LOCATIONS
LAND
27 Aug 24. Sigma Defense Systems, a leader in defense technology, announced the grand opening of its cutting-edge production facility in Perry, GA. This state-of-the-art, 13,400 square-foot facility will serve as the global hub for Sigma Defense’s operations, focusing on the development and deployment of hardware and software solutions to propel the Department of Defense’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) initiatives. The facility is also set to generate over 30 high-value technical jobs in the region within the coming year, further boosting the local economy.
This Sigma Defense team in Perry Ga is joined by Congressman Austin Scott, Georgia’s 8th Congressional District; Congressman Sanford Bishop, Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District; State Representative Shaw Blackmon, Georgia’s 146th District; Shavonda Hill, Outreach Director for Senator Raphael Warnock’s office; Shibani Chakrabarty, Outreach Director for Senator Jon Ossoff’s office; and Brigadier General John Kubinec, Commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex.
The ribbon cutting took place on August 27th, 2024, with Sigma Defense Systems executives, employees and distinguished guests taking part in the ceremony. Those who attended included Congressman Austin Scott, Georgia’s 8th Congressional District; Congressman Sanford Bishop, Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District; State Representative Shaw Blackmon, Georgia’s 146th District; Shavonda Hill, Outreach Director for Senator Raphael Warnock’s office; Shibani Chakrabarty, Outreach Director for Senator Jon Ossoff’s office; and Brigadier General John Kubinec, Commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base. Founded in Perry in 2006, Sigma Defense has grown to employ over 800 people globally. Throughout its 18-year journey, the company has remained committed to delivering cutting-edge technology that connects people, systems, and data across all military branches. Sigma Defense continues to expand its capabilities, most recently through the development of a next-generation tactical relay system powered by advanced intelligence for CJADC2 and C5ISR systems. This expansion not only strengthens Sigma Defense Systems’ position in the defense industry but also brings valuable job opportunities to the local community.
MARITIME
23 Aug 24. German-Norwegian Type 212CD submarine programme achieves CDR milestone. The German-Norwegian joint Type 212CD submarine programme has successfully completed its critical design review (CDR) milestone.
In a statement issued on 22 August, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the CDR milestone was achieved mid-year and had been completed in accordance with the plan established by the German-Norwegian joint procurement organisation (JPO) and German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The design phase involved the review of more than 100,000 pages of documentation to ensure the design met around 6,000 contract requirements, the MoD said.
Six next-generation Type 212CD conventionally powered diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) have so far been ordered from TKMS to meet the joint requirements of Germany and Norway under a contract awarded by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) and Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in July 2021.
The acquisition, which is valued at approximately EUR5.5 bn (USD6.1 bn), covers four boats for the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) and two identical ‘common design’ boats for the German Navy. According to the MoD, design work has accounted for just under a quarter of the total costs for the six submarines and will be shared jointly between Norway and Germany.
The first of class, which is destined for the RNoN, started construction at TKMS’ yard in Kiel on 12 September 2023. Under current planning the lead boat is due to start testing in 2027 and is expected to be delivered to Norway in 2029. The two boats for Germany are to be delivered in 2032 and 2034. (Source: Janes)
27 Aug 24. Turkish Navy commissions first Reis-class submarine. The first of six new Type 214TN Reis-class air independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) under construction for the Turkish Navy has entered service. First-of-class TCG Pirireis (S 330) was formally commissioned during a ceremony held at Aksaz Naval Base in Marmaris, southwest Türkiye, on 25 August, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence (MND) confirmed the same day.
The event also marked several other milestones for the Reis-class programme, including the start of initial sea trials for second-in-class Hizirreis (S 331), while third-in-class Muratreis (S 332) was docked for fitting out.
Türkiye selected German shipbuilder thyssenkrupp Marine Systems’ (then Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft’s) Type 214-class AIP submarine design in 2008 to meet its requirement for new boats to replace ageing Type 209 boats. A contract worth around EUR2.5 bn (then valued at USD3.96 bn) was signed in 2009 covering the delivery of material packages for the six boats, which are being built at Gölcük Naval Shipyard using a high degree of local content.
Pirireis started construction in 2015 and was floated out in March 2021. The lead boat was originally planned to be delivered in 2022, but this date was pushed back due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under current planning, Hizirreis will be commissioned in 2025, followed by Muratreis in 2026. The remaining boats in the series are at various stages of construction; fourth-in-class Aydinreis (S 333) was laid down in 2019, followed by fifth boat Seydialireis (S 334) in 2020 and sixth-in-class Selmanreis (S 335) in 2022. All six are planned to be in service by 2029. (Source: Janes)
AIR
28 Aug 24. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) presented Poland’s first F-35A Lightning II to the Polish government during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility. This event marks a significant milestone in the Polish Air Force’s history and strengthens the alliance between the United States and Poland, a key NATO ally.
“Over more than 100-years of the Polish Air Force, there have been many generations of pilots and aircraft. I am proud to be part of history today, introducing the F-35 as the next generation, which will protect and defend Poland’s future for many years. We are joining a strong coalition of 5th generation fighters across Europe, bolstering air superiority through allied deterrence,” said Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of Polish Air Force.
As the most advanced 21st Century Security® solution, the F-35 is the NATO aircraft of choice and will help extend Poland’s strong leadership in NATO through investment in military modernization and enhanced participation in foreign missions. Poland is one of several NATO nations to invest in the allied deterrence of the F-35. With its unmatched interoperability, Poland’s F-35s, named “Husarz” to pay homage to a calvary unit from the country’s military past, will connect assets across domains to increase situational awareness for Poland and its key European partners.
“As the NATO aircraft of choice, the F-35 is a powerful force multiplier and critical to deterring and defeating threats for Poland and its allies,” said Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “We are honored to strengthen our enduring partnership with Poland through today’s celebration, ensuring Polish national security and long-term capability development for decades to come.”
Senior government and military leaders from Poland and the United States attended the ceremony to celebrate Poland’s first of 32 F-35As per its program of record. The first aircraft, designated AZ-01, will be delivered to the Polish Air Force in December and will be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, where Poland will be the first international customer to conduct F-35 pilot training.
F-35s are now operating from 32 bases worldwide. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 1,000 F-35s, trained more than 2,540 pilots and 16,690 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed 889,000 cumulative flight hours. Lockheed Martin continues to work side by side with F-35 operators to ensure allies remain ahead of the evolving threat.
28 Aug 24. Joint Qatari-Turkish squadron revealed. The Qatari Ministry of Defense (MoD) revealed on 27 August that it has established a joint squadron with the Turkish Air Force (THK). It said that THK commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu visited the joint squadron at Dukhan Air Base, where he viewed progress on its training and the latest facilities.
The MoD illustrated its announcement with a photograph showing a two-seat Turkish F-16D with the tail art of 191 ‘Kaplan’ Squadron parked between a Qatari Mirage 2000 and a Rafale outside a large hangar that could be identified as the one on the northeast side of the runway at Dukhan Air Base.
Later in the day, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced that Gen Kadıoğlu had visited Türkiye’s newly deployed permanent air component in Qatar. It showed him planting trees on the north side of the same large hangar and then being flown in the backseat of another Turkish F-16D with the artwork of 132 ‘Hançer’ Squadron. At least one single-seat F-16C was also shown, although it was unclear which squadron it was from.
The Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) already has a joint squadron with the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF). Initially based in the UK to help train Qatari personnel on their new Typhoon multirole fighters, the squadron moved to Qatar to help protect the FIFA World Cup in November 2022, before moving back to RAF Coningsby in early 2023.
The QEAF and THK operate almost completely different types of aircraft, the exceptions being C-130 transports, although the Qataris have newer models, and Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are based at Dukhan. (Source: Janes)
28 Aug 24. F-15Cs depart Okinawa as part of USAF divestment.
The four aircraft are the first of 48 F-15C/Ds to leave Kadena Air Base as the service prepares to replace them with F-15EX units.
before its divestment flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, 24 August 2024. Following the divestment of USAF fighter aircraft, as part of a wider replacement programme of aircraft based in Japan, a four-ship of F-15Cs have departed Kadena Air Base marking the first few units to leave the region. Credit: DVIDS.
Four F-15C ‘Eagle’ fighter jets have departed Kadena Air Base – the so-called “keystone of the Pacific” – for the last time, after more than 40 years of service.
The aircraft are the first of 48 F-15C/D units to leave the US Air Force (USAF) base in Okinawa, Japan, as the service prepares to replace them with 36 F-15EX – or ‘Eagle II’ – units.
This decision was made as part of a wider programme that will cost $10bn to divest enduring combat aircraft and upgrade the USAF fleet stationed across Japan. The service will also gut out ageing F-16s for F-35As at Misawa Air Base, and the air force will also modernise existing F-35B units stationed in the Marine Corps Air Station at Iwakuni.
Notably, there are approximately 54,000 American military personnel dispersed across 85 facilities on Honshu, Kyushu, and Okinawa, making up as much as 77,000 acres of Japanese territory.
The service hinted that some of the departed aircraft will head to the “boneyard” for demilitarisation while others will return to the US to join other Air Force units.
The transition
The F-15C is an all-weather manoeuvrable tactical fighter designed to permit the USAF to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.
“It’s purely a dominant aircraft with 104 wins and zero losses,” said Staff Seargent Clark Pacay, a pilot in the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron based at Kadena, and crew chief assigned to fly one of the four departed units: the A5095. “To me, the F-15C means a long history of tradition with an undying legacy.”
