LOCATIONS
LAND
26 Mar 24. Construction officially underway on MQ-28 Ghost Bat production facility. Construction is officially underway on a new production facility to support the manufacture of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial vehicle, Australia’s first military combat aircraft designed and developed in over 50 years. The 9,000-square-metre facility unveiled by American defence prime Boeing at the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct in Toowoomba, Queensland, on 26 March is expected to be operational in the next three years. The MQ-28 production facility will include aerospace manufacturing capabilities including carbon fibre composites manufacture, advanced robotic assembly for major components, final assembly, and test capabilities.
“Boeing Australia is investing to bring this innovative, uncrewed capability to market in the timeframe that supports our customers’ future needs,” according to Amy List, Boeing Defence Australia managing director.
“The MQ-28 is designed to transform air combat and provide affordable mass for Australia and our allies.
“We’re partnering with the Queensland government and Wagner Corporation to build Boeing’s first final assembly facility outside of North America – which is indicative of our global focus and a continued commitment to a sustainable and robust Australian aerospace industry.”
Boeing’s latest investment in Australia will bring new aerospace skill sets and technologies, such as advanced composites manufacturing and robotics to Queensland, according to an official statement from the company.
Queensland property and infrastructure company Wagner Corporation will develop and manage construction of the facility at their Toowoomba precinct using sustainable construction methods, and work with Boeing to incorporate renewable technologies and human-centric design.
In addition, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Collaborative Combat Aircraft), formerly known as the Loyal Wingman, was allocated an additional $399 m in funding by the federal government earlier this year.
Part of that funding boost will enable a focus on developing sensor and mission payloads, an integrated combat system and autonomous systems.
Further development of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat comes after the government agreed with a Defence Strategic Review recommendation in 2023 to develop options for collaboration and technology sharing with the United States. In line with the government’s response, Defence signed a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) development project arrangement with the United States on 30 March 2023.
Originally announced in 2019, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is designed to provide a disruptive, “fighter-like” performance with a range in excess of 2,000 nautical miles in a platform capable of integrating a suite of sensor packages onboard to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare. (Source: Defence Connect)
MARITIME
27 Mar 24. Macron and Lula launch submarine built in Brazil with French tech. The presidents of France and Brazil on Wednesday launched a submarine built in the South American country with French technology in a program that aims to build Brazil’s first nuclear-powered submarine by the end of the decade. Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended a ceremony in the Itaguai shipyard near Rio de Janeiro launching the third diesel-powered submarine built in a $10bn partnership. Brazil’s first lady Janja da Silva smashed a champagne bottle on the bow of the submarine Tonelero and the two presidents activated a lever sending the Scorpene-class vessel into the sea. The submarine program, begun in 2008 during Lula’s previous presidential term, is a partnership with France’s state-run Naval Group in which defense contractor Thales (TCFP.PA), opens new tab has a 35% stake. The program, called ProSub, is Brazil’s biggest international cooperation project in the defense sector, Lula said, and aims to protect its sovereignty over waters from where 85% of the country’s oil and 75% of its gas comes. The Brazilian government said its submarine fleet is needed to defend the country’s nearly 7,500-kilometer (4,700-mile) coastline and the Atlantic waters where Brazil is developing vast offshore oil fields. Macron is on a three-day visit to Brazil, opens new tab that aims to relaunch the bilateral relationship and strategic partnership that stalled during the previous government of Jair Bolsonaro, whom the French president criticized for failing to defend the Amazon rainforest. Macron landed on Tuesday in the Amazon city of Belem, where Brazil will host the United Nations COP30 climate negotiations in 2025. Lula met him there and they pledged to work together to stop deforestation in the Amazon by 2030. Macron will meet business executives in Sao Paulo later on Wednesday and make a state visit to Brasilia on Thursday. (Source: Reuters)
