LOCATIONS
LAND
20 Oct 25. MilDef opens Bastionen. A strategic capacity increase for enhanced defense capabilities. MilDef is now opening the doors to a new property in Rosersberg, north of Stockholm, named Bastionen. The 6,500 square meter office and production space, tailored to the business, quadruples MilDef’s capacity in integration services and opens up for larger and more complex assignments for customers in defense and security. To meet the growing demand for integration services that strengthen defense capabilities in Sweden and for allied partners, MilDef decided last year to expand its production capacity in the Stockholm region. The purpose-built property has now been completed on schedule by LEJE Fastigheter AB. MilDef has moved in just as Sweden’s defense capabilities are being rapidly upgraded.
“This is undoubtedly a milestone in MilDef’s expansion, and we are seeing a sharp increase in demand for larger and more complex deliveries. The capacity increase in Rosersberg is a proactive step to future-proof our capabilities and enable us to deliver on a larger scale with high quality and delivery reliability,” says Daniel Ljunggren, President and CEO of MilDef.
Bastionen provides the conditions for conducting advanced system integration in high volumes, a key component for future deliveries in total defense and security-critical systems. The property offers business-adapted production and offices with a focus on business needs and an attractive working environment.
“Bastionen enables us to further scale up our ability to deliver complete, customized solutions. The market is increasingly demanding comprehensive solutions rather than individual components. This creates a natural hub for the part of the business that works with the Swedish market,” says Erik Buhre, Head of Delivery, MilDef Sweden.
MilDef’s initiative is part of the expanded Nordic defense cooperation, as well as a result of the company’s understanding of what Swedish NATO membership means for the growing need for technical solutions that are interoperable, standardized, and future-proof.
“We see great synergies in building capacity for cross-border collaboration. Bastionen is a concrete expression of our ambition to be a reliable industrial partner in both national and pan-Nordic projects,” says Magnus Hagman, VP Nordics.
MARITIME
21 Oct 25. ST Engineering today launched the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s first Victory-class Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV), Victory, at its Benoi Yard. The launch ceremony was officiated by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Singapore’s Minister for Defence. MRCV Victory is the first of six MRCVs to be built by ST Engineering under a detailed design and construction contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in 2023.
“The launch of MRCV Victory demonstrates the strength of our close collaboration,” said Mervyn Tan, President, Defence & Public Security, ST Engineering. “Through our partnership with the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Defence Science and Technology Agency, we have set the foundation for the successful delivery of future-ready first-of-class naval platforms that will strengthen Singapore’s maritime defence.”
MRCV Victory is a demonstration of the Group’s engineering depth across multiple domains – from detailed design and shipbuilding to the implementation of critical cyber-secured communication networks to the complex integration of multiple weapons systems. This complex undertaking reinforced ST Engineering’s position as a trusted partner capable of delivering advanced, multi-domain defence innovations for Singapore and beyond. Measuring 150 metres in length, the MRCV is designed to serve as a “mothership” for unmanned systems, enabling seamless operability across air, surface and subsurface domains. Incorporating state-of-the-art systems, the Victory-class MRCV supports a wide range of missions from maritime security and surveillance to high-intensity combat operations.
“Our extensive experience in turnkey naval shipbuilding gives us the capabilities to deliver large, complex vessels like the MRCV. Being the first of its class, MRCV Victory requires advanced engineering and design precision execution across every stage of construction, a level of expertise that is evident in the launch of the vessel today,” said Tan Leong Peng, President, Marine, ST Engineering. 2 www.stengg.com
Setting a benchmark for next-generation naval vessels
Leveraging 3D modelling and digital twinning, the vessel design was tested and refined virtually before actual construction began. The use of virtualisation technologies reduced the need for costly physical prototypes, minimised design rework, cut down material waste and shortened the delivery time required to deliver a mothership that is optimised to meet the Navy’s needs. The model-based approach in the development of the Victory-class MRCV has set a new engineering benchmark in the design of advanced naval vessels. After the launch, MRCV Victory will be transferred from Benoi Yard to Gul Yard, where it will undergo further outfitting, integration and sea trials. ST Engineering is on track to deliver the fleet of MRCVs to the RSN progressively from 2028 onwards. ST Engineering continues to invest in the automation and transformation of its two shipyards into an integrated smart hub. With smart yard management systems, automated panel lines, robotic welding and predictive maintenance capabilities, these enhancements will strengthen project coordination, improve resource allocation and drive overall productivity. The expanded capacity and better infrastructure at the two yards will enable ST Engineering to take on larger and more complex projects to meet the SAF’s evolving maritime defence needs.
PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES
22 Oct 25. BAE Systems faces Unite strike after 3.6% pay offer rejected. Britain’s Unite union said on Wednesday its members are taking strike action at defence giant BAE Systems’ Warton and Samlesbury sites after rejecting a 3.6% pay offer that the union described as a real-terms wage cut. Unite members in four sections, including manufacturing and quality control, will take their first phase of strike action from the 5th to 25th of November, the union added. (Source: Reuters)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
22 Oct 25. Ms Leigh Stubblefield has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malawi in succession to Ms Fiona Ritchie, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Stubblefield will take up her appointment during November 2025.
22 Oct 25. Mr Neil Crompton CBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ukraine, in succession to Mr Martin Harris CMG OBE, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
17 Oct 25. Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya: Martin Reynolds. Following his appointment in December 2024 to succeed Dr Martin Longden CMG OBE as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Libya, Mr Martin Reynolds CB CMG will now take up his new post during October 2025.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
22 Oct 25. Anduril’s Kit-based Drones to be Assembled by Cobbs in Belgium. Anduril Industries and COBBS BELUX BV have signed an agreement to explore opportunities for the localisation of advanced defence technologies in Belgium. The partnership will initially focus on final assembly, maintenance and possible future developments, with the aim of strengthening Belgian industry and NATO capabilities. The agreement was signed in the presence of Belgium’s Royal highness Princess Astrid and Minister of Defense Theo Francken . According to Cobbs CEO Michaël Rummens, the company intends to start small, producing a few hundred drones per year before scaling up. Staff numbers will initially grow to about ten people, with plans to expand to around 25 employees next year.
“Anduril has developed a kit-based drone system – similar to what Ikea does,” Rummens told L’Écho. “With this system, you can build a drone of up to 600 kilos in just five hours.” He described Anduril’s drones as being “like Lego sets”, meaning few workers are needed for assembly.
In addition to assembly, Cobbs plans to develop research and development (R&D) activities focused on drones and counter-drone technology. “Gaining knowledge is the best way to stay competitive and ensures strategic autonomy,” Rummens said.
To support the collaboration, Anduril will open a Belgian office in Bonheiden, aiming to “strengthen local workforce training and sustainment capabilities for advanced defence technologies,” the company said in a statement.
Belgium’s new Minister of Defence, Theo Francken, reportedly visited Anduril’s facilities during the California mission and attended demonstrations of its Lattice platform — an AI system capable of autonomously identifying, tracking, and detecting individuals or vehicles over several kilometres. Francken called Anduril a “very interesting company” with “disruptive technology” that has drastically transformed the market. In just a few years, the firm has grown into a $30 bn company employing 9,000 people.
“This collaboration with Cobbs demonstrates the value of working with innovative defence technology companies willing to invest locally and support our long-term security, sovereignty, and commitments to NATO and our allies,” Francken said.
“Anduril is making a long-term commitment to Belgium,” added Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril Industries to L’Écho. “Together with Cobbs, we will ensure local assembly, maintenance, and training to enhance sovereignty, resilience, and cooperation with NATO.” (Source: UAS VISION/COBBS BELUX BV LinkedIn; The Brussels Times)
17 Oct 25. Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Group, have signed a landmark Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) to advance the C-390 Millennium solution for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. This agreement was inked alongside the inauguration of Embraer’s national office in Aerocity, New Delhi. The agreement builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2024 at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi, deepening the scope of cooperation to include joint marketing, industrialisation and developing India as a hub for the C-390 Millennium. Since the signing, the C-390 Millennium aircraft has further increased its operator base globally. Embraer and Mahindra Group will work closely with stakeholders in the country and engage with India’s military and aerospace ecosystem to identify opportunities for local manufacturing, assembly facilities, supply chain and MRO activities. The long-term ambition is to position India as a manufacturing and support hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, serving both domestic and regional requirements. This partnership unites Brazil’s world-class aerospace innovation with India’s manufacturing prowess and contributes to the strengthening of ties between the two nations while positioning India as a potential hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft in the region. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said, “The agreement is a significant milestone in our relationship with Mahindra Group. India’s aerospace industry is dynamic and world-class, and together we aim to deliver the most advanced and reliable military transport solution to the Indian Air Force. This partnership is more than an aerospace deal – it reflects our commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and the growing friendship between Brazil and India.”
Vinod Sahay, Member of Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group said: “The C-390 Millennium is unmatched in capability, efficiency, and versatility. By deepening our collaboration with Embraer, together we will ensure that the C-390 Millenium for the IAF’s MTA campaign will not only contribute to India’s security and aspirations but also supports the ‘Make in India’ philosophy and further self-reliance.”
The C-390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class and can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue], firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling, both as a tanker and as a receiver. The current fleet, in operation, has demonstrated a mission completion rate of more than 99%, highlighting exceptional productivity in its category. Already selected by air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania and an undisclosed customer, the C-390 Millennium has the capability, versatility and performance to serve India’s strategic needs.
20 Oct 25. Embraer and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)[1] have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see both parties cooperating on new businesses and market development opportunities in the defense sector of South Korea. The MoU was signed on the opening day of ADEX 2025 between Air Force Brigadier General Kang Joong-hee, Director of the Aircraft Business Division at DAPA and Bosco da Costa Jr., President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
“This MOU will serve as a significant opportunity for Korea and Brazil to move beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship and toward a model of mutual growth cooperation,” said Air Force Brigadier General Kang Joong-hee, Director of the Aircraft Business Division at DAPA. “Through strategic cooperation with Embraer, the DAPA will actively support the entry of Korean companies into the overseas supply chain and the expansion of Korean defense exports.”
“The MoU reflects the growing partnership between Embraer and DAPA. It leverages on Embraer Defense & Security’s comprehensive capabilities across air, land, sea and space domains to explore avenues for collaboration, innovation and support South Korea’s evolving defense needs,” said Bosco da Costa Jr., President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security at the signing ceremony.
In 2023, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) selected the C-390 Millennium for its Large Transport Aircraft (LTA-II) public tender, providing the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with new military transport aircraft. The C-390 Millennium aircraft will be specially configured to meet ROKAF’s requirements, along with comprehensive services and support, including training, ground support equipment, and spare parts. Embraer has a global supply chain and has been partnering with Korean companies since the launch of its E-Jets E2 commercial aircraft program in 2013. Last month, Embraer and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency KOTRA held a week-long roadshow in Sacheon and Busan which included visits and seminars aimed at identifying areas of further collaboration between Embraer and Korean companies.
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
21 Oct 25. D-Fend Solutions, the leader in field-proven radio frequency (RF) cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, today announced that General Glen D. VanHerck (USAF, Ret.) has joined the company’s Advisory Board. General VanHerck’s decision to join D-Fend’s Advisory Board further validates the company’s pioneering role at the forefront of cyber counter-drone technology. General VanHerck retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2024 following a distinguished career, culminating as Commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), where he oversaw the defense of North America and the U.S. homeland, including defense of critical infrastructure, domains safeguarded by D-Fend Solutions’ advanced technology. He previously served as Director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon and Commander of the USAF Warfare Center at Nellis AFB, NV. His deep strategy and policy background coupled with his operational experience matches the strategic mission and demanding requirements of D-Fend Solutions’ key customer sectors, including military, homeland security, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure protection. (Source: PR Newswire)
22 Oct 25. After 21 years of service to Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM) and in turning 60, Ken Giacobbe, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has decided to retire on December 31, 2025. Mr. Giacobbe has been a valued contributor to Howmet’s success. He has been a trusted partner to John Plant, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and an invaluable resource to the Company’s Board of Directors and the businesses within Howmet. From December 1 to December 31, 2025, Mr. Giacobbe will serve as special advisor to Mr. Plant. The Company wishes Mr. Giacobbe well in his retirement. Effective December 1, 2025, Patrick Winterlich will join Howmet as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Winterlich most recently was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Hexcel Corporation. He joined Hexcel in 1998 and has held roles of increasing responsibility in Finance, Operations and Information Technology, prior to assuming his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Hexcel in 2017. Mr. Winterlich will be based at Howmet’s Global Headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Source: PR Newswire)
21 Oct 25. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) (“Teledyne”) announced today that Teledyne’s Board of Directors appointed Laura Black, Managing Director of Needham & Company, LLC, and George C. Bobb III, Teledyne’s President and Chief Executive Officer, to Teledyne’s Board of Directors. These additions raise the number of Board members to 12.
