JOB OPPORTUNITIES
27 Jan 25. Digital job opportunities at Dstl. Help maintain and improve the digital services and infrastructure that enable Dstl’s vital science and technology work for UK defence and security.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the Ministry of Defence’s science and technology organisation, providing specialist solutions and advice to help find and fix problems for UK defence and security.
We are currently recruiting key roles in our digital team to help us meet some of the unique and exciting challenges of our work.
The team
You will join a team of digital professionals and work with team leaders who understand the importance of investing in talent. They also ensure skills and resource match the delivery needs. The team are expected to:
- communicate effectively
- be adaptable
- be forward thinking
- coach and support others
- empower others
What our digital team do
Our digital team is the centralised IT service for Dstl. The team provide essential support for all users including finance, HR and commercial, and our science and technology business areas.
The team deal with high volumes of service requests on a daily basis – approximately 45,000 a year!
These requests can be for new services or changes to existing ones.
The digital team also maintain and continuously improve the foundation infrastructure that all our digital services stem from.
If you want something new to get involved with, there are usually about 50 projects going on!
Reasons for joining us
Here are some good points about becoming one of our digital professionals:
People
As part of our team, you will work on ground-breaking projects that deliver the technology Dstl people need to work alongside the very best in industry, academia, across government and our allies around the world.
Contribute
Help us make an impact and deliver our ambitious and exciting digital agenda – enable the cutting-edge science and technology that keeps the UK safe in our volatile and contested world.
Variety
Join a great team of specialists who work across a broad range of digital services.
Benefits of working at Dstl
As well as a rewarding career in defence science and technology, Dstl offers a wide range of benefits and training opportunities in a supportive, encouraging and flexible environment.
“One of the most embracing and helpful cultures I’ve worked in. The team challenge one another and hold each other to account… there’s been support and development at every point. Digital really enables us to be the best leaders.”
Chris, Digital Team Leader
The deadline for job applications has now passed but you can still look at our current opportunities on Civil Service Jobs: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?SID=cGFnZWFjdGlvbj1zZWFyY2hjb250ZXh0Jm93bmVydHlwZT1mYWlyJm93bmVyPTUwNzAwMDAmcGFnZWNsYXNzPVNlYXJjaCZjb250ZXh0aWQ9MTE1MjYxNzM4JnJlcXNpZz0xNzM3OTYxNDY5LTA5ZGE5ZWI3NmNjMjNmYzQxZjBiMGMwMzcwZGY4ODBiMmZjNjA1YTY=
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
LOCATIONS
LAND
30 Jan 25. Babcock and Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) Launch Collaborative Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, is creating more than 100 jobs at its newly-opened Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) in Bristol, as the company further invests in supporting the development of nuclear skills and defence infrastructure in the South West of England. The bespoke facility brings together partners and experts from across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise including: Babcock, the Ministry of Defence, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the UK’s Royal Navy, and demonstrates how collaboration between industry and government is strengthening Britain’s submarine enterprise as part of a critical national endeavour. The additional roles, to the 400 already existing in the Hub, will include positions in engineering, project management, business and data analysts, adding to the already significant number of highly skilled personnel in the region, dedicated to the upkeep of the world’s most complex defence assets.
Welcoming the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, to the official opening, Babcock showcased its facility, which offers a step change in submarine support through a custom designed, collaborative working environment, promoting innovation and closer integration, and ensures data-led decisions are at the forefront of planning.
The Hub also further strengthens submarine support operations which Babcock delivers at Devonport Royal Dockyard, its Rosyth facilities and His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.
Babcock CEO, David Lockwood said: “The Submarine Availability Support Hub is an exemplar facility for defence collaboration in the UK. We are working alongside our customers and partners to provide long-term sustainable infrastructure in the South West that will not only host and support the important operations that protect our country but also provide career opportunities for people passionate about our industry.”
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said: “It was a privilege to open the new Babcock Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol, and to have the opportunity to speak with civilian colleagues and Navy personnel alike. The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth. This brand new facility will benefit the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security, and bolsters our country’s prosperity.”
Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) CEO Sir Chris Gardner, KBE, said: “The opening of the Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol provides a collaborative space that will support submarine availability for the Royal Navy in defence of our nation. This innovative facility is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the UK’s defence nuclear enterprise. It offers a dedicated capability for the Submarine Delivery Agency and Babcock to undertake vital joint work which will support waterfront operations, as well as presenting an opportunity to develop future talent by providing placement roles for engineering students.”
27 Jan 25. ConductorAI Corporation (“ConductorAI”), a pioneering defense technology company specializing in AI-enabled software solutions for sensitive, document-based compliance processes, today announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Biddeford, Maine. The startup will leverage this strategic location and engineering talent located in the Greater Portland, Portsmouth, and Boston areas to support a growing roster of public and private sector customers.
“We’re beyond excited to expand our footprint in the Greater Portland area given its proximity to top-tier institutions, access to nature, and fantastic engineers,” said Fichter.
Post this
ConductorAI is focused on accelerating document-based compliance and approvals for highly regulated entities, starting with the Federal Government. The company’s approach leverages approved large language models (LLMs) and decades of expertise building software for defense sector customers to bridge the gap between novel capabilities and mission-oriented needs. With the increased attention on increasing government efficiency, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and accelerating the adoption of innovative new technologies, ConductorAI is poised to assist in the modernization and transformation of government processes.
Its commercial platform, Conduit, is designed to meet the unique needs of defense organizations, including the ability to analyze documents at various classifications, ensure compliance with specific security requirements, and provide full transparency into underlying LLM processes.
This relocation to Biddeford, in addition to its satellite location in New York, builds on the footprint established by its Co-Founder and CTO, Ben Fichter, who moved to Biddeford in 2022 from South Portland, and sees Maine-based engineering talent as critical to the company’s future success.
“We’re beyond excited to expand our footprint in the Greater Portland area given its proximity to top-tier institutions, access to nature, and fantastic engineers,” said Fichter. “We look forward to partnering with local universities and businesses in the Maine defense community, and to growing our footprint in Biddeford in the years to come.” (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
27 Jan 25. Proposal for a joint operating model at Benson and Odiham airbases. Under RAF command, the two airbases would also accommodate helicopters from the British Army’s Joint Aviation Command.
There is a proposal to introduce a joint operating model at two British airbases: Benson, in Oxfordshire, and Odiham, in Hampshire.
The plan, referenced by the Minister for Defence Procurement, Maria Eagle, in a parliamentary written response on 23 January 2025, will enable the Royal Air Force (RAF) and British Army units to use the facilities.
This would, however, transfer the responsibility of running both airbases from the Army to the RAF, while helicopters from the Army’s Joint Aviation Command (JAC) would continue to operate from both sites.
“This will have no effect on operational outputs,” the Minister assured the Shadow Secretary of Defence, James Cartlidge.
Home of the Chinook
RAF Benson is home to two front-line Puma HC2 helicopter squadrons and one operational conversion unit, flying a mix of Puma HC2 and Chinook HC4 helicopters.
Likewise, RAF Odiham accommodates three Chinook squadrons. In September 2024, the station hosted a joint exercise – Dark Lightning – to interoperate with American counterparts, the US Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, who also operate the Chinook transportation helicopter.
Notably, JAC is tasked with lift, find, and attack tasks on the battlefield, supporting ground forces in the land and littoral environments.
Estate consolidation and retiring platforms
The Forestry Commission – tasked with managing woodlands, forests, and trees – and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are the two departments owning the majority of the UK government estate.
In the Strategy for Defence Infrastructure (2022), the MoD said they aim to reduce its vast estate as the management of 240,000 hectares can be a financial drain.
“We need to adjust the size of the estate, investing into a smaller consolidated estate footprint that is better able to support the delivery of current capability and adaptable to future demands. We will dispose of assets no longer required, creating a smaller and more affordable estate.”
Likewise, another senior MoD official, in another parliamentary response on 24 January 2025, revealed that the number of Logistics (air ground stewards) in the RAF have declined since 2010.
According to the cited figures, the total number of ground stewards reduced steadily each year from 482 in 2010 to 291 in 2024. This appears to correlate with plans to cut the defence estate.
The number of military platforms are similarly reducing to an extent that does not warrant such a vast amount of space.
John Healey, UK Defence Secretary, is retiring a number of military assets, including ships, uncrewed aerial systems, and tens of helicopter – 14 Chinooks and 17 Pumas – to save just £500m ($624m) to invest in other areas.
