VACANCIES
04 Aug 23. HHLA Sky seeks applicants for role as UTM operations manager.
Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) company HHLA Sky seeks a UTM operations manager to join the Hamburg-based team. Responsibilities include:
- Customer technical support
- Responsibility for the monitoring and (further) development of HHLA technical systems and processes
- Administrative and operational preparation and follow-up of projects
- Support in the preparation of documents and participation in research projects
- Handling approval and certification procedures at national and international level
- Development, analysis and implementation of new approaches according to future market requirements.
HHLA Sky’s Integrated Control Centre is designed to enable simultaneous BVLOS/remote operations of more than 100 automated drones and mobile robots and provide turnkey solutions for industrial and governmental tasks. For more information visit: www.hhla-sky.de (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
LOCATIONS
LAND
10 Aug 23. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) hosted a grand opening event on August 9, 2023 to mark the opening of its newest hangar at the Grand Sky Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Business Park near Grand Forks, North Dakota. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the new hangar at the company’s Flight Test & Training Center (FTTC).
GA-ASI is a global leader in UAS technology, producing the world’s most ubiquitous unmanned aircraft, including the Predator®, Reaper, Gray Eagle, Avenger® and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft during its 30+ years in business. In July, GA-ASI announced that its line of UAS have flown in excess of 8 million flight hours in support of global security.
“We’re excited to open another permanent hangar at our Flight Test & Training Center in North Dakota,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “The new hangar represents our ongoing investment in test and training capabilities that provide our customers with a world-class facility to train aircrews in the operation of our aircraft.”
In addition to Mr. Blue, the opening event included remarks from U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND); Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski; North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller; and GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
The new hangar will be used for international crew training, aircraft storage, aircraft maintenance and will house two GA-ASI Certified Ground Control Stations (CGCSs) with room to add additional CGCS as required. The FTTC opened in 2016.
“This new hangar is part of General Atomics’ growing footprint in North Dakota. It’s only fitting that General Atomics, the premier private sector trainer of unmanned aircraft pilots, is dedicating this new facility here in Grand Forks, home of the premier school of aviation in the world. We welcome this new investment and the ongoing partnerships that are helping North Dakota lead the way in unmanned aircraft operations,” said Senator Hoeven.
“General Atomics is a proven leader in unmanned aerial systems and a vital partner in North Dakota as we expand our UAS expertise,” said Senator Cramer. “Today’s grand opening celebrates the Flight Test & Training Center, which is essential in addressing the high demand for flight crew training and sensor system testing. Continued investment from General Atomics in Grand Forks illustrates the success of the UAS ecosystem North Dakota has created.”
MARITIME
09 Aug 23. USNS Lucy Stone: Keel authenticated for US Navy’s 5th John Lewis-Class. General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company’s shipyard witnessed the construction commencement for the USNS Lucy Stone. General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company’s shipyard in San Diego witnessed a momentous occasion as the keel for the future USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), the Navy’s 5th John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, was laid. The keel laying ceremony marked the official commencement of the ship’s construction, highlighted by the etching of the initials of ship sponsors Alicia Aadnesen and Debbie Simmons onto a ceremonial keel plate. Named after the suffragist Lucy Stone, the ship will play a pivotal role in fueling the Navy’s operations at sea. This tradition marked the coming together of the ship’s modular components and the individuals who have united countless ships and sponsors over the past two decades.
John Lighthammer, the programme manager of the Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office, emphasised the significance of the keel laying, stating, “The future Lucy Stone’s keel laying is a significant milestone, and we are excited to mark the beginning of great achievements to come for this ship. The fifth John Lewis-class oiler will enhance the fleet’s ability to refuel ships at sea.”
According to GlobalData’s “The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033” report, General Dynamics are the third leading supplier of naval vessels and surface combatants in North America; it is set to hold a 5.6% share of the North American market over 2023–33.
