LOCATIONS
MARITIME
23 Oct 23. Longest segment of the UK Dreadnought submarine constructed, The section of the UK’s future Dreadnought nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) is the largest segment to be completed so far in Barrow-in-Furness. The UK Royal Navy has announced that it has completed the construction of the largest segment of the future Dreadnought nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) at its facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria on 18 October. The original equipment manufacturer, BAE Systems, was originally contracted in 2012 to begin its initial design of the four future SSBNs – Dreadnought, Warspite, Valiant and King George VI – and another detailed design task in 2015. The £31bn ($37.6bn) Dreadnought programme will replace the ageing Vanguard-class as Britain’s next-generation strategic deterrent boats, which employ the Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. Upon completion, the Dreadnought-class submarine will become the Royal Navy’s largest submarine. It will have a length of 153.6 metres (m) and displacement of 17,200 tonnes (t). It will be installed with 42.5 kilometre (km) of piping, approximately 13,000 electrical items and more than 20,000 cables. To date, four successors will be built, of which Dreadnought leads the way, ahead of HMS Warspite and Valiant (also under construction), with work yet to start on Boat No. 4, HMS King George VI. All will be assembled under cover in the dock hall – 260m long, 58m wide and 51m high, making it almost large enough to accommodate the Titanic – where the final two Astute-class submarines, HMS Agamemnon and Agincourt, are in the later stages of construction/completion, and where the ‘mega unit’ will take its place on the Dreadnought build line. Dreadnought is due to enter service in the early 2030s while the Vanguard fleet begins retiring after four decades carrying out Operation Relentless, the UK’s strategic deterrence mission. (Source: naval-technology.com)
23 Oct 23. ‘IMPHAL’ – Third Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B Delivered to the Indian Navy. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has delivered the third stealth destroyer of Project 15B-class guided missile destroyer i.e. Yard 12706 (IMPHAL) to the Indian Navy. The Acceptance Document was signed by Shri Sanjeev Singhal, Chairman & Managing Director, MDL and RAdm Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, CSO (Tech) at MDL in the presence of Commanding Officer (Designate) Capt K Choudhury, MDL Directors, WOT(MB) and Navy personnel today.
The ship is constructed using indigenous steel DMR 249A and is amongst the largest Destroyers constructed in India, with an overall length of 164 meters and a displacement of over 7500 tonnes. The ship is a potent platform capable of undertaking a variety of tasks and missions, spanning the full spectrum of maritime warfare. It is armed with supersonic surface-to-surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles. Towards undersea warfare capability the destroyer is fitted with indigenously developed anti-submarine weapons and sensors, prominently the hull-mounted sonar Humsa NG, heavy weight torpedo tube launchers and ASW rocket launchers.
Significantly more versatile than the previous classes of destroyer and frigates in naval inventory, the IMPHAL’s all-round capability against enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles and fighter aircraft will enable it to operate independently without supporting vessels, and also to function as the flagship of a naval task force.
IMPHAL has been delivered to the Indian Navy more than four months ahead of the contractual time as the most combat worthy platform to date. This reaffirms MDL’s commitment towards continuous improvement and mostly/ exceeding global benchmarks.
This ship has completed all Sea Trials in 03 CSTs (Contractor’s Sea Trials) including firing of major critical weapons in the very first CST. Ship is the first amongst all P15B ships which is to be fitted with upgraded Brahmos missiles having dual role capability of long range & land attack. Further, IMPHAL is the first naval warship being commissioned with accommodation of woman officers and sailors.
The ship can accommodate a crew of 312 persons, has an endurance of 4000 nautical miles and can carry out a typical 42-day mission with extended mission time in out of area operation. The ship is equipped with two helicopters onboard to further extend its reach. The ship is propelled by a powerful Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG), consisting of four reversible gas turbines, which enables her to achieve a speed of over 30 knots (approx 55 kph). The ship boasts of a very high level of automation with sophisticated digital networks such as Gigabyte Ethernet based Ship Data Network (GESDN), Combat Management System (CMS), Automatic Power Management System (APMS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
The indigenous content in P15B class destroyers is 72% which is a notch above their predecessors P15A (59%) and P15 (42%) class destroyers, reaffirming the Government’s focus in ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Programme along with large eco system development of sub vendors.
The first ship of P15B class (Visakhapatnam) was commissioned on 21 Nov 2021.
