LOCATIONS
LAND
02 Jun 25. BAE Systems (LON: BA) unveiled its new shiplift and land level repair complex during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the company’s Jacksonville, Florida shipyard. This marks a significant milestone in the $250m investment to transform its ship repair capabilities and solidify its role as a key partner to the U.S. Navy and commercial maritime industry. The ceremony brought together approximately 500 attendees, including BAE Systems employees, subcontractors, Navy personnel, shipyard neighbors, local community members, and other distinguished guests, including Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jim Kilby and BAE Systems, Inc. President and CEO Tom Arseneault.
“Today marks an important milestone as we celebrate the completion of a world-class ship repair facility upgrade here in Florida. The introduction of our new shiplift and land level repair facility represents more than just progress for BAE Systems Ship Repair—it reflects a shared commitment to innovation, growth and collaboration,” Arseneault said. “Together with the United States Navy, and other key industry partners that depend on this port, we are building a stronger foundation for the future, to help maintain our maritime superiority.”
The shiplift and land level repair complex will support the maintenance and repair of Mayport-based Navy vessels and commercial ships sailing into the Port of Jacksonville. With the capacity to lift ships displacing up to 25,000 tons and accommodate multiple vessels for maintenance simultaneously ashore, the new complex expands the shipyard’s capabilities threefold. BAE Systems’ new facility will significantly enhance production efficiency, strengthen regional maritime capabilities, and advance environmental stewardship. Its completion represents the company’s long-term initiative to bolster support for the U.S. Navy while also accommodating a broader range of commercial vessels at competitive scales.
“From my vantage point, this shiplift and land level facility is contributing to the national movement that is making America safer and more secure,” said Admiral Kilby. “It’s a necessary element to forging a defense industrial base able to support, sustain and generate our fleet.”
The project, together with Pearlson Shiplift Corporation, Foth Engineering, and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., replaces an 80-year-old drydock that had reached the end of its lifecycle. The state-of-the-art shiplift system’s platform spans 492 feet by 110 feet, offering a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional drydocks. It will be one of the ten largest shiplift systems in the world and the largest in the Americas. The first vessel lift in the facility is anticipated later this month. (Source: PR Newswire)
MARITIME
04 Jun 25. Fin removal marks significant milestone for Babcock’s Submarine Dismantling Project. We have reached a major milestone on the demonstrator programme to fully dismantle and recycle a UK decommissioned nuclear-powered submarine, with the first major cut made on the demonstrator submarine’s exterior. Led by the Babcock team at our facility in Rosyth, the fin, from the decommissioned submarine Swiftsure, was expertly removed and carefully lifted to the dock bottom, marking a poignant moment in the final stages of her lifecycle. Working in close collaboration with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, contractor KDC Veolia Decommissioning Services UK Ltd and Rolls Royce, Swiftsure will be the first of the UK’s decommissioned submarines to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026, adopting a world-first methodology to disposal. An estimated 90% of Swiftsure’s total weight will be recycled, with some of the high-quality steel repurposed into components for future Royal Navy submarines. As part of Babcock’s wider through-life support to the UK Royal Navy’s submarine fleet, the current work on Swiftsure lays the foundation for a proven, long-term and sustainable dismantling programme.
Harry Holt, Chief Executive of our Nuclear Sector, said: “Reaching this significant milestone sets a strong foundation for an enduring commitment that supports both national security and environmental responsibility and is testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams, as we look to provide a safe and secure solution to the dismantling of the UK’s decommissioned nuclear submarines.”
Sir Chris Gardner KBE, CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency, said: “To see the fin of Swiftsure removed is a significant marker of progress in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise’s Submarine Dismantling Project. Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly alongside our industry partners in Rosyth to deliver a proven dismantling method using this demonstrator vessel. My thanks go to everyone involved in this ground-breaking work.”
Lorraine Russell, Senior Responsible Owner for the Submarine Disposals Programme, said: “The Project showcases our commitment to sustainable disposal practices. By recycling materials wherever possible, we’re ensuring these vessels that served the nation so well continue to provide value even after decommissioning.”
03 Jun 25. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the secretary of the Navy to rename the oiler ship USNS Harvey Milk, according to a defense official. The ship, which was launched in 2021 and named after the gay rights activist and Navy veteran, who was made to resign from the force because of his sexual orientation, is set to be officially renamed later this month, the official said. It is not clear what the new name will be, but the timing is notable given that June is Pride Month. Military.com first reported the expected name change. The Office of the Secretary of Defense did not respond to a request for comment. It is rare for a ship to be renamed, and it has not happened on the orders of a defense secretary in recent memory. The last time a ship was renamed in 2023, the move was based upon the recommendation of a congressional commission established to review names across the military with ties to the Confederacy. As a result of the study, the Navy decided to rename the cruiser USS Chancellorsville and research ship USNS Maury. (Source: CNN)
AIR
29 May 25. Refurbished Mirage 2000Ds conduct aerial and ground attack firing. France’s multirole aircraft are conducting firing practice after a nine-year-long mid-life upgrade. The French Air and Space Force will conduct practice firings from newly refurbished Mirage 2000D multirole aircraft from Cazaux Air Base until the end of June 2025. Deploying around 15 aircraft and approximately 150 airmen, the 3rd Fighter Wing will undertake ground attack and aerial cannon firing to test the mid-life upgrades made to the legacy aircraft for the first time.
“The main objective of this campaign is to maintain personnel skills in aerial firing of war-ready weapons as well as to develop cannon firing skills,” a statement from the French Armed Forces confirmed on 28 May.
The mid-life upgrade, which began in 2016, and concluded in April 2025, has now designated the aircraft: Mirage 2000 D RMV. This renovation included optimised weapons systems, improved connectivity and intelligence gathering, and a modernised cockpit. In total, 50 of 66 aircraft are now equipped with the new technological suite. Technical specialists have developed onboard software for RMV since 2017. This modernisation of the navigation and attack systems allows the crews to have, on the ground and then in flight, a detailed vision of the situation thanks to the continuous updates and sharing of tactical data.
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MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
04 Jun 25. DASA-Funded Tech ‘DUCHESS’ Takes the Crown in AI Interviewing.
DASA funding helped DIEM Analytics develop a robust tool for interviewing military personnel at scale
- DUCHESS was developed before the generative AI boom, giving DIEM Analytics strategic advantage in the evolving AI landscape
- Through multiple DASA and Dstl funded projects, the innovation evolved from an automated feedback collection tool to a sophisticated interviewing system
- DIEM Analytics has successfully transitioned from defence consulting to creating cutting-edge AI solutions with international impact
From Interview Challenge to AI Innovation
Obtaining lessons learned and feedback is a vital aspect of any military activity. However, this can be a time-consuming process if done through traditional one-on-one in-person interviews. For instance, when naval vessels return from a deployment, only senior officers might be interviewed about lessons learned, leaving hundreds of valuable perspectives lost. But what if there was a way to capture insights from everyone on board, without the resource burden of conducting hundreds of individual interviews? DIEM Analytics’ DUCHESS system, developed with DASA funding, can do just that, transforming how defence organisations learn from experience.
DASA’s Early Investment in DIEM Analytics
Founded in 2011 as a consulting company by former Ministry of Defence staff, DIEM Analytics set out to explore whether AI could conduct the kind of dynamic interviews that normally required human expertise. Not just static surveys, but conversations that could listen to responses and generate intelligent follow-up questions and gather rich insights at scale.
Through DASA’s “People in Defence” Themed Competition in 2019, DIEM Analytics secured their first round of funding to develop the first iteration of DUCHESS, an automated interviewing tool – years before ChatGPT and the generative AI boom.
“We were a bit ahead of our time,” notes Dr. Jaya-Ratnam. “When we first started, talking to AI was quite an unusual experience. Now people are more used to talking to a device, and there’s a bit more understanding in the market that these things are actually really useful.”
How DUCHESS Works
DUCHESS uses natural language processing (NLP) technology and carefully designed defence-based interview methodology. The system begins with a set of initial open-ended questions tailored to the specific feedback scenario – whether its lessons learned from a deployment or insights during organisational transformation. What sets DUCHESS apart from simple surveys is its ability to analyse responses in real-time and generate relevant follow-up questions, mimicking the natural flow of a human interview. The dynamic follow-on questions have been proven to generate an average of 63% more data than just using a static question set. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
04 Jun 25. Mrs Martine Sobey has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Lesotho in succession to Mr Harry MacDonald who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Sobey will take up her appointment during September 2025.
05 Jun 25. Michael Duffey Assumes Role as New Acquisition, Sustainment Chief. Michael P. Duffey was sworn in today as undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment following a swift Senate confirmation that places him in charge of the Defense Department’s vast procurement, sustainment and industrial base enterprise.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
05 Jun 25. USAF LG Alexus G. Grynkewich for appointment to the grade of general while serving as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. NATO has also agreed to appoint Lt. Gen. Grynkewich as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. Lt. Gen. Grynkewich is currently serving as director of Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. In addition to the NATO position, Lt. Gen. Grynkewich will be assigned as commander, U.S. European Command.
04 Jun 25. Navy Vice Adm. Charles B. Cooper II for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Cooper is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
04 Jun 25. USAF LG Dagvin R.M. Anderson for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany. Anderson is currently serving as director, Joint Force Development, J-7, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
03 Jun 25. Navy Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Bradley is currently serving as commander, Joint Special Operations Command/commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
05 Jun 25. Marshall to support Northrop Grumman in development of next-gen air defence system for British Army. Northrop Grumman has identified Marshall as a key supplier in its plans to develop a proposal for the British Army’s next-generation ground-based air defence (GBAD) programme. The project, if successful, will result in a fully integrated air defence “system of systems” offering a compelling and cost-effective answer to the requirements of the Ministry of Defence’s flagship Land GBAD Programme while leveraging the domestic capabilities of the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector. The scope of work has been defined in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor responsible for delivering the GBAD programmes of record for the U.S. Army, known as Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) and Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). Outside the U.S., Poland has recently adopted IBCS as the core battle management command and control system for its short range air defence programme.
“We are excited to work with Marshall to adapt our proven command and control capabilities in support of modernizing the MoD’s air and missile defence systems,” said Northrop Grumman Vice President and General Manager, Global Battle Management and Readiness, Kenn Todorov.
“We are confident that with Marshall’s support we can present a compelling and fully integrated proposal that will enable the British Army to stay ahead of evolving threats in our contested environment, giving warfighters more decision time to save lives.”
Marshall has a strong legacy of designing, integrating and manufacturing containerised storage and shelter products for armed forces in the UK and globally, including GBAD solutions such as the Fire Distribution Centre (FDC) for Kongsberg’s National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).
“This agreement with Northrop Grumman opens the door for Marshall to build on its track record of delivering for the UK’s armed forces,” said Marshall Chief Growth Officer Bob Baxter. “Marshall is at its best when working alongside industry partners, and I am confident that this will be reflected in the exceptional engineering and production support that we will provide to compliment Northrop Grumman’s world-leading air defence technologies.”
04 Jun 25. Saab announced a partnership with Maxar Intelligence, a leading provider of geospatial intelligence. This collaboration is set to transform the multi-domain battlespace with cutting-edge space-based capabilities. Through this partnership, Saab will leverage Maxar’s advanced satellite technologies and geospatial intelligence to further develop targeting capabilities, GPS-resilient systems and advanced C5ISR solutions (Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance). The initiative aims to create robust and intelligent systems that can operate effectively even in GPS-denied environments, ensuring greater operational capabilities on the modern battlefield.
“Our collaboration with Maxar represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to use information from the Space domain and thereby enhancing the strategic defence capabilities of Europe and beyond,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics.
“By integrating Maxar’s high-end geospatial insights and satellite capabilities with our advanced defence systems, we are setting new standards in the effectiveness and reliability of military operations across multiple domains.”
03 Jun 25. Kongsberg and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Enter Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Their Partnership. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have entered a cooperation agreement aimed at fostering further close industrial collaboration to support the defence requirements of Norway, Germany and other allied countries. The agreement primarily serves to strengthen the relationship of trust between the two cooperation partners and to further promote technological cooperation in the future. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence in 2024 selected Germany as one of four countries for discussions about a potential strategic partnership for deliveries of new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s current Fridtjof Nansen-class.
“KONGSBERG and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems already have a substantial cooperation related to submarines. This new agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between the two companies and between our two nations’ industries. It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and German defence forces,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Through industrial cooperation and a partnership approach, the two companies can provide a foundation for job creation, technology transfer and investment to benefit national and international markets.
“We have worked together with KONGSBERG for many years, which reflects the strong relationship between Germany and Norway, built over years of cooperation as close allies and friends,” said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. “This agreement brings together a number of areas in which our companies are already collaborating and further enhances our ability to deliver advanced defence capabilities for current and future Norwegian and German armed forces.”
Under the terms of this specific agreement, the two companies will seek to explore long-term cooperation in existing and future joint programs across all military domains. These may include the Vanguard vessel system, a strategic partnership for through-life support for the new frigates, strike missiles, maritime surveillance and targeting and ship system deliveries to both nations’ frigates and additional naval ships. (Source: ASD Network)
28 May 25. Hanwha has hosted an Industry Day event in Berlin to strengthen partnerships and explore collaboration opportunities with German industry. Hanwha, a global leader in aerospace and defence technologies, hosted its Industry Day event in Berlin on 27th May to strengthen partnerships and explore collaboration opportunities with German industry stakeholders. The industrial partnership event, Hanwha’s first of its kind in Germany, underscored the company’s growing commitment to Europe as a strategic localisation partner, with the aim of enhancing defence capabilities and responding to shifting geopolitical priorities Around 100 participants attended the gathering, including representatives from German defence companies and both federal and local government offices. Representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Berlin and South Korea’s state-run Defense Agency for Technology and Quality were also present. The event was organised to facilitate dialogue on opportunities for collaboration in localised manufacturing, joint R&D programs, and long-term industrial investment in Germany.
