Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence Events

Cranfield partners with ADI

The Academy of Defense Industries (ADI) and Cranfield University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Human Capability Initiative event to advance collaborative research and teaching and to build skills in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.



Above: Mark Threlfall, Director of Executive Development for Cranfield University with Fahad Alharbi, CEO of the Academy of Defense Industries (ADI).
Courtesy Cranfield University

The partnership is launching several postgraduate executive development courses in defence through ADI, including Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Management for Technology and Defence Resource Management in Saudi Arabia. The Academy of Defense Industries (ADI) aims to develop human resources in specialised areas related to defence industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The establishment of ADI is one of the national initiatives of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

The CEO of ADI, Mr Fahad Alharbi commented: “The collaboration with Cranfield University is major milestone for ADI and our vision to be a world-class training Academy. Together, we will fulfil the human capital needs of the Kingdom and be seen as a global training entity.”

Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE FREng, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, said: “For many decades Cranfield University’s expertise, specialist facilities and world-leading research has supported defence and security sector needs. I’m pleased we can extend this with ADI in Saudi Arabia, supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for its future.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

The Human Capability Initiative conference took place in Saudi Arabia on 13th-14th April coincided with a Great Futures UK mission led by the Department for Business and Trade. Mark Threlfall, Director of Cranfield Executive Development, attended with UK partners and government representatives, supporting the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

Defence

Babcock and HII expand collaboration on Virginia-class submarine construction

9 December 2025

Today, HII and Babcock have signed a contract that expands their strategic partnership for further support of Virginia-class submarine construction, to increase throughput at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

AtkinsRéalis secures partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines

Defence

AtkinsRéalis secures partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines

9 December 2025

AtkinsRéalis has been appointed to deliver nuclear propulsion and engineering capabilities to Rolls-Royce Submarines, supporting the UK’s growing submarines programme.

BAE Systems to equip US Navy submarines with MMM systems

Defence

BAE Systems to equip US Navy submarines with MMM systems

9 December 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a $36 million production contract from Lockheed Martin to deliver Multifunction Modular Mast (MMM) systems for integration onto US Navy submarines.

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

Defence

Boeing expands UK footprint following Spirit AeroSystems acquisition

8 December 2025

Boeing today announced the company has completed its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, significantly expanding its UK footprint in Northern Ireland.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Babcock unveils ARMOR

Defence

Babcock unveils ARMOR

8 December 2025

Babcock has unveiled ARMOR Force (Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response – Force), an architecture of disaggregated systems and platforms capable of independent operations and connected by advanced digital capabilities.

RAF Waddington hosts hydrogen energy tech demo

Defence Events

RAF Waddington hosts hydrogen energy tech demo

8 December 2025

GeoPura has delivered a landmark demonstration of its resilient, zero-emission hydrogen energy technology at RAF Waddington, showcasing the capability of two Hydrogen Power Units (HPU-Ms) to provide robust, off-grid electrical power suitable for deployed, expeditionary and main-base resilience applications.

Advertisement
ODU RT