LOCATIONS
LAND
09 Oct 23. Octasic today secured a significant milestone in its market growth plans in the United States with the creation of Octasic US, located in a new Florida-based facility. This immediately adds more Octasic expertise and support resources to a rapidly growing base of US government clients and will facilitate its involvement in future 5G wireless projects among multiple US defense and intelligence communities.
Leading a dedicated team of program managers, product managers, RDT&E engineers, and support staff, will be newly appointed Vice President and General Manager, Greg Gerou, a distinguished veteran of the defense industry.
“We are extremely excited for Greg to join the Octasic team and assist us in strengthening our partnerships with the US government and DoD,” said Sebastien Leblanc, Octasic CEO. “This will include plans to offer our wireless expertise in collaborative technology transfers with targeted federal laboratories to help improve future US defense capabilities.”
“I am excited to lead the Octasic US team in providing solutions to our Defense and Intelligence Community customers’ challenges in the emerging mission space,” said Greg Gerou, Vice President and General Manager, Octasic US. “The US armed forces are significantly updating its technical development and project procurement plans due to current world political climates. With the help of key partnerships, focused internal investment, and mission-focused USG investment, Octasic intends to become an even more strategic 5G vendor of choice.”
Octasic offers a distinctive mix of software and programmable TRL-9 SoC silicon and sub-systems for low-SWaP military 5G, custom, and proprietary signal processing solutions. Client deployments include C2 handheld, manpack, and mobile tactical communications, and similar payloads for satellite and uncrewed aircraft missions, among other specialized use cases.
Octasic is also recognized by public and national security organizations around the world as a leading manufacturer of advanced 5G SA detection, identification, and localization products that ensure every investigative mission is a success.
MARITIME
13 Oct 23. US Navy Commissioned Submarine Hyman G. Rickover. The Navy commissioned the newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, the future USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), during a 10 a.m. EST ceremony Saturday, Oct. 14, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro delivered the principal address. Additional speakers included Adm. James F. Caldwell, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; the Honorable Joe Courtney, U.S. representative from Connecticut, and Mr. Kevin Graney, president, General Dynamics Electric Boat.
The submarine’s sponsor is Darleen Greenert, wife of former Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan Greenert. As part of the commissioning ceremony tradition, Greenert will give the order to “man our ship and bring her to life.”
The future USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) honors Adm. Hyman G. Rickover, known as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy.” This is the second nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine named in recognition of Rickover. The first Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) was commissioned at Submarine Base, New London, in Groton, Connecticut, July 21, 1984.
Rickover served in the Navy for 63 years on active duty. He recognized the military implications of successfully harnessing atomic power for submarine propulsion and forged an agreement with the Atomic Energy Commission. In just seven years, Rickover and his team obtained congressional support to develop an industrial base in a new technology, pioneered new materials, designed, built and operated a prototype, established a training program, and put to sea the first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN 571) in 1955.
“Adm. Rickover’s impact to our Navy was more than just as a visionary, consequential leader,” said Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. “This commissioning not only honors his legacy, it is a celebration of our Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and its 75 years of excellence. Much like Adm. Rickover himself, this boat is unmatched in its pursuit of excellence. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this crew.”
Hyman G. Rickover is the fourth Block IV Virginia-class submarine to enter service, designed with enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements. Hyman G. Rickover will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. (Source: U.S. DoD)
AIR
11 Oct 23. The newest version of the AH-64E Apache has successfully flown with an upgraded capabilities suite as Boeing [NYSE: BA] continues to modernize the platform. The upgraded E-model Apache, known as Version 6.5, or V6.5, is the next configuration of the world’s premier attack helicopter.
“We saw our hard work come to life with this first flight,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and senior Boeing Mesa site executive. “These enhancements will take the E-model Apache to the next level in terms of capabilities, ensuring Apaches continue to dominate future battlefields.”
V6.5, awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense in December 2021, includes software updates enhancing capabilities and improving the pilot interface. Some of those enhancements include:
- Optimized route and attack planning
- Enhanced Link 16 features
- Integration of an Open Systems Interface, setting the stage for Modular Open Systems Approach for maximum interoperability, faster integration and advanced capabilities fielding.
