LOCATIONS
MARITIME
01 Feb 24. Indian Navy to commission first in class survey ship, Sandhayak. The ship is 110 metres in length, displacing 3400 tons and has a top speed in excess of 18 knots, under power from two diesel engines. India will commission its latest survey vessel, the Sandhayak (Y-3025) on 3 February 2024, adding to India’s capability for full scale hydrographic surveys of the seabed in ports and harbours, as well as navigational channels, in environments ranging from narrow channels to the deep seas. In addition auto its survey capability, which has an important role in seabed warfare, as a secondary role the Sandhayak functions as a hospital ship during defence and emergency operations. The Sandhayak was the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships to be delivered to the Indian Navy, transferring to the service from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) on 4 December, 2023. The Contract for the class of ships was signed on 30 October, 2018. The Sandhayak shares its name with a predecessor ship, decommissioned on 4 June, 2021. The ship is 110 metres in length, displacing 3400 tons and has a top speed in excess of 18 knots, under power from two diesel engines. In keeping with India’s drive towards indigenisation, 80% of the ship’s content was produced domestically. The keel of the ship was laid on 12 March, 2019, and the ship was launched on 5 December 2021, making for a production time of two years and nine months, under guidance from the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy. A statement from India’s Press Information Bureau credits a number of stakeholders in Indian industry and medium and small enterprises with performing successful induction of the Sandhayak, despite geopolitical challenges and the coronavirus pandemic. The Sandhayak is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment including Deep & Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo-Sounders, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, Side Scan Sonars, Data Acquisition and Processing System, satellite-based positioning systems and terrestrial survey equipment. (Source: naval-technology.com)
26 Jan 24. Malaysian shipyard pushes back delivery of first LCS to 2026. Malaysia’s Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) has once again pushed back the expected delivery date for the country’s first Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship (LCS). A report published by a government-convened Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on 24 January indicates that the frigate-like ship will now be delivered in October 2026. This is an almost two-year delay from the November 2024 target that was projected earlier. The bipartisan PAC was convened by Putrajaya in 2020 to investigate the reasons behind these multiple delays and bring greater accountability to the troubled LCS programme, which was then running behind time by more than a year. The programme’s first-of-class, which would have been in service as KD Maharaja Lela, was supposed to have been delivered to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in 2019. Since it was convened, the PAC has published its findings on these delays. It has also been periodically updating the Malaysian government on the latest progress made by BNS on the LCS programme. (Source: Janes)
AIR
30 Jan 24. Romanian Navy to receive ASuW-capable H215M helicopters. The Romanian Navy is to receive a pair of Airbus H215M helicopters equipped for anti-surface vessel warfare (ASuW), the manufacturer confirmed to Janes on 30 January. The anticipated procurement was revealed in a European Union (EU) notification posted on 19 January, which said that the two helicopters would be acquired by Industria Aeronautică Romană (IAR) as the prime contractor for an estimated RON823.9m (USD179.07m).
“We can confirm that our partner IAR has signed a contract with the Romanian Navy for the H215M, but we have not signed the contract yet on our side with IAR. Negotiations are ongoing,” Airbus Helicopters told Janes. Airbus did not disclose details of the ASuW weapon system to be carried by the H215Ms, while neither Airbus nor the EU notification disclosed a proposed delivery timeline for the helicopters. (Source: Janes)
30 Jan 24. USAF’s new HH-60W combat rescue helicopters deploy to Japan. The helicopters will be deployed to assist in search and rescue missions in the Indo-Pacific theatre. The US Air Force (USAF) has transferred new HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to Kadena, Japan, bringing the successor to the HH-60G Pave Hawk under PACAF on 26 January, announced US Indo-Pacific Command.
“All HH-60G models will be replaced on Kadena,” said US Air Force Master Sgt. Bryan Donnelly, who also said that the new models will be the new US standard for combat search and rescue nationwide.
The HH-60W, known as the ‘Whiskey’ model, incorporates new avionics and multi functional displays to provide critical flight data to the pilots, according to US Air Force Senior Airman Anthony Canlas, for conducting combat search and rescue mission in contested environments.
From first principles the HH-60W has been designed with integrated mission systems to suit this role. The new model is expected to perform under adverse weather conditions, in a variety of threat environments, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
The first HH-60W helicopters were delivered to the USAF in November 2022, following a request for proposals issued in October 2012 under the USAF Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) programme. Lockheed Martin and its subsidiary company Sikorsky teamed to complete development of four HH-60W under a $1.2bn award in 2014, with options for a further 113 helicopters.
The preliminary design review and critical design review were completed in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and the first flight was conducted in May 2019, before first Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of ten helicopters was ordered in September 2019. The second LRIP for 12 more helicopters was granted in February 2020 in a contract worth $500m.
In October 2023, Sikorsky won a $650m contract for the upgrade of the HH-60W to enhance the rotorcraft’s performance and mission critical systems, an including enhanced global positioning system to protect against jamming, and visual environment systems. In December 2023, the US Congress passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included a prohibition on force reduction in the HH-60W combat rescue helicopter. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
26 Jan 24. Lockheed Martin to cut 1% of its jobs in cost-cutting push. Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), opens new tab will cut 1% of its jobs over the course of the year in a bid to cut costs and streamline operations, a company spokesperson said on Friday.
The reductions will impact positions across all of its business and enterprise operations, the spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters, adding that the cost-cutting actions will include hiring freezes and voluntary separations.
The Maryland-based defense contractor employs 122,000 people worldwide, according to its website. The cost reductions will aid the company in transforming its operations digitally.
“We’re driving cost reduction in our direct cost base through supply chain optimization, factory productivity and also on 1LMX-driven efficiencies,” Lockheed Martin CFO Jay Malave said in the company’s post-earnings conference call on Tuesday.
1LMX is Lockheed’s name for its transformation program.
Lockheed on Tuesday forecast its 2024 profit below Wall Street expectations, citing supply chain disruptions in its largest aeronautics segment which makes F-35 jets. U.S. defense firms are seeing a notable increase in orders amid escalating tensions between China and the Philippines, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East. However, pandemic-related disruptions in labor and supply chains are weighing on the sector. The cuts come as some companies in a variety of industries are implementing layoffs to reduce costs with tech companies topping the list. (Source: Reuters)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
30 Jan 24. DOD Official Discusses Challenges, Solutions to Recruiting All-Volunteer Force. Over the last 15 years, the recruiting rate of the all-volunteer force has been declining, said Stephanie Miller, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military personnel policy.
Those with an interest in serving and qualification rates are hovering near all-time lows, she said yesterday at the Institute for Defense Analysis in Alexandria, Virginia.
Previous tried-and-true methods to respond to market dynamics—such as an increased number of recruiters, bonus authority and increased marketing and advertising—have not necessarily resulted in the gains seen previously during challenging times, she said.
Miller said defense leaders are asking how the military can connect with and motivate this new generation to serve. Is it through:
- Intangible benefits of service, such as the opportunities for leadership and travel?
- A sense of belonging and community pride?
- Selfless service to a greater cause?
- Pay and benefits that greatly exceed the market value of commensurate civilian work?
Miller said many believe the most expeditious way to address the recruiting crisis is by making the tangible benefits of service worth more than any perceived hardship or risk.
She said if funding for personnel is increased, decisions must be made about whether they will be across the pay scale, targeted to bonus money, or an increase in quality-of-life programs like housing and child care.
An increase in personnel funding would eat into costs for training, education and future readiness, Miller noted.
Current military marketing and advertising strongly aligns to what young people report they’re looking for: purpose, passion, connection. But marketing and advertising can only do so much, she said.
Miller said she thinks that influencers, such as educators and parents, need to become more attuned to the benefits of serving.
Too many educators falsely see the military as an alternative to college or an option of last resort, she said.
“We need to reframe that narrative such that Americans understand that military service is a pathway to greater education and opportunity for those who may be less inclined to pursue college, initially, after graduation from high school,” Miller said.