The second ship (Mormugao) was commissioned on 18 Dec 2022. The third ship (IMPHAL) has been delivered to Indian Navy on 20 Oct 2023. The fourth ship (Surat) was launched on 17 May 2022 and is at an advance stage of outfitting.
MDL has always been at the forefront of the nation’s progressive indigenous warship and submarine building programme. With the construction of the Leander and Godavari class frigates, Khukri-class corvettes, missile boats, Delhi- and Kolkata-class destroyers, Shivalik class stealth frigates, Visakhapatanam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class frigates ,the SSK submarines and five in number Scorpene submarine under its belt, the history of modern day MDL almost maps the history of indigenous warship and submarine building in India there by deservedly earning the soubriquet ‘Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation’. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Indian Ministry of Defence)
25 Oct 23. Second SA Navy MMIPV named on Friday. The second SA Navy (SAN) multi-mission inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV) built in South Africa will, the shipbuilders have it, was named in a ceremony at Naval Base (NB) Durban on Friday, 27 October.
SAS King Shaka Zulu (P1572) will join SAS King Sekhukhune I (P1571) in SAN service, with MMIPV number three, SAS Adam Kok (P1573) set to complete the class in the SAN patrol squadron next August.
Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) is the shipbuilder for all three MMIPVs and notes in a statement advising of Friday’s naming ceremony the newest addition to the SAN inventory is “a vital addition” to the fleet. Designed for rapid response capabilities along South Africa’s 2 798 km coastline, primary missions include countering piracy, illegal fishing and smuggling operations.
SAS King Sekhukhune I was taken into service in May last year and has, since operational testing and evaluation (OTE), been part of the SAN deployment for this year’s Armed Forces Day/Week in Richards Bay in February and the joint Russo/Sino/SA naval exercise Mosi II off the Northern KwaZulu-Natal coast. Ahead of the Richards Bay deployment, she took part in exercises Ibsamar and Oxide. She was also tasked to be in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for last month’s cancelled mini navy festival. The MMIPV was, according to reports, abeam the submarine SAS Manthatisi (S101) during the ill-fated vertrep (vertical replenishment) evolution with a 22 Squadron Super Lynx maritime helicopter on 20 September.
Like her sister ships, King Shaka Zulu is a DSCT Stan Patrol 6211 vessel. The 62 metre long, 750 ton vessels have a 20 knot economical speed and a range of 2 000 nautical miles. Each vessel is fitted with a Reutech 20 mm Super Sea Rogue marine gun and Reutech FORT (frequency modulated optical radar tracker) low probability of intercept (LPI) optronics radar tracking system.
Along with SAS King Sekhukhune I and the refurbished strikecraft SAS Makhanda (P1569), King Shaka Zulu will make up the three-ship strong patrol squadron at NB Durban. The busy east coast port was previously home port of the then Warrior strikecraft flotilla and will be the patrol squadron base until the new SAN base at Richards Bay is ready to receive, operate and maintain vessels.
There is, as yet, no finality on when the new naval base will become operational. This was made clear by SAN Chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, when addressing an August medal parade. He said the “planned move to Richards Bay is progressing steadily and we [the SAN] are at the mercy of Transnet National Ports Authority to move the process forward. Remember, the TNPA asked us to move, not the other way around. The Navy agreed to the move in principle, but made it clear we expect a brand new naval base in Richards Bay before we move there. Currently the memorandum of understanding between the SANDF and TNPA has been finalised and we are waiting to sign it”. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
20 Oct 23. Japan launches fourth and updated Taigei SSK. Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has launched the fourth Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine (SSK) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) during a ceremony at the company’s facilities in Kobe City on 17 October. The 3,000-tonne SSK, which has been named Raigei – translated into “Thunder Whale” – is expected to enter JMSDF in March 2025 following user acceptance trials. Unlike lead boat Taigei (Big Whale) and sister boats Hakugei (White Whale) and Jingei (Swift Whale), Raigei will be equipped with the latest Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engines that offer a higher performance than the present Kawasaki 25/25SB powerplants.
According to the JMSDF, the Taigei-class SSK has an overall length of 84m, a beam of 9.1 m, a draught of 10.4 m, and a standard displacement of about 3,000 tonnes, which is comparable to the service’s in-service Soryu-class SSKs. It is operated by a crew complement of about 70 and has been designed to support female personnel.
