Redwire has built an onboard computer system for the European Space Agency's Hera mission, Europe's first planetary defense initiative. Redwire's third-generation Advanced Data and Power Management System will control all vital spacecraft operations, including deploying and monitoring two companion cubesats for detailed surveys of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission. Redwire's Belgian subsidiary developed the system under a contract with OHB Germany, the prime contractor for the Hera project.The Potomac Officers Club's 2024 GovCon International Summit on Thursday will convene key public and private sector leaders to discuss emerging technologies, the shifting landscape in space and the role of industry. Take part and register now.
Category: Europe
NATO DIANA Sets Up Regional Office in Canada
The NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic has opened its North American headquarters in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday and attended by Canadian government officials, including Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of public services and procurement. The office will house up to 25 international staff and be supported by Ottawa's initial investment of $26.6 million over six years. "As home to several major universities and research centers, hundreds of science and technology startups, and Canada's Atlantic naval fleet, Halifax is well-positioned to support DIANA, as well as innovators and industry across the country," Duclos said.
Mark Rutte Takes Over as NATO Secretary General
Mark Rutte has officially taken office as NATO's new secretary general, seeking to strengthen the transatlantic alliance at a crucial juncture. The handover took place on Tuesday at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, where Rutte and his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg, laid a wreath at the NATO Memorial to the Fallen and performed a ceremonial passing of the gavel. At a special session of the North Atlantic Council, Rutte outlined his three priorities for NATO: maintaining the 32-member coalition's strength and credibility, bolstering support for Ukraine, and strengthening partnerships.
Northrop Grumman, Terma Collaborate to Advance EW, Unmanned Systems, Other Key Capabilities
Northrop Grumman and Danish aerospace company Terma have entered a memorandum of understanding to advance several key capabilities, including electronic warfare, unmanned aerial systems and the F-35 Lightning II jet. The new MOU, which follows a collaboration to produce, modernize and sustain the F-35 jets, also includes an initiative to support small to medium businesses in Denmark looking to participate in the global supply chain of U.S. government contractors. Terma Executive Vice President Steen Lynenskjold said the new agreement follows a longstanding and strong relationship between the two businesses, bringing the partnership into new areas.
Asa Malmen Appointed VP, Head of Public & Defense at CGI
CGI has appointed Asa Malmen as vice president and head of Public & Defense. Malmen shared the announcement on her LinkedIn account.According to her LinkedIn bio, Malmen brings over 30 years of experience in senior positions within the information technology sector, including expertise in business development, customer relations, security and digitization.She held multiple leadership roles...
Rheinmetall, Honeywell Team Up for Next-Gen Military Tech
Rheinmetall and Honeywell have signed an agreement to develop new technologies, with an initial focus on advanced visual systems and auxiliary power units for military vehicles. The two defense contractors also plan to explore opportunities in localized maintenance for the German armed forces, industrial high-energy applications, counter-unmanned aircraft systems and electronic warfare. "The list of potential areas of cooperation for our two companies is long. We are grateful to have gained Honeywell as a strategic partner given their long history of innovation and broad technological portfolio," Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said.
IBM Opens Quantum Data Center in Germany, Its First Outside US
IBM opened a quantum data center in Germany on Tuesday, the first of its kind outside the United States and the second such facility in the world. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch of the new location, with several government and company leaders in attendance, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, IBM Quantum Vice President Jay...
French Company Naval Group Secures Contract to Upgrade Netherlands’ Submarines
French shipbuilder Naval Group has signed a delivery contract to build four Orka-class submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The deal, sealed on Monday by Dutch State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman and Naval Group CEO Pierre Eric Pommelet, will replace the military service's aging Walrus-class fleet. The new vessels — HNLMS Orka, HNLMS Zwaardvis, HNLMS Barracuda and HNLMS Tijgerhaai, based on France's Barracuda nuclear-propelled attack submarines — will feature upgraded sensors, communication systems and a cruise missile launch capability. Naval Group is expected to deliver the first two orders within 10 years.
GA-ASI Industry Event to Provide Funding Opportunity for Dutch Tech, Aerospace Companies
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, will hold the Blue Magic Netherlands event on Nov. 19 in Eindhoven to provide Dutch tech and aerospace companies the opportunity to propose innovative technologies, seek funding and connect with industry leaders. Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency, Spacened and Lockheed Martin Ventures are among GA-ASI’s partners that will accept dual-use product proposals focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, sensors and navigation, and space. Interested companies are invited to register on the event website no later than Oct. 28.
Lockheed Martin Secures $3.2B FMS Contract to Supply Missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland
Lockheed Martin has secured a $3.2 billion Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Air Force to supply joint air-to-surface standoff missiles and long-range anti-ship missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland. The company will work on the single-source contract in Orlando, Florida, with completion expected in July 2032. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida is the contracting activity, according to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement on Friday.