VACANCIES
11 Aug 25. UK MoD pushes the boat out for Spain-based FSS oversight roles. Job descriptions mention management of “trade-offs” and “design compromises” among a range of other responsibilities. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is recruiting for three roles to be based at Navantia’s Cadiz shipyard in Spain as part of the programme to construct three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) vessels for the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), the civilian-led logistics and supply arm of the Royal Navy. All told, the salaries for the three roles total between £149,700 and £162,600, with the seniormost role, that of the Constructive Engineering Lead, commanding a top salary of £64,200. The roles, fixed for a period of two years, also come with a range of other benefits including an average employer pension contribution of 28.97%. All three roles will be under Defence Equipment & Support, itself part of the MoD. Broadly similar in terms of job description, the positions are tasked with “ensuring that the aft sections of the FSS ships being constructed at the Navantia Puerto Real shipyard in Spain meet the highest standards of quality, design, and operational excellence”. Among the listed responsibilities include the need to “own trade-offs” with other subsystem teams and specialists “over technical requirements and design compromises to maximise successfully system implementation and delivery”. In October 2024 the FSS programme completed its Preliminary Design Review, marking the transition to detailed design work. According to the job descriptions, the build strategy for the FSS is for the aft section of each ship, including machinery spaces, accommodation areas, and the bridge, to be built in Spain, with full assembling and commissioning in Belfast at Harland & Wolff. Construction planned to begin at the end of 2025, broadly on track with the initial timelines, although the first of the three vessels is not expected to enter service until 2031. The current fleet solid support vessel, RFA Fort Victoria, is due to be removed from service in 2028, although it could be extended if the vessel is found to be in good enough condition. (Source: naval-technology.com)
LOCATIONS
LAND
08 Aug 25. Bittium Strengthens Its Operations in the United Kingdom. Bittium has established a legal entity in the United Kingdom (UK). Local presence in the UK strengthens the company’s position and supports operational activities with local customers and partners. To manage the UK company’s operations, Bittium has appointed Mr. Dean Aldridge. Mr. Aldridge is responsible for the Defense & Security business segment’s sales operations in the UK. He transfers to Bittium from Wind River Aerospace & Defense, where he was responsible for sales. Prior to this, Mr. Aldridge has been acting in various business and sales management positions in the defense industry. Prior to his civilian career, Mr. Aldridge served as a commissioned officer in the UK military (Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm) for over 22 years.
”The decision to strengthen our operations in the UK is part of our strategic target to grow in the European market. Over the last few years, we have been building up our cooperation network with significant players in the defense industry. Growing the local presence in strategically important areas is necessary for international growth. Local presence in the UK also supports our objective to participate in tactical communication tenders together with BAE Systems. I am very happy to be able to share the announcement about Mr. Aldridge starting to lead our UK operations. His extensive experience both in the UK military and in exporting defense technology products and solutions to international markets strengthens our position”, says Mr. Tommi Kangas, Senior Vice President, Defense & Security Business Segment at Bittium.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
13 Aug 25. Cubic Defense announces strategic partnership. The collaboration offers Cubic with exclusive rights to offer VIPER and DART MAX products to clients in the Middle East and Singapore. Cubic Defense has established a strategic partnership with ShootHouse and Digimation to deliver “cost-effective” simulation training solutions to customers in the Middle East and Singapore. The collaboration offers Cubic with exclusive rights to offer VIPER and DART MAX products to clients in the Middle East and Singapore. The EST4000 Standard (S) is built on ShootHouse’s VIPER software and can be equipped with various add-ons such as tetherless recoil systems, shootback simulation, live fire options, and weapon handling data capture. The EST4000 Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) also uses VIPER software but incorporates Cubic’s LVC training technology. The LVC platform offers a comprehensive range of proficiencies and introduces capabilities that were previously unavailable in simulation shooting ranges. These include UAVs, indirect weapon effects, electronic warfare, ISTAR capabilities, helicopters, and CCTV systems. In addition, the EST4000 Advanced is based on Digimation’s DART MAX software. It features 4K resolution CGI, extensive AI use, Arabic language models, and allows users to create and save unlimited scenarios for training purposes. This platform is specifically designed to provide game-changing technology to the Middle East and Singapore markets with significant AI growth opportunities. The realistic and portable training solutions replicate real-world scenarios, enabling