LOCATIONS
LAND
10 Apr 19. Lockheed Martin plans for expansion in Poland. Lockheed Martin representatives have revealed plans to expand the company’s presence in Central Europe. Lockheed Martin’s executive vice-president Richard Edwards and vice-president Europe & Americas Jonathan Hoyle said on 5 April that the company is in discussions with Poland’s government and the Polish Armaments Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, PGZ) on joint investments in addition to the launch of new production capacities at the PZL Mielec aircraft factory. Lockheed Martin has owned the PZL Mielec facility since 2015. The factory, which employs 1,700 workers, is Lockheed Martinʼs largest facility outside the US. “We planned to expand the operations based on Mielecʼs existing infrastructure and trained workforce. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
MARITIME
10 Apr 19. Indonesia prepares to launch third Nagapasa-class submarine. Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL will launch the country’s third Nagapasa (Type 209/1400)-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK) on 11 April. According to details provided in an invitation card of the event that was forwarded to Jane’s, the vessel, Alugoro (405), will be launched at 1000 h local time in Surabaya, Indonesia on that day. The vessel was initially scheduled to be launched on 12 April, but the date has been brought forward to accommodate the schedule of VIPs who will be present at the event, an industry source has informed Jane’s. Alugoro is the first-ever submarine to be assembled locally at PT PAL’s facilities in Surabaya. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
08 Apr 19. Tuvalu receives Guardian-class patrol boat. The government of Tuvalu received a Guardian-class patrol boat from Australia in a ceremony held on 5 April at the facilities of shipbuilder Austal in Henderson, Western Australia. The vessel, which has been named Te Mataili II, is the second of 21 boats of the class to be given by Canberra to 12 Pacific Island Nations and Timor-Leste as part of Australia’s Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement (Sea 3036) programme. The project is aimed at enhancing maritime security co-operation across the South Pacific region. Te Mataili II was received by the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Enele Sosene Sopoaga. The country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour, Taukelina Finikaso, the Minister for Natural Resources, Puakena Boreham, and the Commissioner of the Tuvalu Police Service, Luka Falefou, also attended the ceremony. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
05 Apr 19. HMS Queen Elizabeth to undergo dry-docking maintenance at Rosyth. The British Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is set to undergo its first dry-docking maintenance since entering service at the Rosyth facility in Scotland. The 65,000t lead carrier of the Queen Elizabeth-class was floated in July 2014 and sailed from Rosyth Dockyard for the first time in June 2017. HMS Queen Elizabeth underwent its maiden trials with the UK’s F35B Lightning II test fighter jets off the east coast of the US. The vessel is expected to be officially placed in service in 2020. Babcock is the contractor for the scheduled maintenance after the company won the contract in January. HMS Queen Elizabeth commanding officer captain Nick Cook-Priest said: “A lot of water has already passed under our keel since we left Rosyth in 2017.
“Our return here is yet another first for HMS Queen Elizabeth and another important step on her journey as Britain generates a big deck Carrier Strike capability.”
Engineers have lowered the carrier’s pole mast to enable it to get under the Rosyth facility’s three Bridges. During the dry-docking period, the vessel will undergo an inspection on its 920ft-long hull. Any defects found during the inspection would be rectified and marine growth will be removed.
Marine Engineering onboard head commander Mark Hamilton said: “This routine maintenance will include changing many of the large underwater valves, inspecting the rudders, propellers, and stabilisers, as well as cleaning and touching up the underwater paint scheme. Having completed this work, HMS Queen Elizabeth should not have to dry dock again for another six years.”
After the completion of the docking period, HMS Queen Elizabeth will be underway to perform further sea trials and training.
