LOCATIONS
LAND
16 May 24. Silentium Defence pushes for greater share of US market. South Australian passive radar developer Silentium Defence has announced a further commitment to the US market, posting co-founder and chief experience officer Simon Palumbo to a new base in Virginia, USA.
Palumbo will assume the role of executive vice-president at Silentium Defence Corporation and will be responsible for in-country customer support, business development, talent acquisition and growth of the US team.
The move follows Silentium’s first US contract announced in October 2023 and is a direct response to increased demand for its MAVERICK M8 passive radar systems across the defence, commercial, and government markets.
“It is clear we have a unique technology that addresses a specific capability gap in the current operating picture, especially as it relates to counter-UAS and expeditionary force protection,” Palumbo said.
“Our low-size, weight and power passive radar system is highly mobile and can see everything in the airspace, even non-emitting objects like silent, autonomous systems and dark drones.
“As the conflict in the Ukraine continues to demonstrate, these threats pose a clear and present danger to troops and mission success. We are committed to getting our systems into the hands of the warfighters as quickly as possible to overcome that challenge and help protect what matters.”
Recently trialled at Exercise Trident Spectre 2024 and exhibited at SOF Week in Tampa, Silentium’s MAVERICK M8 passive radar goes from backpack to operational in less than seven minutes to provide persistent, covert surveillance of the environment.
Already in various stages of trial and use by the Australian Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as global customers and partners, Silentium is the only company in the world delivering passive radar systems for surveillance of sea, air, land, and space.
“Ours is a globally relevant technology and now is the time to get it into the hands of the people who can benefit from it the most, our defence force and allied partners,” Dr James Palmer, chief executive officer of Silentium Defence, said.
“Simon’s posting to the US is a clear demonstration of our commitment to that market, directly aligns to our global growth strategy, and reflects the size and scale of opportunities we have identified.
“His presence in country expedites our ability to respond to those opportunities and capitalise on our recent momentum.”
Palmer remains at the helm of the Australian operation and will continue to drive the 60-strong team headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, while Palumbo will leverage his deep customer and industry relationships in the US to convert current opportunities and build the operational and leadership footprint required for scale. (Source: Defence Connect)
14 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Dedrone Opens Office at UAS Denmark Test Center. Dedrone is set to leverage the test facilities at UAS Denmark Test International Test Center (UAS Denmark) at the Hans Christian Andersen (HCA) for real-time development and testing, offering access to cutting-edge sensors and threat simulation capabilities. UAS Denmark Test Center in Odense, Denmark, serves as a premier unmanned systems technology test and development hub. It results from a collaboration between HCA, Odense Municipality, and the University of Southern Denmark. The mission at UAS Denmark is to enhance the potential of drones by providing optimal conditions for startups, businesses, and public entities, offering access to top-tier testing facilities, expertise, skills, and a vibrant ecosystem right in the heart of Europe’s robotics hub in Odense.
“We are happy to witness that our test center serves as a hub for the entire drone ecosystem – both in terms of physical drones and their software systems as well as anti-drone technology (counter UAS/C-UAS),” says Head of UAS Denmark Test Center Michael Larsen, adding:
“With Dedrone we are adding an internationally acclaimed counter-drone specialist to our ecosystem, and we are confident that both Dedrone, the test center and our other companies will benefit Dedrone’s presence at the airport.”
Established in 2014 and based near Washington D.C., Dedrone operates in 32 countries and is utilized by five G-7 nation governments.