27 Mar 24. US Navy Wasp-class LHD USS Bataan to enter two-year refit. The US Navy’s Wasp-class amphibious assault ships first entered service in 1989 and are used as a focal point for amphibious ready group deployments. Having recently returned to the US from an eight-month-long Mediterranean deployment, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan is set to enter a two-year maintenance and modernisation period before returning to the active fleet in mid-2026. General Dynamics NASSCO–Norfolk, based out of Norfolk, Virginia, has been awarded a $311.1m firm-fixed-price contract action for maintenance, modernisation, and repair of the USS Bataan, according to a 26 March announcement from the US Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD statement said that the contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the deal to nearly $343.7m, with work to be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and expected to be completed by May 2026. According to the DoD the contract was competitively procured, with two offers received. The USS Bataan was the centrepiece of the Bataan amphibious ready group (ARG), which also comprised the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde, which was deployed to the Mediterranean to support US interest in the wake of the war in Gaza following Hamas’ assault into Israel in October 2023. As part of the deployment, around 2,400 US Marine from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) were embarked throughout the Bataan ARG. A total of eight Wasp-class amphibious assault ships (LHD) were built, with all still in service with the US Navy, commissioning from 1989 onwards. The LHDs can embark and support all elements of a USMC MEU of 2,000 marines, inserting forces ashore via helicopter, landing craft, and amphibious vehicles. The Wasp class was designed to employ air-cushion landing craft (LCACS) and to carry a squadron of Harrier II (AV-8B) STOVL (short take-off vertical landing) jets, with the newer F-35B STOVL aircraft also able to be embarked. The USS Bataan was commissioned into service in September 1997, with the latest modernisation period taking the vessel into its 29th year of service. Displacing around 41,000 tonnes at full load, the Wasp class are larger than most countries’ aircraft carriers, and can accommodate a mix of assault helicopters, plus six to eight Harriers for close air support. A typical mix of helicopters is 12 CH-46 Sea Knight, four CH-53E Sea Stallion, three UH-1N Huey, and four AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters. The vessels are also able to embark the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
28 Mar 24. Flight testing Paramount’s Mwari ISR aircraft. Although the turboprop light tactical aircraft space is well stocked with established and new offerings, Paramount’s Mwari is a welcome addition, with its internal pod system and pending smart weapons integration enabling it to make its presence felt over the battlefield.
This is according to UK-based publication Flight Global, which recently had the opportunity to flight test the aircraft at Paramount’s Wonderboom National Airport facility outside Pretoria.
The AHRLAC (Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft), as it then was, first flew in 2014, after being developed by ADC, a Paramount and Aerosud partnership. A shareholders’ legal dispute stopped the project in 2019 before Paramount assumed full control of the programme and resumed development.
Mozambique is the Mwari’s launch customer, receiving its first aircraft in late 2022. A year later, it had accumulated over 70 hours of flying on the type, which Paramount is hoping to sell to other African and European customers. Mozambique has ordered three aircraft, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) six.
Paramount is optimistic about the Mwari’s prospects in the armed overwatch market, noting that global air capability spending will reach over $476 billion over the next five years, with the Armed Overwatch/Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) market estimated to provide $32.3bn of opportunities.
The Mwari is the first new clean-sheet manned military aircraft in South Africa since the Rooivalk attack helicopter.
The Mwari is marketed as a relatively inexpensive alternative to high-end military aircraft for surveillance, maritime patrol and counter-insurgency operations. It can also be used for training.
The Mwari has been designed to easily perform multiple missions thanks to an innovative Interchangeable Mission Systems Bay (IMSB), located in the belly of the aircraft, providing near-endless sensor and payload options which can be integrated and be swapped out in less than two hours. Open-architecture and flexible systems allows for the quick and low-cost integration of new pods, avionics, cargo, special mission equipment, weapons and sensors. The IMSB can carry payloads up to 317 kg, and the Mwari can supply 400 kW of power for payloads. Six external hardpoints on the wings can carry up to 1 000 kg in total.
The PT6 turboprop-powered Mwari has a service ceiling of up to 31 000 feet, and offers a maximum cruise speed of 250 knots, a mission range of up to 550 nautical miles with ordinance and an overall endurance of up to 6.5 hours. The aircraft also offers a short take-off and landing (STOL) capability, with retractable landing gear optimised for both semi and unprepared airstrips or sites.
Sensors and equipment that have already been fitted to the aircraft include Hensoldt’s Argos II electro-optical gimbal, Paramount Advanced Technologies’ 420 sensor ball, Thales’s Avni thermal reconnaissance system, Sysdel’s MiniRaven radar warning receiver, and Reutech’s ACR510 radio, amongst others. Future options could include a synthetic aperture radar (SAR). A pusher propeller configuration ensures debris is not kicked up into the sensor gimbal during takeoff or landing.
Weapons integration is taking place this year, by Paramount Aerospace Industries. The specifics of newly adopted mission and weapons systems will be disclosed at a later date.
Mwari has been designed with portable production in mind. The aircraft could, depending on customer requirements, be exported in kit format for final assembly in customer countries and can easily integrate into supply chains around the world, enabling scalable mass production.
Flight Global in late 2023 experienced the Mwari first hand, noting its purpose-built ‘find, fix, finish’ design, which includes a high wing and pusher design for excellent cockpit visibility – the weapon systems officer sits notably higher than the pilot, the publication noted.
Its pilot flew a production representative aircraft three times, first from the rear seat, and then twice from the pilot’s seat, exploring its performance limits, aerobatic abilities, and mission profile capabilities, including with its Argos II sensor gimbal. The testing, which also included a simulated forced landing, left “a big smile” on the test pilot’s face. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
27 Mar 24. Zambia Air Force introduces Enstrom 480B, Bell 412 helicopters into service. The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has taken into service a new rotary wing type – the Enstrom 480B – and expanded its fleet of Bell helicopters. During a ceremony at Air Force Base Lusaka on 25 March, two newly delivered Enstrom 480B turbine helicopters were inducted into service. ZAF Commander, Lieutenant General Oscar Msitu Nyoni said, “The Helicopters we are about to induct into service today will serve a multitude of crucial tasks, thereby contributing to our combat capabilities such as training of pilots, search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, reconnaissance operations, anti-poaching efforts in collaborations with our counterparts, the national parks and wildlife, and combating smuggling activities.
“The Enstrom 480B helicopter will also be deployed in the crucial role of addressing food security by aiding in the surveillance of mealie meal smuggling and preventing mineral pilferage by illegal miners, who continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the general citizenry.”
Nyoni said the induction of the Enstrom 480Bs comes barely days after the induction into service of two Bell 412EP helicopters and the handover of agricultural equipment such as tractors, disc ploughs, planters and boom sprayers to Air Force farms for expansion of agricultural activities.
Two Bell 412EPs were handed over to the Zambia Air Force by Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma on 13 March at Air Force Base Lusaka. Nyoni said the aircraft were key in enhancing national defence and emergency response capabilities. He said the helicopters were a game-changer, offering strategic advantages in various scenarios, from military operations to disaster response. The Zambia Air Force has four Bell 412EP helicopters on order, with the first two (formerly N412HS and N412TH) delivered at the beginning of March. These were built in 1996 and 1997 and most recently owned by Copter Lease of the United States. The United States in September 2023 announced an $80 m grant to Zambia for the supply of four Bell 412EPs. The Zambia Air Force has a substantial Bell/Agusta-Bell fleet, having operated many of their types over the decades. In 2021, three Bell/Agusta-Bell 412SP helicopters (AF717, AF718, and AF720) arrived from Italy and South Africa, joining a dozen surviving Agusta-Bell 205s. In March 2023, then Zambia Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Colin Barry, said the ZAF had concluded procurement procedures for a medium utility helicopter, which would be delivered in the coming months for troop movement, search and rescue, disaster relief, and other tasks: a second hand Bell 212 was delivered from the United States in June. The aircraft, AF721, was formerly operated by Era Helicopters in Canada and sold via US company Copter Lease LLC. Barry indicated another two helicopters would be subsequently acquired for medical support.Zambia operates a diverse range of helicopters, including half a dozen Mil Mi-171Sh and Mi-171E troop transport and assault helicopters delivered from Russia between 2015 and 2017. Zambia’s defence ministry in February 2023 signed a contract for the two Enstrom 480B helicopters for training pilots and personnel – a training package is included in the deal. The helicopters are equipped with cargo hooks and hard points for cameras, as well as Garmin avionics and glass panels. One helicopter is supplied with a full glass cockpit and one with a hybrid glass and analogue panel to provide training with a flight deck similar to the gauge-equipped Mi-17s used as the mainstay of the fleet. South Africa’s Safomar Aviation Group coordinated and assisted Enstrom in the sale to Zambia, including logistics, specifications, and configuration of the Helicopters. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
25 Mar 24. Fond farewell: British Army’s Apache Mk1 attack helicopter makes final flight. A special flypast over locations across England and Wales marked the end of service for the Mk1 with its replacement the new Apache AH-64E model, bringing new technology and greater capabilities.
People turned out to watch the iconic attack helicopters fly over locations including PJHQ Northwood, RAF Shawbury in Shropshire and the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The Apaches did face some delays on the flypast route which included some 15 locations.
They were originally due to arrive back home at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk for the final time at 17:30.
The Mark 1’s final operational deployment was earlier this month on Operation Clockwork in Norway.
The retirement of the Apache Mk1 marks the end of an era for the British Army after it proved itself to be a battle-winning asset in Afghanistan and Libya.
This final flight and flypast will serve as a fitting farewell to a helicopter that played a significant role in British military history. (Source: forces.net)
25 Mar 24. US Navy plans to decommission 19 ships in FY 2025, 10 before the end of their service lives. The US Navy (USN) wants to decommission 19 vessels during fiscal year (FY) 2025, including 10 ships before they have reached planned end of their expected service lives (ESLs), according to the Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels for Fiscal Year 2025, often called the USN’s 30-year shipbuilding plan, sent to US lawmakers on 19 March.
The shipbuilding plan details the USN’s long-term strategy for fleet composition, including ship acquisitions and decommissionings.
The proposed pre-ESL decommissionings include two guided-missile cruisers (CGs) – USS Shiloh (CG 67), which has been in service for 33 years and USS Lake Erie (CG 70), which has been in service for 32 years – with ESLs of 35 years each. Both vessels are being slated to be logistic support assets (LSAs), the plan noted.
Another two CGs – USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Normandy (CG 60) – which have reached their 35-year ESLs, or beyond, are also being proposed for decommissioning to be LSAs, according to the plan. (Source: Janes)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
30 Mar 24. Royal Marine Commandos look to huskies on the Arctic battlefield.
Britain’s elite commandos have trialled using dogs to supply troops operating deep behind enemy lines with ammunition and food in the Arctic Circle.
Specialists from Chivenor-based Commando Logistic Regiment and the Commando Helicopter Force’s Ground Mobility Troop trained with huskies during their deployment to Northern Norway to look at how the dogs could be used on high-risk supply runs into adversary territory.
Known as a Combat Service Support Squadron, the group of Royal Marines and Army Commandos are responsible for punching through the front lines and quickly supplying advanced commando raiding parties with ammunition, fuel, food and medical kit.
Whisky Squadron is made up of expert engineers, logisticians and drivers as well as protection troops well-armed with heavy and grenade machine guns, taking lessons from Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine on the way in which logistics has continued to evolve on the modern-day battlefield.
Mainly operating at night, the squadron uses various methods to reach the raiding teams – on foot, skis or snowmobiles or in some cases using tracked vehicles and trucks depending on the delivery size. The emphasis is on speed and remaining hidden.
The commandos looked at how sleds pulled by huskies – known for their strength and endurance – could help deliver supplies to troops, making considerations on the types of operations canine companions could be deployed on.
The squadron looked at the distance the dogs can travel, how snow conditions can affect their speed and endurance, the planning required to navigate complex routes given the significant speed the huskies reach that make them unable to make quick turns.
The need to avoid compromise while restocking hidden caches was also considered, given the huskies would become restless if left too long.
“We have been addressing the threat of high tech weapons by looking at low tech, low signature solutions, like the huskies, to resupply advanced forces,” said Captain Al Hunter Royal Marines, about the training with the dogs from Norwegian organisation Riverland Husky.
This training was just one small part of Whisky Squadron’s inaugural deployment, which has bonded the deployed troops and headquarters tightly together having only formed six months ago.
Marine Robert Swart, a Weapon Technician said: “As a young marine you want to come out to Norway and test yourself in one of the hardest environments in the world, operating in the frozen plateau is arduous and a great way to confirm one’s soldiering ability.”
Private James Gledhill, a Royal Logistics Corps Logistic Supply Specialist, added: “As a young soldier you read the news and see what is happening today in Ukraine, I think this more than any other exercise serves as a mission rehearsal to make sure we are ready if the worst were to happen to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Norwegian partners.”
Whisky Squadron are responsible for operating in the extreme cold of the Arctic with 45 Commando as part of the Littoral Response Group (North), a Royal Navy task force designed to react to world events in Northern Europe’s waterways and chokepoints.
Delta Squadron, meanwhile, are responsible for operating in desert and jungle with 40 Commando, which forms the main punch of Littoral Response Group (South) that keeps a continuous presence in the strategically-important Indo-Pacific.
The need for these squadrons is borne out of the Commando Forces’ return to raiding operations, landing in small teams on coastlines to cause mayhem on an adversary.
Major Rory Bate of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the Officer Commanding Whisky Squadron was jubilant about the inaugural deployment of his squadron in its new role.
He said: “Having such a firm offer of support for the Littoral Response Group as it counters the pernicious threat faced in Northern Europe is reassuring. With such a responsive and credible squadron, we are able to adapt to the need of the Strike Companies and literally deliver the goods.”
The early phases of the deployment taught the commandos of Whisky Squadron’s Fenrir Troop essential skills in surviving, moving and fighting in the Arctic, mastering the ability to ski with ever-increasing loads in their bergens and pulks.
This culminated in a week-long phase where the whole troop deployed on the multinational Exercise Nordic Response to carry out their main responsibilities; recovering stricken vehicles, repairing vehicle breakdowns in the field, conducting supply missions and punching through enemy lines.
The commandos landed ashore from RFA Mounts Bay instantly getting to work, delivering 18,000 litres of diesel and 3,500 ration packs to troops operating across Northern Norway.
Sergeant Ashley Marsh Royal Marines, the Fenrir Troop’s second in command, said: “In today’s and tomorrow’s battlefield slow large moving vehicles are vulnerable. We must continue to invest into Combat Service Support as a concept in order to remain a credible force that can support 45 Commando and allied forces.”
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
25 Mar 24. Babcock supports Government’s national endeavour to secure critical nuclear skills. Babcock welcomes the Government’s announcements today on the national endeavour to secure the critical nuclear skills needed to protect our nation’s security and deliver our clean energy ambitions.
Playing a critical role across the nuclear enterprise, we deliver nationally important programmes through our defence and civil nuclear businesses. We are a key industrial partner on the Nuclear Skills Task Force, which has today delivered the 10-year National Nuclear Strategy Plan for Skills (NNSPS) developed to secure the specialist skills needed to deliver the national nuclear enterprise, today and into the future.
Providing full-time executive support to the government-led task force, we are taking a leading role in the development of a south west regional hub collaboration, as well as actively supporting Destination Nuclear, a first ever national nuclear communications and recruitment campaign.
In addition, last year we launched the Babcock Skills Academy, which focuses on addressing the current and future nuclear skills demand we need for our programmes, as well as the wider civil and defence nuclear enterprise. This includes a focus on submarine support and the critical nuclear skills required to perform deep submarine maintenance. More than 2,000 people will pass through the Skills Academy in its first three years, and a further 10,000 over the following five years.
David Lockwood, CEO Babcock International and member of the Nuclear Skills Executive Council, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the UK to deliver a stronger nuclear industry that will contribute to the resilience of the UK’s independent deterrent and will support the UK’s energy security ambitions and net zero targets. As well as providing bed-rock support for the ambitious development required across industry and government for the AUKUS programme. Babcock is proud of the leading role it is taking in driving forward initiatives to retain and grow the critical mass of nuclear skills we need today and tomorrow. We have a keen focus on our major nuclear sites in the South West of England and in Scotland and are determined to leverage the benefits of the NNSPS, with our customers and other industry partners, across the broader communities we serve.”
From sustaining the entirety of the UK’s submarine fleet, to supporting the operation and build of nuclear power plants, Babcock operates across civil and naval nuclear, performing critical roles in nationally important programmes where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation and ensuring energy security.
26 Mar 24. Operational medals is broadened with the new Wider Service Medal. The Wider Service medal recognises the contribution of service personnel fulfilling crucial operational roles.
A new operational medal recognising the service of personnel delivering crucial operational impact, but where the physical risk to life is lower than traditionally required for the award of an operational medal, has been announced by the Defence Secretary today.
The Wider Service Medal (WSM) medal, which has been approved by HM The King, recognises Armed Forces personnel and civilians working outside the traditional criteria of existing operational medals.
The move has been made to recognise the ever-changing nature of warfare and ensure that those fulfilling crucial roles can receive medallic recognition.
Personnel eligible for the medal are likely to include those deployed on a wide range of missions such as international coalitions and deterrence.
These operations include Royal Navy personnel serving on the UK’s continuous at sea Nuclear Deterrent, as well as maritime activity in the Middle East; Army personnel deployed as part of the UK’s reassurance to the people of Estonia; and RAF pilots and supporting ground crew deployed to Estonia and Romania as part of the UK’s commitment to the NATO air policing patrol.
The Wider Service Medal recognises the wide range of roles our personnel play in ensuring success on operations.
It also recognises the ever-changing nature of warfare, underlining the importance of operations which deter adversaries in a pre-war world.
The WSM is being introduced to recognise the changing nature of operational activity, whereby Armed Forces personnel are increasingly deployed or used to deliver operational impact but not necessarily in roles that expose them to physical risk.
This activity does not fall within the traditional, operational medallic criteria that continues to rely on ‘risk and rigour’. For the first time, the WSM will ensure that Armed Forces personnel who are delivering this type of operational effect will be eligible for medallic recognition.
Criteria for the medal includes:
- Defined operational activity where there is evidence of operational impact that contributes to the UK objectives but does not meet the traditional medal threshold in terms of physical risk to the individual.
- The individual must have accrued 180 days’ aggregated service on eligible operations. Subsequent service of 180 days will result in the award of a bar to the medal, up to a maximum of three bars.
The medal will be retrospective to December 2018 for ongoing operations.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
22 Mar 24. British Army applicants give up after waiting six months to join. Recruitment delays come as the number of troops could dip below the Ministry of Defence target of 73,000 within months. Tens of thousands of young people are withdrawing their applications to serve in the armed forces every year after waiting months to join, it can be revealed.
Fewer than one in ten of the 137,000 people who applied to join the army, navy and RAF last year ended up serving, with nearly 74,000 potential recruits — 54 per cent — giving up on the process altogether.
The problem was worst in the army, with 70 per cent of potential recruits pulling out before they were through the doors.
More than 8,400 of the 54,128 people who withdrew their applications to join the army waited at least six months before doing so, according to the figures uncovered by John Healey, the shadow defence secretary.
Although 1.1 m young people have applied to join the armed forces since 2014, three in four people withdrew their applications, leaving the Ministry of Defence to sign up just over 132,000 people and reject almost 170,000. The alarming data comes amid mounting concern that the recruitment crisis engulfing the military is so bad that the Royal Navy does not have enough sailors to man its ships, the RAF is short of pilots and the army could dip below its target force of 73,000 within months.
Countries across the world — including the US, Australia, France and Germany — are suffering from a recruitment and retention crisis, with many military personnel leaving for lucrative private sector jobs. (Source: The Times)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
28 Mar 24. The Polish commander of Eurocorps, a multinational Nato-EU battlegroup based in France, has been dismissed and recalled to Warsaw to face a counter-intelligence investigation. The Polish defence ministry said the probe was to look at “the personal security clearance” of Lieutenant General Jarosław Gromadziński and gather new information about him. Warsaw said it notified its allies “in advance” and the dismissal caused no particular concern. “There is no concern between us and the allies,” Polish defence minister Władyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told Polish news channel TVN24 on Thursday. He described the dismissal as a “serious matter”, but insisted that the investigation was so far only “a process of clarification” without detailing what had prompted it. Poland has appointed Lieutenant General Piotr Błazeusz as a replacement chief for Eurocorps. “Everything is being done in accordance with procedures,” the minister said. (Source: FT.com)
26 Mar 24. Ministerial Appointments. The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments. Following the departure from Government of the Rt Hon James Heappey MP and the Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- Nus Ghani MP to be a Minister of State (Minister for Europe) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office;
- Leo Docherty MP to be a Minister of State (Minister for the Armed Forces) in the Ministry of Defence;
- Kevin Hollinrake MP to be a Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade;
- Luke Hall MP to be a Minister of State in the Department for Education;
- Alan Mak MP to be a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State jointly in the Department for Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office.
