LOCATIONS
LAND
24 Sept. 24. Maxar Intelligence, a provider of secure, precise geospatial intelligence, today announced the inauguration of a new, U.K.-based headquarters for its International Government business and the appointment of Air Chief Marshal The Lord Peach, the former Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, as a senior advisor. Maxar’s U.K. office, located in West London, will serve as the central hub for the company’s fast-growing international government business that serves dozens of U.S. allies across six continents. It is also a hub for the company’s Enterprise business in Europe, which serves customers across the mapping, energy and telecommunications sectors, among others. Over the past year, the company has expanded its global presence to keep pace with increased demand for advanced geospatial insights and intelligence, including by establishing local leadership in more than half a dozen new markets and continuing to build out its regional Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore. The company’s global headquarters remains in Westminster, Colorado. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Sep 24. US Air Force names second and third B-21 Raider bases. The U.S. Air Force’s newest bomber is officially getting two additional homes. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall approved basing locations for the B-21 Raider at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the service announced Friday.
The Air Force previously selected Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, as the B-21 Raider’s first base.
The aircraft, which is the first bomber the Air Force has introduced since the Cold War, is intended to become the “backbone of the Air Force’s flexible global strike capability,” according to the Air Force. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the stealth bomber will come equipped with nuclear capabilities, as well as regular munitions, and be able to assist with manned and unmanned operations.
The B-21 Raider made its first test flight Nov. 10, 2023, out of Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.
“We continue to achieve B-21 production milestones; through digital engineering and open architecture design, we are getting an agile strategic deterrent that delivers a decisive response as required,” said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, in a release.
The Air Force released the first video of the B-21 in flight Wednesday.
Airmen and defense industry representatives discussed the B-21 program’s progress this week at the Air and Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
Thomas Jones, sector president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said the program was conducting two flight test flights “in a given week” in preparation for the B-21 Raider’s life as a daily flyer.
The Air Force anticipates purchasing at least 100 B-21s, which will replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
MARITIME
24 Sept 24. Singapore Navy commissions first Invincible-class submarines. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlights the enhanced maritime capacity and regional security contrib.utions at the naval base ceremony. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and senior defence officials presided over commissioning the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first two Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable. The ceremony was held at RSS Singapura—Changi Naval Base on September 24, 2024. Singapore’s Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) officially inducted its first Type-218 Invincible-class submarine, the Impeccable, on July 20, 2023. Government and military figures attended the event. Together with the two submarines, the RSN aims to address a spectrum of operational needs, from protecting Singapore’s sea lines of communication to ensuring the safety of the sea.
Prime Minister Wong emphasised the submarines’ importance during his address, stating, “The commissioning of the Invincible and Impeccable marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s naval defence capabilities. These advanced vessels will not only protect our national waters but also play a vital role in ensuring the security of key maritime routes in the region.”
PM Wong (left) presenting the Commissioning Warrant to Commanding Officer (CO) RSS Invincible, LTC Phang Chun Chieh (right). Source: Mindef Singapore
Capabilities for a unique operational environment
Built in Kiel, Germany, the Invincible-class submarines have been designed to meet the unique challenges of operating in Singapore’s shallow and congested waters. With high levels of automation, these submarines are equipped with payload capacities and optimised ergonomic designs to ensure their crew’s effectiveness during operations.
The submarines are equipped to remain underwater for extended periods, which is useful for missions in tropical environments like those in Southeast Asia.
As such, faced with the increasing obsolescence of its Navy’s submarine arm, the Singapore Navy placed an order for four Invincible-class submarines. The Invincible-class submarines, also known as Type 218SG, are reported to be based on the Type-214 submarine and are, in fact, a customised variant of the export model Type-214 and incorporate some features from Type-212 submarines as well, according to GlobalData’s “Singapore Defense Market 2024-2029” report.
Future submarine development
The ceremony also highlighted the future of the RSN’s submarines, as development continues on two additional Invincible-class submarines—RSS Illustrious and RSS Inimitable—which are scheduled to join the fleet by 2028.