Miller said she’s optimistic about the future of the all-volunteer force. Measures and metrics of recruiting are improving, such as new contracts being written by recruiters and improvements in marketing and advertising incentives. But “climbing out of that deep hole is going to take a long time.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
31 Jan 24. Official Says DOD Aims to Promote Service in Its Recruiting Message. The Defense Department’s all-volunteer force, made up of uniformed members and civilians, is the finest fighting force in the world, said Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Ashish S. Vazirani during the America’s All-Volunteer Force: The Next 50 Years conference, hosted at the Institute for Defense Analysis in Alexandria, Virginia, Monday.
The National Defense Strategy recognizes that people are critical to DOD’s success, and calls on the department to attract, retain and promote the workforce with the skills and abilities needed to creatively solve national security challenges in a complex global environment.
The strategy also calls on DOD officials to “broaden our recruitment pool to reflect all of the United States, including historically marginalized communities, and promote a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to drive innovative solutions across the enterprise,” he said.
While the department missed its fiscal year 2023 recruiting goal by about 41,000 recruits, retention has been strong; and the services closed out fiscal year 2023 at or above their retention goals, he said. This positive trend indicates that service members generally find the profession of arms personally and professionally rewarding.
The reasons for recruiting shortfalls have been well studied and documented and are complex. Vazirani believes, the greatest challenge is the lack of familiarity with the military among young people.
Young people aren’t saying no to military service, but rather, they simply don’t know much about it. And what they do know is probably incomplete, mischaracterized, or inaccurate.”
There’s been a decreasing connection between young people who are exposed to the unique and compelling stories of service and the pathways offered through service.
“This is a missed opportunity because the military embraces many of the values these young people seek in life and in a career. Young people want options and opportunity to drive impact,” he said.
In 2021, 70% of high school seniors indicated that they want a career that contributes to society. That’s up from 53% in 1976. Generation Z has high expectations for employers. They seek organizations that care about employees’ well-being, organizations that are diverse and inclusive of all people, and those that have ethical leadership. “This is a generation that wants to engage with the world, not shrink from it,” Vazirani said.
Today, very few young people in the U.S. have a parent, brother, sister or close friend who has served. “Young people aren’t saying no to military service, but rather, they simply don’t know much about it. And what they do know is probably incomplete, mischaracterized, or inaccurate,” he said.
To connect with Generation Z and inspire them to serve, the department continues to explore innovative proposals and has taken specific actions at both the individual service and joint force levels to meet end-strength goals while maintaining high standards.
For example, medical disqualification conditions might be reduced if certain timelines for diagnosis and treatment are met. Programs such as the Future Soldier and Future Sailor preparatory courses are helping young people meet or exceed the services’ rigorous standards.
Vazirani said what’s especially needed is a national call to service that inspires young people to think about how they can contribute to something bigger than themselves and use their potential to create a ripple effect that will spread and improve the lives of people at home and abroad.
This message will inform youths that the military offers a broad range of professional career options with real-world experience. And they will receive the support, services and resources they need to thrive beyond the military, helping them to achieve their professional, education, and life goals, he said.
The message will also include DOD’s unmatched mission and a compelling total compensation package that includes retirement and health care benefits.
The services invest heavily in training and education that covers cutting-edge, high-demand career fields, including cyber, space, aeronautics, supply chain, robotics and more, he said.
In addition to GI Bill educational benefits, the services spend over half a bn dollars a year on tuition assistance. They also offer 12 weeks of parental leave for service members, high-quality and affordable child care, and job-training fellowships for military spouses and separating service members.
“This comprehensive suite of messages will be amplified by a robust marketing effort to shift the public narrative around public service,” he said.
