MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
08 Sep 25. USAF MG Kenyon K. Bell for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy chief of staff, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Bell is currently serving as director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
08 Sep 25. USAF MG Robert D. Davis for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Alaskan Command, U.S. Northern Command; commander, Eleventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Davis is currently serving as director, Operations, U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
08 Sep 25. USAF MG Brandon D. Parker for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy chief of staff, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Parker is currently serving as director, Global Operations, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
09 Sep 25. BMT and FDS Forge Partnership at DSEI 2025 to Deliver Modular Naval Solutions for Tomorrow’s Fleets. Advancing the ELLIDA® STRIKE vision – BMT’s heritage in ship design and modular innovation, coupled with FDS’s engineering expertise as a leading provider of modular solutions to the Royal Navy, is unlocking agile, scalable capability for the future force
BMT and Force Development Services (FDS) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at DSEI 2025, marking a major step forward in the development of modularity for future naval operations. This partnership will combine BMT’s vast expertise in naval architecture and sovereign ship design with FDS industry-leading innovation and experience in modular deployable systems engineered to enhance current and future platforms, solutions that are adaptable, support lifecycle efficiency and unlock higher levels of mission readiness for the modern naval force.
With the Royal Navy’s ambitions for containerised capabilities and modular mission delivery (reflected in its NavyPODS programme and the broader move toward ‘plug and play’ warship functionality) the timing and vision behind this collaboration could not be more relevant. Today’s announcement aligns with the UK’s drive to accelerate capability introduction and ensure ships can embark, interchange and support specialist equipment to match rapidly shifting threats and mission profiles. Drawing on proven approaches from both the commercial logistics and advanced naval fields, BMT and FDS intend to deliver scalable, interoperable and flexible modular solutions, designed for rapid deployment, supporting operations; realising the benefits of agility that the future force demands.
At 15.00 BST today, BMT Chief Executive OBE Sarah Kenny and FDS Managing Director Claire Hemmings will sign the MOU at The Defence Medical Service stand showcasing the Medical POD (N2-172), with the event followed by a tour of the capability. Delegates will then return to the BMT stand (S11-120), where the new ELLIDA® STRIKE vessel, BMT’s latest showcase in highly configurable, multi-purpose and modular platform design, will be on display. A drinks reception will follow, offering the chance to discuss the partnership’s shared vision in more depth.
Modern navies face increasing budgetary and personnel constraints alongside technological change at unprecedented speed. There is growing consensus that energy and resources must focus on a platform’s ability to re-role mid-deployment, rapidly integrating new equipment, and be maintained and supported for optimal availability ashore and afloat. With a system-of-systems mindset, the BMT–FDS partnership addresses the core challenges of today’s operational demands – delivering a robust framework for PODS lifecycle support, standardised integration onboard and ashore and managed readiness for all deployed capabilities. This shift is not just about adapting platforms, but about enabling the entire fleet to become more responsive, versatile and sustainable – a necessary response to the complexity and pace of the modern operational maritime environment.
Jake Rigby, Global Head of Innovation and Research at BMT, commented:
“This collaboration sets a new standard for modularity in naval operations. By blending BMT’s design, integration and support expertise with FDS’s practical know-how in modular systems design and construction, we are providing navies with a credible pathway to faster, more flexible responses and streamlined lifecycle management.”
Monty Long, Regional Business Director – UK/EU at BMT, added:
“ELLIDA® STRIKE and our full platform range are the result of BMT’s sustained investment in mission-tailored, modular and scalable solutions. Our partnership with FDS at DSEI demonstrates how industry can join forces to move from ambition to operational capability – enabling navies to do more, with greater speed and resilience.”
Claire Hemmings, Managing Director of FDS, said:
“We’re delighted to work alongside BMT, uniting PODS manufacturing and engineering with advanced naval design. Our shared commitment to readiness, integration and through-life support will help shape a more adaptable and effective future fleet, empowering commanders and crews for whatever the mission demands.”
