Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Former Airbus chief Tom Enders becomes Chairman of the KNDS Board of Directors
People and appointments at KNDS: the long-serving CEO of EADS and Airbus moves to the head of the KNDS Board of Directors. Tom Enders is to bring experience and a clear strategic vision to the company as it opens a new chapter.
Loitering munition: Stark appoints Uwe Horstmann as new CEO
With Uwe Horstmann at the helm, the German loitering munition manufacturer Stark aims to enter a new growth phase – with more production, longer-range systems and international partnerships.
Saab names Johan Andersson as new Head of Investor Relations
People and appointments: Johan Andersson moves from Husqvarna Group to the Swedish defence group Saab, where he takes over investor relations from 15 September. His predecessor Merton Kaplan moves to the M&A team.
Former Bundestag member Johannes Arlt becomes Senior Vice President at Stark
People and appointments: to expand partnerships in Europe and open up the Nordic markets, the German loitering munition manufacturer Stark is bringing in Johannes Arlt, until now a member of the Bundestag and a career officer.
Unmanned systems in Ukraine: Robert “Magyar” Brovdi becomes commander of the drone forces
From volunteer with a privately bought DJI drone to commander of the service branch “Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine”: the path of Robert “Magyar” Brovdi and his “Birds of Magyar” from Kyiv via Bakhmut and Krynky to brigade.
Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer retires after 43 years of service
People and appointments: Rob Bauer led the Dutch armed forces and then the NATO Military Committee. At his farewell in Amsterdam, Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and General Onno Eichelsheim paid tribute to the naval officer.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson elected to head European industry association ASD
People and appointments: the European association of the aerospace, security and defence industries gets a new president from Sweden. Micael Johansson remains CEO of Saab and wants to develop ASD further as a driving force.
Irishman Seán Clancy succeeds General Robert Brieger at EU Military Committee
People and appointments: once again, the EU's highest-ranking military officer comes from a neutral state. Lieutenant General Seán Clancy narrowly beat a Slovenian to chair the EU Military Committee – while Brieger, on leaving, calls for a clearer mutual assistance clause.
Captain Matthias Braband succeeds Sven Janssen at Naval Technical School Parow
People and appointments – change of command in Stralsund: Sven Janssen moves to the Cyber Operations Centre in Rheinbach, Matthias Braband comes from BAAINBw to the Naval Technical School Parow, the German Navy's largest training facility.
Christina Canitz takes over Hensoldt Optronics from Tanya Altmann
People and appointments at Hensoldt: former Chief Procurement Officer Christina Canitz moves to the head of Optronics. CEO Oliver Dörre points to her experience in supply chain, procurement and production; the handover was by mutual agreement.
MBDA managing director Thomas Gottschild chairs BDI Security Committee
People and appointments: on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the BDI has filled the chair of its Security Committee. Thomas Gottschild of MBDA Deutschland takes over and is to strengthen the defence industry's voice on the body.
Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz: Colonel (MC) Roland Schwab succeeds Brigadier General (MC) Jens Diehm
With a ceremonial parade on 3 February, the Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz received a new commander and medical director. Brigadier General (MC) Jens Diehm's successor has known the hospital since his time as a junior doctor.