JOB VACANCIES
04 Aug 25. Join the Future Combat Air System programme at Dstl. Play a pivotal role in safeguarding the UK’s future and shape the next generation of combat air technology, by joining the FCAS programme. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) encompasses a series of highly integrated and aligned programmes and military capabilities. This system will have a crewed aircraft at its heart. It will network and collaborate with a range of wider air and broader domain capabilities, including F-35, and use information systems, weapons and uncrewed collaborative combat air platforms to complete the capability.
Be part of a joint international programme
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a trilateral acquisition programme launched with Japan and Italy to develop the core platform (aircraft) which will be at the heart of the UK’s and our partners’ future Combat Air systems. This joint international programme is a jointly funded and delivered international programme to develop and deliver a new fighter aircraft. To put this challenge into context, when the current UK constructed fast jet, the Eurofighter (a fourth generation type) was being designed in the 1980s, the European car of the year was the Ford Escort. Our other current fast jet, the US-Built F-35 Lightning II (a fifth generation type) was designed in the 1990s, when the Fordo Mondeo was car of the year. The F-35 though has been described as a ‘Flying Software Testbed’ with significant PE and approximately 8 m lines of code.
What’s at the core of FCAS and GCAP
Programmable Elements (PE), especially software, are at the heart of FCAS and GCAP. The ability to perform frequent, sometimes rapid, software updates is also a critical part of achieving and sustaining operational effectiveness.
What the MOD PE team do
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) PE team has wide ranging responsibility, covering:
- artificial intelligence (AI) and data
- applications
- operating systems
- virtualisation
- complex electronic hardware
Working with industry and international partner governments, they also strive to create and promote the environment in which quality PE are effectively delivered at pace.
Be part of building the sixth generation fast jet
GCAP will be a sixth generation fast jet, which will build on fifth generation properties, such as, low observability and systems integration, adding autonomy, but the key will be fast adaptability. And the only way to achieve this is through its PE quality to do so. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity to use your PE skills to benefit one of the MOD’s highest priority acquisition programs and help get the UK’s next manned and unmanned fast jets flying safely and securely, we want to hear from you. As part of the FCAS team, you’ll contribute to one of the most complex and fast-paced acquisition defence programmes to date. With the groundbreaking GCAP collaboration between the UK, Japan, and Italy, this initiative is set to deliver the state-of-the-art fighter jet, Tempest, by 2035. This is an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a programme that is revolutionizing the UK’s combat air industry, supporting national security and economic growth. You’ll work at the cutting edge of technology, surrounded by a passionate team committed to excellence.
Apply to work for the FCAS programme
We will keep this page updated with the latest available roles.
Sensing, Communications and Non-Kinetic Effects
1 x Positioning & Timing Scientists & Engineers, L6
Airframe, Shaping and Flight Systems
1 x Flight Control Systems Engineer
Benefits of working at Dstl
As well as a rewarding career in defence science and technology, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) offers a wide range of benefits and training opportunities in a supportive, encouraging and flexible environment. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
LOCATIONS
MARITIME
05 Aug 25. Italian Navy receives tenth FREMM frigate ‘Emilio Bianchi.’ Emilio Bianchi can achieve speeds exceeding 27 knots and has the capacity to accommodate a crew of up to 200 personnel. The Italian Navy has taken delivery of Emilio Bianchi (F 589), its tenth FREMM (European Multi-Mission Frigate) multi-mission frigate from Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a joint venture owned by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and Leonardo. The Emilio Bianchi, constructed at Fincantieri’s Integrated Shipyard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, features advanced systems from Fincantieri, Leonardo, MBDA, and Elettronica. The vessel is designed to offer high operational flexibility and perform effectively across a wide range of tactical scenarios. With a length of 144 metres (m) and a width of 19.7m, the frigate displaces approximately 6,700 tonnes when fully loaded. It can achieve speeds exceeding 27 knots and has the capacity to accommodate a crew of up to 200 personnel. This tenth FREMM unit was commissioned from Orizzonte Sistemi Navali under an Italy-France international cooperation agreement managed by Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement (OCCAR). The FREMM programme was launched in 2005, with the first ship delivered in May 2013. FREMM frigates feature high automation, advanced onboard systems and reduced maintenance requirements, stated Fincantieri. The ten units under this programme include four in general purpose configuration, four anti-submarine warfare, and two anti-submarine enhanced. The handover of the Emilio Bianchi marks the completion of the anti-submarine enhanced configuration naval units under the programme.
