CAPUA VACANCIES
Associate Director (Singapore) – https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4214493696
Associate Director Africa (London) – https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4214477640
LOCATIONS
AIR
30 Apr 25. Safety fears keep most of India’s go-to military helicopters grounded. Following a fatal crash in January, India’s entire fleet of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters – ALH for short – remains grounded, but the military has allowed some to fly after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 23. The Indian Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard rely heavily on 330-plus of the rotorcraft workhorses in their fleets. No end to their prolonged suspension is in view while an accident investigation unfolds. It was therefore notable that some Dhruvs were recently seen flying, suggesting temporary clearance was granted for counterterrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. To date, the ALH fleet manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has flown 450,000 hours, but the platform has suffered 28 crashes in the past 25 years. According to HAL, preliminary investigations blamed the latest crash on a swashplate fracture – a transmission part that translates pilot inputs into rotor blade motion. D.K Sunil, HAL’s chairman and managing director, claimed in February that the ALH design had no fault. “However, we’re working with the Indian Coast Guard to examine their maintenance practices and determine whether any changes are required.” A final Defect Investigation Committee report is due in May, at which point “we’ll further take a call on the clearance,” Sunil said. Depending on any rectification work required, the ALH fleet may end up being grounded at least six months. The measure has already strained the military’s fleet and forced the leasing of civilian helicopters as gap fillers. The grounding has also prompted criticism toward the manufacturer.
Earlier this year, air force head Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh bluntly said: “At the moment, I’m just not confident in HAL.” He urged the company to “alleviate those worries.”
HAL lashed out in an April 10 press release, calling out “speculative stories with malicious intentions” about safety issues. The company’s order book backlog has grown to seven years, and it has other helicopter projects on the go. These include the Light Utility Helicopter, which achieved its maiden flight in September 2016. However, serial production is yet to proceed. In the next decade will come more than 300 13-ton-class Indian Multi-Role Helicopters, too. HAL logged its latest helicopter orders on March 28, with two deals for Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) – 90 for the army and 66 for the air force. The two contracts are reportedly worth an equivalent of over $7bn.
India’s Ministry of Defence said the first LCHs would be delivered three years after contract signature, with production continuing five years thereafter. Furthermore, it is “planned to achieve an overall indigenous content of over 65% during the execution of this procurement,” the government said. HAL previously delivered 15 limited-series production LCHs to India’s military, the first of these handed over in 2021. HAL has declared a goal of aircraft exports accounting for 25% of the company’s revenue. However, overseas sales currently account for a mere 1%. (Source: Defense News)
BATTLESPACE Comment: Janes reported on May 5th that India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has “cleared” Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) in service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) for flight operations. In a statement on 1 May, HAL said, “Dhruv army and air force versions are cleared for operations based on the Defect Investigation (DI) Committee recommendations.” The announcement clears 213 Dhruv helicopters in the army and air force for flight operations. Janes assesses that these include the Mk I/II/IV variants. However, the 38 Dhruv helicopters (primarily the Mk III variant) of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard remain grounded. “The Indian Navy and Coast Guard helicopters are still grounded because they require additional investigation,” an HAL source told Janes on 5 May.
28 Apr 25. Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Boeing [NYSE: BA] celebrate the upcoming completion of the CV-22 Program of Record (POR) for the U.S. Air Force. Bell and Boeing commemorated the V-22 Osprey production milestone during a ceremony at the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center on April 18.
“Completing the CV-22 production aircraft for the U.S. Air Force is an immense honor and testament to the amazing men and women who have worked to design, engineer, and build these incredible aircraft,” said Eldon Metzger, Bell V-22 program director. “As we reach this milestone of CV-22 production we embark on the next chapter of our journey as we transition from full-rate production to fleet wide sustainment.”
The V-22 is the first tiltrotor aircraft introduced into military service and has successfully provided speed, range, and terrain agnostic capabilities unlike any other aircraft. The U.S. Air Force is the first of the U.S. military branches who operate the V-22 Osprey with improved nacelles to complete their program of record for new build aircraft.
“The CV-22 Osprey represents the dedication and determination of all those who had a hand in creating a unique aircraft and capability for the U.S. Air Force,” said Kathleen (KJ) Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “We are proud of all the work that has gone into the program over the years and look forward to maintaining the CV-22 for decades to come in support of its mission critical operations.”
The Air Force variant of the Osprey is designed specifically for special operations missions leveraging the speed and range advantages too long and complex for other aircraft. Some high-profile CV-22 Osprey missions include:
- The longest distance nighttime hostage rescue of American citizens in the Department of Defense history.
- The evacuation of 194 people from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
- Landing on a naval vessel traveling at full speed more than 250 nautical miles from land to rescue an American during a medical emergency.
The final CV-22 aircraft will complete production in the coming months before delivery to the U.S. Air Force. With the completion of the CV-22 Program of Record, Team Osprey, the group of industry partners supporting the V-22, is now focused on fleet wide sustainment and upgrades for the U.S. Air Force Osprey variant. Bell and Boeing continue to build new MV-22 and CMV-22 variants for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Navy.
PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES
01 May 25. National security adviser Mike Waltz is expected to depart from the Trump administration in the coming days, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN, after losing the president’s confidence over the course of his first 100 days in office. Waltz’s job has been in limbo after it was made clear to him earlier this week that his time leading the National Security Council had come to an end, according to a source familiar with the matter. Alex Wong, the deputy national security adviser, will also exit the White House, according to another person familiar. Special envoy Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and friend of President Donald Trump, is under consideration to replace Waltz as national security adviser, that person said. (Source: CNN)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
01 May 25. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recommended the president nominate Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the Joint Staff’s director for operations, to lead U.S. forces in Europe, according to a senior U.S. defense official, U.S. official and two congressional aides. The nomination to head European Command, which is not yet final, comes at a moment of uncertainty for America’s military commitment to Europe, potentially including cuts to U.S. forces on the continent and a lesser role in the NATO alliance. The White House still needs to review the nomination and pass it to the Senate before it becomes official, the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing process. (Source: Defense News)
28 Apr 25. The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA), announced today, will be a new unit in the Brigade of Gurkhas and will operate within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The regiment will strengthen the UK’s military capabilities by taking on 400 Gurkha personnel, yet another example of Government action to deliver national security for Britain as part of our Plan for Change. A new Gurkha cap badge has also been created – the first in 14 years – to represent the new unit and the expanded breadth of specialisms that the Brigade of Gurkhas deliver, continuing their proud tradition of military service to the UK.
- Over the next four years, 400 Gurkha personnel will join the unit known as The King’s Gurkha Artillery, bolstering UK security through the Plan for Change
- New unit will offer career and development opportunities for Gurkha soldiers in recognition of their service to the UK
- A new Gurkha unit is being created to bolster the Army – with the famous Nepalese soldiers taking up artillery roles for the first time.
A new Gurkha cap badge has also been created – the first in 14 years – to represent the new unit and the expanded breadth of specialisms that the Brigade of Gurkhas deliver, continuing their proud tradition of military service to the UK. The KGA will become an integral part of the UK Armed Forces’ artillery capabilities. As part of the new offer for Gurkha soldiers, and in recognition of the demands of modern warfare, personnel who join the KGA will be trained on advanced equipment, including the Archer and Light Gun artillery systems. In the future they will also train on the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system. Today’s announcement follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns said: “The Brigade of Gurkhas has rightly earned a reputation as being amongst the finest soldiers in the world, and the formation of The King’s Gurkha Artillery recognises the outstanding contribution that they have made, through their years of dedicated service. Our government is already delivering for defence through our Plan for Change, and this latest development will support retention efforts amongst Gurkhas while protecting and defending UK interests at home and abroad. The first recruits will finish initial training in November 2025 before going to Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire, the home of the Royal Artillery for trade training. Currently, around 4,000 Gurkhas serve across many trades in the British Army. All Gurkhas are recruited from Nepal, with thousands of candidates competing annually for a limited number of places.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
BATTLESPACE Comment: The fact that the Light Gun role is inclsuded in the duties of this new Gurkha Regiment suggests a wider role for the ubiquitous Light Gun, may of which have been supplied to Ukraine, and the opening of a n new production line which would suit such companies as BAE Systems, Leonardo and Hall & Watts.
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
28 Apr 25. Mrs Victoria Busby OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta in succession to Ms Katherine Ward LVO OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Busby will take up her appointment during September 2025.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
25 Apr 25. Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor
Justin Fulcher, Senior Advisor
Patrick Weaver, Senior Advisor
Ricky Buria, Senior Advisor
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
30 Apr 25. Lockheed Martin, the global security and aerospace company, and Rheinmetall, a leading international system house in the defence industry, have agreed to expand their existing cooperation. An extension of an already existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from June 2024 has been signed between both partners. Building on their existing partnership, the companies intend to extend the scope of collaboration in order to serve as a European center of excellence for the manufacturing and distribution of various rockets and missiles to enhance the security and self-reliance of Europe. The centre of excellence, based in Germany, will be led by Rheinmetall and will primarily operate in Germany and other European countries. The companies have begun working together to identify the best method to establish the centre of excellence, and plans of the resulting review will be subject to approval by the U.S. and German governments. With this project, two leading defence suppliers are joining forces to work together in the growing military market for the benefit of their customers: Rheinmetall with its market access in many countries as a leading system house in Europe, and Lockheed Martin as an internationally leading manufacturer defence technology and mission systems.
Ray Piselli, vice president, International at Lockheed Martin: “This partnership reflects our steadfast commitment to advancing transatlantic security and delivering proven, cutting-edge capabilities to European allies. This is a step toward helping our European customers meet their NATO commitments and by combining Rheinmetall’s deep regional expertise with Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile technologies, we’re creating a powerful foundation to meet evolving security needs. This relationship will strengthen both defense industries and create jobs in the US and Europe.”
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “Two strong partners have found each other. We are delighted to be taking the next step in our proven cooperation with our friends in the USA. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall complement each other perfectly with their specific capabilities and technological expertise. We want to play a significant role in the growing European market with rockets and missiles, where we see a considerable demand. Rheinmetall will not only be involved in sales but will also contribute significantly to the production.”
Dennis Goege, vice president and chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin: “Europe is central to our international partnerships, and this initiative marks an important next step. By deepening trusted ties with industry in Germany and across the region, we are supporting Europe’s defence industrial base and enhancing security through shared innovation and technology.”
Lockheed Martin has been a partner to the German industry for over 50 years and is continuing to expand these partnerships through cooperation with companies such as Rheinmetall, that have highly developed technological capabilities. For example, as part of the international F-35 supply chain, Rheinmetall will begin producing the first of approximately 400 F-35 fuselage centre sections in July. Back in 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joined forces to develop the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system, designed to meet the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery. It was unveiled to the public for the first time in Paris in the summer of 2024 at the Eurosatory trade fair. Lockheed Martin remains committed to strengthening the U.S. and European defence industries through strategic collaborations that harness the best of allied technology progress and create jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, training, research and development. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ammunition, land systems and defence electronics. The construction of the F-35 centre fuselage factory in Weeze also marks the corporation’s entry into the high-tech military aerospace industry.
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
28 Apr 25. J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”), a leading alternative asset manager focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, government, maritime, environmental and infrastructure sectors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stanley Deal to its Operating Executive Board (“OEB”). JFLCO’s OEB is a group of senior executives and general and flag officers with deep expertise in the firm’s target markets. Through deep industry relationships and unique expertise, OEB members contribute to sector-specific investment origination, due diligence, strategy development and portfolio company oversight and support.
28 Apr 25. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) (“Teledyne”) announced today that Teledyne’s Board of Directors named George C. Bobb III as Teledyne’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Simultaneously, Edwin Roks has retired as Teledyne’s Chief Executive Officer, but will continue as a special advisor to Robert Mehrabian, Executive Chairman, through August 31, 2025. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)