JOB OPPORTUNITIES
04 Sept 24. ELN Director. After eight years of impactful leadership, our Executive Director, Sir Adam Thomson, is stepping down, and we are excited to begin the search for a new leader to guide the European Leadership Network (ELN) into its next chapter. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to make a significant impact on European and global security.
About the Role:
As the Executive Director of the ELN, you will be responsible for advancing our mission to prevent existential conflicts through multilateral solutions to political and security challenges in Europe and beyond. We are seeking someone with outstanding leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and a passion for international relations, diplomacy, and global security.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Leading ELN’s strategy and business planning processes.
- Ensuring financial sustainability through successful fundraising efforts.
- Cultivating impactful relationships with governments, stakeholders, and our extensive network of leaders.
- Driving policy influence and enhancing ELN’s public profile and impact.
Why Join the ELN?
You’ll be part of a dynamic, multinational team and an intergenerational Network of over 450 of Europe’s leading defence and security experts who work to make a tangible difference in the world. We offer a competitive salary, a generous benefits package, flexible working options, and the chance to work in a role that truly matters.
LOCATIONS
LAND
05 Sept 24. Defence, risk and resilience will be the themes that form the cornerstones of a new Centre of Excellence at the University of Portsmouth.
The Centre of Excellence in Defence, Risk and Resilience (CEDRR) has been designed to prepare professionals for the emergency frontline by combining cutting-edge research with innovative education in three interconnected areas.
The CEDRR is unique in the higher education sector, being the first to adopt a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to the critical themes of defence, risk and resilience. By integrating these areas, the Centre aims to address complex global challenges – from geopolitical conflicts to disaster management – by enhancing prevention strategies and improving response capabilities.
Prof. Sara Hadleigh-Dunn, Prof. Peter Lee, and Prof. Richard Teeuw, all leading experts in their fields, will co-direct the Centre. Together, they will steer its mission to deliver world-class research and education that promote resilience and effective responses to crises, collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organisations, commercial partners, and military collaborators.
Conflict and disasters disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities, causing immense social and economic disruption. The CEDRR will focus on understanding the drivers of these risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. Through research in areas – such as global governance, geopolitical conflicts, risk mapping, AI, and disaster response – the Centre will serve as a hub for innovative solutions that save lives, protect infrastructure, and foster socio-economic recovery.
Professor Sara Hadleigh-Dunn, Co-Director and Lead for Resilience, CEDRR at the University of Portsmouth, said: “At CEDRR, we are not just studying the causes and effects of crises; we are actively developing strategies and solutions that will make a tangible difference. Our holistic approach to resilience, defence, and risk ensures that our work is comprehensive and impactful. We’re excited to work with students, researchers, and practitioners who are passionate about making a difference.”
Professor Peter Lee, Co-Director and Lead for Defence, CEDRR at the University of Portsmouth, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “In a complicated world where war, disasters, starvation, drought, and famine often intersect, the challenges are deeply complex. To address these effectively, we need a wide range of expertise and strategic thinking.”
Professor Richard Teeuw, Co-Director and Lead for Risk, CEDRR at the University of Portsmouth, added: “Our Centre is dedicated to addressing these challenges through interdisciplinary research and education. By bringing together expertise from diverse fields, we can better understand risks and develop more effective strategies to mitigate them.”
The CEDRR is not just a research centre, it’s also an educational resource. It offers a variety of opportunities, from Learning at work degrees and short courses to bespoke executive education, available on-campus, online, or via distance learning. This flexibility ensures that professionals from all backgrounds, including military personnel, first responders, and resilience practitioners, can enhance their skills and knowledge in risk management and disaster response.
The Centre builds on the successful activities of the University’s Security and Risk Theme and the Risk and Resilience Research and Innovation Group. It brings together over 60 members from across the University, pooling their expertise to create a platform for future initiatives.
The University of Portsmouth has a proven track record in these fields, with established partnerships including the South Central Regional Defence and Security Cluster, Space South Central, the UN World Food Programme, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, the London Fire Brigade and the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue.
MARITIME
02 Sept 24. Keel laid for Flight III Arleigh Burke-class, USS William Charette. The keel laying marks a milestone for the US Navy’s destroyer series. General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) has marked a milestone in naval shipbuilding with the keel laying of the future USS William Charette (DDG 130), the fifth ship in the Flight III series of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Rear Adm. Darin Via, US Navy Surgeon General and Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery addressed the gathering, emphasising the significance of the ship’s name. “The future USS William Charette will not only be a symbol of American strength but also a testament to the courage and dedication of Navy corpsmen.
To have a ship named after a Navy corpsman is to hold to the maxim of ‘Corpsman Up!’ and embodies the ethos of courage, fidelity and service before self.”
The keel laying ceremony represents the start of hull integration for the USS William Charette, transitioning from a collection of individual units to a cohesive ship structure. Charles F. Krugh, President of BIW, highlighted the importance of this phase: “The keel-laying ceremony celebrates an important milestone in the ship’s life. Rather than a collection of units moving through our production buildings, William Charette is now being integrated into a ship on Land Level.
Shipbuilders, including welders, shipfitters, electricians, pipefitters, machinists and preservation technicians, will now connect, install and protect ship services as we move toward launch.” The ceremony featured the traditional keel authentication process.
The USS William Charette is part of a broader initiative to enhance the US Navy’s destroyer fleet with Flight III capabilities. In addition to DDG 130, Bath Iron Works is also constructing other Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including the Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), John E. Kilmer (DDG 134), and Richard G. Lugar (DDG 136).
The Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the latest iteration of the Arleigh Burke series that first entered service in 1991, feature air and ballistic missile defence capabilities with the integration of the AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. The first of these, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), was delivered to the US Navy by Ingalls Shipbuilding in June 2023 after successful sea and acceptance trials. (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 Aug 24. India commissions second Arihant-class SSBN. The Indian Navy has commissioned its second Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The 6,000 tonne INS Arighat was inducted into the service on 29 August at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, where it has been under construction for more than a decade.
Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh said in the commissioning ceremony that Arighat would further strengthen India’s three-tier retaliatory nuclear deterrent capability, enhancing maritime strike alongside its existing land- and aerial-based capacity to deliver strategic weapons.
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the capabilities of Arighat exceed those of first-in-class INS Arihant , which also displaces 6,000 tonnes, but did not elaborate. No official images of the boat have been issued by Indian authorities.
“The technological advancements undertaken indigenously on [ Arighat ] make it significantly more advanced than its predecessor Arihant ,” the MoD said. “The presence of both INS Arihant and INS Arighat will enhance India’s capability to deter potential adversaries and safeguard its national interests.”
Arighat’s commissioning comes nearly seven years after the SSBN was launched in November 2017 and 15 years after it was laid down in 2009. Arighat has a length of 111.6 m, a beam of 11 m, and a draught of 9.5 m. (Source: Janes)
30 Aug 24. HMS Cardiff, the second of eight Type 26 City Class frigates BAE Systems is building for the Royal Navy, is entering water for the first time. A team of engineering specialists transferred the ship – which has Welsh singing star Katherine Jenkins as her official sponsor – from the shipyard slipway to a barge to begin the float-off process.
HMS Cardiff has now departed BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard on the barge to be towed down river to a deep-water location in the West of Scotland. Once in position, and over a number of hours, the barge will submerge and the anti-submarine warfare frigate will enter the water. She will then return to BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard where she will undergo the next stages of outfit before test and commissioning.
David Shepherd, Type 26 Programme Director, BAE Systems, said:
“Seeing the latest ship in the water for the first time will be a proud and exciting moment for the thousands of people involved in this great national endeavour.
“The Type 26 has awesome and world-leading capability and we’re looking forward to installing HMS Cardiff’s complex systems and bringing her to life.”
Pat Browning, Type 26 Team Leader, Defence Equipment & Support, said:
“We are delighted to have reached this key milestone in the build programme for HMS Cardiff. This is a significant achievement for the entire Type 26 programme team and is a moment we can all be proud of, as we continue to work towards delivering the new fleet of the Royal Navy’s most cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare frigates.”
The float off process is a more modern, efficient and low risk way for a ship to enter the water, compared to the previous dynamic launches where ships were slid down a slipway into the water. The float off process was used for the first-of-class, HMS Glasgow, in November 2022 as well as the five Offshore Patrol Vessels, which BAE Systems also built in Glasgow, the last of which was delivered to the Royal Navy in 2020.
Engineers from the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment & Support, as well as members of the Royal Navy, will also support the float off process.
Of the other three Type 26 vessels under construction, HMS Glasgow is undergoing the outfit of its combat and mission systems at Scotstoun and HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are under construction at Govan.
The build process for each ship involves its structure being completed in Govan where skilled teams of fabricators and steelworkers construct the units before they are assembled into two main blocks which are joined together externally on the hardstanding before the ship departs. HMS Cardiff will be the last Type 26 to have this initial work partly constructed outside, as the new multi-m pound shipbuild hall in Govan will enable the teams to complete the structures of the remaining frigates indoors. In Scotstoun, the ship’s outfit is completed and the complex systems are installed before test and commissioning takes place. As the first ship in class, HMS Glasgow is expected to enter service in 2028.
AIR
05 Sept 24. The Egyptian Armed Forces announced today at the Egypt International Air Show that Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will deliver two C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the U.S. Air Force. Egypt is the 23rd nation to join the worldwide Super Hercules operating community. Egypt is the 23rd nation to join the Super Hercules fleet with the acquisition of two C-130J-30 tactical airlifters. As the most advanced and proven tactical airlifter in the world, the C-130J-30 delivers enhanced capability, additional versatility and increased power to EAF crews. Egypt operates one of the world’s largest C-130H fleets, which has a significant presence in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, supporting military, peacekeeping, humanitarian and natural disaster response mission requirements. Egypt joins seven MENA operators that have chosen the C-130J as a preferred medium-sized tactical airlifter and tanker.
“Egypt is a distinguished C-130 operator, flying its Hercules fleet to support some of the most challenging mission requirements,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. “Welcoming Egypt to the C-130J Super Hercules global fleet is an honor that truly represents the longstanding partnership between our two nations and with Lockheed Martin. With these new C-130J-30s, the Egyptian Air Force’s tactical airlift presence will deliver unmatched capabilities and aligned force amplification to serve Egypt, North Africa and the world.”
Always evolving, continually innovating and ready for what’s next, the Super Hercules leads the charge by setting standards and shaping the future of tactical airlift missions, offering many advantages found in no other medium-sized tactical airlifter in production or operation today. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 545 C-130Js and the Super Hercules global fleet has surpassed more than 3 m flight hours.
Super Hercules discriminators include proven operational readiness with the greatest ease of transition, increased reliability, superior tactical airlift and combat airdrop capabilities, certification by more than 20 airworthiness authorities, and enhanced survivability. The C-130J also delivers unmatched interoperability with NATO and partner nations, robust industrial partnerships and verified low life-cycle costs with significant fuel savings, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint compared to other medium-sized jet airlifters.
See how and why the C-130J continues to be the worldwide choice in tactical airlift through the newest episode of “Into the Cockpit” on Lockheed Martin’s YouTube channel, which offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Super Hercules.
05 Sept 24. Embraer today delivered the first C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft to the Hungarian Air Force. The aircraft will be the first in the world equipped with a roll-on/roll-off Intensive Care Unit, being even better equipped to perform humanitarian missions and Medical Evacuation Missions. The Hungarian C-390 is fully compatible with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) requirements, not only in terms of its hardware but also in its avionics and communications configuration. The aircraft fully meets the requirements of the Hungarian Defence Forces, being able to perform different types of military and civilian missions, including Medical Evacuation, Humanitarian Support, Search and Rescue, Cargo and Troops Transport, Precision Cargo Airdrop, Paratroopers Operations, and Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR).
“The arrival of this aircraft represents a real milestone for the Hungarian Air Force as it will give the Hungarian Defence Forces unprecedented capabilities in military air transport. It is in Hungary’s security interest to have strong, well-equipped, modern defence forces, and we are working on that. Embraer is an excellent partner in this”, said Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Minister of Defence of Hungary.
“This is a very special moment for Embraer, as we deliver the first C-390 Millennium to the Hungarian Air Force. This aircraft delivers an unbeatable combination of performance, flexibility and reduced life cycle costs, making it the airlift of choice in Europe”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “We are confident that the C-390 will add important capabilities to Hungary and we look forward to supporting the aircraft’s entry into service.”
The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, with the designation KC-390, can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case also by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.
Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has proven its capacity, reliability, and performance. The current fleet of aircraft in operation has accumulated more than 14,000 flight hours, with mission capable rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
04 Sept 24. Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, who steered the Scandinavian country along a sometimes bumpy road to NATO membership and stood tall on supporting Ukraine, stunned the political establishment Wednesday by saying he was leaving the Swedish government next week. Billström became foreign minister in October 2022, when Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson formed a coalition government with his own conservative Moderate Party, the smaller Christian Democrats and the Liberals. In May 2022, Sweden and neighboring Finland sought NATO membership, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe spiked following Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/AP)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
05 Sept 24. Michel Barnier, the EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator, has been named France’s new prime minister, the French president’s office says, ending two months of stalemate following inconclusive parliamentary elections. In a statement on Thursday, the Élysée Palace said: “The President of the Republic has appointed Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. He has to form a united government to serve the country and the French people.” The statement added that Barnier’s appointment comes after “an unprecedented cycle of consultations” in order to ensure a stable government. (Source: CNN)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
29 Aug 24. Today, the Office of the Chief of Information Officer (OCIO) announced the new Principal Director for the Cyber Academic Engagement Office (CAEO), Dr. Diba Hadi. Dr. Hadi brings over 30 years of experience in higher education and program development. In her previous role as the Senior Academic and Project Management Advisor at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dr. Hadi provided strategic academic guidance, led professional development initiatives, and managed accreditation standards.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
05 Sept 24. Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has recently appointed Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new Prime Minister, leading to the formation of a coalition government. On September 3, 2024 his Majesty issued a royal decree approving the Cabinet Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister, as reported in the Royal Gazette.
- Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister
- Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit as Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister
- Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister
- Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga as Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister
- Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister
- Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong as Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister
- Mr. Chusak Sirinil as Minister to Prime Minister’s Office
- Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuprai as Minister to Prime Minister’s Office
- General Natthaphon Nakphanit as Deputy Defence Minister
- Mr. Junlapun Amornvivat as Deputy Finance Minister
- Mr. Paopoom Rojanasakul as Deputy Finance Minister
- Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa as Foreign Affairs Minister
- Mr. Sorawong Thienthong as Tourism and Sports Minister
- Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa as Social Development and Human Security Minister
- Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi as Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister
- Prof.Dr.Narumon Pinyosinwat as Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister
- Mr. Itthi Sirilatthayakorn as Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister
- Mr. Akara Phromphao as Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister
- Mrs. Manaporn Charoensri as Deputy Transport Minister
- Mr. Surapong Piyachote as Deputy Transport Minister
- Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on as Natural Resources and Environment Minister
- Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan as Commerce Minister
- Mr. Napintorn Srisanpang as Deputy Commerce Minister
- Mr. Suchart Chomklin as Deputy Commerce Minister
- Mr. Songsak Thongsri as Deputy Interior Minister
- Ms. Sabida Thaiset as Deputy Interior Minister
- Ms. Theerarat Samrejvanich as Deputy Interior Minister
- Pol Colonel Tawee Sodsong as Justice Minister
- Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn as Labour Minister
- Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol as Culture Minister
- Pol General Permpoon Chidchob as Education Minister
- Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul as Deputy Education Minister
- Mr. Somsak Thepsutin as Public Health Minister
- Mr. Dech-it Khaothong as Deputy Public Health Minister
- Mr. Akanat Promphan as Industry Minister
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
04 Sept 24. Air Industries Group and All-System Aerospace International Execute Marketing Agreement to pursue Foreign Military Sales. Air Industries Group (“Air Industries”) (NYSE American: AIRI), a leading manufacturer of precision components and assemblies for large aerospace and defense prime contractors, today announced a partnership with All-System Aerospace International (“All-System Aerospace”), to expand access in the rapidly growing Foreign Military Sales (“FMS”) market. The partnership agreement covers sales to 17 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, marking a major step forward in Air Industries’ strategic goal to broadening manufacturing and distribution to allied militaries.
Through this collaboration, Air Industries is poised to leverage All-System Aerospace’s well-established international network of customers, enabling it to swiftly expand distribution of its product offerings and meet the growing demand in the FMS market. All-System Aerospace is a leading distributor of military hardware to foreign militaries, supporting military platforms including the Blackhawk, CH-53 Heavy Lift, and CH-47 Chinook. Together we will simplify supply chain management and reduce lead times, delivering efficient and reliable aftermarket products. The FMS market has been experiencing rapid growth. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency reported that FMS sales surged from $34.8bn in fiscal year 2021 to $66.2bn in fiscal year 2023, an increase of nearly 90%.
Lou Melluzzo, Chief Executive Officer of Air Industries commented: “Today, international sales remain a small percentage of our annual sales. Expanding distribution and sales to allied nations has been a strategic goal for Air Industries, and we are ecstatic to now be in a position to tap into the growing FMS market. International demand for U.S. military equipment deployed in critical missions, has been experiencing rapid growth and we expect it to continue. This new agreement greatly enhances international customers’ access to our broad portfolio of aircraft products. We look forward to working closely with All-System Aerospace in the years ahead and to a mutually beneficial relationship.”
Adam Zacek, President of All-System Aerospace, added: “We are thrilled to support Air Industries in their FMS efforts. This agreement empowers All-System Aerospace to expand its product offering to the FMS community, enhancing support for U.S.-manufactured helicopter and fixed wing requirements. Our almost 50 years of experience in delivering high quality, rapid response solutions will now be complemented by Air Industries’ innovative products, benefiting both companies and our growing client base.”
ABOUT AIR INDUSTRIES GROUP
Air Industries Group is a leading manufacturer of precision components and assemblies for large aerospace and defense prime contractors. Its products include landing gears, flight controls, engine mounts and components for aircraft jet engines, ground turbines and other complex machines. Whether it is a small individual component or complete assembly, its high quality and extremely reliable products are used in mission critical operations that are essential for the safety of military personnel and civilians. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
PERSONNEL
02 Sept 24. Australia expands submarine workforce with new recruitment drive. The Australian Government unveils an initiative to boost entry-level roles in key submarine projects. In a move to bolster its nuclear-powered submarine programme, Australia’s Albanese Government has announced a new Jobs for Subs initiative. The initiative aims to recruit and train 200 entry-level workers over the next two years.
Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine workforce expansion
The Albanese Government’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Graduate, Apprenticeship and Traineeship initiative, a government-funded programme, is set to enhance the capabilities of ASC Pty Ltd by onboarding around 200 additional personnel. These recruits are primarily based in Western Australia and will fill roles across fabrication, machining, engineering, project management, supply chain, and operations disciplines.
ASC Pty Ltd, Australia’s partner in submarine sustainment, will participate in this programme, which aims to address the need for skilled workers essential to maintaining the nation’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet. The initiative is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to invest up to A$8bn ($5.4bn) in infrastructure to support the SRF-W from 2027 and the operation of Australia’s Virginia-class submarines in the early 2030s.
Australia is set to invest more than A$45bn in its defence sector from 2024 to 2029, focusing on submarine capabilities as part of its response to rising Indo-Pacific tensions. According to GlobalData, the bulk of this investment, $21.6bn, will develop nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact with the US and UK.
The acquisition of the nuclear submarine will likely significantly enhance the Australian Navy’s ability to patrol the Indian Ocean region and will go a long way in boosting its defence posture and power projection abilities, as highlighted by GlobalData’s “Australia Defense Market 2024-2029” report.
The broader nuclear-powered submarine programme is anticipated to generate approximately 20,000 skilled jobs nationwide, with around 3,000 positions expected in Western Australia alone. This workforce expansion is important in ensuring Australia can sustain and enhance its submarine capabilities, aligning with the goals of the AUKUS partnership.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, ““This is a further boost to the development of ASC’s sustainment workforce and follows the first cohort of workers departing for training at Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard in July. Australian industry is integral not only to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programme, but also to supporting the future building, sustainment and maintenance of the submarines of our AUKUS partners.”
The announcement also follows the ongoing Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (SMTP) at HMAS Stirling, where Royal Australian Navy personnel are participating in the maintenance of USS Hawaii (SSN 776), a Virginia-class submarine. This is the first instance of direct Australian involvement in the maintenance of a US nuclear-powered submarine on home soil.
China has criticised the AUKUS agreement’s transfer of nuclear propulsion technology to Australia, claiming it undermines international non-proliferation efforts and sparks a global nuclear arms race.
With this new initiative, the Albanese Government is reinforcing its commitment to developing a skilled workforce essential for Australia’s evolving defence and maritime capabilities. (Source: naval-technology.com)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
04 Sep 24. ALL. SPACE, the world’s leading multi-orbit satellite communications company, has announced the appointment of Paul McCarter as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The company’s founder and former CEO, John Finney, will continue to support the business as Founder and Board Director. Founded in 2013 by industry visionary John Finney, ALL. SPACE is revolutionising satellite communications with its ground-breaking platform, delivering seamless multi-satellite, multi-orbit connectivity from a single mobile device across LEO, MEO, HEO and GEO orbits. Through years of deep-tech innovation, ALL. SPACE ensures seamless communication and data sharing across defence networks, boosting situational awareness and effectiveness.
06 Sept 24. DARKTRACE: Poppy Gustafsson is to step down as chief executive of the cybersecurity specialist with immediate effect ahead of the £4.3 bn takeover by Thoma Bravo, the US private equity firm. The takeover is expected to complete before the end of the year.
Jill Popelka, Darktrace’s current chief operating officer, has been appointed as her successor. Gustafsson will join a new Darktrace board of directors as a non-executive when the takeover completes. (Source: The Times)
02 Sept 24. Changes in the Patria Board of Directors.
Morten Tiller and Ilpo Nuutinen have been appointed as members of the Patria Board as of 1st of September, 2024.
Morten Tiller (M.Poli.Sci.) has more than thirty years of service in the Norwegian Ministry of Defence in many different positions. He was the Norwegian Armaments Director between 2010-2024.
Ilpo Nuutinen (LL.Lic.; M.Sc. Economics) has worked as Senior Government Counsellor at Government Ownership Steering Department of Finland’s Prime Minister’s Office since 2010. Prior to this he has held several senior positions in Finland’s Ministry of Finance as well as leadership and expert positions in the private sector.
Panu Routila continues as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Eirik Lie, Eirik Tord Jensen, Signe Bjarttun Jørgensen, Jukka Juusti and Outi Henriksson continue as members of the Board.
04 Sep 24. Lady Alex Walmsley has been appointed as National Vice Chairman of SSAFA, taking over from Kirsty Bushell CBE.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
04 Sep 24. Advanced Navigation, a world leader in Assured Position, Navigation and Timing (APNT) and autonomous systems, has expanded its defence arm in the U.S. through the appointment of Wayne Prender as Global Head of Defence. The decision underscores the Australia-based company’s commitment in deepening the technology trade between the U.S and Australia.
03 Sep 24. Peraton (the “Company”), a portfolio company of Veritas Capital and next-generation technology provider to government customers announced today that Steve Schorer has been appointed Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and will be joining the Company in this capacity on September 9, 2024. Steve succeeds former Peraton Chairman, President and CEO, Stu Shea, who successfully led Peraton for the last seven years. (Source: PR Newswire)
05 Sept 24. Reach Power (Reach), the leader in wireless Power-at-a-Distance, announced former Director of the Energy Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Benjamin Richardson joined its Government Advisory Board. Richardson will work with defense and intelligence experts on the board, including U.S Army Major General (Ret.) Clay Hutmacher, former U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Acquisition Executive Jim Smith, and U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Krumm to guide Reach’s federal strategy. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
05 Sept 24. Stellant Systems, Inc. (Stellant), a premier manufacturer of RF/Microwave amplification products, today announced the appointment of Keith Barclay as its Chief Executive Officer and to the Board of Directors. With more than 30 years of experience in the Aerospace & Defense, Medical, Industrial, and Optical Networking industries, Barclay brings both executive leadership and extensive entrepreneurial experience to Stellant, positioning the company for accelerated growth and success. Prior to joining Stellant, Barclay led the development, expansion, and significant growth of Hermetic Solutions Group, Inc. (HSG) in his roles as Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development and, most recently, President and CEO. Prior to his leadership roles at HSG, Barclay served as VP of Sales & Marketing at The Hi-Rel Group, as well as at AMETEK Electronic Components and Packaging. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
05 Sept 24. TSS Solutions, an Acorn Capital Management Company, has announced the appointment of Daniel Bridenbaugh as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. Daniel has served as Controller for TSS Solutions since joining the company in February. He has more than 30 years of financial and accounting leadership experience. In his new role as CFO, he will develop and oversee financial growth strategies for the company while managing day-to-day financial operations. In addition to overseeing all accounting, FP&A, treasury and audit functions, Daniel is the head of the Human Resources, Material Management, and Information Technology departments. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
02 Sept 24. Equatorial Launch Australia has snapped up the Hypersonix Launch Systems executive behind one of the sector’s most high-profile deals. Nina Patz was head of business development at the Brisbane-based company when it agreed to supply the US Department of Defense with one of its spaceplanes for testing, in a breakthrough moment for the local hypersonic industry. She will now assume the same role at the spaceport firm as it prepares for more blast-offs next year. ELA’s chief executive, Michael Jones, said, “Nina’s role will be to work closely with our growing customer base to close out contracts we’ve been negotiating for some time and then help us deliver launch and spaceport services tailored to our customers’ mission requirements and provide them with the benefits of launching from a state-of-the-art, full-service spaceport. (Source: Space Connect)
02 Sept 24. Chris Keane has been named as Saab Australia’s chief growth officer, having most recently worked as director of future business at Northrop Grumman Australia. Prior to his role at NGA, Keane had previously served across a range of roles within BAE Systems Australia, including chief of future business and director of strategy and business development. As part of the role, Keane will oversee the company’s strategic growth function. The appointment will drive diversification while continuing to deliver for the company’s clients, Saab Australia managing director Andy Keough explained. (Source: Defence Connect)