This move marks Dedrone as the second American company to establish a presence at HCA Airport this year. In an earlier development in 2023, Thunderstrike Aviation unveiled plans to construct a test, development, and demonstration center at the airport.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
MARITIME
13 May 24. New German Navy corvette christened, boosting coastal defence. Karlsruhe’s modernisation signals enhanced surveillance and engagement in coastal waters. In a ceremony at the NVL Blohm+Voss location in Hamburg, the German Navy welcomed the christening of the corvette Karlsruhe. The event, attended by dignitaries from politics, business, and administration, highlighted the importance of the new corvettes in bolstering surface reconnaissance and maritime target engagement, particularly in coastal waters. Karlsruhe’s First Mayor, Gabriele Luczak-Schwarz, underscored the city’s longstanding association with the German Navy, dating back over a century. With pride, she christened the third unit in the name of Karlsruhe, emphasising the vessel’s role in promoting peace, democracy, and human rights across the world’s oceans. The christening ceremony symbolised the launch of a new ship and the bond between the city of Karlsruhe and its naval counterparts. The new corvettes, manufactured by the joint venture K130, comprising NVL Group, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and German naval yards Kiel, represent a technological leap forward in naval warfare. Equipped with technology, these vessels are poised to expand the German Navy’s operational capabilities. According to GlobalData’s intelligence on the German defence market, the German Navy has five Braunschweig-class corvettes in its fleet, acquiring them between 2008 and 2013. Tim Wagner, CEO of the NVL Group, emphasised the corvettes’ importance in the fleet’s modernisation efforts. Despite challenges in the construction process, including the integration of command and weapon deployment systems, Wagner affirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to ensuring the timely readiness of these assets. Beyond their combat capabilities, the corvettes serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts of diverse professionals, each contributing their specialised skills to the design and production process. From logistics and service provision to crew training, the construction contract encompasses a range of tasks. As the corvette Karlsruhe undergoes final equipment and testing in Hamburg, anticipation grows for its operational deployment. With all five corvettes in various stages of production, the German Navy looks ahead to a future marked by enhanced maritime security and presence in coastal regions. In other recent German naval developments, Damen Shipyards Group, in collaboration with NVL Group, commenced constructing Germany’s largest maritime project with the steel-cutting ceremony for the F126 frigates at the Peene shipyard in Wolgast. (Source: naval-technology.com)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
15 May 24. HMAS Sirius sails into history as Australia’s largest vessel scrapped. The RAN fuel tanker finds new life as scrap metal after 15 years of service. In a departure from its days as a naval asset, HMAS Sirius, one of the largest vessels to grace Australian waters, has embarked on its final journey – this time to the scrapyard. After 15 years of service as a RAN fuel tanker, the decommissioned ship has been transformed into scrap metal, marking the end of an era. Located at the Australian Maritime Complex facility near Perth, industry partner Birdon Group took on the task of dismantling Sirius, a vessel steeped in history and significance. Acting First Assistant Secretary Strategy Planning and Independent Assurance Suzanne Kerrigan expressed satisfaction at Birdon Group’s successful bid.
“We are pleased to see the successful disposal of one of the largest ships in Australia to have been awarded to an Australian industry partner,” Ms Kerrigan said.
Initially commissioned in 2006 and named in honour of HMS Sirius of the First Fleet, the vessel underwent modifications to fulfil its role as a naval fuel tanker. Over the years, HMAS Sirius played a role in various operations, from delivering fuel to the RAN fleet at sea to conducting patrols during operations Resolute and Red Raptor.
Following its final deployment to Southeast Asia and the South West Pacific, HMAS Sirius officially retired from service in December 2021. As it undergoes recycling, the ship’s materials will find new life in projects across Australia and beyond.
Despite this development, naval vessels and surface combatants are the second-largest sector by forecast value in Australia’s defence market, according to GlobalData. The cumulative market value is $9.9bn, with a positive CAGR of 2.4%. Australian expenditure on naval vessels is anticipated to increase from $1.5bn to $1.7bn in 2028. Kerrigan highlighted the significance of recycling the vessel: “After the Sirius deconstruction, 99% of the ship’s materials have been recycled for the industry for the development of new projects, which will be used across Australia and the world. It is encouraging knowing that her ongoing service continues as she is recycled into new projects.” Though its days at sea may be over, Sirius reincarnates through new ventures and endeavours. (Source: naval-technology.com)
13 May 24. RoK plans to retire F-4 Phantom IIs in June. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) is preparing to retire its Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) F-4E Phantom IIs in June 2024. The fleet conducted final weapon launches and a cross-country flight as it prepares to wind down from service, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on 13 May. Four F-4E Phantom IIs took off from the RoKAF’s Suwon Air Base on 9 May for the commemorative flight, the MND added. (Source: Janes)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
16 May 24. Russia will expel the UK’s defence attaché in Moscow in a retaliatory move for the expulsion of its own representative from London last week, the foreign ministry said on Thursday. It confirmed that the decision was a tit-for-tat response after the UK expelled Russia’s defence attaché, who the British government said was an “undeclared military intelligence officer”, last Wednesday. Moscow viewed that move as “a politically motivated action with a clearly expressed Russophobic character, which deals irreparable damage to bilateral relations”, Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement. Russia’s response would “not be limited” to the expulsion, the ministry added, without elaborating. The British diplomat has been given a week to leave the country. Grant Shapps, UK defence secretary, called Russia’s retaliation a “desperate” response. “Whilst Russia’s DA in the UK was acting as a spy, Putin’s only issue with ours was that they personified the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of his illegal and barbaric invasion,” he said on X. (Source: FT.com)
04 May 24. SAS faces perfect storm of overstretched troops and shrinking talent pool. Cuts to Army troop numbers leave special forces struggling to recruit enough personnel to meet their operational needs.