“The best recruiters with the best tools cannot assemble a high-performing force without the support of national leaders—such as government leaders, community leaders, parents, veterans, business leaders, teachers and other influencers—in talking about public service and military service with youth in their communities,” he said. (Source: U.S. DoD)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
29 Jan 24. Michael Vaccaro Is the New Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Defense Trade Controls. The U.S. Department of State has announced that as of January 16, Michael J. Vaccaro has assumed the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Defense Trade Controls, where he will oversee the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Mr. Vaccaro joined the State Department from the Department of Defense (DoD) where he served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (2022-2024) and as the Director for International Armaments Cooperation (2019-2022). In these roles, he led and supported DoD’s efforts to develop and maintain the U.S. defense industrial base to ensure a secure supply of materials critical to national security. He also advised the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment in managing DoD’s cooperative relationships with foreign countries and served as the United States’ Deputy National Armaments Director. Mr. Vaccaro also co-chaired bilateral forums with key European, Indo-Pacific, and Western Hemisphere allies and partners to further armaments cooperation. Mr. Vaccaro previously served as the Director of the Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security in the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) (2013-2019). In this position, Mr. Vaccaro was responsible for implementing BIS’s defense trade, industrial base, and foreign investment programs. Before assuming his duties as office director, Mr. Vaccaro served in other senior positions within the Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security. Before joining Commerce in 2000, Mr. Vaccaro held government affairs and research positions with international trade and consulting organizations in Washington, DC. Mr. Vaccaro is a recipient of the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service. While at Commerce, he received meritorious service awards for his role in implementing export control reform and supporting emergency preparedness. Mr. Vaccaro holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and National Security Studies Program. Mr. Vaccaro is also a distinguished graduate of the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces. (Source: glstrade.com)
29 Jan 24. USAF BG Frank L. Bradfield for appointment to the grade of major general. Bradfield is currently serving as the director of USAF Reserve Plans, Programs, and Requirements, Headquarters, U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
29 Jan 24. USAF BG Howard T. Clark III for appointment to the grade of major general. Clark is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the Director of Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters, Air Mobility Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois.
29 Jan 24. USAF BG Robert W. Claude for appointment to the grade of major general. Claude is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the commander, Headquarters, U.S. Space Command, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado.
29 Jan 24. USAF BG Melissa A. Coburn for appointment to the grade of major general. Coburn is currently serving as the commander, 22nd USAF, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.
29 Jan 24. USAF BG William D. Murphy for appointment to the grade of major general. Murphy is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the Director of Operations and Communications, Headquarters, USAF Global Strike Command, Barksdale USAF Base, Louisiana.
29 Jan 24. USAF BG Dana N. Nelson for appointment to the grade of major general. Nelson is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the deputy commander, U.S. USAFs in Europe-USAFs Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
29 Jan 24. USAF BG David A. Piffarerio for appointment to the grade of major general. Piffarerio is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the deputy commander, Pacific USAFs, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
29 Jan 24. USAF BG Regina A. Sabric for appointment to the grade of major general. Sabric is currently serving as the commander, 10th USAF, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas.
29 Jan 24. USAF BG Mark V. Slominski for appointment to the grade of major general. Slominski is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the commander, USAF Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson USAF Base, Ohio.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
31 Jan 24. Senior Fijian military officer Colonel Penioni “Ben” Naliva has been appointed as deputy commander of the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade. Colonel Naliva, who graduated the Australian War College in 2023, is also facing numerous accusations of human rights abuses and torture allegations relating to his time under Fijian coup leader and former prime minister Frank Bainimarama. While serving with Fijian military forces, Naliva was allegedly present at or participated in beatings of Fijian politicians, a former cabinet minister, a businessman, and student activists. In one case, Naliva, while serving in Fiji, is also accused of detaining a Fijian politician and trying to force an M16 rifle barrel into their anus during an interrogation. The allegations were originally reported in The Australian. He has not been charged of any criminal activity. (Source: Defence Connect)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
31 Jan 24. Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces updated their strategic partnership agreement. The strategic partnership agreement between Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces has been updated. With the agreement signed in January 2024, the ongoing cooperation will deepen, the quality assurance and material management procedures were specified, and the partnership management structures were updated.
“Strategic partnership is an intense and long-term cooperative relationship based on mutual agreement. The focus areas of the cooperation include common long-term development targets, preparation for the various stages of increasing peacetime readiness and ensuring operations in emergency conditions. Patria participates in the maintenance and further development of the capabilities of the Finnish Defence Forces’ land, sea and air defense systems as well as maintaining security of supply. Strategic partnership also includes the Finnish Air Force’s and Army’s elementary and basic flight training,” comments Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria’s Finland Division.