BMT and FDS invite DSEI attendees and the wider defence and maritime community to join them in exploring the future of modular naval capability; one powered by collaboration, innovation and a framework for persistent readiness.
Visitors to DSEI in London (9–12 September) will be the first to see the digitised marine scale model of ELLIDA® STRIKE – the latest evolution in BMT’s proprietary-designed, modular ELLIDA® multi‑role platform family. The interactive model offers a detailed view of the vessel’s layout, demonstrating not only movement and design tailored to customer requirements, but also the flexible, containerised spaces enabling rapid mission reconfiguration. Drawing on the heritage of the ELLIDA® family and BMT’s thought leadership in scalable naval solutions, this debut at DSEI provides an engaging, hands-on showcase – and an immersive glimpse into the future of modular capability in UK littoral strike operations.
09 Sep 25. SEA, part of the Cohort plc Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ACUA Ocean, a specialist in Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), to explore the potential deployment of SEA’s towed array sonar systems aboard ACUA Ocean’s autonomous platforms for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The strategic agreement sets the framework for a collaborative evaluation of the technical integration of SEA’s cutting-edge underwater sensing product, KraitSense and ACUA Ocean’s long-endurance, high sea state capable USVs. The partnership aims to unlock new operational concepts, identify joint commercial and defence opportunities, and support the future development of a combined unmanned maritime capability.
Richard Flitton, Managing Director of SEA said, “In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, the underwater battlespace is evolving quickly. While crewed platforms remain vital to ASW and ISR operations, uncrewed vessels hosting specialist KraitSense payloads will bring powerful complimentary capabilities, that enable persistent wide-area underwater sensing and situational awareness.
“As we explore the true potential of uncrewed ASW and ISR operations in partnership with ACUA Ocean, we’re proud to be delivering a future-ready solution designed to meet the demands of modern navies both now and in the coming years.”
The MoU highlights SEA’s ongoing commitment to pioneering adaptable, scalable defence technologies in collaboration with innovative platform developers like ACUA Ocean. The combined system will offer a modular, flexible, low-risk, and cost-effective solution for enhanced undersea surveillance and maritime situational awareness.
Together, the companies aim to deliver a next-generation autonomous maritime surveillance capability that is modular, flexible and scalable to meet evolving operational demands.
SEA will take a lead role in evaluating and supporting the integration of its acoustics sensor systems, providing the necessary technical information and assets for testing. The company will also work closely with ACUA Ocean to co-develop operational concepts that align with current and emerging ASW and ISR mission requirements. Neil Tinmouth, Chief Executive Officer at ACUA Ocean said, “Working closely with SEA shows the power of innovative UK businesses collaborating to deliver the cutting-edge and cost-effective capability needed by navies worldwide in these increasingly complex times. By combining our stable ocean-going unmanned surface vessels with SEA’s leading ASW/ISR technology, we will deliver an autonomous solution that compliments and extends the operational benefits of existing platforms, and delivers scalable capabilities that enhance existing ASW and ISR operations.”
As part of the collaboration, SEA and ACUA Ocean will jointly develop mission concepts and use-case demonstrations. They will also showcase the integrated capability to international customers, leveraging their combined networks and industry expertise to reach defence and maritime stakeholders worldwide.
09 Sept 25. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks® Announce Strategic Collaboration. Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems have announced a strategic partnership to develop a range of uncrewed autonomous air systems. The collaboration will see their advanced research and development divisions – Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks – work together on a common design that will be rapidly deployable and modular to deliver a range of effects, including disruptive capabilities.
Drawing on both organisations’ rapid design, prototyping and advanced manufacturing expertise, the collaboration will focus on producing a cost-effective and easily deployable system with multiple launch options. It will initially focus on delivering an electronic warfare and attack capability that would deliver disruptive capabilities and could complement and enhance the survivability of current crewed combat aircraft.
The initial system will be designed with modularity and adaptability for different missions, and offer multiple launch options such as air drop, ground launch, maritime launch and launch from a wide-body logistic aircraft.