While the falling number of platforms may be more proportionate to the size of the defence estate, there remains a sense of foreboding. Still, these actions indicate more difficult decisions to come with Strategic Defence Review, due in the spring. (Source: army-technology.com)
MARITIME
24 Jan 25. China’s new Type 054B frigate exposes US naval inertia. The Type 054B/Jiangkai III-class have several differences compared to the earlier Type 054/A guided missile frigates. The commissioning of the first of a next generation of surface combatants for China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the Type 054B frigate Luohe, has once again highlighted the disparity of the pace of development between Beijing and its superpower rival, the United States.
Laid down in 2022 at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard and launched in 2023, the first of the Type 054B frigates is being followed by a second vessel, currently in build at Huangpu Shipyard. Also known as the Jiangkai III class under Nato designation, the US Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) states that “multiple units” are under construction.
As the latest variant of the earlier Type 54A/Jiangkai I and ‘Mod’ II frigates, the Type 054B is likely to be larger than the 134m length and 4,000 tonne displacement of earlier designs, potentially in the 6,000 tonne and 140-150m range.
It is likely that the Type 054B design was long planned, in keeping with the PLAN’s current programme to rapidly develop and transit through generations of surface combatants, in what appears to be a process of spiral development to incorporate new technologies and weaponry.
A 2024 update from the ONI revealed the PLAN had 50 Jiangkai-class frigates in service, with the more modern Jiangkai II guided missile frigates forming the bulk of this force, with 40 operational vessels. The PLAN also has 50 Jiangdao light frigates operational, which could be classified as corvettes, with a length of 90m.
Additional large combatant classes include two Luhu-class destroyers, four Sovremennyy DDGs in two distinct batches, a single Luhai DDG, and two Luzhou-class DDGs.
Comparing the Constellation
In comparison, the US Navy is building the first of the Constellation-class frigates, a process which began in 2022 and still years away from entering service.
A May 2024 report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the build of the US Navy’s first Constellation-class frigate was “at a standstill” amid continued delays of a programme that sought to provide an effective solution to the woes of its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) forebearer.
“Due to ongoing major design challenges, construction on the first ship is at a standstill. Now, the Navy forecasts the ship will be delivered three years late,” the GAO report stated.
A consequence of delays in completing ship design have created “mounting construction delays”, with the US Navy acknowledging that the planned April 2026 delivery date of first-in-class USS Constellation – which was set in the contract at the award – is unachievable.
The USS Constellation is likely to be delayed by 36 months, meaning a delivery now scheduled for the April 2029 timeframe. With construction beginning on the ship in August 2022, this will mean a more than seven-year span between manufacturing start and delivery.
The Constellation class will be the first guided missile frigates (FFG) operated by the US Navy since the last of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class FFGs left service in 2015, which were intended, in part, to be replaced by the twin-variant LCS progamme.
However, the LCS programme was curtailed with some vessels decommissioned after just a handful of operational years following a series of setbacks for the type. Responding to this, the US Navy returned to the FFG concept as the lead element of its Small Surface Combatant force.
Analyis: China’s Type 054B frigate
Analysis of imagery released by China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) and vessel silhouettes from the ONI’s documentation on the PLAN’s surface force indicates the Type 054B/Jiangkai III appears to be a significant evolution compared to the earlier Jiangkai I and Mod II designs.
On profile, the Type 054B has a stealthier design, with integrated masts fore and amidships, and a differently angled prow.
Images released by the MND show a main gun forward, larger than the PJ26 76mm calibre fitted to the Jiangkai Mod II, likely the PJ87 100mm naval weapon system. A 30mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) is fitted in front of the ship’s bridge for point protection from airborne threats.
Mounted on top of the ship’s hangar towards the rear is a missile-based CIWS similar to the US SeaRAM, probably of the HQ-10 series, offering further air defence capability.
Forward, the Type 054B has a 32-cell vertical launch system for medium-range area air defence, while amidships what appear to be 2×4 canister-launched anti-ship missiles. On earlier Type 054 frigates the YJ-83 anti-ship missiles were mounted, offering ranges of up to 200km, while its air defence missile was the HQ-16A, providing a 40km range.
Modernised variants of the HQ-16 missile reportedly provide air defence coverage out to 160km.
Although it is difficult to determine crew size, with the Type 54A/Jiangkai I and Mod II having a complement of around 165 sailors, the Type 054B will be able to accommodate more personnel, potentially around 240-250.
MND imagery shows two mass blocks of 200 PLAN sailors apiece, with around 80 sailors standing to attention on the Luohe itself. This could indicate the crews of the first two Type 054B ships, or around 240 each, although this cannot be confirmed. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
30 Jan 25. Airborne Technologies announce the successful official handover of two fully customized De Havilland DHC-6-300 surveillance aircraft to the Danish Home Guard. At a ceremonial event, the aircraft were formally delivered to the end user.They are now fully operational in their designated zone. The aircraft, named Hugin and Munin after Odin’s ravens in Norse mythology—the symbols of thought and memory This achievement marks the culmination of a remarkable collaboration with the prime contractor Zimex Aviation Ltd., the Danish Airforce Home Guard, and the Danish Ministry of Defence. The state-of-the-art patrol platforms, equipped with the Airborne LINX Surveillance System, are designed to undertake a wide range of missions, including Surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR), and Maritime Patrol operations. The project’s highlights include a cutting-edge operator workstation, an observer station, and a comprehensive ISR surveillance suite. The modifications were finalized through a collaborative cross-European effort between Altenrhein, Switzerland, and Wiener Neustadt, Austria, showcasing the expertise and dedication of all teams involved.
Wolfgang Grumeth, CEO of Airborne Technologies, remarks, “Seeing these aircraft take to the skies is a proud moment for our team. Together with Zimex, we have created two exceptional platforms that align perfectly with the demanding mission profiles of the Danish Home Guard. Having already modified more than a dozen Twin Otters for various clients worldwide, this project represents another significant achievement for our team. We wish the Danish crews safe operations.”
This state-of-the-art operator workstation is designed for maximum efficiency, providing full control over mission systems, communication, and real-time data analysis. Ergonomic and intuitive, it integrates live data, seamless command and control, and tactical decision-making in one place—ensuring optimal situational awareness and performance. The Observer/Mission Commander operates from a fully equipped workstation, controlling communication and maintaining full oversight of the mission. The table can be stowed for takeoff and landing.
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
28 Jan 25. A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has today [28 January] been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment as the Government pulls every lever available to drive economic growth under its Plan for Change. The 32 parliamentarians, drawn from across the political spectrum, have been assigned target markets across six continents and tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses and championing the UK as a destination of choice for investment in those markets. Each market has been identified as presenting significant potential for growing UK trade and Trade Envoys are appointed on their ability, relevant skills and experience. This can be based on their respective markets or UK sector knowledge, including previous government-to-government experience, as well as their commitment to the UK’s growth mission.
The new appointments are:
- Afzal Khan MP appointed to Türkiye
- Alex Sobel MP appointed to Ukraine
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP appointed to Ghana
- Ben Coleman MP appointed to Morocco & Francophone West Africa
- Calvin Bailey MP appointed to Southern Africa
- Carolyn Harris MP appointed to New Zealand
- Dan Carden MP appointed to Mexico
- David Pinto-Duschinsky MP appointed to Switzerland & Lichtenstein
- Fabian Hamilton MP appointed to Southern Cone
- Flo Eshalomi MP appointed to Nigeria
- George Freeman MP appointed to Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei
- Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride appointed to Jordan, Kuwait & the Palestine Territories
- Lord Ian Austin of Dudley appointed to Israel
- Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath appointed to Ethiopia
- Jess Morden MP appointed to Central America
- Lord John Alderdice appointed to Azerbaijan & Central Asia
- Lord John Hannett of Everton appointed to Sri Lanka
- Lord John Speller of Smethwick appointed to Australia
- Josh MacAlister MP appointed to Brazil
- Kate Osamor MP appointed to East Africa
- Matt Western MP appointed to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
- Mohammad Yasin MP appointed to Pakistan
- Naz Shah MP appointed to Indonesia & ASEAN
- Paulette Hamilton MP appointed to Commonwealth Caribbean
- Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester appointed to Taiwan
- Lord Roger Liddle appointed to Andean
- Dr Rosena Allin-Khan appointed to South Africa
- Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster appointed to Bangladesh
- Sarah Olney MP appointed to North Africa
- Sharon Hodgson MP appointed to Japan
- Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest appointed to Republic of Korea
- Yasmin Qureshi MP appointment to Egypt
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
24 Jan 25. Mr Edward Roberts has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Costa Rica, and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Nicaragua in succession to Mr Ben Lyster-Binns who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Roberts will take up his appointment during autumn 2025.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
