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19 Sep 23. Defence announces New Accommodation Offer for UK Armed Forces personnel. New accommodation offer announced to modernise accommodation entitlements to Armed Forces personnel. 0A new accommodation offer to revolutionise housing for service personnel and their families was announced by the Ministry of Defence today.
The offer, which will be the biggest change to Armed Forces housing for a generation and available from March 2024, will modernise accommodation entitlements, improve the standard of Single Living Accommodation and provide a framework to update overseas accommodation.
The development and design of this new offer, which delivers on recommendations in the Haythornthwaite Review and the Defence Command Paper refresh has been informed by research and engagement with service personnel and their families, including learnings from a three-year pilot.
Minister for Defence, People, Veterans and Service Families, Andrew Murrison MP said:
“As the Defence Command Paper Refresh made clear, our serving personnel are critical to the effectiveness of our Armed Forces.
“Today’s announcement will ensure that our Defence Accommodation policy continues to meet the needs of today’s armed forces community offering greater flexibility for those that serve.”
Following the successful pilot, the New Accommodation Offer will include:
- Needs-based allocation of family accommodation, which will allocate housing based on the size of the immediate family instead of rank.
- Service personnel registered as being in an established long-term relationship will be entitled to accommodation on the same basis as those who are married or in a civil partnership.
- Parents who have children with a main home elsewhere can access service family accommodation, providing the children visit for more than 80 nights a year.
- More flexibility for service personnel to request the type of home that works for their family, allowing them to access homes above or below their entitlement.
- Improved standards in Single Living Accommodation with a minimum standard for Single Living Accommodation agreed across the estate.
- In addition to the Forces Help to Buy which offers support to first time buyers to buy a home, a permanent part of our accommodation policy, the New Accommodation Offer will provide further support for Service personnel becoming first time buyers, refunding up to £1,500 of their legal expenses.
- Providing financial support for weekly commuters who are maintaining a primary home elsewhere irrespective of age or marital status.
The Ministry of Defence is also committed to learning from the New Accommodation Offer to improve the overseas accommodation offer for service personnel.
The department is already looking at how we can implement the New Accommodation Offer overseas, including pilots of needs-based accommodation at selected locations.
As part of these improvements, overseas accommodation policy will be separated from UK policy to make it easier to understand and consider the different realities of living in other countries (such as where air conditioning is more important than loft insulation). (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
18 Sep 23. Marshall Aerospace breaks ground on new US facility. On Friday, September 15th, Marshall Aerospace formally established its presence in the United States with a ground-breaking ceremony for its new facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. Initially announced in April 2023, the facility will enable Marshall Aerospace to grow its global footprint and meet high demand for in-country maintenance, repair, overhaul and engineering support for US-based fleets of Hercules C-130 tactical transport aircraft.
The first phase of development will entail construction of a single hangar comprising six bays for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul and one additional paint bay, with start of operations planned for early 2025. The ceremony, held on site at Piedmont Triad International Airport, was attended by members of Marshall Aerospace’s leadership team, state and municipal government officials, senior military leadership, industry partners, and representatives from local businesses and educational institutions.
“Aswe embark on our growth strategy in North America, it has been humbling to see such strong support from industry and local government,” said Marshall Aerospace Managing Director Neil McManus.
Marshall Aerospace’s operations in the United States will be led by Ken Loy, who was recently appointed president of Marshall USA. During his aerospace and defence career spanning four decades, Loy has represented both the United States military and Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the C-130 Hercules.
“Today marks the start of an exciting chapter in Marshall’s history,” said Loy. “As the everpopular C-130 continues to prove itself as a dependable tactical airlift and aerial refuelling platform which operates around the world, we are excited to be bringing our decades of knowledge and experience directly to the US military services.”
Marshall Aerospace continues to grow its international reach in order to capitalise on emerging global opportunities. The business is progressing with major expansion and relocation plans in the UK, having received outline planning approval for the site of its new headquarters in Cranfield earlier this month.
In May, the business also down-selected Abbotsford, British Columbia as its preferred location for its proposed new aircraft maintenance facility in Canada.
AIR
19 Sep 23. Bell Textron celebrates delivery of H-1 helicopters to Czech Republic. In an achievement, Bell Textron Inc. marks the handover of advanced H-1 helicopters to bolster the Czech Armed Forces. Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is commemorating the delivery of four H-1 helicopters to the Czech Republic during the NATO Days 2023 event. The Czech Republic’s acquisition includes three AH-1Z Vipers and one UH-1Y Venom, fulfilling a 2019 agreement to modernise the country’s armed forces with rotary-wing technology. The Czech Republic helicopter contract was awarded to Bell Textron in 2021.
Bell’s senior vice president and H-1 programme director, Mike Deslatte, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate this tremendous occasion with the Czech Republic as they modernise their helicopter fleet. These new H-1 platforms position the Czech Republic at the forefront of helicopter technology, precisely when security concerns have never been more critical.”
The AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom represent Bell’s latest generation of attack and multirole combat helicopters. Designed to focus on minimal logistics demands, these aircraft enhance operational speed and agility while affording military versatility during missions.
In partnership with subcontractor Pinnacle Solutions, an Akima Company, Bell is committed to providing pilot, crew chief, maintenance training, and maintenance support within the Czech Republic.
President of Pinnacle Solutions, Tina Tucker, remarked, “Our highly experienced professionals are honoured to support the Czech Armed Forces and Bell Textron in delivering these new and vital aircraft capabilities to the Czech Republic. We will ensure top-quality training and meticulous aircraft maintenance throughout this pivotal phase.”
The Czech Republic is showcasing its H-1 helicopters during NATO Days. Before the arrival of the aircraft, a select group of Czech pilots, aircrew, and maintainers underwent hands-on training with US Marines at HMLAT-303, located at Marine Corps base camp Pendleton in California.
Bell, in collaboration with Flight Safety International, established an AH-1Z dome simulator at the Czech Air Force base in Náměšt, providing greater independence for training within the country’s borders.
Mike Deslatte underlined the significance of this milestone, stating, “This marks the beginning of a new era, with the Viper and Venom serving as pivotal assets for the defence and security of the Czech Republic.”
Bell commenced production of the AH-1Z Viper in 2022 and will continue production of the remaining AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters at the Amarillo Assembly Center while working closely with the Czech and US Governments through the Defense Contract Management Agency to facilitate the arrangement and scheduling of deliveries for the remaining aircraft.
The Czech Air Force squadron is anticipated to achieve independent operation of H-1 helicopters by late 2024, further fortifying the nation’s defence capabilities.
This year, Bahrain also received the delivery of the AH-1Z Viper aircraft from Bell Textron, marking the completion of the programme for Bahrain. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
18 Sep 23. At last week’s Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Air Force and DoD leadership discussed the B-21 program in terms of effective program management, production readiness and early integration of sustainment elements as foundational to the effective delivery of operational capability.
Additionally, the U.S. Air Force announced Northrop Grumman has commenced engine runs on the B-21, a significant milestone in the aircraft’s ground test program. While the B-21 first flight will be a data driven event closely monitored by Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force, key programmatic decisions and strategies are placing the program in a positive position moving forward.
Here’s a recap of the discussions and themes from the show held at National Harbor.
Production representative aircraft
One key to the overall program strategy established from the outset was to build a production representative first test article. Rather than a prototype, the first B-21 Raider test article has been built with rigorous production processes on the same manufacturing line with equal tooling that will be utilized to continue shaping the B-21 fleet. Unique to aircraft development programs, the first B-21 test article is equipped with its primary mission systems such as communications and navigation systems.
The decision to build a highly representative test vehicle will allow Northrop Grumman and the Air Force to conduct a robust flight test campaign and pull discovery left, in alignment with the program’s execution strategy from the outset.
“The B-21 program is a prime example of how industry can be a capable partner in providing systems that meet critical needs, efficiently. The first test aircraft was built by our technicians using factory production processes; we’re doing that learning and refining in parallel, which will enable us to get to stable and steady production more quickly,” said Tom Jones, sector president for Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.
Sustainment influencing design
Beyond focusing on production in the early stages of the program, the B-21 program took sustainment into account during the design phase. In addition to driving efficiency over the long term, this approach also yields more near-term benefits.
“Given Northrop Grumman’s focus on sustainment early in development, the B-21 is much further along on tech data than we would typically expect on a new program at this point,” said Doug Young, vice president and division general manager, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “Development of content such as product support, materiel readiness and training is well underway, giving B-21 a head start on support and sustainment operations ahead of delivery to the user community.”
Proven digital model fidelity
Developed with a digital thread over the program life cycle, the B-21 Raider utilizes the latest in digital tools and capabilities from design to development and test, and ultimately in sustainment. This focus on the B-21 digital ecosystem coupled with investment in labs and testing facilities has allowed the Northrop Grumman team to digitally model B-21 performance prior to physical movements or needs.
As the B-21 undergoes various ground tests, digital models are outperforming industry standards with twice the accuracy. This is evident in initial testing with the first test article performing as expected; testing of the engines, weapons bay doors, landing gear and control services demonstrated expected results and indicates the effectiveness and value of digital modeling.
Defining sixth-gen capability
The B-21 Raider is the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft, backed by decades of expertise in stealth technology and optimized for the high-end threat environment. With its open architecture and application of cloud technology, the B-21 Raider is built for seamless incorporation of software upgrades and new capabilities. Northrop Grumman has already demonstrated the B-21 will be capable of integrating third party technology, supporting the program’s utmost focus on modernization and need to keep the weapon system on the leading edge of future threats.
The program’s novel approach to program execution coupled with effective application of digital technologies demonstrates a focus on delivering exceptional capability, effectively and efficiently.
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
20 Sep 23. Defence manufacturer Thales is asking for 49 staff at its Bendigo factory to take voluntary redundancies.
Key points:
- Thales is offering redundancies to 49 staff at its Bendigo factory
- It is believed the redundancies are due to a lack of orders for defence mobility vehicles, such as the Bushmaster and Hawkei
- Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters says Thales promised the government during negotiations earlier this year that it would secure jobs at the site
The ABC understands jobs could be made redundant at the factory due to a lack of orders for defence mobility vehicles, such as the Bushmaster and Hawkei.
Member for Bendigo Ms Chesters said Thales had promised the government during negotiations earlier this year to extend the contract to build Bushmasters that it would secure jobs at the site.
Ms Chesters said part of the reason the $160 m contract was extended was to secure those jobs.
“These are highly skilled jobs. We want Thales and Bendigo to have that capacity,” Ms Chesters said.
“Thales need to be better – they need to work with the site to make sure they’ve got the skill capability going into the future.
“If they want to secure more work for Bendigo, which we want them to do, they need to work with their team and really limit the number of roles that have been reduced.
“I’m really concerned they might be making people redundant today that they need in the future.”
(Source: Google/https://www.abc.net.au/)
19 Sep 23. Scrapped: Williamtown Hunter Special Activation Precinct. News the government has scrapped plans for a Special Activation Precinct (SAP) at Williamtown has the Property Council of Australia “deeply disheartened”.
The national lobby group that represents the biggest employer in Australia says the move carries significant repercussions for both the region and the entire state of New South Wales.
The 76-hectare site adjoining the airport and Williamtown RAAF Base, home to Australia’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter fleet, was set to become the country’s pre-eminent space for aviation, defence and aerospace-related manufacturing, maintenance, research and education.
Property Council’s Anita Hugo said the decision to abandon plans could effectively divert funds away from the region, funds that play a pivotal role in enhancing vital economic drivers on a broader scale.
“We possess an international airport and port, two critical gateways with immense potential to generate substantial benefits for both our local area and the entire state,” she explained.
“We must choose to optimise the use of land surrounding these key gateways, which has the capacity to deliver tremendous advantages we need.
“The State Budget should unmistakably demonstrate a resolute commitment to our regions which are steadfastly supporting New South Wales. This commitment should be reflected in funding allocations that unlock housing and land resources.
“We must have access to efficient and effective planning processes if we are going to realise positive outcomes for jobs and housing growth.”
The Williamtown Special Activation Precinct was expected to build on the defence, aviation and technology commercial activity of the region.
It was hoped it would cement the region’s reputation as a national and international defence and aerospace hub.
When plans were announced in May 2020 by then-Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, the precinct was set to cover up to 10,000 hectares of land in and around Port Stephens.
“Special Activation Precincts are about making it easier and more attractive for businesses to set up in regional NSW, create more jobs, and grow our regional engine industries,” Mr Barilaro said at the time.
“We estimate that these precincts will create at least 15,000 jobs across the regions, but we expect that number to climb.”
(Source: Google/https://newcastleweekly.com.au/)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
18 Sep 23. Ms Lisa Bandari has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Portuguese Republic in succession to Mr Chris Sainty.
21 Sep 23. The Secretary of State has reappointed John Procter as Chair of the Royal Armouries for a second term of four years. Reappointed for a four year term commencing 02 November 2023. John Procter is an experienced and highly accomplished professional with a 30-year record of successful business leadership and public service. John is Managing Director of a national Optical business. He served with distinction as Chair of Leeds Grand Theatre, a member of the Yorkshire Regional Arts Council for England (2008-2010) and a board member of Northern Ballet (since 2008).
US APPOINTMENTS
21 Sep 23. Senate Confirms 3 Defense Leaders. The Senate has confirmed the appointment of three military leaders to positions within the Defense Department.
Last night, the Senate voted to confirm Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Today, the Senate voted to confirm Gen. Randy A. George as Army chief of staff and Gen. Eric M. Smith as Marine Corps commandant.
“I want to congratulate Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. on his confirmation as our nation’s next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said following last night’s confirmation vote. “He will be a tremendous leader of our joint force, and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Since August 2020, Brown had served as Air Force chief of staff. In his new role, he will replace outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, who retires at the end of this month. Brown will be sworn in later this month.
Brown began his service as a pilot. He has served as both an instructor and commandant at the Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He was also the commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, dubbed the Wolf Pack, in Kunsan, South Korea.
Brown’s nomination as the new chairman was announced in May. At the time, Austin voiced his approval of the choice when he said Brown “has developed the expertise, the vision and the warfighting acumen to help the president and senior DOD leaders navigate today’s toughest national security challenges. In his tenure leading the U.S. Air Force, he has been a model of strategic clarity and a powerful force for progress.”
Austin also offered congratulations to George and Smith following their confirmations.
“I want to congratulate Gen. Randy A. George and Gen. Eric M. Smith on their confirmation as our nation’s next chief of staff of the Army and commandant of the Marine Corps, respectively,” Austin said. “They will each be incredible leaders of their service and will work to strengthen and modernize our military for the challenges ahead.”
During testimony in July, George said preparing for future conflicts would be among his top priorities as chief of staff of the Army.
“My No. 1 focus will be on warfighting, so that our Army is always ready to respond when our nation calls,” George said. “Second, I will work to ensure that we are continually improving to stay ahead of our potential adversaries. As the war in Ukraine has shown us, we are in a rapidly changing strategic environment. We can’t afford not to evolve.”
Smith took over as acting commandant of the Marine Corps in July, following the departure of outgoing Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger. Smith had served as deputy commandant for combat development and integration at Marine Corps headquarters and as commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
Over the past several months, a hold in the Senate has prevented lawmakers from using traditional means to confirm military personnel who have been nominated to leadership positions in the Defense Department. The most recent confirmation votes used an alternative voting method to confirm those leaders.
The current Senate hold has affected more than 300 general and flag-officer nominations and continues to affect the smooth transition of leadership within the department, defense leaders have said.
“It is well past time to confirm the over 300 other military nominees,” Austin said. “The brave men and women of the U.S. military deserve to be led by highly qualified general and flag officers at this critical moment for our national security. And their families, who also sacrifice so much every day on our behalf, deserve certainty and our nation’s unwavering support. I will continue to personally engage with members of Congress in both parties until all of these well-qualified, apolitical officers are confirmed.”
Following the confirmation vote, George was sworn in by Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth, who lauded him for his service.
“Gen. George is a battle-tested soldier and seasoned leader who has been a critically important champion for the Army as vice chief of staff and as acting chief,” said Wormuth. “Having first entered the force as an enlisted soldier 42 years ago, he understands the importance of service and leadership at every echelon. I deeply value the partnership we have already built and look forward to working with him to strengthen and transform the Army’s warfighting capabilities and sustain our all-volunteer force.”