Meanwhile, the Eagle II shares similarities with the F-15C, however, several upgrades have been made to enhance its multi-mission capability along with its air-to-air defence. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES
28 Aug 24. USS Cowpens falls short, decommissions after 33 years of service. The decommissioning event, attended by Navy leadership, veterans, and families, celebrated the ship’s legacy and contributions to US naval projection and global security.
The retirement of CG 63 marks the end of an era for the Ticonderoga-class cruiser in the US Navy. Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
The US Navy decommissioned the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) during a ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, marking the end of its 33-year service.
The cruiser, commissioned on March 9, 1991, in Charleston, South Carolina, was recognised for its capability across mission profiles, from combat operations to humanitarian assistance.
The ship began a modernisation programme at Naval Base San Diego on September 29, 2015, as part of the CG Phased Modernisation Programme. This effort, aimed at extending the ship’s service life from 35 to 44 years, included upgrades to the AEGIS weapon system.
The decommissioning event, attended by Navy leadership, veterans, and families, celebrated the ship’s legacy and contributions to US naval projection and global security.
Honouring a legacy of service
The USS Cowpens was integral to several operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing air defence, maritime security, surveillance, and precision strike capabilities.
“From 1983 onward, these ships [Cowpens] defended our nation’s interests, supported critical combat operations, and ensured freedom of the seas; more than that, they brought AEGIS and VLS, revolutionary technologies, into the hands of our warfighters,” remarked Rear Adm. Ted LeClair, Deputy Commander of Naval Surface Force, US Pacific Fleet.
“Cowpens, the seventeenth AEGIS ship built, provided the value of these advancements. As AEGIS and VLS have evolved in both the Cruiser and Destroyer variants, Cowpens continuously demonstrated their effectiveness and lethality.”
A warship in combat and humanitarian missions
Throughout its service, the USS Cowpens supported coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The ship also participated in humanitarian operations, including aid missions in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. These efforts showcased the ship’s ability to transition between combat and relief roles.
Reflecting on the ship’s service, Vice Adm. Edward Moore (Ret.), the first commanding officer of Cowpens, expressed pride in the ship’s legacy and its impact on those who served aboard. “At the end of this day, no matter when we were crewmembers, we can all agree we served on the best ship, the most formidable warship, in the best Navy, and in the best country in the world,” said Moore.(Source: naval-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
27 Aug 24. PM cancels appointment of Royal Marines general as national security adviser. The Prime Minister has reportedly cancelled the appointment of the top Royal Marines general as the UK’s national security adviser.
Rishi Sunak made the decision to appoint General Gwyn Jenkins in the role, but Sir Keir Starmer overturned the move announced by his predecessor.
Gen Jenkins, who was previously vice chief of the defence staff, will be allowed to re-apply for the job, according to The Guardian.
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- Starmer still not giving timeline when UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence
Some senior civil servants fear the move is designed to pave the way for a more politically loyal candidate.
“All senior appointments will be considered in the usual way,” a Government spokesperson told the PA news agency:
However, an unnamed official told The Guardian: “[It] looks like another part of the grab for power by Keir Starmer and [his chief of staff] Sue Gray.
“The process to appoint Jenkins was run with full transparency, and there is no good reason to do it all over again.”
The appointment of Gen Jenkins was announced in April, with Mr Sunak saying the senior officer had led a “distinguished career in both the military and the heart of government”.
After being commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1990, he spent his time as a junior officer in the Commando Logistics Regiment.
He served on operations in Northern Ireland with 42 Commando before being deployed in Afghanistan for 12 months as a colonel – (Source: PR Newswire)
service for which he was awarded an OBE.
After heading back to the UK, he served as the military assistant to the prime minster in Downing Street for two years.
He was then promoted to Brigadier, taking up a 3* civilian appointment in the Cabinet Office as deputy national security adviser for conflict, stability and defence.
In 2017, he moved back into the military, taking command of 3 Commando Brigade, taking part in exercises and deployments across the world.
Gen Jenkins was then promoted to major general in January 2019, a rank he served first in the Royal Navy as the assistant chief of naval staff, subsequently commanding a tri-service organisation.
Three years late, he was selected for the role of vice chief of the defence staff and promoted to general.
In November 2022, he assumed the mantle of Commandant General Royal Marines and became the Commodore of the Royal Navy Sailing Association, Admiral of the Hornet Services Sailing Club and President of the Royal Marines Association. (Source: forces.net)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
26 Aug 24. Today, Dr. Jon T. Kosloski arrived on detail from the National Security Agency to be appointed as the director of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office. Dr. Kosloski brings extensive experience working in multiple scientific fields, including quantum optics and crypto-mathematics, as well as leading mission-oriented research and analysis teams.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
27 Aug 24. Former Australian Cyber Security Centre head Abigail Bradshaw CSC has been recommended to be appointed as the new Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate. Subject to Governor-General approval by the Federal Executive Council, the change will take effect on 6 September as Bradshaw succeeds Rachel Noble PSM. Bradshaw has served with distinction as Deputy Director-General ASD and head of ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) since March 2020. The ACSC is the Australian government’s technical authority on cyber security. It provides an avenue for organisations large and small to partner with government and adopt a security framework to protect their information technology and operational technology systems, applications, and data from cyber threats. (Source: Defence Connect)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
29 Aug 24. Marshall and Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to identify and develop opportunities to work together across the aerospace and defence domains.
The MoU paves the way for joint participation in aircraft design and manufacture, special mission platforms, and the development of digital maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) technologies. Marshall will leverage Tech Mahindra’s expertise in data analytics and Intelligent Field Support technologies to deliver actionable insights into the health and usage of its connected infrastructure solutions.
Additionally, Tech Mahindra will engage in advanced design projects focused on the development of future hydrogen fuel systems, aiming to replace fossil fuels and promote sustainability in aviation.
“We are excited to be taking this major step forward with Tech Mahindra,” said Marshall Chief Operating Officer Gareth Williams.
“As two family-owned businesses with a global presence and a shared commitment to providing critical support to our customers, we have a lot in common – but we also possess distinct and mutually complementary strengths.
“There is ample scope for Tech Mahindra to support Marshall’s ongoing programmes, and their global reach and expertise will undoubtedly unlock new use cases and markets where we have not yet established a presence.”
Tech Mahindra and Marshall will harness their unique capabilities to drive growth and innovation in the aerospace market. These capabilities include extensive expertise in aerostructures, electrical and mechanical engineering, airworthiness, and stress test engineering, gained over many years. The partnership will support the expansion of Marshall’s engineering services programs by capitalizing on Tech Mahindra’s strengths in the aerospace engineering sector.
“The aerospace and defence engineering sector faces significant challenges, including the need to drive productivity gains and sustainable technology advancements,” said Narasimham RV President – Engineering Services, Tech Mahindra.
“By combining Tech Mahindra’s global engineering and technology capabilities with Marshall’s rich heritage and specialized knowledge, we are poised to create a powerful partnership to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to our customers and enable the industry to scale at speed.”
With nearly three decades of experience and expertise, Tech Mahindra is a global leader in engineering services for the aerospace industry. The organization works with eight out of top ten aerospace manufacturers and offers innovative solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket.
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
29 Aug 24. Euro Manganese Inc. (TSX-V and ASX: EMN; OTCQB: EUMNF; Frankfurt: E06) (the “Company” or “EMN”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Laurel Petryk as Vice President Legal & Corporate Secretary of the Company effective September 1, 2024. In keeping with the Company’s long-standing succession plan, Ms. Petryk will replace Mr. Fausto Taddei, who will be retiring effective August 31, 2024. Mr. Taddei will work with the Company to support a seamless change and remain available to provide guidance and support during the transition phase. Ms. Petryk joined Euro Manganese as General Counsel in 2021 and has over 24 years of experience working as a lawyer in corporate, securities, governance, and mining gained from a large national firm and in house, and regulatory experience including working at the British Columbia Securities Commission. Ms. Petryk holds a law degree from the University of Calgary and is a member of the Law Society of British Columbia. For the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 12.6, Ms. Petryk will be the person responsible for communications between the Company and the ASX.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
26 Aug 24. Red Dot Corporation, an international leader in mobile heating and air conditioning, has appointed Todd Thurnau as its new director of operations support. Thurnau will play an integral role in overseeing the efficiency, efficacy and safety of Red Dot facilities. He is also responsible for leading Red Dot’s ongoing commitment to adopting LEAN practices and realizing operational synergies across the company’s U.S. manufacturing facilities based in Puyallup, Wash. and Memphis, Tenn. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
27 Aug 24. V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) has appointed Jeremy Nance as General Counsel. In this role, Nance will be responsible for managing all legal matters related to V2X’s operations, transactions, and business practices. He will also join the executive team and report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy C. Wensinger. Nance has served on V2X’s legal team since July 2018, and most recently as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for the company. “Jeremy Nance brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape that will benefit V2X as we continue to grow in our industry,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and CEO of V2X. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
27 Aug 24. Northrop Grumman Australia has announced two key appointments as the company adapts to the upcoming retirement of chief executive Christine Zeitz. Outgoing chief executive Christine Zeitz is expected to retire at the end of September this year, according to a company statement published earlier this month. Deanne Barnett has been appointed managing director for Northrop Grumman Australia and will now lead NGA’s business operations. (Source: Google/Defence Connect)