Like the last two boats of the 12-strong fleet of Soryu-class SSKs, Oryu (SS 511) and Toryu (SS 512), the Taigei-class is equipped with lithium-ion batteries supplied by Kyoto-based GS Yuasa for extended underwater endurance and range. Japan is the first country to successfully field SSKs that employ lithium-ion battery technology, as opposed to conventional lead-acid batteries.
The Taigei-class alsos employ a new advanced combat management system (CMS) comprising integrated command and control (C2), sensors, and weapons systems. These include the OYX-1 processing system, ZQX-12 submarine tactical display system, ZQQ-8 fibre-optic array sonar system, NZLR-2 electronic support measures (ESM) system, and ZPS-6H radar system.
In terms of armaments, the Taigei-class is equipped with six HU-606 533 mm torpedo tubes that can launch a variety of ordnance including the new Type 18 heavyweight torpedo. This is expected to replace the in-service Type 89 torpedo and feature enhanced performance and lethality.
Lead boat Taigei was commissioned in March 2022 with Hakugei following in March 2023. Jingei was launched in April 2020 and is expected to enter service in March 2024.
Construction of up to seven boats by 2028 have been authorised under the MoD’s 2018 Mid-Term Defense Program (MTDP), although it is believed that production could be further extended. (Source: AMR)
20 Oct 23. Submarine S-81 ‘Isaac Peral’ Dives to Maximum Operational Depth Before its Delivery to Spanish Navy. The S-81 submarine ‘Isaac Peral’ has successfully overcome the last safety milestone with a dive to its maximum operational depth before its delivery to the Navy. With the participation of Navantia, the Navy and the Ministry of Defence, this test took place last Tuesday. Therefore, the submarine has completed a major milestone and it will continue to undergo various trials until its final delivery. The S-80 submarine construction programme thus consolidates itself as a strong and powerful product in the international market and also positions Navantia as a spearhead in the military submarine navigation. The programme for the construction of four S-80 submarines for the Spanish Navy is a huge technological leap for Navantia, the Navy and the Spanish industry. With the execution of this ambitious programme, Navantia becomes a Technical Design Authority and as such it participates in the new Technical Office (OTACV), which will implement a new support methodology. The president of Navantia, Ricardo Domínguez, has expressed his gratitude to the participants in this programme: “Sailing at maximum operational altitude is a symbolic moment for all those who are involved: the Ministry of Defence, the Navy, Navantia personnel and the collaborating industry. It is, therefore, an excellent moment to recognize everyone’s work because, with the S-81, not only Navantia makes a qualitative leap forward, but Spain makes also a qualitative leap forward in its defence capabilities and in its industrial and technological base”. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Navantia)
AIR
20 Oct 23. Delivery to FMV of the First Series-Produced JAS 39E Aircraft. Friday 6 October was a milestone for the JAS 39 E system and for FMV. Then the delivery of the first series-produced JAS E plane took place, which will be flown under FMV’s auspices. In the past, two JAS 39Es have been delivered to FMV for use in flight test operations, but then within the framework of Saab’s operating permit.
Lars Helmrich has followed the development of the Gripen system for nearly 30 years, first as a fighter pilot and then as a flotilla commander for Skaraborg’s F 7 air flotilla. As the current head of FMV’s aviation and space equipment business area, he is impressed by the aircraft that are now being delivered.
Have you flown the JAS 39 E yourself yet?
– I have flown fighter aircraft for 29 years, starting with the Viggen and then the Gripen version A, B, C and D. The JAS 39A/B became operational in 1997 and was unique in several respects. For example, the aircraft is unstable with an advanced control system and can thus maneuver quickly and with low air resistance. The version was optimized for the Swedish national defense, with the Swedish language in the system, meters and kilometers per hour as measurements and a Swedish data link. The JAS 39C/D became operational in 2006 and was fully adapted to the then prevailing world situation, where interoperability and participation in international operations were key. In 2011, the Air Force participated with the JAS 39C/D in Operation Unified Protector over Libya. With the defense decision in 2015, the national defense was again prioritized and the Gripen was again adapted for it, but now also with full interoperability.
– The JAS 39E is a single-seat plane, so I probably won’t get to fly it, but I have tried the tactical development simulator available at Saab. It was an amazing experience, where it is clear that the JAS 39E really takes the gripen system to the next level in every respect.
To the uninitiated, JAS 39 C/D and E can look very similar. What is the difference between the two types of aircraft?
– The JAS 39E is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, and has a new and more powerful engine. It can take significantly more propellant, which increases endurance, and also more weapon load. But the most important difference lies in the tactical system of radar, IRST, Infra Red Search and Track, electronic countermeasures system, links and weapons. Here really big steps are taken in function and performance, but also through a strong development of the pilot’s decision support, with, among other things, a much larger display in the cockpit where everything is linked together and creates the conditions for achieving a faster so-called OODA loop, or decision cycle, than the enemy.
What would you say distinguishes the JAS 39 E compared to other equivalent modern fighter systems?
– An important aspect for both JAS 39A/B and C/D was low life cycle costs right from the start. When the successor to the Viggen began to be discussed in the late 1970s, the costs of developing and operating fighter aircraft had increased sharply over a longer period. A clear direction to the industry was that the Gripen must break that trend. Fighter aircraft are still associated with high costs to develop, acquire and maintain, but I dare say that the Gripen is unique in having actually managed to break the trend and still, relative to other modern fighter aircraft, has low life cycle costs.
– The fact that the Gripen is single-engine also contributes to low costs in several respects. The plane has low weight and a well thought out and dare I say unique maintenance concept that keeps operating costs down. Over the decades, FMV in collaboration with Saab and GKN, responsible for engine maintenance, has also developed a cost-reducing working method with several examples of innovative measures that lower life-cycle costs.
When the new version is now delivered, will it also work in a NATO context when we become members?
– Thanks to the adaptability of the Gripen system, it has been gradually adapted from national defense for a neutral state to a fully NATO interoperable fighter and then back to focus on national defense, but with interoperability maintained. Without this adaptability, we would have had to change the flight system entirely.
The decision to invest in the next generation JAS 39 system was made approximately 10 years ago. How does FMV ensure that the flight system, which is now delivered, meets today’s requirements?
– I myself was involved from the Armed Forces’ side when the JAS 39E was ordered in 2012. Then we defined an operational requirements picture, made games/simulations and an extensive analysis work where alternative developments and conversions of the JAS 39C/D were compared with each other and against buying another flight system. of the shelf”. Since the development time for new fighter aircraft is long, there is also a need to adapt the requirements to changing conditions, which also happens continuously.
In addition to Sweden and Brazil, several countries are showing interest in the system. What speaks for the Gripen?
– Acquiring fighter aircraft is about more than just the product, it becomes a long-term partnership. Industrial policy and security policy perspectives are also weighed in there. Today, the Gripen is operated by Hungary, the Czech Republic and Thailand through agreements with the Swedish government and FMV. Brazil and South Africa have their business directly with Saab. What speaks for the Gripen is that you get a high capability for a relatively low life cycle cost compared to other alternatives. The aircraft is developed to meet a high-tech adversary in high-intensity warfare, but which has shown great adaptability for international operations as well.
In September, FMV signed an extensive contract with Saab, what does the contract entail?
– Defense decision 2020 meant extended operation of JAS 39C/D well into the 2030s, in parallel with JAS 39E. In addition, the further deterioration of the security policy situation in recent years, which culminated in Russia’s attack on Ukraine, has made clear the need for a strong combat aviation capability over time. Therefore, a joint analysis and planning work was started between FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces and Saab to ensure the combat aviation capability for the next 10 – 15 years. The agreement with Saab means that the JAS 39E is given increased capabilities, including through changes in the systems for telewar, radio and radar. The agreement also provides the conditions for continuing to operate and adapt the JAS 39C/D in line with global developments, while the development and commissioning of the JAS 39E continues.
What happens now, when are the first planes due to be delivered to the Armed Forces?