25 Jan 25. The Senate voted on Saturday morning to confirm Kristi Noem as President Donald Trump’s Homeland Security secretary, installing a longtime Trump ally at the helm of an agency poised to play a central role in the president’s promised immigration crackdown. The vote was bipartisan, 59-34. Noem has served as governor of South Dakota since 2019 and is a former state legislator and four-term congresswoman. She will now be tasked with leading the Department of Homeland Security, a sprawling agency that oversees everything from US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the US Secret Service. (Source:CNN)
24 Jan 25. Pete Hegseth will become US secretary of defence after the Senate voted 51-50 in his favour late on Friday night, squeaking by after vice-president JD Vance broke the tie. Republican senators Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins joined Democrats in voting against Hegseth’s confirmation. Hegseth survived a last-ditch effort by Democrats to prevent his confirmation after his former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, made a sworn statement accusing him of being so abusive to his ex-wife that she hid in a closet out of fear for her safety. She also alleged that he had abused alcohol for years. The former Fox News host is a departure from the typical defence secretary. His predecessor, Lloyd Austin, was a retired army general who oversaw US Central Command, which encompasses military operations in the Middle East. A vocal opponent of “wokeness”, Hegseth has vowed to bring a “warrior” culture back to the US military as the Trump administration moves to do away with the federal government’s diversity initiatives. He also said one of his priorities will be to secure the US-Mexico border. The Pentagon on Wednesday said it would send an additional 1,500 active duty troops to the US’s southern border, a 60 per cent increase, on the president’s orders. (Source: FT.com)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
27 Jan 25. Marshall and AMMROC forge strategic partnership to explore growth opportunities. Marshall and AMMROC, the UAE-based industry leader in aviation MRO services and integrated logistics support, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to identify synergies and growth opportunities in the aerospace industry. The MoU marks the beginning of a long-term partnership aiming to harness each organisation’s strengths, identify, explore and pursue new opportunities and markets that align to their mutual strategic goals, and further enhance their competitive positions. Additionally, Marshall and AMMROC will work collaboratively to connect with new potential customers for maintenance, repair and overhaul aircraft services.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to broaden our market potential and enhance our service offerings,” said Marshall Chief Growth Officer Bob Baxter.
“We will be able to leverage our strengths combined with AMMROC’s expertise to drive collaboration and innovation, identifying ways to better serve our customers and explore new markets.”
The partnership incorporates a capability enhancement objective which will see Marshall support AMMROC in achieving Military Design Organisation Approval. As a UK CAA recognised Part 21J Design Organisation with an unmatched depth of expertise and breadth of capabilities, Marshall will assist AMMROC in achieving Part 21J, helping to greatly enhance their service offering and the scope of potential joint projects for both parties to collaborate on.
“By combining AMMROC’s industry-leading MRO expertise and strong presence in the SAMENA region with Marshall’s State-of-the-art engineering solutions, this partnership will enhance our joint capabilities to support a wider range of military and commercial aircraft platforms and extend our regional and global reach.” said AMMROC CEO, Jasem Al Marzooqi.
As part of this partnership, Marshall and AMMROC will seek to develop a comprehensive “Joint Growth Plan” outlining the opportunities that each organisation aims to pursue. This will document potential markets and strategic initiatives that have been identified as part of the collaborative efforts.
27 Jan 25. Fincantieri has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating its commitment to the region following the establishment of its subsidiary, Fincantieri Arabia for Naval Services, in 2024. These agreements highlight Fincantieri’s strategic focus on innovation, sustainability and industrial development through partnerships with Saudi entities and international collaborators. Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the MoUs underscore Fincantieri’s unique role as the only shipbuilding group active across all high-tech marine industry sectors, leveraging its vertically integrated business model and expertise in cruise, offshore and defence markets.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented: “These agreements reaffirm our strong commitment to the region and our readiness to explore new business opportunities across our three core segments, primarily focusing on defence. Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a global hub for maritime technology, and we are proud to collaborate with Saudi entities to leverage our extensive capabilities. Together, we aim to foster innovation and sustainability while contributing to the ambitious Vision 2030 agenda.”