The Special Air Service Regiment is facing a perfect storm of being operationally overstretched while recruiting from a shrinking talent pool, senior defence sources have claimed.
Cuts to Army troop numbers mean that Britain’s special forces have struggled to recruit enough personnel to meet their operational and training commitments with both the SAS and the Special Boat Service (SBS) undermanned, defence sources have disclosed.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Sunday Telegraph has revealed that almost every infantry regiment, from which the SAS recruits the vast majority of troops, is short of personnel, some by almost 100 soldiers.
The FOI reply shows that all five of the King’s Guards regiments are understrength, with the Scots Guards being the worst recruited.
Key units such as tank, artillery and engineering regiments, which also supply personnel to the SAS, are facing troop shortages too.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) did not include figures for the Parachute Regiment, whose soldiers make up 50 per cent of the SAS, and the Royal Marines, who supply the vast majority of troops to the SBS.
But figures obtained by The Telegraph last week revealed that since 2016, the strength of the Parachute Regiment had fallen by almost a tenth from 2,200 troops to 2,030 in October 2023, while the Royal Marines have fallen by more than 1,000 marines from 7,110 to 6,040.
The Ranger Regiment, which is composed of about 660 personnel and is described by the MoD as “Special Forces capable”, is also facing troop shortages. According to the MoD, the Rangers should be composed of four units of 250 personnel each.
When the war on terror began in 2001, the Army was composed of around 110,000 personnel but the current trained strength of the British Army stands at 73,150, a figure which will reduce to 73,000 by next year.
The last time the Army was this small was in 1770, just prior to the US War of Independence when George III was on the throne and the Army was composed of 48,000 troops.
More now leaving than joining
Meanwhile, the size of the SAS and SBS has remained the same and their operational commitments have increased, although now both units received operational support from the Special Forces Support Group, which is largely composed of Paras.
Both the SAS and SBS are currently deployed in Iraq, Syria, the Baltics and have reported as undertaking training missions in Ukraine.
Troops from the SAS and the SBS also conduct numerous training missions around the world, especially in Africa, where they help train the special forces of the UK’s allies.
Two special forces selection courses are held every year and those who pass are given the option of serving in the SAS or the SBS. Up to 100 experienced soldiers attend each course but fewer than 10 are usually selected and the recent courses have produced even fewer recruits.
Defence sources have said that more members of the special forces are now leaving than joining which is placing SAS and SBS personnel under even more strain.
One source told The Sunday Telegraph: “The SAS is about to be hit by the perfect storm of over-tasking and being understrength – it simply cannot recruit enough personnel because it won’t lower its standards and the talent pool is now too small. Something will have to give very soon.
“It’s alway been a struggle to get enough volunteers of the right calibre to join the SAS and the SBS but it is even harder now.”
Extremely demanding and rewarding
The Special Reconnaissance Regiment, which is also part of the Tier 1 Special Forces Group, has a different selection process and recruits both men and women from all three of the armed forces and so the recruiting pressures are seen as being not as severe.
The SAS source added: “Life in the special forces is both extremely demanding and rewarding but it is not as glamorous as most people, even in the Army, think. It is a continuous round of unrelenting operations and training interspersed with leave.
“The toll is huge and it is little wonder that the regiment has the highest divorce rate in the Army.”
Colonel Phil Ingram, a former Army Intelligence Corps officer who worked with the special forces during his career, said: “A shrinking number of personnel in the military will have a disproportionate impact on special forces recruitment as the pool of potential volunteers is reducing.
“The Paras have survived numerous troop cuts because they are a traditional feeder for SF but this is a growing worry and an unsustainable situation. Modern conflicts need increased special forces – smaller recruiting pools have a severe negative impact.
“This puts more pressure on those already in SF roles and that impacts retention. This is not a healthy cycle for our wider security.”
An MoD spokesperson said: “By spending £75 billion more on UK defence over the next six years, we will be the biggest defence power in Europe, and have already deployed 20,000 personnel this year to the largest NATO exercise in a generation.
“Headline numbers do not define the British Army’s effectiveness and we are already making the Army more integrated, agile, and lethal, helping protect the UK at home and abroad.
“Increasing recruitment and improving retention across the Armed Forces are absolute priorities and we have put in place a number of measures, including improved career opportunities and making it easier for people to re-join, on top of the largest pay increase in more than 20 years.”
(Source: Daily Telegraph)
16 May 24. 30,000 forces families helped to buy own home with life-changing government support. In the 10 years since the Forces Help To Buy scheme launched, over 30,000 families have so far benefitted from government support, with more than £450m in interest free loans issued to service personnel to help them get onto the property ladder.
- More than £450m provided to help service personnel onto property ladder as Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) celebrates 10th anniversary
- Over 5,000 expect to benefit from scheme this year, the highest since its launch
- Scheme offers interest-free loans of up to 50% of an individual’s annual salary
Nearly 30,000 service men and women have been helped to buy their own home thanks to a life-changing government support scheme celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The Ministry of Defence’s Forces Help to Buy scheme has provided more than £450 million in financial support and helped 29,400 service personnel onto the housing ladder since launching in April 2014.
More than 5,000 service men and women are expected to take advantage of the scheme this year, which would be the highest annual figure since the launch.
The scheme offers interest-free loans of up to 50% of an individual’s annual salary, with a maximum limit of £25,000.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, said: “Getting onto the housing ladder is an aspiration for so many people across the country and through Forces Help to Buy, we’ve been able to make that dream a reality for thousands of service families. These incredible men and women sacrifice so much in service of their country and I’m proud we’ve helped over 30,000 of them take the life-changing step onto the housing ladder over the past decade. I look forward to supporting many more in the years to come. By helping service personnel secure a permanent residence for them and their families, the scheme also supports spouses to develop their own careers and ensure their children have a stable start in life. The Forces Help to Buy Scheme is open to regular personnel and the loans can be used towards the deposit, legal fees, and other costs associated with buying a property.”
Staff Sergeant Sean Hanlon said: “After renting locally we wanted to put down roots to allow my partner Nicola to concentrate on her own career. Forces Help to Buy provided the financial aid and support we needed to ensure we had the home we desired. The best part about having our house is it’s ours. Having somewhere for Nicola and our dog Reggie knowing they are settled and happy is important for a good work life balance.”
The scheme started as a pilot and was made permanent at the beginning of 2023 as a commitment in the Defence Accommodation Strategy.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
17 May 24. General Dame Sharon Nesmith DCB ADC Gen is to be appointed as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of General, in succession to General Gwyn Jenkins CB OBE ADC Royal Marines in June 2024.
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
16 May 24. Babcock signs UK charter to secure critical nuclear skills. Babcock has reinforced its commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs to deliver national security and energy resilience. Alongside Nuclear Skills Executive Council members, Babcock CEO David Lockwood signed the new UK Nuclear Skills Charter, a collaborative approach to delivering the 10-year National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills (NNSPS), to upskill and retain the current workforce, to attract skilled employees from across the UK, to significantly increase the investment in early careers, as well as investing in the nuclear leaders of the future. The NNSPS will build a strong and resilient UK nuclear capability for the future.
David Lockwood, said, “The defence and civil nuclear sectors underpin thousands of jobs across the UK and this collaborative national endeavour is about making sure the UK has the skills it needs. With Government, academia and industry working together, we will upskill today’s UK nuclear workforce and open up career opportunities to a broader range of people. Attracting people with different backgrounds and experience will help ensure the UK has the nuclear skills needed for today and tomorrow.”