The announcement comes at a time when nations are increasingly looking towards developing a mix of crewed and uncrewed assets to address the requirements of today’s rapidly evolving battlespace – and the need to be able to quickly develop and field affordable ‘combat mass’ to support existing frontline combat platforms.
“We’re pleased to join forces with BAE Systems, combining our expertise in rapid prototyping and advanced development to deliver game-changing capabilities,” said OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “By working together, we’re unlocking new possibilities for our customers and advancing the future of autonomous systems.”
Dave Holmes, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ FalconWorks division, said: “Through our collaboration with Lockheed Martin we’ll deliver disruptive capabilities that can make a real difference to our military customers at pace, enabling them to confront the operational requirements of today’s battlefield.”
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
08 Sep 25. J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”), a leading alternative asset manager focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, government, maritime, environmental and infrastructure sectors, is pleased to announce several team additions and promotions. Team additions include Jonathan J. Holden to the Portfolio Operations team as well as Andrew E. Karmin and Sebastian A. Cai to the Investment team and Jessica Jung to the Administration team. “These latest additions further highlight the firm’s ability to attract outstanding professionals to the organization, expanding our existing team of exceptionally talented individuals,” said Alex Harman, Partner.
The firm also announced the promotions of Michael P. Leber to Managing Director as well as Peter G. Kohler and Cianan E. Moore to Senior Associate. “We are thrilled to recognize the meaningful commitment and contributions that these highly respected individuals have made to the organization during their tenure thus far,” said Louis N. Mintz, Partner.
Team Additions
Jonathan J. Holden, Vice President, Portfolio Operations. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Holden was a Director in Alvarez & Marsal’s Private Equity Services Group. He started his career in manufacturing operations management at General Electric. Mr. Holden graduated from the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a B.S. in industrial management.
Sebastian A. Cai, Associate. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Cai began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst in Goldman Sachs’ Global Natural Resources Group. Mr. Cai graduated from Tufts University, where he earned a B.S. in quantitative economics with a minor in Chinese.
Andrew E. Karmin, Associate. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Karmin began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at Jefferies in the Power, Utilities & Infrastructure Group. Mr. Karmin graduated from the University of Michigan, where he earned a B.B.A. with a concentration in finance from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business.
Jessica Jung, Administration. Prior to joining the firm, she held various executive assistant positions, most recently serving as Executive Assistant to the CIO at General Atlantic. Ms. Jung earned a B.A. in economics and psychology from Columbia University.
Recent Promotions
Michael P. Leber, Managing Director, Finance & Accounting. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Leber served as Vice President, Finance for Perpetual Capital Partners and held various senior finance and accounting roles for both Fortune 500 as well as growth companies. Mr. Leber began his career in public accounting at Arthur Andersen. Mr. Leber graduated with distinction from Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a B.S. in accounting. Mr. Leber is a Certified Public Accountant.
Peter G. Kohler, Senior Associate. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Kohler was an Investment Banking Analyst in Houlihan Lokey’s Aerospace, Defense & Government Group. Mr. Kohler began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at KippsDeSanto & Co. Mr. Kohler graduated from the University of Virginia, where he earned a B.A. in economics.
Cianan E. Moore, Senior Associate. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Moore began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst in J.P. Morgan’s Financial Sponsors Group. Mr. Moore graduated magna cum laude from Miami University, where he earned a B.S. in finance.
04 Sep 25. SciTec, a leader in the development of National Security solutions in missile warning, missile defense, and other warfighter-enabling capabilities, today announced the promotion of David Simenc to President. In his new role, Simenc will lead the company’s overall operations. Jim Lisowski, former President, will remain as CEO. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
10 Sep 25. Thales announced the appointment of Ankur Kanaglekar as Vice President for India, with effect from 10 September 2025. This strategic appointment underlines Thales’ commitment to expanding its footprint, strengthening local partnerships and accelerating innovation in support of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. In his role, Ankur will oversee Thales’ strategy and operations in India, focusing on scaling up industrial collaboration, reinforcing local innovation and engineering capabilities, and delivering advanced solutions across defence, aerospace, and cyber and digital markets.