LOCATIONS
LAND
19 Jan 23. Raytheon Technologies Expands Bengaluru Operations with Opening of P&W India Engineering Center. Pratt & Whitney, a Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) business, today officially opened the doors to its new India Engineering Center (IEC) in Bengaluru. The facility is co-located with Pratt & Whitney’s India Capabilities Center (ICC), which opened in 2022 to provide integrated global supply chain support, and the recently inaugurated Collins Aerospace engineering and global operations centers. The IEC, which was designed to meet the LEED Platinum certification, further enhances Raytheon Technologies’ combined presence in India of over 5,000 employees and facilitates collaboration across the company’s businesses.
“The Indian aviation market is growing at a rapid pace and Bengaluru is a hub for that growth,” said Geoff Hunt, senior vice president, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney. “The work conducted at the IEC – by some of India’s best and brightest minds – will support cutting edge technology that will drive the future of flight.”
More than 50 employees are now based in the state-of-the-art facility, with an additional 450 jobs to be filled over the next four years. Work performed at the IEC will encompass elements such as aero and mechanical and control systems for various products in Pratt & Whitney’s broad portfolio of large and small commercial engines. It will also extend across the entire product lifecycle from development to field support and sustainment.
“The IEC will fully integrate with our existing global engineering footprint across Canada, Puerto Rico and Poland to advance world-class technology such as the geared turbofan and other sustainable propulsion solutions,” said Paul Weedon, vice president, Engine Development, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. “The IEC team will be key to improving commercial engine performance, extending time on wing, reducing airline operating costs, and decreasing fuel consumption.”
The opening of the IEC further illustrates Raytheon Technologies’ long history of investing in India. With more than 1,500 engines and auxiliary power units in service, Pratt & Whitney has one of the largest footprints for any engine maker in India. Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines power more than 180 A320neos and A321neos and have delivered more than $1 bn in savings to Indian airlines since entry-into-service. Other significant investments in-country include Pratt & Whitney’s state-of-the-art India Customer Training Center in Hyderabad and its R&D collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. India is important to the global growth and investment strategy of Raytheon Technologies. (Source: ASD Network)
MARITIME
26 Jan 23. Mediterranean-based UK patrol vessel HMS Trent unavailable for operations. The Batch 2 offshore patrol vessel is suffering from an undisclosed issue and is currently alongside in Gibraltar while repairs are carried out. The UK Royal Navy Batch 2 River-class OPV HMS Trent is currently pierside at HMNB Gibraltar and unable to undertake operations in the region, just a few months after having undergone a drydock refit at the British Overseas Territory.
The Batch 2 River-class OPVs are lightly armed vessels, displacing some 2,000 tons and used for maritime security and presence missions by the Royal Navy. The five-ship class is forward-deployed to areas of interest for the UK, with two (HMS Spey and HMS Tamar) currently based in the Indo-Pacific region, HMS Forth assigned to the Falkland Islands and South Atlantic, and HMS Medway operating in the Caribbean.
HMS Trent has been deployed on operations in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and West Africa since August 2020. Lightly armed, the Batch 2 River class evolved from the earlier Batch 1 with the addition of a flight deck to land helicopters, although the type has no hangar, and improved seakeeping capabilities.
It is not known what mechanical or maintenance issue HMS Trent is currently suffering from, nor when the vessel might return to operations.
When contacted, a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson told Naval Technology that the vessel “has been alongside in Gibraltar for investigation” to enable repairs to take place.
“We are committed to getting her back on operations,” the spokesperson said.
The last social media posts from onboard HMS Trent were made in October last year, some days after the vessel had been refloated after undergoing at re-fit in Port of Gibraltar drydock. Posts show the OPV was alongside on 13 October and at sea on 14 October conducting gunnery trials, since when there has been no social media interaction from the vessel. (Source: naval-technology.com)
24 Jan 23. Babcock cuts steel on second Royal Navy Type 31 Inspiration Class frigate at Rosyth. Babcock, the international defence company, has reached another major milestone on the Type 31 programme, to deliver five Inspiration Class frigates for the Royal Navy, as it cut steel marking the official start of HMS Active’s build programme at Rosyth.
Coming just 16 months since steel was cut on the first ship, HMS Venturer, Babcock welcomed senior guests from the UK Government and Royal Navy, alongside international industry to witness the traditional shipbuilding ceremony.
Joining the ceremony were veterans from the former Royal Navy Type 21 frigate and namesake HMS Active, which played a key role in the Falklands Conflict, who joined the ceremonial start to production at Babcock’s digitally led advanced manufacturing facility.
A key component of the UK’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Type 31 programme will support a direct UK workforce of around 1,250 people including 150 apprenticeships and a further 1,250 people in the supply chain at the height of the programme.
Additionally, Babcock has created 250 new Production Support Operative (PSO) roles to support the programme and beyond, with a focus on recruiting people who are not currently in education, employment, or training with recruitment undertaken in conjunction with Fife Council, Fife College and local employability programmes. Once fully trained the PSO’s will support activities across the Rosyth business.
Babcock’s Chief Executive Officer, David Lockwood said: “We are immensely proud to be marking another key milestone on the five ship, Type 31 programme at Rosyth. The first cut of steel for HMS Active is a momentous occasion for this critical UK defence programme as we put another ship into production. The Type 31 programme is a game-changer in the delivery of naval platforms, and we are already witnessing the tangible benefits that the programme will deliver; not just the emergence of a fleet of cutting-edge frigates for the Royal Navy, but also increased employment, new technologies and infrastructure investment. It’s a real honour to share this occasion with Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk and Andrew Bowie, Minister for Export, our workforce, our customers and our partners.”
Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC said: “We should be very proud of achieving another milestone in the Type 31 programme, which will deliver key warships for the Royal Navy, and continue to support British industry through national shipbuilding. This work delivers growth across the country, supports thousands of jobs, and showcases the strength of the union. This is great for Scotland and great for Defence.”
Minister for Exports, Andrew Bowie said: “It’s fantastic to see another milestone reached in Babcock’s Type 31 programme, which supports more than 2,000 jobs in Scotland and across the UK in key industries such as engineering, tech and cyber. DIT is backing Babcock to succeed abroad, because exporting creates jobs, delivers growth and drives innovation – both at home and abroad, among our partners and allies”.
Following contract awards in Poland and Indonesia respectively, where work continues on both programmes, international interest remains strong in Babcock’s inherently flexible Arrowhead 140 platform, which the Type 31 frigates are based upon.
In Poland, Babcock is working closely with PGZ by transferring knowledge that will support the MIECZNIK frigate programme. This follows the class design contract awarded to Babcock in 2022 and builds on the strategic partnership in the naval sector between the Polish and UK Governments’.
The T31 programme is on track to deliver all five Inspiration Class ships by 2028. Progress continues at pace, with the first ship, HMS Venturer having both engine sets installed and work progressing towards the consolidation of the hull. Babcock’s investment in advanced manufacturing and technology at Rosyth make it possible to build two ships side by side in the new Assembly Hall.
24 Jan 23. Turkey to build three Istanbul-class vessels concurrently.
The three ships follow lead ship of this class, TCG Istanbul (F-515), being constructed under wider Milgem project. Turkish Defence Industry Agency (Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı – SSB) has announced the production of the next three Istanbul or I-class vessels.
The three warships are being constructed concurrently as part of the wider Milgem programme, which includes a total of four I-class ships. The lead ship of this class, TCG Istanbul (F-515), was launched in 2021.
SSB president Dr Ismail Demir said the country will leverage the capability and production power of the local private sector shipyards and complete the construction of three frigates simultaneously for the Naval Forces Command.
Demir informed that a business partnership deal has already been finalised with five Turkey-based shipbuilding companies to begin the production work on the three remaining vessels.
The companies include three shipyards – Sedef, Anadolu and Sefine shipyards as well as STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik) and Joint Venture Commercial Enterprise of TAIS.
Demir said that the involved enterprises have also improved their financial structures, project management and have also qualified its labour force to meet the requirements of the Milgem project.
“With the studies to be carried out within the scope of the project and the use of new domestic solutions, the locality rate in the systems and subsystems on national ships will increase even more,” Demir told Anadolu Agency.
Besides, a total of 200 companies are expected to be engaged in the production work of the three vessels, which is scheduled to complete in next three years. (Source: naval-technology.com)
23 Jan 23. PT Pal delivers second hospital ship to Indonesian Navy.
The new ship has a treatment room, an emergency room, ICU, laboratories and several other hospital amenities. PT PAL Indonesia has officially handed over the second Sudirohusodo-class hospital ship, named KRI dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat (992), to the Indonesian Navy.
The latest milestone comes after the successful completion of KRI dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat’s development process as well as a series of trials and eligibility tests, including sea and harbour acceptance trials.
According to a tweet by the company, the delivery of this new vessel was accepted by Indonesian Navy chief of naval staff admiral Muhammad Ali from PT Pal CEO Kaharuddin Djenod on 19 January.
Muhammad Ali said: “This BRS ship has a very high benefit value. Especially in terms of military operations other than war in health services and social care services, especially in the event of a disaster.”
Equivalent to a ‘Type C Plus hospital’, the new ship has a treatment room, an emergency room, an ICU, laboratories, blood banks, operating rooms, radiology room, isolation room as well as other hospital amenities.
The 124m-long dr Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 is supported by two ambulance boat units, two Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel units and one Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat unit.
In a media release, Djenod said: “At present, the construction progress of the 2nd BRS ship has reached 100%. Where the entire construction (platform) of the ship has been completed, as well as the ship’s propulsion system has been installed along with several medical devices in it.
“This BRS ship has met the parameters of success, one of which is by achieving maximum speed when the full load condition is an average of 18.3k exceeding the target of 18k, and even reached a speed of 19.7k.”
The lead Sudirohusodo-class ship, KRI dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, was handed over to the Navy in January last year. (Source: naval-technology.com)
20 Jan 23. US Navy Christened USNS Earl Warren. The Navy christened John Lewis-class replenishment oiler, the future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), during a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony Saturday, Jan. 21 in San Diego. The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, delivered the ceremonial principal address. Remarks will also be provided by Vice Adm. Darse E. “Del” Crandall, Jr., Judge Advocate General of the Navy; Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, commander, Military Sealift Command; Earl Warren, MD, grandson of Chief Justice Earl Warren; and Mr. David Carver, president of General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). In a time-honored Navy tradition, the ship’s sponsor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, christened the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.
The future USNS Earl Warren is the third ship in its class and will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The ship is named in honor of the late politician and civil rights leader who served as the 14th Chief Justice of the United States from 1953 to 1969.
“Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren’s legacy continues to live on in civil rights, freedom and democracy,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “His contributions to equality have greatly strengthened our nation. There is no doubt that the future civilian mariner crew aboard this ship will embody Warren’s legacy.”
The John Lewis-class ships are based on commercial design standards and will recapitalize the current T-AO 187-class fleet replenishment oilers to provide underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy ships at sea. These ships are part of the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force.
In June 2016, the Navy awarded a $3.2bn contract to General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego for the design and construction of the first six ships of the Future Fleet Replenishment Ship, the John Lewis-class. The first of class, USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), delivered in July 2022 and is currently undergoing post-delivery test and trials and operational testing. T-AO 206-209 are under construction at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego and T-AO 210-212 are under contract. The Navy plans to procure 20 ships of the John Lewis class. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
23 Jan 23. Britten-Norman Islander BN2T-4S type approved by the FAA. UK aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman has gained United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for the Rolls Royce model 250 powered BN2T-4S Islander turboprop aircraft. The BN2T-4S is the larger variant of the piston BN2B Islander and comes with an increased MTOW of 8,500lbs. Certification is included under FAA Type Certificate reference A17EU Revision 22. This change is an important milestone for Britten-Norman and compliments existing type certificates for the aircraft with the UK CAA and EASA. The new certification opens up new markets for the company in the USA and internationally. BN2T-4S Islanders are currently in manufacture at the company’s Solent manufacturing facilities at Daedalus and Bembridge in the UK. In addition to new aircraft, Britten-Norman also holds stock of factory-refurbished pre-owned aircraft.
Mark Shipp, Technical Director comments: “Obtaining type certification for any aircraft is a major achievement and requires a huge amount of effort and hard work satisfying the regulator that the product is not only safe but also meets the most stringent standards. The USA is the world’s largest aviation market and the FAA is a hugely respected regulator of that market. We are very proud to have had the opportunity to work closely with the FAA to achieve this important goal and now look forward to the opportunities this will bring.”
The Islander aircraft continues to develop its successful proven track record as a thoroughbred workhorse. The aircraft is available in multiple configurations, including commuter, medevac, surveillance, and maritime patrol.
Britten-Norman is currently progressing type certification approval for the BN2T-4S Islander in India and Canada.(Source: News Now/https://www.aviation24.be/manufacturers)
20 Jan 23. Sikorsky Delivers 5,000th “Hawk,” Highlights Versatility and Future of Iconic Helicopter. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), today delivered its 5,000th “Hawk” variant helicopter, a U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk. The iconic aircraft will continue to support medium-lift requirements for the U.S. military and international operators for decades into the future.
Sikorsky celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
“Sikorsky, as a company, has been forged by the Black Hawk,” said Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo. “The Black Hawk and its variants deliver when reliability and performance are nonnegotiable. Hawk aircraft continue to demonstrate their versatility and readiness with the latest technological advancements and ongoing U.S. and global investment in the aircraft.”
Customers worldwide depend on the Black Hawk platform and its derivatives, including MH-60R/S maritime operations helicopters, MH-60T multi-mission helicopters, HH-60W rescue helicopters and internationally built S-70 Black Hawks to include the baseline FIREHAWK, which have all proven their versatility and capability across a spectrum of challenging mission sets.
Sikorsky’s highly skilled and experienced workforce manufactures the latest generation of Hawk aircraft built in Stratford, and there is high international demand for the Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk, manufactured by Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec facility in Poland. More than 35 international customers operate the Black Hawk thanks to its global support network and continued modernization.
The U.S. Army, the largest Black Hawk operator, noted the key role the aircraft continues to fulfill during military and civil operations around the world, in addition to its significant contribution towards Joint All Domain Operations.
“For more than 40 years the Black Hawk has remarkably supported Soldiers in every major contingency operation the Army has executed,” said Col. Calvin Lane, the utility helicopter project manager for the Program Executive Office Aviation. “Even though the helicopter has been around longer than most of the Soldiers it now supports, the Army plans for it to be in front line service another 40 years and beyond. And everyone who contributes to the delivery of this aircraft in any way, contributes directly to providing combat capability that protects Soldiers and helps the Army accomplish its mission.”
The Future of the Black Hawk
As U.S. Army Future Vertical Lift aircraft are fielded, the Black Hawk will remain the foundational tactical air assault and utility aircraft for the U.S. Army. Modernization efforts that improve Black Hawk availability and reliability by lowering direct operating costs include:
- A Modular Open Systems Approach allowing rapid integration of emerging technologies to maintain relevance in future operations by increasing reach, survivability, lethality and sustainment;
- Improved Turbine Engine to increase lift capability and range;
- Advanced Digital Vehicle Management Systems supporting Degraded Visual Environment and automated operations; and
- Digital tools including predictive analytics that reduce aircraft downtime and maintenance costs.
In February 2022, Lockheed Martin flew its first uninhabited Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) Sikorsky UH-60A/S-70 Black Hawk testbed helicopter powered by Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ autonomy technology in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Subsequent flights at U.S. Army’s Project Convergence 2022 demonstrated future utility missions for the platform, which shows no signs of relinquishing its preeminent medium-lift capability through continuous innovation and investment.
“We are committed to all H-60 and S-70 operators and look forward to enduring partnerships on the Hawk program in the years to come,” added Nathalie Previte, vice president of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky. “It remains our priority to fulfill our customers’ requirements and meet the needs of current and future operational units. With unmatched versatility and global interoperability, Hawk aircraft continue to advance 21st century security.”
