LOCATIONS
LAND
16 Aug 24. Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) (the “Company”), a global technology leader, today announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Melville, NY to Chandler, AZ. Comtech’s new corporate headquarters in Chandler boasts approximately 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art office, engineering and manufacturing space that is designed to enhance operations, improve collaboration and accelerate the delivery of new technologies, systems and services to a variety of customers across global markets.
15 Aug 24. XFS Global, LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOSB) manufacturer of state-of-the-art, fully integrated semi-permanent engineered fabric shelter and support equipment technologies, today announced the company is expanding its Natural Bridge Station, Virginia manufacturing operations. Since beginning operations nearly one year ago, XFS Global has aggressively pursued and successfully secured new business primarily within its military products and services offering, most recently securing the Atmospheric Water Generation On the Move (AWG OTM) US Marine Corps Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. The company sustained this rapid growth through partnerships with like-minded quality suppliers.
“We are grateful for our long-standing relationships with our manufacturing partners who have supported us during the past year as we stood up our Virginia facility. At this point in our planned trajectory, it is time for XFS Global to bring the manufacturing of our previously outsourced components to Virginia. We will achieve this through vertical integration by acquiring the equipment and processes used to produce the outsourced components,” said Jacob Furbee, President and CEO of XFS Global.
“Having our all our components manufactured within our Virginia facility will support our continued process improvement initiatives, allow us to expand our manufacturing capabilities, and make us even more agile and operationally efficient,” added Paul Wilcox, Vice President of Business Development & Market Growth.
Additionally, the XFS Global operational expansion means more jobs in the Natural Bridge Station area. Once the integration is complete, all manufacturing processes will be housed in one location, streamlining manufacturing and quality control processes and improving delivery timelines.
“Our end-state goal is, as always, to bring the best, highest quality innovative products and services to all our customers. We are excited for this expansion and look forward to continuing in our mission,” concluded Mr. Furbee. (Source: PR Newswire)
MARITIME
20 Aug 24. Iran Unveils First Look At Its ‘Strange’ Aircraft Carrier, Shahid Bagheri. Iran has revealed its first aircraft carrier, Shahid Bagheri, a converted commercial vessel designed for drone operations under the IRGC. Iranian media has released the first clear footage of the Shahid Bagheri, the country’s first aircraft carrier, which has been repurposed to serve as a forward base for drone operations. This vessel was built by converting the commercial container ship Perarin specifically under the oversight of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Shahid Bagheri features an angled flight deck and a ski-jump launch system, reminiscent of those found on Russian Kuznetsov Class and British Queen Elizabeth Class carriers. The Shahid Bagheri, now in the final stages of its conversion, is expected to facilitate long-range drone operations. The vessel’s design leverages the existing 790-foot length of the container ship, enabling the installation of a flight deck capable of launching and recovering drones. A second ship, also a converted container vessel, is expected to follow, designated as the Shahid Mahdavi. While the conversion of commercial vessels into military platforms imposes certain limitations—particularly regarding their ability to withstand damage in combat—the IRGC appears to consider these ships sufficient for unmanned drone operations. The Shahid Bagheri’s primary mission will likely include supporting Iran’s drone operations across the Middle East. The construction and conversion of these vessels align with Iran’s broader naval strategy, which has increasingly focused on repurposing commercial vessels for military use. The IRGC has previously used a similar strategy with the Makran, another converted vessel designed for helicopter and drone operations. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
20 Aug 24. UAE Naval Forces Receive Advanced Corvette From Naval Group. His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Commander-in-Chief of the UAE Naval Forces, witnessed the official handover ceremony of the advanced corvette “Emirates” at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi Naval Base.
This state-of-the-art vessel represents a significant leap forward in the UAE’s naval capabilities.
The ceremony was attended by senior naval officers and strategic partners who played a pivotal role in integrating advanced defense systems, communication technologies, and unmanned systems into the corvette. These enhancements align with the Ministry of Defense’s strategic plans to modernize the military and bolster the operational capabilities of the UAE Naval Forces.
According to a Ministry of Defense statement on X, the ceremony was graced by His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Commander-in-Chief of the UAE Naval Forces, along with senior naval officers and strategic partners.
The attendees highlighted the crucial contributions of these partners in equipping the corvette with cutting-edge technologies that enhance its defensive, communication, and unmanned systems capabilities. These advancements are in line with the Ministry of Defense’s ongoing efforts to modernize the military and elevate the operational readiness of the UAE Naval Forces.” (Source: Defense Arabia)
19 Aug 24. Nigerian Navy getting new Malaysian patrol boats. The Nigerian Navy’s patrol boat flotilla will add two new patrol vessels to its fleet in September following a successful two-year build in Malaysia.
Shipbuilding companies KN Aluminium and Engineering (KNAE) and Northern Shipyard, both Malaysian private limited companies, completed construction, fabrication and manufacture of what a Malaysian news agency termed “38 metre Sea Eagle” vessels using local expertise and labour.
The Sea Eagle is a Suncraft design for for naval or coast guard patrol duties within Exclusive Economic Zones(EEZ). The Sea Eagle comes with a stern ramp to accommodate a fast-launched RHIB or Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) to fulfil additional operational requirements. Top speed is 29 knots and armament is a 20 or 40 mm cannon.
The new additions (P197 and P198) to the Nigerian Navy fleet will be ferried to Lagos’ Apapa Port aboard a cargo vessel, Bernama reported.
Present at the construction completion ceremony on 13 August was Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
Noting the 99% local labour and expertise component of the build, KNAE Director Khee Chee Kheong said his company specialised in the design, manufacture and integration of ships using the latest and most advanced systems to meet the needs of an ever-evolving maritime industry.
He expressed the hope that the ability to build the two vessels would be further recognised with opportunities to build ships for the Malaysian Navy.
Northern Shipyard via its Corporate Relations Manager, Captain Baharin Baharom, noted the newest vessel to exit its yard marked continuity in that it followed a previous contract for four Manta Mk II patrol craft in February 2020, which are now in service with the Nigerian Navy. The Nigerian Navy is a repeat customer for the Manta Mk II and by 2013 had taken 22 of the 17 metre long vessels into service. The Nigerian Navy has previously acquired Sea Eagle vessels, notably commissioning the NNS Zaria and NNS Burutu in April 2009. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
AIR
19 Aug 24. The U.S. Marine Corps formally accepted the 23rd and final next-generation VH-92A presidential helicopter built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company (NYSE: LMT) in recent ceremonies here, marking a significant milestone for the company whose aircraft have flown every U.S. president since 1957.
“This delivery represents a significant milestone and new chapter in the rich, 67-year history of Marines providing helicopter transport of the president of the United States. The VH-92A Patriot® brings increased capabilities for this no-fail mission supporting the Commander-in-Chief around the world,” said Lieutenant General Bradford Gering, Deputy Commandant for Aviation. “Sikorsky’s contribution to Marine Aviation has enabled your United States Marine Corps to be a ready and lethal fighting force.”
The delivery demonstrates the success of the VH-92A helicopter program to design, build and deliver the program of record under budget and within the planned delivery schedule. The VH-92A helicopter will transport the President and Vice President of the United States and other officials. Sikorsky brings unmatched experience and a proven track record to this mission having flown every president since 1957. The VH-92A, also called a “White Top” due to its notable white and green livery, will continue this legacy for decades to come.
“Once again, Sikorsky’s highly-skilled employees have shown their ability to innovate, manufacture and deliver these next-generation VH-92A presidential helicopters that will be operating worldwide in support of presidential missions well into the future,” said Richard Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “This milestone is a credit to our valued and long-lasting partnership with the Marine Corps as we provide a highly-tailored solution for the Marine Corps’ unique, critical mission.”
The VH-92A program ensures long-term affordability by utilizing the FAA certified Sikorsky S-92 aircraft, which is best-in-class for safety and reliability. The S-92 aircraft was modified at Sikorsky facilities in Owego, New York, and Stratford, Connecticut for the VH-92A mission based on government-defined requirements.
15 Aug 24. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the all-new Gulfstream G400 successfully completed its first flight, officially launching the flight test program and further expanding Gulfstream’s ultramodern, high-technology family of next-generation aircraft. The G400 defines a new standard with the highest performance and greatest comfort ever experienced in this segment. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the all-new Gulfstream G400 successfully completed its first flight, officially launching the flight test program and further expanding Gulfstream’s ultramodern, high-technology family of next-generation aircraft. The G400 departed Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 9:04 a.m. and returned 2 hours, 54 minutes later, having reached a speed of Mach 0.85 and altitude of 41,000 feet/12,497 meters. The aircraft accomplished this mission using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel from Gulfstream’s Savannah campus. The G400 showcases class-leading performance and efficiency with its combination of Gulfstream’s aerodynamic clean-wing design, advanced Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812GA engines and next-generation avionics. The aircraft can fly 4,200 nautical miles/7,778 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and is equipped with Gulfstream’s award-winning Symmetry Flight Deck and Predictive Landing Performance System to help improve flight safety and pilot situational awareness. The G400 also features the advanced high-speed Gulfstream-designed wing and winglet, introduced on the Gulfstream G500 and G600, that greatly enhance efficiency. The G400 offers customers a choice of three floorplans with seating for up to nine, 11 or 12 passengers and provides the signature Gulfstream Cabin Experience with 100% fresh, never recirculated air purified by a plasma ionization clean air system; the lowest cabin altitude in its class; and light from 10 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows.
“The completion of the first flight marks a significant milestone for the G400,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “It demonstrates, yet again, the maturity of Gulfstream’s new aircraft programs and the advantages created by the intentionally designed commonalities shared across our next-generation fleet.”
Customers can experience the G400 interior at the Gulfstream Savannah-based showroom, which includes a full-size G400 mock-up alongside immersive multimedia content and interior design display, or the sales and design center in Beverly Hills which also hosts a G400 cabin mock-up. These invitation-only opportunities allow customers to see firsthand the safety and wellness-enhancing features of the G400 while gaining insight into the Gulfstream design process. (Source: PR Newswire)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
22 Aug 24. Sir Stephen Lovegrove has been appointed as the Government’s AUKUS Adviser, to help the UK maximise the benefits of AUKUS and unlock further opportunities within the historic partnership.
20 Aug 24. Mr Bharat Joshi has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Angola and non-resident Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe in succession to Mr Roger Stringer MBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Joshi will take up his appointment during October 2024.
INDUSTRY
19 Aug 24. A new £12m state-of-the-art training facility has opened in Glasgow to ensure Scottish shipbuilding has a thriving workforce for generations to come. The Applied Shipbuilding Academy at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard measures 5,500 and is designed to develop the entire workforce, from new starters to senior leaders. The Academy will be a key training facility for all the apprentices and graduates in the Company’s Naval Ships business as well as provide life-long learning and skills development activities for around 4,500 employees.
The Academy comprises a Modern Trade Hall and a Flexible Learning Hub. The Hall offers a high quality, hands-on training environment where learners are fully immersed in realistic ship mock-ups. The adjacent Hub houses over 30 teaching spaces, a cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) innovation lab, an exhibition area and conference space.
The investment will help ensure that current and future employees can reach their full potential in priority areas for the shipbuilding and maritime industry.
Paul Feely, Academy and Engineering Director, BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: “The Applied Shipbuilding Academy is an extraordinary innovation centre that will enable outstanding learning across our entire workforce and help secure a strong future talent pipeline.
“Investing in our people and harnessing the latest technological advancements is fundamental to our mission, enabling us to deliver on the national endeavour that is the Type 26 programme and future projects. This commitment ensures that we can equip navies worldwide with a decisive competitive edge for generations to come.”
Rod Paterson, Chief Executive Officer, National Shipbuilding Office, said: “The BAE Systems Applied Shipbuilding Academy is a fantastic enduring commitment which will develop a pipeline of skilled workers fit for the future. I look forward to the contribution the Academy will make to creating a highly skilled workforce and our national shipbuilding capabilities. It is excellent to see the vision become a reality.”
Following similar investments in both Samlesbury and Barrow-in-Furness in the North West of England, the Academy in Glasgow is BAE Systems’ third dedicated training facility. These facilities use the knowledge and experience of the Company’s training staff to provide a bespoke modern learning environment for BAE Systems’ near 40,000 strong workforce across the UK. Construction of the Janet Harvey Hall, a cutting-edge new shipbuilding facility in Govan, is also well under way. The new facilities, together with a range of additional investments in technologies and equipment, form an overall £300m investment in BAE Systems’ two shipbuilding sites in Glasgow over the next five years. These investments are key elements in the modernisation and digitalisation of both the Govan and Scotstoun yards, supporting the delivery of the eight Type 26 frigates ordered by the Royal Navy, as well as potential future orders.
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
22 Aug 24. Terma and Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS) have executed a Teaming Agreement reflecting the companies’ plans to cooperate on military Aviation Maintenance Services (AMS) in Denmark. The high defense needs and increasing investments in the sector have made a closer Nordic defense cooperation a key priority for both governments and industry. The similarity of aircraft that Denmark and Norway are operating enable Terma and KAMS to cooperate and offer AMS in Denmark, complimenting the Danish Defence’ own capabilities. While Terma has a long history of cooperation with the Danish Defence, e.g. within the aeronautics domain, KAMS has extensive experience providing AMS as an embedded partner to the Norwegian Air Force.
“Local competencies within aircraft maintenance services are important for ensuring operational readiness. Through our cooperation with KAMS, we believe we can support the Danish Defence within AMS by sharing best practices, insights, and investments between our two countries. Terma has extensive experience within service, support, and maintenance – for example from our radars that are placed across the globe – so we view AMS as a natural addition to the areas we are already specialized in,” states Steen Lynenskjold, Executive Vice President at Terma Group.
Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace states that they are extremely pleased with this concrete step towards closer cooperation between the two companies. According to Kongsberg, the strengths, experience, and competence of KAMS and Terma will enable the team to provide effective and efficient maintenance services to the Danish Defence.
“This cooperation reflects the commitment described in our company-level MOU to work closely together to provide defense systems, services, and capabilities in support of our customer needs. We continue to look for areas where our companies are stronger together and can provide better solutions based on this partnership,” says Pamela Willgohs, Senior Vice President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
19 Aug 24. Pekka Airola appointed CEO of DA-Group. DA-Group updates its strategy and organization to meet the future demands of a changing operating environment. Pekka Airola has been appointed as DA-Group’s CEO as of 20 August 2024. Pekka Airola has previously worked in the fields of industrial electronics, mobile phone supply chains and health technology. He has held various management positions related to product portfolios and projects, as well as production. Airola’s most recent role was Vice President of the Welding Machines Business Unit at Kemppi Oy, where he was responsible for ensuring the competitiveness of welding machines in a highly competitive market. For Airola, the most important management principles are creating added value for the customer and taking care of employees and developing their skills.
20 Aug 24. Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, has selected Tom Phillips to serve as the regional director for its Asia Pacific operation. With immediate effect Phillips will be responsible for strengthening the SD presence in the region and executing SD’s ongoing strategic developments across the Asia Pacific area. Phillips steps into his role with over a decade of experience working for Satcom Global, where he most recently led their Singapore operation. As regional director for SD, he will identify new markets, expand the customer portfolio, consolidate existing and new MRO relationships, build new partnerships, introduce established and new SD products and services to the connectivity-hungry market, as well as ensure the continuity of SD’s award-winning customer support. Following the success of the SD Plane Simple® Ku-band antenna rollout and the recent commercial introduction of the SD Plane Simple Ka-band antenna, one of his prime objectives will be to promote the revolutionary hardware and the SD eco-system to the region’s tech-forward business aviation community. The Ku-band antenna is already flying in the region, and the Plane Simple Ka-band recently earned STC approval for Gulfstream airframes, with other OEMs soon to follow.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
20 Aug 24. Academy Securities, a registered broker-dealer, certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), today announced the addition of Lieutenant General Rick Waddell to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Lieutenant General Rick Waddell retired from the Army Reserves in 2021 after more than 20 years of active-duty service and 39 years of combined service. His military career culminated as the Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Senior Military Advisor to the Secretary of State, from 2018 to 2021. In 2019, he was the first Army Reservist promoted to Lieutenant General to serve in a normally active-duty position since World War II. Prior to this role, General Waddell served as Commander of the 76th Operational Response Command and Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs at United States Southern Command. Earlier in his career, he served as the JTF Engineer at Joint Task Force Bravo in Honduras, and in multiple key staff roles in the United States and Iraq, and as the Commander of the Combined Joint Interagency Task Force for Counter-Corruption in Afghanistan. General Waddell has also served as the Deputy National Security Adviser in the Trump Administration and as a Director for European Security Affairs in the Clinton Administration. In addition to his distinguished military career, Waddell has published four books on military history and international relations and spent 17 years successfully launching businesses in Latin America in the retail, energy, and mining sectors. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Aug 24. Cambium, an advanced materials innovator that leverages bio-engineering, chemistry, materials science and proprietary computation for defense and other high-performance applications, is pleased to announce that James Griffin has joined the company as Chief Technology Officer and Tim Gardner joins as Chief Informatics Officer. Cambium will leverage their deep technical and commercial expertise to continue building out a first-of-its-kind materials innovation engine, including AI-driven material discovery, rapid prototyping, and advanced material fabrication for defense and dual-use applications. Cambium is committed to supporting the US and its allies as they face critical capability and supply chain gaps to support high-performance hardware needs across land, air, sea and space applications. Since its inception, Cambium has provided the US Department of Defense with advanced material innovations. In support of that, Cambium has just opened a new 25,000 ft2 purpose-built HQ and R&D facility in El Segundo and a 12,000 ft2 facility in Mojave, CA for research, development, prototyping, field testing, and demonstrations. James and Tim will be instrumental in guiding the work carried out at these locations. (Source: PR Newswire)
