LOCATIONS
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
03 Nov 25. Multinational Deployable Special Operations Command Becomes Fully Operational. The Regional Special Operations Component Command (R-SOCC), led by Hungary, has officially reached full operational capability, marking a major milestone in regional defence cooperation between Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia. With this achievement, the five nations now have a fully deployable multinational headquarters capable of commanding special operations forces missions together or supporting NATO and EU-led operations when needed. R-SOCC strengthens the participating countries’ ability to respond swiftly and effectively, and enables each nation to use its own special forces independently while also being ready to operate seamlessly as part of a combined multinational command structure. R-SOCC mirrors the success of similar multinational initiatives such as the Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC) created by Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands, which became fully operational in 2020. R-SOCC was launched by the Defence Ministers of the five participating nations through a Letter of Intent signed in February 2019. This was followed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia in October 2019 and by Austria in December 2020. Automatic Number Plate Recognition System Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2031 Key data points: The growth forecast = 5.9% annually for the next 7 years. Scroll below to get more insights. This market report covers trends, opportunities and forecasts in automatic number plate recognition system market to 2031 by type (stationary and portable), application (traffic management, parking, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World) R-SOCC is a positive demonstration of regional cooperation in Central Europe and an important contribution to the Alliance’s readiness. (Source: ASD Network)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
06 Nov 25. BMT announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Teledyne Marine Vehicles group which includes Iceland-based Teledyne Gavia and North Falmouth, MA based Teledyne Webb Research, laying the foundation for strategic alignment and close collaboration on future projects in the maritime autonomy space. This MoU builds on an established relationship, through which BMT has provided specialist technical consultancy to Teledyne Marine Vehicles in support of underwater autonomy programmes in both the UK and internationally. This includes expertise in through-life support and cyber security, as well as the delivery of a Safety and Environmental Case Review (SECR) for the UK Ministry of Defence, ensuring the platform’s operational safety and environmental compliance. Will Alexander, BMT’s Maritime Autonomous Systems Lead, explains: “BMT and Teledyne Marine bring extensive complementary expertise into this market, empowering us to think innovatively and overcome challenges as the strategic shift to integrate autonomous systems across naval operations continues at pace. As an independent consultancy with deep domain expertise, BMT offers comprehensive technical support in maritime autonomous systems across the asset lifecycle. From the design stage through development, testing, assurance and operation we support customers leverage new technology to deliver cost effective, safe and sustainable marine operations.” Teledyne Marine has established itself as a market leader in the production of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), including the Gavia, Osprey, and SeaRaptor class AUVs and Slocum gliders and APEX floats, which are currently in use with the UK Royal Navy and deployed widely with other military, commercial, and scientific users worldwide.
Arnar Steingrimsson, VP of Sales, Marine Vehicles, of Teledyne Marine, adds: “We greatly value the close working relationship that Teledyne has had with BMT on successful UUV projects for the UK Ministry of Defence and other NATO members. Industry collaboration is the key to managing today’s rapidly evolving market dynamics and meeting increased demand from naval users. Teledyne looks forward to building on the work to date with BMT to better serve our joint NATO and international unmanned systems customers.”
Paul Haycock, BMT’s Senior Account Manager – Defence Industry, concludes: “This collaboration reflects both companies’ shared commitment to addressing today’s challenges to shape a more innovative and resilient future. With a wealth of combined underwater domain experience, we are perfectly positioned to help our customers address evolving threats, enhance their operational capabilities and leverage maritime autonomy for reconfigurable, cost-efficient, scalable and adaptable fleet operations.”
04 Nov 25. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) and Hofmann Engineering Pty. Ltd. today announced their intent to form a strategic partnership to examine opportunities for the joint pursuit of advanced allied navy propulsion needs, as well as providing capabilities to open capacity to accelerate U.S. Navy ship and submarine production. Under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, the collaboration would build on Leonardo DRS’ deep experience in designing and developing high-performance, military-spec electric drive and hybrid electric drive propulsion systems for customers around the world, and Hofmann Engineering’s extensive large, precision manufacturing and fabrication experience.
“Integrating advanced electric propulsion systems across allied fleets is more than an upgrade in performance, it’s a strategic necessity to ensure new and existing ships and submarines maintain operational superiority in an increasingly complex and high-tech battlespace,” said Jon Miller, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Power business unit. “We are excited about a partnership with Hofmann Engineering in an effort to identify new and emerging opportunities to deliver critical naval propulsion capabilities and further secure the supply chain for U.S. ship production. The relationship has great potential to significantly strengthen U.S. and allied fleets around the world.”
“The MOU signed today is not only a major milestone for Leonardo DRS and Hofmann Engineering but the trajectory of Australia’s sovereign capability, strengthening the AUKUS bond and strategic partnership between the US and Australia,” said Karl Hofmann, Director of Operations at Hoffman Engineering.
