LOCATIONS
LAND
06 May 25. Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI), a pioneering leader in advanced defense and space solutions, proudly announces the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters located at 4501 N. Fairfax Drive in Arlington, Virginia. The event marks a significant milestone in Safran DSI’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the United States and unlocks a new chapter in bringing world-class technological innovations to the forefront of American defense and space sectors. The Arlington headquarters will serve as a hub for Safran DSI’s expanding portfolio of high-tech capabilities, including electro-optical and infrared systems, resilient navigation, geospatial artificial intelligence, power and propulsion, and space technologies.
MARITIME
08 May 25. Construction begins on Polish Navy’s second Miecznik frigate. Being developed by PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium, the Miecznik-class frigates can achieve a maximum speed of 28 knots. The Polish Ministry of National Defence has revealed the beginning of construction on the Navy’s second Miecznik-class frigate, ORP Storm, at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ SW) in Gdynia. The start of the construction process was marked by the traditional sheet metal burning. The first frigate, ORP Wicher, is already under construction at PGZ SW. Being developed by the PGZ-MIECZNIK Consortium, the Miecznik-class frigates will enhance the operational capacity of the Polish Navy. The warships’ missions include maritime surveillance, naval base protection, surface and subsurface combat, coastal zone defence and maritime air defence. Polish Ministry of National Defence head Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated: “The Prime Minister, a few months ago – in Stockholm, later in Helsinki – presented the plan of the Baltic Guard, the Baltic Warta, the Baltic Sentry – Nato operation, which aims to strengthen the potential of the countries located on the Baltic Sea, but also our allies, for example from Belgium and France, who dedicate their units to operate on the Baltic Sea in order to deter [aggression]. (Source: naval-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
08 May 25. Ms Kara Owen CMG CVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland in succession to Mr Paul Johnston. Ms Owen will take up her appointment during September 2025.
06 May 25. Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell, Ben Key’s deputy, has taken full command of Royal Navy operations until a permanent successor is announced. (Source: FT.com)
06 May 25. Mr David Cairns has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic in succession to Mrs Kirsty Hayes who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Cairns will take up his appointment during September 2025.
05 May 25. Boris Pistorius, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, is to remain Germany’s defence minister in Friedrich Merz’s new coalition. (Source: FT.com)
0 May 25. The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Dame Janet Beer, Emma Loxton and Sheena Wagstaff as Trustees of the Imperial War Museum for a four year term from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2029.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
05 May 25. Force reduction announcement. The Department of Defense is committed to ensuring the lethality of U.S. Military Forces to deter threats and, when necessary, achieve decisive victory. To accomplish this mission, we must cultivate exceptional senior leaders who drive innovation and operational excellence, unencumbered by unnecessary bureaucratic layers that hinder their growth and effectiveness. A critical step in this process is removing redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership by reducing excess general and flag officer positions. Therefore, I direct the following actions: • A minimum 20% reduction of 4-star positions across the Active Component; • A minimum 20% reduction of general officers in the National Guard; and • An additional minimum 10% reduction in general and flag officers with the realignment of the Unified Command Plan. Through these measures, we will uphold our position as the most lethal fighting force in the world, achieving peace through strength and ensuring greater efficiency, innovation, and preparedness for any challenge that lies ahead.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
02 May 25. Singaporean Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has announced his upcoming retirement from politics. The five-term MP and Singaporean military strategy adviser will reportedly retire and not contest the next general election after more than two decades in cabinet. Dr Ng’s political career included serving as MP for Singapore’s Toa Payoh Central ward and other political appointments as Minister of State for Education and Manpower, Minister for Manpower, Second Minister for Defence. Crucially, he served as Minister for Defence from 2011 to 2024, Deputy Leader of the House from 2007 to 2011 and Leader of the House from 2011 to 2015. (Source: Defence Connect)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
08 May 25. Terma and Lockheed Martin have further strengthened their long-standing relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony held at Terma’s office in Søborg. The MoU, signed by Terma CEO Henriette Hallberg Thygesen and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control President Tim Cahill, marks a strategic step towards expanding collaboration across both companies’ portfolios. Building on a history of successful cooperation across various defense and aerospace programs, Terma and Lockheed Martin have now formalized their commitment to exploring new areas of partnership. The signing of the MoU reflects a shared ambition to deliver advanced, integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of allied forces worldwide. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is recognized globally for its leadership in precision strike weaponry, integrated air and missile defense systems, air dominance and strike weapons, and next-generation sensor technologies. Terma, with its proven track record in defense electronics, aerospace structures, and mission system solutions, brings complementary capabilities and a strong customer-centric approach to the collaboration. Through this agreement, Terma and Lockheed Martin aim to leverage their respective strengths to address critical defense and security challenges. The partnership also aligns with Terma’s strategic objective of building robust international collaborations to deliver superior, cross-domain operational capabilities.
Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Terma, stated: “We are proud to take another important step with Lockheed Martin, a valued and trusted partner for many years. This agreement underscores our shared commitment to innovation and delivering best-in-class solutions to our customers around the world.”
Tim Cahill, President of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control stated: “By collaborating with leading innovative companies like Terma, we’re able to leverage our collective expertise and capabilities to deliver advanced, integrated solutions that contribute to a stronger, more secure Europe and NATO alliance. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient defence ecosystem, which not only benefits both sides of the Atlantic, but also supports the United States industrial base to the mutual benefit of all parties involved.”
06 May 25. At the DEFEA 2025, HENSOLDT, a leading provider of sensor solutions for defence and security applications, and AEROSERVICES S.A., a premier Greek Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO) and NATO contractor, have signed a agreement to expand their cooperation in the Greek defence and security sector. The agreement builds on the two companies’ existing collaboration for the integration of HENSOLDT’s Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS) into Greek military helicopters, including the UH-60 Blackhawk fleet under procurement for the Hellenic Army. The newly signed agreement reflects a mutual intent to explore further joint opportunities across a range of defence programs of strategic interest.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to the Greek defence market,” says Christina Canitz, Head of the Optronics Division at HENSOLDT. “We are proud to partner with AEROSERVICES, whose technical excellence and deep understanding of local requirements will enable us to deliver enhanced value to our Greek customers. Our goal is to support the Hellenic Ministry of Defence’s vision for increased local industry participation in defence procurements.”
Through this collaboration, HENSOLDT and AEROSERVICES aim to combine their complementary capabilities to provide advanced, integrated solutions to Greek Armed Forces and governmental security organizations. The cooperation is expected to cover future upgrades, maintenance programs, and potential new technology areas in airborne, land, and naval platforms. Both companies expressed their shared commitment to contributing to the Greek economy by creating local added value, enhancing skill development, and strengthening Greece’s sovereign defence capabilities.
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
07 May 25. Atheras Analytics SAS has appointed David Gibbons as CEO. As the company transitions from its start-up phase and moves into commercial delivery of its unique and highly innovative AI-based SaaS-delivered software tools, David will take charge of the go-to-market strategy and spearhead the commercial strategy of the business. A veteran of the satellite and defence business, David was Global Space Sales Director at TERMA Group (formal Atos/Siemens) where he focused on forging new markets and business opportunities and was also Head of ESA Space Solutions Centre, Ireland and held senior positions at Magellan and Moog.
08 May 25. Kromek Group plc (AIM: KMK), a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, announces that Claire Burgess will be appointed as a Director, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Company Secretary of the Group and that Paul Farquhar is retiring and will therefore resign as a Director, CFO and Company Secretary of the Group, both with effect from 1 June 2025. Ms. Burgess will join Kromek on 12 May 2025 to allow for a period of handover ahead of her assuming her new role.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
07 May 25. Academy Securities, the nation’s first Post-9/11 veteran owned and operated investment bank, today announced the addition of Lieutenant General Lewis Craparotta to its Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. Lieutenant General Lewis Craparotta retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2021 after 38 years of service. His final assignment was as Commanding General of Marine Corps Training and Education Command, where he oversaw the development and execution of training and education programs. He previously served as Commanding General of US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and I Marine Expeditionary Force. Additional assignments included Director of Operations at US Northern Command and senior roles on the Joint Staff and at US Special Operations Command Europe. Commissioned in 1983, General Craparotta began his career as an infantry officer with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
06 May 25. C2 Technologies, Inc., a leader in AI-powered training, MODSIM, immersive learning, and digital transformation for defense, proudly announces the appointment of the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, 78th Secretary of the Navy, to its Advisory Board. At a time when global threats evolve faster than ever, the next frontier of military readiness demands innovation at the speed of relevance. Few understand the urgent need for transformation better than Mr. Del Toro. Over four decades — from the bridge of a Navy warship to the highest offices of defense leadership — he has navigated the tides of change, driving modernization and resilience across America’s armed forces. (Source: PR Newswire)
05 May 25. IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), the leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, today named Jordan Shapiro as President and General Manager, Quantum Networking, effective immediately. Shapiro previously served as Vice President Financial Planning & Analysis, Corporate Development and Investor Relations. In his new role, Shapiro will oversee the company’s quantum networking business, guiding IonQ’s technical roadmap to build critical infrastructure for the quantum internet. His leadership will focus on integrating recent strategic acquisitions and advancing IonQ’s position in quantum-secure communications. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
06 May 25. Radia, developer of the largest high-volume, heavy-lift cargo aircraft, the WindRunner™, is proud to announce that General Mike Minihan, USAF (Ret), has joined the company as a strategic advisor. In this role, General Minihan will support Radia as it introduces its transformational WindRunner aircraft into the U.S. and international defense markets. A four-star general with over three decades of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, General Minihan most recently served as Commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), where he led over 107,000 Total Force aviators and was responsible for global airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and the global air mobility support system. Under his leadership, AMC advanced its rapid global mobility capabilities, increased operational readiness, and implemented innovative solutions to maintain U.S. air superiority in contested environments. (Source: PR Newswire)
06 May 25. TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) (“TransDigm” or the “Company”) announced today that Kevin Stein will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of TransDigm, following his more than ten years of service in senior leadership positions at the Company, effective as of September 30, 2025. Mike Lisman, the current Co-Chief Operating Officer of TransDigm, will succeed Mr. Stein as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Stein will continue to serve as an advisor to the Company through March 31, 2026 to help facilitate the leadership transition. Additionally, he will continue to serve as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. (Source: PR Newswire)
01 May 25. Velo3D, Inc. (OTCQX: VLDX), a leading metal additive manufacturing technology company for mission-critical parts, today announced Brice Cooper has joined the company as Vice President of Defense and Government Relations. A retired Green Beret with over 25 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, Brice has built a career leading high-performing teams in the defense and military sectors. His expertise spans special operations, defense acquisition, and product management, making him an ideal fit to lead Velo3D’s Defense Sector business. In this role, Brice will be responsible for expanding the company’s footprint within the defense and aerospace industries, focusing on strengthening customer relationships and driving new market opportunities. (Source: PR Newswire)
01 May 25. Xenith Solutions, a leading provider of innovative IT, data, and mission support services for the federal government, proudly announces the hiring of Mario Contreras as Account Executive for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This pivotal hire underscores Xenith’s growing commitment to supporting the unique missions of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Mario Contreras’ distinguished career spanning over three decades allows him to bring unparalleled experience in intelligence, data strategy, and defense operations to the Xenith team. His extensive background includes service as a retired Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) in the U.S. Army, over nine years at the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and significant leadership roles within USSOCOM’s Chief Data Office. (Source: PR Newswire)
05 May 25. XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) (“XTI”), a pioneer in xVTOL and powered-lift aircraft solutions, today announced the appointment of Hanna Tomory, a senior executive at Palantir Technologies, to its Corporate Advisory Board. Mrs. Tomory is an accomplished engineer and executive, currently leading Palantir Technologies’ commercial business in Canada and spearheading strategic initiatives across the U.S. and globally. Palantir is widely regarded as one of the world’s most elite software companies, known for deploying cutting-edge AI and ontology-driven data platforms in high-stakes environments. Mrs. Tomory’s experience spans large-scale projects in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, telecommunications, and finance as well as other commercial industries and various government sectors across North America, Latin America, and Europe. (Source: PR Newswire)