VACANCIES
23 Aug 23. Skyports Drone Services Asia Pacific seeks business development manager. Skyports invites applicants for the role of Business Development Manager to join the company’s growing office in Asia Pacific.
The successful candidate will help shape and execute a go-to-market strategy for Skyports Drone Services in Asia Pacific region. You will own your pipeline of customers and work closely with our Flight Operations, Technology and Regulations teams to ensure that our offering is best-in-class, that we are targeting the right geographies and industries, and that we are succeeding in onboarding new customers.
The role is based in Singapore or other suitable locations in Asia Pacific region and involves international travel.
Responsibilities include the following for the following in Asia Pacific region:
- Identifying and prospecting new business opportunities:
- Research and identify potential clients, markets, and partnerships
- Conduct market analysis to understand the customer’s needs and industry trends
- Networking and relationship building:
- Attend industry events, conferences and networking sessions to expand the company’s professional network and create business opportunities
- Lead generation and sales conversion:
- Develop and implement strategies to generate leads and convert them into sales
- Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline
- Client relationship management:
- Nurture and maintain relationships with existing clients, ensuring customer satisfaction and continued business
- Address client inquiries and resolve issues promptly
- Proposal development:
- Create compelling business proposals and pitches that showcase the company’s products/services and unique value proposition
- Negotiation and deal closure:
- Negotiate terms, pricing and contracts with clients and/or partners to secure profitable business deals
- Reporting and performance analysis:
- Prepare regular reports on business development activities, sales performance and revenue growth
- Use data-driven insights to refine strategies and achieve targets
Find applications details here: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3696400274/?refId=c05uivDTQRyDESoiV6EkzA%3D%3D&trackingId=c05uivDTQRyDESoiV6EkzA%3D%3D
For more information visit: www.skyportsdroneservices.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
LOCATIONS
LAND
31 Aug 23. Thales Australia opens new advanced manufacturing facility in Lithgow. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy has officially opened Thales Australia’s new Lithgow arms facility, marking a milestone in the company’s plans to transform its Lithgow facility into an advanced manufacturing 4.0 and integration hub for the next generation of Australian designed small arms and weapons systems. This purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility, marks the first phase of Thales Australia’s plans to transform the Lithgow Arms facility, combining and integrating traditional precision manufacturing and digital technologies as part of the company’s Industry 4.0 transition. The site continues Lithgow’s historic relationship with small arms manufacturing in Australia and will utilise novel manufacturing technologies including 3D printing, and will include the installation of automated electro-plating and other metal treatment capabilities. With over a century of small arms production the site will continue to play a critical role in Australia’s future small arms production, Julie Brown, Vice President of Land, Thales Australia and New Zealand said. It also includes a new purpose-built live firing test and evaluation capability which is designed to support systems qualification and integration as well as the acceleration of research and development of digitised small-arms and weapon systems platforms.
“Thales Australia is a proud and committed steward of sovereign industrial capability in this country, and has taken this role seriously since our acquisition of ADI more than two decades ago,” Brown explained.
The purpose-built facility will also support collaboration across research institutions, SME partners, and key industrial partners to create the soldier systems and small arms of the future, as well as train the next generation of skilled advanced manufacturing workers in the central west of New South Wales.
Brown added, “Lithgow Arms is the home of the only small arms manufacturing capability in Australia and we are proud to be a major employer in regional NSW. Our workforce is highly skilled and multi generational.” (Source: Defence Connect)
MARITIME
01 Sep 23. Canada receives fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel. The HMCS William Hall was delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy 31 August, the fourth icebreaking Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has took delivery of the HMCS William Hall, its fourth Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV). The William Hall, is named in honour of William Hall, the first person of African descent, the first Nova Scotian, and the first Canadian naval recipient of the Victoria Cross. Operations in the High North have taken on a new significance to Nato, and recent years have seen navies around the world increase or add icebreaker capability as expectations surrounding a future open Arctic Sea during the Summer month has crystallised. In November last year Russia raised the flag on the first of two new nuclear-powered ice-breakers, the most powerful currently employed anywhere in the world, and construction is underway on three more of these vessels for the Russian navy. The Harry DeWolf-Class vessels acquired by the RCN were designed ‘to assert and uphold Arctic sovereignty ‘ according to a Canadian government announcement on 31 August. They are used to patrol and monitor arctic-climate waters, and have an icebreaking capacity by necessity. The AOPV offers considerable sealift capabilities and will support the RCN in a range of domestic operations in the Arctic, including the transportation of cargo, small vehicles and deployable boats.
“Today’s delivery of our fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMCS William Hall, brings the Royal Canadian Navy ever closer to achieving our full fleet of six modern, ice-capable ships,” said Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. “Each of the AOPV represents an advanced capability and skillset for the Navy, and our allies, and we are proud that this ship will soon be officially welcomed into the RCN Fleet.”
The total value of the Harry DeWolf-class AOPS programme is estimated at $2bn, according to GlobalData’s ‘Canada Defense Market 2022-2027’ report. The two remaining ships to be delivered will be modified coast guard variants, with delivery planned for a new ship every year until 2025.
The William Hall should be fully commissioned next year, following sea trials, post delivery evaluation tasks, and warm and cold weather trials. The first ship in this class, HMCS Harry DeWolf, was deployed in 2021, and between the first three vessels these ships have seen multiple deployments to to Canada’s Arctic areas, the South-Eastern Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea, as well as in the response to Hurricane Fiona in Newfoundland. (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 Aug 23. China Launches New-Generation Frigate: Media. China reportedly launched the first hull of its new-generation frigate, allegedly designated the Type 054B, in Shanghai last week, with observers expecting it to be an advanced but also cost-effective versatile vessel for far sea operations. Photos emerged on social media show that the first Type 054B has been launched at Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, US-based news website The Drive reported on Monday.
Calling the frigate one of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s most important future vessels, The Drive said the Type 054B is likely a continuation of the previous Type 054A, as it is expected to primarily perform anti-submarine warfare mission with anti-air warfare and anti-surface warfare roles as secondary, general-purpose objectives.
It will likely host the shipborne version of the Z-20 helicopter, which would provide a critical part of the frigate’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the report said.
Compared with its predecessor, the Type 054B is larger, measuring about 147 meters in length and 18.5 meters in width with a displacement of around 6,000 tons, Navy Recognition, a dedicated naval news website, reported on Monday.
The new frigate is equipped with a dual-face active phased array radar system plus an integrated radio frequency mast similar to that on the Type 055 destroyer, Navy Recognition said, noting that this enhances the ship’s air situational awareness and air defense capability.
Similar to the Type 054A, the Type 054B likely has a 32-cell vertical launch system that can accommodate HQ-16 long-range air defense missiles and Yu-8 rocket-assisted torpedoes, as well as two quadruple YJ-83 anti-ship missile launchers, according to Navy Recognition.
Instead of two 1130 close-in weapon systems equipped by the Type 054A, the Type 054B is armed with only one close-in weapon system, but is added with an HQ-10 short-range air defense missile system, the report said.
Another major change is that the Type 054B is seemingly fitted with a new 100mm main gun, replacing the Type 054A’s 76mm main gun and offering more range and power. This enhancement allows the Type 054B to better execute sea and shore bombardment missions, amplifying its combat prowess and diversified strike capabilities, Navy Recognition said.
Navy Recognition among other overseas media reports suggested that the Type 054B is likely equipped with a fully electric propulsion system.
China has not officially announced the launch of the new frigate or its details, including its name and capabilities.
It is normal that China develops new vessels amid technological developments and as its navy make strides toward becoming a blue-water navy, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Tuesday.
Overseas media reports might not be accurate, but more details could emerge as the ship would eventually enter service, the expert said.
A far sea-operable frigate is generally characterized by its versatility, reliability, cost efficiency and comfortability, the expert said, stressing that not all advanced and expensive equipment should be hoarded on a frigate when destroyers are available.
Another hull of the Type 054B is under construction at Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, The Drive reported.
The new Type 054B frigate could be mass produced just like the Type 054A frigate and the Type 052D destroyer, as they are expected to accompany aircraft carriers, amphibious ships and destroyers in far sea voyages, analysts said. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Global Times)
25 Aug 23. Celebrating the first of two frigates for the Indonesian Navy. We were delighted to join PT PAL in Indonesia recently at the keel laying ceremony for the first of two new frigates for the Indonesian Navy, which are based on our Arrowhead 140 design.
The ceremony took place at PT PAL in Surabaya, Indonesia where the ships are being built by a local workforce. Working with PT PAL, we are sharing our engineering know-how and ship-build experience – supporting the construction of the frigate in their facilities.
We secured the first export contract for the Arrowhead 140 frigate through a design license agreement with PT PAL Indonesia, a state-owned enterprise that builds and maintains ships for military and commercial use, in 2021.
CEO, David Lockwood said: “We congratulate PT PAL on this significant milestone of keel laying for the first of their new frigates. This is also an exciting time for Babcock and our Arrowhead 140 export programme as we proudly see our design coming to fruition.
“Our customers, and the mission we share, inspire us each and every day to strive for excellence – we look forward to seeing this programme develop in Indonesia.”
25 Aug 23. USN Christened Future USNS Navajo . The Navy christened the Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship, the future USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, August 26, in Houma, Louisiana. The Honorable Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation, delivered the principal address. Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment; Vice Adm. Craig Clapperton, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development; Rear Adm. Jeffrey Spivey, Deputy Commander, Military Sealift Command; Mr. Justin Ahasteen, Executive Director, Navajo Nation Washington Office; and Mr. Ben Bordelon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bollinger Shipyards. In a time-honored Navy tradition, the ship’s sponsor, Ms. Jocelyn Billy, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. Billy is a member of the Navajo Nation, Miss Navajo Nation 2006, and is a strong advocate for Navajo Nation veterans.
The future USNS Navajo is the first ship in its class and will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The vessels will replace the existing Powhatan-class T-ATF fleet ocean tugs and Safeguard-class T-ARS rescue and salvage ships in service with the U.S. Military Sealift Command.
The Navajo-class is a new series of towing, salvage and rescue ships (T-ATS) being constructed for the U.S. Navy. The Navajo-class is a multi-mission common hull platform that will be deployed to support a range of missions such as towing, rescue, salvage, humanitarian assistance, oil spill response and wide-area search and surveillance operations using unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). (Source: U.S. DoD)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
31 Aug 23. GMB Union members assembling missiles going directly to the Ukrainian frontline continue industrial action. GMB union has today warned new Defence Secretary Grant Shapps the UK’s efforts in Ukraine risk being undermined if a Ministry of Defence dispute is allowed to spread.
More than 50 workers at a secretive MoD missile site in Beith have been on strike for some weeks in a dispute over bonuses given to some workers and not others.
The site assembles a variety of weapons including Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles, both of which are being supplied to Ukraine’s frontline forces.
Meanwhile another pay grievance has been submitted at a MoD site – with members balloting on their pay offer.
The new Defence Secretary used his first public statement to pledge continued support for Ukraine. [1]
But GMB says this support is at risk due to an ongoing dispute among Mod workers who assemble, store and transport munitions vital to the war effort. Ukrainian trade unions and politicians have themselves supported the striking workers.
Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer, said: “GMB members at the Ministry of Defence play an absolutely vital role in supporting the UK’s efforts in Ukraine. Many of the missiles they work on go directly to the Ukrainian frontline. But a failure to settle this dispute by the employer and the Ministry of Defence means that effort is being undermined. These workers are fundamental to the effective operation of these important defence sites. All they are asking for is the fairness they deserve. We urge the new Defence Secretary to meet these workers and work to resolve this dispute, so that the important work being done to support Ukraine can continue.”
30 Aug 23. Rusty Murdaugh, president of the Alabama-based shipbuilder Austal USA, resigned from his position today, the company said. Murdaugh took over as acting president of Austal USA, a subsidiary of the eponymously named Australian company, in February 2021 in the wake of the resignation of his own predecessor Craig Perciavalle. Murdaugh was named as the company’s permanent leader in Sept. 2021. He previously served as Austal’s chief financial officer since March 2017. The company did not say why Murdaugh resigned. In a statement, Austal USA said Murdaugh led the company “through significant changes that ushered in a period of unprecedented growth.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
31 Aug 23. The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments: Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP as Secretary of State for Defence.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
28 Aug 23. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Designates New Convening Authority for Military Commissions. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has designated Brigadier General (Ret.) Susan Escallier to serve as the Convening Authority for Military Commissions, effective October 8, 2023. BG Escallier will succeed Colonel Jeffrey D. Wood, who will continue serving as Convening Authority until October 8 before his voluntary departure from federal service. The Department of Defense thanks Col. Wood for his dedicated service to our Nation. The Secretary of Defense established the position of the Convening Authority for Military Commissions consistent with the Military Commissions Act of 2009. BG (Ret.) Escallier served as a judge advocate during 32 years of active duty, serving most recently as the Commander of the Army Legal Services Agency and Chief Judge of the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals from 2019 until her retirement in 2021. In that role, she oversaw all civil litigation and supervised all trial judges within the U.S. Army.
