Author: Defence Street Editor

Rolls-Royce Board and Executive leadership changes

UK. On 31st March 2023, Rolls-Royce announces changes to the Board and Executive Team, adding leaders with proven track records of delivering success and a strong commitment to creating a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing business. This follows the launch by Chief Executive Tufan Erginbilgic, on 23 February 2023, of a transformation programme requiring a winning culture and shared determination to deliver sustainable earnings growth and cash generation. The changes announced today include the addition to senior leadership of extensive multinational experience in finance and performance management, and the appointment of presidents with substantial industry experience in both Civil Aerospace and Defence.

Helen McCabe will be joining the Board of Rolls-Royce later this year as Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in senior finance and performance management roles within complex multinational engineering organisations. Helen is currently Senior Vice President, Finance for the Customer & Products division of BP, which runs the company’s customer-focused business which reported EBITDA of $13.7bn last year. Its wide-ranging global operations include lubricants, specialist fuels, bioenergy and electric vehicle charging, alongside a global network of more than 20,000 fuel stations. She also holds accountabilities for BP’s global refining portfolio. Helen has considerable international experience having previously been Chief Financial Officer of BP Downstream’s fuels and refining Europe & Southern Africa businesses. Prior to that, she spent four years as Head of Planning and Performance Management for the downstream division, helping to drive the successful transformation of the business and dramatically improve its financial returns. There are no details to disclose relating to Helen McCabe under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules. The exact date on which she will take up her new executive role and position on the Board of Rolls-Royce will be announced subsequently.

Tufan Erginbilgic, Chief Executive, said: “I look forward to welcoming Helen to my leadership team. Her track record of promoting rigorous financial discipline and experience of delivering performance management to achieve dramatic improvements will be invaluable as we move, at pace, to transform Rolls-Royce. I have experienced her abilities first-hand and her skillset will complement the existing capabilities of the Executive Team, contributing to Rolls-Royce delivering on its significant potential. I would also like to extend my thanks to Panos for his dedication to Rolls-Royce and support to me since my arrival.”

Panos Kakoullis will remain as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board until at least 31 August 2023 in order to ensure the successful delivery and reporting of the Group’s half year performance.

Anita Frew, Chair, said: “I would also like to extend the thanks of the whole Board to Panos for his hard work. It has been my pleasure to work alongside him over the last 18 months as he has helped us deliver on the short-term commitments made to shareholders during the difficult times of the pandemic and return the business to positive free cash flow. We look forward to Helen joining and working with her and the rest of Tufan’s leadership team as we transform Rolls-Royce into a high-quality, sustainable, stronger business for employees, customers and shareholders.”

Rob Watson has been appointed as President – Civil Aerospace with immediate effect. He has spent the past five years building our capabilities in electric aviation and during that time has demonstrated his ability to develop new technologies and products within a tight budgetary framework. In addition, he brings innovative business insights, coupled with robust commercial discipline, as well as a proven ability to develop and maintain strong customer and supplier relationships. He will help bring a fresh perspective and energy to Civil Aerospace as the business focuses on delivering increased cash, profitability and returns. Rob joined the Executive Team last year as President – Rolls-Royce Electrical. He has been with Rolls-Royce for 13 years and previously held leadership positions in Defence aerospace as well as working as Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive. He has experience of dealing with customers in critical, growing, international aviation markets having previously been Regional Director, Middle East, and responsible for Defence customers in Asia Pacific.

As previously announced, Chris Cholerton is moving from his position as President – Civil Aerospace to become Group President, having successfully led the Civil Aerospace business through some of the greatest challenges in its history. As part of this role, Chris will take on executive responsibility for the Group’s nuclear operations. This includes Rolls-Royce Submarines, and the role of Interim CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR while a search is conducted for a successor to Tom Samson who, it has been agreed, will be leaving with immediate effect. Rolls-Royce SMR, which has a nuclear power plant design based upon tried and tested technology, is well placed to succeed in the current selection process being organised by the UK Government. As Group President, Chris will also provide oversight of certain Group-wide operational activities including health and safety.

Adam Riddle has been appointed President – Defence, and Chairman & CEO – Rolls-Royce North America with immediate effect. Adam has spent nearly a decade in Defence and played a pivotal role in the recent success of the division in clinching key contracts which will generate multi-year returns. He most recently led its successful global services operations, which account for over half of annual revenues for Defence. In his previous role as Director of Strategy & Future Programmes, he was instrumental in the business securing the strategically important long-term contracts to re-engine the US Air Force’s B-52 aircraft and provide the propulsion system for the V-280 Valor for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) Program. Prior to Rolls-Royce, Adam worked within the defence operations of Boeing. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, and served as an Armor Officer in the US Army.

