LOCATIONS
MARITIME
12 Jan 24. Malaysia receives first batch of G2000 Mk II attack craft. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has taken delivery of its first locally built G2000 Mk II fast interceptor craft (FIC). The vessels were handed over by local shipbuilder Gading Marine on 12 January, the service disclosed on the same day. Gading Marine received a contract for 13 G2000 Mk II FICs from the Malaysian government in 2022. The contract is a repeat order following the delivery of six older G2000 Mk I vessels in April 2021. The G2000 Mk II features an aluminium hull and displaces about 26 tonnes at its standard load. It has an overall length of 18 m and an overall beam of 4.6 m. Powered by two MAN V12 diesel engines driving two Hamilton water-jets, the Mk II FIC can attain a top speed of 50 kt and a maximum range of more than 350 n miles when operating at 35 kt. (Source: Janes)
AIR
19 Jan 24. First Light Armed Helicopter to be Delivered to S. Korean Army this Year. The state arms procurement agency said Friday it plans to deliver the first model of the newly developed Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) to the Army this year as part of efforts to replace the Army’s aging helicopters. The LAH model is currently in the final stages of assembly and is expected to be deployed to the Army this year after undergoing inspections, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). In December 2022, DAPA signed a 302bn-won (US$225.6m) contract with Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) to build 10 LAHs, with delivery aimed for December this year. DAPA signed another deal with KAI last month worth 1.4trn won for an undisclosed number of additional LAHs. South Korea first began developing the LAH in 2015 under an eight-year project worth 653.9bn won, with the aim of replacing the Army’s aging 500MD and AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters. The LAH is set to be equipped with various armaments, including the Taipers air-to-ground missile, which has double the range of existing anti-tank missiles, 2.75-inch rockets and a 20 millimeter turret gun, according to DAPA. It also has a target acquisition designation system to detect targets in front of the chopper, an integrated digital map computer to reduce pilot work load and other equipment designed to defend the chopper from various anti-air threats, DAPA said. The homegrown Taipers missile is expected to be deployed from 2026 after undergoing mass production starting this year. South Korea completed development of the missile in 2022 under an eight-year project aimed at reducing its reliance on imported air-to-ground missiles. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Yonhap News Agency)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
15 Jan 24. Type 26 frigate workers secure pay victory at BAE Systems shipyards. Unite celebrates win as CBL Cable Contractors on Clyde achieve pay rise amid Type 26 frigate project. More than 30 members of Unite, the trade union, have averted planned strikes on the Type 26 frigate project at BAE Systems Govan and Scotstoun shipyards.
CBL Cable Contractors clinched a pay victory, with union members secured a pay rise of £3.05 per hour, signalling a wage increase of up to 22.8% for the lowest-paid workers.
Unite triumphs at BAE Systems shipyards
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham emphasised the significance of the deal. “The CBL Cable workers have secured a significant victory. Remember that it was only because our members were prepared to take strike action that the company returned to the table with an improved offer.
“We are pleased the new year has begun for the CBL workforce with a pay deal secured by Unite, which delivers better jobs, pay and conditions.“
The pay dispute, which had led to the planned strikes in January, February, and March, centred on Unite’s insistence that workers be paid the BAE Systems shipyard rate or receive an additional £1 per hour on top of the existing pay rates. The disagreement also encompassed travel-related payments owed to Unite members.
BAE Systems’s position on the CBL strike action has stayed the same since last month, with a BAE spokesperson reiterating in December: “This is a matter between CBL, its employees and Unite. We have contingency plans in place to ensure sustained, safe, and secure operations at our site.”
Under the Joint Industry Board Agreement governing Clyde shipyards, standards for employment, grading, and apprentice training in the electrical contracting industry were established. This agreement, including travel time and using personal vehicles for commuting, entitled workers to a mileage allowance.
BAE Systems’ Type 26 frigate progress
This news development is welcomed as the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigate programme has faced delays. As per the latest information, it is said that the first-in-class will reach its initial operational capability by October 2028 instead of October 2027 at an extra cost of £233m ($288.2m), according to GlobalData’s “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033” report.
Against the backdrop of this resolution, the UK Ministry of Defence’s £4.2bn contract awarded to BAE Systems in November 2022 for manufacturing five City-class Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy in Glasgow takes on added significance. Estimated to sustain over 4,000 jobs across BAE Systems and the wider UK maritime supply chain, this contract underscores the role of collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of major defence projects.
In other Type 26 developments, BAE Systems has commenced the construction of a ship hall to advance the assembly of the UK Navy’s Type 26 frigates. This investment aims to modernise shipbuilding processes, with BAE Systems currently working on the initial three of the contracted five City-class frigates.