Thereafter, the carrier will be deployed later this year for ‘WESTLANT 19’ to again undergo F35B flying trials. This phase will involve operational testing. HMS Queen Elizabeth will be ready for operational deployment for the first time in 2021. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
08 Apr 19. KAI begins ground trials for LAH. Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has begun ground-based engine trials of the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH) it has developed for the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA), national media has reported. An image of the first prototype helicopter performing the tests at KAI’s Sichuan facility was released by the company on 8 April, about four months after the same prototype was rolled out for the first time on 18 December 2018. The LAH has been developed around the Airbus Helicopters H155 (formerly the EC155 B1) twin-engined platform. A main feature of the LAH is the turreted 20 mm Gatling-gun under its nose. It also features stub wings provisioned to carry rocket pods, as well as a nose-mounted electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, fuselage- and tail-mounted missile warning receivers, and upwards-directed exhausts for a reduced IR signature. The RoKA has a programme of 214 LAH helicopters, with entry into service slated for 2022/3. Speaking at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (ADEX) in 2015, Airbus Helicopters officials said the company expects to sell 300–400 LAH platforms to international customers. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
10 Apr 19. Iraq receives six more F-16s. Iraq added an additional six Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons to its inventory on 6 April. The aircraft were received during a ceremony held at the Balad Air Base, attended by the commander of the Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) Lieutenant General Hama Ameen. Iraq already has 21 F-16s, comprising 18 single-seat F-16Cs and three twin-seat F-16Ds. With these new deliveries the total number of F-16s with Iraq is 27. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in 2008 that Iraq had placed an order for a total of 36 F-16s. The remaining units are expected for delivery by the end of 2019. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
08 Apr 19. Ecuadorian Air Force receives new Koala helicopters. The Ecuadorian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana: FAE) has received three of four new Leonardo AW119 Koala helicopters, which will be assigned to Air Combat Wing No. 22 (Ala de Combate Nro. 22), based in Guayaquil. The deliveries began in mid-March and the third helicopter arrived on 2 April, according to the FAE. It is unclear when the last platform will be delivered. The helicopters will be used for search-and-rescue operations. According to the FAE, the Koalas were acquired using replacement insurance for lost aircraft, namely an Atlas Cheetah fighter that crashed in December 2017 and a Beechcraft T-34C trainer aircraft that crashed in March 2015. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
05 Apr 19. Saab set to perform final assembly of four Gripen E combat aircraft. Saab is reportedly set to carry out the final assembly of four Gripen E single-seat fighter jets that are set to serve as test aircraft for Brazil and Sweden. The company is under contract to deliver 36 Gripen aircraft to Brazil. The consignment will include 26 Gripen Es and eight Gripen F two-seat aircraft. Saab Gripen Brazil business unit head Mikael Franzén told Jane’s that three of the four Gripen Es are meant for Sweden, while one is meant for Brazil. Brazil’s Gripen E test aircraft is expected to fly later this year, according to Franzén. Sweden will use the three Gripen Es as validation and verification aircraft.
The publication also reported that the company has commenced testing of the Gripen E’s radar and sensor suite, as well as top speed and altitude. Speaking at the LAAD International Defence & Security Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Franzén said: “The last year has been successful for the Brazilian Gripen programme. Among other things, we have installed both the wide area display (WAD) and the engine on the first Gripen E for Brazil.
“This year, the first aircraft to Brazil will be delivered to start the flight test campaign in Linköping, Sweden.”
In December, Saab picked AEL Sistemas to supply the WAD, the head-up display (HUD) and the helmet-mounted display (HMD) for the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen E/F fighters.
AEL already supplies displays for Brazil’s Gripen fighter jets.
Franzén noted that the same configuration for the displays in the Swedish and the Brazilian Gripen fighters will help deliver savings in aircraft maintenance and during future software development. The company also stated that it is advancing the transfer of technology programme, with training imparted to 165 Brazilian engineers in Sweden. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
05 Apr 19. The Mi-171 helicopter with the VK-2500-03 engine certified in China. The Civil Aviation Administration of China issued a national type certificate for the Mi-171 helicopter with VK-2500-03 engines. The decision of the Chinese authorities gives Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) an opportunity to supply machines of this type to China.