The strategic partnership is expected to focus on joint research, system integration, and evolution of electric and hybrid propulsion, and steam turbine systems. The two companies would also evaluate opportunities for technology co-development, production, and export in alignment with U.S. and allied defense requirements. By combining Leonardo DRS’ global leadership in electric propulsion and advanced manufacturing, including its new state-of-the-art facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina, with Hofmann’s expanding presence in the U.S. and international markets, a collaboration would also strengthen the AUKUS alliance by enhancing U.S. supply chain resilience through international collaboration and building Australia’s industrial capacity to support the next generation of submarines and surface ships for the Royal Australian Navy. Advanced electric and hybrid-electric naval propulsion is a key strategic focus for Leonardo DRS as it continues to be a leader in providing solutions to support next-generation submarines and surface combatants with the power flexibility and efficiency needed for modern naval missions. Support for the U.S. government and allied nations includes developing and delivering the most advanced electric drive system in the world for the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class next-generation ballistic submarine and providing the Republic of Korea Navy’s new frigates with advanced hybrid electric drive propulsion systems. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
05 Nov 25. The International Institute for Strategic Studies announced the appointment of Dongyoun Cho as Senior Fellow for Advanced Technologies, National Security and Defence. Dongyoun joins the IISS–Europe team in Berlin, bringing extensive experience at the intersection of emerging technologies and international security. She previously served as Senior Researcher in the Security and Technology Programme at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in Geneva and as Assistant Professor in the Department of Military Studies at Seokyeong University in Seoul. Earlier in her career, she spent 16 years as an intelligence officer in the Republic of Korea Army, retiring with the rank of Major. Her research explores how quantum and artificial intelligence technologies are transforming defence, deterrence and alliance dynamics. At the IISS, Dongyoun will lead analysis on the implications of advanced technologies for security and defence policy, working across programmes to strengthen understanding of military innovation and technology resilience.
04 Nov 25. SOGENA announces the appointment of Guillaume MERVEILLEUX DU VIGNUX as General Commissioner of EURONAVAL, effective 1st November 2025. SOGENA, organisers of EURONAVAL, the world’s leading naval defence and maritime security exhibition, is pleased to announce the appointment of Guillaume MERVEILLEUX DU VIGNAUX as General Commissioner of EURONAVAL, effective 1st November 2025. A senior officer in the French Navy, Guillaume MERVEILLEUX DU VIGNAUX has devoted 35 years of service to France’s defence and maritime interests. His career reflects his exceptional experience, marked by operational command, strategic and capability expertise, and strong commitment on the international stage.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
07 Nov 25. DroneShield, a global leader in advanced counter-drone technology, is pleased to announce the establishment of its U.S. Advisory Board, comprising senior military and national security leaders with extensive operational and industry expertise. The Advisory Board will support DroneShield’s expanding U.S. operations, providing strategic guidance on growth, policy engagement, and technology adoption within military, intelligence, and critical infrastructure sectors.
General Mark D. Kelly (Ret.), U.S. Air Force
General Kelly completed a 38-year career in the United States Air Force, most recently serving as Commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, where he led and prepared combat-ready air, space, cyber, and intelligence forces for global operations. His distinguished career includes previous roles as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon, and as Commander of both 9th and 12th Air Forces. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School and the National War College, General Kelly is a command pilot with over 6,000 flight hours, including 800 combat hours in fighter aircraft.
Brigadier General Gwyn Armfield (Ret.), U.S. Air Force
Brigadier General Armfield recently completed nearly three decades of service in the U.S. Air Force. He is the founder of RGA Consulting Group, advising clients in leadership, risk management, and technology development. His military career included roles as Vice Director for Strategy and Plans at U.S. Central Command and Deputy Commanding General for U.S. and Coalition Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan. A former National Security Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, he was also Chief of Strategy for U.S. European Command and recipient of the Air Force’s Lance Sijan Leadership Award for his actions in Afghanistan.
Lt. Jay Humphlett (Ret.), U.S. Navy
A business transformation and military industry leader, Jay Humphlett has driven high-impact strategic capture initiatives at Raytheon and Dataminr. A former U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer and TOPGUN graduate, he has held senior executive roles across venture capital, military, and intelligence-driven technology sectors. His experience spans a variety of markets and business models to include SaaS, AI, PAI/OSINT, Special Mission Aviation, hardware, systems integration, and services. His career includes leadership positions as President of a special mission aviation firm and CEO of a global health protection company.
Anthony P. Reardon (Ret.), U.S. Air Force
Anthony Reardon served as Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia, as a member of the Senior Executive Service prior to his retirement. As the Air Force’s senior career civilian advisor to the Secretary, he oversaw a $5.6 billion annual portfolio and more than 37,000 personnel, implementing Secretariat policies, goals, and objectives. Earlier in his career, Mr. Reardon held senior roles including Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements; Director of Policy, Plans, and Strategy for Air Force International Affairs; and Deputy Director of Legislative Liaison. A former active-duty Air Force Weapons Systems Officer, fling the RF-4C and held staff positions across multiple commands, accruing over 1,900 flight hours.
DroneShield continues to expand its U.S. footprint across government and commercial markets, with growing demand for its AI-enabled counter-UAS, electronic warfare, and threat-detection solutions.