20 Aug 24. Empower AI has named Dr. Jennifer Sample as Chief Technology Officer to drive the company’s technology vision, strategy, and execution on behalf of federal government customers. In this role Dr. Sample will ensure that deployments of emerging technology deliver strategic value, support digital transformation goals, and meet agency missions. Dr. Sample joins Empower AI from Accenture Federal Services where as managing director she shaped and executed an AI strategy that delivered solutions across every cabinet-level agency. Prior to that at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), she established programs for emerging technology, intelligent systems, and quantum computing. She also led execution of defense contracts calling for research in data analytics, artificial intelligence, biomaterials and human machine interfaces. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
22 Aug 24. Former GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher, a defense hawk who led the House select committee on China, has joined Palantir Technologies as the new head of its defense division, the company announced today. Gallagher, who resigned from Congress in March and departed in April, started at Palantir in June. Doug Philippone, a venture capitalist who led the company’s defense arm since 2008, will stay with Palantir as an adviser, a spokesperson told Breaking Defense. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
20 Aug 24. Red River, a technology transformation company serving government and enterprise customers, announced today Dr. James Matney as the new Senior Vice President of Solutions and Chief Technology Officer for its Government Technology Services (GTS) business unit. Dr. Matney will spearhead innovation and develop new offerings to expand GTS’s growing portfolio. His areas of expertise include systems engineering, software development, digital engineering, ERP, network operations, cloud architectures, cybersecurity and IT services management. Dr. Matney has over 35 years of experience in the military and federal government contracting industry, holding various senior leadership roles. He was most recently Vice President of Strategy for General Dynamics Information Technology’s (GDIT) Defense Division, contributing to the development and implementation of strategic capability initiatives and innovative solutions. He has managed major government projects, including the UASOCS contract at URS/AECOM, and held leadership roles at Engility and SAIC, focusing on business and solution development and technology innovation. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
20 Aug 24. Skydweller Aero, Inc. announces that Travis Vetter, its Chief Engineer, has been appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In his new position, Travis will spearhead Skydweller’s strategic utilization of innovative technologies to maintain competitiveness and achieve the company’s objectives.
20 Aug 24. Sypris Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq/GM: SYPR) (the “Company”) announced today the appointment of Rebecca R. Eckert, the Company’s current Controller, to the position of Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, effective as of November 1, 2024. Mrs. Eckert will serve as the Company’s principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Mrs. Eckert will remain located at the Company’s headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky and will report to Jeffrey T. Gill, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sypris Solutions, Inc. Mrs. Eckert has served as the Company’s Controller and principal accounting officer since May 2009 and as the Company’s Manager of Financial Reporting from May 2005 to May 2009. Prior to 2005, Mrs. Eckert served as an auditor with Ernst & Young LLP. Mrs. Eckert holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. She is also a certified public accountant in the state of Kentucky. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Aug 24. Ultra Intelligence & Communications (Ultra I&C) has appointed Jeff Wrobel as the organization’s vice president of business development for the company’s communications business division. In this role, Wrobel will oversee strategic growth of Ultra I&C’s all-domain high-capacity data and communication equipment portfolio. Wrobel will be responsible for executing the company’s strategic plan to drive adoption of line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight offerings, including satellite and tropospheric communication products. (Source: PR Newswire)
20 Aug 24. VSE Corporation (“VSE” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: VSEC), a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services, announced the appointment of Adam Cohn as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Garry Snow as Chief Growth Officer for VSE Corporation. Adam Cohn, a seasoned executive finance leader with over 15 years of aerospace and finance-related experience, will join VSE as CFO on September 3, 2024. He will assume responsibility for VSE’s financial strategies and lead the global finance organization, including planning, operational finance, treasury, tax, internal audit, corporate development, and investor relations. Tarang Sharma, who has been serving as interim Chief Financial Officer, will return to his role as Chief Accounting Officer.
Garry Snow will join VSE on September 16, 2024, in a newly created Chief Growth Officer role. With a proven track record of building and leading high-performing sales organizations at Boeing, KLX Inc., and Satair, Garry brings invaluable expertise to VSE to support future organic growth strategies. Under this new role, Garry will oversee customer and supplier business development and marketing. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
19 Aug 24. Hanwha Group has appointed industry veteran Michael Smith as the top executive of its US-focused defense arm, the company announced today. Outgoing CEO John Kelly, who was named to the position in May 2021, will stay through mid-September to assist with the transition before “departing the company to pursue new opportunities,” the company stated. Smith is a Navy veteran who has held senior leadership positions at HII, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, with roles that included president of HII’s nuclear division and Lockheed’s vice president of unmanned maritime systems. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)