personnel to enhance their decision-making, marksmanship, and tactical skills without the need for physical ranges, said Cubic. Additionally, Cubic will deliver customised operational and maintenance support within these regions to address specific customer needs. Cubic Defense vice president and general manager Alicia Combs said: “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to equipping global law enforcement and military teams with the most advanced and effective training solutions. The EST4000 capability delivers a tailor-made, cost-effective way to experience and learn from life-threatening situations in a safe environment to improve firearm proficiency and critical decision-making skills.” In April 2025, Cubic Defense secured a position on an eight-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to provide services to the US Army’s Program Executive Officer (PEO) Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (STRI) programmes. (Source: army-technology.com)
13 Aug 25. Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] is expanding its industrial collaboration package for the Philippines as part of its F-16 Block 70 solution for the country’s Multi Role Fighter program. The enhanced offer includes a strategic partnership with Southern Methodist University (SMU) to drive digital innovation, intellectual property creation, and workforce development with Philippine universities and industry. The partnership will provide a comprehensive platform for technology and knowledge transfer, including funding for business incubation, government initiatives, and academic programs. A world-class research lab and training space will be established, enabling Filipino professionals to develop innovative solutions and prototypes that can be applied in various industries.
“We are committed to investing in the development of new capabilities and intellectual properties in close collaboration with leading universities and companies in the Philippines,” said Jess Koloini, Lockheed Martin F-16 Business Development. “This partnership will not only support the country’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) but also create a lasting impact on the Filipino workforce, driving economic growth and prosperity.”
The partnership will leverage the expertise of SMU’s Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing (CDHAM) and Deason Innovation Gym (DIG) to significantly enhance the Philippines’ research and development capacity in digital modeling, simulations, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, automation and Artificial Intelligence.
Key components of the partnership include:
- Access to state-of-the-art innovation tools and equipment located at SMU, enabling Filipino professionals to develop innovative solutions and prototypes
- Funding for business incubation, government initiatives, and academic programs
- Establishment of a world-class research lab and training space
- Collaboration with leading universities and companies in the Philippines to develop new capabilities and intellectual properties
“This partnership is an investment in the strength of the Filipino workforce,” said Dr. Ben Zoghi, Southern Methodist University Associate Dean for Advanced Studies and Industry Partnerships. “These projects will significantly boost the Philippines’ academia and industry, enabling them to leverage digital innovation technologies to drive economic growth and global industrial competitiveness.”
The F-16 Block 70 is the most advanced version of the F-16 fighter jet, offering unparalleled capabilities and performance. Lockheed Martin’s industrial collaboration package is designed to support the Philippines’ economic development and SRDP goals, while also enhancing the country’s security capabilities.
12 Aug 25. Rohde & Schwarz Australia and STS Defence team up for Hunter Class Frigate Program. Rohde & Schwarz Australia has selected STS Defence to supply the critical communications masts that will enable the Royal Australian Navy’s new Hunter class frigates to communicate effectively across a range of frequency bands. Rohde & Schwarz Australia has awarded a contract to STS Defence to provide the twin integrated main configurable communications masts for the Royal Australian Navy’s first three Hunter class frigates being delivered under the Hunter Class Frigate Program (HCFP). As a key partner in the HCFP program, Rohde & Schwarz Australia has selected STS Defence to supply the critical communications masts that, when integrated with NAVICS Multi-Level Security (MLS) systems, will enable the Royal Australian Navy’s new Hunter class frigates to communicate effectively across a range of frequency bands.
“We are delighted to have STS Defence on board as a key supplier for the HCFP,” said Gareth Evans, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia. “STS Defence’s expertise in the design and manufacture of high-quality communications masts will be essential in ensuring the success of the Hunter program.”
Ben Stancliffe, Managing Director of STS Defence, added: “We are thrilled to be a part of this flagship program for STS Defence, which showcases our technology, design, and integration capabilities. We are immensely proud to be providing this mission-critical system to one of the most advanced warships in the world. Our team has worked closely with Rohde & Schwarz Australia to ensure that the communications masts meet the Royal Australian Navy’s requirements, and we look forward to delivering high-quality products that will support the success of the Hunter Class Frigate Program.”
