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
Tritax 300x250

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
Aldershot and Farnborough to host 2026 National Armed Forces Day

Defence Events

Aldershot and Farnborough to host 2026 National Armed Forces Day

5 December 2025

Rushmoor borough has today been awarded the prestigious honour of hosting the 2026 National Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Blighter adds radar target tracker to BlighterNexus system

Defence Security

Blighter adds radar target tracker to BlighterNexus system

5 December 2025

Cambridge based Blighter has added a proprietary dynamic radar target tracker module to its integrator-friendly BlighterNexus AI-assisted multisensor connectivity & processing system.

Serco to support RCAF FAcT

Defence

Serco to support RCAF FAcT

5 December 2025

Serco has been awarded a 25-year contract by SkyAlyne to support its Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Babcock strengthens French defence training with L-39

Defence

Babcock strengthens French defence training with L-39

4 December 2025

Babcock France has been awarded a contract to support the French Test Pilot school (EPNER) with an L-39 aircraft – the first for its fleet.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Navantia UK hosts official FSS steel cutting ceremony in Appledore

Defence

Navantia UK hosts official FSS steel cutting ceremony in Appledore

4 December 2025

The traditional steel cutting ceremony was held at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard in North Devon yesterday, marking a significant achievement for the FSS programme that is driving a £100 million investment across Belfast and Appledore.

British designed satellites successfully launched

Defence Security Space

British designed satellites successfully launched

3 December 2025

A cluster of British designed and built satellites has been successfully launched into low Earth orbit, providing defence, security and civil sectors with UK space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to enhance the nation’s ability to protect against modern threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT