MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE
LOCATIONS
LAND
MARITIME
15 Mar 24. Japan grows next-generation submarine fleet. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned its third Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine on 8 March, JS Jingei (SS 515), the service announced on the same day. According to the JMSDF, Jingei – which translates into ‘Swift Whale’ – was inducted into the Yokosuka-based Submarine Division 4 of Submarine Flotilla 2, shortly after a ceremonial handover by shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) at its Kobe City facility. The Taigei-class SSK has an overall length of 84m, a beam of 9.1m, a draught of 10.4m, and a standard displacement of about 3,000 tonnes, which is comparable to the service’s in-service Soryu-class SSKs. It is operated by a crew complement of about 70 and has been designed to support female personnel. Like the last two boats of the 12-strong fleet of Soryu-class SSKs, Oryu (SS 511) and Toryu (SS 512), the Taigei-class is equipped with lithium-ion batteries supplied by Kyoto-based GS Yuasa for extended underwater endurance and range. Japan is the first country to successfully field SSKs that employ lithium-ion battery technology, as opposed to conventional lead-acid batteries. The Taigei-class alsos employ a new advanced combat management system (CMS) comprising integrated command and control (C2), sensors, and weapons systems. These include the OYX-1 processing system, ZQX-12 submarine tactical display system, ZQQ-8 fibre-optic array sonar system, NZLR-2 electronic support measures (ESM) system, and ZPS-6H radar system. The first submarine in the class, JS Taigei (Big Whale), was converted to a test submarine on the same day. Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) launched the fourth Taigei-class boat, the future JS Raigei (Thunder Whale), in October 2023. Raigei is expected to enter JMSDF service in March 2025 following user acceptance trials. Unlike lead boat Taigei and sister boats Hakugei (White Whale) and Jingei, Raigei will be equipped with the latest Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engines that offer a higher performance than the present Kawasaki 25/25SB powerplants. (Source: AMR)
11 Mar 24. Canadian Forces base Trenton receives C$850m upgrade. The investments are projected to create and maintain more than a thousand jobs annually while injecting millions into the country’s GDP. As the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrates its centennial, Defence Minister Bill Blair announces an investment in Canadian Forces base (CFB) Trenton alongside the introduction of aircraft. CFB Trenton is poised to receive an C$850m ($629m) investment. The funds will spearhead upgrades to the base, facilitating its role as the Eastern Main Operating Base for the new CC-330 Husky Strategic Tanker Transport Aircraft. In conjunction with the base’s transformation, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) welcomed the arrival of aircraft, including the CE-145C Vigilance. These aircraft, equipped with sensors and communications technology, will provide surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). Minister Blair emphasised the broader significance of these developments, highlighting the economic benefits for Canada. Beyond fortifying national security, these investments are projected to create and maintain more than a thousand jobs annually while injecting ms into the country’s GDP. The government’s commitment to supporting the aerospace and defence industries underscores its dual mission of safeguarding the nation and driving economic growth. Lieutenant-general Eric Kenny, commander of the RCAF, emphasised the importance of these initiatives, “The threat to Canada’s sovereignty and interests abroad, created by competition for global power and advancing technologies, remains as significant now as any time in our history. The Royal Canadian Air Force must be ready answer when our nation calls with a mission-ready, well-equipped, and combat-capable force.” Looking ahead, the transformation of CFB Trenton and the integration of aircraft into the RCAF’s fleet signify a new chapter in Canada’s defence strategy. As the global landscape evolves, Canada is committed to ensuring its armed forces’ readiness, equipping them with the tools needed to safeguard the nation’s interests at home and abroad. In other recent Canadian Air Force developments, Canada’s Department of National Defence awarded Arcfield Canada Corp a C$211.6m contract to sustain Canada’s CF-18 avionics fleet. Amidst preparations for the arrival of 88 F-35 aircraft, Arcfield Canada’s mission sustainment solutions will ensure the operational readiness of the CF-18 fleet, which will be utilised alongside Australian F-18 jets until 2032. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
08 Mar 24. Navantia delivers corvette to Saudi Navy, marking completion of project. Spanish shipyard delivers the final Corvette for the Al-Sarawat project. Navantia, in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Military Industries, achieves a milestone in naval defence technology by commissioning the fifth corvette, HMS Unayzah, to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. Navantia, the Spanish shipbuilder, celebrated as it delivered the fifth and final corvette, HMS Unayzah, to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by top Saudi defence officials. In his address, Vice Admiral Fahad Bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily, chief of staff of Royal Saudi Naval Forces, highlighted the technology of the corvette, emphasising its role in meeting national mandates and enhancing combat readiness. The localisation efforts undertaken in Saudi Arabia, spearheaded by the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), have played a role in achieving this milestone, aligning with the ambitious goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. The corvette, built under the Al-Sarawat project, has capabilities tailored to meet the Kingdom’s strategic interests and maintain regional maritime security. Its integration of combat systems and successful trials conducted in Saudi Arabia exemplifies the collaboration between Navantia and SAMI. The Saudi Arabian Navy is replacing its four Badr-class corvettes, acquired in the early 1980s. According to GlobalData’s intelligence on the Saudi Arabian defence market, the country’s expansive procurement plans make it a favourable export destination for foreign manufacturers. The Avante 2200 design, adapted to the requirements of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, offers performance, survivability, and operational flexibility. The corvettes were delivered in record time. The joint venture aims to position Navantia’s integrated systems and solutions in the Arab market, fostering long-term collaboration and technological exchange. Navantia will capture a 16.8% share of the naval vessels and surface combatants market in the Middle East, with forecast revenue of $4bn over 2023–33, according to GlobalData’s “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033” report. Beyond the Middle Eastern market, Navantia Australia, along with Austal and Civmec, has joined forces to propose the Tasman-class corvettes, addressing Australia’s need for enhanced naval strike capabilities. The commissioning ceremony, attended by dignitaries and industry leaders, symbolises the culmination of years of collaboration. As Navantia looks ahead, the delivery of HMS Unayzah marks a technological milestone but is also a testament to the partnership between Spain and Saudi Arabia in naval defence. Navantia, the Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company, launched the final Avante 2200 corvettes in December 2021. Indra, another Spanish defence supplier, also signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to supply electronic warfare (EW) detection systems for the Avante 2200 corvettes, further solidifying Spain’s role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s naval defence capabilities. Navantia and SAMI reaffirm their commitment to advancing naval capabilities and strengthening defence cooperation between Spain and Saudi Arabia as the fifth corvette sets sail. With the successful completion of the Al-Sarawat project, both nations look forward to continued collaboration in pursuing maritime security and technology. (Source: naval-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
11 Mar 24. Russia sacks naval commander after humiliating Black Sea losses on linkedin (opens in a new window) Share Save current progress 13% Christopher Miller in Kyiv and Max Seddon in Riga MARCH 11 2024 215 Print this page President Vladimir Putin has sacked the commander of Russia’s navy after it suffered a series of humiliating losses in the Black Sea, according to Ukrainian officials with knowledge of the shake-up. Putin sacked Admiral Nikolai Evmenov, who had led the navy since 2019, and replaced him with Alexander Moiseev, commander of its Northern Fleet, two Ukrainian officials told the Financial Times. The decision underscores how Ukraine has forced Russia to retreat in the Black Sea even as Putin’s forces gain ground elsewhere along the 1,000km front line more than two years since the start of their full-scale invasion. (Source: FT.com)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
14 Mar 24. Mr Alex Ellis CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and non-resident Ambassador to the Principality of Andorra. Mr Alex Ellis CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and non-resident Ambassador to the Principality of Andorra in succession to Mr Hugh Elliott who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Ellis will take up his appointment during summer 2024.
11 Mar 24. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirm that Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin will be extended in post until autumn 2025. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps are pleased to confirm Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin will be extended in his post until autumn 2025. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
14 Mar 24. Dr. Radha Plumb will serve as the next Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer. Currently serving as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. Plumb has worked to tackle pressing acquisition matters related to DoD, including building out and maintaining a robust national security industrial base and supply chain. The strategic value of information to decision-making is critical for our warfighters and industry partners, which is why the Department stood up the CDAO in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century while operating within a rapidly changing technology landscape. There is no doubt that Dr. Plumb’s technical expertise and strategic acumen will enhance the CDAO’s innovative efforts, and help accelerate the DoD’s adoption of data, analytics, and AI to generate decision advantage from the boardroom to the battlefield.
14 Mar 24. USMC MG Eric E. Austin for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant for Combat Development and Integration, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command. Austin is currently serving as the commanding general, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan.
14 Mar 24. USAF MG Derek C. France for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command; commander, Ninth Air Expeditionary Task Force, Air Combat Command; and Combined Forces Air Component commander, U.S. Central Command, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. France is currently serving as commander, Third Air Force, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
14 Mar 24. Embraer Defense & Security and ST Engineering to boost cooperation across APAC and South America. Embraer Defense & Security today announced an agreement with ST Engineering to jointly explore alternatives for future collaboration in key identified areas such as engineering, maintenance and support service activities for the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft in the Asia Pacific region. In addition, both companies will cooperate on products and services including radars and land systems, C4ISTAR, border security, simulation and advanced production methodologies which will support ST Engineering’s portfolio of capabilities in South America. The cooperation is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February during the Singapore Airshow 2024 and reinforces Embraer’s growing presence in the aerospace and defense ecosystem through strategic partnerships.
“We see strong synergies between ST Engineering’s capabilities in defense and the MRO sector and Embraer Defense & Security’s complete line of integrated solutions and we look forward to fostering stronger ties with ST Engineering,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. “The C-390 Millennium is a flagship product for Embraer Defense & Security, and it received a lot of attention at the recent Singapore Airshow. We look forward to growing our customer base in the region.”
The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. The aircraft has been selected by South Korea, Czech Republic, Austria, the Netherlands, Portugal and Brazil.
The current fleet of aircraft in operation has accumulated more than 11,500 flight hours, with operational availability of around 80% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.
ST Engineering’s defense capabilities cover a wide range of solutions from engineering aircraft and avionics upgrades, to designing and building proven battlefield mobility platforms, soldier systems, ammunition and naval vessels. As an authorized service center for several OEMs, ST Engineering’s Defense Aerospace business provides a comprehensive range of maintenance support and solutions including aircraft modernization for global customers, supporting platforms from combat fighters to transport and trainer aircraft, as well as helicopters.
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
12 Mar 24. Dean Group Announces Leadership Transition. Effective July 2024, Pulkit Ahuja will take up the role of Managing Director, succeeding the retiring Graham Stubbs. Pulkit, a key member of the Dean Group team since 2019, has been selected for his proven proficiency in directing the company’s commercial operations, contributing significantly to its enhanced positioning within the casting industry. Outgoing Managing Director Graham Stubbs, who expertly navigated the company through the global pandemic, has applauded the appointment of Pulkit Ahuja.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
11 Mar 24. Albedo, the first company to offer aerial quality imagery from space – enabled by the new orbit frontier of VLEO (very low earth orbit) – today announced the expansion of its Strategic Advisory Board to include LTG Patrick O’Reilly, US Army (Ret), and Rick Ambrose joining as members. They join existing members Vice Admiral Bob Sharp, USN (Ret), Jen Stewart, The Honorable Joan Dempsey, and Dr. John Deutch, who were announced in May 2023.