26 Mar 24. Mr Nikesh Mehta OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Singapore, in succession to Ms Kara Owen CMG who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Mehta will take up his appointment during July 2024.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
25 Mar 24. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has selected a new Republican to head the China panel after its current leader, Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., abruptly announced on Friday his departure from Congress. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., said Monday that Johnson had selected him to fill the vacancy atop the House’s Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Moolenaar already sits on the 24-member committee, which House Republicans established last year to put forth a wide array of U.S.-China policy recommendations. While Gallagher also sits on the Armed Services Committee, and chairs its cyber and information technology panel, Moolenaar does not sit on any of the other national security committees. As an appropriator, Moolenaar sits on the agriculture and labor spending panels.(Source: Defense News)
25 Mar 24. USAF MG Case A. Cunningham for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Alaskan Command, U.S. Northern Command; commander, Eleventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region. Cunningham is currently serving as commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
25 Mar 24. USAF MG Stephen F. Jost for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Forces Japan; and commander, Fifth Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Jost is currently serving as commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, U.S. Transportation Command, Norfolk, Virginia.
25 Mar 24. Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Upcoming Departure of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker. Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker will step down at the end of April. I am deeply grateful for her outstanding contributions to the Department and to U.S. national security. Acting Under Secretary Baker was asked to step into a difficult and critical position, and she has been a pillar of strength and wisdom. Under her leadership, our Policy team has helped the Department navigate a range of complex global challenges, including major crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. Her strategic acumen and steadfast commitment to our national security have helped her play a pivotal role in shaping our defense policies, tackling emerging threats, and strengthening interagency relationships and international alliances. As Acting Under Secretary Baker moves on to her next chapter, we wish her continued success and thank her for her service to the Department and the United States. Amanda Dory, a career civil servant and OSD Policy veteran who is currently the Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in Washington, DC, will perform the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy when Acting Under Secretary Baker departs. I urge the United States Senate to confirm Derek Chollet, our outstanding nominee to serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. At this crucial moment for U.S. defense policy, the Department needs a confirmed principal adviser in this critical role. (Source: U.S. DoD)
23 Mar 24. Leadership Change in Naval Special Warfare Group 8. Capt. Richard A. Zaszewski, the commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group 8, was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, the U.S. Navy announced. The decision, made by Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, was attributed to a “loss of confidence in his ability to command.” As a result of this decision, Deputy Commodore Capt. Stig Sanness has taken over the leadership role, with the Navy stating that the change will not affect the group’s mission readiness. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
25 Mar 24. DoD Announces New Director for Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has announced that David M. Cattler has been selected as the next director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. The appointment will be effective March 24, 2024. Mr. Cattler has extensive leadership experience within the intelligence community, military, and NATO, making him the ideal candidate to hit the ground running and lead DCSA. He has served multiple times as an intelligence enterprise mission manager in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and led complex efforts across organizational and functional boundaries. He has significant intelligence collection management and analytic experience at the national, joint, and service levels, and has advised the President, civilian agencies, Defense department and military leaders, and operational forces through roles at the Defense Intelligence Agency, Joint Staff, National Security Council, and during a career as a naval surface warfare officer. Mr. Cattler understands the criticality of the DCSA security mission to the Department, our federal partners, and industry. Mr. Cattler will replace Acting Director Daniel Lecce, who has been serving in an acting capacity since September 2023 and who will return to his current position as Deputy Director. (Source: glstrade.com)
22 Mar 24. President Joe Biden said he will tap Michael Sulmeyer, the U.S. Army’s principal cyber adviser, to be the Department of Defense’s inaugural cyber policy chief. The role of assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy was established by the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Sulmeyer in the past served as a senior director of cyber policy at the National Security Council and as a senior adviser at Cyber Command. He was also the director of the cybersecurity project at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. (Source: glstrade.com/ C4ISR & Networks)
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
27 Mar 24. Goldilock, the British cybersecurity startup behind a unique physical network isolation solution, today announced a strategic shift to a channel-only sales model. The move will enable Goldilock to leverage the expertise and reach of channel partners to accelerate market penetration and more quickly deliver its unique and much-needed security solution to a broader customer base. The current geopolitical climate and nature of constantly evolving cyber threats necessitate rapid adoption of advanced security solutions. Goldilock’s mission-critical solutions are applicable across numerous sectors, from IT to OT and IoT environments. This breadth creates challenges in terms of scaling the sales force and ensuring deep domain expertise in every vertical. A channel-based approach allows Goldilock to tap into the extensive networks and expertise of channel partners, ensuring customers receive the tailored support they need. The Goldilock solution compliments existing technologies like firewalls, routers, and switches, offering partners a multi-layered security approach that the industry hasn’t seen before.
27 Mar 24. Pearson Engineering announces Ian Bell as Group Chief Executive Officer. Ian Bell has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of Pearson Engineering Limited and daughter company Responsive Engineering Limited as Craig Priday steps down as Managing Director of Pearson Engineering Limited after 10 years in the role. Craig’s tenure ends on 2nd April after having led Pearson Engineering’s transition from a family-owned business to a strategic asset for the UK, with contracts spanning major armoured vehicle programmes of the UK MOD and international allies. Following a successful military career, Ian held several senior appointments across the commercial defence sector before joining Pearson Engineering and has an extensive background both within the UK MoD and internationally having led several businesses across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Pearson Engineering warmly welcomes Ian and extends thanks to Craig for his leadership over the last 10 years.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
25 Mar 24. Boeing [NYSE: BA] President and CEO Dave Calhoun today announced his decision to step down as CEO at the end of 2024, and he will continue to lead Boeing through the year to complete the critical work underway to stabilize and position the company for the future. Board Chair Larry Kellner has informed the board that he does not intend to stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual Shareholder meeting. The board has elected Steve Mollenkopf to succeed Kellner as independent board chair. In this role, Mollenkopf will lead the board’s process of selecting Boeing’s next CEO. In addition to these changes, Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, will retire from the company and Stephanie Pope has been appointed to lead BCA, effective today. Kellner has served on the Boeing Board for 13 years and served as its chair since late 2019. As chair, he oversaw the establishment of a new board aerospace safety committee, and during his tenure led the recruitment of seven new independent directors, bringing deep engineering, safety, manufacturing and aerospace expertise to Boeing’s board. Mollenkopf has served on the board of directors since 2020. He was previously CEO of Qualcomm. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. Pope has been serving as chief operating officer of Boeing since January of this year. Previously, she was president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services, where she was responsible for leading the company’s aerospace services for commercial, government and aviation industry customers worldwide. Prior, she was chief financial officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and has held positions in every Boeing business unit. She begins her role as President and CEO of Commercial Airplanes immediately.
25 Mar 24. Howmet Aerospace Announces Leadership Appointment. Effective April 8, 2024, Johan (John) Wall will join Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM) as President, Engineered Structures. In this role, John will have responsibility for all Engineered Structures employees and locations globally. John will be based in Cleveland, OH, and will report directly to John Plant, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. John was most recently with Precision Castparts (“PCC”) as President for its Aerostructures business. During his 17-year tenure with PCC, John held roles of progressive accountability including Regional Vice President of PCC Aerostructures, General Manager – Aerospace Dynamics International, General Manager – Centra Industries, Director of Sales – Centra Industries, and Director of Quality – Centra Industries. Prior to PCC, he worked for Linamar Automotive for nine years in various quality roles of increasing responsibility. John holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Waterloo, Canada. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
27 Mar 24. Victorian Police leader Andrew Crisp appointed to expert adviser role with Proximity. Australian public servant and former Victorian Police senior leader Andrew Crisp has been appointed as an expert adviser for consulting, legal, and commercial services company Proximity. Proximity, a Defence Industry Security Program member, has previously assisted Defence with multibn-dollar capital acquisition and sustainment projects and ICT projects. Company clients in Defence include the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Chief Information Officer Group, Defence Legal, Navy Training Force, Materiel Procurement Branch, Non-Materiel Procurement Branch, Associate Secretary Group, Joint Health Command, Defence Member, and Family Support. As an expert adviser, Crisp is expected to lead major business transformation initiatives and taskforces, undertake governance, organisational and operational reviews, and set strategic direction to deliver tangible client results. Crisp has accumulated more than 30 years of experience with the Victoria Police and has previously served as a deputy commissioner of regional operations at Victoria Police, as Victoria Emergency Management commissioner, and as a peacekeeper with the Australian Federal Police in East Timor. He was awarded the Australian Police Medal during the 2012 Australia Day Honours and is a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022. (Source: Defence Connect)
28 Mar 24. Redarc Defence & Space has announced the appointment of Craig Inns as the newly appointed General Manager Sales, reporting directly to Scott Begbie, EGM Defence & Space. Inns holds a Bachelor of Aeronautical Technology, Aeronautics from UNSW and several graduate diplomas in Avionics from the School of Air Warfare. (Source: Google/https://www.australiandefence.com.au/)