Babcock plays a critical role across the nuclear enterprise, delivering nationally important programmes such as the maintenance of the UK’s fleet of nuclear submarines and the provision of critical support to the country’s nuclear power facilities. As a key industrial partner delivering the NNSPS, Babcock is taking a leading role in developing the South West regional hub, working collaboratively with industry and education partners to identify areas of opportunity for enhancing nuclear skills. Babcock is actively supporting Destination Nuclear, the first ever national nuclear communications and recruitment campaign, and has provided full-time executive support to the government-led task force. Last year, Babcock launched its own Skills Academy, focusing on developing the current and future nuclear skills it needs to support the UK’s civil and defence sectors, including supporting the submarine enterprise. More than 2,000 people are expected to pass through the Skills Academy in its first three years, and a further 10,000 over the following five years.
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
17 May 24. A new era of leadership at MCL After six years at the helm of Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL), Shane Knight has retired as MCL’s managing director. Shane has led the company through some of its most successful and exciting years and we wish him well in his next journey. Last week, MCL announced the appointment of Claire King as the new managing director. Claire has over 20 years’ experience in the defence sector, having joined MCL from Leonardo in 2012. Throughout her career she has taken on supply chain, commercial, and sales and marketing roles primarily within the C4ISR Land and Maritime domains within both the UK and international defence and security markets. Claire has drawn on her experience in larger defence organisations to great effect within her former roles as head of business development and sales and marketing director.
14 May 24. Raytheon UK, part of RTX’s Raytheon business, has today announced the appointment of James Gray as its new chief executive and managing director, effective 1 June 2024. Since 2018, Gray has served as the managing director of the company’s Cyber, Space & Training business where he has secured significant growth building enduring sovereign capabilities. He succeeds Jeff Lewis, who is retiring after serving in the role for the past four years.
15 May 24. Ursula Biernert succeeds Peter Sebastian Krause as Chief Human Resources Officer. The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Employee Relations Director of Rheinmetall AG in office since 2017, Peter Sebastian Krause (64), will officially retire at the end of his Executive Board contract on December 31, 2024, bringing his long career at Rheinmetall to a close just before his 65th birthday. After joining the Rheinmetall subsidiary Pierburg GmbH in 1997, the law graduate held a number of different management positions at various subsidiaries and at the holding company before finally being appointed to the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG in 2017. He will be succeeded by Dr Ursula Biernert (54), who, after working in human resources at Volkswagen, Porsche, Thales and DB Cargo, previously worked as CHRO and Employee Relations Director at the automotive supplier Leoni AG. The full handover to Ms. Biernert will take place with effect from October 1, 2024already to allow for a rapid and smooth orientation. From 1 October 2024, the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG will therefore consist of Armin Papperger (CEO), Dagmar Steinert (CFO) und Dr Ursula Biernert (CHRO). The Supervisory Board and his colleagues on the Executive Board would like to thank Mr. Krause for his valuable work over many successful years together.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
14 May 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announces that Dave Keffer, corporate vice president and chief financial officer, has announced his intent to retire, effective February 21, 2025, to spend more time with family. In addition, Mark Caylor, corporate vice president and president of Mission Systems, has announced his intent to retire, effective July 26, 2024. The board of directors has elected Kenneth B. Crews, vice president of business management and chief financial officer for the Space Systems sector, to succeed Keffer, effective October 1, 2024. Crews will become vice president, Corporate Finance on July 1, and work directly with Keffer to ensure a smooth transition. Effective July 1, Roshan Roeder, corporate vice president and president of Defense Systems, will succeed Caylor as president of Mission Systems. The board of directors also has elected Ben Davies corporate vice president and president, Defense Systems sector, to succeed Roeder. Davies is currently corporate vice president and general manager of the Strategic Deterrent Systems (SDS) division in Space Systems. The SDS division, which includes the Sentinel program, also will be realigned into Defense Systems effective July 1.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
13 May 24. Riaz Saloojee joins Incomar. Riaz Saloojee is now Head of Strategy and Business Optimisation at Incomar. Aerospace and defence company Incomar, in addition to expanding its capabilities and adding new aircraft to its fleet, is also adding key personnel to its team, with former Denel executive Riaz Saloojee taking up the role of Head of Strategy and Business Optimisation. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)