It is expected Smith will be sworn in as Marine Corps commandant in the coming days.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
18 Sep 23. Annual Thai military reshuffle – The New Chief of Defence Forces, Chiefs of Army, Navy, Airforce and Key Positions in the Ministry of Defence, Thailand Announced
The Chief of the three-armed forces and the Chief of the Thai Defence Forces are due to mandatory retire at the end of September. Annual reshuffling and appointments at senior echelons of the armed forces are also due.
His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn has recently approved the annual military reshuffle of the three-Armed Forces, the Supreme Command, and the Permanent Secretariat Office of Defence. Altogether the moves include 762 senior officers.
The Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence
General Thanasak Chuen-im, Deputy Permanent Secretary
General Thanapat Niyakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary
Admiral Suppapat Yutthawong, Deputy Permanent Secretary
- General Songwit Noonpakdi, Chief of Defence Forces
- Air Chief Marshal Chanon Mungthanya, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- General Anusan Kum-Aksorn, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- General Domsak Khamsaisaeng, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- Admiral Pokkrong Monthatpalin, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- General Charoenchai Hinthao, Chief of Army
- General Suksan Nongbuolang, Deputy Chief of Army
- General Kittisak Bunphrathamchai, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Army
- General Ukrit Boontanon, Assistant Chief of Army
- General Tharapong Malakham, Assistant Chief of Army
- Lieutenant General Pana Klaewplodthuk, Chief of Staff of the Army
- Admiral Adung Pan-iam, Chief of Navy
- Admiral Suvin Jangyodsuk, Deputy Chief of Navy
- Admiral Kowit Inphrom, President of Advisory Group of the Navy
- Admiral Chonlathit Nawanukhro, Assistant Chief of Navy
- Admiral Worawut Pruksarungruang, Chief of Staff of the Navy
- Vice Admiral Chatchai Thongsa-ard, Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Fleet
- Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee Pattanakul, Chief of Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal Narong Intachart, Deputy Chief of Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal Pongsawat Chanthasan, Chairman of the RTAF Advisory Board
- Air Chief Marshal Vissarut Suwannetr, Assistant Chief of Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal Anantachai Kaewsri-ngam, Assistant Chief of Air Force
- Air Marshal Seksan Khantha, Chief of Air Staff
18 Sep 23. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yul has nominated lawmaker and retired Army Lt. Gen. Shin Won Sik as defense minister. The nomination comes as North Korea continues missile launch tests, and its leader Kim Jong Un visits Russia to meet with his counterpart Vladimir Putin. Shin served in the military for 35 years, rising to lieutenant general before retiring in 2016. He was vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2015 and led the Capital Defense Command from 2012 to 2013. He entered politics shortly after retiring from the military, and he now serves in the National Assembly as a member of the ruling People Power Party. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
20 Sep 23. AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, has signed an exclusive multi-year foreign military distribution agreement with Pall Corporation.
This agreement grants AAR exclusive rights to distribute and market select Pall products to foreign military customers in worldwide territories, with the exception of Japan and South Korea. AAR will plan, stock, and actively promote Pall’s highly engineered filtration products and solutions.
Mark Morris, Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Pall’s aerospace business unit, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Pall is thrilled to join forces with AAR, bringing forth enhanced product availability through strategic forecasting and inventory planning. This collaborative venture promises to amplify our sales reach and provide our customers with an enhanced service experience.”
Frank Landrio, AAR’s Senior Vice President of Distribution, shares the sentiment, saying, “AAR looks forward to delivering a strong value proposition for Pall. We possess the processes, customer knowledge, and compliance program to meet the unique needs of this customer base. This strategic relationship complements AAR’s current offerings and adds leading filtration products to our international distribution portfolio.”
US APPOINTMENTS
13 Sep 23. HawkEye 360 appoints a new President. As President, Rob Rainhart will guide the company through the rapidly growing market of RF data and analytics. He will also oversee HawkEye 360’s programs, products, technology, and human resources at an even greater capacity. Rainhart has been involved in technical leadership for more than a decade and has more than 20 years of experience in engineering complex systems and leading teams developing software, firmware, and hardware. (Source: Satnews)