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
DSEI 2025

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
PTC PTC
Evolve Dynamics launches Foxe and Wolfe

Defence

Evolve Dynamics launches Foxe and Wolfe

16 May 2025

British designer and manufacturer of advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Evolve Dynamics, has launched two new miniaturised platforms, Foxe and Wolfe.

NP Aerospace opens defence facility in Coventry

Defence

NP Aerospace opens defence facility in Coventry

15 May 2025

NP Aerospace has formally opened its new 5.73-acre facility in Coventry, supporting UK job growth and global defence needs.

Navantia UK appoints Donato Martínez as CEO

Defence

Navantia UK appoints Donato Martínez as CEO

15 May 2025

Navantia UK has today appointed Donato Martínez as the company's new CEO, succeeding Juan Ignacio de la Cueva, who accomplished the first steps of the integration of Harland & Wolff, including unlocking key investments for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme.

Serco awarded Maritime Services contracts to support Royal Navy

Defence

Serco awarded Maritime Services contracts to support Royal Navy

15 May 2025

Serco has been awarded three contracts with a combined value of over £1 billion by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide maritime services for the Royal Navy. The contracts, which replace existing services and expand into new capabilities will commence later this year.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
AUKUS supply chain strengthened

Defence

AUKUS supply chain strengthened

14 May 2025

H&B Defence – a joint venture between HII Nuclear Australia and Babcock – has secured its first contract to enhance supply chain capabilities for the global AUKUS enterprise through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Programme.

MoD receives first of six H145s

Defence

MoD receives first of six H145s

13 May 2025

The first of six Airbus H145 helicopters that will serve in Brunei and Cyprus has been handed over to UK MoD.

Advertisement
ODU RT