The close cooperation between Patria and the Finnish Defence Forces began over 100 years ago. The term ‘strategic partnership’ was introduced in the beginning of the 2000s which means the most profound form of cooperation between the Finnish Defence Forces and its service provider. Services provided by the strategic partner enable the Finnish Defence Forces to focus on its core tasks.
PERSONNEL
30 Jan 24. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company and Supacat, a defence vehicle engineering company, in conjunction with the Department of Work and Pensions and Plymouth City Council, have developed a SWAP (skills-based work academy) programme to support people back into employment.
Babcock, alongside Supacat, are building 70 new Jackal vehicles for the British Army which is creating new jobs in the South West region with 90 new jobs at Babcock’s Devonport site and over 40 at Supacat’s design, engineering and manufacturing facilities at Dunkeswell in Devon.
To help transition people back to the workforce, Babcock hosted a five-day comprehensive SWAP training programme. This included health and safety qualifications, wellbeing in the workplace, mindset coaching and support in finding employment as well as a tour of Babcock’s new production facility in Devonport and an insight into the Jackal project.
Following the SWAP programme, five people have been offered full-time roles within the project, of which two have already commenced their employment, with three starting in the coming weeks. Those who weren’t successful were given valuable careers advice supported by Plymouth City Council to help them secure future opportunities.
Rachel who attended the SWAP programme and was successful in gaining employment said:
“I was waiting for an opportunity to prove myself. I really enjoyed the course, meeting new people and learning about the company. I had no idea that I would get a job at the end of it, but I am absolutely ecstatic about this opportunity and very excited about my journey here. I would 100% recommend the skills-based work academy or similar courses to other people. It’s just a fantastic opportunity to learn more and meet new people.”
Tom Newman, Babcock CEO, Land said: “Through the SWAP programme we will enhance and improve the lives of people who have previously found it difficult to gain employment.
“Embedding social value into the Jackal programme ensures that we are building a legacy and making a significant and sustained impact to our local communities, while supporting the growth of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.”
Eifion Jones, Business Growth and Investment Director, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said: “The SWAP programme is a fantastic initiative that will help to develop the skills and knowledge of our local workforce to ensure that we have the right people in place to support the growth of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. We are committed to working with Babcock, Supacat, and all our tenants and partners, to deliver high-quality skills training and development opportunities that will benefit our businesses and communities and bridge the skills gap in the region.”
Mark Trewin, Principal Adult Education and Skills from Plymouth City Council said:
“That little bit of investment in time and thinking about things slightly differently can make a difference to somebody who might have been long term unemployed or didn’t have a great time at school and is looking to turn their lives around. The experience of coming to Babcock and being part of the environment and the working atmosphere inspires those learners and gives them a real context and inspiration to want to get that job, improve their CVs and to improve their skills.”
Babcock, working alongside Plymouth and South Devon Freeport will continue to find opportunities to make a sustained difference to the local community as well as providing more SWAP events in the future.
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
29 Jan 24. Kraken Technology Group announce the appointment of Mark Exeter as its new Chief Operating Officer. Mark joins Kraken from L3Harris where he was Managing Director of their UK-based ASV division. With a 30 year career in engineering and technology-led businesses, and 16 of those leading multi-disciplinary teams in maritime robotics, Mark’s appointment as COO will be a significant catalyst and force-multiplier for Kraken’s operational capabilities.