The John Lewis-class oilers boast impressive features, including substantial oil volume capacity, significant dry cargo capability, and aviation readiness, with double hulls for oil spill protection and reinforced cargo and ballast tanks. Adding T-AOs (fleet replenishment oilers) to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force signifies a step toward bolstering the fuel delivery system. GD NASSCO is concurrently engaged in the production of other T-AOs, including USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208), and USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210). The shipyard is also under contract for future projects, such as USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212), and T-AO 213. The US Navy has delivered the USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) oiler and the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206). As a player in the Defense Department’s acquisition landscape, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of an array of naval vessels, including destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats, and craft. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
08 Aug 23. Poland begins receiving Merlin ASW helicopters. Poland has begun receiving the Leonardo AW101 Merlin helicopters it ordered in 2019 to satisfy its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) requirements. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak announced the milestone on 7 August, saying the first of four helicopters was en route from the Leonardo production facility in Yeovil, UK. The Polish Armament Agency confirmed its arrival on the same day. The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) is acquiring the Merlins to replace the Warsaw Pact-era Mil Mi-14 ‘Haze’ ASW helicopters in service with the Polish Navy. While the initial order was for four helicopters, there may be a follow-on order for a further four at a later date. Neither the MND nor Leonardo have disclosed a delivery timeline for the helicopters. (Source: Janes)
07 Aug 23. Super Pumas join Benin’s Air Force. Benin’s armed forces displayed newly acquired helicopters during the country’s Independence Day parade on 1 August. Three H215 Super Puma and two H125M helicopters were part of the flypast celebrating Benin’s 63rd anniversary of independence at the beginning of the month. It is not clear exactly when the aircraft were delivered, but most likely sometime this year, along with the two H125M light helicopters that arrived in February.
The H215s (TY-39H, TY-40H, and TY-41H) may be ex Royal Jordanian Air Force helicopters, as their camouflage matches Jordanian aircraft – Jordan put up nine of its Super Pumas for sale in 2020.
The H215s will join the H125Ms (TY-37H and TY-38H) in counter-terrorism operations in the northwest of Benin, where 3 000 soldiers are deployed to counter Islamist extremists as part of Operation Mirador, which has been ongoing since last year. Government troops, aircraft, and armoured vehicles have been deployed in the north-west on the border with Burkina Faso and in the north-east on the border with Niger.
The two H125Ms were fitted with Trakka Systems TC-300 long-range HD electro-optical/infrared camera systems, but it does not appear the H215s have received any additional equipment.
Benin’s military previously received two AS550 Fennec helicopters in 2020, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The air force has only a few serviceable aircraft in use, namely one Mi-8 helicopter, single DHC-6 and MA600 transports, a couple of Humbert Tétras CSM light aircraft, and a BAe 748 transport.
Very little new military hardware has been acquired until recently, with the exception of six CSK-131 armoured personnel carriers from China in 2022, four LH-10 Ellipse trainers from France in 2011-13, three French FPB-98 patrol craft in 2012, six ACMAT APCs in 2016 from France, as well as ten Casspir NG2000 APCS from South Africa in 2013. Some of these vehicles were displayed during the parade on 1 August.
In January, Benin received a first batch of eight ex-French VAB armoured vehicles from France, for counter-terrorism and other security tasks. They were to be followed by another seven, equipped with machineguns in overhead turrets and night vision systems.
In a December 2022 state of the nation speech, Beninese President Patrice Talon said the military response in 2022 included more than $130m to recruit nearly 4 000 security personnel, modernize equipment and begin fortifying bases, while building 10 operating bases and “several dozen” fortified positions. In April 2023, the government announced the recruitment of five thousand new soldiers to step up the fight against terrorism. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
10 Aug 23. Australian DOD confirms 12-month contractor crackdown. The Australian Department of Defence has confirmed an internal moratorium on contracting personnel who have recently separated from Defence. The move follows a widely publicised investigation by the ABC Four Corners program into alleged continual inflated invoicing and billing by consulting firms for Defence projects. That program alleged consulting giant KPMG charged the department more than $1.8 billion over the past decade. The new moratorium, confirmed by a Defence spokesperson, will restrict Defence managers from contracting any Defence Australian Public Service employee or part or full-time Australian Defence Force member who has separated from Defence within a 12-month period, into roles that should be undertaken by Defence people.
“Defence is committed to supporting the government’s plan to invest in the public service by identifying where work can be done more efficiently and effectively by public servants,” the Defence spokesperson said.
“The moratorium does not prevent recently separated personnel from employment with Defence industry partners, consultancies or outsourced service providers that work with Defence, just the return of those personnel to Defence into roles that would normally be performed by the APS.”
It’s understood the restriction, introduced on 7 August, will not apply to Reserves but will have a focus on contracting personnel who have recently separated from Defence into “above-the-line” contractor roles. Above-the-line roles are those undertaking work that could be performed by an Australian Public Service employee.
It’s understood it will also not be applicable to existing “above-the-line” contracting arrangements, commercial necessity and defence capability needs, compassionate measures, outsourced service providers or consultants with specific skillsets. A register will also be established to assist transitioning ADF members and veterans who are interested in APS roles. (Source: Defence Connect)
09 Aug 23. Babcock supports the British Army with an engineering apprenticeship programme. We have been awarded a six-year contract to continue to support the British Army in delivering one of the biggest apprenticeship programmes in the UK. The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) provides engineering support to maintain and repair British Army equipment, from tanks to helicopters and vehicles to generators. Engineers often have to make critical engineering decisions in challenging conditions, so the training provided to engineers must give them the confidence and knowledge to tackle any engineering problem in any situation.
The REME apprenticeship programme provides aspiring engineers with an opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to the British Army’s vital operations across the world – and our proven track record in delivering comprehensive training and support services positions us as the ideal partner.
We will continue to play a pivotal role, supporting learners throughout their apprenticeships and assessing soldiers to make sure they meet the technical standards needed. We ensure apprentices can apply their training in barracks or in the field, carrying out these critical assessments worldwide.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Babcock to continue its work as strategic partner of the British Army. We are proud to support their ambition to invest in their people with high quality apprenticeships which are widely recognised”, said Jo Rayson, Managing Director of Babcock’s Training business.
Managing all aspects of the army training cycle, we design and deliver over 758,000 individual training days annually, including large scale live and simulated collective training events to validate operational readiness for British Army battlegroups, brigade and division headquarters in the UK and Europe.
Lieutenant General, Ian Cave CB, Commander Home Command, said: “This year, for an unprecedented third year in a row, the Army has been named the leading provider of apprenticeships in the UK. The Army Apprenticeship programme equips our soldiers with invaluable technical expertise through hands-on training and mentorship.
“We are proud that 95% of soldiers are enrolled onto an apprenticeship programme, showcasing our commitment to invest in our people by providing a strong learning and training culture. As an engine for social mobility the Army trains and develops our people to succeed and fulfil their potential irrespective of their background and experiences. We are pleased to be partnering with Babcock who are supporting this crucial investment in our people through the REME Apprenticeship contract.”
04 Aug 23. New Taskforce to Build UK Nuclear Skills.
— New Nuclear Skills Taskforce to turbo charge skills activity in nuclear sector.
— Sir Simon Bollom appointed as Taskforce’s Chair.
— Bringing together government, employers and academia to meet nuclear skills growth opportunities.
A new Nuclear Skills Taskforce will ensure the UK’s defence and civil nuclear sectors have the right people with the right skills to seize growth opportunities.
The nuclear industry underpins hundreds of thousands of jobs across the UK, both directly and through the extended supply chain, and is growing rapidly. Nuclear has a wide variety of roles ranging from technical scientific and engineering roles through to logistics, project management, commercial and finance – with a range of apprentice and graduate opportunities.
The UK’s nuclear capability plays a significant role in the security, prosperity and resilience of our nation. Putting our nuclear workforce at the heart of this upskilling work will help deliver on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy and support UK jobs.
Chaired by Sir Simon Bollom – former Chief Executive Officer of Defence Equipment and Support – the Taskforce will address how the UK continues to build nuclear skills across its defence and civil workforce.
The UK’s Nuclear sectors are in positive periods of growth and the workforce will expand further given the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership and the government’s drive around energy security.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “By developing nuclear skills, we are not just investing in the UK economy but our national security. The creation of this new Taskforce will challenge the whole of the UK’s nuclear sector to be ambitious in addressing the nuclear skills gap, and we are delighted to appoint Sir Simon Bollom to drive this work forward.”
Building on the work already undertaken with industry and across government by the Ministry of Defence and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Taskforce will develop a skills strategy to support the significant growth expected across a range of roles in the defence and civil nuclear sectors in the coming years.
Against a backdrop of increasing international competition for such roles, the Taskforce will set up the UK’s nuclear sector for future success, supporting industry to build a long-term and sustainable pipeline of skills to meet our nuclear ambition.
Minister for Nuclear, Andrew Bowie said: “The UK’s nuclear revival, with the launch of Great British Nuclear, will put us centre-stage in the global race to unleash a new generation of nuclear technology.
“The Nuclear Skills Taskforce will support this expansion by securing the skills and workforce we need to deliver this, opening up exciting opportunities and careers to help bolster our energy security.”
The launch of Great British Nuclear will boost energy security and create job opportunities across the UK. Recently launched, it forms part of a revival of nuclear power to place the UK at the forefront of a global race to develop cutting-edge nuclear technologies and deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy.
Great British Nuclear will deliver the government’s long-term nuclear programme and support the government’s ambition to deliver up to 24GW of nuclear power in the UK by 2050. Part of this will be delivered through the huge projects taking place at the Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C nuclear power plants.
Having served as an engineer officer in the RAF for 35 years, and most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Equipment and Support, Taskforce Chair Sir Simon Bollom has a strong network and credibility with industry given his extensive experience in Defence. He is also currently on the Board of the Submarine Delivery Agency.