– So far, three aircraft have been delivered to the state, they are used in testing operations. From 2025 onwards, the plan is for FMV to deliver JAS 39E to the Air Force. However, personnel from the Air Force are already, and have been since 2012, involved in the development activities both with pilots and other personnel. It is an important part of the Swedish model to ensure that what the user gets is actually what is needed! (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Swedish Defense Materiel Agency, FMV;)
20 Oct 23. Portuguese KC-390’s First Operational Mission. At 4:30 pm today, October 19th, the KC-390 of the Portuguese Air Force landed at Air Base No. 11, in Beja, which carried out the first operational mission. The transatlantic flight between Brazil and Portugal marked the beginning of the operational activity of the KC-390 which, from now on, fully integrates the Air Force’s weapons system. The KC-390 is an aircraft with intercontinental range, equipped with multi-mission capabilities and capable of carrying out strategic and tactical, civil and military operations, from transporting troops, vehicles and palletized cargo, dropping parachutists and cargo, air medical transport, search and rescue, aerial refueling and forest firefighting. The KC-390 fleet will be operated by Squadron 506 – “Rinoceros”, based at Air Base No. 11, in Beja. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Portuguese Air Force)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
24 Oct 23. Goodbye Gazelle: Helicopter retiring from Army Air Corps after 49 years. The Gazelle, a stalwart of the UK Armed Forces’ aviation fleet since its introduction in 1974, is set to wrap up its service with the Army Air Corps at the end of the month.
The helicopter bid farewell with a UK-wide flypast on Monday to mark the end of its service in the British military.
For 49 years, the iconic aircraft has soared through the skies, serving all branches of the UK Armed Forces.
From French beginnings to British all-service aircraft
The Gazelle helicopter, originally manufactured by French aerospace company Sud Aviation and later by Aérospatiale, first entered service in the UK on 6 July 1974.
Designed primarily as a light observation and utility helicopter, the Gazelle quickly proved its versatility.
Over the years, it adapted to various roles within the UKAF, serving in the Army Air Corps, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force
Over almost half a century the Aérospatiale/Westlands Gazelle served in Northern Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong, Falkland Islands, Canada, Kenya, Belize, Cyprus, Iraq, Kosovo, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan.
The Gazelle will be fondly remembered by those who served with the iconic aircraft, as well as helicopter enthusiasts capable of appreciating its significant contribution to British defence.
Agile, versatile, and lightweight
The Gazelle’s agility and relatively petite size made it an ideal aircraft for Army reconnaissance duties.
The Army Air Corps used the AH1 model (Army Helicopter Mark 1), which was adapted from a variant known as the SA 341B.
The helicopter was also used for casualty transportation and there have also been armoured variants of the Gazelle.
It proved its effectiveness in many different roles over many years of service, including during training and battlefield communication, as well as the direction of artillery fire, and anti-tank roles.
The Gazelle is the first helicopter to have a fenestron tail.
The fenestron tail is also known as a fantail because it looks like an enclosed fan rather than having a typical spinning blade tail rotor seen on most helicopters.
The Gazelle boasts a maximum speed of 265 km/h, outpacing the Wessex helicopter at 214 km/h, yet falling short of the Chinook’s impressive 302 km/h.
Flypast to mark the end of an era
To mark the historic retirement, 5 Regiment Army Air Corps flew a formation of three Gazelle helicopters starting from Flying Station Aldergrove, Northern Ireland.
The flight took place on 23 October 2023 with the aircraft stopping or overflying historic locations that have played a role in the Gazelle’s service.
The Gazelles made their way across the Irish Sea to the final resting place at Vector Aerospace International Ltd in Gosport, England.
The Gazelle is reported to be replaced by the Airbus Helicopters H135, a reliable chopper that is in use in more than 60 countries.
(Source: forces.net)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
24 Oct 23. China ousts defence minister, the second senior leader to leave in three months. China removed its defence minister on Tuesday, the second ousting of a senior leader in three months, raising questions about the stability of the leadership team around Chinese President Xi Jinping.
General Li Shangfu, who has been absent from public view for two months, was dismissed as defence minister and state councillor, according to state media.
China also announced that Qin Gang, who was removed as foreign minister in July, was stripped of his state councillor position.
China’s top legislators, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, approved the removal of both men, state broadcaster CCTV reported, without giving any explanation.
No replacement for Li was named, leaving the country without a defence minister as it prepares to host foreign defence officials at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Oct. 29-31.
Li, 65, was last seen in public on Aug. 29. Reuters reported last month that he was under investigation for suspected corruption related to equipment procurement and development.
He had only been in the job since March, when Xi started his precedent-breaking third term as head of state. Li, who is under U.S. sanctions over Beijing’s purchase of combat aircraft and equipment from Russia, is China’s shortest-serving defence minister.