25 Aug 23. Mr. Chris Bargery, previously assigned as the acting director of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, was selected to assume responsibility as the director of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, effective Aug. 23, 2023. Bargery has been with the Agency for five years. He previously served as deputy director and executive director for law enforcement.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
29 Aug 23. New boss for SANDF Combat Group Bravo in Mozambique. The South African contingent of SAMIM (Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique) has a new commander. Earlier this month Lieutenant Colonel Thando Mpangeva took over command of the 4 SA Infantry (SAI) Battalion group, known as Combat Group Bravo, from Colonel Desmond Antonio. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
28 Aug 23. Two independent leads have been appointed by the Australian federal government to undertake a Defence estate audit on baseline estate and infrastructure. Former Defence Housing Australia managing director Jan Mason and Infrastructure Victoria Board chair Jim Miller will conduct the enterprise-wide audit and present their recommendations by the end of this year for consideration. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the government is committed to ensuring the Defence estate is best structured to support the force posture, force generation, and preparedness for challenging strategic circumstances. (Source: Defence Connect)
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
28 Aug 23. Leading industry specialist Patrick Shepherd joins Milrem Robotics as Chief Sales Officer. With over two decades of distinguished defence-related service, Patrick Shepherd joined Europe’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics as Chief Sales Officer. Shepherd has held diverse roles within the defence industry, culminating in his most recent position as the North American Customer Account Lead at VTT Technical Research Center of Finland. His professional journey also includes a 16-year tenure at Lockheed Martin, where he served in various roles including Integration and Test Manager, Certified Program Manager, and Strategy and Business Development Manager for the Nordics.
31 Aug 23. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has appointed Krzysztof Krystowski, country lead executive, Poland, responsible for executing the company’s market strategy, business development plan and government relations in country. Northrop Grumman is a key partner for Poland’s military and is committed to helping Poland modernize its air and missile defense capabilities. The Polish government has selected Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) to serve as the centerpiece of the country’s modernization strategy for its WISLA Medium Range air and missile defense program, becoming the first international partner to acquire this transformational capability.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
30 Aug 23. In its 20 years in business, Apogee has taken a major growth step in the creation of a new Governing Board of Directors. Led by CEO and Chairman, Wes Georges, this governing body will continue to represent the best interests of Apogee’s operations as the company expands its customer base in defense, national security, and civilian agencies. The board consists of top executives with governance disciplines across diverse industries with a proven track record of success in mentoring growing organizations. The newly formed Apogee Governing Board will assist its current leadership team as Apogee continues its upward trajectory within the Department of Defense marketspace and an expansive employee base across the United States. (Source: PR Newswire)
30 Aug 23. Ex-Spotify diversity chief joins Fleet Space. The former global head of diversity at Spotify has been appointed Fleet Space Technologies’ new head of HR. Isa Notermans began her role as chief people officer this month and her CV includes stints in similar roles at Google, Pandora and most recently, Airtasker. It follows the exit of Robert Melin, who was head of people talent and development at the SA-based business for more than four years. Fleet, which now employs more than 100 people, has a diverse range of products, including pioneering technology that uses satellites to detect the location of minerals beneath the Earth’s surface. On Wednesday, the business said Notermans would oversee the recruitment of a “large number of highly skilled positions” in Australia and around the world. (Source: Space Connect)
25 Aug 23. Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) today announced that James Coogan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will step down from his role as CFO effective August 28, 2023. Carroll Lane, Senior Vice President, Kaman Corporation and Segment Lead of Engineered and Precision Products, will serve as Interim CFO until a permanent successor is appointed. Mr. Coogan, who is departing Kaman to pursue another opportunity outside the aerospace and defense industry, will remain with the Company until October 23, 2023 to ensure a smooth transition. Kaman has initiated a comprehensive search to identify the company’s next chief financial officer with the assistance of an executive search firm. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
28 Aug 23. TSS Solutions, an Acorn Growth Company, announces Chris Fronk has been appointed Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. Chris brings great strategic and operational value to TSS Solutions, shaping and executing continued growth within the radar depot segment as well as developing innovative approaches for new business areas such as FMS radar upgrades, integrating advanced technologies that enhance radar performance, and radar support services. Chris has over 25 years of finance experience with two major defense contractors located on the Space Coast, previously serving as Finance Director in the Space and Airborne Segment for L3Harris Technologies. He successfully guided his division through two large mergers while exceeding growth objectives. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
30 Aug 23. York Space Systems (York), the Denver-based aerospace company dedicated to the rapid deployment of complete space mission solutions, today announced the C-level appointment of Dev Rudra as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer. A global executive with a stellar track record, Rudra brings over 25 years of expertise, having held leadership roles of increasing scope and scale in aircraft engine maintenance supply chain and aerospace manufacturing businesses including at GE Aviation and United Technologies. (Source: PR Newswire)