Defence http://www.timesaerospace.aero/ en Fri, 10 May 2024 10:27:49 +0100 Raytheon Saudi Arabia: Enabling indigenous supply chain and fostering a vibrant defense ecosystem in the Kingdom http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/defence/raytheon-saudi-arabia-enabling-indigenous-supply-chain-and-fostering-a-vibrant
Defence

Raytheon Saudi Arabia: Enabling indigenous supply chain and fostering a vibrant defense ecosystem in the Kingdom

Raytheon Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the Kingdom’s security. Ahmad Al Salamah, Managing Director, provides more insight.

Ahmad Al Salamah , Raytheon Saudi Arabia

Raytheon Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the Kingdom’s security. In addition to supplying combat-proven capabilities for the Saudi armed forces, as a local company, it is also a key driver of the country’s defense localization ambitions. Ahmad Al Salamah, Managing Director of Raytheon Saudi Arabia, an RTX business, provides more insight: 

What makes the Saudi defense ecosystem an ideal environment for local based manufacturing projects? 

Saudi Arabia’s bold economic aspirations – spelled out first in Vision 2030 – set out a long-term plan for the Kingdom that focuses on a wide range of industries to transform the Kingdom into a diversified, knowledge-based economy. One of the key areas of this vision is the development of a strong domestic defense industry to help enhance the country's security, create high skilled jobs and drive economic growth. 

With localization at the heart of this plan, and the Kingdom having the infrastructure to achieve that, we are working closely with Saudi entities to bring manufacturing capabilities to the Kingdom and help integrate Saudi companies within RTX’s global supply chain. Today, for example, Zahid Industries has already started the production of Raytheon’s AN/TPY-2 missile defense radar’s major component, the Prime Power Unit (PPU), and very recently, we also announced that we are working with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) towards qualifying a number of local companies to manufacture major components of Raytheon’s Patriot air and missile defense system. 

In short, a commitment to developing a strong supplier base and continuous coordination between government institutions is what we believe are enabling the Kingdom to position itself as an ideal environment for local manufacturing.

What are Raytheon’s most recent localization projects in the Kingdom?

The Patriot air and missile defense system has been a critical component of the Kingdom’s national defense, providing security for its critical infrastructure, citizens, and residents. We are exploring the manufacturing and testing of a number of key components (launchers, canisters, among others) within the Kingdom’s Patriot air defense system, with many of our local partners such as SAMI, AIC for Steel and Zahid Industries. This reaffirms our commitment to the Kingdom's defense industry, creating significant value and self-reliance to foster growth within the region, and supporting the Kingdom’s security and industrialization ambitions.

As MD of Raytheon Saudi Arabia, how do you plan to ensure the company continues to be a key partner in the Kingdom?

As part of RTX's dedication to making Raytheon Saudi Arabia a truly Saudi entity, I am proud to be the first Saudi national appointed to this role, leading the RTX-KSA partnership and working towards strengthening our relationship further. 

Our commitment extends beyond driving the country's industrial localization ambitions. We are also dedicated to supporting the country's human capital goals by indirectly providing highly skilled jobs for Saudis and residents through our various local production plans. Additionally, we host annual internship programs that offer Saudi students coaching, guidance, and on-the-job training from specialists and experienced personnel to help them jumpstart their careers. Today, Raytheon Saudi Arabia employs over 250 people in Riyadh and Jeddah, with Saudi nationals accounting for 60% of the workforce.

My ambition is to keep working closely with government and industry partners, and to leverage RTX’s global expertise, to ensure Raytheon Saudi Arabia is a key partner for the country’s vibrant defense ecosystem, an enabler of the indigenous supply chain, and one of the most desirable places to work for people in the Kingdom. 

 

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 Fri, 10 May 2024 09:27:49 +0000 Ethan Cobbing 68362 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Paramount and Ichikowitz win case against media for false reporting http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/business-and-finance/paramount-and-ichikowitz-win-case-against-media-for-false-reporting

The publication and its editor were instructed to apologise to Paramount and Ichikowitz as well as retract and correct a number of the allegations one of which related to the existence of business links between Russia and Paramount, the global aerospace and technology company, and its founder, Ivor Ichikowitz. 

In mid-June of 2023, seven African nations participated in the Ukraine Peace Initiative and sent representatives, including several heads of state, to Kyiv and Moscow in an effort to de-escalate the war. 