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
27 Jan 23. RAF grounds Hawk T2 training jets following engine problem. The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has grounded its fleet of BAE Systems Hawk T2 training aircraft following a runway engine incident at the type’s homebase in North Wales. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the temporary flight suspension to Janes on 26 January, saying the precautionary measure had been put in place pending the result of an investigation into a ground-based engine issue. “Post a recent issue on the runway involving a RAF Hawk T2 engine, as a precautionary measure, flying has been temporarily paused pending the results of the technical investigation,” the MoD told Janes . The RAF has 28 Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer (AJT) aircraft providing fast jet pilot training at RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey. (Source: Janes)
22 Jan 23. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva fired Brazil’s army chief Saturday just days after the leftist leader openly said that some military members allowed the Jan. 8 uprising in the capital by far-right protesters. The official website of the Brazilian armed forces said Gen. Julio Cesar de Arruda had been removed as head of the army. He was replaced by Gen. Tomás Miguel Ribeiro Paiva, who was head of the Southeast Military Command. Lula, who did not comment publicly on the firing, met with Defense Minister Jose Mucio, chief of staff Rui Costa and the new army commander in Brasilia at the end of the day. Speaking to journalists afterward, Mucio said the Jan. 8 riots had caused “a fracture in the level of trust” in the army’s top levels and the government decided a change was needed. In recent weeks, Lula targeted the military with criticism after supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed through government buildings and destroyed public property in an attempt to keep Bolsonaro in office. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/
AP)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
26 Jan 23. Sir Jeremy Fleming, the director of GCHQ, is to stand down as head of the spy agency in the summer, the Government has announced. Sir Jeremy, who has been in the role since April 2017, is the 16th director of the UK’s intelligence, cyber and security agency. In a statement, GCHQ said: “In line with normal practice, there will be an internal Civil Service competition to identify a successor. (Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/)
25 Jan 23. Lord Lancaster appointed as the Government’s new Defence Export Advocate by the Trade Secretary, to drive the UK’s defence exports in a brand-new role.
23 Jan 23. Mr Simon Walters has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Israel in succession to Mr Neil Wigan OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Walters will take up his appointment during August 2023.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. David J. Berkland for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Berkland is currently serving as the commander, 354th Fighter Wing, Pacific USAFs, Eielson USAF Base, Alaska.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Amy S. Bumgarner for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Bumgarner is currently serving as the vice commander, Office of Special Investigations, Inspector General, Department of the USAF, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Ivory D. Carter for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Carter is currently serving as the director, Legislative Liaison, Headquarters U.S. Cyber Command, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Raja J. Chari for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Chari is currently serving as the Crew-3 commander and astronaut, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Texas.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Jason E. Corrothers for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Corrothers is currently serving as the director, Budget Operations and Budget, Assistant Secretary of the USAF, Financial Management and Comptroller, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. John B. Creel for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Creel is currently serving as the executive officer to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Chievres Air Base, Belgium.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Nicholas B. Evans for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Evans is currently serving as the executive assistant to the commander, Pacific USAFs, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Bridget V. Gigliotti for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Gigliotti is currently serving as the director, USAF Colonel Management, Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Christopher B. Hammond for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hammond is currently serving as the director, Joint and National Security Council Matters, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Leslie F. Hauck III for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hauck is currently serving as commander, 52nd Fighter Wing, U.S. USAFs in Europe–USAFs Africa, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Kurt C. Helphinstine for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Helphinstine is currently serving as executive officer to the Chief of Staff of the USAF, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Abraham L. Jackson for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Jackson is currently serving as the chief, Futures and Concepts Division, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, Integration, and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Benjamin R. Jonsson for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Jonsson is currently serving as the vice superintendent, U.S. USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Joy M. Kaczor for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Kaczor is currently serving as the commander, White House Communications Agency, Defense Information Systems Agency, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Christopher J. Leonard for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Leonard is currently serving as the commander, 10th Air Base Wing, U.S. USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Christopher E. Menuey for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Menuey is currently serving as the director, Commander’s Action Group, Headquarters U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt USAF Base, Nebraska.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. David S. Miller for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Miller is currently serving as the vice commander, USAF Sustainment Center, USAF Materiel Command, Tinker USAF Base, Oklahoma.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Jeffrey A. Phillips for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Phillips is currently serving as the director of staff, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Erik N. Quigley for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Quigley is currently serving as the director of staff, Headquarters USAF Materiel Command, Wright Patterson USAF Base, Ohio.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Michael S. Rowe for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Rowe is currently serving as the chief, Program Integration Division, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Derek M. Salmi for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Salmi is currently serving as the commander, 60th Air Mobility Wing, Air Mobility Command, Travis USAF Base, California.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Kayle M. Stevens for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Stevens is currently serving as the senior military assistant to the Secretary of the USAF, Department of the USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Jose E. Sumangil for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Sumangil is currently serving as the chief, USAF Senate Liaison Division, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Terence G. Taylor for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Taylor is currently serving as the commander, 27th Special Operations Wing, USAF Special Operations Command, Cannon USAF Base, New Mexico.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Jason D. Voorheis for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Voorheis is currently serving as the senior military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the USAF for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Headquarters U.S. USAF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Michael O. Walters for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Walters is currently serving as the assistant deputy director, Operations, J35, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Adrienne L. Williams for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Williams is currently serving as the vice commander, 18th USAF, Air Mobility Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Corey A. Simmons for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Simmons is currently serving as the chief of staff, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott USAF Base, Illinois.
27 Jan 23. USAF Col. Leigh A. Swanson for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Swanson is currently serving as the command surgeon, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
23 Jan 23. Leidos Australia launches new Australian partner network portal. The portal is designed to help Australian companies register interest for all future partner opportunities with Leidos Australia through a one-time expression of interest. Acknowledging the time invested in creating expressions of interest for each new partnership opportunity, Leidos Australia chief executive Paul Chase explained that the Australia Partner Network portal enables businesses to submit a single lifetime expression of interest (EOI) for all future prospects. The international defence company has announced that it is currently seeking EOIs from right across Australian industry to support program delivery, including maritime, airborne, health, intelligence, information and technology sectors in addition to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear domains.
“The new portal will become our source of business opportunities and enhance our ability to engage industry, improve usability, and introduce interactive data-driven insights for enterprise self-service,” Chase said.
“We understand the importance of growing sovereign capability and want to work with more Australian businesses at all stages of the delivery life cycle.
“Our new Australian Partner Network portal eliminates the time-consuming burden of submitting EOIs for each new project. Now companies can simply submit a capability statement, answer questions about their organisation, and become part of Leidos’ APN database.”
The company will consult the database to find potential suppliers. The portal can be found here: https://www.leidos.com/company/global/australia/partner-network (Source: Defence Connect)
PERSONNEL
26 Jan 23. Airbus steps up its quest for new talent to prepare the future of aerospace. More than 13,000 people to be hired by the company worldwide in 2023. To support its commercial aircraft ramp-up, meet challenges in defence, space and helicopters, Airbus intends to recruit more than 13,000 people globally in 2023. Around 7,000 of these will be newly created posts across the company. The new hires will be instrumental in supporting our industrial ramp-up and Airbus’ ambitious decarbonisation roadmap and preparing the future of aviation.
“In 2022 we welcomed more than 13,000 new employees within Team Airbus around the world, in a complex environment which tested our resilience and attractiveness as a global employer.” said Thierry Baril, Chief Human Resources & Workplace Officer of Airbus. “Following the success of our recruitment last year, we will hire over 13,000 employees again in 2023. We call on talented individuals from all over the world to join us in our journey to make sustainable aerospace a reality and to help us build a better, more diverse and inclusive workplace for all our employees.”
This new recruitment drive will be worldwide, with emphasis on technical and manufacturing profiles, as well as acquisition of new skills supporting the company’s long term vision, in areas such as new energies, cyber and digital. Over 9,000 of these posts will be in Europe, and the rest throughout our global network. A third of the total recruitment will be allocated to recent graduates. Airbus currently employs more than 130,000 people across its businesses worldwide. Airbus was recently awarded Top Employers certification in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific by the Top Employers Institute, a global independent authority on recognising excellence in people management and HR policies.
