Bob served as a Naval Intelligence Officer for over 34 years, and as a leader within the Navy’s Information Warfare Community since its inception. He has decades of leadership experience in the Intelligence, Defense, and National Security arenas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He is currently the CEO of B Sharp – Global Solutions, doing a combination of consulting, advisory and fellowship work focused on helping people who are trying to make the world a better place succeed. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
28 Nov 23. SkyePoint Decisions Inc. (SkyePoint), a leader in cybersecurity architecture, engineering, and critical infrastructure solutions for the federal government, announces the promotion of Chief Strategy Officer Heather Conigliaro to President. In this new role, Conigliaro will be responsible for overall business operations, delivery performance and customer satisfaction, quality management systems and compliance initiatives, and the integration of corporate acquisitions, further expanding SkyePoint’s professional services presence in civilian and defense markets. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
29 Nov 23. Extra university places to grow sovereign AUKUS workforce. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced that thousands of Australian students will now be able to train at 16 Australian universities through the allocation of thousands of extra Commonwealth-supported places in STEM courses to help grow the skilled workforce required to deliver the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pathway.
This announcement is part of a $128 m investment by the Albanese government to fund the extra university places over four years, beginning in 2024, with these additional places to apply to 38 STEM-related courses, designed to attract more students to train in engineering, mathematics, chemistry and physics.
Students will be eligible to apply and commence their studies for STEM-related courses from the beginning of next year. Of the 4,001 additional places, over 1,000 will be allocated to South Australian universities to support the construction of Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles welcomed the news, saying, “The Australians who will help to build and maintain our conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines are at the heart of this historic, nation-building project.”
Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines is a national endeavour and the targeted training to meet the future workforce needs of the submarine program will be vital to supporting this capability.
The 16 Australian Universities participating in the training program are:
- The University of Adelaide – 700 places
- RMIT University – 426 places
- University of Wollongong – 425 places
- University of New South Wales – 340 places
- Flinders University – 330 places
- Curtin University – 320 places
- The University of Queensland – 315 places
- The University of Melbourne – 300 places
- Macquarie University – 190 places
- The University of Newcastle – 140 places
- Western Sydney University – 120 places
- Charles Darwin University – 110 places
- The Australian National University – 108 places
- Charles Sturt University – 71 places
- The University of Western Australia – 56 places
- Murdoch University – 50 places
“AUKUS represents one of the most significant industrial endeavours in our country’s history and the Albanese government is already investing in the young Australians who will make up our future workforce. It is critical we make the investments now to ensure we have the skilled workforce to deliver the nuclear-powered submarine program,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.
As part of the allocation, universities were assessed against the ability of proposed courses to meet the increased demand for advanced technical skills. (Source: Defence Connect)