Mr. Kyounghoon Kang, Senior Vice President, Head of Germany Business, Hanwha Aerospace HQ said: “This marks a significant milestone in our journey to deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen collaboration with Germany’s dynamic defence sector. Today’s Industry Day is a key step toward building sustainable, mutually beneficial industrial ties.”
Hanwha currently partners with more than 60 German suppliers across the defence, shipbuilding, and industrial sectors, with annual procurement exceeding €100m. The company aims to further expand this network to unlock broader opportunities for strategic collaboration. During the event, Hanwha presented its vision to establish a manufacturing facility in Eastern Germany—an investment expected to create high-quality jobs and stimulate the local economy through localised production and integrated supply chains. Initial areas of cooperation include precision-guided missiles and ammunition, with potential to expand into additional domains such as aerospace, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and maritime defence. Hanwha’s strengths in rapid delivery, mass production, and localisation make it a capable and responsive partner for Germany’s defence modernisation efforts.
Mr. Peter Bae, Executive Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, said : “As Hanwha Aerospace expands its presence across Europe, we see significant potential to localise advanced defence capabilities in close partnership with Germany’s mature industrial base. This aligns with our broader commitment to strengthening NATO’s strategic autonomy by building sustainable supply chains across key allied nations. The collaboration between technology-driven nations like Germany and South Korea offers a unique opportunity to generate high-impact innovation and build a more resilient, future-ready defence ecosystem—amplifying mutual strengths through strategic synergy.”
The proposed investment in Germany is expected to contribute to strengthening supply chain resilience and creating high-value jobs—aligning with the country’s strategic objective of maintaining robust, independent defence manufacturing capabilities amid evolving security demands and growing emphasis on sovereignty. As a key defence pillar of Hanwha Group, Hanwha Aerospace is committing over USD 8 bn to global markets in the coming years to drive sustainable, partnership-based growth—anchored in localisation, technology transfer, and long-term collaboration with key industrial partners. (Source: joint-forces.com)
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
03 Jun 25. Chemring announces the appointment of Pete Raby as an independent non-executive director. He will join the Board on 1 September 2025. Pete has a strong technical background and extensive experience in planning and executing business strategy across global technology and manufacturing operations. Pete is currently CEO of Morgan Advanced Materials plc (“Morgan”), the FTSE-250 listed global manufacturer of advanced carbon and ceramic materials with 60 operating sites serving a diverse range of customers across a range of end-markets and employing approximately 8,600 people worldwide. He is highly-regarded for having driven considerable transformation and operational improvement at Morgan over a sustained period. Pete has been in this role for ten years and is due to retire on 1 July 2025.
04 Jun 25. OSL has appointed Victor Chavez CBE as Chair, following a year of service as a Non-Executive Director. His appointment reinforces OSL’s strategic focus on delivering advanced air and ground protection for fixed-site deployments in homeland defence and national security environments. Victor was Chief Executive of Thales UK for almost a decade, where he led major defence and security programmes across the UK and allied nations. During his career in industry, he has worked at the highest levels of government and the UK Ministry of Defence and was awarded a CBE in 2015 for services to the defence and security industry. As Chair, Victor will support OSL’s growing footprint in the defence and security market, where its operationally proven solutions are helping address evolving drone and ground-based threats. His leadership will help shape the company’s role in NATO-aligned programmes and advance its mission to bridge civil innovation with homeland defence readiness. (Source: PR Newswire)
06 Jun 25. SES has appointed Elisabeth Pataki as its new finance chief, the European satellite company said on Friday. Pataki, a veteran of the aerospace and defence industry, is currently the chief financial officer of L3Harris (LHX.N), opens new tab unit Aerojet Rocketdyne. She will take on the role at SES from Sandeep Jalan on June 16. (Source: Reuters)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
02 June 25. CAE tapped Northrop Grumman’s Matthew Bromberg as its new chief executive officer. Bromberg, set to join on August 13, will be succeeding Marc Parent, who has been at the helm since 2009 and had announced his departure in November last year. (Source: Reuters)
04 Jun 25. Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading innovator of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, today announced the renaming of its Defense segment to the Transport segment. The Transport segment will continue to deliver leading tactical wheeled vehicles and mobility solutions to defense customers. Additionally, it will focus on expanding into commercial markets, exemplified by Oshkosh’s Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) contract for the United States Postal Service (USPS). The Full Rate Production (FRP) milestone for the contract is expected later this year. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
30 May 25. Hanwha Defence Australia welcomes new managing director. Former BAE Systems Australia CEO Ben Hudson will step into the role of managing director at Hanwha Defence Australia effective from 2 June, as the company seeks to expand its footprint within Australia’s defence industry..(Source: Defence Connect)