To learn more about the broad range of opportunities available at Airbus, potential applicants can visit the Airbus website at https://www.airbus.com/en/careers
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
27 Jan 23. Deutsche Aircraft continues to strengthen its Sales and Marketing team. The goal is to serve the customer in the best possible way and to provide the market with the best possible information about the new-generation turboprop aircraft “Made in Germany”. Nils Heuer recently joined Deutsche Aircraft in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich as the new Director Sales for the D328ecoTM programme. Before coming to Deutsche Aircraft, he was responsible for sales and business development in various roles at Lufthansa Technik AG. With more than ten years of experience in the aviation industry and his market orientation he is the ideal person for this position. “The D328ecoTM is unique in the market due to its combination of efficiency, performance and sustainability,” says Nils Heuer. “I’m looking forward to working with our customers to unlock the diverse operational potential of the D328ecoTM.” Nils has completed an integrated Master’s degree programme, with degrees in industrial engineering and aviation systems engineering (Lufthansa Technik/Technical University of Braunschweig / University of Applied Sciences Bremen). Christian Pürschel started at the same time as Head of Communications + PR also in Oberpfaffenhofen. Christian has a successful track record in communicating and marketing innovations and industrial products at thyssenkrupp, among others. His international experience for customer projects and the sustainability agenda rounds off his profile. “With Deutsche Aircraft’s mission and the production of the D328ecoTM we will make regional air transport future-proof together with our customers and partners,” says Christian Pürschel, looking ahead to his role. Christian holds a Master’s degree in economics (University of Augsburg).
24 Jan 23. Smith Myers, the award-winning global specialist in the design, development, manufacture and support of application specific cellular network and handset capabilities has announced the appointment of Andrew Munro as Managing Director, alongside three new appointments to the Board. Smith Myers was founded in 1987 by Tony Smith and Peter Myers who remain as Board Directors and continue to work in the business.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
23 Jan 23. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (NYSE: BAH), the parent company of consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., announced today that it has appointed Rory P. Read to the Board of Directors, effective January 18, 2023. Read is a Senior Vice President at global information and communication technology company Ericsson and a member of its Executive Team. He heads Ericsson’s Global Communications Platform business area as President and CEO of Vonage, a global provider of cloud communications solutions, which was acquired by Ericsson in 2022. He has more than three decades of experience leading global technology organizations, including previous roles as Chief Operating Executive of Dell Technologies, CEO and President of Dell Virtustream, and Executive Vice President of Dell Boomi. As Chief Integration Officer at Dell, Read played a lead role in the historic $67 bn merger of Dell and EMC Corporation. Prior to that, he served as CEO, President and board member of Advanced Micro Devices and Chief Operating Officer and President at Lenovo. Earlier, Read spent 23 years at IBM, serving in various leadership roles. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
23 Jan 23. Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a technology company that delivers processing power for the most demanding aerospace and defense missions, today announced that Vivek Upadhyaya has joined the Company as Vice President of Finance to lead the corporate finance team and be responsible for forecasting and analysis as well as internal management reporting. Upadhyaya was most recently Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Chief Information Officer of Leonardo Electronics U.S., Inc., a subsidiary of Leonardo and supplier of laser and electronic solutions to the defense, security, and medical industries. Prior to that, he was CFO and Interim President and CEO of IAI North America, the U.S. subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel’s largest aerospace and defense company. From 2012 to 2019, he was Vice President of Financial Planning at Orbital ATK, which was acquired by Northrop Grumman Corp. during that time. Earlier in his career, Upadhyaya held finance roles with Honeywell International, Medtronic, and Amgen. He holds an M.B.A. in Finance and a B.A. in Economics from Michigan State University.
27 Jan 23. Quantic® Electronics (“Quantic”), today announced that Bill Heinsohn has been appointed General Manager of the company’s position sensing business units, Quantic BEI and Quantic Thistle. The businesses provide advanced optical encoders and accelerometers, including ARA encoders, AIME-II, MKE and tracker solutions. Prior to joining Quantic, Bill held a variety of positions at Armtec Defense Technologies, a business group of TransDigm, including VP/GM, Business Unit Manager and Program Management. During his tenure at Armtec Bill oversaw all technology, manufacturing, engineering, program management, quality, safety and environment functions. Prior to that, he served in multiple roles at Kilgore Flares, a subsidiary of Chemring, including President and Managing Director, and Executive Vice President of Business Development, where he executed exponential growth, expanded into new products and markets, and increased overall revenue. (Source: PR Newswire)