VACANCIES
29 May 25. The UK government is currently advertising several high-profile roles for scientific experts. These positions offer a unique chance to inform policy and decision making at the highest levels and an opportunity to make a significant impact on national policy.
Chief Scientific Adviser roles
Chief Scientific Advisers (CSAs) provide independent science advice to ministers and departments, lead their department’s science systems, and contribute to evidence-based decision making. These are positions directly employed by a government department or arm’s-length body, usually for a minimum of 4 days a week and for a period of at least 3 years.
Who should apply
We encourage applications from individuals with:
- Strong scientific and/or engineering backgrounds and expertise
- A passion for applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges
- A desire to move into a government role at the intersection of science and government
Current CSA vacancies
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils (SACs) positions
SACs help government departments (and their arm’s-length bodies) to access, interpret and understand the full range of relevant scientific information, and to make judgements about its relevance, potential and application. SAC member positions are part-time roles, which vary in terms of minimum time and length requirements. They are conducted at the same time as your existing work activities.
Who should apply
We encourage applications from individuals with:
- Strong scientific and/or engineering backgrounds and subject-matter expertise
- A passion for applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges
- A desire to work in government and closely influence policymaking but without moving away from academia
Current SAC vacancies
- Current SAC vacancies will be advertised here
If you are interested in joining a SAC, membership is usually through an open public appointment. Opportunities are advertised on the Apply for a public appointment page.
See: https://www.gov.uk/public-appointments (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
LOCATIONS
LAND
28 May 25. Applied Intuition UK has formally launched with the opening of their office in London, with the company already scaling at speed. This is a major step into the defence sector for Applied Intuition, the leading global vehicle intelligence company for automotive, trucking, construction, mining, agriculture and defence. Applied Intuition’s commitment to the UK is expected to deliver £50 m pounds worth of foreign direct investment into the UK, bringing jobs, skills and research and development directly into the market. Building on the foundations of civilian autonomous capabilities, Applied Intuition UK, a fully sovereign subsidiary, will focus on delivering mission-critical autonomy solutions across air, space, land and sea. Applied Intuition’s defence offering provides autonomy management and development systems for both existing and next-generation defence platforms. At a time of increasing global insecurity, autonomy offers a dual advantage, reducing reliance on extensive manpower traditionally required for fully crewed platforms, while also minimising risk to life for those operating in hostile environments.
“Opening our London office marks a considerable step towards creating a sovereign autonomy capability for the UK. This sizable investment reflects our resolution to providing cutting-edge autonomous systems, and the tools needed to build them for our Armed Forces,” says Tristam Constant, Head of European Government and Defence at Applied Intuition UK. “We’re building a strong team here, tapping into the UK’s incredible engineering talent to deliver autonomy solutions to meet the most demanding requirements,” Constant added.
Applied Intuition’s latest venture marks a significant evolution, delivering cutting edge autonomy solutions for civilian industries to enabling mission critical capabilities for the Armed Forces. The opening comes swiftly on the heels of the dual releases of two new software-defined product families: Axion, a specialised mission-critical toolchain allowing the development of all-domain autonomous capabilities, and Acuity, which delivers the onboard autonomy necessary to provide a decisive edge to the Armed Forces. As a dual-use technology provider, Applied Intuition is positioned to bridge the gap between commercial innovation and national security needs. The introduction of a UK presence reinforces Applied Intuition’s commitment to delivering strategic autonomy at scale and providing serious defensive capabilities, all whilst encouraging growth and investment, and aligning with the British Government’s priorities.
Commenting on the opening of the office, and echoing the words of the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at London Defence Conference, Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said: “The UK is open for business, so I’m delighted that Applied Intuition’s commitment to the UK is expected to deliver £50m in foreign direct investment, boosting R&D, creating jobs and putting more money into people’s pockets. With defence being identified as a key growth sector in our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, we’re not only helping to attract and secure investment, but delivering long-term growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK.”
This new UK presence reflects a long-term commitment to industry collaboration, economic growth opportunities and life-saving capabilities.
MARITIME
29 May 25. Hanwha Ocean debuts Future Destroyer concept. South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has unveiled a large combatant concept that has been conceived to address upcoming requirements from naval services worldwide, including the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN). Known as the Future Destroyer, the concept has been designed to deliver a large payload of weapons while reducing its overall radar, acoustic, and infrared signatures. It will also be equipped with weapon systems that are still presently under development, said a Hanwha Ocean representative who spoke to Janes at MADEX 2025 in Busan. A main feature of the vessel’s form factor is its inverted bow, which has been incorporated to reduce pitching, which provides greater stability to the vessel’s sensors and fire-control systems. This inverted bow also makes it possible to equip the destroyer with more capable sensors in the bow section, including larger hull-mounted sonars, the representative added. Another distinctive feature of the Future Destroyer is its lack of masts and protruding structures. All main sensors, including its multifunction radars, are incorporated around its superstructure to reduce its visibility. Similarly, the Future Destroyer is equipped with pod propellers instead of conventional propellers, as it reduces the vessel’s acoustic signature and provides its crew with greater manoeuvrability in shallower waters. All of the Future Destroyer’s exhaust inlets are also located close to the waterline instead of on its superstructure to reduce its visibility to heat-seeking and infrared-guided munitions. In terms of weapons, the Future Destroyer can be equipped with up to 88 vertical launching system (VLS) cells. These are located in the forward section and on the superstructure. These cells can launch a mix of anti-air, anti-ship, and land-attack cruise missiles. (Source: Janes)
29 May 25. Hanwha positions Frigate 4000 for Thai navy requirements. South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has introduced a new counter-drone-optimised product known as the Frigate 4000 and is positioning it in anticipation of the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN’s) upcoming requirements. The RTN operates a sole Bhumibol Adulyadej (DW3000)-class frigate, which is derived from Batch I of the Republic of Korea Navy’s Incheon (FFX-1) class. It was launched by Hanwha Ocean’s predecessor Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in January 2017 and commissioned by the RTN in December 2018. Speaking to Janes at MADEX 2025 in Busan, a representative from Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship Global Marketing Team 1 described the Frigate 4000 as a more advanced version of the Bhumibol Adulyadej-class frigate. The Frigate 4000 displaces about 4,000 tonnes at full load and it has an overall length of 124 m, a beam of 14.4 m, and a depth of 4.3 m. This makes it slightly larger than HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, which displaces about 3,700 tonnes at full load with an overall length of 123 m. Driven by diesel engines in a combined diesel-and-diesel (CODAD) configuration, the Frigate 4000 will have a top speed of 27 kt. Where it differs from the older frigate is its weapon systems, which have been designed to tackle the evolving threat landscape, Kim said. In particular, the Frigate 4000 is designed for a directed energy weapon (DEW) to be placed in the forward section. This would defend the warship against threats such as hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This weapon system is located just behind a 16-cell vertical launching system (VLS), which can deploy a mix of anti-air and anti-surface missiles. (Source: Janes)
27 May 25. HMS Venturer ventures forth as the First Type 31 frigate makes its debut. Babcock, the FTSE 100 defence company, has marked a major milestone in UK sovereign defence capability as the first of class, Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer was unveiled at the company’s Rosyth site. The Royal Navy’s latest advanced warship emerged from the state-of-the-art build hall, signifying the transition from the construction phase into final preparations for entry into water. The 5,700 tonne, 139 metre long ship was carefully manoeuvred out of the Rosyth build hall using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) as Babcock’s expert team prepares the ship for float off into the River Forth in the coming weeks. This national shipbuilding programme is making rapid progress and is now well into its multi-ship build phase with three ships in production. The programme will see all five Type 31 frigates completed within ten years from the point of initial contract award. Based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design, the Type 31 Inspiration Class will form a core part of the Royal Navy’s fleet with the baseline design already exported to Indonesia and Poland, bolstering the ability for allied nations to work together in support of global security.
Sir Nick Hine, CEO of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said: “For the first time, we’re seeing HMS Venturer, the first of her class emerge from the build hall – a powerful symbol of UK naval ambition and sovereign capability. It marks another major milestone in a standout week for British shipbuilding, at a time when global uncertainty demands even greater defence capability. Right here in Scotland, we are building five complex warships in a single yard, in just a decade, true world-class performance. This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in Babcock and the wider programme partners. Not only does it reflect the hard work, dedication and exceptional skills of our people, but this programme and the other work that we do here in Rosyth contribute significantly to the prosperity of the local and national economy.”
Steve Ranyard, Type 31 Team Leader at DE&S, said: “Seeing HMS Venturer reach this pivotal milestone is a cause for celebration for all those working on the programme to make this day a reality. “The roll-out of HMS Venturer paves the way for the success of the entire fleet of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates. Once complete, they will be at the forefront of deterring aggression and maintaining the security and prosperity of our nation and our allies.”
Cdre Steve Roberts, Type 31 Senior Responsible Owner, said: “Seeing HMS Venturer, the first of the Type 31 Inspiration Class, unveiled is a proud moment not just for the Royal Navy and her crew, but all the organisations in Defence that have contributed to this key milestone. This is the first of many exciting stages for the Type 31 programme with now three of the five ships progressing in build. I look forward with anticipation to the moment when we will see HMS Venturer enter the water in the very near future.”
Cdr Chris Cozens, Senior Naval Officer of HMS Venturer, said: “The Ship’s Company have seen HMS Venturer grow from the keel up inside the build hall. This will be the first time Babcock and the Royal Navy can unveil this Next Generation Frigate to the public. This moment is taking the ship another step closer to where it is needed and contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.”
After the ship has completed float-off, she will return to Rosyth to undergo extensive outfitting and systems integration in dock before her sea trials and entering operational service.
26 May 25. Tunisia receives patrol boats to bolster maritime security operations. Tunisia has received two 34-metre Island-class patrol boats from the United States government to increase the country’s ability to secure its 1 148-kilometer coastline, which faces smuggling, organised crime and terrorism threats. The boats, named Tazarka and Menzel Bourguiba, were previously part of the US Coast Guard fleet. They were refurbished and modernized before being transferred to Tunisia. Each patrol boat is powered by two diesel engines enabling speeds of up to 30 knots and a range of 3 380 nautical miles at 8 knots. Their high-strength steel hulls, combined with aluminium superstructures, accommodate a crew of two officers and fourteen enlisted sailors. As for armament, they are equipped with a 25 mm Mk-38 cannon and two .50 calibre machine guns, providing basic defensive capability suitable for patrol duties. In a statement, Khaled Shili, Tunisia’s Minister of National Defence, praised the depth of historical relations between the two countries, their longtime strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation. He said Tunisia is ready to advance bilateral cooperation with the US to further develop operational capabilities and exchange military expertise. Officials commissioned the boats on 17 April, the same day the USS Mount Whitney visited La Goulette, home to Tunisia’s main naval base. The date also marked the anniversary of the 1805 Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War, when US Marines and Tunisian troops scored a decisive victory over the Barbary pirates. The Tunisian defence ministry said in a statement that the patrol boats will contribute to the protection of maritime borders, where various risks and threats such as smuggling, organized crime, irregular migration, and terrorism loom. Over the years, various countries have incorporated Island-class patrol boats through sales or transfers similar to the Excess Defence Articles programme. These vessels are currently in active service with the maritime forces of Colombia, Georgia, Costa Rica, Greece, Pakistan, and Ukraine, extending their operational life beyond US shores. A total of forty-nine have been built, and they were all named for US islands. Tunisia also is expected to buy an undisclosed number of 20-metre Archangel patrol boats from the US at an estimated total cost of $110 m. The purchase will include training, GPS, navigation and communications systems. The boats are intended for use near shore and in inland waterways. Analysts told Breaking Defense that such boats are particularly useful for anti-smuggling and light security patrols. Tunisia’s status as a regional maritime force began to change dramatically in 2009, when it received $14.5 m in military financing from the US for 10 small 8-meter response boats and five medium 13-meter response boats, along with spare parts, training and support. Response boats typically are used in counternarcotics operations, search and rescue, trafficking interdiction, and environmental response.