In a statement, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali said: “This is a significant milestone for the programme, which remains one of the most important European industrial cooperation initiatives in the field of naval defence.
“We are proud to have played a key role in consolidating a strategic and excellent naval asset, aimed at meeting the future challenges of maritime security.”
In April 2025, Fincantieri commenced construction of two next-generation “EVOLUTION” frigates, known as FREMM EVO, with expected delivery dates in 2029 and 2030. (Source: naval-technology.com)
PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES
04 Aug 25. Over 3,000 Boeing fighter jet workers go on strike after rejecting contract offer. More than 3,200 union members who assemble Boeing’s (BA.N) fighter jets in the St. Louis area and Illinois went on strike on Monday after rejecting a second contract offer the previous day. Boeing Defense said it was ready for the work stoppage and it will implement a contingency plan that uses non-labor workers. According to the company, the rejected four-year contract would have raised the average wage by roughly 40% and included a 20% general wage increase and a $5,000 ratification bonus. It also included increasing periodic raises, more vacation time and sick leave. (Source: Reuters)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
06 Aug 25. Space Scotland has appointed Dr Natasha Nicholson as its new Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive and highly competitive recruitment process. Dr Nicholson returns to not-for-profit Space Scotland after playing a key role during its formative phase as Cluster Manager. She brings a strong track record of delivery and stakeholder engagement, alongside scientific expertise and deep understanding of Scotland’s space ecosystem.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
04 Aug 25. USAF Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Blomquist for appointment to the grade of major general. Blomquist is currently serving as chief of staff, Minnesota Air National Guard, Saint St. Paul, Minnesota.
04 Aug 25. USAF Brig. Gen. Gary R. Charlton II for appointment to the grade of major general. Charlton is currently serving as assistant adjutant general, New York Air National Guard, Latham, New York.
04 Aug 25. USAF Brig. Gen. James D. Cleet for appointment to the grade of major general. Cleet is currently serving as deputy director of Operations for Information Operations, Cyber Operations, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, and Nuclear Command, Control and Communications, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany.
04 Aug 25. USAF Brig. Gen. Christopher A. Jarratt for appointment to the grade of major general. Jarratt is currently serving as acting director, Programs and Requirements, National Guard Bureau, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
04 Aug 25. USAF Brig. Gen. Jason W. Knight for appointment to the grade of major general. Knight is currently serving as deputy director, Space Operations, National Guard Bureau, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
04 Aug 25. USAF Brig. Gen. Gregory A. Krane for appointment to the grade of major general. Krane is currently serving as deputy director, Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, J-5, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
IN MEMORIAM
06 Aug 25. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Lt. Col John Hoskins Chairman of Hall & Watts today. John was the first person I ever met in the MoD in 1985 when he was Head of the Defence Sales Artillery Team at Larkhill. His future wife Karen was in the same office. He very kindly 6×6 SMC Sandringham 136” Gun Tractor at Larkhill for demonstrations. He was very understanding when a Middle East delegation overturned the gun on a slope and it rolled down the hill! He was a mine of information and also an excellent host loving his food and drink. I was honoured to attend his annual party last month. A true friend, he will be missed, my condolences to Karen, Ed, David and the rest of the family. He and Hall & Watts wedre also huge contributors to the Chepstow Military Raceday