Tufan Erginbilgic, Chief Executive, added: “I would like to congratulate both Rob and Adam as they take up their new roles. Both are highly experienced leaders and will bring renewed energy and a determination to succeed to Civil Aerospace and Defence. Their appointments are also evidence of the pipeline of senior talent which exists within Rolls-Royce. With the leadership changes announced today we are acting at pace and gaining the momentum we need to transform Rolls-Royce. Together, my leadership team has a winning mindset, strong strategic alignment and a shared ambition to make Rolls-Royce a company that delivers for all stakeholders.”

April 1, 2023
Ministry of Defence inks over Rs 9,100 crore contracts for improved Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army
- PM says that this is a welcome development, which will boost self-reliance and particularly help the MSME sector
New Delhi, 31st March, 2023. In a tweet Office of Raksha Mantri informed that Ministry of Defence, on March 30, 2023, signed contracts for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army at an overall cost of over Rs 9,100 crore.

In reply to the tweet by RMO India, the Prime Minister said;

“A welcome development, which will boost self-reliance and particularly help the MSME sector.”
March 31, 2023
USMC Use GA-ASI MQ-9A for Training Exercise

SAN DIEGO, 30th March, 2023. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is working with the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) on a series of Service-Level Training Exercises (SLTE) using a company-owned MQ-9A Unmanned Aircraft System to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC). The SLTE 2-23 is being conducted near Twentynine Palms, Calif. with participation from Joint Forces. The training ensures participants are prepared for the future dynamic environment.

Contracting the use of MQ-9A enabled USMC to begin integrating Group 5 unmanned aircraft into the Marine Air-Ground Task Force for the first time within the various exercises. GA-ASI began flying the MQ-9A on Feb. 3, 2023, with a combination of GA-ASI and VMU-3 pilots and sensor operators. The aircraft flew out of GA-ASI’s facility at the Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., with flights over training ranges in Southwest-Continental United States (CONUS). The MQ-9A is providing its proven Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data package – including GA-ASI’s Lynx® Multi-mode Radar – to provide the USMC with extraordinary situational awareness and simulated close air support.

“GA-ASI is always ready and willing to support the USMC exercises,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development, Patrick Shortsleeve. “We know that being able to utilize an actual MQ-9A is critical to the success of these exercises and helps the USMC ramp-up their training program.”

The SLTE Program consists of a series of exercises, including the live-fire Integrated Training Exercise (ITX), Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise (MLR TE), and Force-on-Force (FoF) MAGTF Warfighting Exercise (MWX). MAGTFTC executes the SLTE Program, which includes simulated and live-fire armed exercises, to enhance the readiness of the Fleet Marine Forces and support the Marine Corps’ responsibilities to national security.

GA-ASI was contracted by the USMC in 2022 to deliver eight MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) UAS as part of the ARES Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (ID/IQ) contract.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

March 31, 2023
EVA Air Boosts Sustainable Fleet with Five Additional 787-9 Dreamliners
- Repeat order for 787s supports EVA efforts to reduce carbon. emissions, grow sustainably
- Providing flexibility for long-haul routes to North America, Europe and Asia.
SEATTLE. Boeing and EVA Air, on 30th March, 2023, finalized an order for five additional 787-9 Dreamliners, a repeat order for Boeing’s super-efficient widebody jet. EVA Air’s follow-on investment in the 787 will enable the airline to further reduce carbon emissions and sustainably grow its fleet.

“Our 787 fleet has become the foundation of our carbon-neutral growth strategy and we will continue to leverage this airplane’s unrivaled efficiency and performance for many years to come,” said Clay Sun, President of EVA Air. “This new order supports our ongoing commitment to operate a more sustainable fleet that will enable us to reduce carbon emissions, while providing our passengers with world-class service.”

Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced GEnx engines, the 787-9 will provide the five-star airline with increased capacity, greater range and 25% better fuel efficiency compared to earlier-generation jets. EVA Air’s 787 fleet has provided the airline with added flexibility on long-haul routes to North America, Europe and Asia.

“EVA Air operates one of the most efficient and sustainable widebody fleets in the world, with repeat orders for the 787 serving as a testament to the value this family of airplanes brings to its network,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With additional Dreamliners, EVA Air is well positioned for growth, especially as passenger traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels in Asia.”

The Taipei-based airline currently operates a fleet of 10 787s, including four 787-9s and six 787-10s. With this new order, EVA Air has unfilled orders for seven 787-10s and nine 787-9s. EVA Air also operates one of the world’s largest 777 fleets with more than 40 airplanes, including passenger and freighter models, with one 777 Freighter on order.
March 31, 2023
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD signs Rs 19,600 crore contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels & six Next Generation Missile Vessels for Indian Navy

FILE PHOTO

New Delhi, 30th March 2023. In a huge boost to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, Ministry of Defence, on 30th March 2023, signed contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and six Next Generation Missile Vessels at an overall cost of approx. Rs 19,600 crore.

Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels

The contract for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata at a total cost of Rs 9,781 crore. Of the 11 ships, seven will be indigenously designed, developed & manufactured by GSL and four by GRSE. The delivery of the ships is scheduled to commence from September 2026.

The acquisition of these ships will enable the Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability and meet various operational requirements such as Anti-Piracy, Counter-Infiltration, Anti-Poaching, Anti-Trafficking, Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), Protection of Offshore Assets etc. The construction of these ships will generate an employment of 110 lakh man-days over a period of seven and half years.

Next Generation Missile Vessels

The contract for acquisition of six Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from March 2027. The NGMVs would be heavily armed war vessels incorporating stealth, high speed and offensive capability. The primary role of the ships would be to provide offensive capability against enemy warship, merchantmen and land targets.

These ships will be capable of conducting Maritime Strike Operations, Anti Surface Warfare Operations and would be a potent instrument of sea denial for enemy ships especially at choke points. In defensive role, these ships would be employed for Local Naval Defence operations and seaward defence of Offshore Development Area. The construction of these ships will generate an employment of 45 lakh man-days over a period of nine years.

The indigenous manufacturing of these vessels will encourage the active participation of Indian shipbuilding and associated industries, including MSMEs. With the majority of the equipment and systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these vessels will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

March 30, 2023
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) & BrahMos Missiles worth Rs 1,700 crore

New Delhi, 30th March, 2023. Ministry of Defence, on 30th March 2023, inked a contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) {NGMMCB (LR)} and BrahMos Missiles at an approximate cost of over Rs 1,700 crore under Buy (Indian) Category. The delivery of NGMMCBs is scheduled to commence from 2027. These systems will be equipped with supersonic BrahMos Missiles and will significantly enhance multi-directional maritime strike capability of Indian Navy.

The BAPL is a Joint Venture between India and Russia making crucial contribution to augment the new generation Surface-to-Surface missile with enhanced ranges. This contract is going to give further boost to indigenous production of critical weapon system and ammunition with active participation of indigenous industries. This project will generate an employment of more than 90,000 man-days over a period of four years. With the majority of the equipment and sub-system sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these systems will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

March 30, 2023
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 9,100 crore contracts for improved Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army

New Delhi, 30th March, 2023. Providing a further boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, Ministry of Defence, on 30th March, 2023, signed contracts for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army at an overall cost of over Rs 9,100 crore.

Improved Akash Weapon System

The contract for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System (AWS) for 3rd & 4th Regiments of Army Air Defence, comprising live Missiles & Launchers with upgrades, Ground Support Equipment, Vehicles and Infrastructure was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited, worth over Rs 8,160 crore.

The AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In order to meet aerial threats, two additional Regiments of AWS with Upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders. Improved AWS has Seeker Technology, Reduced Foot Print, 360° Engagement Capability and improved environmental parameters.

The project will give a boost to the Indian missile manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as a whole. The project has overall indigenous content of 82% which will be increased to 93% by 2026-27.

The induction of the improved AWS into the Indian Army will increase India’s self-reliance in Short Range Missile capability. This project will play a role in boosting the overall economy by avoiding outgo of precious foreign exchange to other countries, increasing employment avenues in India and encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing. Around 60% of the project cost will be awarded to the private industry, including MSMEs, in maintaining the supply chain of the weapon system, thereby creating large scale of direct and indirect employment.

Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains)

The contract for WLR Swathi (Plains) was signed with Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) at a cost of over Rs 990 crore. It is an indigenously designed WLR which is capable of locating guns, mortars and rockets firing own troops, thereby facilitating their destruction through Counter Bombardment by own firepower resources. This will enable troops to carry out their operational tasks without any interference from the enemy and also provide them safety against enemy fire. Induction is planned to be completed in 24 months.

This project is a big opportunity for the defence industry to showcase its capability and will be a step in the direction of achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

March 30, 2023
Boeing Donates $250,000 to Assist with Tornado Recovery and Relief Efforts in Mississippi and Alabama
ARLINGTON, Va., 30th March, 2023. Boeing is committing $250,000 to assist with disaster recovery and relief efforts in Mississippi and Alabama following the deadly tornadoes that affected communities across the region.

“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Mississippi and Alabama,” said Ziad Ojakli, executive vice president of Government Operations. “We’re partnering closely with organizations that can quickly provide support to those in need during this challenging time, and we remain committed to these communities as they recover in the days ahead.”