Die Vrye Weekblad (VWB) made a series of false allegations and statements that were found to be in breach of various clauses of the Press Code. These included the following:

·      The allegation that the Ukraine Peace Mission was purportedly orchestrated by Ichikowitz who was termed as being a confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, when in fact no such relationship exists; 

·      Speculation that arms were allegedly loaded by Paramount onto a Russian ship that controversially docked in Simon's Town, South Africa. A subsequent investigation ordered by the President of South African found that no arms were loaded onto the ship;

·      The allegation that Paramount specialised in arms exports to and from Russia based on the existence of a transportation company in Russia, also named Paramount. Paramount has never supplied any military equipment to Russia; and 

·      The allegation that Paramount supplied arms to Russia through a joint venture in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering. The company has never supplied any military equipment to Russia. 

Neither Paramount nor Ichikowitz was approached for comment or given the right of reply before publication.

Responding to the ruling, Paramount stated: “We welcome the landmark ruling by South Africa’s Press Council which sends a clear message about the boundaries of acceptable journalistic practices, which not only impact the parties involved but also society as a whole, reinforcing the crucial role of a free and responsible press in a democratic society. 

“By ordering the Vrye Weekblad to apologise, retract and correct its false statements, and requiring the media to verify speculative information and provide organisations and individuals with a right to reply before publication, the Press Council reaffirms the fundamental principles of accuracy, transparency, and balance in reporting. 

“The ruling not only safeguards the integrity of journalism but also upholds the rights of individuals and organisations to protect their reputation and ensure that accurate information is disseminated to the public.”

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The Press Council of South Africa ruled that ‘Die Vrye Weekblad’, a South African online publication, breached various clauses of the Press Code that governs South African media in its reporting on the African Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia, in June 2023.

 

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 Wed, 08 May 2024 09:36:25 +0000 eNethersole 68344 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero EDGE acquires CONDOR to boost capabilities in public security http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/technology/edge-acquires-condor-to-boost-capabilities-in-public-security

Together, both companies plan to expand market share in different NLT segments globally, and to enter new strategically important markets such as the USA. 

Hamad Al Marar, EDGE group managing director & CEO, said: “This is a hugely significant development for EDGE. Having CONDOR as part of the group opens up new avenues for sustainable global growth and innovation, enabling us to diversify our offerings by partnering with a proven world leader in the design and manufacture of sophisticated NLT solutions. It also clearly demonstrates that our strategy of forming valuable ‘win-win’ partnerships in Brazil and elsewhere is delivering tangible results and benefits to all parties on an international scale. 

“Our world is currently experiencing a period of not only increased civil unrest, immigration crisis, and street protests, but also major concerns about the levels of force used in combat situations in populated environments, asymmetric warfare, and post-war damage control, where non-lethal technologies play a relevant role. The challenges and pressures faced by concerned stakeholders from local law enforcement and defence forces continue to grow as a result. By absorbing the experience and knowledge provided by CONDOR, EDGE is able to bolster its exiting capabilities to deliver to customers an unbeatable and centralised range of technologies for the protection of life and humans rights, in multiple scenarios and situations.”

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EDGE has acquired 51% of Brazil-based CONDOR Non-Lethal Technologies, a leader in Non-Lethal Technologies (NLT).

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 Wed, 01 May 2024 08:48:39 +0000 eNethersole 68300 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Saab delivers GlobalEye to the UAE http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/saab-delivers-globaleye-to-the-uae

“I am proud to celebrate the fourth delivery of our world-leading AEW&C solution GlobalEye to the UAE and to continue supporting its operational availability and mission success. The high delivery pace in the GlobalEye programme is testament to our unique in-house capability which means we control the entire process, from development to integration,” said Micael Johansson President and CEO of Saab.

The UAE has ordered a total of five GlobalEye aircraft from Saab, with the initial contract signed in 2015 and an order for two additional aircraft received in 2021.

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Saab has delivered its fourth GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the UAE.

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 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:40:12 +0000 eNethersole 68296 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero RTX’s Pratt & Whitney awarded F100 engine maintenance contract for Saudi http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/rtxs-pratt-whitney-awarded-f100-engine-maintenance-contract-for-saudi

MEPC is the prime contractor of the Saudi Ministry of Defense for F100 engine sustainment services. The maintenance contract, valued at $65.8 million, supplies spare parts and engine services in support of the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) F-15 Eagles.

"This contract marks a transition to a more proactive and comprehensive sustainment solution that offers the Royal Saudi Air Force end-to-end efficiencies and greater affordability,” said Josh Goodman, senior director of the F100 Program at Pratt & Whitney. “Pratt & Whitney will assume more responsibility for optimising fleet readiness, allowing the customer to focus on critical missions.”

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Pratt and Whitney has been awarded an F100 engine contract for a material management programme by Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC).

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 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:15:37 +0000 eNethersole 68288 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Africa Airforce Forum to celebrate Nigerian Air Force’s 60th Anniversary http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/africa-airforce-forum-to-celebrate-nigerian-air-forces-60th-anniversary

This year's forum, themed "Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security," honours the Nigerian Air Force's six decades of commitment to national and regional security through advancements in aerospace technology and strategic collaborations.