Prime Minister Wong concluded his speech by reaffirming Singapore’s dedication to contributing to regional peace and stability, stating, “As we strengthen our defence capabilities, Singapore remains committed to being a responsible and constructive player in the region. Our submarines will serve not only as a deterrent but as a key asset in supporting regional cooperation and peace.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
25 Sep 24. Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, is proud to announce the spotlight appearance of its C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, held at Waterkloof Air Force Base, September 18-22.
As one of the world’s premier defense and aviation showcases, AAD provides a strategic platform for Embraer to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of the C-390 to a global audience of defense, aviation experts and political authorities.
At this edition, Embraer had the pleasure of presenting all the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium to the president of South Africa, the Honourable President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Defense, Mrs. Angie Motshekga. This new generation aircraft also attracted great interest from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which had the opportunity to evaluate it.
“Embraer recognizes the professionalism and dedication of the SANDF during the ongoing selection process to renew its fleet of legacy transport aircraft as the C-390 is a strategically important aircraft that offers outstanding versatility, range, and speed. We are confident that it is well suited to meet the needs of the South African National Defense Force as well as other government authorities”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. “South African National Defense Force has had the opportunity to evaluate the C-390 Millennium and we appreciate the wide range of capabilities and technology that we’ve experienced. SANDF has shown interest in the C-390 Millennium, as it advances in the necessary steps for the selection of the much needed strategic lift capability for the SANDF.” said the South African National Defence Force.
The aircraft is particularly appreciated for its capability to carry up to 26 tons of cargo at high speed and perform a wide spectrum of missions anytime in the most demanding operational conditions. Since 2019, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated its operational efficiency for its end users, performing tactical troop, cargo, vehicles, and equipment transport, medical evacuation, disaster management, humanitarian aid, quick crisis response, search and rescue, aerial refueling and firefighting.
As the most advanced aircraft in its category, the C-390 is equipped with a modern avionics suite and a state of the art mission software for unrivalled mission success. The C-390 Millennium, already a proven workhorse, has been selected by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, South Korea and Czech Republic.
PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES
24 Sept 24. USS Leyte Gulf decommissioned after 37 years of service. Built in 1987 at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi and commissioned in Florida, the warship became integral to US national defence.
The Ticonderoga-class cruiser, which has been providing air defence for almost 40 years, has been retired in a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
The USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, was decommissioned at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, US, on 20 September, marking the end of a 37-year career.
More than 500 attendees gathered to commemorate the vessel’s service, including former crew members and plank owners. The ceremony highlighted the Leyte Gulf’s role in air defence and its contributions to 17 global deployments.
According to GlobalData’s intelligence on the US defence market, the USS Leyte Gulf is one of 21 Ticonderoga-class light combat vessels. The US Navy acquired them from HII Newport News Shipbuilding and Bath Iron Works between 1983 and 1994.
Honouring the past, looking to the future
The decommissioning of the USS Leyte Gulf marks the conclusion of a storied naval career and the transition of the US Navy’s fleet toward next-generation capabilities.
GlobalData’s “US Defense Market 2023-2028” report highlights that the DDG (X) programme, at least in its initial stages, calls for a plan to replace 22 Ticonderoga-class destroyers.
Built in 1987 at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi and commissioned in Florida, the warship became integral to US national defence, serving on the front lines in operations from the Mediterranean to the South Atlantic.
Vice Adm. Eugene Black III, former commanding officer of Leyte Gulf, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. “What a great opportunity to celebrate the Sailors who brought this ship to life,” Black remarked.
The decommissioning ceremony for the USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, took place on September 20, 2024. Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Commander Brian M. Harrington, the 23rd and final commanding officer, reflected on leading the cruiser through its final chapter. “It’s been an honour to lead America’s Battle Cruiser and her crew through the final chapter,” Harrington said. “This crew accomplished the mission with professionalism and dedication that honours all Leyte Gulf sailors past and present.”
Since its maiden deployment in 1988, the USS Leyte Gulf has been involved in US naval air defence operations, from conflict zones in the Middle East to humanitarian missions. The cruiser’s name commemorates the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history.
Known for its Aegis combat system and capability to launch guided missiles, the Leyte Gulf played a role in anti-aircraft warfare. As the Navy transitions to newer platforms like the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and upcoming frigate designs, decommissioning vessels like the Leyte Gulf signals a shift in focus toward more agile and technologically advanced systems.
Following its decommissioning, the USS Leyte Gulf will be towed to Philadelphia’s Navy’s Inactive Ships facility. There, it will enter a Logistic Support Asset status, marking the end of its active service but ensuring it remains a resource for parts and potential future needs. (Source: naval-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
25 Sept 24. Senate Confirms More Than 6,000 Military Leaders for Promotions, New Positions.
The U.S. Senate has confirmed, via voice vote, the promotions of some 6,030 military officers across the Department of Defense to both new ranks and in some cases to new jobs.
“Last night, the Senate confirmed more than 6,000 of our highly qualified military nominees in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force,” said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a briefing today.
Less than a year ago, hundreds of similar nominations were held up in the Senate due to a blanket hold on confirmations implemented in February 2023.
“We’re very glad that the Senate has confirmed these officers for critical positions during this time and for our national security,” she said.
Among those names submitted to and confirmed by the Senate were Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, who was promoted to general and who will serve as chief of the National Guard Bureau; Navy Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey, promoted to admiral, who serve as commander of U.S. Southern Command; Air Force Lt. Gen. Randall Reed, to general, to serve as commander of U.S. Transportation Command; and Air Force Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, to general, to serve as commander of U.S. Forces Korea.
Hurricane Helene
Singh also said the department is monitoring the path of Hurricane Helene for what kind of impact it may have and what type of assistance will be needed.
“Florida and Georgia have both declared states of emergency, and the governor of Florida has activated more than 3,300 National Guardsmen and 12 rotary wing aviation assets in state active duty status,” Singh said. “These guardsmen are pre-positioned around the state to provide responsive state support, including high-wheeled vehicle rescues, aerial support, route clearance and commodities distribution.”
Singh also said that in the next 24 to 48 hours, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina are expected to activate their National Guard units as well.
According to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration public advisory released earlier today, Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall Thursday evening along the Florida Big Bend coast.
“After landfall, Helene is expected to slow down and turn toward the Northwest over the Southeastern United States Friday and Saturday,” the advisory reads. “Data from an Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 80 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
26 Sept 24. Lord Lancaster’s appointment as the HMG Defence and Security Advocate extended by the Business and Trade Secretary.
- Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds extends Lord Lancaster’s contract as Defence and Security Advocate for a further three months.
- Lord Lancaster will continue to engage with industry leaders, ministers and other key players both in the UK and overseas to build export relationships with the UK’s partners.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has reappointed Lord Mark Lancaster as the Government’s Defence and Security Advocate, to drive the UK’s defence and security export success for a further three months until 20 December 2024.
Lord Lancaster will report directly to the Business and Trade Secretary and will continue his programme of visits both overseas and at home to promote UK defence and security exports. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
25 Sep 24. Euro Manganese Inc. (TSX-V and ASX: EMN; OTCQB: EUMNF; Frankfurt: E06) (the “Company” or “EMN”) will appoint Ms. Ludivine Wouters as a non-executive Director to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company. Ms. Wouters is based in France and has experience in European policy on mining and minerals, including critical raw materials, which will be invaluable to the Company as it moves forward with the development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project (the “Project”) in the Czech Republic.
25 Sept 24. Hadean, an AI and spatial computing company, have today announced the appointment of a senior advisor to support their ongoing and expanding work in the US. With a focus on increasing Hadean’s presence within the defence industry in the US, Lt. General (retired) Scott Howell will provide senior level support and strategic advice as part of Hadean’s ambitious expansion plans. General Howell comes with a wealth of experience and is well placed to support Hadean’s growth plans within defence, and across the US, having retired from the US Air Force in 2021. Most recently he served as the 15th commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC); and also served as the Vice Commander United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in Washington, D.C. During this position he planned, coordinated, and executed USSOCOM initiatives with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, military services, and other government agencies.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
23 Sept. 24. Amentum Announces Board of Directors Effective Post Merger with Jacobs Businesses. Amentum, a global leader in engineering and technology solutions, has announced its board of directors effective upon the close of the pending merger with Jacobs’ Critical Mission Solutions and Cyber and Intelligence businesses, expected to be completed after markets close on September 27, 2024.
“Our impressive board is comprised of well-respected industry and business leaders who understand what it takes to address our world’s most complex problems and opportunities,” said Steven J. Demetriou, who is slated to become the executive chair of Amentum upon closing. “This board will ensure strategic alignment and execution against Amentum’s mission of bringing advanced engineering and technology solutions to the most significant challenges in science, security and sustainability.”
The Board will be made up of the following leaders. Those who currently serve on Jacobs’ board of directors are expected to resign from those roles prior to or upon the close of the transaction. Those who currently serve on the board of managers of the general partner of Amentum Joint Venture LP, the limited partnership that, prior to the close of the transaction, is the sole equityholder of Amentum, are expected to resign from those roles prior to or upon the close of the transaction.
Steven J. Demetriou. Mr. Demetriou has served on Jacobs’ board of directors since 2015, when he joined the company as chief executive officer. In 2016, he became chair and chief executive officer of Jacobs. In 2023, upon retiring as chief executive officer, he continued as the executive chair of Jacobs’ board of directors. Mr. Demetriou brings international business perspectives and more than 35 years of experience in leadership and senior management roles, including over 20 years in the role of chief executive officer.
John Heller. Mr. Heller has been the chief executive officer of Amentum and a non-voting member of the board of managers of the general partner of Amentum Joint Venture LP since 2022. Previously, Mr. Heller served as the president and chief executive officer of PAE and predecessor companies. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, Mr. Heller also served in senior roles at Engility Corporation and Harris Corporation. Mr. Heller brings more than 39 years of leadership experience in providing technology and management services to governments worldwide to our board of directors, including over 14 years in the role of chief executive officer.
General Vincent K. Brooks (U.S. Army, Retired). General Brooks is a principal at WestExec Advisors and has served on the Jacobs board of directors since 2020. He is also a director of Verisk and he is the chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee of Diamondback Energy Inc. Previously, he served as a four-star general in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2019. His areas of expertise from a 44-year military career include leadership in complex organizations, inclusion and diversity, national security, international relations, military operations, combating terrorism, and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Benjamin Dickson. Mr. Dickson is a managing director at American Securities LLC. In addition to serving as a voting member of the board of managers of the general partner of Amentum Joint Venture LP, he serves on the board of directors of several current American Securities LLC portfolio companies, including serving as chairman of the board of directors of NAPA and SimonMed and as a director of The Aspen Group. Mr. Dickson brings more than 18 years of private equity investing and director experience to our board of directors.
General Ralph E. Eberhart (U.S. Air Force, Retired). General Eberhart has been on the board of directors of Jacobs since 2012. He has served as the chair of the board of VSE Corporation since 2019 and has served on its board since 2007. He also serves on the board of Segs4Vets. He is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations and the Colorado Thirty Group. Previously, he served as a general officer in the U.S. Air Force and also served as vice chief of the U.S. Air Force. During his 36-year military career, General Eberhart served as Commander of the U.S. Northern Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Space Command, Air Combat Command, and U.S. Forces, Japan.
Alan E. Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg is the co-founder and the chief executive officer of Lindsay Goldberg, a position he has held since the firm’s inception in 2001. Previously, he held several leadership positions at Morgan Stanley, including serving as chairman and chief executive officer of Morgan Stanley Private Equity. Mr. Goldberg has extensive experience serving on the boards of directors of private and public companies, including most recently for Reign Research Holdings and Stelco Holdings Inc. (TSX: STLC).
Leslie Ireland. Ms. Ireland has served as a director of Citigroup Inc. since October 2017. She also serves on the Chubb Cyber advisory board advising Chubb’s CEO and senior management team. Previously, she served as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Intelligence and Analysis and the DNI National Intelligence Manager for Threat Finance. Before joining the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2010, she was the President’s Daily Intelligence Briefer for President Barack Obama. She also served as the Iran Mission Manager, responsible for overseeing the intelligence process on Iran for the entire U.S. government. Ms. Ireland worked at the Central Intelligence Agency for 25 years in positions of increasing responsibility, including work on assignments focused on the Middle East and weapons of mass destruction.
Barbara L. Loughran. Ms. Loughran has served on the boards of Jacobs and of Armstrong World Industries since 2019, including as audit committee chair for both boards. Previously, she was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) serving global public company clients across a wide range of industries including industrial products, manufacturing and engineering. Additionally, she served as a partner in PwC’s national office working with the Securities and Exchange Commission and clients as they accessed the capital markets and responded to regulatory requirements. Ms. Loughran brings more than 35 years of global experience working with Fortune 500 executives and boards as they navigated strategic, transformational and operational issues.
Sandra E. Rowland. Ms. Rowland is currently on the board of directors and the audit and human resources committees of Oshkosh Corporation. She also serves as board member and chair of the audit committee of Fortifi Food Processing Solutions, a portfolio company of KKR & Company Inc. Until 2023, Ms. Rowland served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Xylem Inc. a leading water technology company, where she played a central role in the company’s $7.5 bn acquisition and integration of Evoqua Water Technologies Corp. Previously, Ms. Rowland served as executive vice president, and chief financial officer of Harman International Industries Inc.
Christopher M.T. Thompson. Mr. Thompson has served on the board of Jacobs since 2012, as well as on the boards of directors of Royal Gold, Golden Star Resources, and Teck Resources Limited. Additionally, Mr. Thompson served as chairman of the World Gold Council, as well as director, chairman, and chief executive officer of Gold Fields Ltd., a gold mining company. Earlier in his career, Mr. Thompson founded and led the formation of Castle Group Inc., a manager of institutionally funded venture capital partnerships that invested in the development of new gold mines globally.
Russell Triedman. Mr. Triedman currently serves as a managing partner at Lindsay Goldberg, where he has worked since its inception in 2001. He is currently a voting member of the board of managers of the general partner of Amentum Joint Venture LP, and he serves as a director on the boards of several of Lindsay Goldberg’s current portfolio companies, including Aspire Bakeries, Golden West Packaging, Kleinfelder, Liquid Tech Solutions, Pike Corporation, stayAPT Suites and Ultra Clean Express. Mr. Triedman has extensive experience serving as a director of public and private companies.
John Vollmer. Mr. Vollmer has served as the chairman and non-voting member of the board of managers of the general partner of Amentum Joint Venture LP since 2022. Previously, Mr. Vollmer served as chief executive officer of Amentum, as president of the AECOM Management Services Group and as group and executive vice president and chief operating officer of URS Corporation Federal Services. Additionally, Mr. Vollmer serves as a director on the board of directors of Yellow Ribbon Fund Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports wounded service members and their families.
Connor Wentzell. Mr. Wentzell is currently a principal of American Securities LLC and a member of the board of managers of the general partner of Amentum Joint Venture LP. Mr. Wentzell has worked at American Securities LLC since 2014. Mr. Wentzell also serves as a director of American Securities LLC portfolio companies, including currently serving as a director of Learning Care Group. Previously, he served as a director of Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD). Mr. Wentzell brings more than 10 years of private equity investing and director experience to our board of directors. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
21 Sept. 24. Boeing ousts defense chief Ted Colbert as firm seeks to right itself. Boeing executive Ted Colbert is out as head of the troubled firm’s defense sector, effective immediately, the company announced Friday. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s chief executive, said in a memo to employees that Steve Parker will temporarily lead Boeing Defense, Space and Security until a permanent replacement for Colbert is named. Parker is the chief operating officer for Boeing’s $32.7bn defense sector.
(Source: Defense News)