Qin had also served less than a year before he disappeared from public view and was replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi. No formal explanation has been given but the Wall Street Journal cited sources saying Qin had an extramarital affair while he was ambassador to the United States.
The disappearances of Li and Qin have raised questions from diplomats about the abrupt changes in China’s leadership at a time when the country’s economic growth is sluggish and its relations with the United States have soured over a range of issues.
Both Li and Qin were seen by observers of Chinese politics as handpicked by Xi, making their absence after less than a year on the job particularly notable. The two men had prominent public-facing roles and also served among China’s five state councillors, a post outranking a regular minister. (Source: Reuters)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
25 Oct 23. Robert Courts has been elected Chair of the Defence Committee. The results of the election were announced in the Chamber this afternoon following a ballot of the whole House. Also on the ballot paper was Sarah Atherton and Mark Francois.
23 Oct 23. Sarah Hodgetts today (23 October) started as Interim Director at the Geospatial Commission. Sarah will take over the role previously held by Thalia Baldwin, following her appointment as Director for Strategy and Innovation at the Ministry of Justice. As Interim Director, Sarah will provide executive representation on the Geospatial Commission’s independent Board of Commissioners and is responsible for effective programme delivery and data contract management. She will also be accountable for the Geospatial Commission’s annual budget and oversee strategy development, prioritisation and implementation.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
24 Oct 23. Kongsberg NanoAvionics (NanoAvionics) has announced that Vytenis J. Buzas has stepped down from his role as CEO. As the company transitions into its next development phase, both Buzas and the board of directors believe this is the correct moment for a leadership shift to ensure sustained success. Appointed to this leadership role is Žilvinas Kvedaravičius. Under Buzas’ stewardship, NanoAvionics achieved remarkable success. Originating as the first national satellite mission in Lithuania, the core mission team has, in under a decade, successfully commercialized its technology and secured a market-leading position in the smallsat field. Buzas will maintain his involvement with NanoAvionics, serving as a member of the board.
Žilvinas Kvedaravičius
Žilvinas Kvedaravičius, previously the Chief Sales Officer and a pivotal figure in the company’s growth over the past seven years, takes on the role of Interim CEO. Equipped with an in-depth comprehension of the company’s technology and having fostered strong global stakeholder relationships, Kvedaravičius is ideally positioned to advance the company’s vision. (Source: Google/Satnews)
26 Oct 23. Plexus Corp., the UK’s largest Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company, is pleased to announce that Ronnie Darroch and Frank Zycinski have been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Regional President, EMEA respectively. As EVP and Chief Technology Officer, Ronnie will take up a newly created post designed to accelerate change within the company’s manufacturing operations to meet overarching growth goals. Ronnie will be responsible for establishing the technologies, processes and capabilities critical to maintaining Plexus’ industry leadership and sustained growth.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
24 Oct 23. Excelitas Technologies® Corp., a leading industrial technology manufacturer focused on delivering innovative, market-driven photonic solutions, announced today the appointment of Ron Keating as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Ben Stas as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Keating and Mr. Stas succeed former CEO David Nislick and former CFO Jim Rao who have announced their retirements. Ron Keating served the past nine years as President and Chief Executive Officer at Evoqua Water Technologies, which he took public in 2017. This past year, he successfully led the sale of Evoqua to Xylem. Ben Stas served alongside Ron Keating at Evoqua as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The two also worked closely together at Kennametal, where they served in leadership positions before moving to Evoqua.
25 Oct 23. Radiance Technologies, Inc. announced the appointment of Mr. Jim Scanlon to President of the company. Mr. Scanlon has served on the Radiance Board of Directors for the past three years and will continue that service in addition to this appointment. As a Board Member, Scanlon was Chairman of the Governance Committee and served on the Audit and Compensation Committees. In 2021, Mr. Scanlon retired from SAIC after a 32-year career where he departed as the second in command, Executive VP, General Manager Defense Systems. In that role, he was responsible for leading strategy, business development, and program execution for approximately $2.9 bn in support to the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Defense Logistics Agency. He joined the company in 1988 as a Project Engineer supporting research hybrid electric combat vehicles research and development. During the ensuing years, he served in various leadership positions providing business management and operations, program management, business development, and strategic planning support. SAIC gives Scanlon credit for his key role in the separation of legacy SAIC into two new companies (SAIC and Leidos) in 2013. From his SAIC bio: (Source: PR Newswire)