Air Marshal HB Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force said: "We are privileged to host this historic edition of the African Air Forces Forum. As we celebrate 60 years of steadfast service and commitment to national and regional security, we look forward to engaging in fruitful collaborations and discussions that will propel our collective security and technological advancement into the future."

The forum will be a focal point for exploring the integration of innovative aerospace technologies in enhancing regional security frameworks. It will bring together Chiefs of Air Staff, industry leaders, and security experts from across the globe to discuss the role of strategic partnerships in advancing air force capabilities and counter-terror operations.

Event highlights include a high-level international conference with keynote speeches and panel discussions focusing on the challenges and opportunities in aerospace and defense. An exhibition showcasing the latest equipment, technologies, and solutions essential for enhancing security and defense capabilities. Attendees will witness an unforgettable air show featuring precision flying skills, aviation excellence and related immersive experiences.

With over 300 regional and international attendees from over 40 countries and 20+ Chiefs and Senior Officers of Airforce, the Africa Airforce Forum is an ideal networking and knowledge sharing platform for the aerospace industry in the region. The event will also feature more than 20 speakers, 20+ presentations & over 40 sponsors and exhibitors discussing strategic plans, forming lasting partnerships and discovering the latest in aviation technology.

The countries participating will span the African continent as well as partners from around the world. Main sponsors for the event include CPMIEC, Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, Havelson, Jet Aviation, KAI, Go Beyond and Viva Jets.

The forum aims to highlight the importance of collaborative efforts in leveraging airpower for stability and security across Africa. Attendees will include professionals from Air Forces, Aviation Authorities, Law Enforcement, Ministries of Defense, and Interior industries.

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The Nigerian Air Force will host the Africa Airforce Forum event from May 23-25, 2024, in Abuja and Kaduna.

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 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:08:08 +0000 eNethersole 68274 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero MARSS to deliver integrated logistic support for Middle East client http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/marss-to-deliver-integrated-logistic-support-for-middle-east-client

MARSS previously led an international group of partners to design and deliver a multi-domain critical infrastructure protection system for a key strategic location in the Middle East.

Recent events across the world have demonstrated the difficulty of reliably protecting people and critical-assets from rapidly evolving threats. To be effective, systems have to be able to react to threats in seconds, relying on layered countermeasures that can be deployed effectively and economically. By integrating physical sensors and effectors with AI, the MARSS NiDAR system greatly reduces the operational burden on operators and centralises all of the critical decision making into a single software solution. 

This five-year project will also plug into the continued machine learning of NiDAR CORE – obtaining valuable object and event data to improve NiDAR’s AI capabilities – including the rapid and accurate detection and verification of threats. 

Balloch added, “There have been a lot of discussions over the last few years about the need to change the broken defence procurement model that exists across NATO and other defence ministries. The need for rapidly deployable and effective Air and Maritime Defence has never been greater, systems have to be modular, sensor and effector agnostic and upgradeable in days not years. Companies such as MARSS, and contracts such as this, demonstrate the ability to rapidly develop and implement complex integrated defence programmes by smaller, agile companies, at a fraction of the cost and in half the time.”

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MARSS has signed a multi-year contract in excess of $70M to deliver an integrated logistic support contract with a leading Middle East client. 

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 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:02:59 +0000 eNethersole 68250 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Embraer sees 67% increase deliveries in 1Q24 http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/business-and-finance/embraer-sees-67-increase-deliveries-in-1q24

Executive Aviation showed robust delivery growth, soaring from eight to 18 jets during the period.

The number of deliveries was the highest 1Q of the last 8 years, and more than doubled YoY. Meanwhile, for Commercial Aviation, deliveries were flat YoY at 7 aircraft.

Embraer delivered 12% of the total number of aircraft implied by the mid-point of the current year guidance for both Executive and Commercial Aviation (25 out of 206).

The company has developed, and it is currently implementing, a plan to mitigate its business seasonality. The Production Levelling plan main objective is to have a stable production pace throughout the calendar year in the near to medium-term future.

The company’s backlog increased US$2.4 billion or 13% sequentially to US$21.1 billion in 1Q24, compared to a total backlog of US$18.7 billion in 4Q23. The biggest increase happened in Commercial Aviation (US$2.3 billion or 26%) while the smallest one was in Defense & Security (-US$0.1 billion or –4%).

Executive Aviation kept its sales momentum with sustained demand across its entire product portfolio and strong customer acceptance, in both retail and fleet markets.

The number of deliveries increased 83% YoY in the light jets segment, and more than tripled in the medium jets one compared to 1Q23. Consequently, Executive Aviation ended with a US$4.6 billion backlog in 1Q24, for a US$ 300 million sequential increase.

In Defence and Security, the first C-390 Millennium of the Hungarian Air Force successfully completed its maiden flight. The aircraft is now undergoing a mission systems integration test campaign, ahead of its entry into service.

Another important milestone in the quarter was the first Embraer Defense Day in the United States; an event during which the C-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano were showcased to government authorities, military officials, prospects, and partners at our facilities in Melbourne, Florida.

The C-390 selection by some countries in the EMEA and APAC regions has not yet been incorporated into the backlog, which represents a significant source of upside potential for the coming quarters. The Defense & Security backlog reached US$2.4 billion (-4% QoQ) in 1Q24.

Services & Support continues to be one of the main drivers of Embraer’s growth through a combination of operational excellence, customer experience, and innovative solutions. The business unit backlog finished the period sequentially flat at US$ 3.1 billion in 1Q24.

Commercial Aviation posted a US$11.1 billion backlog, or US$2.3 billion higher than in 4Q23. The highlight of the quarter was the deal with American Airlines for 90 E175s, with purchase rights for another 43 additional jets, to meet domestic demand in the United States. Also, Embraer delivered one E195-E2 to Azorra, which will fly under the Royal Jordanian flag.

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Embraer delivered 25 jets in 1Q24, an increase of 67% compared to the 15 aircraft delivered in 1Q23.

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 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:20:17 +0000 eNethersole 68245 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero World Defense Show highlights the growing role of women in defence http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/events/world-defense-show-highlights-the-growing-role-of-women-in-defence

Al Saud attended day four of the event focused once again on International Women in Defence.

The Ambassador spoke about the collaborative roles of diplomacy and the military, and the progress made in breaking the ‘brass’ ceiling, while also highlighting the areas that still need to be addressed.

She said: “Today, globally, 13% of ministers of defence are women, which is outstanding. And women now control many of the biggest defence budgets, not only in Europe, but in the United States, some of whom are with us today. And yet, though women make up roughly half of the world's population we remain largely underrepresented in traditionally male dominated areas of foreign policy and defence policy.”

The Ambassador highlighted the immense progress made in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a key part of the journey to provide both men and women with equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities, saying: “Our defence ministry has expanded women's roles in the military. It's opened a portal for recruitment so women can apply for military jobs in the Navy, the Air Force, Land Forces, Air Defenses, and also health services. Everybody's participation is important. Every single role in this entity in this organisation in this sector is critical. Since it opened several years ago, the Armed Forces women's cadre Training Centre has graduated 885 women who now occupy positions throughout the military.”

She also mentioned that Saudi women in the health services of the Ministry of Defense have earned medals for active service during recent Yemen operations.

The event highlighted the industry’s need to tap into the broadest pool of high-quality talent and create an inclusive culture.

The Ambassador concluded: “The future is being redefined, and only diverse organisations will succeed because it's that diversity that will help us to see the challenges of the future clearer and to address them in a better way.”

The Ambassador was joined on the stage by senior female figures in the industry addressing the audience including: Heidi Grant, Vice President of Defense Global Growth & Engagement at Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), speaking on the pace of progress; The Honourable Barbara Barrett, Former Secretary of the US Air Force addressing Diversity for Air & Space Innovation and Stephanie Hill, President Rotary and Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin, who summarised and closed the session.

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World Defense Show 2024 welcomed the return of HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the United States to the Future Defense Forum.

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 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:17:32 +0000 eNethersole 68238 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero Raytheon Saudi Arabia enters strategic partnership with GAMI http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/defence/raytheon-saudi-arabia-enters-strategic-partnership-with-gami

The initiatives include exploring the manufacturing and testing of a number of key components within the Kingdom’s Patriot air defence system - including the production of the Patriot missile launcher with Arabian International Company (AIC) for Steel, the manufacturing of the GEM-T missile canister with Zahid Industries, and the final assembly, integration, and testing of the Patriot GEM-T effector with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI).

Raytheon Saudi Arabia will also work together with SAMI to train and deploy Saudi talent who will provide continuous air defence operations in the Kingdom, including maintenance and repair of critical Patriot air defence system components.

“This strategic partnership underscores our commitment to the Kingdom's defence industry, creating significant value and self-reliance to foster growth within the region,” said Ahmad Al Salamah, managing director of Raytheon Saudi Arabia. “These initiatives will provide the tools, training and resources needed to contribute to the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency and further bolster RTX’s global supply chain.”

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Raytheon Saudi Arabia and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) have entered a series of strategic initiatives to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s defence industrial ecosystem.

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 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:36:56 +0000 eNethersole 68225 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero