LOCATIONS
LAND
MARITIME
24 Nov 25. Indian Navy commissions INS Mahe anti-submarine warfare vessel. INS Mahe is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems. The craft was commissioned during a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 24 November 2025. Chief of the Army Staff, general Upendra Dwivedi, presided over the event, which was hosted by vice admiral Krishna Swaminathan, flag officer commanding-in-chief of Western Naval Command. Senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (Kochi), and other guests also attended the commissioning. INS Mahe is the lead ship in a series of eight vessels constructed by Cochin Shipyard. The project involved contributions from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T Defence, Mahindra Defence Systems, NPOL, and more than 20 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The ship incorporates over 80% indigenous content. Designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters, INS Mahe is equipped with weapons, sensors, and communication systems that enable detection, tracking, and neutralisation of sub-surface threats. The vessel can sustain lengthy operations in shallow water environments and features integrated machinery and control systems. In a statement, India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) said: “The commissioning of INS Mahe adds significant punch to the Indian Navy’s ASW capabilities, particularly in countering threats in the littorals.” The Mahe-class vessels are expected to serve as the first line of coastal defence and operate alongside larger surface ships, submarines, and aviation elements to maintain surveillance over India’s maritime areas. INS Mahe takes its name from Mahe, a coastal town on the Malabar Coast noted for its association with maritime activity. “INS Mahe reaffirms the Indian Navy’s status as Combat Ready, Cohesive, and Aatmanirbhar, safeguarding seas for a Viksit Samriddha Bharat,” the MoD added. Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned Androth, the second ASW-SWC, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 6 October 2025. (Source: naval-technology.com)
24 Nov 25. HII Delivers Virginia-Class Submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) to US Navy. HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has delivered Virginia-class fast-attack submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) to the U.S. Navy. Massachusetts is the 12th Virginia-class submarine delivered by NNS, and the 25th built as part of the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat. It is the fifth Navy vessel named for the commonwealth of Massachusetts.
“Delivering Massachusetts after its rigorous sea trials is an important milestone commitment for our team this year,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said. “We are absolutely steadfast in our resolve to increase the pace of submarine construction and see this as a solid step toward our overall objective.”
More than 10,000 shipbuilders from NNS and Electric Boat participated in the construction of Massachusetts, alongside thousands of suppliers across the country, including more than 20 in Massachusetts that support Virginia-class submarine construction at NNS. Nuclear-powered fast attack submarine Massachusetts was christened in May 2023 at NNS by ship’s sponsor Sheryl Sandberg, founder of Lean In, and former chief operating officer of Meta. (Source: ASD Network)
24 Nov 25. HII Completes Acceptance Trials for Destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128). HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully completed the final round of sea trials for Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128). The Ingalls Test and Trials team spent several days in port and at sea conducting a comprehensive series of acceptance test and evaluations, overseen by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). These trials confirmed that the ship successfully demonstrated required mission capabilities, preparing it for delivery to the U.S. Navy in the coming weeks.
“Our goal is to deliver the most advanced and capable warships to the fleet as quickly as possible, addressing the increasing national security needs of the United States and our allies. The work of the entire DDG 128 team exemplifies our relentless pursuit to achieve this very mission,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. “Our shipbuilders take great pride in reaching this milestone, which stands as a testament to the teamwork and skill that define our destroyer program at Ingalls.”
DDG 128, the second Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built by Ingalls, represents the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy and features the second-in-class Flight III AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system designed to counter threats well into the 21st century. To date, Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the U.S. Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125). Currently, Ingalls has five more Flight III destroyers under construction: Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135). As the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, Ingalls Shipbuilding has been designing, building, and maintaining destroyers for the U.S. Navy for 87 years. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Nov 25. US Navy takes delivery of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. The delivery follows the completion of at-sea and pier side trials that tested propulsion, combat, and other systems. The US Navy has received the future USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. (DDG 124), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, from General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard in Maine. The delivery on 17 November 2025, marks the official transfer of ownership from the shipbuilder to the US Navy. The vessel completed a series of at-sea and pier side trials that tested its propulsion, combat systems, communications, and navigation features. USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. is part of the Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyers. Measuring 509 feet (ft) in length and 66ft in width, the destroyer has a displacement of approximately 9,200 tonnes (t) and is designed to host a crew of 304 sailors. The vessel is built for operations that include anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. The keel for DDG 124 was laid at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in 2021, followed by the christening of the vessel as USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. in July 2023. The ship is named in honour of retired US Marine Corps Colonel Harvey C. Barnum, Jr., a Medal of Honour recipient recognised for actions during the Vietnam War. Arleigh Burke-class Ships (PEO Ships) programme executive office program manager captain Jay Young said: “The future USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. will deliver powerful capability to the Fleet and enhance our maritime advantage. DDG 124 and her crew will be a constant reminder of the service and commitment exhibited by her remarkable namesake.” Currently, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has seven additional Arleigh Burke-class destroyers under construction. These include Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), William Charette (DDG 130), Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), John E. Kilmer (DDG 134), Richard G. Lugar (DDG 136), and J. William Middendorf (DDG 138). In August 2025, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works stated that the US Navy had exercised an option to include another Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided-missile destroyer in the multi-year contract awarded in 2023. (Source: naval-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
24 Nov 25. Mr David Concar has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Chile in succession to Mrs Louise de Sousa, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Concar will take up his appointment during March 2026.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
21 Nov 25. USAF LG Dale R. White for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as direct reporting portfolio manager for Critical Major Weapon Systems Programs. White is currently serving as military deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
24 Nov 25. Kongsberg Prepares to Invest in Poland. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) is preparing to invest in increasing its manufacturing capacity and capabilities in Poland, in order to strengthen the company’s ability to deliver higher volumes of defence systems and technologies. At a ceremony in Slupsk, in the Kashubian region, KONGSBERG CEO Geir Håøy signed Letters of Intent with three Polish municipalities. The agreements create a foundation for establishing a new production facility in Poland. “Poland is a big and strategically important partner to Norway and to KONGSBERG. We are pleased to further strengthen our ties with Polish industry, as we explore opportunities to establish a new factory in the country,” said Håøy. Market forecast by Regions, Types, Guidance systems, and Launch Platforms. Country Analysis, Market and Technology Overview, Critical Raw Materials, Opportunity Analysis, and Leading Company Profiles KONGSBERG’s history in Poland goes back many years. Poland was the first nation to acquire the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System capability back in 2008. In 2023, KONGSBERG won a contract worth about NOK 16 bn from the Polish Ministry of National Defence to deliver more CDS squadrons. (Source: ASD Network)
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
25 Nov 25. IFS, the leading provider of Industrial AI software, today announced the appointment of Robi Gone as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Robi will lead IFS’s global IT strategy and succeeds Helena Nimmo, who is retiring. Robi joins IFS from Shell, where he has held senior IT leadership roles for more than a decade. Most recently, he served as IT Global GM for Finance, where he led Shell’s digital transformation through next-generation ERP systems. In this role, he was responsible for global programmes spanning finance platforms, enterprise performance management, and SaaS implementations. Prior to Shell, Robi held consulting positions at Deloitte and Accenture, building his deep expertise in enterprise IT and transformation. Robi brings a proven track record in designing and delivering large-scale digital backbones, driving operational excellence, and leading high-performing global teams. Robi will report directly to Mark Moffat, CEO of IFS, and will join the IFS Executive Board.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
24 Nov 25. BAE Systems has named Brad Pelachyk as its senior vice president and chief global supply chain officer, effective Dec. 20, 2025. Reporting to BAE Systems, Inc. President and CEO Tom Arseneault, with a matrixed reporting line to BAE Systems plc CFO Brad Greve, Pelachyk will serve as the procurement leader for the global enterprise. Pelachyk will also serve as a member of the BAE Systems, Inc. senior leadership team. Pelachyk will lead the company’s Global Supply Chain Organization and will chair the Global Supply Chain Council, to ensure the company’s supply chain remains strong and resilient and is able to deliver on its commitments to customers. Pelachyk succeeds Ann Ackerson, who earlier this year announced her intention to retire. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
27 Nov 25. DroneShield, a global leader in advanced counter-drone technology, today announced that Tom Branstetter has been appointed to lead its U.S. operations, capitalizing on the company’s continued momentum and commitment to strengthening its U.S. footprint. Branstetter has served as DroneShield’s Vice President of Sales and Business Development, and co-led DroneShield’s U.S. business alongside former U.S. CEO Matt McCrann for more than six years. Branstetter played a central role in scaling the organization from a small operation to a nationally recognized leader in counter-drone and airspace awareness technologies. His leadership has helped drive the growth of DroneShield’s U.S. customer base across defense, public safety, federal, and critical infrastructure sectors, while advancing the company’s mission to deliver practical, operator-focused solutions to combat emerging drone threats.
24 Nov 25. IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), the world’s leading quantum company, today announced the appointment of Dr. Marco Pistoia, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer of IonQ Italia S.r.l., a wholly owned subsidiary. Dr. Pistoia will lead IonQ’s strategic initiatives in Italy, building on the company’s momentum as the world’s only full-stack quantum platform provider across quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing, and quantum security. IonQ Italia will help establish Italy as a dynamic powerhouse in the global quantum landscape. Dr. Pistoia and his team will focus on expanding access to IonQ’s advanced quantum systems for Italian enterprises, research institutions, and government partners. The team will be tasked with driving innovation in quantum applications for key sectors such as finance, energy, aerospace, defense, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
25 Nov 25. Terran Orbital Corporation announced that Cheryl Paquete has joined the company full-time as Chief Financial Officer, transitioning from her previous temporary role into a permanent leadership position. Cheryl brings nearly 20 years of leadership in finance and business operations at Lockheed Martin Space, where she most recently led high-value portfolios across Deep Space Exploration, Commercial Satellites, Weather & Earth Science, and advanced development programs. A proven leader with deep expertise in financial planning, earned value management, forecasting accuracy, and data-driven risk analysis, Cheryl has consistently transformed teams, improved operational performance, and strengthened bottom-line results.
24 Nov 25. Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) today announced that Jörg Rautenstrauch has been named president and CEO of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., effective January 4, 2026. Rautenstrauch will continue to serve in his role as president and CEO of Kautex and the Textron Industrial segment. Rautenstrauch will succeed Rob Scholl, who has been named chief commercial officer of Bell to replace Danny Maldonado who, as previously announced, was appointed as Bell’s president and CEO, effective January 4, 2026. Rautenstrauch joined Textron in 2011. He was named president and CEO of Kautex in 2016, and in 2020, was appointed president and CEO of the Textron Industrial segment.