Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Security

GFSL appoints Alistair Watters as CEO

GFSL has appointed Alistair Watters as CEO to lead support for the UK's prison service.

Image courtesy GFSL

Alistair brings over 20 years of experience leading at the highest levels in both the public sector and FTSE organisations. He brings a wealth of expertise and has a strong track record of delivering major business and technology transformations, in challenging and fast-changing environments.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Alistair is passionate about creating practical, sustainable solutions that work for everyone - stakeholders, employees and the people who rely on the services GFSL deliver.

Colin Allars, GFSL Board Chair, said: "We look forward to drawing on Alistair’s experience and leadership as GFSL navigates the opportunities and challenges ahead. We’re confident he’ll help us deliver on our commitments to the prison service and the teams that make it all happen.

Alistair’s career highlights include:

Advertisement
ODU RT
  • leading large-scale transformation programmes across technology and operations
  • designing and implementing Target Operating Models (TOM) for organisations with over 30,000 employees
  • building strong stakeholder relationships at all levels, including board engagement
  • leading cross-functional teams and delivering on international projects
  • overseeing CapEx budgets of up to £5.1 billion, driving efficiency and operational improvements

Speaking about his new role, Alistair said: "I’m thrilled to join GFSL at such an important time. The work we do supporting the prison service is critical and I’m looking forward to working alongside such a dedicated and passionate team.

"My focus is on making sure the Property Transformation Programme transition is as smooth as possible, for the prisons we serve, our employees and the new suppliers, while we continue to provide an excellent service to prisons. Together, we’ll ensure GFSL continues to deliver high-quality services and makes a real difference."
 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
UTAC Special Vehicles produces 1,000th armoured vehicle

Defence Security

UTAC Special Vehicles produces 1,000th armoured vehicle

4 June 2026

UTAC Special Vehicles has reached the milestone of producing its 1,000th armoured vehicle at the division’s headquarters at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, UK.

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail complete CNI drone trial

Aerospace Security

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail complete CNI drone trial

3 June 2026

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail have completed a major project exploring how drones could be safely used at scale around Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), including for rail inspections and incident response.

DSEI Germany adds fourth exhibition hall

Defence Security Space Events

DSEI Germany adds fourth exhibition hall

3 June 2026

The organisers of DSEI Germany have announced that, due to unprecedented industry demand, they will be opening a fourth exhibition hall ahead of its debut in March 2027.

Getac launches rugged ZX80W and ZX80W-EX tablets

Aerospace Defence Security

Getac launches rugged ZX80W and ZX80W-EX tablets

3 June 2026

Getac today announced the expansion of its ZX80 range of eight inch fully rugged tablets with the launch of the new ZX80W and ZX80W-EX, which are two lightweight, highly mobile Windows 11 devices built on ARM architecture.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Greater protection given for whistleblowing to the SIA

Security

Greater protection given for whistleblowing to the SIA

2 June 2026

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has today been given prescribed person status under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), following the commencement of a Statutory Instrument that was laid before Parliament on 1st May 2026.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner