BATTLESPACE Updates

   +44 (0)77689 54766
   

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

by

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

07 Dec 23. MOD signs infrastructure contracts at RAF Waddington – the new home of the Red Arrows. The MOD have signed contracts to provide new and refurbished infrastructure for the Red Arrows at their new home of RAF Waddington. These contracts, signed with construction company Galliford Try, also include work to build or refurbish facilities at three other RAF stations. The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team (RAFAT), better known as the Red Arrows, moved to RAF Waddington in October last year. New facilities are now required for the team and their distinctive red Hawk fast jets.

The project is part of the MOD’s wider Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, which is investing £5.1bn in the infrastructure needed by our service people through construction activity, unit and personnel moves, and the release of sites that are no longer suited to the needs of our modern military.

Air Officer Airbases, Air Commodore Portlock welcomed senior leaders from DEO, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and representatives from Galliford Try to RAF Waddington. They signed four contracts to deliver a project which spans RAF Leeming, RAF Saxton Wold, both RAF Boulmer sites and RAF Waddington.

Speaking at the signing, Air Commodore Portlock said: “This significant milestone marks an exciting transition into the much-awaited design and build phase of the project. Providing this essential infrastructure will enable the RAF to make best use of its estate, whilst also delivering our capabilities which are critical to defence.”

Earlier this year, multiple contractors from the construction industry were awarded packages of work across the DEO Portfolio in a landmark move to speed up project delivery. The move will also provide a more collaborative way of working, and a consistent approach to sustainable building practices.

Director of Major Projects and Programmes for DIO, Charles Hoskins said: “Our first DEO project for Air Command under the new contracting mechanism is embarking on a journey to turn vision into reality. Today we sign the design and build contracts and look forward to collaborating with Galiford Try to deliver all capabilities within this project.”

These contracts, which have enabled the disposal of RAF Scampton, will now see Galliford Try design and deliver the required infrastructure for Battlespace Management (BM) Force’s Deployable Air Surveillance and Control System (DASCAS), the Mobile Meteorological Unit (MMU) and the Red Arrows.

Jon Marston, Managing Director of Galliford Try Building East Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be signing these contracts and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the MOD to successfully deliver these projects for the RAF and defence. The project team are set to deliver a combination of refurbishments, new build facilities and single living accommodation across the sites.”

DEO Air Programme Manager, Frank Green said: “Today’s signing ceremony is the result of an exhaustive process that required hard work and a collaborative attitude from all. Moving forward, I am excited to be part of a truly collegiate venture, bringing key improvements to the supported RAF units. RAFAT will benefit from refurbishment and the modernisation of existing infrastructure, including space for aircraft parking and runway access, as well as maintenance capabilities, a refurbished aircraft hangar and office space.  “

Plans also include new, modern Single Living Accommodation (SLA) to replace the existing life-expired accommodation as part of a wider scheme to replace SLA. The increase in facilities will see about 150 additional personnel operating from the site once complete.

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

 

 

01 Dec 23. HENSOLDT Optronics celebrates topping-out ceremony in Oberkochen. Further milestone reached for future-oriented new building. Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT today celebrated the topping-out ceremony for its new plant in Oberkochen. With the new building, the HENSOLDT Group is responding to the constantly growing demand for high-performance military equipment for the German Armed Forces and NATO members and to the ever-increasing demand from the semiconductor industry, which purchases high-precision optronic measuring devices from HENSOLDT Optronics. The company plans to move into the new site in 2025.

“Our customers not only rely on our technologies, but also on our commitment, our reliability and our innovative strength. They rely on us to make a tireless contribution to safety”, said HENSOLDT CEO Thomas Müller.

Using geothermal probes, heat pumps and photovoltaic systems on the roof, the new site will achieve a degree of self-sufficiency of 70 per cent and meet the “KfW 40” standard. With the energy concept, HENSOLDT is aiming for sustainability certification from a renowned institute. The investment in the new building is in the low three-digit million range. The interior design follows the “New Work” principle and is adapted to the current working environment. HENSOLDT’s future-oriented design promotes the individual and organisational success of its employees.

“In today’s business world, cross-functional collaboration is becoming increasingly important. This new location is therefore not just a physical space for us, but a symbol of the increasing importance of cross-functional and process-integrated collaboration”, said HENSOLDT Chief Human Resources Officer Dr Lars Immisch. “With the HENSOLDT Campus, we are offering our employees the opportunity to be successful together in one place with short distances. More than 850 HENSOLDTians will work here hand in hand and with all other locations in the future.”

“This building will not just be a building, but a high-tech campus where innovative ideas, collaboration and creativity will flourish. Flexible expansion options for the building structure and internal layout will enable further growth in the long term”, said Tanya Altmann, Head of the Optronics & Land Solutions division. “It is very important to us to involve all our employees, who enjoy coming here every day, in the interior concept from the very beginning.”

“The HENSOLDT Optronics Campus as a new production and administration site will impressively combine innovation, energy sustainability and an inspiring working atmosphere for employees. A place where the future is lived and built in a very real way”, said Dr Joachim Bläse, District Administrator of the Ostalbkreis district. “We are proud that this lighthouse is being built in Oberkochen in the Ostalbkreis district and will further increase the attractiveness of the location, especially with regard to research and development.”

Safety forms the basis for a sustainable future – HENSOLDT is equally committed to both. The company takes its responsibility as a sustainable, local business very seriously and has set itself ambitious goals for emissions avoidance, resource-conserving business and responsible corporate governance. For this reason, HENSOLDT supports numerous initiatives aimed at sustainable investments in local communities, education, employees and the environment.

 

05 Dec 23. $150m boost for northern Australia’s defence capability.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has announced a five-year, $150 million contract to develop Regional Maintenance Centre (RMC) North, to be located in Darwin.

NORSTA North has been awarded the five-year, $150 million Regional Maintenance Provider contract, which is expected to create up to 37 direct defence industry jobs. The contract will also support a broader industrial ship repair workforce of approximately 56 people in the region.

As part of its responsibilities, the company will coordinate the delivery of maintenance for Navy vessels in the region, supporting Defence’s national approach to sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy fleet.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy welcomed the announcement, saying, “This Regional Maintenance Provider contract provides the key link between NORSTA North Pty Ltd and the Commonwealth to bolster Defence sovereign capability and industry participation in the Top End.”

RMC North is the fourth and final addition to a national network of strategically located sustainment centres and is on track to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2024, initially supporting the sustainment of Navy’s Cape Class patrol boats.

“This strategically important Regional Maintenance Centre based in Darwin will have positive impacts on the local community and defence industry, creating jobs and increasing economic activity centred around sustainment of our naval fleet,” Minister Conroy added.

A key priority area identified in response to the Defence Strategic Review is improving the ability of the Australian Defence Force to operate from Australia’s northern bases.

RMC North’s establishment will ensure key naval assets are available when and where they are needed. RMC North will enable Navy to operate in Australia’s immediate region to help protect Australia’s sea lines of communication and maritime trade and help support Navy’s contribution to security and cooperation in the region.

Minister Conroy said, “Naval forces in Darwin serve as a rapid response capability for addressing security challenges, bolstering humanitarian aid efforts, and supporting disaster relief operations, greatly contributing to security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.” (Source: Defence Connect)

 

MARITIME

 

06 Dec 23. Damen Naval sets sail with F126 frigates’ steel-cutting ceremony. The F126 project, awarded to Damen Naval by BAAINBw, is set to build four multi-purpose frigates with an option for two more.

Damen Shipyards Group cut the first steel for the F126 frigates, ushering in a new era for the German Navy.

The Peene shipyard in Wolgast witnesses a ceremony attended by over 200 guests, marking the commencement of the construction phase.

In an event at the Peene shipyard in Wolgast, Germany, Damen Shipyards Group, in collaboration with NVL Group, celebrated the official start of construction for the F126 frigates. The cutting of the first steel on December 5 adhered to the planned schedule and symbolised a leap forward in the F126 project, which is set to become the largest shipbuilding endeavour in the history of the German Navy.

This occasion, attended by key figures including Lürssen CEO Friedrich Lürssen and Minister-President of the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, showcased the recognition of the F126 frigate construction as an exciting naval project.

Initiated in June 2020, the F126 project, awarded to Damen Naval by BAAINBw, is set to build four multi-purpose frigates with an option for two more. Over the past three and a half years, Damen Naval and its partners designed the vessels, culminating in the visible and symbolic act of cutting steel at the Peene shipyard.

The first ship will be delivered to the German Navy in 2027, according to GlobalData’s “Germany Defense Market 2023-2028” report.

Magiel Venema, director of Damen Naval Germany, highlighted that the steel cutting marks the first tangible milestone visible to the public, “The steel cutting is the first visible shipbuilding step of the project as well as the first tangible milestone taking place in Germany itself. The ships will now start taking shape, so everyone can see what is slowly being created.”

With a length of 166m and a displacement of up to 10,000 tonnes, the F126 frigates will stand as the largest in the German naval fleet. These multi-mission platforms, from tropical climates to polar regions, are designed to operate globally, making them an asset for the German Navy.

In collaboration with various partners, Damen Naval is progressing with the construction of the German Navy’s F126 frigates.

Damen Shipyards has secured multiple contracts with various suppliers, Lockheed Martin for MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems, Hensoldt and Thales for TRS-4D naval radar, and Rheinmetall for MLG27-4.0 defence systems. The construction of the F126 frigates involved various technologies and collaborations, contributing to developing a naval fleet for the German Navy.

As Parliamentary State Secretary Siemtje Möller MdB emphasised, the F126 frigates represent a modern asset for the German Navy, “With the F126 frigates, the navy has a modern asset that, in future, can serve as an effective deterrent and defence for our alliances and for our own security in all maritime operations and operational areas around the world.” (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

05 Dec 23. Russian Navy receives three submarines, says state media. The Russian Navy has received two nuclear-powered submarines and a diesel-electric boat, according to Russia state media, with two more undersea platforms also scheduled to join the service this year.

The government’s news agency Tass reported the Navy received the Varshavyanka-class submarine Mozhaysk on Nov. 28. Two days later, the service received two nuclear-powered boats, the Borei-A-class Emperor Alexander III and the Yasen-M-class Krasnoyarsk, the state news agency RIA Novosti reported.

The service is also expected to take ownership of the two Lada-class subs Kronstadt and Velikiye Luki this year, after they missed their delivery deadline in 2022.

The Central Design Bureau Rubin has been developing the non-nuclear Lada class, also known as Project 677, since the 1980s. The project’s first submarine, St. Petersburg, was laid down in 1997, launched in 2004 and entered service in 2010. However, it did not meet the required specifications, and an unnamed service representative told the Izvestia newspaper in 2011 that “the sub is fully inefficient in a number of important areas.”

A decision was made in 2020 to modernize the boat, but rejected earlier this year. The sub is now to be decommissioned.

The Kronstadt and Velikiye Luki subs were laid down in the mid-2000s and were to be transferred to the Navy in the 2018-2019 time frame. But three years ago, Alexey Rakhmanov, the head of United Shipbuilding Corp., told state media the serial production of two fourth-generation diesel-electric submarines of the Lada class was behind due to problems with a supplier.

Kronstadt and Velikiye Luki are currently undergoing tests. Admiralty Shipyards indicated when creating the latest submarines, it took into account lessons learned from the St. Petersburg.

But a military expert with the Moscow-based Institute of World Economy and International Relations said another delivery delay is likely due to sanctions.

“Deliveries and installation of Western equipment did not take place in the planned volume. Time was spent searching for alternative suppliers in Asian countries,” the expert told Defense News on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic. “I don’t believe they will be able to transfer these submarines to the Navy this year — [or] at best, one.” (Source: Defense News)

 

05 Dec 23. Saab and FMV develop underwater capabilities ahead of A26 submarine construction. These concepts will go hand in hand with Sweden’s A26 submarines as both parties expect the vessels to be delivered by 2028.

Saab, Sweden’s top defence prime, has committed to working with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop underwater capability concepts.

In a 5 December press release, the manufacturer stated that it will add and refine “new technologies to existing solutions.” Saab implies that these new concepts may integrate into the construction of the Royal Swedish Navy’s two A26 submarines.

Sweden’s two conventional A26 Blekinge-class submarines have been undergoing construction since September 2015 at Saab’s Kockum Shipyard, in the south-west of the country. Both parties expect the contract to be delivered by 2028. GlobalData intelligence estimates the contract allocation is worth $731m.

The A26 submarine’s modular hull structure, made from special steels, offers high-seakeeping performance and operational effectiveness. The X-rudder configuration with four independently controlled control surfaces provides high manoeuvrability. The submarine requires low operating and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, Saab has expressly stated it is “currently constructing the world’s most advanced conventional submarine.” This is largely thanks to advancements in its stealth technology, such as the Sterling Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system to allow the diesel-powered vessels to spend longer periods underwater without having to surface to recharge batteries.

Senior vice president of sales and head of Saab’s business area, Mats Wicksell, stated “underwater capabilities are of vital interest for Sweden. Saab’s submarines are among the most modern conventional submarines in the world and a key capability for Sweden.”

Through its iterative development process, Saab and the Swedish Government are hoping to integrate future concepts to enhance the vessels further.

There has been some development in AIP stealth technology since the A26 programme was first conceived. Saab’s previous claim as a trend-setter in such stealth tech is dated as other companies such as Navantia have already green-lit their own AIP solutions for non-nuclear submarines. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

04 Dec 23. India Launches First Three of Eight Shallow Water ASW Craft. Simultaneous Launch of ‘Mahe, Malvan and Mangrol’, First Three Ships of ASW SWC (CSL) Project. Mahe, Malvan and Mangrol, the first three ships of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft (CSL) project being built by Cochin Shipyards Ltd. (CSL), KOcki, for the Indian Navy, were launched on 30 Nov 23 at CSL, Kochi.

In keeping with maritime tradition, Mahe was launched by Mrs Anjali Bahl in the presence of VAdm Puneet Bahl, Commandant INA; Malvan was launched by Mrs Kangana Berry in the presence of VAdm Suraj Berry, C-in-C; and Mangrol was launched by Mrs Zarine Lord Singh in the presence of VAdm Sanjay J Singh, Vice Chief of Naval Staff. The ships were launched to the invocation from Atharva Veda. The Mahe class ASW Shallow Water Crafts have been named after ports of strategic importance along the coast of India, and will look to carry forward the glorious legacy of the erstwhile minesweepers which were their namesake.

The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Cochin Shipyard Limited on 30 Apr 2019. The Mahe class of ships will be equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations. The ASW SWC ships are 78 m long and displacement is approx 900 tons, with a maximum speed of 25 knots.

Simultaneous launch of three ships of the same class highlights our strides in indigenous shipbuilding, towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered in 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)

 

01 Dec 23. US Navy Christened Amphibious Assault Ship Bougainville. The US Navy christened its newest America-class amphibious assault ship, the future USS Bougainville (LHA 8), during a 9 a.m. CST ceremony Saturday, Dec. 2, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Under Secretary of the Navy Eric Raven delivered the christening ceremony’s principal address. Remarks were also be provided by Vice Adm. Del Crandall Jr., Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Maj. Gen. James H. Adams III, nominated to the position of Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Programs and Resources, and Mrs. Kari Wilkinson, Executive Vice President of HII and President of Ingalls Shipbuilding. The ship’s sponsor is Mrs. Ellyn Dunford, wife of Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., USMC (Ret.), 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Bougainville is the third ship of the America-class of amphibious assault ships built to facilitate forward presence and power projection. LHA 8 is the first Flight I ship of the America-class with a reincorporated well deck to increase operational flexibility while maximizing the aviation capability inherent on the Flight 0 ships, USS America (LHA 6) and USS Tripoli (LHA 7).

Designed to support the Marine Corps tenets of Operational Maneuver from the Sea and Ship to Objective Maneuver, America class ships are capable of rapid combat power buildup ashore. The America class also accommodates the Marine Corps’ Air Combat Element including F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and MV-22 Osprey, essential to maintaining power projection, air superiority and theater logistics.

LHA 8 is the second Navy ship to be named Bougainville. The name honors and commemorates the site of a major World War II campaign during which Navy and Marine Corps forces captured the Island of Bougainville, isolating Japan’s Rabaul air base and assisting in providing an advantage to the Allied forces. (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

01 Dec 23. First S-80 Submarine Delivered to Spanish Navy. The Submarine S-81 “Isaac Peral” Delivered to the Navy Today. Today, November 30, the S-81 submarine, “Isaac Peral”, has been delivered to the Submarine Flotilla at the Cartagena Arsenal, the first submarine of the S-80 class, built by Navantia in the Cartagena shipyard. The delivery has been a moment of pride for the Navy in general and for the people who make up the Submarine Arm in particular. It is an essential moment in the recent history of the Navy and the defense industry.

The event, attended by numerous civil and military authorities, was chaired by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, accompanied by the Admiral Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral General Antonio Piñeiro Sánchez.

During the event, the document handing over the submarine was signed, from Navantia to the Ministry of Defense and from the latter to the Navy. Next, the Commander of the Submarine Flotilla gave command of the submarine to Lieutenant Commander Manuel Corral Iranzo. Subsequently, the Flag was delivered to the submarine, and after the crew embarked, the flag was raised for the first time on board. After the Navy anthem was played, the Force took its place for the parade. At its conclusion, the family photo was taken with the crew of the submarine S-81 “Isaac Peral”, ending the delivery ceremony.

The delivery of the S-81 represents an essential moment in the recent history of the Navy and at the same time a moment of pride for the entire institution and for the people who make up the Submarine Arm in particular. It is an essential moment in the recent history of the Navy and the defense industry.

The Submarine Weapon has a long and extensive experience of more than 100 years in the operation of submarines, and the S-80 program guarantees the continuity of the Navy’s Submarine Weapon.

The crew has carried out a rigorous training, training and certification process throughout the sea trial process that allows them to know the platform in depth, so that the submarine can be operated safely, both on the surface and submerged. . The keel crew has exceeded 1,500 simulator hours before beginning sea trials. The S-80 Program represents a substantial technological leap compared to its predecessor, the S-70, since it will have an Integrated Platform Control System and a Combat System that, at the same time, will allow it to increase its degree of automation, significantly reduce the number of people needed to operate the submarine. This project has been the greatest challenge for Spanish shipbuilding to date. In this way, with the delivery of the S-81 submarine, “Isaac Peral”, the Navy incorporates a new unit demonstrating that it has the necessary resources to maintain and update the capabilities of a technologically advanced, balanced and expeditionary Naval Force, capable of facing present and future challenges with guarantees, and effectively fulfilling its mission. Investing in the Navy translates into security, well-being and prosperity for Spaniards, in addition to being a boost for the Spanish economy due to its contribution to national industry, technological innovation, research and the creation of highly qualified employment. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Spanish Navy; issued Nov. 30, 2023)

 

AIR

 

06 Dec 23. Sweden completes NH90 SAR upgrade. Sweden has received back into service the final NHIndustries (NHI) NH90 – Helikopter (HKP) 14 in national service – search-and-rescue (SAR) helicopter upgraded to the final operating capability (FOC) standard.

NHI announced the milestone on 5 December, saying the last of seven SAR-configured NH90 Tactical Troop Transport (TTT) helicopters to be upgraded in partnership with Patria had been delivered back to the Swedish Armed Forces some days earlier on 30 November.

The Swedish Air Force (SwAF) fields 18 NH90 TTT – a designation given when the Nordic Standard Helicopter Project with Finland and Norway was launched in 2001 – with 11 HKP 14Fs being rolled for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and seven HKP 14Es for SAR.

Sweden’s NH90s are of a bespoke high-cabin configuration – the split between the ASW and SAR roles has changed since deliveries were launched in 2011, as the country’s operational objectives shifted back more towards ASW as relations with Russia have deteriorated. (Source: Janes)

 

01 Dec 23. Parting shot: PAF inducts JF-17 Block III aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has started to induct into service the latest version of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)/Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) JF-17 ‘Thunder’ fighter aircraft. The PAF said in mid-November that the new Block III aircraft provides the PAF with several improved capabilities over the earlier Block II version. These include, it said, “superior manoeuvrability, extended range, and enhanced combat capabilities”. Other enhancements include a reduction in the aircraft’s radar cross-section, a result of greater use of composites, and improved avionics. State-run broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) said in September the aircraft has also been equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. This radar system appears to be the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET) KLJ-7A X-band airborne 3D fire-control radar (FCR). The Block II version is equipped with the KLJ-7 V2. According to the US Department of Defense (DoD), the KLJ-7 V2 radar can detect an aircraft with a radar cross-section of 3 m 2. (Source: Janes)

 

30 Nov 23. Lockheed Martin flies first production F-35s equipped with TR-3 upgrade. Lockheed Martin has flown the first production F-35s equipped with Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) hardware and software upgrades, the manufacturer confirmed on 28 November. F-35 deliveries to customers have been paused until TR-3 is judged to be sufficiently mature.

“We are now flying TR-3 software on F-35 production jets in Fort Worth and flight test continues at Edwards Air Force Base and Naval Air Station Patuxent River,” the company told Janes on 28 November.

The TR-3 software upgrade first flew in January 2023 aboard a US Air Force test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base. The US Department of Defense’s F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) declined to specify the number of F-35s flying with TR-3 today, citing operational security.

“The JPO and Lockheed Martin agree that the acceptance of TR-3 aircraft should fall in the April 2024 to June 2024 timeframe based on risks as we understand them today,” the JPO told Janes on 28 November. (Source: Janes)

 

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

 

07 Dec 23. US Air Force and Navy ground V-22 Osprey fleets.   The US Air Force (USAF) and US Navy (USN) grounded their respective V-22 fleets on 6 December, the services said in separate statements. The grounding follows the 29 November crash of a USAF CV-22 near Yakushima, Japan.

“Preliminary investigation information indicates a potential materiel failure caused the mishap, but the underlying cause of the failure is unknown at this time,” Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) said about the 29 November crash in a 6 December statement.

“Out of an abundance of caution, following the AFSOC operational stand down, NAVAIR [Naval Air Systems Command] is instituting a grounding bulletin for all V-22 Osprey variants Dec. 6,” wrote the USN branch that oversees naval aviation, including the USN’s and US Marine Corps’ CMV- and MV-22s. “While the mishap remains under investigation, we are implementing additional risk mitigation controls to ensure the safety of our service members.”  (Source: Janes)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

05 Dec 23. Statement From Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on the Senate’s Confirmation of 425 General and Flag Officers. While this day is long overdue, I welcome the Senate’s confirmation of 425 of our highly qualified general and flag officers, who will at last be able to serve in critical positions to our national security.

These holds have already dragged on needlessly for months, degrading our military readiness and forcing far too many of our outstanding military families to put their lives on hold and endure even greater sacrifices. These unnecessary and unprecedented holds have forced multiple military services to operate without Senate-confirmed leaders and obligated some military leaders to take on two exceptionally demanding jobs at once.

 

We also look forward to the Senate’s confirmation of the remainder of our highly qualified and apolitical military leaders, so that America can have the fully fielded team it deserves during this critical moment for our national security. (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

01 Dec 23. UK Ministerial appointments: November-December 2023.

The King was pleased to approve government appointments.

The King was pleased to approve government appointments. A Ministerial List can be found below:

Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister for the Union

  • Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP

Cabinet Office

  • Deputy Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office – Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP
  • Minister of State (Minister without Portfolio) – Richard Holden MP*
  • Paymaster General, and Minister for the Cabinet Office – Rt Hon John Glen MP*†
  • Minister of State (Minister without Portfolio) – Rt Hon Esther McVey MP†
  • Minister of State (Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) – Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP†
  • Minister of State – Nusrat Ghani MP (jointly with the Department for Business and Trade)
  • Minister of State – Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG*
  • Parliamentary Secretary – Alex Burghart MP

HM Treasury

  • Chancellor of the Exchequer – Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP
  • Chief Secretary to the Treasury – Laura Trott MBE MP†
  • Minister of State (Financial Secretary to the Treasury) – Nigel Huddleston MP
  • Parliamentary Secretary (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury) – Gareth Davies MP
  • Parliamentary Secretary (Economic Secretary to the Treasury) – Bim Afolami MP
  • Parliamentary Secretary – Baroness Vere of Norbiton

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  • Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs – Rt Hon David Cameron
  • Minister of State (Minister for Development) – Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP†
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP
  • Minister of State – Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon*
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Lord Benyon* (jointly with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Leo Docherty MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – David Rutley MP

Home Office

  • Secretary of State for the Home Department – Rt Hon James Cleverly MP
  • Minister of State (Minister for Security) – Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MBE MP†
  • Minister of State (Minister for Immigration) – Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP†
  • Minister of State (Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire) – Rt Hon Chris Philp MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Laura Farris MP (jointly with the Ministry of Justice)
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Sharpe of Epsom OBE

Ministry of Defence

  • Secretary of State for Defence – Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon James Heappey MP
  • Minister of State – James Cartlidge MP
  • Minister of State – Earl of Minto*
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Dr Andrew Murrison MP

Ministry of Justice

  • Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice – Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Edward Argar MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Mike Freer MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Gareth Bacon MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Laura Farris MP (jointly with the Home Office)
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Bellamy KC*

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

  • Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology – Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP
  • Minister of State – Julia Lopez MP (jointly with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport)X
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP (jointly with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport)*X
  • Minister of State – Andrew Griffith MP*
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Saqib Bhatti MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Viscount Camrose*

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

  • Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations – Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
  • Minister of State – Lee Rowley MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Felicity Buchan MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Jacob Young MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Simon Hoare MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Baroness Penn

Department of Health and Social Care

  • Secretary of State for Health and Social Care – Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson MP
  • Minister of State – Helen Whately MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Maria Caulfield (jointly with the Department for Business and Trade (Minister for Women))
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Markham CBE*

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

  • Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Lord Benyon* (jointly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Rebecca Pow MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Robbie Moore MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State –Robbie Douglas-Miller OBE**

Office of the Leader of the House of Commons

  • Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons – Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP

Office of the Leader of the House of Lords

  • Lord Privy Seal, and Leader of the House of Lords – Rt Hon Lord True CBE
  • Minister of State (Deputy Leader of the House of Lords) – Rt Hon Earl Howe GBE*

Department for Business and Trade

  • Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities – Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP
  • Minister of State, and Minister for London – Rt Hon Greg Hands MP
  • Minister of State – Nusrat Ghani MP (jointly with the Cabinet Office)
  • Minister of State – Lord Johnson of Lainston CBE*
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Kevin Hollinrake MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Offord of Garvel* (jointly with the Scotland Office)
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) – Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP (jointly with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Women) – Maria Caulfield (jointly with the Department of Health and Social Care)

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

  • Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero – Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Andrew Bowie MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Callanan
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State* – Amanda Solloway MP (and a Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury))

Department for Work and Pensions

  • Secretary of State for Work and Pensions – Rt Hon Mel Stride MP
  • Minister of State – Tom Pursglove MP
  • Minister of State – Jo Churchill MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Mims Davies MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Paul Maynard MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Viscount Younger of Leckie

Department for Education

  • Secretary of State for Education – Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – David Johnston OBE MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Baroness Barran MBE*X

Department for Transport

  • Secretary of State for Transport – Rt Hon Mark Harper MP
  • Minister of State – Huw Merriman MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Anthony Browne MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Guy Opperman MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Davies of Gower

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  • Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport – Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP
  • Minister of State – Julia Lopez MP (jointly with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)X
  • Minister of State – Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP (jointly with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)*X
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP (jointly with the Department for Business and Trade (Minister for Equalities))
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay

Northern Ireland Office

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland – Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP
  • Minister of State – Steve Baker MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State* – Lord Caine (and a Lord in Waiting)

Scotland Office

  • Secretary of State for Scotland – Rt Hon Alister Jack MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – John Lamont MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Lord Offord of Garvel* (jointly with the Department for Business and Trade)

Wales Office

  • Secretary of State for Wales – Rt Hon David T C Davies MP
  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Fay Jones MP

Whips – House of Commons

  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip) – Rt Hon Simon Hart MP†
  • Treasurer of HM Household (Deputy Chief Whip) – Marcus Jones MP
  • Comptroller of HM Household (Government Whip) – Rebecca Harris MP
  • Vice Chamberlain of HM Household (Government Whip) – Stuart Anderson MP

Junior Lords of the Treasury

  • Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury) – Rt Hon Dame Amanda Milling MP
  • Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury) – Scott Mann MP
  • Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury) – Amanda Solloway MP (and a Parliamentary under Secretary of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero*)
  • Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury) – Joy Morrissey MP
  • Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury) – Mike Wood MP

Assistant Whips (Commons)

  • Assistant Government Whip – Ruth Edwards MP
  • Assistant Government Whip – Robert Largan MP
  • Assistant Government Whip – Gagan Mohindra MP
  • Assistant Government Whip – Mark Jenkinson MP
  • Assistant Government Whip – Mark Fletcher MP
  • Assistant Government Whip – Suzanne Webb MP
  • Assistant Government Whip – Aaron Bell MP

Whips – House of Lords

  • Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms (Lords Chief Whip) – Rt Hon Baroness Williams of Trafford
  • Captain of The King’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard (Deputy Chief Whip) – Earl of Courtown

Baronesses and Lords in Waiting

  • Lord in Waiting – Lord Harlech
  • Lord in Waiting – Lord Evans of Rainow
  • Lord in Waiting – Lord Caine (and a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Northern Ireland Office*)
  • Baroness in Waiting – Baroness Swinburne*
  • Lord in Waiting – Lord Gascoigne
  • Lord in Waiting – Lord Roborough

Law Officers

  • Attorney General – Rt Hon Victoria Prentis MP†
  • Solicitor General – Michael Tomlinson MP
  • HM Advocate General for Scotland – Lord Stewart of Dirleton KC

Key

*unpaid

† attends Cabinet

X Julia Lopez MP has been re-appointed as a Minister of State jointly in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology following her maternity leave.

The Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP will continue to be a Minister of State (unpaid) jointly in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for a short transitional period.

Baroness Barran MBE will act as Government Equalities spokesperson in the Upper House in addition to her current role as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Education.

** His Majesty has also been pleased to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon Robbie Douglas-Miller.

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

 

05 Dec 23. Ms Alexandra McKenzie has been appointed British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam in succession to Mr John Virgoe who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms McKenzie will take up her appointment during August 2024.

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

07 Dec 23. SAMI and Embraer recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish cooperation in their respective aerospace industries, prioritising defence 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 localisation of the defence sector in the Kingdom.

(Source: Google/APDR)

 

05 Dec 23. Northrop Grumman, Rohde & Schwarz sign memorandum of understanding.  Northrop Grumman has signed a memorandum of understanding with international electronics group Rohde & Schwarz to support multi-domain operations and interoperability in Europe.

Both companies signed the agreement at the Berlin Security Conference in Germany on 1 December in preparations to collaborate on turnkey solutions for fifth to fourth generation interoperability and address future challenges to connect European and US assets in the dimensions air, ground, and sea.

The agreement establishes a framework that enables the parties to strengthen technology development for more resilient, trusted secure multifunction capabilities to connect platforms across air, space, land and sea, including connectivity for air to air and air-to-ground communications.

“Working together with German industry underscores the importance of rapidly developing solutions that European forces need today,” according to Adil Karim, Northrop Grumman strategy and mission solutions vice-president.

“This collaborative framework brings together decades of experience needed to protect our allied defence forces against today’s multi-layered threats.”

Additionally, both companies will collaborate on new opportunities that complement each party’s strengths, delivering best-of-breed solutions in support of Germany’s National Security Strategy, NATO goals, and European Union defence objectives.

“Interoperability between existing and next-generation platforms is an essential success factor for the development of European security and defence capabilities,” according to Hansjörg Herrbold, Rohde & Schwarz secure communications vice-president.

“With our large footprint in ground and air-based communication systems, we are looking forward to connecting the most advanced platforms by bringing together both companies’ experience and capabilities.”

(Source: Google/Defence Connect)

 

05 Dec 23. SEKO Logistics (SEKO), the leader in end-to-end global logistics, today announced it has teamed up with global innovator CakeBoxx Technologies (CakeBoxx). Leveraging CakeBoxx’s expertise in sustainable, specialized transport and storage solutions for high-value, high-consequence cargo, SEKO will continue to elevate its Government, Space & Defense vertical to move the most sensitive shipments to the world’s most complex areas.

This partnership is a true testament to how SEKO is redefining government, space and defense logistics. CakeBoxx’s innovative solutions paired with SEKO’s global multi-modal freight forwarding services will offer clients even greater security and lower risk.

“Alongside CakeBoxx, we are shifting the government, space, and defense logistics paradigm by offering tailored programs prioritizing compliance, security, reliability, and sustainability through technology-driven solutions,” said Mike Ligthart, SEKO’s Global Commercial Director for Government, Space & Defense. “This is a fantastic balance of product and services that, combined, will provide the most resilient, secure and highly efficient supply chain operations for the world’s most mission-critical shipments.”

CakeBoxx has a proven track record of delivering robust solutions for hazardous and sensitive cargo, including tailored, specialized shipping containers and platforms for the aerospace and defense, energy and medical industries, among others. Notably, the doorless models of the company’s two-piece “CakeBoxx®” containers are the only containers worldwide to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a SAFETY Act designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology.

“We are thrilled to be working with the SEKO team, who have a global reputation of being a client-centric and trusted provider of first-class logistics solutions,” said Daine Eisold, CakeBoxx’s Founder & CEO. “Our collaborative expertise and experience working with world-leading organizations, coupled with an unmatched combination of products and services, is something we’re very excited to offer the government, space and defense industry.”

With over 150 offices in more than 60 countries across the world, SEKO is a trusted shipping partner that has helped global organizations ensure a safe and secure delivery of highly sensitive goods – from shipping specialist equipment on behalf of the U.S. space market to storing ammunitions in a NATO bunker. SEKO boasts ISO 9001 and 14001 certification and is an approved government logistics provider. Additionally, clients can expect the following from the company’s Government, Space & Defense services:

  • Specialization in the shipping of ammunition and explosives with its own ex-NATO bunker complexes for warehousing and distribution.
  • A military base clearance process that ensures all personnel are credentialed with equipment cleared for transport both on and off military installations.
  • Adherence to the strictest export compliance and security requirements when shipping ITAR-Dual use commodities and sensitive, high-tech equipment from factory to conflict zone.

CakeBoxx Technologies was founded in 2011 to solve global supply chain problems through innovation, with a mission to develop and deliver sustainable, optimized, and secure global transport and storage solutions for specialized, standard, and non-standard cargo. CakeBoxx operates globally, with corporate headquarters in McLean, Virginia, and international offices in the UK and Denmark. The company is ISO 9001 certified and is an approved supplier to top global defense and energy sector leaders, including the Missile Defense Agency, The Army Corps of Engineers, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Rolls-Royce, Vestas, TN Americas, Orano and others.

About SEKO Logistics

Built on nearly 50 years of logistics expertise, SEKO Logistics is the no-nonsense global end-to-end logistics partner – from factory to consumer. SEKO delivers sustainable client-first service, expert reliability and technology driven shipping solutions that turn customers’ supply chains into a competitive advantage. With over 150 offices in more than 60 countries, SEKO helps you move at the speed of global commerce. Learn more at www.sekologistics.com.

About SEKO Government, Space & Defense

SEKO Government, Space & Defense is the leader in end-to-end logistics for the government, space and defense industries, by delivering sustainable client-first service, expert reliability and technology solutions on a global scale. By offering ‘one-stop’ services specifically tailored to our clients’ unique security needs, we move the most sensitive shipments to the world’s most complex areas. From asset recovery and military base clearance to training seminars and warehousing, we operate as an extension of your team providing tech-driven solutions to achieve your goals and deliver with care. We go the extra mile to make it happen securely, every time. https://www.sekologistics.com/us/freight-forwarding/government-and-defense/

About CakeBoxx Technologies

CakeBoxx Technologies is an innovative, global leader in sustainable, optimized cargo transportation and storage solutions for high-value, high-consequence, and oversized cargo across public and private sectors.

The company designs, develops, and manufactures safe, secure, and efficient containers and platforms for end-to-end transport and storage, addressing ever-changing supply chain challenges and risks. Advantages of CakeBoxx’s flexible, resilient solutions include improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, increased profitability and cargo velocity, worker safety, reduced carbon footprint, and Zero-Defect deliveries.

CakeBoxx® “two-piece” containers, with their deck and lid design, are the first innovation to offer truly safe, secure, and efficient containerized transport for the top-loaded, side-loaded, break bulk, and general project cargo markets. Learn more at www.cakeboxx.com.

(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

06 Dec 23. Babcock and Atlas Elektronik UK sign charter to maximise collaboration. Babcock International (Babcock), the defence company, and Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) have signed a charter to foster a deeper and more collaborative relationship.

The agreement sets out the principles for collaborative exploration on services and solutions for customers, utilising Babcock’s systems integration, maintenance and in-service support expertise and AEUK’s experience in product and software design, installation and in-service support and training.

Working on programmes across the maritime domain will maximise benefits for customers in the delivery of complex solutions which are capable, available and affordable.

The charter, signed at Babcock’s headquarters in London by John Howie, Babcock’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and John Weale, AEUK’s Chairperson, builds on a longstanding working relationship between the two businesses.

John Howie said: “We are delighted to have signed this charter, which signals an intent for a more collaborative relationship between Babcock and Atlas Elektronik UK, recognising how our complementary capabilities can combine to deliver critical outcomes to our customers.

“Babcock makes our customers’ mission our mission, and collaboration is one of our key principles to us fulfilling our purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together.”

John Weale, Chairperson, AEUK, added: “Atlas Elektronik UK and Babcock have been working together to agree a charter and develop a framework agreement to better enable in-service support to ships and submarines, to help improve platform availability and capabilities.

“With a particular focus on support in both Devonport and HMNB Clyde, the charter promotes ways of working to also support platforms deployed overseas.  This is a new and exciting opportunity that demonstrates increased collaboration across the UK Maritime Enterprise for the good of UK Defence.”

 

PERSONNEL

 

05 Dec 23. BAE Systems is set for another record-breaking recruitment drive in 2024 with almost 2,700 new apprentice and graduate opportunities available to young people across the UK. The Company has more than doubled its early careers intake in the past five years, making a significant contribution to the UK economy and offering more young people than ever the prospect of exciting long-term careers supporting the nation’s armed forces and security services. The Company’s award winning early careers schemes are vital to developing the talent pipeline needed to deliver critical national security capability. They also help to build the next generation of talented industrial leaders, with many former apprentices and graduates reaching the top ranks of the Company.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems, said: “As the UK’s largest manufacturer, we have sites located right across the country and we’re investing hundreds of millions of pounds to equip young people with the skills they need to achieve their full potential. Providing high quality apprenticeships and graduate programmes gives young people a route into long-term employment and helps to grow the talent we need to deliver vital national defence and security programmes, including future fighter jets, nuclear-powered submarines and low earth orbit satellites.”

Minister for Higher Education, Apprenticeships and Skills, Robert Halfon, said: “We need big employers on side in our efforts to build a skills and apprenticeships nation and this record-breaking announcement from BAE Systems is fantastic to see. Apprenticeships provide a ladder of opportunity for people to get in-demand skills and really push on in their careers, and these roles offered by a top apprenticeship employer will transform lives and boost growth right around the UK.”

More than 1,400 apprentices will join the Company, with the majority of roles based in the North of England and opportunities available across the South of England, Scotland and Wales.

The Company also plans to recruit almost 1,300 graduates in 2024 – that’s 1,100 more graduate positions compared to five years ago.

With more than 60 programmes available, there are opportunities at every level, from steelwork and electrical engineering to cyber security, software development, human resources and project management. Successful applicants have the chance to work on some of the world’s most advanced technology programmes including the Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s next-generation submarines known as SSN-AUKUS.

Megan Pearson, former Software Degree Apprentice, BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “Embarking on an apprenticeship with BAE Systems after I completed my A-Levels helped me become financially independent, which benefitted both me and my parents. I’ve had the chance to work on a range of exciting projects and the flexibility of my apprenticeship means that I’m experiencing lots of new things and not tying myself to any one profession.  A lot of my friends struggled with the immediate mind-set shift from school to work, but my apprenticeship provided a complete package with helpful support and guidance. It’s the ideal route for bridging the gap between school and the workplace.”

Last year, BAE Systems invested approximately £180m in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK and currently has more than 5,500 apprentices and graduates in training across its UK businesses, equivalent to more than 10% of its almost 40,000 strong UK workforce.

Achieving a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace is vital to developing the Company’s future skills and talent pipeline. In 2023, almost a third of apprentice joiners to the business’ early careers programmes were female, significantly outperforming the industry average in of 14% in England.

The closing date for apprentice applications is 28 February 2024. There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, June and September. Find out more and apply: baesystems.com/earlycareers

Additionally there are thousands of roles available across the UK for experienced professionals. Find out more and apply: baesystems.com/experiencedprofessionals

Early careers opportunities are just one part of the Company’s wider recruitment drive. BAE Systems is currently recruiting thousands of skilled workers from steelworkers to data scientists across the UK.

 

01 Dec 23. Babcock Introduce International Apprentice Exchange Programme. Babcock International, the defence company, has teamed up with PGZ-SW shipyard in Gdynia, Poland to launch a new international apprentice exchange programme.

Following the launch earlier this year of Babcock’s Skills Academy which is providing learning opportunities and equipping our workforce to meet the evolving challenges our customers will face in the future, the Polish programme is set to grow international collaboration and shared learning.

Babcock and PGZ-SW are maximising their existing relationship following Babcock’s selection as the platform design provider and technology partner for Poland’s MIECZNIK   frigate programme. PGZ-SW is leading the build of the frigates at its facilities in Gdynia.

Newly qualified apprentices Brandon and Ryan from Babcock’s Rosyth site, along with Damian and Jakub, student workers from PGZ-SW, have spent two weeks participating in a pilot for the new exchange programme. During this time, they shared their knowledge while experiencing new and different ways of working.

In the first week, Brandon, a pipefitter and Ryan, a designer, visited Gdynia, where they had the opportunity to gain experience at PGZ-SW’s shipyard including working in different teams across the shipyard and seeing activity taking place in their equivalent field.

The Babcock employees were also hosted by Jakub and Damian at CKZiU technical college, where they were shown what a typical day looks like for the Polish students. As part of the exchange, they experienced the local culture by visiting the Naval Museum and the science centre.

Similarly, the following week Babcock were delighted to reciprocate a visit for Hull Fitter students Jakub and Damian to the Rosyth facility to spend time visiting various teams and learning about the work carried out on the Type 31 general purpose frigate programme  which Babcock is leading for the UK Royal Navy. The students were able to see first-hand the programme’s multi-ship phase which sees two warships being built simultaneously in the state-of-the-art build hall, the Venturer Building.  The action-packed week also included an afternoon at  Fife College, and the opportunity to spend a day exploring Edinburgh.

Babcock plans to roll out the programme during summer 2024 where apprentices from Babcock and students from PGZ-SW shipyard in Gdynia will have the chance to participate in the exchange programme.

Phil Craig, Managing Director for International Shipbuilding, said: “We are delighted to have launched the pilot programme which we can use to tailor a full roll out of activity next summer.

“Through this initiative, we are strengthening our relationship with Gdynia and PGZ-SW shipyard, whilst supporting and promoting our Early Careers ambitions for young people working at Babcock.

He added: “It’s mutually beneficial for both Babcock and PGZ-SW to work together and this unique experience offers Babcock apprentices the opportunity to work internationally and build links overseas.”

Both academic institutions (Fife College, and CKZiU in Gdynia) are working in collaboration with Babcock and PGZ-SW on supporting the exchanges.

Pawe? Lulewicz, President of the Board of PGZ SW said: “PGZ Stocznia Wojenna is implementing the largest programme in the history of the Polish Navy – the construction of three Miecznik frigates. To meet this challenge, we are modernising our infrastructure while at the same time carrying out activities that will encourage young people to take up employment at our shipyard. The exchange programme with Babcock provides an opportunity to showcase PGZ SW as an attractive and promising place to work providing opportunities for professional development in a dynamic international environment.”

Miles Lagan ,Head of Business Development, Fife College “We were delighted to welcome Damian and Jakub, along with Brandon and Ryan, to our Rosyth campus and to show our support for this exciting international apprentice exchange programme. They were able to see how we deliver Modern Apprenticeships and had the opportunity to observe apprentices learning and honing key skills in our state of the art workshop environment.“

“As one of Scotland’s leading trainers of Engineering Modern Apprentices, we are proud to support Babcock’s growing apprenticeship programme. We wish Damian and Jakub well in their studies and look forward to welcoming future PGZ-SW apprentices to Fife College.”

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

04 Dec 23. Babcock has appointed Paul Armstrong to lead its Marine sector, delivering a number of critical UK and international defence programmes, including the UK’s Type 31 frigates for the Royal Navy. With a career that started in shipbuilding in Barrow-in-Furness, Paul brings a wealth of wide-ranging industry experience to grow and develop one of Babcock’s core business sectors. Joining Babcock from Draken International, the aviation defence business where he was CEO responsible for operations in the UK, US and overseas territories, Paul holds an MA in Corporate Governance and Commercial Law and Chartered Status with the ICSA.

 

04 Dec 23. CT Group, the international Research, Intelligence, Campaigns and Advisory consultancy founded by Sir Lynton Crosby AO, has today announced the appointment of General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith GCB CBE DL as Senior Advisor. Formerly the Head of the British Army who served as Chief of the General Staff between 2018 and 2022, Sir Mark will support CT’s new AUKUS Advantage offering, alongside CT Group’s wider defence and strategic advisory work. Launched in October 2023, CT Group’s AUKUS Advantage is a premium service to help clients secure long-term business advantages from the AUKUS framework.  Sir Mark Carleton-Smith joins CT’s expert defence team who work with clients across the globe to help stimulate allied technological innovation, remove barriers to entry and enhance research. Sir Mark’s expertise and experience will further grow this offering.

 

06 Dec 23. IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company, today announced that it has made two senior appointments with Max Roberts and Belinda Finch joining the company’s executive leadership team as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer respectively. The appointments underpin the company’s consistent performance trajectory as well as its longer-term plans for growth.  Max Roberts joins IFS from Stripe, a financial infrastructure platform for businesses, where he was CEO of the UK business and latterly led the EMEA organisation through significant growth. His career spans over 25 years in the technology sector and specifically the enterprise software space where he held a wide variety of leadership positions at Oracle, Salesforce, and Stripe. He has also been a non-executive director of UK Finance. As he steps into his new COO role, Roberts will work with the executive and wider leadership teams to develop IFS’s longer-term strategic products and services portfolios and develop the company’s strategic alliances and partnerships. Priorities will be aligned to continuing to drive innovation that not only meets customers’ needs, but also anticipates and responds to market demand, and delivers sustained revenue and margin growth for IFS. Roberts will take responsibility for IFS’s Industry, Service Management, and Enterprise Asset Management business units, and support IFS global sales and customer success teams in customer engagements.

 

06 Dec 23. Systecon announces new CEO and changes to the Board of Directors. The Systecon Group has embarked on a global growth trajectory and today holds a position as the leading global provider of Analytical Life Cycle Management products, supporting our customers in their quest to provide and ensure cost-effective capabilities. To further stimulate the growth and the global footprint, Systecon today announces upcoming changes to the Management team and changes made to the Board of Directors. Systecon’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Andersson as the new Chief Executive Officer. Dan Andersson has broad experience from and a proven track record in scaling global software companies such as Outpost24 and Enea Software. With Dan on board, we are taking a significant step forward in reinforcing our global leadership position. Dan will assume the role as CEO effective January 1st, 2024.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

04 Dec 23. AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced that General Joseph L. Votel recently joined its Board of Directors, following his appointment as a Class III director at a meeting of AeroVironment’s Board on November 29. The addition of General Votel brings the Board’s current composition to eight individuals, seven of whom (including Votel) are independent. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

05 Dec 23. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) today announced that Clayton Swope has joined CSIS as deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project and senior fellow with the International Security Program. Swope brings more than twenty years of experience on national security, space, and technology from his time in industry and government. He will play an important role in expanding CSIS’s work and impact on U.S. national security, aerospace, and space policy development and strategy.

 

06 Dec 23. Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL), a global technology leader, today announced the appointment of satellite communications (SATCOM) and defense technology industry leader John Ratigan as the company’s first Chief Corporate Development Officer (CCDO). With differentiated expertise across the global satellite technology sector, Ratigan brings over three decades of leadership experience to his position as Comtech’s CCDO. Ratigan’s experience is uniquely well aligned with Comtech’s strategic business priorities and continued expansion into new growth markets. Prior to joining Comtech, Ratigan served as CEO and President of iDirect Government as well as holding a position as an Executive Committee Member of ST Engineering iDirect. As its first employee, Ratigan established iDirect Government and grew the company to over $100 million in annual revenue. During his tenure as CEO and President, Ratigan assembled a team of over 200 outstanding professionals and was responsible for taking iDirect Government from a startup to a well-known technology leader that deployed thousands of innovative modem solutions and satellite technologies supporting U.S. government and Department of Defense (DoD) customers across the globe. Ratigan was also responsible for acquiring GlowLink and its unique interference mitigation technology (CSIR) and fused it with iDirect’s own Evolution technology, which helped the company become the largest provider of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) SATCOM capabilities. In his position as CCDO, Ratigan will oversee new business initiatives aligned with Comtech’s strategic pursuits as the company continues its One Comtech journey. Earlier in his career, Ratigan ran east coast operations for Fairchild Data, and EF DATA (now Comtech). As a company leader, Ratigan was instrumental in helping EF DATA grow from $20m to $120m in revenue in under eight years. During his tenure, Ratigan played a key role helping EFDATA become the preeminent leader in Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC) satellite technology, which provided him with valuable insights related to technology migration and leadership experience that has continued to serve him well in subsequent roles. In addition to starting his own company, Ratigan held the position of Senior Vice President of North and South American sales for the start-up Broadlogic, just as companies started to run IP directly over satellite. Ratigan began his career in the United States Senate working for Senator Bill Armstrong (R-Colorado) and held multiple sales positions with the Xerox Corporation as a member of the legal sales team. Ratigan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland.

 

06 Dec 23. Frontgrade Technologies (“Frontgrade”), a leading independent supplier of high-reliability, advanced electronic solutions for space and national security missions, announced today the appointment of Mitch Stevison as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. He succeeds Mike Elias, who is transitioning out of his role as President and CEO. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

04 Dec 23. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announced that it has appointed Kenneth “Ken” L. Bedingfield as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), reporting to Chair and Chief Executive Officer Christopher E. Kubasik, effective Dec. 11, 2023, succeeding Michelle Turner. As CFO, Bedingfield, 51, will serve as a member of the senior leadership team and direct the company’s financial strategy and its global finance team. He brings thirty years of experience across complex defense, technology and financial services organizations, making him uniquely suited to lead the company’s finance organization. Bedingfield joins L3Harris from Epirus, Inc., where he most recently served as Chief Executive Officer, leading the dynamic start-up from research and development through production of electronic components and directed energy systems to protect against emerging threats. Prior to Epirus, Bedingfield was Corporate Vice President and CFO for Northrop Grumman for five years, leading enterprise finance and business management. He began his career with KPMG, where he served as a Partner responsible for leading the Aerospace and Defense Audit practice. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

04 Dec 23. Lonestar Data Holdings Inc. (Lonestar), a leader in pioneering premium lunar and CIS lunar data solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of Stephen Eisele as its President and Chief Revenue Officer. Eisele brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the space and satellite industry, positioning Lonestar for accelerated growth and success in its mission to build a data center industry on and around the Moon. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

06 Dec 23. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. announced the appointment of Mr. Yoav Turgeman as the Chief Executive Officer of the company. This strategic decision was made by the board of directors, who, in a unanimous choice, selected Mr. Turgeman based on the recommendation of the search committee. The selection process adhered to the rigorous standards for CEO appointments in government-owned entities. The appointment is pending approval from the appointments committee, the Minister of Defense, and the Regional Cooperation Minister responsible for government companies. Mr. Yoav Turgeman, served in various command and staff roles in the Israeli Navy for 25 years, retiring as a Colonel. Following his military service, Mr. Turgeman entered the aerospace industry, initially heading the “Arrow” program and later managing the MLM facility. Since 2018, he has been serving as the CEO of “Elta.” Possessing bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honors in electrical engineering from Tel Aviv University, along with additional degrees from the University of Haifa and Bar Ilan University, Mr. Turgeman is well-equipped to lead Rafael. He will succeed Major General (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even, who served as the CEO for over 8 years.  Major General Har-Even has agreed to extend his tenure in response to the board’s request, due to the ongoing “Swords of Iron” war ensuring a smooth transition with the incoming CEO.