The new facility allows parallel assembly of two Type 26 frigates. HMS Glasgow, the first Type 26 frigate, was launched in 2022. (Source: naval-technology.com)
19 Jan 24. Tata Steel To Close Port Talbot Blast Furnaces. The steel unions – Community, Unite and GMB – met yesterday with senior representatives of Tata Steel, who formally responded to reject the Multi-Union Plan that the unions presented to the company on the 17th of November.
This is of course extremely disappointing. In one area the company did accept the Multi-Union recommendation, which is to keep the Hot Strip Mill open to roll slab over a transition period, supporting hundreds of jobs there, but Tata have rejected our broader proposals to safeguard production capacity and protect jobs
Since Tata Steel and the UK Government announced their bad deal for steel on the 15th of September, the unions have been clear that proposals to install a 3mt Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) are completely unacceptable. As Community and the GMB, our experts and Tata Steel all understand, the installation of a 3mt EAF Port Talbot inevitably means the end of the blast furnaces, major production cuts and thousands of job losses before 2027.
It is extremely regretful that despite the incontrovertible evidence one union has refused to accept the facts, and continues to undermine the Multi-Union through their support for a 3mt EAF and unilaterally campaigning for discredited fantasy solutions. We urge them, once again, to get back on board and work with us to deliver the best possible outcomes for all of our members.
The Multi-Union Plan was developed in line with the steel unions’ red lines agreed three years ago, which are to secure the future of Port Talbot steelmaking, to protect production capacity and the future of all the downstream plants, and to avoid any compulsory redundancies. The Multi-Union Plan was previously endorsed by all the steel unions and, as the company has acknowledged, proposes a credible alternative strategy for the decarbonisation of Tata Steel UK.
More than 3,000 jobs and the future of British steelmaking is at stake. It is an absolute disgrace that Tata Steel, and the UK Government, appear intent on pursuing the cheapest instead of the best plan for our industry, our steelworkers and our country. It’s unbelievable any Government would give a company £500m to throw 3,000 workers on the scrapheap, and our Government must reevaluate its miserly offer to support investment at Tata Steel.
The German, French and Spanish Governments are all committing bns to secure the future of their strategically important steel industries, and our Government must show similar ambition. It is encouraging that the Labour Party have reaffirmed their commitment to the £3bn Green Steel Fund, and using it to supporting a just transition at Tata Steel UK. Tata must think again, and work with the UK Government and Labour to unlock the investment our industry needs and deserves.
Community and GMB do not accept Tata Steel’s rejection of the Multi-Union Plan and confirmation they intend to press forward with their original devastating proposals. We will now consult our members on next steps and all options to protect jobs are on the table, including industrial action.
Tata Steel and the UK Government must reconsider their positions in order to safeguard the future of British steelmaking, and head off a major industrial dispute. Since Tata acquired our business in 2007 they have been a responsible owner, and we recognise they have taken a long-term view where others might not have done. The coming weeks will put Tata’s values to the test.
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
16 Jan 24. British Army set to miss annual recruitment target, with only 50% reached so far. The British Army has recruited only around half of its annual target of soldiers – with only a few weeks to go to boost the numbers. Recruitment firm Capita had been targeting a total of 9,813 recruits for 2023/24, but has only been able to attract around 5,000 since April last year.
But senior executives told the Commons Defence Committee they expected to reach 70% of the target by the end of March.
Capita was awarded a 10-year contract by the Ministry of Defence in 2012, which was extended by two years in 2020.
Managing director Richard Holroyd said: “We are forecasting hitting 70%, so I believe we are going to hit 70% for the year.
“That’s the number we’ve shared with the Army in our meetings.
“We are throwing everything we can at this because it isn’t just a matter of the financial element, we recognise the importance of this to the nation and to the Armed Forces which we serve.
“So we are completely committed to working to drive recruiting up.”
MPs also heard that recruitment to specialist roles in the service was also below target.
Figures from some “pinch-point roles”, such as human resources and communications, were as low as 20%.
Capita said it hoped to speed up the recruitment process to help attract more applicants to the Army.
Mr Holroyd told the Defence Committee: “We are working … extremely hard on moving the cycle time.
“We are aware that that time lag and the fact that it takes 150 days to join the Army means that some of our potential recruits get attracted elsewhere.” (Source: forces.net)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
17 Jan 24. Sir Jeremy Quin MP has been elected Chair of the Defence Committee. The results of the election were announced in the Chamber this afternoon following a ballot of the whole House.
Also on the ballot paper was Rehman Chishti. Jeremy Quin served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence (Minister for Defence Procurement) 2020-2022. During which period he launched the “Defence and Security Industry Strategy”, his responsibilities also included Defence Science and Technology, the Nuclear Enterprise and the Defence Estate. After briefly serving in the Home Office as Minister for Police, Fire and Crime Prevention he was latterly Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, piloting the Procurement Act through Parliament before leaving the Government in November 2023. After his first election to the Commons in 2015 he joined the DWP Select Committee and played a leading role in Committee’s joint investigation into the BHS Pension Schemes which led to significant change in regulation.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
18 Jan 24. Embraer and Senai CIMATEC sign Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in industrial research. Embraer and Senai CIMATEC (Integrated Manufacturing and Technology Center) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a cooperative relationship for developing joint research in the industrial area. The MoU was signed during the ceremony for the creation of the Bahia Aerospace Technology Park, an agreement between the Government of the State of Bahia, the Ministry of Defense of Brazil, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and Senai CIMATEC. According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties will develop a series of discussions and activities focused on technical and operational analyses. The objective is to identify potential opportunities for cooperation in the future, including technological innovations.
“Embraer is very pleased with the signing of the agreement with Senai CIMATEC. Establishing cooperative initiatives in research and development with institutions of technical excellence is fundamental for the aerospace industry’s progress,” says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “We are proud to join this historic moment for the development of the aerospace sector in Bahia state and Brazil.”
“The partnership with Embraer is a fundamental step in consolidating the Bahia Aerospace Technology Park as a strategic hub for the progress of the aerospace industry in Brazil. Embraer’s presence not only expands our ability to develop innovative solutions within the ecosystem, but it also strengthens the attraction of national and international companies,” says Leone Andrade, General Director of Senai CIMATEC. “This is a significant milestone to drive the development of the region, promoting excellence, collaboration, and the progress of Brazil in the global aerospace industry.” The Bahia Aerospace Technology Park is planned to be based at the Salvador Air Force Base, on an area ceded by the Brazilian Federal Government to Senai CIMATEC, the new center manager institution. The project aims to develop solutions in science, education, technology, and innovation for the four main challenges of the sector: aeronautics, space, defense, and autonomous aerial mobility. The center will focus on research and innovation in the aerospace field, as well as the regional development of the sector.
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
16 Jan 24. Saab has appointed Andy Fraser as Managing Director of its business in the United Kingdom, effective July 2024. Andy Fraser joins Saab from the defence company Babcock, where he most recently held the position of Managing Director of the Effectors Business Unit. Saab UK Ltd is going through a period of rapid growth as part of Saab’s multi-domestic strategy bringing together the best of British and Swedish engineering. As the Managing Director of Saab UK Andy Fraser will lead the business in its onward growth and provision of Saab’s broad offering to our customers.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
16 Jan 24. inTEST Corporation (NYSE American: INTT), a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, security, and semiconductor (“semi”), announced today the appointment of Michael Goodrich to the position of President, Process Technologies Division. Mr. Goodrich is a global technology leader with proven experience leading international cross-function teams in technology and manufacturing organizations. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
16 Jan 24. Iron Bow Technologies, the next-generation technology solutions provider to government, commercial, and healthcare markets, today announced the promotion of Scott Sanner to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Scott has 30 years of experience in the information technology sector and has spent the last two decades dedicated to driving innovation and growth within Iron Bow largely in the government and healthcare markets. As COO, Sanner’s primary objectives will include championing a customer and employee-centric experience, ensuring the delivery of exceptional professional services aligned to client missions, and expanding Iron Bow’s services portfolio. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
17 Jan 24. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing power to the edge, today announced a simplified organizational structure aligned with its strategy to drive growth and value for all stakeholders. Mercury will go from having two divisions to one unified structure that incorporates multiple business units and supporting functions. With this change, the company named Roger Wells Chief Operating Officer, effective January 22, reporting to Mercury Chairman and CEO Bill Ballhaus.
18 Jan 24. Red Cell Partners, an incubation firm that builds and invests in technology-led companies that are bringing revolutionary advancements to market in national security and healthcare, today announced that George C. Barnes, the former Deputy Director of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), has joined the firm as the President of its newly formed Cyber Practice. In his role, Barnes will oversee Red Cell’s cyber strategy across incubation and investment verticals. He will recruit and partner with founders to create solutions for known or emergent market gaps with a focus on counter-cyber threat operations, cyber defense capabilities, and other emergent needs in the cybersecurity ecosystem.
17 Jan 24. Spirit Electronics, a renowned distributor and outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) provider in Aerospace and Defense high-reliability, value-added components, is excited to welcome semiconductor veteran Dr. Naveed Sherwani to the Spirit team in support of Spirit’s ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) product enablement programs. Dr. Sherwani will serve as an advisor to facilitate ASIC deployment at Spirit. Spirit’s legacy of distributing high-value components to Tier 1 and Tier 2 defense contractors and New Space satellite programs is making headway in ASIC design with distinct access to Texas Instruments and other domestic wafer foundry services. Spirit is committed to providing Made in the USA ASICs that provide legacy replacement and advanced solutions, along with assembly and test, producing secure products that are vital to our National Security and continued availability of end-of-life chips. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)