Partnership Highlight: King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) The MoU with KAUST establishes collaboration in cybersecurity for naval applications, focusing on securing communications, preventing cyberattacks, and protecting onboard automation systems. Recognised as a centre of excellence in technological innovation, KAUST will combine its academic expertise with Fincantieri’s industry leadership to address cybersecurity challenges in the naval sector.
26 Jan 25. In the framework of bilateral meetings between Italy and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held today, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) of the Kingdom and Leonardo announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to discuss, develop and evaluate a range of investment and collaboration opportunities further expanding the collaboration in the aerospace and defence sector. This latest agreement leverages the MoU signed and announced in early 2024 which considered and explored multiple areas of collaboration to include space industry, airframe MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul), localisation of electronic warfare systems and radars and assembly of helicopters, a focus on Combat Air and Cross-Domain Integration fields, industrialisation processes and human capital development, national supply chain in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the country’s role for Leonardo in the region as well as the global value chain. Following the excellent results achieved implementing the agreement signed in 2024, the MoU signed today paves the path for a further expansion of the industrial collaboration in the Combat Air and helicopter fields. Over decades, Leonardo has been supplying to the Kingdom platforms, systems, technologies and services including passenger transport, energy support and rescue rotorcraft, electronic systems and sensors, maritime defence and cyber capabilities as well as providing a key contribution in the air defence domain, among others. This latest agreement represents the most recent step of Leonardo to reinforce its activities in the Kingdom, where the company has a dedicated Headquarters. Collaborating with local technological partners, research establishments and end-users, Leonardo will be able to generate sustained development and production in the country. The MoU will significantly contribute to the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aimed at the implementation of unprecedented reforms in the public sector, diversifying the economy, empowering citizens and businesses to reach their full potential and creating innovative growth opportunities.
PERSONNEL
28 Jan 25. Registration is open for Embraer Social Tech Careers, a free career acceleration program in technology offered by Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3). The initiative aims to encourage more women and people with disabilities to enter this market, which is why it is exclusive to these groups. With 70 available spots, the course focuses on data analysis and the simplified development of applications and other computer systems using programming techniques that are accessible for beginners.
“The market is increasingly seeking more skilled individuals in the technology field, and more professionals are interested in working with data science. With Social Tech, we hope to contribute to increasing the pool of these professionals and meet the growing demand from companies,” says Embraer’s Vice President of People, ESG, and Corporate Communications, Andreza Alberto. “At the same time, the course encourages diversity in the technology field, so that people from different backgrounds and life experiences can expand their skills in this highly relevant area today.”
Organized in partnership with the edtech SoulCode, Social Tech Careers aligns with the public’s desire for quick courses that cater to those with limited time or a sense of urgency to enter the tech market. Throughout the program, students learn to work with low-code platforms, covering programming languages like Python and creating dashboards in Power BI, for example. The classes will take place between March and June 2025, in an online format. They will be broadcast live from Monday to Thursday, from 7 PM to 10 PM. Of the total number of scholarships offered, 60 will be available to the general public, and the remaining 10 will be for Embraer employees. Registration to apply for one of these scholarships must be done by March 9 through the link https://soulcode.com/embraer-social-tech-careers. The selection process includes logic and basic computer tests, a short personal introduction video, and a group dynamic. Created in 2021, Social Tech Careers has already selected over 1,600 professionals in four editions dedicated to underrepresented groups – women, people with disabilities, and Black/Brown individuals. Upon completing the training, students become part of Embraer Group’s talent pool, shortening the distance to new job opportunities.
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
27 Jan 25. Katja Ziegler will resign from her position as Managing Director and CFO of ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH on 31 March 2025 and leave the company at her own request and on the best of terms in order to take on new professional challenges. Until then, Mrs Ziegler and ESG Managing Director Dietmar Thelen will ensure a seamless transition as part of the initiated succession plan and structural transformation. In the future, ESG will be a mainstay of the new HENSOLDT Multi Domain Solutions division. “We regret Katja Ziegler’s decision, as we will lose an excellent manager. She played a key role in the acquisition of ESG and its successful integration into the HENSOLDT Group, and thus contributed significantly to its success. On behalf of the entire Management Board, I sincerely wish Mrs Ziegler all the best for her future career,” said HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre. “We are grateful for the exemplary commitment of Katja Ziegler and are pleased that Dietmar Thelen, together with his strong management team, will continue the successful course we have taken: HENSOLDT’s solutions business will be bundled into the new Multi Domain Solutions division, which will spearhead our growth. We look forward to continuing our work with Dietmar Thelen in the Executive Committee,” Dörre continued.