30 Jan 24. SubSea Craft (SSC), the leading British advanced maritime technology company, has today announced the appointment of Camilla Martin – previously the company’s CFO – as Chief Executive Officer, as SubSea targets a strong year of growth and sales in 2024. Martin replaces Scott Verney as CEO, who held the role for over four years, following Verney’s decision to step down in December 2023. Martin originally joined SubSea Craft in 2019 after a career in the city and then the retail sector, and has spearheaded the company’s international push as the company has grown its offer to prospective buyers. The change comes at the beginning of a busy year for the fast-growing maritime technology company. Following proof-of-concept for SubSea’s flagship product VICTA – an optionally crewed maritime platform for surface and subsurface operations – SubSea is ramping up its extensive conversations with various UK allies about procuring the craft. The company is focusing heavily on developing its ability to manufacture VICTA at scale, to handle projected demand for the next-generation craft as navies increasingly turn to more agile and advanced technology solutions to handle contested maritime spaces. Alongside their core platform, SSC will continue to invest in R&D programmes in complimentary areas such as advanced materials.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
01 Feb 24. DEFCON AI, an insights company that is building a next-generation modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) toolset for modern military environments, today announced that Brig. Gen. (Retired) Scott Stapp has joined the company as its Chief Technology Officer and Chief Revenue Officer. DEFCON AI, the creator of the defense mobility tool Artiv™, is a portfolio company of Red Cell Partners, an incubation firm that builds and invests in technology-led companies that are bringing revolutionary advancements to market in national security, cyber, and healthcare. In Stapp’s new roles, he will lead technology, business, and partnership development and cultivate and oversee external partnerships. He will also direct technology strategy; provide technical guidance; build a favorable tech-product-customer ecosystem; and lead DEFCON AI’s Technology Review Board. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
30 Jan 24. M-tron Industries Announces the Creation of Strategic Committee. M-tron Industries, Inc. (NYSE American: MPTI) (“Company” or “MtronPTI”) today announced that management and its board of directors (“Board’) have created a special independent strategic committee to pursue value enhancing strategies including strategic initiatives to further department of defense engagements, joint ventures, and potential business acquisitions or combination opportunities. MtronPTI continues its commitment to excellence in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) end markets. With a rich history of delivering innovative solutions, MtronPTI remains at the forefront of technology, providing mission-critical components and subsystems to enhance the capabilities of high reliability systems. As the global landscape evolves, the need for advanced and reliable technologies in the A&D sector grows in importance and criticality. MtronPTI is proud to contribute to the advancement of the A&D sector by offering state-of-the-art solutions that meet the stringent requirements of modern warfare applications. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
29 Jan 24. SIG SAUER, Inc. announced that Matt Campbell has joined SIG SAUER, Inc. as Vice President, Field Sales and Operations. In this position Campbell will be responsible for managing all field sales operations and staff supporting local retailers and distribution.
31 Jan 24. TSS Solutions, an Acorn Growth Company, announces the appointment and hiring of Gary Ambrose as TSS Solutions Chief Operating Officer (COO). TSS Solutions is the defense electronics leader in upgrading, reengineering, repairing, and operating ground-based tactical and fixed-position radar and SATCOM systems. TSS Solutions serves the global defense, telecommunications, and commercial industries. The Company is committed to building innovative products and delivering world-class engineering and technical services to support customers’ missions globally. The men and women of TSS Solutions are proud to support the United States and its allies who protect national interests and preserve freedom and stability around the world. TSSsolutions.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
29 Jan 24. New top management at AMD. The South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) has new top management, with a new acting chairperson in place until mid-year.
Nombasa Ndhlovu, the Chairperson of AMD since June 2022, resigned late last year, after two years in the post. Before that, she had since 2020 served as Chairperson of the AMD National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) Task Team.
Sandile Ndlovu, AMD CEO, thanked Ndhlovu for her dedication and the work she did while with AMD, especially facilitating NCACC export permits.
Michelle Nxumalo has been appointed as AMD Deputy Chairperson, and will be acting Chairperson until AMD’s annual general meeting mid-year. Nxumalo is no stranger to the sector and has been instrumental to the South African defence industry, having previously served AMD for ten years. She was Marketing Manager and Exhibition Director for Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022.
New leadership will be voted in at the AGM in June and an eminent Chairperson will be appointed. This will be someone not directly employed in the defence industry, in order to ensure an independent voice able to interact across political divides.
Other management changes at the end of 2023 include the departure of Damian de Lange (Twiga) as Honorary Secretary, being replaced by Ratilal Rowji (Global Command and Control Technologies). Deon Olivier (Hensoldt) has left for the United Arab Emirates and been replaced as Deputy Chairperson and National Defence Industry Council (NDIC) representative. Isaac Motale (Tesame) has taken over from Olivier as NDIC representative. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)