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
PTC 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
ECS leaderboard banner
Airfield upgrade under way at RAF Coningsby

Defence

Airfield upgrade under way at RAF Coningsby

11 February 2026

A £28 million project to upgrade the airfield at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire is now under way, supporting the station's vital role in defending UK airspace around the clock.

Avon Protection launches EXOSKIN-S2 CBRN protective suit

Defence Security

Avon Protection launches EXOSKIN-S2 CBRN protective suit

11 February 2026

Avon Protection has expanded its EXOSKIN protective ensemble range with the EXOSKIN-S2 high-performance CBRN suit, designed for operators in the military, first responder and special forces segments.

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

Aerospace Defence

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

11 February 2026

As National Apprenticeship Week reaches its 19th year, HMG Paints is continuing its commitment to workforce development within the sector through a showcase of the various development pathways found within apprenticeships in the business.

Raytheon

Defence

Raytheon's Coyote NK variant defeats multiple drone swarms

11 February 2026

RTX's Raytheon has successfully showcased the capabilities of its Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic (NK) system during a recent US Army demo.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Red Hat to improve MoD

Defence

Red Hat to improve MoD's digital delivery

11 February 2026

Red Hat today announced a new enterprise agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide centralised and scalable access to Red Hat's hybrid cloud platforms and a consistent security footprint, enhancing cloud-native and AI capabilities and improving interoperability across MoD operations and approved third-party providers ...

Brandwatch and Blackbird.AI to deliver advanced IEAC to NATO

Defence

Brandwatch and Blackbird.AI to deliver advanced IEAC to NATO

10 February 2026

Social intelligence and social media management firm, Brandwatch and Blackbird.AI, a provider of narrative intelligence, today announced their consortium has been selected by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), on behalf of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), to deliver an advanced Information Environment ...

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB