LOCATIONS
LAND
22 Nov 24. New Glasgow Rolls-Royce nuclear submarine office creates new jobs. The new Rolls-Royce Submarines site will enhance UK engineer capabilities and support the country’s nuclear deterrent, alongside supporting jobs. The UK’s nuclear engineering capabilities will be enhanced as a new Rolls-Royce skills office opens today in Glasgow, creating more than 100 jobs in a significant boost for the local economy. The UK government-funded site will be officially opened by Defence Minister Maria Eagle MP and tap into Scotland’s skilled workforce. The investment underscores the government’s commitment to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – the infrastructure and skills needed to maintain the country’s nuclear deterrent. The new office will play a crucial role in attracting skilled people and supporting regional growth without requiring individuals to relocate. It comes due to an increase in demand for technical specialists and the need to attract the best engineers to work on a growing portfolio of Defence Nuclear projects. The jobs announced today will support the delivery of key defence programmes and will also support a number of ongoing UK submarine projects, including the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United States, and the Dreadnought programme. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
MARITIME
28 Nov 24. South Korea commissions first KDX-III Batch 2 destroyer. The Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) has commissioned the first of three new Sejong Daewang KDX-III Batch 2-class guided-missile destroyers. ROKS Jeongjo The Great (pennant number 995) was commissioned on 27 November at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HD HHI’s) shipyard in Ulsan following more than two years of trials. Jeongjo has an overall length of 170 m, an overall beam of 21 m width, and a full displacement of 11,000 tonnes. It is powered by four gas turbine engines and two auxiliary propulsion systems that combined can generate a top speed of about 30 kt. SangBong Lee, head of design and engineering of HD HHI’s Naval and Special Ship Business Unit, told Janes that the new KDX-III Batch 2 destroyers will possess enhanced surveillance, strike, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities compared with the three KDX-III Batch 1 vessels, which were commissioned between 2008 and 2012. Jeongjo will also be able to embark an MH-60R helicopter on its flight deck for ASW operations. Hyunki Cho, deputy minister of current capabilities at South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), also told Janes that the capability of the Batch 2 vessels will be bolstered by their integrated and enhanced Lockheed Martin Aegis combat system. “The enhanced capabilities of ROKS Jeongjo will be supported by the more powerful Aegis Baseline 9, which has more advanced computing capabilities compared with Aegis Baseline 7 integrated into KDX-III Batch 1 ships,” Cho said. (Source: Janes)
28 Nov 24. Warship production milestone supports thousands of British jobs. Construction has begun on HMS Sheffield – a new warfare ship for the Royal Navy, and will be one of the world’s most advanced warships. The construction of HMS Sheffield, an advanced anti-submarine warfare ship for the Royal Navy, officially began today with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony in Glasgow. Nearly 2,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be supported through the production of Type 26 frigates, providing valuable employment opportunities for skilled workers and apprentices in Scotland. Around 4,000 jobs will be supported throughout the UK supply chain, in a boost to the economy. HMS Sheffield is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland, marking another significant step forward in the City Class frigate programme, designed for a service life of at least 25 years, serving into the 2060s.
Representatives from BAE Systems, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Royal Navy, and government joined employees for the event, as an apprentice official cut steel on HMS Sheffield. Attending the ceremony, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said: “This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding.
HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK. This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry. The Type 26 frigates will replace the current Type 23 fleet and will be among the world’s most advanced warships, supporting our national security. Their primary role will be to protect the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group. These versatile ships will also support international operations, including counter-piracy missions and humanitarian relief work. This will support the UK in creating a stronger defence and ensuring our Armed Forces are better equipped to tackle the threats of the future.”
Sir Simon Lister, Managing Director, BAE Systems, Naval Ships said: “This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who play their part in the design and construction of these important vessels. HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow. I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support and commitment as we take this programme forward together and deliver the next generation frigates for the Royal Navy.
HMS Sheffield is a name steeped in Royal Navy history, with the name previously on several ships, including on a Town class cruiser which saw extensive action during the Second World War, and a Type 42 destroyer which was deployed during the Falklands War.” Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the first in class, entering service by the end of 2028. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
25 Nov 24. HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Authenticates Keel of Destroyer Sam Nunn (DDG 133). HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding authenticated the keel today of Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Sam Nunn (DDG 133). The ship’s name honors Samuel Augustus Nunn Jr., a former U.S. senator from Georgia and co-founder of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Nunn was in attendance for the ceremony and was joined by his daughter and ship sponsor, Michelle Nunn.
“It is truly an honor to commemorate this moment in the life of the future USS Sam Nunn,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. “It continues an important journey for Ingalls shipbuilders in delivering what they do best: hard work, craftsmanship, and quality in support of the Navy and the nation. It is a fitting tribute to the public service of Senator Nunn and his commitment to making a difference in the world.”
A native of Georgia, Nunn served in the Georgia House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972. During his tenure as senator, Nunn served as chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services and the permanent subcommittee on investigations. His legislative achievements include the landmark Department of Defense Reorganization Act and the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program which deactivated more than 7,600 nuclear warheads. The ship’s sponsor and daughter of the namesake, Michelle Nunn, joined her farther and Ingalls Structural Welder Adam Lee in welding their initials onto a steel plate, signifying the keel of DDG 133 as being “truly and fairly laid.” The plate will remain affixed to the ship throughout its lifetime.
“What a joy for our extended Nunn family and community to celebrate the laying of the keel of USS Sam Nunn,” Michelle Nunn said. “I am so honored to assume the role as this ship’s sponsor and I hope that my father’s values of determination, integrity, and service will inspire the sailors of DDG 133.”
Sam Nunn (DDG 133) is the fifth Flight III destroyer to be constructed at Ingalls. Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers incorporate a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability including the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System that are designed to keep pace with the threats well into the 21st century. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Guided missile destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. surface fleet and are capable of fighting multiple air, surface and subsurface threats simultaneously. (Source: ASD Network)
AIR
26 Nov 24. Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf Rotorcraft. Boeing’s recent delivery of the first MH-139A Grey Wolf production aircraft to the U.S. Air Force is a milestone for both Boeing and Integris Composites, Inc. In 2018, Boeing was selected as the prime contractor with Leonardo as an original equipment manufacturer to develop the MH-139A aircraft that will provide improved capabilities and greater flexibility than the UH-1N Huey. This icon of military aviation since the Vietnam War is used by the Air Force to protect America’s intercontinental missile bases. On Aug. 5, 2024, Boeing announced delivery of the first production vehicle fitted with armor from Integris. For Integris Composites, this delivery marks the realization of a strategic goal established in 2015 — to be a credentialed Tier One supplier to aerospace manufacturers.
“This event signifies the culmination of a nine-year journey,” said Andrew Bonham, president of Integris Composites, Inc. “Our European business was previously established as a global aerospace supplier. In 2015, our U.S. management team set the goal of attaining Tier One supplier status with OEM aviation companies and U.S. Department of Defense decision-makers. By 2017, we achieved AS9100 certification, a vital credential for aerospace companies, ensuring compliance with stringent quality and safety standards,” Bonham explained.
“Then in 2018, Boeing awarded us a contract to develop and engineer the MH-139A armor system. Development, design, and qualification work with Boeing, and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation aircraft with the Air Force followed. Now, thanks to a follow-on contract with Boeing, we are manufacturing the armor kits for the production aircraft,” explained David Cordova, chief commercial officer.
Integris Composites, Inc. has become a credentialed Tier One supplier to aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and prime defense contractors. “Besides Boeing, we have contracts with Bell Flight, Airbus, Velocity Systems, QinetiQ, Battelle Memorial Institute, Mack Defense, American Rheinmetall Vehicles, and the Air Force Institute of Technology,” said Cordova.
“Achieving Tier One aerospace supplier status enhances our already strong business and solidifies our reputation as a trusted provider of ballistic armor systems for vehicles, aviation, and personnel. These systems offer critical protection for personnel operating in hostile environments such as warfighters, tactical security personnel and elite law enforcement units,” Cordova continued.
“Integris Composites produces the most advanced strength-to-weight-ratio in armor for military organizations throughout the world,” Cordova continued. Last year Integris Composites became the new name for TenCate Advanced Armour, a global company founded in Europe 30 years ago this year. (Source: ASD Network)
PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES
27 Nov 24. Singapore Navy decommissions last of Challenger-class submarines. The latest move marks transition of duties from RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain to the new Invincible-class submarines. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has decommissioned its final two Challenger-class submarines, RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain, at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. Singapore’s Chief of Navy Sean Wat officiated the ceremony, marking the transition of duties from the Challenger-class submarines to the new Invincible-class submarines. In September, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and senior defence officials commissioned the first two Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable. Challenger-class submarines, formerly the Royal Swedish Navy’s Sjoormen-class, joined the RSN in the 1990s. The then-deputy prime minister and minister for defence Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam commissioned RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain on 22 July 2000 and 24 August 2002, respectively. Launched in May 1999 at the Kockums shipyard in Karlskrona, Sweden, RSS Conqueror was the first of the four RSN submarines to arrive in Singapore. Before its return in 2000, it underwent refurbishment and tropicalisation in Sweden, followed by sea trials in Singapore to verify its systems’ performance in local conditions. The last of the four ex-Sjoormen class submarines, RSS Chieftain, was launched on 22 May 2001. The Challenger-class submarines, along with RSN’s pioneer submariners trained in Sweden, contributed to developing a submarine operating capability. Over the years, these submarines protected Singapore’s maritime interests and territorial integrity through operations and participated in bilateral and multilateral exercises. Fleet commander RADM Kwon Hon Chung said: “RSS Conqueror and RSS Chieftain’s achievements are a testament to the unwavering resolve and courage of the RSN’s pioneer submariners, who laid strong foundations for the growth of 7th Flotilla and the RSN into a world-class submarine operating force.
“It was on board these submarines where we dived into the underwater domain some 29 years ago and overcame numerous challenges with the invaluable assistance from the Royal Swedish Navy.”
During the ceremony, Wat also launched the new submarine training school (STS), named after the RSS Challenger. The facility marks a milestone in RSN’s local submarine training history and leverages technological advancements to enhance training realism, effectiveness, and efficiency. The STS features simulators for individual and team training, incorporating realistic scenarios in a safe environment. (Source: naval-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
22 Nov 24. New retention payments announced for thousands of Armed Forces personnel. The Government has announced that around 5,000 eligible Tri-Service aircraft engineers will receive £30,000 when they sign up for an additional three years of service, whilst a new £8,000 retention payment has been announced for around 12,000 eligible Army Privates and Lance Corporals. Thousands of Service Personnel are set to receive retention bonuses as the Government takes decisive action to tackle the long-term decline in Armed Forces numbers. As part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, eligible Tri-service aircraft engineers will be given £30,000 when they sign up for additional three years’ of service. From April 2025, this will be applicable to around 5,000 personnel in total. From January 2025, a new £8,000 retention payment will be awarded to eligible regular Privates and Lance Corporals who have served four years. The payment targets Army Personnel as they enter a critical part of their career, with 12,000 personnel expected to benefit over the next three years. The announcements come as part of a drive to boost military morale, with additional childcare support announced for families deployed overseas earlier this week. The retention payments were announced by Defence Secretary John Healey MP in the House of Commons yesterday and follows the Government delivering the largest Armed Forces pay increase for 22 years earlier this year. It also comes after the Government scrapped 100 outdated policies that block and slow down recruitment, resulting in over 700 applications being reconsidered so far. This week, the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill also passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. During a visit to Aldershot Garrison today (22 November), Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns met with Army personnel set to benefit from the retention payments.
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE MC MP said: “This Government is on a drive to boost military morale and we are taking decisive action to stop the long term decline in Armed Forces numbers, having inherited a recruitment and retention crisis – with targets missed every year for the past 14 years. We will always stand up for our Armed Forces and these retention payments help recognise the extraordinary sacrifices Service Personnel make to defend the UK and keep us all safe.”
The new Government previously announced it has slashed recruitment red tape to make the process more straightforward for those wanting to join the military. Through the removal of 100 unnecessary medical policies such as blocking some sufferers of hay fever, eczema, and acne, more than 700 applications have been reviewed. The Government also awarded an average 6% pay rise for Service Personnel with new recruits receiving a 35% increase – ensuring all members of the Armed Forces receive at least the National Living Wage for the first time. The Defence Secretary announced earlier this week the expansion of a scheme which helps service families in the UK pay for wraparound childcare to those based abroad. Hundreds of families will now be able to claim up to 20 hours a week of funded before and after school childcare, saving around £3,400 a year. Also this week, the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. The legislation will deliver a manifesto commitment to establish the first ever Armed Forces Commissioner, a strong, independent voice for Service Personnel and their families with power to hold Government and Single Services to account. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
27 Nov 24. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced businessman John Phelan as his pick to be the next Secretary of the Navy, lauding him as a leader who will “put the business of the U.S. Navy above all else.” If confirmed, Phelan would be the first permanent Navy secretary without military experience since 2009, when Donald Winter finished up his three-year term in the role. Unlike Winter, who previously had worked within the Pentagon and on Navy contracts at major defense firms, Phelan has little public connection to the sea service. (Source: Defense News)
27 Nov 24. MG Keith C. Phillips, director for Operations, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C., to senior defense official and defense attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office, Ukraine.