Since 2011, the US has invested over $1bn in security cooperation with Tunisia.
Other Recent US Deliveries
In November 2024, the US delivered a C-130H2 Hercules aircraft valued at 36 m Tunisian dinars ($12 m) to the Tunisian Air Force, which is in the midst of a major modernization effort for its fleet of transport aircraft. In September 2024, Tunisia improved its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities by acquiring four Textron Aviation C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft from the US These planes are configured for intelligence missions, with night vision capabilities and other sophisticated surveillance equipment. The $54 m deal had a comprehensive support package with spare parts, flight training, technical drawings, logistics support and ground support equipment. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
23 May 25. The First Multi-purpose Corvette Built at Rauma Shipyard has Been Launched. The first multi-purpose corvette built for the Finnish Navy’s pivotal Squadron 2020 project was launched at Rauma shipyard on Wednesday 21 May 2025. This is a significant milestone and an indication of RMC’s ability to successfully realise demanding building projects. The Squadron 2020 project is proceeding on schedule. The building pace will accelerate as work on the second and subsequent multi-purpose corvettes progresses. The building of the second multi-purpose corvette began during October 2024 and its keel was laid on 8 May 2025. The direct employment impact of the Squadron project in Finland is equivalent to more than 3,600 person-years.
“We have increased the capacity of Rauma shipyard purposefully while strategically implementing significant investments in the shipyard area. Rauma shipyard is now in peak condition”, says Mika Nieminen, CEO of RMC.
RMC’s capability is based on excellent engineering expertise, capable project management and a commitment to delivering complex and high-quality vessels. The ability to build different types of ships from high-efficiency commercial vessels to warships and icebreakers designed for extreme conditions emphasises RMC’s extensive technical expertise and adaptability.
“The newly launched vessel is a strong indication of the close and goal-oriented co-operation between the Finnish Government, the Finnish Defence Forces, the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Institute, the Finnish Navy, Rauma Marine Constructions, Saab and all our industrial partners”, states Timo Ståhlhammar, Project Director of RMC’s Squadron Project.
RMC will be building a total of four Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvettes for the Finnish Navy. The Pohjanmaa class is one of the most capable vessel types operating in the Baltic Sea region. They are designed to operate year-round in all Baltic Sea conditions.
Investments to strengthen production capacity
Significant investments have been made in Rauma shipyard throughout the 2020s to strengthen the shipyard’s shipbuilding infrastructure and independent production capacity. The closed multi-purpose hall designed for the construction of the multi-purpose corvettes ensures good working conditions, high quality results and the implementation of the required safety measures. In addition, investments have been made in steel production, a launching barge and heavy transfer ramps. The technical part of the launch process was initiated at the beginning of May, when the multi-purpose corvette was moved along the heavy transport ramp to the launching barge and transferred to the harbour. In the harbour, the ship was launched with the help of the barge and then towed to the shipyard’s dry dock for further work, including the mast installation. The demanding process as a whole was a great success and rewarding result of the long-term work that Rauma shipyard has engaged in for a decade to strengthen its shipbuilding infrastructure and expertise to meet even the most exacting of needs.
“The building of these corvettes will advance the shipbuilding industry and technological know-how in Finland. RMC is ready to utilise the capabilities acquired through the Squadron 2020 project both in Finland and internationally”, says Mika Nieminen, CEO of RMC.
Alongside the multi-purpose corvettes, Rauma shipyard is currently finishing the build of a second car and passenger ferry for Spirit of Tasmania to operate in Australia. The vessel returned from its second sea test this weekend and will be delivered to the client shortly.
Key dimensions of the multi-purpose corvettes:
- Length: 117 m
- Beam: 16.5 m
- Draught: 5 m
- Crew: 70
(Source: ASD Network)
26 May 25. Start of HS Kimon Sea Trials, 1st FDI Frigate for the Hellenic Navy. The first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, HS Kimon, started her first sea trials on May 21st in Lorient. The ship capitalized on the experience gained during the sea trials of Amiral Ronarc’hthe first of class for the French Navy. Developed to be operated by the Hellenic Navy, the FDI HS Kimon has begun her sea trials from the Naval Group site of Lorient, Brittany. The trials will be carefully attended by the Hellenic Navy representatives. Thanks to the experience gained during the Amiral Ronarc’h sea trials, the trials of HS Kimon will be performed much faster. The first period at sea will be mainly dedicated to test the platform systems including propulsion and navigation systems. The second period at sea, in a few weeks, will be dedicated to Combat systems and endurance at sea. 2025 marks a key milestone for the FDI programme, with sea trials and the upcoming delivery of the first frigate for the Hellenic Navy, along with the imminent launching of the third vessel, HS Formion. By 2026, the Hellenic Navy will operate three first-rank, multi-mission FDI frigates.
An all warfare domain frigate combat ready against current and emerging threats
Designed for first-rank navies aiming at ensuring their sovereignty, the FDI is a combat-ready ship capable of handling current and emerging threats. A multipurpose and resilient high-sea vessel, she will enable the Hellenic Navy to ensure its maritime superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea thanks to her high-level capabilities in all areas of naval combat: anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-ship, and special forces projection, with unique capabilities against asymmetric threats. She also benefits from the latest Thales innovations in radar, sonar and electronic warfare. Designed and produced using latest-generation digital tools, they are also the first frigates to benefit from an onboard digital architecture that will enable them to adapt continuously to technological and operational developments, enabling them to cope with constantly evolving threats. Her architecture and digital infrastructures guarantee a growth potential ensuring adaptation to future threats throughout her life, with incremental upgrades rather than costly Mid Life Upgrade. The FDI is also natively protected against the cyber threat, with a redundant IT architecture based around two data centres that host, in a virtualised manner, a large proportion of the ship’s software. In terms of operational innovation, the FDI is inaugurating the concept of a gateway dedicated to combat asymmetric threats. This system will make it possible to coordinate and lead the fight against small, close air and surface threats. Strongly armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3c anti-surface and Aster anti-air missiles, RAM system, MU90 anti-submarine torpedoes, artillery), the FDI for the Hellenic Navy embarks simultaneously a helicopter and a capacity of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). She also benefits from the expertise of Thales, MBDA, and all our other partners and subcontractors.
Technical specifications:
- Displacement: 4,500 tons ;
- Length: approx. 122 meters;
- Width: 18 meters;
- Maximum speed: 27 knots;
- Aviation facilities: 10-ton class helicopter, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Main armaments:
- 32 Aster missiles developed by MBDA;
- 8 Exocet MM40 B3c missiles developed by MBDA;
- RAM missiles;
- 76 mm gun;
- 4 torpedo tubes with MU 90 torpedoes developed by Naval Group;
- 2 decoy launchers with CANTO countermeasures developed by Naval Group.
(Source: ASD Network)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
28 May 25. Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman and Senior Advisor, Sean Parnell, on Reorganization of the Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. As part of the Department’s commitment to rebuild our military, ensure lethality, and reestablish deterrence while advancing broader efficiency initiatives, the Secretary of Defense has directed a restructuring of the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). This decision eliminates redundancy in the defense acquisition system, returns DOT&E to its statutory intent as an oversight body, and empowers the Services and Combatant Commands with greater trust to ensure the warfighter is efficiently equipped to address emerging challenges and to preserve our decisive advantage. Thirty DOT&E personnel will be retained, civilian personnel employed by Military Departments at ODOT&E will be transferred back to those Military Departments and other civilians will receive a Specific Notice of reduction-in-force. The Department remains committed to continued reform and reducing bureaucracy. The memo can be found at: https://media.defense.gov/2025/May/28/2003725153/-1/-1/1/MEMORANDUM-DIRECTING-REORGANIZATION-OF-THE-OFFICE-OF-THE-DIRECTOR-OF-OPERATIONAL-TEST-AND-EVALUATION.PDF(Source: U.S. DoD)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
23 May 25. Mr Mark Bryson-Richardson MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt in succession to Mr Gareth Bayley OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Bryson-Richardson will take up his appointment during August 2025.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
27 May 25. United States Navy Fleet Master Chief David L. Isom, currently assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S Indo-Pacific Command, has been selected to replace SEAC Troy E. Black, as the next Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, District of Columbia.
29 May 25. United States Navy, Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer Lateef N. Compton currently assigned as the 19th Fleet Master Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, has been selected to replace United States Navy Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters, as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Central Command.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
28 May 25. Australian Opposition announces new look shadow defence and national security team. Opposition leader Sussan Ley has officially unveiled her long awaited shadow ministry with some surprise new appointees across the defence and national security portfolios. Defence Connect can officially reveal the Opposition’s new look Defence and National Security team, to be lead by former Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor in the Shadow Minister for Defence role, replacing Andrew Hastie, to be supported by firebrand Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to serve as Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel. Andrew Hastie moves from his role as Shadow Minister for Defence, to Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, with former Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Science, Melissa Price set to become the Shadow Minister for Cyber Security and Shadow Minister for Science, with Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence, Phillip Thompson OAM retaining that role. Angus Taylor, a member of the Liberal Party, has represented the New South Wales seat of Hume in the House of Representatives since 2013. A former management consultant and Rhodes Scholar, Taylor quickly rose through the political ranks, serving in key ministerial positions. He was appointed Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister in 2018, before becoming Minister for Energy later that year under Prime Minister Scott Morrison. In 2019, he assumed the role of Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, a portfolio that drew both praise and controversy, particularly concerning Australia’s energy policies and emission targets. After the Morrison government’s defeat in 2022, Taylor became the Shadow Treasurer under opposition leader Peter Dutton, where he continues to shape economic policy for the Liberal Party.
Jacinta Nampijimpa Price, a Warlpiri-Celtic woman from Alice Springs, was elected as a Senator for the Northern Territory in 2022, representing the Country Liberal Party, which is aligned federally with the Liberal Party. Price gained prominence as a vocal advocate for Indigenous communities, particularly on issues of domestic violence, child protection, and opposition to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Her parliamentary debut was marked by passionate speeches on closing the gap and addressing dysfunction in remote communities. In 2023, she was appointed Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, cementing her role as a leading Indigenous voice within the Coalition and a prominent conservative critic of Labor’s Indigenous policies.
Andrew Hastie has been the Liberal Member for Canning in Western Australia since 2015. A former SAS officer, Hastie is known for his national security focus and conservative values. He chaired the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, where he influenced Australia’s stance on foreign interference and cyber security. Hastie served as Assistant Minister for Defence from 2020 to 2022 in the Morrison government, focusing on defence industry and capability. Following the Coalition’s 2022 election loss, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Defence, positioning himself as a key figure in shaping the opposition’s security and defence policy. His military background and forthright style make him a prominent voice on national security.
Melissa Price, a Liberal member from Western Australia, has represented the division of Durack since 2013, one of the largest electorates by area in the world. Initially serving on various parliamentary committees, she was appointed Minister for the Environment in 2018 under Scott Morrison, overseeing key environmental and conservation portfolios. Price later served as Minister for Defence Industry from 2019 to 2022, focusing on defence procurement and industry capability. Her tenure included efforts to increase local industry involvement in Australia’s defence projects. After the Coalition’s loss in 2022, she returned to the backbench, continuing to advocate for regional and defence interests. (Source: Defence Connect)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
28 May 25. Vrgineers has been selected to be a part of the industrial cooperation project for the Czech Republic under the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) surrounding the Czech Republic’s purchase of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II aircraft. This is not the first project that these two companies have worked on together, as the collaboration between Vrgineers and Lockheed Martin started many years ago when Lockheed Martin was among the first companies in the military industry to test Vrgineers’ next-gen virtual and mixed reality headsets for professional pilot training. Vrgineers has since made its technologies fully integrated with Lockheed Martin’s simulation software. This recent collaboration agreement reflects their mutual respect and an ongoing commitment to progress and innovation. Under the industrial cooperation collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Vrgineers together with 10 other participants, including other companies and universities, will receive funding to develop or manufacture different parts, systems and equipment, which will support Czech industry and military technological advancement as the Czech Air Force transitions to a 5th Generation fighter.
27 May 25. Milaha and Fincantieri Sign Strategic MoU to Advance Maritime Cooperation and Technology Integration. Qatar Navigation Q.P.S.C. (“Milaha”), The leading provider of maritime and logistics solutions in the region, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest high-complexity shipbuilding groups, with operations across four continents. The MoU outlines a framework for potential cooperation in areas such as marine services, project management, and technology integration. Attending the signing ceremony in Doha on behalf of Fincantieri were Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero and Dario Deste, General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division. Representing Milaha H.E. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, Milaha Chairman, and Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani. Both parties have expressed a shared intent to explore further opportunities that support Qatar’s national development objectives, particularly in enhancing sovereign capabilities within the maritime sector.
Mr. Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani, Milaha Group CEO, stated: “The signing of this MoU represents a significant step for Milaha in advancing its strategic objectives as a Qatari company aligned with national priorities. Collaborating with a global leader such as Fincantieri provides access to advanced international expertise while supporting the development of sustainable capabilities within Qatar. This partnership will facilitate localisation, promote industrial autonomy, and enable effective knowledge transfer, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. It also reinforces Milaha’s commitment to enhancing its position as a regional maritime entity operating to international standards. Through this agreement, Milaha reaffirms its role as a key contributor to national development and a reliable partner in supporting the country’s long-term maritime ambitions.”
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri commented: “This agreement marks a further step in the consolidation of Fincantieri’s presence in a region of strategic importance for the development of advanced shipbuilding and maritime services. Qatar is a key partner with whom we have built a long-standing relationship. Our collaboration with Milaha reflects our shared ambition to move forward on this path, leveraging our industrial and technological expertise to support the country’s maritime sovereignty and contribute to the goals outlined in Qatar Vision 2030.”
The signing of this MoU represents a significant advancement in Milaha’s mission to redefine logistics and naval support capabilities in the region while contributing to the economic diversification goals outlined in Qatar Vision 2030. For Fincantieri, this agreement strengthens its position as a trusted industrial partner, supporting Qatar’s ambition to build a high-value and self-sufficient maritime sector. In collaboration with Milaha – Qatar’s leading maritime and logistics company- this partnership brings together Fincantieri’s consolidated know-how and advanced technological capabilities in shipbuilding, digitalization, and sustainability with Milaha’s deep-rooted local expertise and operational excellence. Together, both companies are ideally positioned to contribute to the development of an integrated, competitive, and future-ready maritime ecosystem in the country. (Source: ASD Network)
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
28 May 25. Acronis, a global leader in cybersecurity and data protection, announced the appointment of Eduardo García Sancho as Iberia Country Manager. In this role, García Sancho will lead the regional team in driving business growth, strengthening partner and customer relationships, and expanding Acronis’ presence across the Iberian market. García Sancho brings over 25 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, with a strong track record in sales development, business expansion, and strategic leadership. He has held senior roles at a number of leading companies, including Veracode, Syneto, Thycotic, Kemp Technologies, HPE, SMC Networks, and GTI. Over the course of his career, he has developed deep expertise across Channel, SMB, and Enterprise segments, including IBEX35 organizations.