LOCATIONS
MARITIME
21 Jan 26. Canada begins construction of LBTF for River-class destroyer fleet. The Canadian government is acquiring 15 River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy. Illustration of the LBTF project. Credit: Government of Canada. Construction has commenced on a Land-Based Test Facility (LBTF) at Hartlen Point in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, to support the introduction and lifecycle of the Royal Canadian Navy’s new River-class destroyers. The Department of National Defence (DND) is overseeing the project, which began in November 2025 and is projected to be completed in early 2028. PCL Construction, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is carrying out the construction, with an estimated 200 jobs expected to be maintained throughout the duration. The LBTF will play a key role in testing the complex combat systems of the River-class destroyers before their installation on vessels. Its primary function is to support combat systems integration for the fleet. The facility’s design aligned with the destroyers’specifications to ensure compatibility with shipboard systems. Site preparation started in 2023 to align with advancing ship and facility designs, allowing preliminary works such as roadway construction, grading, municipal service extension, culvert placement, excavation, backfilling, and concrete work for structural elements to proceed. This approach aimed to facilitate a smooth transition into full-scale construction and maintain the overall delivery schedule for the project. The LBTF site covers approximately 10 hectares and includes infrastructure for access roads, security clearances beyond the perimeter, and stormwater management through an outfall control trench. Plans detail a main building covering 12,567m2 across two levels and a topside area of about 9,100m2. The facility will also feature a 32m2 gatehouse and a 271m2 guardhouse.
Canada National Defence Minister David J. McGuinty said: “Having the right infrastructure in place to support a modern naval fleet is mission critical. This facility represents an important step in the River-class destroyer project. Once completed, it will play a vital role in bringing the new ships into service and preparing our personnel to work with the incoming ship systems. Beginning construction on this testing facility is another step forward in providing our Canadian Armed Forces with the capabilities required to protect Canada’s sovereignty.
Canada is acquiring 15 new River-class destroyers to replace its ageing Halifax-class frigates and retired Iroquois-class destroyers. In July 2024, Canada began producing the production test module (PTM) for the destroyer fleet with the assistance of Irving Shipbuilding. Irving Shipbuilding was awarded a C$8bn ($5.7bn) implementation contract by the Canadian government for the construction of the destroyers in March 2025. (Source: naval-technology.com)
19 Jan 26. RMC begins building fourth Finnish Pohjanmaa-class corvette. The Pohjanmaa-class corvettes are intended for continuous operation throughout the year in any conditions found in the Baltic Sea. Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has begun producing the fourth Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvette for the Finnish Navy, with all four vessels now under construction at its shipyard in Finland. The shipbuilder also laid the keel of the third on the same day, marking a significant phase in the Squadron 2020 project. In August last year, RMC along with its subsidiary RMC Defence commenced the construction of the third Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvette for the Finnish Navy. The first corvette is currently in the outfitting stage after its launch in May 2025, while hull work on the second is nearing completion. In addition to its work for the Finnish Navy, RMC is preparing to commence production of two icebreakers for the US, with manufacturing scheduled to start in 2026 following the order at the end of 2025.
RMC CEO and president Mika Nieminen said: “We are very pleased to now have all the multi-purpose corvettes of Pohjanmaa-class under construction at the Rauma Shipyard. We have industrialised our procedures and construction processes to meet the requirements of our clients’ demanding projects. This is reflected in the progress we have made in the basic shipbuilding activities, in other words, hull construction.”