Funding from the Boeing Charitable Trust will support the following organizations:
- $100,000 for American Red Cross to maintain shelters for people seeking refuge and provide comfort kits, clean-up kits, nourishing meals, information and other resources.
- $100,000 for Feeding America to assist food distribution efforts in impacted communities.
- $50,000 for Samaritan’s Purse to support clean-up and recovery efforts across Mississippi.
“Thanks to Boeing’s generous donation, the American Red Cross, alongside our partners, is able to support families who experienced the heartbreaking tornadoes and storms across the South,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are grateful for partners like Boeing as we work together to provide comfort and hope to people when they need it most.”

“I am in Mississippi at our Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief work sites in Rolling Fork and Silver City, and we are so grateful for Boeing’s generosity in support of our tornado relief efforts here,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Entire towns have been leveled, and many families have lost everything they ever owned. We are committed to helping these families and communities start to recover and rebuild, and Boeing’s generous gift will make a real difference.”

In addition to corporate charitable investments, Boeing employees give to their local communities by participating in volunteer and charitable gift match programs. Consistent with Boeing employee gift match programs, the company will match qualifying employee contributions made in support of tornado relief efforts across the Southeast.

Disaster recovery and relief efforts align with Boeing’s ongoing commitment to the communities where our colleagues live and work. Boeing employs more than 3,300 people in Mississippi and Alabama.

Boeing is active and engaged in Mississippi and Alabama communities, contributing almost $12.7 million to charitable causes over the last five years. Boeing donated more than $6 million to disaster relief and humanitarian efforts globally in 2022.
March 30, 2023
India- Africa Joint Military Exercise ‘Afindex-23’ Concluded at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune

New Delhi, 29th March, 2023. The 2^ndedition of joint military exercise “The Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX-2023)” culminated on 29th March at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. AFINDEX-2023 was held from 16 to 29 Mar 2023. A total of 25 nations of the African continent with 124 participants and Indian troops from the SIKH, MARATHA and MAHAR Regiments participated in the multinational exercise. The validation phase of the exercise was witnessed by General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff along all the African Chiefs and representatives who attended the Chiefs’ Conclave.

Aim of the exercise was to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking execution of Humanitarian Mine Action and Peace Keeping Operations under the UN mandate. This joint exercise will enable the armies to learn and adopt methodologies and tactics while conducting such operations. Further, the exercise will assist the forces in correct interpretation of Rules of Engagements while undertaking Peace Keeping Operations.

The bonhomie, espirit-de-corps and goodwill generated during the exercise will go a long way in further strengthening the bonds between the armies by enabling understanding of each other’s organisation and methodology of conducting various operations. This exercise is a harbinger for greater cooperation between Indian & African armies in the future.

On the sidelines of the exercise an ‘Equipment Display’ was organized in which 75 indigenous products from 32 industries manufactured under ‘Make in India’ were showcased. African Army Chiefs, representatives of Chiefs and participants of the African nations also witnessed the event.

March 30, 2023
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks two contracts with BEL, worth Rs 2,400 crore, for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ for Indian Army & Sarang Electronic Support Measure systems for Indian Navy
- Rs 3,000 crore contract signed with NewSpace India Limited for an Advanced Communication Satellite for Indian Army
New Delhi, 29th March, 2023. In yet another boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, Ministry of Defence, on March 29, 2023, signed three contracts – two with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad and one with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) – at a total cost nearly Rs 5,400 crore, to bolster the defence capabilities of the country. The first contract with BEL pertains to procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ worth Rs 1,982 crore for the Indian Army. The second contract with BEL relates to acquisition of Sarang Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems along with associated Engineering Support Package from BEL, Hyderabad at an overall cost of Rs 412 crore for the Indian Navy.

The contract with NSIL, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under Department of Space, Bengaluru pertains to procurement of an advanced Communication Satellite, GSAT 7B, which will provide High Throughput Services to the Indian Army at an overall cost of Rs 2,963 crore. All these projects are under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category.

Project Akashteer

The Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ will empower the Air Defence units of the Indian Army with an indigenous, state-of-the-art capability, to effectively operate in an integrated manner. Akashteer will enable monitoring of low level airspace over the battle areas of Indian Army and effectively control the Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.

Sarang systems

Sarang is an advanced Electronic Support Measure system for helicopters of the Indian Navy, designed and developed indigenously by Defence Electronics Research Laboratory, Hyderabad under programme Samudrika. The scheme will generate an employment of approximately two lakh man-days over a period of three years.

Both the projects will encourage participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs, who are sub vendors of BEL.

Advanced Communication Satellite

The satellite will considerably enhance the communication capability of the Indian Army by providing mission critical beyond line of sight communication to troops and formations as well as weapon and airborne platforms. The geostationary satellite, being a first-of-its-kind in the five-tonne category, will be developed indigenously by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Many parts and sub-assemblies and systems will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, including MSMEs and start-ups, thereby giving a fillip to the private Indian space industry, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The project will generate an employment of approximately three lakh man-days over a period of three and half years.
March 30, 2023