“We’re very excited about the ongoing development of the V6.5 software as it paves the way for Apache modernization,” Col. John (Jay) Maher, U.S. Army Apache project manager, said. “V6.5 aligns the entire E model fleet under the same software, streamlining training and maintenance while providing a pathway for sensor/capability parity, and enables the Army to address mandates and critical technologies. Ensuring relevance into the future is a top priority.”
Building onto V6.5, the company is working with the U.S. Army to integrate the Improved Turbine Engine (ITE). The engine, a General Electric Aerospace T901, will offer improvements in reach, available power, time on station and fuel efficiency, as well as sustainment improvements like health and usage monitoring, maintenance and engine lifespan.
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
13 Oct 23. RNLMS Walrus Decommissioned after 31 Years of Service. Defense today took the first Walrus-class submarine out of service. During this ceremonial retirement, the Dutch flag, the Beggars flag and the war pennant were traditionally taken down. HNLMS Walrus had served in the Navy since 1992.
The ceremony marked both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Defense is in the process of acquiring four new submarines. This is one of the most extensive replacement processes in years. A decision will be made in 2024 as to which shipyard Defense will work with.
HNLMS Walrus is not completely lost. Defense uses parts of the vessel to keep the other 3 submarines operational. HNLMS Zeeleeuw, HNLMS Dolfijn and HNLMS Porpoiss will continue sailing in the coming years. The basic principle is that this can be done safely and responsibly. The Military Seaworthiness Authority supervises this.
3,000 days at sea
In 31 operational years, HNLMS Walrus with all crews spent a total of 3,000 days at sea. The submarine was deployed 14 times under the direction of the Commander of the Armed Forces and also conducted countless exercises and training.
“The withdrawal of the Walrus will help the navy to focus on the future in the coming years and to facilitate the material maintenance of the sailing boats. This is necessary, but can also be done responsibly and safely,” says Navy Captain Jeroen van Zanten, Group Commander of the Submarine Service.
In the long term, a second submarine will have the same fate as the Walrus, but it is not yet known when. The navy then continues sailing with two submarines until the first new submarine arrives. This could take at least another 10 years. Then the last Walrus-class submarines will also be said goodbye.
Advanced technology
The boats are named after the marine mammal of the same name. It is known for its intelligence and agility underwater. Dutch submarines are renowned worldwide for their advanced technology to carry out unseen maritime operations underwater. They are among the most effective weapon systems in the armed forces. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Netherlands Ministry of Defence; issued Oct 12, 2023)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
12 Oct 23. UAE’s Edge Group signs strategic agreement with Saha Istanbul.
The deal will give the state-owned conglomerate access to more than 1,000 Turkish defence companies. The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Edge Group military contractor has announced a “strategic cooperation agreement” with defence and aerospace association Saha Istanbul in a move expected to strengthen military ties between Turkey and the UAE.
The deal was announced yesterday (11 October) during an exclusive industry event for Edge hosted by Saha at the Ankara Congress Centre.
Edge expansion
This latest agreement comes amid a flurry of activity by Edge, a government-owned company inaugurated in 2019 by Abu Dhabi crown prince and deputy commander of the UAE Armed Forces Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya.
Last month, Edge branched into the Latin American market by acquiring a 50% stake in SIATT, a Brazilian smart weapons specialist. Edge also unveiled deals with the Brazilian Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force as part of its long-term investment strategy into the Americas.
Edge has also made steps to consolidate its dominance in the UAE and wider Middle East. In the space of one week in July, Edge acquired UAE-based OryxLabs and Etimad, building on an 80% stake bought in MarsRobotics, an autonomous engineering company in Jordan.
Most significantly, Edge was awarded a $1.2bn landmark contract to supply Desert Sting P5 systems at a major UAE industry expo in February. (Source: naval-technology.com)
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
12 Oct 23. Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) is announcing changes to the leadership team led by Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury, as well as the appointment of a designated Commercial Aircraft business management team which will operate under the helm of Christian Scherer.
Meanwhile, Airbus also announces appointments to the new Commercial Aircraft management team.
From 1 January 2024 onwards, the new Airbus leadership team led by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury will consist of:
- Thierry Baril, Chief Human Resources Officer*
- Bruno Even, CEO Airbus Helicopters*
- Alberto Gutierrez, EVP Special Industrial Projects*
- John Harrison, General Counsel*
- Catherine Jestin, EVP Digital and Information Management*
- Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications*
- Sabine Klauke, Chief Technology Officer*
- Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft*
- Mike Schoellhorn, CEO Airbus Defence and Space*
- Thomas Toepfer, Chief Financial Officer*
- Jeff Knittel, Chairman and CEO Airbus Americas
- Matthieu Louvot, EVP Strategy
- Wouter van Wersch, EVP International
- George Xu, CEO Airbus China
From 1 January 2024 onwards, the new Commercial Aircraft management team led by CEO Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer will consist of:
- Stella Belvisi, General Counsel
- Maggie Bergsma, Head of Communications
- Mathieu Callewaert, EVP Human Resources
- Thomas Hundt, EVP Finance
- Sabine Klauke, EVP Engineering*
- Florent Massou dit Labaquère, EVP Operations*
- Philippe Mhun, EVP Programmes and Services*
- Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales
Further appointments will be made at a later date.
The roles marked with a (*) have been proposed by the CEO and approved by the Board of Directors to form the Airbus Executive Committee which consists of 13 members. The Executive Committee supports the CEO in his duty of managing Airbus. It is chaired by the CEO and comprises the heads of major functions and businesses.
Going forward, Airbus will work to establish this new organisational set-up in project mode from 1 January 2024 onwards. This will be conducted in collaboration with our social partners, who have been informed about the process during a meeting of the European Works Council (SE-WC) on 12 October 2023.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
12 Oct 23. AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, announced today that Billy Nolen has been elected to AAR’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Nolan, 66, brings more than 30 years of aviation experience across safety, operations, and regulatory affairs. He recently served as acting FAA Administrator and is currently the Chief Safety Officer at Archer Aviation Inc., a leading air mobility company known for developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. While at the FAA, Mr. Nolen revamped certification requirements and airport-focused safety management systems and earlier served as the FAA’s Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety.
09 Oct 23. MITRE’s Charles Clancy, Ph.D., was named chief technology officer in addition to his role as senior vice president and general manager of MITRE Labs. He assumes management of the MITRE independent research and development (IR&D) program. Across these integrated responsibilities, Clancy leads MITRE’s science, technology, and engineering workforce, the IR&D program, and extramural research activities. Dr. Jay Schnitzer, MITRE’s senior vice president and chief medical officer, was named corporate chief engineer. He will help assure MITRE-wide technical quality and mission impact, support technical staff development, and continue as chief medical officer. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
12 Oct 23. Radiance Technologies (Radiance) is proud to announce the promotion of Mr. Darien Hammett to Executive Vice President, Defense Sector. Mr. Hammett will be responsible for ensuring Radiance’s Defense Sector remains aligned with its overarching growth strategy. His focus will encompass sustainability and the delivery of exceptional value to the company’s customers. With a career spanning the Air Force and several years of dedicated service at Radiance, Mr. Hammett brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
10 Oct 23. Nova Systems appoints new CEO. A senior business leader has been appointed as chief executive officer for Australian engineering services and technology solutions company Nova Systems. Dean Rosenfield, a former senior vice-president of Saab AB and group managing director of Saab UK, will use more than 20 years of experience within the defence industry and commence with Nova Systems in March next year. Rosenfield will be based in Adelaide, South Australia, at the Nova Systems headquarters. (Source: Defence Connect)
11 Oct 23. Sentient Vision Systems (Sentient) has appointed existing Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Mark Palmer as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following Founder Dr Paul Boxer’s decision to hand over the reins after 27 years at the helm of the business. Also announced today, Program Director at Sentient, Callum McGregor, will take on the role of CTO in the business, acknowledged as an innovator in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled sensor edge-processed solutions to better detect and identify small objects in real-time, on land, and at sea. New CTO Callum McGregor has equally impressive credentials, with a record of accomplishment of working in senior roles within the local and international defence aerospace industry including, QinetiQ and Airbus Defence.