The icebreaker and corvette projects are proceeding concurrently, with delivery of the icebreakers set for 2028. The activities tied to the €1.23bn ($1.36bn) Squadron 2020 project are projected to create approximately 3,600 person-years of direct employment in Finland. They will replace seven ageing vessels of the Finnish Navy. For the two US-ordered icebreakers, RMC expects a direct employment impact of about 2,000 person-years and a total impact of around 5,000 person-years. Investments by RMC in steel production and skill development have contributed to increased operational capacity for both domestic and international projects. Designed for year-round deployment across the Baltic Sea region, the Pohjanmaa-class corvettes will operate in ice and shallow waters with ice-strengthened hulls. A contemporary propulsion system is intended to provide high speed and reduce underwater noise. Each vessel will feature a stern flight deck to accommodate a helicopter or several UAVs, along with an onboard helicopter hangar. The corvettes are 117 metres (m) long, have a beam of 16.5m and a draught of 5m, with a displacement of 3,900 tonnes. They will be crewed by 70 personnel and can accommodate up to 120 people. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
21 Jan 26. The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) recently announced the acquisition of their first Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, making Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J. The FAM’s acquisition of the Super Hercules was the first of two international C-130J contract awards to close out in 2025, with the second new international customer yet to be disclosed. In choosing the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, the most advanced Hercules ever built, Mexico joins 24 other nations and a global fleet of more than 560 C-130Js operating today. A longtime Hercules operator, the FAM is recapitalizing its legacy fleet with the modern C-130J-30 Super Hercules — a decision rooted in five decades of proven C-130 operational performance and existing interoperability between nations. FAM crews will operate the C-130J-30 Super Hercules — the stretch version of the C-130J that adds 15 feet of cargo space ― marking a new modern era of tactical airlift capability for Mexico and Latin America. With increased power, range, fuel efficiency and space, the C-130J-30 provides the FAM with proven and known capabilities ready to support any tactical mission requirements while leveraging Mexico’s decades of C-130 flying, maintenance and logistics experience. Leveraging their knowledge of the C-130 aircraft and existing infrastructure enables a seamless transition for Mexico, saving significant time, while ensuring sustained fleet readiness and faster modernization through continued access to Lockheed Martin’s established global enterprise-wide network.
“This historic decision by Mexico reflects the continued trust placed in the C-130J Super Hercules by operators around the world,” said Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions. “With their new C-130J-30, the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana’s tactical airlift capability will deliver unmatched performance, exceptional reliability, and the versatility to perform all 20 missions the C-130J is certified to execute across Mexico, throughout Latin America, and worldwide. The C-130J-30 is truly built to deliver and built to last.”
For more than 50 years, the C-130 Hercules has played a vital role in Mexico’s response to natural disasters, military operations and other critical missions. The C-130 is a powerful symbol of Mexico’s commitment to regional security and cooperation, and its continued operation is a testament to the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin and the FAM.
Mexico’s selection comes amid renewed interest in multi-role airlift capabilities across Latin America. The C-130J Super Hercules provides the FAM operators what no other tactical airlifter can: certified multi-mission versatility, proven operational performance, a true global presence, known capabilities and trusted reliability.
PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES
19 Jan 26. RAAF retires eight heritage aircraft after fleet review. The decision aims to keep 100 Squadron safe, sustainable, and linked to Air Force history. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is set to retire eight heritage aircraft from 100 Squadron, following a review of technical and airworthiness considerations. This decision comes as part of efforts to maintain the squadron’s ongoing safety and operational sustainability while preserving its connection to Air Force history. The eight aircraft set to be withdrawn include the DH-115 Vampire T.35, Gloster Meteor F.8, Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, Ryan STM-S2, English Electric Canberra, CA-27 Sabre, CT4A, and RE8. Five of these, which initially came from the Temora Aviation Museum, are set to go back to that collection, according to a statement from the Australian Government Department of Defence. The other three are intended for possible static exhibition at selected approved organisations. The RAAF will retain a fleet of 11 heritage aircraft, including the Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel, two Tiger Moths, Sopwith Pup, Hudson, Spitfire Mk8, Spitfire Mk16, Boomerang and Wirraway. Officials plan to review heritage activities over the coming year to support their long-term viability and maintain engagement with the public. The review was necessary to ensure both heritage preservation and operational safety, according to Air Force chief air marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM.
“Our heritage fleet holds deep significance to Air Force and the Australian public. While withdrawing aircraft is never easy, this step ensures we preserve aviation history responsibly. By transferring these aircraft to museums and heritage organisations, their stories of service and innovation will remain accessible for future generations,” Chappell said.
In October last year, RAAF began upgrading on the P-8A Poseidon fleet with induction of the first aircraft into the programme and the arrival of a 13th aircraft. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
19 Jan 26. Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng has appointed Lieutenant General Eldon Millar CVO MBE the UK Military Representative to NATO and the European Union, replacing Lieutenant General Sir Ian Cave KCB, who is retiring after almost 40 years in the British Army. Lieutenant General Millar will start the role on 20 January 2026.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
21 Jan 26. USMC LG James H. Adams III for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as director, Defense Intelligence Agency, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Adams is currently serving as deputy commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
21 Jan 26. USMC LG Melvin G. Carter for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as director’s advisor for Military Affairs, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Washington, D.C. Carter is currently serving as deputy commandant for Information, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
21 Jan 26. USMC LG Robert C. Fulford for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Fulford is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.
21 Jan 26. USMC LG Benjamin T. Watson for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force and commander, Marine Forces Japan, Okinawa, Japan. Watson is currently serving as deputy commandant, Training and Education, and commanding general, Training and Education Command, Quantico, Virginia.
21 Jan 26. USMC LG Calvert L. Worth Jr. for reappointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command/commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic/commander, Marine Forces North, Norfolk, Virginia. Worth is currently serving as commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
21 Jan 26. USMC MG Joseph A. Matos III for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant for Information, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Matos is currently serving as commander, Marine Forces Cyberspace Command; commander, Marine Forces Space Command; commander, Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber; commander, Marine Corps Information Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.
21 Jan 26. USMC MG Andrew M. Niebel, for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant for Installations and Logistics, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Niebel is currently serving as director, Logistics Division, Installations and Logistics, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
20 Jan 26. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the world leader in unmanned aircraft systems, and Calidus Aerospace, one of the leading defense and manufacturing companies, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the prospective co-production of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) in the UAE, as well as command and control and battle management systems. The agreement was signed by GA-ASI President David R. Alexander and Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, on the sidelines of the UMEX and SimTEX 2026 taking place January 20-22, 2026. The MOU provides a framework for cooperation between GA-ASI, GA-Intelligence, and Calidus where all parties will look to collaborate on programs in the areas of airframe manufacturing, final assembly, test and checkout, as well as flight operational test and acceptance.
“Working with partners within UAE helps us to connect with key experts and capabilities in the region,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “For General Atomics, this agreement underscores the shared commitment to long-term cooperation, technological innovation, and the advancement of our aircraft within the UAE.”
Commenting on this, Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director and CEO of Calidus Holding Group, said: “The signing of this MOU with General Atomics, a global leader in unmanned aircraft, represents a strategic step towards strengthening and enabling the Group’s capabilities in the unmanned systems sector in line with user requirements. This collaboration comes at a time of rapid growth in the sector both regionally and globally, drawing on the trusted expertise and manufacturing capabilities of both parties, opening the door to broader future partnerships in innovation, knowledge transfer, and expanded manufacturing, reinforcing our collective ambitions.”
This collaboration will be historic as it represents the first time General Atomics’ aircraft will be manufactured in the region, supporting the increasing demand for the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft and the Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft in this region and the world.
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
16 Jan 26. CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) named Meisha Lutsey, CACI executive vice president of mission and engineering support, to its Board of Directors. Lutsey has more than three decades of experience in operations management for defense, intelligence, and federal civilian customers around the world. In her current role, Lutsey and her team support frontline national security efforts, advancing some of the country’s most critical missions across a diverse portfolio of programs. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Jan 26. webAI today announced the appointment of Dr. Paul J. Maykish as Chief Intelligence Officer and the launch of the webAI Intelligence Lab, a dedicated unit focused on building accessible, sovereign, and defensible intelligence across public sector and enterprise environments. Dr. PJ Maykish joins webAI to lead the newly formed Intelligence Lab after serving as a Vice President for technology strategy at the Special Competitive Studies Project and Director for Technology Competition at the National Security Council. A 24-year veteran of military operations, Maykish previously directed classified research for the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence and commanded the U.S. Central Command’s Combined Air Operations Center, including commissioning AI programs in the ISIS war. (Source: PR Newswire)