Ms. Black, age 64, has served as a Managing Director of Needham & Company, LLC, a full-service investment banking firm since 1999. At Needham, she has raised public and private equity capital for numerous technology companies and served as strategic financial advisor on multiple mergers and acquisitions transactions. From July 1995 to February 1999, she served as a Managing Director of Corporate Finance at Black & Company, a regional investment bank subsequently acquired by Wells Fargo Van Kasper. From July 1993 to June 1995, Ms. Black served as a Director for TRW Avionics & Surveillance Group where she evaluated acquisition candidates, managed direct investments and raised venture capital to back spin-off companies. From August 1983 to August 1992, she worked at TRW as an electrical engineer designing hardware for spread spectrum communication systems. Ms. Black currently serves as a board member of each of Viavi Solutions, Inc., a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions, since 2018, and Ichor Holdings, Ltd., a provider of critical fluid delivery subsystems and components for the semiconductor industry, since February 2019. Ms. Black earned a Master of Science degree in management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of California at Davis.
Mr. Bobb, age 51, has been Teledyne’s President and Chief Executive Officer since April 28, 2025. Previously, Mr. Bobb was Teledyne’s President and Chief Operating Officer since January 1, 2024. Prior to that role, Mr. Bobb was President of Teledyne’s Aerospace and Defense Electronics Segment and had executive leadership responsibility for the Marine Instrumentation group, the Engineered Systems Segment, Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, and Teledyne’s Information Technology functions. First joining Teledyne in 2008, Mr. Bobb also held other executive and legal positions, including Chief Compliance Officer. Prior to joining Teledyne, Mr. Bobb was the Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Security Division of the United States Department of Justice. During his tenure at the Department of Justice, he also served as Counsel for National Security Law and Policy. Mr. Bobb holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Coast Guard Academy and a law degree from Yale Law School. As an active-duty Coast Guard officer, he served as a Boarding Officer and Deck Watch Officer on the United States Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant, and then as Commanding Officer of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Marlin. Mr. Bobb subsequently served as a liaison for the Coast Guard to the United States House of Representatives. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
22 Oct 25. Textron taps insider Atherton as CEO, Donnelly to continue as chair. Textron chief executive Scott Donnelly will be succeeded by insider Lisa Atherton, effective January 4 next year, the aircraft maker said on Wednesday. Atherton served as the president and CEO of Textron’s Bell segment, which makes helicopters for military and commercial purposes. Donnelly will continue leading the board and will provide advice and counsel to the CEO, the company said. (Source: Reuters)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
20 Oct 25. DroneShield announced the appointment of Angus Harris to the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This appointment reflects the Company’s continued growth and organisational maturity as it scales to meet accelerating global demand across defence and government markets. Mr Harris brings a wealth of technical and leadership experience from his time at Thales and the Australian Department of Defence. Prior to the promotion, Angus Harris was leading DroneShield’s software engineering team. Over his career, he has delivered complex engineering and technology programs across defence, transport, and advanced AI domains. His track record includes overseeing national communications and control system deployments including Sydney Metro, leading the development of enterprise-scale computer-vision solutions for major retailers, and driving innovation in software and sensor integration within defence and government applications. Angus Bean, a foundational member of DroneShield’s technology leadership team, will move into the position of Chief Product Officer (CPO). In this role, Mr Bean will concentrate on advancing the Company’s global product vision and long-term technology roadmap, ensuring that innovation, engineering capability, and customer outcomes remain tightly aligned. Having overseen the development of DroneShield’s core technologies from inception, he will continue to play a critical role in guiding the Company’s strategic direction and product evolution as it expands its global footprint