LTG Patrick O’Reilly, US Army (Ret) is a Vice President, Corporate Strategy at L3Harris Technologies, where he leverages his military and corporate expertise to focus on venture-capital investments in start-up technology companies. LTG O’Reilly is fully embedded in the Shield Capital Venture Investments firm’s team in accordance with the L3Harris / Shield Capital strategic partnership. Prior to his commercial industry roles, LTG O’Reilly enjoyed a distinguished, 35-year career in the US Army, highlighted by managing unprecedented missile, radar, power, vehicle, construction engineering, watercraft, and logistic research and acquisition programs, culminating in his becoming director of the US Missile Defense Agency. He maintains a commitment towards humanitarian efforts and service, evident in his past deployment to multiple hurricane and other natural disaster sites as a disaster relief associate for the American Red Cross, his position as on the board of advisors to a IP3 Coloration, and his position as a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council.
“Albedo is making access to affordable, high-resolution, space imagery that will shape both the military and commercial markets,” said LTG O’Reilly.
Rick Ambrose is a distinguished leader with over four decades of experience in the aerospace & defense industry. As the Space Executive Vice President for Lockheed Martin, Rick oversaw the strategic leadership of the $11 bn Space portfolio that provides advanced technology and mission-driven solutions for national security, civil, and commercial customers. In his 20-year career at Lockheed Martin, he served as executive leadership supporting the Information Systems & Global Solutions-National, Surveillance and Navigation Systems, and Mission Systems and Sensors’ Tactical Systems businesses. In addition to his impressive achievements at Lockheed Martin, Rick served as the Chair of the Board at Sandia National Laboratories and United Launch Alliance (ULA); he currently serves as a director on the Textron Board of Directors.
“I’m very excited to work with the Albedo team,” said Rick Ambrose. “This team knows how to build high-performance systems and I’ve been amazed with how quickly they’ve been able to build thus far.”
Albedo’s latest advisors add invaluable experience and tenure on how commercial space programs should navigate the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and the Hill. Together, all six advisors represent Albedo’s commitment towards supporting the national interest and its mission to be a dual-use technology. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
13 Mar 24. Columbia Helicopters (“Columbia” or the “Company”) announced today that David Balevic has been appointed President & CEO, effective immediately. Balevic will succeed Michael Tremlett, who is departing the company to pursue other opportunities. Columbia Helicopters is a global leader in the heavy and super heavy-lift helicopter sector, with a more than 60-year track record of innovation, technological firsts, and industry milestones. The Company manufactures, provides sustainment services for, and operates the Model 234, CH-47D Chinook, and Model 107-II tandem-rotor helicopters. The Company’s principal customers include the U.S. military, foreign allied militaries, U.S. and foreign civil protection agencies, and a broad range of commercial customers. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
13 Mar 24. Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) (the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed John Ratigan, Chief Corporate Development Officer (“CCDO”), as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Ratigan succeeds Ken Peterman, who has been terminated as President and CEO and will cease to serve on the Board. Mr. Peterman’s termination was for conduct unrelated to Comtech’s business strategy, financial results or previously filed financial statements. Mr. Ratigan, a former Chief Executive Officer, is an accomplished executive who brings over three decades of experience and senior leadership expertise across the global satellite technology sector. He has an extensive background in satellite communications, as well as a deep familiarity with Comtech, having spent ten years at EF Data Corp. prior to its acquisition by Comtech in July 2000, driving significant revenue growth over the course of his tenure. As CCDO at Comtech, Mr. Ratigan has proven himself an instrumental member of the executive team, identifying and optimizing market shifts currently underway and executing on the Company’s One Comtech strategy. In addition, the Board has elected current Board member Mark Quinlan as Chair of the Board.
11 Mar 24. Kymeta announced today leadership and board changes as the company continues to build on its innovative technology and first‐to‐market products. This has been an orderly collaborative process to support existing leaderships retirement. Effective April 1st, 2024, Rick Bergman will become the President and CEO of Kymeta, bringing a wealth of experience from his most recent role as Executive Vice President, Computing and Graphics at AMD. Bergman also served as President and CEO of Synaptics (SYNA) during their high growth phase from 2011 to 2019. His distinguished career includes steering organizations towards capitalizing on market opportunities with innovative technologies, leading to sustained market growth. Nicole Piasecki will be appointed Chairperson of the Board, succeeding Doug Hutcheson. Nicole, who joined the board in May 2022, brings an extensive background from the aerospace and defense sector. Commenting on Rick’s appointment, Piasecki says, “I am excited about Rick joining our outstanding team. Kymeta is at the forefront of connecting the world through its hybrid communication solutions. With Rick Bergman’s track record of driving value‐led growth in the technology sector bolstered by disciplined execution, we eagerly anticipate the next phase of growth for Kymeta.” Effective March 31, 2024, Doug Hutcheson and Walter Berger are retiring from Kymeta. Throughout the last five years, their pivotal contributions have played a central role in spearheading numerous product launches and consistently fostering year‐over‐year growth. Their grasp of customer needs, commitment to innovation and successful introduction of new products to the market have resulted in record‐breaking achievements. They are committed to a transition of responsibilities to Rick.
11 Mar 24. Navistar Defense, LLC (Navistar Defense) announced today that Imtiaz Uddin has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this pivotal role, Uddin orchestrates the harmonious alignment and continuous improvement of program management, manufacturing, supply chain logistics, quality assurance standards, safety protocols, and engineering initiatives across our dynamic landscape of defense and commercial manufacturing operations. His strategic vision and meticulous attention to detail ensure optimal efficiency, reliability, and excellence throughout our organization’s processes. Imtiaz is part of the executive leadership team and reports to Chief Executive Officer Ted Wright. Uddin most recently served as the Vice President of Operations & Supply Chain for BAE Systems. There, he designed and implemented operational excellence systems of ownership, accountability, and escalations, enabling bottom-line margin improvement and top-line growth by building customer relationships and trust, including Supply Chain partners. Additionally, Mr. Uddin held management roles with increasing levels of responsibility with Spirit Aero Systems, Honeywell Aerospace, and General Motors.
14 Mar 24. Peraton today announced the appointment of Constantine Saab to its Advisory Board. Over an impressive nearly two-decade career at the Central Intelligence Agency, Saab served in many critical senior leadership roles including chief strategy officer, corporate board member, and acting assistant director. He is an experienced board director, advisor, and entrepreneur specializing in national security and technology. Saab has also focused on operational growth investments in dual-use strategic technologies over the past five years. (Source: PR Newswire)
13 Mar 24. Tyto Athene, LLC (“Tyto”), a federal systems integrator of mission-focused digital transformation services, has appointed Dennis Kelly to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Kelly joins the organization as a 30-year industry veteran and experienced executive in the defense and intelligence community. He will lead Tyto’s strategic growth efforts while also focusing on service delivery excellence to its U.S. defense, national security, intelligence, space, and public safety agency clients around the globe. Tyto is a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners (“Arlington”), a Washington, D.C.-area private investment firm specializing in government-regulated industries. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
13 Mar 24. 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced that William M. “Bill” Brown is appointed chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2024. He succeeds Michael Roman, who is appointed to the role of Executive Chairman of the 3M Board of Directors, also effective May 1, 2024. Brown, 61, is the former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of L3Harris Technologies, a global innovator in aerospace and defense technology solutions, where he served as chief executive officer and chairman, and then executive chair from June 2019 to June 2022. Brown previously served as chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Harris Corporation prior to its merger with L3 Technologies in 2019. He joined Harris Corporation in November 2011 as president and chief executive officer. Prior to Harris Corporation, Brown spent 14 years at United Technologies Corporation (UTC) serving in a variety of leadership roles. Brown holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Villanova University, as well as an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He is the former Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Board of Governors and formerly a member of AIA’s Executive Committee. Roman will continue to chair 3M’s Board of Directors and provide insights from his more than 35 years with 3M to the company’s strategic direction as executive chairman of the board. He has served as 3M’s CEO since July 2018. 3M also announced that the Board of Directors waived the mandatory retirement age of 65 years for Roman and Brown. (Source: PR Newswire)