LOCATIONS
LAND
05 Apr 24. Ground-breaking ceremony in Szeged: Rheinmetall builds new hybrid plant in southern Hungary – production capacities for civil business units and defence technology Rheinmetall builds a new plant in Szeged, Hungary, and thereby expands its footprint in the EU and NATO partner country. The groundbreaking ceremony on 26 March 2024 was attended by prominent guests. The Hungarian Minister of Defence, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, the Mayor of Szeged, Dr. László Botka, Prof. Dr. Gábor Szabó, Managing Director of the research institute ELI-ALPS, Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged, Milhálffy Béla, Member of Hungarian Parliament, and many other high-ranking representatives from politics, government and industry followed the invitation of Christoph Müller, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Power Systems division, to attend the ceremony. The new plant is Rheinmetall’s first major hybrid site, where the Group’s civil business and defence technology activities will be united under one roof. The site, which is scheduled to go into operation in August 2025, is part of Rheinmetall’s Power Systems division. A plant with a floor area of 15,000 square metres is to be built on an area of 85,000 square metres in the first industrialization step. Up to 300 highly qualified jobs will be created. The total investment volume is €63 million. The Rheinmetall site in Szeged will primarily manufacture products for the Automotive business unit, including electrical components such as nanostructure capacitors, as well as products for the use of hydrogen in mobility and energy generation. In addition, around ten percent of the production area is planned for goods from the military business of Rheinmetall’s Electronic Solutions division.”
“We are delighted to further expand our presence in Hungary, one of our home markets,” says Christoph Müller. “Szeged, the ‘City of Sunshine’, will now be the fourth Rheinmetall site after Budapest, Zalaegerszeg and Várpalota. We are grateful for and proud of the Hungarian government’s trust in us as a partner in the civil and defence industries.”
04 Apr 24. Norway Establishes Arctic Base for Long-Range Drones. The Norwegian government has great ambitions for Andøya, and proposes to reverse the decision to close Andøya so that there will still be a daily military presence at the air station. Andøya is to be developed into a base for long-range drones, and will be central to the support and development of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ space operations. In addition, Andøya is an important airbase for allied reception.
Long-range drones will become a completely new capability in the Armed Forces and will increase our ability to continuously understand the situation and monitor our local areas. A good understanding of the situation is important to ensure national control and freedom of action. Andøya will be an absolutely central base for this development in the Norwegian Armed Forces going forward, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).
The procurement of large drones with adapted sensors and systems in the Norwegian Armed Forces will contribute to continuous monitoring and control with a focus on maritime areas of interest in the north. This new capacity will also be able to help support total defense with monitoring and incident management in the event of, for example, natural disasters or rescue operations. The drones will be operated in a multinational collaboration with close allies that involves both training, operation and development. The former premises of the maritime patrol aircraft can be used for the establishment of drones on Andøya.
“Space-based services are central to military operations and are becoming increasingly important in cooperation with allies, partners and in the NATO community. Secure access to space is becoming central in line with the development of satellite-based services.
The government has a clear ambition for Norway to be foremost among allies in understanding the situation in the north. Satellites help to provide an overview of what is happening in our immediate areas, and Andøya has a unique location when it comes to access to outer space,”says Gram. Andøya Spaceport helps to support the needs of the Armed Forces, as well as bilateral and allied space investment. The government, in cooperation with allies, will develop the ability to quickly replace satellites if necessary. A first measure is to help strengthen the security level at Andøya Spaceport to satisfy military security requirements. This will mean that Andøya Spaceport can be a resource for the rapid launch of replacement satellites either in a national or allied framework. Furthermore, a joint training and development department and permanent guarding and security are established for the base’s function as a base for allied aircraft in peacetime, in crisis and war. The air station area is being developed to support this activity and the Armed Forces’ own innovation and development activities. Andøya air station is important in NATO’s planning. Andøya, Værnes, Sola and Bodø are further developed to be able to receive allies in peacetime and to be able to receive larger amounts of allied air forces in crisis and war. (Source: UAS VISION)
MARITIME
04 Apr 24. HHI delivers Shin Chae-ho submarine to South Korea. HHI showcases its delivery of the third hull within Batch I of the KSS-III class diesel-electric attack submarines to the South Korean Navy. Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) – the world’s largest shipbuilder based in Ulsan, South Korea – recently showcased its delivery of the Shin Chae-ho, a KSS-III class diesel-electric submarine to the South Korean Navy. KSS-III includes the development of nine attack submarines built in three batches as part of South Korea’s indigenous submarine production programme. The first and second hulls of Batch-I were built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), while the third – Shin Chae-ho – was constructed by HHI. Batch-II will include three submarines, with some design changes from the Batch-I hulls. The remaining three submarines will form Batch-III and feature even more advanced technologies. According to GlobalData intelligence, Batch-I alone will cost the Navy just over $1bn over the next ten years. Shin Chae-ho is the first 3,000 tonne submarine that HHI designed and built independently and delivered on time. “This has been possible due to the full support and co-operation from DAPA [South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration] and the Korean Navy,” HHI said in a statement during the delivery on 4 April 2024. “The company has been gaining more attention in terms of shipbuilding technologies and business management capabilities as it has been successful in delivering battleships on time from the Ulsan class Cheonan and Chuncheon frigates, to today’s Shin Chae-ho.” KSS-III Batch-I submarines are fitted with six vertical launch system tubes and eight 533-millimetre torpedo tubes. The boats are also capable of carrying cruise and ballistic missiles. They are also are equipped with Safran Electronics & Defense’s new generation electro-optical surveillance masts, which feature high image resolution and processing capabilities. As part of the ceremony, 20 representatives from nine other countries attended the event including Michael L. MacDonald, member of the Canadian Senate; Michael Jacobson, Director General Submarines of the Royal Australian Navy; Paul Duclos, Peru Ambassador to Korea, all of whom had the chance to see various Korean battleships in person. Such promotional work serves to tap into a larger consumer base as HHI’s offerings may suit other navies, including Poland and Peru, which has recently opted for HHI submarines. (Source: naval-technology.com)
27 Mar 24. Taiwan receives fifth, sixth Tuo Chiang-class corvettes. The Republic of China Navy (RoCN) has received its fifth and sixth Tuo Chiang-class guided-missile corvettes. Presiding over the vessels’ handover ceremony on 26 March at Yilan was Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen who in an official social media post on the same day described the handover event as “an important step forward for Taiwan’s indigenous naval defence”. The Tuo Chiang class is a catamaran-hulled corvette that features a wave-piercing form factor with reduced radar cross-section (RCS) exteriors. It was developed by the country’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology (NCSIST) with local shipbuilder Lung Teh. First-of-class ROCS Tuo Chiang (618) was commissioned in December 2014. The programme’s second-of-class onwards are based on an improved design with a longer overall length of 65 m and a higher displacement of 685 tonnes. The first-of-class displaces about 600 tonnes and has an overall length of about 60 m. The vessels that were handed over on 26 March are named An Chiang (625) and Wan Chiang. (Source: Janes)
AIR
29 Mar 24. HAL delays delivery of first Tejas Mk 1A to mid-2024. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has test-flown its first production Tejas Mk 1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). However, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is unlikely to get the aircraft until mid-2024, an industry source told Janes. According to HAL, the first production aircraft, serial no LA-5033, conducted an 18-minute successful sortie from the HAL airport in Bengaluru on 28 March. HAL intended to deliver at least one Tejas Mk 1A to the IAF by February 2024, a deadline that was subsequently moved up to 31 March. Janes understands that the handover of LA-5033 to the IAF could possibly require at least two additional months. An industry source told Janes that the delay in delivery is because of ongoing “disruptions in the supply chain” for the programme. (Source: Janes)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
05 Apr 24. Unconfirmed reports today suggest that Colin McClean has left RBSL where he was Managing Director. This would make the fourth MD to depart RBSL since its formation. RBSL declined to comment. Sources suggest that Will Gibby starts Monday as the replacement for Colin McClean.
04 Apr 24. Denmark’s government has fired the country’s top military official after embarrassing revelations about faulty air defences on a frigate it sent to the Red Sea to fend off Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. General Flemming Lentfer was sacked late on Wednesday night after failing to report to the defence minister that the Iver Huitfeldt had experienced a half-hour long malfunction of its missile and radar systems during a drone attack last month. The ship was recalled early from its mission. “I have lost trust in the chief of defence,” said Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark’s defence minister, who found out about the incident from a specialist military outlet, Olfi. “We are facing a historic and necessary strengthening of Denmark’s defence forces. This places great demands on our organisation and on the military advice at a political level.” The dismissal of its top defence official comes as Denmark is massively ramping up its defence spending in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and aims to meet Nato’s target of using 2 per cent of GDP on the military this year. Poulsen warned in February that Russia could attack a Nato country within three to five years. (Source: FT.com)
04 Apr 24. Sweden’s Saab said on Thursday its Chief Financial Officer Christian Luiga has decided to leave the defence materials group for another job and it has initiated a search for his successor. (Source: Reuters)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
29 Mar 24. U.S. Army Faces Shortfall in PSYOP Personnel. The U.S. Army is currently experiencing a notable deficit in trained psychological operations (PSYOP) soldiers, essential for conducting military information support operations (MISO) against strategic competitors such as China and Russia. This finding was detailed in a report released by the Department of Defense’s Inspector General (IG) on Wednesday, emphasizing challenges in recruitment, training, and retention within the PSYOP workforce. The shortfall has led to an increased reliance on reservists to meet the continuous, full-time demands of global MISO missions, with operational groups operating at only 60% of their authorized strength. The shortage of PSYOP soldiers is attributed to various factors, including an operational tempo that risks burnout, according to the IG report. The IG report underscores the strategic importance of MISO as a non-traditional tool for shaping the operational environment and deterring large-scale combat operations. It highlights the crucial role of PSYOP in conveying information to influence foreign audiences favorably. Yet, the current shortfall in PSYOP personnel hampers the U.S. military’s information warfare capabilities against key adversaries, underscoring the need for immediate action to address recruitment, training, and policy challenges within the PSYOP community. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
01 Apr 24. Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker Announces Western Hemisphere Policy Leadership Transition. As we continue to strengthen our nation’s alliances and partnerships in the critically important region of the Western Hemisphere, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy expresses profound appreciation for Daniel P. Erikson’s exemplary service as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs. From March 2021 to March 2024, DASD Erikson effectively and skillfully managed U.S. defense and security policy in the thirty-four nation region that encompasses Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. His tenure was marked by his strategic vision, the trust and confidence that he built with defense and military partners across the Americas, and his commitment to advancing the U.S. national interest through innovative approaches that transcended traditional bureaucratic barriers. We thank DASD Erikson for his exceptional public service and his lasting contributions to the Department of Defense, including successful implementation of the National Defense Strategy in the Western Hemisphere, stronger security partnerships, regional defense modernization, advancing climate resilience, and an enduring commitment to democracy and human rights. We wish him continued success as he assumes new responsibilities as the Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere at the National Security Council. We also express appreciation to Mr. James Alverson, Principal Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, who will serve as Acting DASD for Western Hemisphere Affairs in the coming period. (Source: U.S. DoD)
29 Mar 24. Dr. Aprille Ericsson took the oath-of-office to become the first ever Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu administered the oath at the Pentagon today. Ericsson comes to the DOD after more than 30 years at NASA, where she most recently led the new business portfolio for the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Instrument Systems and Technology Division. As ASD (S&T), Ericsson will oversee a broad range of S&T portfolios aimed helping the department achieve leap-ahead defense capabilities, including the 4 areas of critical emerging technology Shyu prioritized as critical for national security. In July, the Pentagon announced the establishment of three assistant secretary of defense posts under R&E: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities, and the post Ericsson now holds. She assumes duties after being nominated by President Joe Biden last year and receiving Senate confirmation Feb. 28.
04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. Marc J. Miguez will be assigned as chief of legislative affairs, Washington, D.C. Miguez is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Two, Norfolk, Virginia.
04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. Ralph R. Smith III will be assigned as director, J2, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Smith is currently serving as deputy director, Operations, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland.
04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. Dennis Velez will be assigned as chief of staff, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Velez is currently serving as director, Plans and Policy, J-5, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.
04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Matthew Case will be assigned as deputy to the assistant director for Health Care Administration, Defense Health Agency, with additional duties as chief of Medical Service Corps, Falls Church, Virginia. Case is currently serving as commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, with additional duties as director, Tidewater Market; and chief of Medical Service Corps, Portsmouth, Virginia.
04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael B. Devore will be assigned as senior military official, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Apra, Guam. Devore is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Surface Forces/Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.
04 Apr 24. Rear Adm. (lower half) Joshua Lasky will be assigned as deputy commander, Joint Interagency Task Force South, U.S. Southern Command, Key West, Florida. Lasky is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command; and deputy commander, Fifth Fleet, Manama, Bahrain.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Douglas J. Adams, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as program executive officer for Undersea Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C. Adams is currently serving as deputy, program executive officer, Undersea Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Timothy A. Brown, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations Division, N4L, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Brown is currently serving as assistant chief of staff for Force Logistics, Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Todd M. Evans, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center; and commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Washington, D.C. Evans is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Todd A. Figanbaum, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Strategic Targeting and Nuclear Mission Planning, J-5N, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Figanbaum is currently serving as director, Submarine Officer Career Management and Distribution Division (PERS-42), Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Bret M. Grabbe, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy chief of staff, Submarines, Maritime Command Headquarters (MARCOM); and commander, Submarines, NATO, Northwood, United Kingdom. Grabbe is currently serving as chief of staff, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawai.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Liam M. Hulin, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Operations – Fire and Effects, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Hulin is currently serving as executive officer to the commanding general, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Brian T. Mutty, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), is assigned as assistant chief of staff, J-3, Joint Forces Command, Naples, Naples, Italy. Mutty recently served as commanding officer, Surface Warfare Schools Command, Newport, Rhode Island.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Craig C. Sicola, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Strategy, Plans and Policy (DJ5), U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Sicola is currently serving as assistant chief of staff for Education, Training, and Planning, Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.
04 Apr 24. Capt. Peter D. Small, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander for Ship Design, Integration and Engineering, SEA-05, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. Small is currently serving as project manager, Program Executive Office, Attack Submarines, Washington, D.C.
03 Apr 24. MG Kimberly M. Colloton, deputy commanding general for Military and International Operations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C., to deputy chief of engineers, Office of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army; and deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C.
03 Apr 24. MG Lance G. Curtis, deputy chief of staff, G-4, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to commanding general, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
03 Apr 24. MG Christopher L. Eubank, commanding general, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, to chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
03 Apr 24. MG Clair A. Gill, deputy director for Regional Operations and Force Management, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., to commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel, Fort Novosel, Alabama.
03 Apr 24. MG Gavin A. Lawrence, commanding general, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to deputy chief of staff for Logistics and Operations, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
03 Apr 24. MG Kevin C. Leahy, commander, Special Operations Command Central, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, to commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq.
03 Apr 24. MG Michael C. McCurry II, commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel, Fort Novosel, Alabama, to chief of staff, U.S. Army Futures Command, Austin, Texas.
03 Apr 24. BG Stephanie R. Ahern, director of Concepts, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Adelphi, Maryland, to commandant, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
03 Apr 24. BG Sarah K. Albrycht, commandant, U.S. Army Military Police School, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to provost marshal general, U.S. Army, and commanding general, Army Corrections Command, Washington, D.C.
03 Apr 24. BG Guillaume N. Beaurpere, commanding general, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to chief of staff, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
03 Apr 24. BG Chad C. Chalfont, deputy commanding general (Maneuver), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas, to commandant, U.S. Army Armor School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Moore, Georgia.
03 Apr 24. BG Kendall J. Clarke, deputy commanding general (Operations), 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York, to director of Concepts, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
03 Apr 24. BG Jasper Jeffers III, deputy director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., to commander, Special Operations Command Central, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
03 Apr 24. BG Shane P. Morgan, commandant, U.S. Army Field Artillery School, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to deputy director for Regional Operations and Force Management, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
03 Apr 24. BG Jason B. Nicholson, commanding general, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.
03 Apr 24. BG Michael J. Simmering, commandant, U.S. Army Armor School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Moore, Georgia, to commanding general, First Army Division East, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
03 Apr 24. BG Brian D. Vile, commandant, U.S. Army Cyber Warfare School and Chief of Cyber, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia, to deputy director, Future Operations, J-3, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.
03 Apr 24. BG Scott D. Wilkinson, commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command; and deputy commanding general-Futures, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to chief, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, D.C.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Jeremy A. Bartel, chief of staff, U.S. Army Central, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, to commander, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central, Operation Enduring Sentinel, Qatar.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) James T. Blejski Jr., assistant chief of staff, G-3, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to director of intelligence, J-2, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Robert G. Born, deputy commander (Support), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas, to deputy commander (Maneuver), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Kirk E. Brinker, deputy commander (Support), 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), Fort Liberty, North Carolina, to deputy commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Kevin S. Chaney, project manager, Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, Program Executive Office Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to deputy, Program Executive Office, Command, Control and Communication (Tactical), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Kenneth C. Cole, deputy commander (Support), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to deputy commander, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, Alabama.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Ronald L. Franklin Jr., NATO Branch Chief, J-5, U.S. European Command, Germany, to senior defense official and defense attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office, Russia.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Rogelio J. Garcia, deputy commander (Support), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, to commandant of cadets, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Peter C. Glass, deputy director/chief of staff, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, to deputy commander (Support), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Cavazos, Texas.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Joseph C. Goetz II, commandant, U.S. Army Engineer School, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to commander, Pacific Ocean Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Phillip J. Kiniery III, deputy commander (Operations), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence; and director, Future Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, Army Futures Command, Fort Moore, Georgia.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Paul T. Krattiger, deputy commander (Support), 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, to deputy commander (Operations), 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Matthew J. Lennox, deputy commander, Cyber National Mission Force, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland, to deputy commander, Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber, U.S. Army Cyber Command, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Robert J. Mikesh Jr., project manager, Integrated Personnel and Pay System–Army, Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems, Arlington, Virginia, to deputy program executive officer, Enterprise Information Systems, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Jin H. Pak, commandant, U.S. Army Quartermaster School, U.S. Army Sustainment Center of Excellence, Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, to commander, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Eighth Army, Republic of Korea.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Allen J. Pepper, senior defense official and defense attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office, Iraq, to commander, U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Brendan C. Raymond, director of integration, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to deputy commander (Support), 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Adam D. Smith, deputy commander for operations, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, to The Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Human Resources Command; commander, U.S. Army Physical Disability Agency; and executive director, Military Postal Service Agency, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
03 Apr 24. Col. (Promotable) Kevin J. Williams, chief of staff, Joint Task Force–Red Hill, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Honolulu, Hawaii, to deputy commander (Operations), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
02 Apr 24. Brazilian Navy and Embraer sign innovation partnership agreement. The Brazilian Navy and Embraer have signed a partnership agreement for mutual support in research, development and innovation. The cooperation aims to develop on-board Surface Search and Coastal Surveillance Radars, with an increase in the maturity of the Gaivota X Radar. The signing ceremony took place today during LAAD in São Paulo, Brazil. Rear Admiral Alexandre de Vasconcelos Siciliano said: “We are proud to partner again with Embraer. This agreement consolidates the continuity of a long-term collaboration with a global technology leader that will expand the range of capabilities for the Brazilian Navy to fulfill its missions. Our expertise in the Gaivota X Radar will be complemented by Embraer’s cutting-edge technologies and advanced capabilities, allowing us to share knowledge and cooperatively develop cutting-edge solutions for the global market. We are very pleased to sign this new agreement with the Brazilian Navy, an institution with which we have a solid, long-term relationship. This cooperation will bring many advances, not only for the Brazilian Navy and Embraer but also for the Brazilian Defense Industrial Base,” says Fábio Caparica, Vice President Business Development, Latin America, at Embraer Defense & Security. Studies by the Brazilian Navy and Embraer cover the integration of the Gaivota X Radar with the Georeferenced Command and Control System (SisC2Geo) and with the Unified Situational Awareness System for Maritime Information Acquisition (SCUA). The cooperation is an important contribution to increasing both the high technological content of the Navy’s Strategic Programs and the development of the Defense Industrial Base, one of the main objectives of the Brazilian National Defense Strategy.
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
04 Apr 24. CAE Inc. announced changes to its Defense & Security business unit’s leadership team. Jason Goodfriend has been appointed Interim Group President, Defense & Security, effective immediately. Mr. Goodfriend replaces Daniel Gelston, who will remain at CAE in a supporting capacity through May 2024. CAE thanks Mr. Gelston for his vision, leadership and many accomplishments and wishes him well in his future endeavours. Mr. Goodfriend, based in Chantilly, Virginia, joined CAE in January 2023 as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for CAE’s Defense & Security business unit. CAE created the COO position at the Defense & Security business unit level as part of a series of organizational and structural changes intended to improve execution and performance. Since then, Mr. Goodfriend has been responsible for managing strategic, operational, and tactical efforts to deliver effective and efficient operations. Mr. Goodfriend came to CAE with over 20 years of experience in the government and private sectors leading and managing organizations and P&L execution for defence companies including BAE Systems Inc., and Akima, LLC. Mr. Goodfriend also brings valuable insight into our defence customers as a distinguished U.S. Army veteran. A search is currently being conducted for a permanent Group President among several highly qualified external and internal candidates with proven track-records of execution in the defence sector to lead and accelerate the transformation of CAE’s Defense & Security business. CAE also announced the recent appointment of Srini Dixit as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Defense & Security. Mr. Dixit has an extensive background that includes structural engineering, international business management, oversight of multi-billion-dollar strategic business units, and leadership of large finance teams. He joined CAE in March 2024 from RTX Corporation where he served as Vice President Finance and CFO of RTX’s Raytheon Air Power strategic business. Before that, Mr. Dixit held various defence unit financial leadership positions for over a decade at Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Source: PR Newswire)
24 Mar 24. Comtech names Jeff Robertson as new president of the firm’s Terrestrial & Wireless Networks business segment. Prior to joining Comtech, Robertson served as President and CEO of Intrado Life Safety, a company specializing in first responder technology in North America. Under his leadership, Robertson enhanced Intrado Life Safety’s operating structure, implemented critical digital transformation initiatives, migrated legacy products to next-generation cloud-based infrastructures, improved employee retention, and strengthened key go-to-market partnerships in under four years. Intrado Life Safety was sold in 2023 for $2.4 bn under Robertson’s leadership. Throughout his career, Robertson has held numerous leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Public Safety for startup innovator RapidSOS, CEO of Airbus DS Communications North America, Vice President and General Manager of Intergraph’s public safety software division, CEO of TCI – TelControl, and CML Emergency Services. He was also the founding executive director of the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance. (Source: Satnews)
28 Mar 24. HawkEye 360 Inc., the world’s leading defense technology company for space-based radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, announced its new members of the Advisory Board, forming the Class of 2024 today. Retired Generals, Gen. David D. Thompson, and Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, two individuals with unique perspectives and vast experience, join for the first time, while Terry McAuliffe and Joan Dempsey return for another term.
General David D. Thompson (Ret.) brings 38 years of experience in the Air and Space Forces to his role, highlighted by his service as the first Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force. In this capacity, he contributed to creating the Space Force and represented the Chief of Space Operations in high-level meetings, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Thompson has commanded at squadron, group, and wing levels and has held senior positions at the National Reconnaissance Office, Air Force Warfare Center, and United States Strategic Command. His education includes a Master of Science in National Security Industrial Policy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University, and a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. Thompson’s career showcases his strategic planning and execution skills in national security and space operations.
Lt. General H.R. McMaster (Ret.) is a soldier and scholar who brings a unique blend of strategic insights and global defense understanding to HawkEye 360. McMaster served in the US Army for thirty-four years and commanded forces in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq before serving as the 25th Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina and authored two bestselling books. He is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, a fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute, a lecturer at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, and a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Arizona State University.
Joan Dempsey & Terry McAuliffe are welcomed back to the HawkEye 360 Advisory Board, each bringing a distinguished blend of experience and achievements to our team. Joan offers unparalleled strategic insights with her extensive background in intelligence, security, and leadership roles at Booz Allen Hamilton and various high-level federal positions. Terry, recognized for his dynamic tenure as the 72nd Governor of Virginia and his significant contributions to economic development and cybersecurity, brings a visionary approach to our mission. Together, their combined expertise and achievements will continue to guide HawkEye 360 in its strategic initiatives and further advancement in the industry. These individuals, forming HawkEye 360 Advisory Board’s Class of 2024, will join the board’s 20 current members. (Source: PR Newswire)
03 Apr 24. Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LECO) (“Company”), announced today that Michele R. Kuhrt has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), effective April 8, 2024. In this newly created role, Kuhrt will lead initiatives to accelerate business process standardization and organizational alignment under the Lincoln Electric Business System (LBS) to support the Company’s strategic goals. She will continue to serve as a member of the executive leadership team and report to Steven B. Hedlund, President and Chief Executive Officer. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
04 Apr 24. Science Applications International Corp. (NASDAQ: SAIC), a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation’s digital transformation across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Srinivas “Srini” Attili as executive vice president, Civilian Business Group, effective May 6, 2024. In this role, Mr. Attili will report to Chief Executive Officer Toni Townes-Whitley and will further extend SAIC’s position as a leader across Civilian markets through innovation and revenue growth. Mr. Attili brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leading transformation initiatives in technology and systems integration across a diverse array of healthcare, technology and public sector organizations. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
02 Apr 24. Vision Products, LLC (www.visionproducts.llc) announced the promotion of Kevin Mellott to the position of Vice President. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the engineering team and technology development initiatives for Vision Products. Mr. Mellott brings years of experience in technology development, having previously served as both the Director of Electrical, Systems and Software Engineering and a program manager at Vision Products. His extensive expertise in these areas, combined with his strong leadership skills, make him the ideal candidate to drive innovation and spearhead the advancement of cutting-edge head mounted display technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from U.C. Berkeley, as well as a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
28 Mar 24. Gresham Worldwide, Inc. (OTCQB: GIGA) (“Gresham Worldwide”) today announced the appointment of Nissim Ovadia as Chief Executive Officer of Enertec Systems 2001, Ltd. (“Enertec”), its defense industry and medical device engineering subsidiary.. Mr. Ovadia joined Enertec in 2017 and has been a catalyst for record growth of the Company during his tenure. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Ovadia served concurrently as CFO and COO and was responsible for the full financial and operations management of Enertec. He was instrumental in the implementation of first-class project management systems and engineering interface protocols and comprehensive customer interfaces. Mr. Ovadia’s appointment ensures a seamless transition and continuity for the Company’s business operations. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
03 Apr 24. Christopher Pyne emerges as Hanwha’s man in Canberra. Hanwha Group, the Korean defence and aerospace conglomerate which has lobbed a $1 bn bid for ASX-listed Austal, has engaged former Coalition defence minister Christopher Pyne as it accelerates its lobbying efforts in Canberra. Pyne & Partners is the latest heavyweight consultancy advising Hanwha, which has had a significant presence in the local defence industry. Austal rejected Hanwha’s $2.825 per share offer, telling investors it is unlikely the Korean firm would be granted approval by officials in Australia and the United States given its sensitive defence contracts. (Source: Google/https://www.afr.com/)
03 Apr 24. Hypersonix Launch Systems Ltd, Australia’s leading aerospace engineering, design and build company, today announces the appointment of former Australian Ambassador to the United States the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO to the position of Chair of the Board effective 18th March 2024. Arthur Sinodinos is currently also Co-Chair of the AUKUS Forum which is a skilled team of entrepreneurs, innovative leaders and visionary change-makers, supporting the trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, The United Kingdom, and the United States. He was Australia’s Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2023, and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and Senator in the Australian Government from 2011 to 2019. Arthur Sinodinos also served as Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Hon. John Howard AC from 1997 to 2006. Leveraging his deep knowledge of both industry and government, having spent years brokering international bridges, Mr. Sinodinos is well primed to guide this visionary company into the global aerospace and satellite launch markets. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)