Sir Simon Bollom KBE CB FREng, Chair of the Nuclear Skills Taskforce, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have secured this extremely important role. The Nuclear Sector is vital to our nation, and I am proud to have been given the opportunity to lead such an important Taskforce to ensure that we have the people, and skills we need to deliver our Programmes.”
The UK’s nuclear industry is crucial for Britain’s military capabilities. Our Vanguard and Astute submarines, and from the early 2030s the new Dreadnought Class, use nuclear technology, keeping the nation safe every minute of every day.
The creation of the UK’s next generation nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership will see the creation of thousands of UK jobs, and all the nuclear reactors for the UK and Australian SSN-AUKUS submarines will be made in Derby.
Sir Simon Bollom will be joined on the Taskforce by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Department for Education, academia and professional bodies as well as industry partners. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/UK MoD)
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
09 Aug 23. Hanwha Aerospace announced the recent appointment of Maj Gen (Retd) Simon Humphrey CBE, as their Vice President for Strategy and Business Development in the UK. Simon left the Army in 2021, following a 36 year career in the British Army. He commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1985 and had the privilege to command at every level in the Gunners from Troop to Brigade and was the last Commander Royal Artillery and Deputy Divisional Commander of the 1st (United Kingdom) Armoured Division located in Herford Germany, before its relocation to UK in 2014. His Regimental Command was of 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. His more senior staff jobs included Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff (2010-11) and as the Army’s Head of Combat Support Capability Development and Delivery which included the Fires, GBAD, UAVs, Combat Engineering, Infrastructure, C Vehicles and C-IED systems. He had the pleasure of holding a number of SRO roles across his time in Army HQ. He finished his service in the operational space, with a 12 month deployment to Afghanistan as the Commander of British Forces and the Kabul Security Task Force, before moving on promotion to be the Senior British Military Advisor to US Central Command. Simon is delighted to have joined Hanwha Aerospace at a time when its ambition for entering the UK Defence Sector is building momentum, alongside its recent successes in mainland Europe and Australia. Hanwha’s K9 A2 Self Propelled Howitzer is a strong contender for the UK Mobile Fires Programme and with the inclusion of the cutting edge and game changing Composite Rubber Track technology, which will be on show at DSEI 23 at H3-240, this is an opportunity to deliver a critical land fires capability to the British Army, with stunning levels of lethality and survivability.
09 Aug 23. Henrik Kotkas to join Milrem Robotics as Chief Product Officer. Seasoned product leader Henrik Kotkas will join Milrem Robotics’ team as Chief Product Officer from September 2023. Kotkas will join the company from Twilio where he has been leading supplier-facing product innovation and messaging ecosystem automation to ensure Twilio’s cost-competitive position in the CPaaS market. Prior to joining Twilio, Kotkas served at Skype/Microsoft in various senior leadership positions across User Insights, Business Analysis, and Program Management for over a decade.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
08 Aug 23. The Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association’s Washington, DC chapter (AFCEA DC) recently appointed Hitachi Vantara Federal’s Strategic Executive of Federal Systems Integrators, Caren Von Hoene and Director of Federal Sales, Ryan Hinkle, to its esteemed board of directors. The announcement comes after a rigorous selection process based on each candidate’s qualifications and skillset, as well as their dedication to AFCEA’s mission, which involves a full cycle three-year commitment. Von Hoene was appointed at her previous company and will continue her commitment at Hitachi Vantara Federal. Hinkle was appointed as a member for this year’s cycle. Von Hoene assumes the role of board of directors leveraging her extensive knowledge in the Federal government, strong industry relationships, and philanthropic spirit to support AFCEA’s initiatives. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
09 Aug 23. Marshall has appointed aerospace and defence veteran Ken Loy to lead delivery of its United States growth strategy as president of Marshall USA, effective immediately. Loy will bring four decades of valuable experience to bear in establishing an in-country presence for Marshall as the business prepares to break ground on its new aircraft maintenance and engineering facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. Loy served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. When in uniform, he flew AH-1W helicopters in combat, conducted flight tests of AH-1W and UH-1N helicopters, led the KC-130J Developmental Test team, and led a focal Systems Engineering team in the F-35 Joint Program Office. He subsequently joined Lockheed Martin, where he held multiple leadership roles focussed on delivering technical solutions to key armed forces customers including the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard.
10 Aug 23. Scientific Systems, a leader and pioneer in intelligent autonomous systems, today announced that retired U.S. Air Force General Charles “Corky” Corcoran has joined the company as a strategic advisor. General Corcoran’s primary role will be to offer critical and strategic guidance on issues related to multi-domain integration, advancements in manned-unmanned teaming, as well as advising on doctrine and procedures from the tactical to policy level. (Source: PR Newswire)