28 Jan 25. The Supervisory Board of HENSOLDT AG extended the contract of HENSOLDT CHRO Dr. Lars Immisch to 30.04.2029. Lars Immisch has been responsible for the HR function on the Management Board of HENSOLDT AG since 1 October 2022. “Lars Immisch has played a major role in HENSOLDT’s continued growth and, in particular, in building a modern, inclusive corporate culture. The early extension of his contract confirms the value of his contribution,” said Reiner Winkler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HENSOLDT AG. “The Management Board in its current composition of CEO, CFO and CHRO gives the company the stability needed in the current transformation process towards HENSOLDT 2.0.”
29 Jan 25. SubSea Craft (SSC) announced the appointment of former Secretary of State for Defence and Leader of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt, as its new company Chair. The appointment follows the announcement of the defence start-up’s second international partnership for overseas manufacture support. Having recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Athens-based Skaramangas Shipyards, the company is looking to establish a foothold in Europe to provide the Hellenic Navy and NATO allies with stronger access to its maritime technology, including its flagship covert submersible craft, VICTA.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
27 Jan 25. AllClear Aerospace & Defense (AllClear) announced the appointment of Brent Wisch as its new Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development. This pivotal role will see Brent leading strategic sales and business development initiatives across all operating segments – Distribution, Repair Services, and Engineered Products – and subsidiaries.
30 Jan 25. The vice president leading Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft unit, Mark Nappi, has left his role in the program and been replaced by the company’s International Space Station program manager, John Mulholland, a Boeing spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday. (Source: Reuters)
29 Jan 25. Spectral Capital (OTCQB: FCCN), a leader in quantum innovation and sustainable technology, is proud to announce the appointment of Scott Robison, a distinguished U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and seasoned strategist, to its Advisory Board. With over 22 years of exemplary service in high-stakes military environments and extensive experience in emerging technologies and defense strategies, Robison brings a wealth of expertise to advance Spectral Capital’s mission of revolutionizing quantum computing and sustainable solutions. (Source: PR Newswire)
27 Jan 25. Stanton Chase, a global retained executive search firm, announced the appointment of Richard Sarmiento as Managing Director in Stanton Chase’s Industrial and Aerospace & Defense sector. Based in Washington, D.C., Richard will focus on strengthening the firm’s Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services practice, leveraging his extensive experience to connect organizations with transformative executive leadership. Richard specializes in placing leaders across Private Equity-backed, publicly owned, and non-profit organizations, with a focus on roles such as CEOs, Presidents, General Managers, and functional heads of Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Strategy, and Corporate Development. (Source: PR Newswire)
29 Jan 25. TD International LLC (TDI), the strategic advisory and risk intelligence firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Eliza Ehrlich to Partner. Most recently, Ms. Ehrlich led the firm’s operations in Dubai as Managing Director. With a reputation for strategic thinking and leadership, Ms. Ehrlich has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations through today’s most complex global challenges. She advises a global portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and commercial clients in the private equity, energy, mining, and financial services sectors. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
30 Jan 25. XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) (“XTI Aerospace” or the “Company”), a pioneer in advanced aircraft design, today announced the addition of Kimberly Montgomery, President of GMR Health Systems at Global Medical Response (GMR), a leading provider of pre-hospital healthcare solutions, to its Corporate Advisory Board. Ms. Montgomery brings over two decades of leadership experience in air medical transport and pre-hospital healthcare, having served in various senior roles at Seven Bar Aviation, Med-Trans Corp, and EagleMed. In her current role at GMR, Ms. Montgomery and her team oversee the business operations of GMR’s health system, and partner with medical transport programs across the U.S., in over 70 base locations. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
27 Jan 25. Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY), announced the appointment of Major-General (Ret.) Roch Pelletier to the role of Regional Vice President (RVP) Global Defence & Security. This newly created role addresses the growth of Calian’s defence business, driven by increased global military spending, geopolitical instability and the rising demand for advanced technologies. This appointment will advance Calian’s strategic business development, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and provide operational support to drive growth and efficiencies within the region.