27 Nov 24. BG Marne L. Sutten, special assistant to the deputy chief of staff, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C., to director of Network Command, Control, Cyber Communications Systems Integration, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-6, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Army Reserve
27 Nov 24. BG Thad J. Collard to deputy commander (Troop Program Unit), 3rd Medical Command, Fort Gillem, Georgia. He most recently served as Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, Office of the Surgeon General (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Falls Church, Virginia; and deputy commanding general, Army Reserve Medical Command, Pinellas Park, Florida.
27 Nov 24. BG John M. Dreska to assistant deputy chief of staff, G-4, Mobilization and Training (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. He most recently served as deputy commander (Troop Program Unit), 377th Theater Sustainment Command, Belle Chasse, Louisiana.
27 Nov 24. BG Rachel E. Humphrey to deputy commander (Troop Program Unit), 377th Theater Sustainment Command, Belle Chasse, Louisiana. She most recently served as deputy commanding general (Troop Program Unit), 80th Training Command (The Army School System), Richmond, Virginia.
27 Nov 24. BG Paul L. Kuettner to commanding general (Troop Program Unit), 86th Training Division, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. He most recently served as commander (Troop Program Unit), 4th Brigade, 102nd Training Division, Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
27 Nov 24. BG Jennifer A. Marrast-Host to Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, Office of the Surgeon General (Individual Mobilized Augmentee), Falls Church, Virginia; and deputy commanding general, Army Reserve Medical Command, Pinellas Park, Florida. She most recently served as deputy commander (Troop Program Unit), 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), Saint Charles, Missouri.
27 Nov 24. BG Sandra K. Martin to deputy commander – Support (Troop Program Unit), 412th Engineer Command Mission Support, Vicksburg, Mississippi. She most recently served as deputy commander (Troop Program Unit), U.S. Army Reserve Deployment Support Command, Birmingham, Alabama.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
25 Nov 24. Naval Group Chooses NEDS to Strengthen Relationship With Dutch Partners. Cooperation with Dutch knowledge institutes and maritime industry continues with Letter of Intent (LOI) with Marin, an agreement between partners Thales and Optics11, and a cooperation contract with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) for the integration of the countermeasure solution CANTO on Royal Netherlands Navy vessels. Today, NEDS 2024 took place in Rotterdam. On this occasion, Naval Group accelerates the development of its partnerships with partners from the Netherlands DTIB with three more signatures, two weeks after the signature at Euronaval of contracts with Verebus and Van Halteren Technologies. In the frame of the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) reached in September this year, a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Marin and an agreement between Thales and Optics11 show a new step in the production of the submarines for the Royal Navy and Naval Group’s cooperation with Dutch knowledge institutes and industry. In parallel with the RNSC program, a cooperation contract has also been signed for the acquisition of countermeasure systems CANTO for Royal Netherlands Navy vessels.
Pierre Éric Pommellet, Naval Group Chairman and CEO: “Our cooperation with the Dutch industry has existed for 30 years, and is still going stronger today. After the previous contract signatures during the Euronaval exhibition in Paris, we are taking another step in our commitment to fulfill the agreements made with our Dutch partners. We are therefore extremely pleased with the current collaborations and hope to continue them further.”
The signing of the Letter of Intent with Marin, a world-recognized top maritime research institute, enables the institute to use its software, test facilities, simulators and full-size measurements to further improve submarines. An agreement was also signed between Thales and Optics11 for a towed linear antenna feasibility study. As the world leader in optical detection technology for ultra-sensitive early warning systems, Optics11 will provide the Orka-class submarines with advanced systems and components. With these two signatures, Optics11 and Marin are concretely involved in the RNSC program, in high-added value domains. These are a step towards the first major review planned at the beginning of 2025 when the design of the submarine will be completed.
Pepijn de Jong, manager defence from Marin: “MARIN is delighted to be signing this LoI, as it means we can support Naval Group for the Royal Netherlands Navy submarine replacement program with our extensive technical expertise on naval hydrodynamics and maritime operations. We will be working with Naval Group to help ensuring that the Netherlands gets the best possible submarines.”
Paul Heiden, CEO of Optics11: “Optics11’s cutting-edge technology and expertise in high-tech solutions are crucial for the success of the Orka program. This partnership not only strengthens our position in the defense sector but also underscores the importance of Dutch high-tech companies in contributing to the national economy.”
In parallel, the signature of the cooperation contract on the CANTO systems is an example of Naval Group’s commitment to the Dutch DTIB beyond the RNSC program. Earlier this month, Naval Group already signed contracts with Verebus and Van Halteren Technologies during Euronaval in Paris. The collaboration with Verebus focuses on Integrated Logistic Support Technical Documentation to S1000D specification, for the CANTO program for the Royal Navy. With Van Halteren Technologies, the focus of the collaboration is on a preliminary study for hydraulic power units for Orka-class submarines. (Source: ASD Network)
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
24 Nov 24. German defence firm Renk Group (R3NK.DE) said on Sunday it had appointed management board member Alexander Sagel as CEO effective Feb. 1, 2025. Sagel currently serves as management board member and COO of the company. The current CEO, Susanne Wiegand, will step down from her position by the end of January, due to personal reasons, according to a company statement. Earlier this month the tank equipment maker reported bigger-than-expected third-quarter revenue, led by higher demand in its vehicle mobility segment. (Source: Google/Reuters)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
26 Nov 24. Academy Securities, the nation’s first Post-9/11 veteran owned and operated investment bank, today announced the addition of Lieutenant General John Evans to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Lieutenant General John Evans retired from the US Army in 2024 after a distinguished 36-year career, including over 8 years in general officer command. His military service culminated as Commanding General of US Army North, where he led homeland defense initiatives, protected critical infrastructure, and directed the Department of Defense response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. He also spearheaded Operation Allies Welcome, supporting the resettlement of over 74,000 Afghan refugees. General Evans previously commanded the US Army Cadet Command, overseeing over 975 senior ROTC programs at colleges and universities and 1,700 junior ROTC programs at high schools. He also led the Army’s Special Operations Aviation Command, managing $3 bn in military aircraft development programs and deploying elite helicopter forces worldwide. (Source: PR Newswire)
22 Nov 24. Crystal Group, Inc., a trusted designer and manufacturer of rugged high-performance edge compute solutions in Eastern Iowa, announced today that Cale Stephens has been selected as its next VP, Advanced Technology. Throughout Stephens’ 23-year tenure at Collins Aerospace, he held many engineering leadership roles, most recently as Senior Director, Collins Digital Technologies Engineering Enablement Solutions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
27 Nov 24. Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) (“Comtech” or the “Company”), a global technology leader, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has unanimously elected Kenneth (Ken) H. Traub as the Executive Chairman of the Company. Mark Quinlan has stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Board and will continue serving on the Board. In addition to Mr. Traub’s role in chairing the Board, he will be the senior executive leading the Company. John Ratigan, Comtech’s President and CEO, will report directly to Mr. Traub and they will be working closely together. In addition, former U.S. Army Chief Information Officer, Lieutenant General (Retired) Bruce T. Crawford, has been elected to serve as Lead Independent Director.
“I am thrilled to lead the Comtech team as Executive Chairman during this important time for the Company,” said Mr. Traub. “I look forward to working closely with the Board, management team, employees throughout the Company as well as other stakeholders to help address lingering challenges and better position us to capitalize on significant value enhancement opportunities going forward.”
Mr. Traub continued, “On behalf of the Board, I thank Mark for his leadership and the contributions he has made to Comtech while serving as Chairman. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his expertise as a director and as a significant investor.”
“I am honored to have been selected as Lead Independent Director, and look forward to working with the Board and management team,” said Mr. Crawford. “The Comtech Board has acted decisively to strengthen the Company’s leadership.”
“Ken joined the Comtech Board just one month ago and has already demonstrated the leadership skills and acumen that have been the hallmarks of his successful career,” said Mr. Quinlan. “Comtech is fortunate to have a leader of his caliber as we embark on the next chapter of the Company’s development.”
Mr. Ratigan added, “I am thrilled to welcome Ken to Comtech leadership and look forward to working closely together. Ken and I have complementary skills and I look forward to collaborating with him to help Comtech achieve its full potential.”
22 Nov 24. Marlinspike, a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm redefining defense innovation through dual-use investing, announced the formation of the Marlinspike Disruptive Technology Fund II (MDTF II) Advisory Board. Comprised of leaders from the defense, intelligence, and strategic policy communities, the board will provide strategic guidance and expert insights to advance Marlinspike’s mission of investing in the best of the bold. Marlinspike is a specialist VC firm led by veterans and industry experts whose mission is to rearm and rebuild the industrial base and military capabilities to foster unprecedented innovation. Focusing on dual-use companies, the firm leverages its institutional knowledge of the military and Washington, D.C.’s procurement ecosystem to identify and advance promising defense technologies with commercial market potential. MDTF II is a growth fund that also takes strategic foothold positions in early-stage companies to drive exceptional returns. Its holdings will focus on aerospace, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cybersecurity—technologies poised to become the foundation of future defense and commercial capabilities.
The board brings together institutional experts in defense technology, intelligence, and strategic policy research. It includes:
- Lieutenant General (Ret.) Scott A. Howell, 15th Commander, Joint Special Operations Command
- Andrew Makridis, former Chief Operating Officer, Central Intelligence Agency
- Bryan Clark, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, Hudson Institute
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Scott A. Howell, 15th Commander, Joint Special Operations Command
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Scott A. Howell is a decorated leader and career helicopter pilot with 2,600 flight hours and extensive experience in global operations. He commanded NATO Special Operations forces in Afghanistan and led critical missions across Iraq, Kosovo, and Djibouti. As the 15th Commander of Joint Special Operations Command, he drove strategic initiatives to enhance U.S. and allied special operations capabilities.
Andrew Makridis, former Chief Operating Officer, Central Intelligence Agency
Andy retired from the Central Intelligence Agency in 2022 after serving as its Chief Operating Officer, concluding a distinguished 37-year career in national security. He played pivotal roles in U.S. intelligence, including briefing President George W. Bush after 9/11, leading nuclear threat analysis, and overseeing the CIA’s response to the WikiLeaks breach. A three-time recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, Andy is celebrated for his leadership and mentorship, earning some of the Agency’s highest honors during his tenure.
Bryan Clark, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, Hudson Institute
Bryan specializes in naval operations, electronic warfare, and wargaming. A retired submariner, he previously served as special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations and led initiatives in undersea warfare and electromagnetic spectrum operations. He has conducted studies for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and DARPA and is a recipient of the Legion of Merit and the Navy Superior Service Medal. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
27 Nov 24. DroneShield Makes Senior Australian Defence Appointments.
DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce it has brought several high profile Australian defence and Government strategists into the business, both at executive and advisory roles.
The appointments include:
Terry van Haren, DSM, Vice President, Strategy
Terry joins the DroneShield team after 35 years of service in the Royal Australian Air Force as a Commander, fighter pilot, and weapons officer. Terry is a veteran with four operational tours in the Middle East with recognised distinguished service. Terry’s last posting was as the Air and Space Attaché to the US (18-20), during which time he developed his interests in next generation disruptive commercial air and space technologies.
Kym (Koz) Osley, AM, CSC, Strategic Advisor
Koz is a widely respected defence executive with extensive connections across the defence ecosystem in Australia and overseas with Military, Government, and Industry. He has 45+ years of experience working within the Defence Force and subsequently in the commercial sector.
Fergus (Gus) McLachlan, AO, Strategic Advisor
Gus is a retired Major General in the Australian Army, serving for 37 years. His career included operational service in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as a pivotal exchange with the US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. For his exceptional service in Afghanistan, he was awarded the US Legion of Merit by then Secretary of Defense, James Mattis.
Kacey Lam-Evans, Government Affairs Director
Kacey is a government affairs specialist who brings a robust background in public policy and strategic government engagement to DroneShield. She has directly advised Australian Government Ministers and was Senior Advisor to the 54th Australian Minister for Defence, where she was instrumental in driving the Australian Defence Export Strategy and enhancing export confidence across the Australian defence industry.