STS Defence is the Design Authority for the masts and has successfully completed scoping, risk reduction, and detailed design studies, leading to Lloyd’s Certification. The design is based on the main communications mast that STS Defence supplied for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates.
“We are confident that STS Defence will deliver high-quality communications masts that integrate with the ship and the NAVICS MLS system meet the Royal Australian Navy’s requirements,” concluded Mr. Evans. (Source: ASD Network)
08 Aug 25. Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3), a global leader in the aerospace industry, signed today several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key Lithuanian partners, marking a significant step toward long-term cooperation in aerospace, defense and innovation. The agreements were signed with eight prominent Lithuanian institutions and companies including Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilnius Tech), Aktyvus Photonics, J&C Aero, Nordic Aircraft Systems, Brolis Defence, DAT, and Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology (BPTI).
“These partnerships reflect Embraer’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening global industrial and defense capabilities through strategic cooperation. Lithuania’s growing aerospace ecosystem and technological expertise make it an ideal environment for Embraer’s long-term vision in Europe,” said Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security.
The MoUs encompass a wide range of high-value areas, including:
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)
- Engineering and Innovation
- Technological Development
- Supply Chain Management
Today’s ceremony follows the selection in June 2025 of Embraer’s C-390 multi-mission aircraft by Lithuania to enhance its defense capabilities and interoperability. This selection aligns with European and NATO allies—including Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden—that have also selected this new generation aircraft to modernize their air forces. Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently with the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability, and performance. The current fleet in operation has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%. The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its aerial refueling capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
31 Jul 25. NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has appointed Richard Smith as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company. This addition to the Senior Executive Team (pictured) further strengthens the company’s growth strategy which includes the recent opening of the new 5.73-acre NP Aerospace UK Defence facility in Coventry. Bringing 25 years of operational leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments, Richard is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with specialist expertise gained during an extensive career. Having previously worked as Chief Manufacturing Officer at Helix, Group Managing Director at Ricor Group, Senior Operations Director at Norma Group, and Chief Operating Officer at Tharsus Vision the new COO is an asset to NP Aerospace at a time of rapid growth. This period of expansion is being backed by NatWest, who is providing NP Aerospace with a multi-m-pound funding package to grow its global business. NatWest is a proud supporter of customers operating in the defence sector. In his new role, Richard will focus on global operational capability to support the company’s growth trajectory. With NP Aerospace having achieved mid-tier company status, with a turnover of over £50 m, taking on increasingly more complex projects from a portfolio of large contracts, the newest member of the Senior Executive Team will play a crucial role in powering the next phase of growth.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
07 Aug 25. KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today the appointment of Huibert H. Vigeveno to its board of directors effective August 5, 2025. Mr. Vigeveno, 55, brings a wealth of energy and industrial sector expertise to KBR’s board, a result of his 30 years of distinguished service with Shell. Mr. Vigeveno joined Shell in the U.K. in 1995 and gained significant sales, marketing, strategy and general management experience across the enterprise. Mr. Vigeveno also has substantial experience with mergers, acquisitions and similar strategic transactions. From January 2020 to March 2025, he served as a member of Shell plc’s executive committee and as director of Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions. From 2017 to 2019, Mr. Vigeveno was executive vice president of Global Commercial. Prior to that role, from 2015 to 2016, he led the integration and served as transition CEO of BG Group in the U.K. following its acquisition by Shell. Other roles include executive chairman of Shell China (2012 to 2015) and vice president of Shell Supply and Distribution in Europe and Africa (2009 to 2012). Mr. Vigeveno will officially step down at Shell in September 2025 to pursue other opportunities. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
11 Aug 25. Peraton announced the appointment of Ravi Dankanikote as its new chief growth officer (CGO). In his role, Ravi will spearhead Peraton’s enterprise growth strategy, lead business development across all markets, build and strengthen strategic customer relationships, and ensure alignment between the company’s capabilities and customer challenges. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
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