“China has about 20 civilian Mi-8/17 helicopters, and we had previously noted several times that national operators are interested in the latest versions of this type. Cooperation of Rostec’s holding companies made Mi-171 more attractive for business, having reduced the cost of its operation due to using new technologies,” said Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky.
In late 2018 Russian Helicopters made demonstration flights of Mi-171 with the VK-2500-03 engine in China. The heads of the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management and the Civil Aviation Administration of China saw transport capabilities of the machine during cargo transportation on an external sling, fighting fire in high mountains and flights with a helicopter bucket.
“Helicopter construction is one of the key areas of cooperation between Rostec and our Chinese counterparts,” said Viktor Kladov, Director for International Cooperation and Regional Policy Department of the State Corporation. “We are constantly working on expansion of cooperation areas in this industry – this includes machines supply, retrofitting, authorization and certification of existing and creation of new technical service centers, and, of course, our project with China to create AHL.”
Fighting fire and transporting cargo at an altitude of up to 3,300 meters, the Mi-171 helicopters with VK-2500-03 engines demonstrated its key advantages, such as the thrust-to-weight ratio and safety of operation in the mountains, in the best possible way. During the demonstration flight, the helicopter carried three tons of cargo and nine passengers from the altitude of 2,600 meters to the altitude of 3,300 meters. The machine also showed how it takes 3,5 tons of water in the helicopter bucket at the altitude of 3,000 meters and then pours it in the center of the fire. Besides, on the ground, as part of a static show people saw unique capabilities of Mi-171 in terms of passengers and firemen quickly getting on and off the machine. The certified Mi-171 helicopter with the VK-2500-03 engines was first presented at China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held in Zhuhai.
The VK-2500-03 engine designed and supplied by JSC
“UEC-Klimov” is very powerful (compared to the TV3-117VM engine, series 02) in any flight mode and at any altitude due to heat-resistant materials and improved design. The introduction of the BARK-78 digital automatic control system makes it possible to run the engine more properly, ensures closer control over operations in all modes and makes the operation simpler. The use of VK-2500-03 engines in Mi-171 helicopters ensures higher load capacity and increases the absolute and static ceiling. Besides, greater available engine power in an emergency mode ensures greater safety during the flight with one running engine.
JSC Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) is one of the world leaders in helicopter industry, the only developer and manufacturer of helicopters in Russia. The holding company was established in 2007. The head office is located in Moscow. The holding company is comprised of five helicopter plants, two design bureaus, enterprises for production and maintenance of components, aircraft repair plants and a service company providing after-sales support in Russia and abroad. The buyers of the holding company’s products include the Ministry of Defense of Russia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, EMERCOM of Russia, and other state customers, Gazprom Avia and UTair airlines, as well as major Russian and foreign companies.
Rostec is a Russian State Corporation established in 2007 to promote the development, production and export of high-tech industrial products designed for civil and military applications. The Corporation comprises over 700 organizations that are currently part of eleven holding companies operating in the military-industrial complex and three holding companies working in civilian industry, as well as over 80 directly managed organizations. Rostec’s portfolio includes well-known brands such as AVTOVAZ, KAMAZ, Kalashnikov Concern, Russian Helicopters, VSMPO AVISMA, UralVagonZavod, etc. Rostec companies are located in 60 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and supply products to more than 100 countries. The consolidated revenue of Rostec in 2017 amounted to RUB 1trn 589bn rubles, while the consolidated net income and EBITDA amounted to 121 and 305bn rubles, correspondingly. In 2017 the average salary in the Corporation was 46.8 thousand rubles. According to Rostec’s strategy, the main objective of the Corporation is to ensure that Russia has a technological advantage in highly competitive global markets. Rostec’s key objectives include the introduction of a new techno-economic paradigm and digitalization of Russian economy.
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
09 Apr 19. More than 100 dismissed in Airbus compliance crackdown: sources. Airbus dismissed more than 100 people and issued more than 300 warnings for ethics or compliance reasons in 2018, two people familiar with the company data said, as it conducts a wide-ranging internal crackdown and deals with outside fraud probes. The aerospace group is being investigated by UK and French authorities over suspected corruption dating back over a decade and is in the fifth year of a sweeping internal probe designed to improve its chances of winning favorable settlements. An Airbus spokesman declined to comment on the figures or give annual comparisons. The dismissals coincided with a sharp increase in the use of an internal whistleblower system, providing a guide to the trend on compliance issues. Complaints handled by the system almost doubled last year and mostly involved matters covered by ordinary employment law.
The service also handled close to 40 allegations of fraud and half a dozen accusations of bribery. More than 10 of the reported cases involved suspected breaches of export controls, the two people said. Airbus declined to comment.
The company, which employs around 130,000 people worldwide, is under investigation in the United States over suspected violations of export controls and U.S. officials have also kept a close watch on the European bribery probes.
The figures emerged on the eve of a shareholder meeting as some investors worry about Airbus’s exposure to potential fines, which analysts say could run to several billion dollars.
“Airbus shareholders are still waiting for a full disclosure on the allegations of bribery and corruption cases of the past. For the future, Airbus (has) enhanced compliance standards to prevent further incidents and the company seems to be on the right track,” Frankfurt-based fund manager DWS said.
Chief Executive Tom Enders has said Airbus has had to handle management turnover at the same time as a wave of scheduled retirements and acknowledged 2018 had been tough.
“I am today much more optimistic about the company managing these difficult issues than frankly I would have been a year ago,” he told a Feb. 14 news conference.
LAWYER FEES
Airbus is spending more than 100m euros ($113m) a year on lawyers to investigate staff to help win a prosecution settlement in Britain and France over the fraud allegations resulting from a system of middlemen it says it abandoned in 2014. It was not clear how many of the dismissals resulted from this drive. A British judge said in 2017 that companies must present a radically new face and significant co-operation in rooting out their own violations to win a settlement and avoid charges.
The internal probe has led to growing complaints among staff of a witch hunt, people who deal with the company say. Help lines handled around 80 cases of alleged moral harassment, the company data shows.
Industry sources say the internal probe has had a dampening effect on Airbus sales, which slumped last year. Several executives are expected to join a wave of senior departures despite not facing specific accusations, the people said.
Airbus declined to comment.
Staff malaise turned to anger when it was reported last week that Enders retires on Wednesday with a total retirement package of almost 40m euros over 20 years. Enders and other individuals are under investigation over the sale of fighters to Austria and has denied wrongdoing. The Airbus spokesman defended the pension package, which is expected to be raised at an annual meeting on Wednesday.
“There is no golden, silver or bronze parachute. These are contractual obligations that were agreed many years ago.”
Enders is credited with unifying a once fragmented company and improving governance but leaves amid disagreement over his strategy for handling the compliance campaign. (Source: Reuters)
05 Apr 19. GKN Aerospace closes King’s Norton site. A GKN Aerospace spokesperson said: “Having carried out a thorough assessment of our King’s Norton site, including our visible order book, capabilities and cost base, we have regrettably concluded that it does not have a long-term, sustainable future within the business. There will be no immediate operational impact. By taking this difficult decision now, we will be able to carry out a carefully managed site wind-down process over a period of more than two years, leading to expected closure in 2021. Over the coming months and years, we will seek to support all employees, including the opportunity to apply for roles elsewhere within GKN Aerospace.”
BATTLESPACE Comment: Sources close to BATTLESPACE state that this closure has been on the cards for a while as when the big US BRG contracts disappeared life got tough and consolidation into Luton and Garden Grove makes sense.
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
09 Apr 19. Government, private sector team up to boost cyber workforce. Private sector companies and government agencies announced April 9 that they would be teaming up to institute a cybersecurity talent pipeline to address the general lack of cybersecurity professionals in the United States and specifically a lack of young cyber talent in the government.
The Cyber Talent Initiative — a collaboration between Mastercard, Microsoft, Workday, the Partnership for Public Service and 11 government agencies — will give recent graduates experience in the cyber field while helping to reduce student loan debt for those that complete the program.
“Cybersecurity is a critical issue facing our world today. It will take a true collaboration between the public and private sectors to get the right resources in place to address the threat,” said Ron Green, chief security officer at Mastercard in a news release.
“We invite more corporations and government agencies to join us in this critical endeavor and give the best and brightest talent an opportunity to get a step up, enhance their skills and pave their own career paths.”
Participants selected for the program will be placed to work at a government agency for two years, after which, they are eligible for a full-time position at the program’s private sector partners and up to $75,000 in student loan assistance.
Participating agencies include:
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Department of Defense
- Department of Energy
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Election Commission
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Office of Naval Intelligence
- Small Business Administration
“The Army is pleased to join the Cybersecurity Talent Initiative and partner with top companies and universities across the country to develop cybersecurity talent and provide them with opportunities that help support our nation’s defense,” Brig. Gen. Jennifer Buckner, director of headquarters for the Department of the Army’s Cyber, Electronic Warfare and Information Operations, said in a news release.
“This program reflects not only our emphasis on, but also the immense value we see in public-private partnerships to collaboratively address the country’s cyberspace talent deficit.”
The federal government currently struggles to attract young, recent graduates to its cybersecurity positions, with only 4.2% of the federal cyber workforce under 30 years old.
“It is critical for our government to attract and hire highly skilled workers capable of securing federal computer networks and building defenses against the thousands of cyberattacks that occur every year,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, in a statement.
“The federal government has fallen more and more behind in the race for cyber talent, and this program will help get it back on track.”
Applicants have until Oct. 18 to submit their information for the program, and agencies intend to make offers by spring 2020. (Source: Fifth Domain)
09 Apr 19. British Army assumes control of UK ground-based air defence systems. The British Army has taken over command of UK ground-based air defence systems from the British Royal Air Force (RAF). A ceremony was conducted at Trenchard Lines, Wiltshire, to mark the transfer of command. Force Troops Command General Officer Commanding major general Tom Coppinger-Symes and Air Officer Commanding 2 Group air vice marshal David Cooper attended the event.
The army has launched the 7 Air Defence Group (7 AD Gp) to assume the command of the defence systems.
The RAF’s Joint Ground Based Air Defence (Jt GBAD) was renamed to 7 AD Gp. According to the British Army, 7 AD Gp is placed under the operational command of the army’s Force Troops Command. The RAF’s Jt GBAD flag was lowered and replaced with 7 AD Gp’s flag. 7 AD Gp commander colonel Giles Malec said: “Although the command has passed to the army the links to the RAF will continue. The army is committed to growing the air defence capability over the coming years.
“There is a ten-year programme ahead to update our equipment with new missiles and radar systems; it will make our capability far more potent.”
As a result of the transfer, the new 7 AD Gp will relocate to the home of the Royal Artillery’s air defence, Baker Barracks on Thorney Island near Chichester.
The 7 AD Gp possesses weapons and systems, including the MBDA Rapier missile, the High-Velocity Missile and the LEAPP target identification system. The SkySabre anti-aircraft missile system will be introduced to 7 AD Gp this year. Expected to enter service in 2020, SkySabre comprises the MBDA CAMM mobile launcher unit mounted on 8×8 MAN truck, Saab’s Giraffe radar targeting system and Rafael’s control electronics suite. (Source: army-technology.com)
05 Apr 19. US Army Announces Unit Deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq and Korea. U.S. Army brigade combat teams will deploy this summer to Afghanistan, Iraq and Korea to participate in ongoing rotations, according to recent Army announcements. The 82nd Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will deploy to Afghanistan to replace 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, a March 29 news release states.
“Our great paratroopers are honored to answer our nation’s call to deploy overseas,” Col. Art Sellers, commander of the 3rd BCT, said in the release. “We stand eager and ready to work alongside our Afghan and coalition partners toward mission success in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.”
The Army will deploy the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to replace the 101st Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, according to another news release.
“We are privileged to be joining the international coalition that will defeat ISIS and set conditions for increased regional stability,” Col. Matthew Brown, commander of the 1st SBCT, said in the release, referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. “The Arctic Wolves are trained, equipped and exceptionally well led. … The brigade has readied itself for any mission.”
Meanwhile, the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, will replace the 1st Armored Division’s 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team in Korea.
“The Greywolf brigade is a highly trained and professional team of soldiers, always ready to answer our nation’s call,” Col. Kevin Capra, commander of the 3rd ABCT, said in a news release. “We look forward to once again working with our Korean partners and strengthening our nation’s alliance. After months of intense training, I know our troopers are ready and able to support this mission.” (Source: Military.com)
08 Apr 19. HAC-D Member Running in 2020. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, announced April 4 that he is running for president in 2020. Ryan also sits on the House Budget Committee. He has represented Ohio’s 13th district since 2013 and he received over $78,000 in contributions from defense electronics and aerospace companies during his 2018 re-election campaign. (Source: Defense Daily)
05 Apr 19. UK Operational Honours and Awards List: April 2019. A number of members of the Armed Forces have been named in the latest Operational Honours and Awards List. The latest Operational Honours and Awards List has been published today. The list recognises the bravery, commitment and commendable service of service personnel within the military. The serving personnel who have won from the array of awards and decorations have shown outstanding examples of courage and dedication to their work while on operation. The service they have given to the country ensures that Britain remains ready to face intensifying threats at home and abroad.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “The Operational Honours and Awards show how our armed forces personnel go above and beyond the call of duty to keep this country safe. The breadth of achievement is testament to the bravery and commitment of our service personnel. They make us proud. I congratulate all those who have been awarded.”
The full list is below:
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Acting Captain (now Captain) Donald James MACKINNON, Royal Navy
Lieutenant Colonel James Maccoll CHRISTIE, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Wing Commander Matthew John BRESSANI, Royal Air Force
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lance Corporal Lewis STATON, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Squadron Leader Benjamin David DURHAM, Royal Air Force
Distinguished Flying Cross
Flight Lieutenant (now Squadron Leader) Alex Fraser VAUGHAN, Royal Air Force
Mentioned in Dispatches
Flight Lieutenant Jonathan Blakelock MEADOWS, Royal Air Force
Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service
Commander Elaine Marie BOYD, Royal Navy
Captain Frances Marie BYRNE, Intelligence Corps
Acting Lance Corporal Jacob Francis Campbell FISHER, Royal Army Medical Corps
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Sholto James HEDDERWICK, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Lieutenant Colonel Samuel David HUGHES, Corps of Royal Engineers
Brigadier Mark Peter KENYON OBE
Major Lucy Diana KIRKPATRICK MBE, Intelligence Corps
Staff Sergeant Patrick Robert Jean LIA, Corps of Royal Engineers
Lieutenant Colonel Owain David LUKE MBE, The Royal Welsh
Colonel Richard Thomas MAUNDRELL MVO
Acting Lieutenant Colonel (now Major) Francis Simon PARKE-ROBINSON, Intelligence Corps
Acting Major Frazer Murray STARK, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Colonel Sion Duncan WALKER, Army Reserve
Acting Air Commodore (now Air Commodore) Roderick John DENNIS OBE, Royal Air Force
Dr Gregory Benjamin FREMONT-BARNES, Ministry of Defence Civil Servant
Non-operational gallantry
Queen’s Gallantry Medal
Sergeant Stuart Michael GRIFFITHS, Royal Tank Regiment
Corporal Saimone Matasarasara QASENIVALU, Royal Tank Regiment
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery
Lieutenant Colonel Craig PALMER, Royal Regiment of Artillery
(Source: U.K. MoD)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
09 Apr 19. Here’s who has been nominated as the new vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. U.S. Air Force Gen. John Hyten, center, has been nominated to become the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be Air Force Gen. John Hyten, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson announced April 9 during a speech at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hyten has served as the commander of U.S. Strategic Command since November 2016. He previously headed Air Force Space Command. He will replace Gen
08 Apr 19. MDA Director Retiring In July, Deputy Nominated to Take Over. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) director Air Force Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves is retiring this summer and will be succeeded by the agency’s deputy director, the agency said on Friday. MDA Spokesman Mark Wright confirmed to Defense Daily that Greaves will retire on July 1 and MDA deputy director Rear Adm. Jon Hill is slated to succeed him in the position. Hill’s nomination was sent to the Senate in recent weeks. Hill would also be promoted to vice admiral if confirmed. Hill became deputy director of MDA in November 2016. He previously served as program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) and Aegis combat system major program manager. Greaves was confirmed as the MDA director in September 2016. Before serving in that role, he was commander of Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and the Air Force program executive officer for space (Defense Daily, Sept. 19, 2016). Greaves succeeded the previous MDA Director Vice Adm. James Syring, who served in the role for almost four years. (Source: Satnews)
09 Apr 19. Army Gen. Mark A. Milley for appointment to the rank of general, and assignment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia. Milley is currently serving as chief of staff, U.S. Army, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.
09 Apr 19. USAF Gen. John E. Hyten for appointment to the rank of general, and assignment as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia. Hyten is currently serving as commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt USAF Base, Nebraska.
09 Apr 19. USMC LG Eric M. Smith for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as deputy commandant for Combat Development and Integration, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command. Smith is currently serving as the commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force; and commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Japan, Okinawa, Japan.
09 Apr 19. USAF MG Eric T. Fick for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as director, Joint Strike Fighter Program, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Arlington, Virginia. Fick is currently serving as deputy director, Joint Strike Fighter Program, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Arlington, Virginia.
09 Apr 19. USAF MG Marc H. Sasseville for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region; and commander, First USAF (USAFs Northern), Tyndall USAF Base, Florida. Sasseville is currently serving as deputy director, Air National Guard, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
09 Apr 19. New Defence CRC chair appointed to lead trusted autonomous systems. Minister for Defence Industry Linda Reynolds has announced the appointment of Dr Michele Allan as the new chair of the Defence Cooperative Research Centre to support the development of trusted autonomous systems. The Defence CRC for Trusted Autonomous Systems was announced by the Australian government in 2017 under the Next Generation Technologies Fund to deliver game-changing unmanned platforms that ensure reliable and effective co-operation between people and machines during dynamic military operations. Dr Michele Allan is a food industry and agribusiness specialist who has held senior executive and director positions in the food and education sectors and has an academic background in biomedical science, management and law. Dr Allan is the currently chancellor of Charles Sturt University, chair of the board of Meat and Livestock Australia, and member of the CSIRO board. Dr Allan has a Bachelor of Applied Science Major – Biomedical Science – Cytology from University Technology Sydney, Master of Management (Technology) from the University of Melbourne, Doctor of Business Administration from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Master of Commercial Law from Deakin University. She is also a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Minister Reynolds said Dr Allan will work with industry and academia on transitioning the results of the Defence CRC into capability outcomes.
The Defence CRCs aim to deliver game-changing capabilities critical to Australia’s defence and national security. Program funding will enable Defence CRCs to partner with industry, particularly SMEs, and researchers to develop next-generation technologies to improve Australia’s defence and national security capabilities.
To become a participant in a Defence CRC, you must be:
- A company incorporated in Australia (industry participant); or
- A publicly funded research organisation (PFRO) or entity incorporated in Australia that conducts research and development (research participant).
Participants contribute to a Defence CRC’s schedule of work and are eligible to apply to participate in its approved projects. Participants may become members of the Defence CRC company.
The Defence CRC will develop project proposals and the board will approve projects aligned with the goals and objectives of the Defence CRC. The board will invite Defence CRC participants and, where appropriate, third parties to apply to take part in each project, more information about the Defence CRCs is available here.
“I congratulate Dr Allan on her appointment and look forward to the Defence CRC delivering on its mission under her leadership,” Minister Reynolds said. (Source: Defence Connect)
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
10 Apr 19. Airbus to nominate ex-Deutsche Telekom boss as new chairman. Airbus on Wednesday said it would propose René Obermann, a former chief executive of Deutsche Telekom, as its next chairman as the final step in the management shake-up taking place at the European aerospace group. Speaking at the company’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, Denis Ranque, Airbus chairman, said the board would propose Mr Obermann, currently a non-executive director on the board, to succeed him next year. Mr Ranque had made clear last year he would not seek a renewal of his mandate after 2020. The decision, if approved by shareholders, will complete an extensive management overhaul and generational shift at one of Europe’s largest industrial groups. At the meeting in the Netherlands on Wednesday, investors will also be asked to confirm the appointment of Guillaume Faury, currently head of Airbus Commercial, as its next chief executive to succeed the outgoing Tom Enders. The proposed appointment of German-born Mr Obermann would also restore the national balance at the group. The French and German governments both retain large shareholdings in Airbus and with German-born Mr Enders being replaced by French-born Mr Faury, most company watchers expected a German-born to become the next chairman after Mr Ranque. Mr Faury will lead a brand new team at the top. The company last year said it had hired Dominik Asam, chief financial officer at chipmaker Infineon, to replace its long-serving finance chief Harald Wilhelm. (Source: FT.com)
08 Apr 19. Aerospace and defence technology specialist Cobham (COB) has announced that non-executive director Alison Wood will step down from the board towards the end of 2019, after it was disclosed that she will join the Cairns Energy board as a non-executive director in July 2019. (Source: Investors Chronicle)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
31 Mar 19. USAF General Denker (ret.) Joins Lockheed Martin to Head Satellite Ground Programs. The former deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Major General (ret.) Stephen Denker, will join Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) to lead key satellite ground programs, effective Monday, April 1. Denker will oversee Intelligence and Analytic Development programs in support of space ground systems within the Mission Solutions line of business for Lockheed Martin Space. The Intelligence and Analytic Development area encompasses cloud-based satellite mission management solutions, command and control, data processing and analysis for the Intelligence Community. Gen. Denker brings a wealth of experience and leadership skills from his 33-year Air Force career, including managing all Air Force personnel and assets assigned to NRO and serving as the agency’s senior military advisor from 2015 to 2018. He holds multiple advanced master’s degrees, including a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. (Source: Satnews)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
09 Apr 19. BAE Systems Australia appoints new shipbuilding managing director. BAE Systems Australia has officially confirmed a new managing director for ASC Shipbuilding as progress on the $35bn Hunter Class future frigate program surges ahead. Defence Connect can confirm that BAE Systems Australia has appointed Craig Lockhart to the position of managing director of ASC Shipbuilding. As a subsidiary of BAE Systems, ASC Shipbuilding is responsible for the delivery of the Hunter Class Frigate Program that will design and build the new frigates for the Royal Australian Navy and contribute towards a sovereign naval shipbuilding capability for the nation. Lockhart will commence in the role on 3 June 2019 and report to BAE Systems chief executive Gabby Costigan. He comes to the company with extensive defence experience spanning three decades, most recently as the managing director of naval marine for Babcock in the UK. (Source: Defence Connect)
10 Apr 19. Further to the succession process, which started last March, Embraer announces that the nomination of Francisco Gomes Neto, current President of Marcopolo, will be presented to the Board of Directors for the position of President and CEO, succeeding Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva. The election will be held during the Board meeting, after the General Shareholders’ Meeting scheduled for April 22. With an Electrical Engineering degree, a specialization in Business Administration and an MBA in Controllership and Finance, Francisco Gomes Neto built his career in the automotive industry, holding CEO positions over the last 20 years, both in Brazil and in the United States. Over the past three years, he has served as CEO of Marcopolo, in which he successfully led the company’s transformation, generating strong sales growth and market value for the business. Previously, he was the CEO Americas for Mann+Hummel and President of Knorr Bremse (global leader in control systems for commercial vehicles), among other leadership positions.