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Issue 150 February 2021 the magazine for defence equipment desider and support State-of-the-art thermal sight technology secured for British Army desider February 2021 Foreword

ForewordBy Sir Simon Bollom, CEO Defence is entering a period of our relationships with industry significant change, bringing both and international allies; challenges and opportunities for COVID-19 has actually had a us all. positive effect on the level and While we do not yet know quality of communication and the final shape of the Integrated collaboration. We have much Review and Defence and to look forward to as we face Security Industrial Strategy, we the challenges ahead, such as do know that DE&S will continue the vision of a global Britain and to have a vital role in supporting investing in British ship building. defence going forward. Both will contribute to UK The review will define the prosperity as well as strengthen Government’s vision for the UK’s and enhance the capabilities of role in the world over the next our armed forces. decade which provides DE&S Elsewhere, DE&S signed with a platform to demonstrate the F-35 Lightning Air System consistent delivery, high quality National Availability Enterprise support, value for money and to (LANCE) contract to support deliver capabilities that provide the UK’s Lightning fleet – the operational edge to our delivering an enhanced level of armed forces. performance to our customers The additional £16.5-billion and supporting a key part of settlement announced by the the UK’s Carrier Strike Group Prime Minister in November that will venture on its inaugural was very positive news. It will deployment this year. enable defence to modernise It was great to see Kat and prepare for the threats Rolle and John Allen from the Leading technology for the and opportunities of a rapidly Weapons and Engineering changing world and to meet the & Safety operating centres UK’s security and economy requirements of the Integrated respectively, represent DE&S at Review. the Sustainability Symposium Translating the agility, conference. The conference The global“ crisis we innovation and confidence that centred around corporate find ourselves in is we have demonstrated through social responsibility, sustainable the pandemic into our core development and unprecedented and we programme will be at the heart General Richard Nugee’s vision all have a role to play in of exploiting new technology for a Sustainable Defence Tempest – innovation for at pace. We recently signed a operating model. DE&S ensuring that DE&S remains contract with Atlas Electronik UK continues its commitment to to procure three autonomous, challenging ways of working agile and responsive to the ‘uncrewed’ minesweeping and reducing our environmental the next generation systems to dispose of sea mines impact in support of the target of inevitably changing needs and reduce the risk to life of Net Zero 50. We can expect the of our customers personnel. This type sustainability issue to become of technology is accelerating increasingly prominent in our baesystems.com/tempest in all Domains and it is great to work going forward. see an exploitation path in the Finally, I must congratulate maritime sector which will bring all those recognised in the New ” a significant enhancement to Year Honours – it’s excellent the Royal Navy. The RAF has, seeing so many of our staff for many years been operating acknowledged for all their hard unmanned systems procured by work and dedication. Very well DE&S, and the Army Warfighting done. Experiment demonstrated the I want to thank you all for utility of autonomy and AI in the your continued commitment to land environment. By working defence. The global crisis we find across Domains with our industry ourselves in is unprecedented partners we have the opportunity and we all have a role to play to shape the market and become in ensuring that DE&S remains world-leading in this area. agile and responsive to the I am very proud to see inevitably changing needs of our DE&S continue to develop customers. Copyright © 2020 BAE Systems. All rights reserved. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trademark.

3 desider February 2021 desider February 2021 Contents Contents Contents Twitter: @DefenceES On the cover Facebook: @DefenceES Soldier operating surveillance system that gathers information from the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrator. LinkedIn: Defence Equipment & Support RAF11 Voyagers support French mission to Djibouti YouTube: DE&S (Crown copyright)

www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider-2021

Editor: Louisa Keefe Louisa Keefe - 07971 013054 [email protected]

Contributors: Daniel Evans, Louise Allford, Tom Morris, Lowri Jones, Hannah Swingler, Paul McLennan

Photography and Design: Katherine Williams, Jack Eckersley, Charlie Perham, Andrew Linnett, Geraint Vaughan, Grace Tamsett, Will Andrews and Hannah Bone

Distribution Manager: Dick Naughton - 0117 9134342 6Senior Leader Comment 12LANCE F-35 support contract DFJI State-of-the art surveillance system [email protected] 18 Vice Admiral Rick Advertising Manager: Thompson Edwin Rodrigues [email protected] 07482 571535 Picture: Jack Eckersley Picture:

Printing desider is distributed free to DE&S employees and the equipment capability organisations. Copies may be sent to readers outside MOD, including in the defence industries and is published on the world wide web via GOV.UK and www.des.mod.uk. While the editor takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Views expressed in desider, and products and services advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by DE&S or the MOD. All editorial submissions must be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities.

© Crown Copyright Autonomous8 Mine Hunting contract 14DE&S staff recognised in 17Michaela Wade 20Around the world 22Barry Davies This magazine is printed on Novatech Matt FS 115gsm New Year Honours on increasing efficiencies in 80 days on his career in which is Forest Stewardship Council certified material from well-managed forests and elemental chlorine free. Ships domain take the defence sector on the challenge

4 5 desider February 2021 Senior Leader Comment Project Manager VAdm Rick Engineer Thompson, Director Commercial General Air, talks to Desider Finance about returning to DE&S, Graduate learning from the COVID-19 FIND pandemic and the challenges ahead YOUR FUTURE As we settle into 2021 and returning to the organisation after smartly by a number of years. delivering to performance, time take stock of the situation we a prolonged absence is getting up Remote working has helped and cost. The current economic continue to find ourselves in with to speed with the demands of the build upon our cultural aims of climate, alongside the pressures Business Manager COVID-19, I’ve been reflecting job. In a pandemic, this has been embedding trust, empowerment on the defence budget, means this on the past 12 months. While an made even more difficult as I've and delegation throughout the is more important than ever. We incredibly difficult time, 2020 been unable to meet colleagues, organisation. I hope the result must spend every penny wisely did bring positive changes to our customers and suppliers face-to- of this will be demonstrated by and deliver value for the taxpayer. working lives – particularly on a face and have instead had to build better achieving our projects and If COVID-19 was our biggest Communications personal front. these relationships virtually. programme milestones, not just challenge in 2020, I think I joined DE&S in September Delivering through COVID-19 for the 2020/21 financial year, but delivering the outcomes of the 2020, taking up the role of DG remains a challenge. As recent beyond. Integrated Review with restricted Air. Being successful in the months have proved; we never In future, we need to become resources is the number one competition for the post was the know what's around the corner. more agile; increase our efficiency challenge for 2021. Project Controller biggest highlight of my year. It Throughout 2020, everybody and effectiveness; and focus on was a huge privilege to be offered – DE&S, industry, customers the opportunity to become the and suppliers – was forced to first Naval officer to lead the Air significantly change their way of domain, especially as it’s been a working and it certainly tested us Human Resources long-standing career aspiration of in terms of how we communicate mine. and engage with each other in This isn’t my first time at DE&S a virtual world, to achieve a – I originally joined what was the common understanding and meet Defence Procurement Agency our goals. In future, we need to become Security in 1993 and have held numerous Now we need to begin to “ posts in the intervening years – but understand the longer-term more agile; increase our this is the first time I've returned impact this continued disruption in the last four years. may have on our projects and efficiency and effectiveness; Stepping back into DE&S, programmes. Due to their lengths and focus on delivering to it’s easy to see how significantly and complexities, this may not be the organisation has changed fully understood for several years, performance, time and cost during this time. It’s grown into but we must do all we can now to a professional, customer-focused ensure there are no detrimental organisation and has embraced effects further down the line. the ‘great delivery, great people, Deciding how we take forward great place to work’ ethos that the lessons learnt from COVID-19 ” des.mod.uk DE&S@21 strived to achieve. is a high priority. It has already One of the biggest challenges of accelerated our ability to work A new home for careers at DE&S 6 desider February 2021 desider February 2021 Image shows Royal Navy autonomous minesweeper, seen here at Weymouth News News Bay, in Dorset (Jack Eckersley)

Autonomous minesweeper DE&S has recently signed a carry out their duties in a safer jobs supported in the supply chain, contract to procure three world- environment and provide and comes after the announcement bolsters Royal Navy’s mine class autonomous uncrewed enhanced protection to both in November 2020 that the UK minesweeping systems, to dispose military and commercial vessels.” has signed a joint agreement with of sea mines while reducing Each SWEEP system comprises France for Thales to produce countermeasures capability the risk to life of Royal Navy an Autonomous Surface Vessel three autonomous Maritime Mine personnel. capable of towing a variety Countermeasures (MMCM) mine The systems will be delivered of equipment configurations hunting systems. by Atlas Elektronik UK in Dorset to generate combinations of That £184-million investment under the agreement which is magnetic, acoustic and electric sees 215 jobs supported across the worth approximately £25-million. signatures which mimic passing UK. Both awards demonstrate key The Combined Influence ships and neutralise different types investments that keep the Royal Minesweeping – SWEEP – of sea mines. Navy at the forefront of global system, is the Royal Navy’s first The system is controlled by a mine countermeasures capability. This cutting-edge technology will autonomous minesweeping Portable Command Centre which Both SWEEP and MMCM “ could be based at sea or on land. come under the MOD’s Mine capability and will allow personnel allow UK personnel to carry out their to neutralise mines from a remote DE&S CEO Sir Simon Bollom Hunting Capability programme duties in a safer environment and distance while on operations said: “This cutting-edge SWEEP and can work together to achieve worldwide. technology follows hot on the the common goal of defeating the provide enhanced protection to both The system’s innovative heels of the contract negotiated for threat posed by sea mines to make technology can defeat modern equally innovative autonomous international waters safer. military and commercial vessels. digital sea mines which can detect minehunters and provides the The SWEEP contract option and target ships and Royal Navy with the increased follows rigorous trials of the passing overhead. capability they need to deal with autonomous SWEEP demonstrator The SWEEP contract option was modern mine threats.” system, which has performed well Barry Miller, MHC team leader negotiated by the Mine Hunting The technology, which has been in both extreme cold weather and ” Capability (MHC) team at DE&S. developed in the UK by Atlas hot weather conditions. MHC team leader Barry Miller Elektronik can be rapidly deployed The first system will be delivered said: “This innovative system by land, sea and air and will offer in late 2022 after which they will has come about through close increased protection to military enter operational evaluation before collaboration between DE&S, and commercial vessels. entering service at a date to be industry and the Royal Navy. The contract option supports determined. “This cutting-edge technology more than 25 jobs with the Dorset- will allow UK personnel to based company, with a further 48

8 9 desider February 2021 desider February 2021 News In Brief News In Brief

Fifth RAF Poseidon arrives at Lossiemouth RAF Voyager tankers from RAF Brize Norton provided Air-to-Air refuelling for the French jets (Crown copyright) The RAF’s fifth Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft has Image shows the fifth Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Fulmar (SAC Aeris Finney.) been safely delivered to RAF Lossiemouth. The aircraft, named Fulmar, flew directly from Boeing Field near Seattle – the first time that an RAF Poseidon has been delivered to Scotland straight from the factory with the crossing taking just over eight hours. Boeing’s Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with sensors and weapons systems for anti- warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions. Poseidon MPA can react quickly to track potential threats over large areas of sea or ocean and defend our own submarine fleet and its arrival represents another milestone in the development of Lossiemouth’s Maritime Patrol capability. The name Fulmar is a nod to RAF Lossiemouth’s Naval past as the Station was called HMS Fulmar, named after a hardy sea bird, between 1946 and 1972. RAF Voyagers support French mission to Djibouti RAF Voyager aircraft recently for the French jets throughout conducted air-to-air refuelling their near 4,000-mile journey to Chinooks of French Air Force Mirage North East Africa to take part fighters during a combined Long in their Exercise SHAHEEN. conduct heavy HMS Queen Elizabeth assumes role as new fleet flagship Range Projection mission to The Long-Range Projection Djibouti. The UK and French Air mission to Djibouti was a real-life lift operations HMS Queen Elizabeth has now most ambitious Royal Navy of the fifth-generation aircraft Navy Merlin helicopters, and be Forces flew a combined mission demonstration of the Combined assumed the role of Fleet Flagship, deployment in decades – as from the US Marine Corps, and escorted and supported by Royal involving two RAF Voyager Joint Expeditionary Force Air in Mali having taken over from HMS described by First Sea Lord, a US Navy during her Navy Type 45 , Type 23 tankers escorting and refuelling Component’s (CJEF(Air)) Albion, as the Royal Navy moves Admiral Tony Radakin. first operational strike group frigates and support ships of the four Armee de l’air Mirage 2000 capability to project aircraft RAF Chinooks deployed in closer to deploying the UK’s The UK’s new Flagship and deployment. Royal Fleet Auxiliary. fighters en route to Africa. The long distance at pace. This Mali have continued to conduct advanced carrier strike group. Lightning Force of F-35B stealth HMS Queen Elizabeth will Voyager tankers based at RAF mission demonstrates the regular key supporting missions for In the coming months HMS strike fighters will also be embark F-35B from 617 Squadron Brize Norton in Oxfordshire cooperation between the RAF and the French and Malian ground Queen Elizabeth will lead the complemented by a detachment (the “Dambusters”), Royal provided Air-to-Air refuelling the French Air & Space Force. forces. Having recently delivered heavy equipment as part of Operation Barkhane, the Chinook Pictured are F-35B Lightning Jets embarked on HMS Queen Elizabeth (Belinda Alker) eliminated the need for dangerous road moves and helped move vital support equipment to strategic Chinook provides direct support to ground units in Mali (Crown copyright) locations. The Chinook provided heavy support helicopter lift of a large Air-portable Fuel Container that enabled French and Malian ground and aviation elements to operate at significant range and remain resupplied. The operation required several days of planning before personnel from the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron and the crewman of the CH-47 were able to successfully under sling the container and transport it 25 nautical miles. The three Chinooks based in Gao, Mali are currently operated by personnel from RAF Odiham based 27 Squadron RAF, together with supporting elements from the Tactical Supply Wing and Joint Helicopter Support Squadron.

10 11 desider February 2021 desider February 2021 News News

DE&S places contract to ensure Royal Navy’s underwater weapons capability remains at the highest readiness

£76m contract boosts F-35 Lightning fleet support

A £76-million aircraft support mission planning, training and to build upon the Lightning for future land and maritime contract supporting more than 170 maintenance capabilities. Force Element’s already close operations as Lightning matures jobs will maximise the availability DE&S Director General Air, relationship with our industry towards full operating capability.” and capability of the UK’s F-35B Vice Admiral Rick Thompson, partners. The new contract will The support provided by Lightning II stealth jets, ensuring said: “I am delighted that we deliver an enhanced level of the contract will be crucial in they are ready for combat have secured LANCE for the performance whilst also providing ensuring the fleet is ready and Sting Ray on a Merlin helicopter (Thales UK) operations across the globe. UK’s Lightning Force. This is welcome stability to all involved prepared when they sail with HMS Signed by Lockheed Martin and a critical support contract that with the programme. Queen Elizabeth on her maiden the F-35 Joint Program Office, the shows a significant maturity in the “Furthermore, it will underpin deployment. Lightning Air system National platform’s capability.” our participation in the United The UK currently has 21 fifth- A £230-million contract has team who were passionate about Capability Enterprise (LANCE) Based at RAF Marham, home Kingdom’s inaugural Carrier Strike generation F-35s, having received been signed to cover the repair and providing the best torpedo in agreement will provide additional of the UK Lightning Force, the deployment later this year, and three new jets on November 30, maintenance of the Royal Navy’s service support possible. expertise on aircraft maintenance, investment reflects the increasing provide an excellent foundation 2020. Spearfish and Sting Ray torpedoes. “They worked tirelessly I am proud of“ my team who bespoke UK training courses for size of the UK’s F-35 fleet and will The six-and-a-half-year alongside industry partners and pilots, groundcrew and engineers, create and secure 172 jobs, mainly contract with BAE Systems, our Defence Munition sites to were passionate about and logistical and technical at the Norfolk base. supports more than 100 skilled identify a new way of delivering providing the best torpedo support for the fleet. The contract will provide jobs largely at the company’s Broad the world class support the Royal Providing additional support for 25 months with an Oak facility in . Navy needs, but at a significantly in service support possible. experienced technical personnel at option for a further three months. The Torpedoes Repair and reduced cost.” They worked tirelessly existing facilities, the contract will The majority of the work will be The support “provided by the Maintenance (TRAM) contract Spearfish torpedoes are carried also allow three new capabilities to carried out by subcontractor BAE supersedes the Torpedo Capability by the Royal Navy’s Astute, alongside industry partners come into operation. These include Systems. contract will be crucial in ensuring Contract (TCC) with BAE Systems Vanguard and Trafalgar Class an ejection seat maintenance RAF Combat Air Force the fleet is ready and prepared when which ran for 10-years. submarines and can target both and our Defence Munition workshop, a ‘pilot fit facility’ Commander, Air Commodore The contract supports underwater and surface threats. sites to identify a new way to fit aircrew equipment, and David Arthurton, said: “I welcome they sail with HMS Queen Elizabeth availability of the Royal Once the torpedo has been fired a component spray facility to the opportunity LANCE provides Navy’s inventory of Spearfish Spearfish automatically homes in of delivering the world class transfer coatings onto aircraft on her maiden deployment Heavyweight and Sting Ray on its target using sonar. components. Lightweight torpedoes and Sting Ray torpedoes are support the Royal Navy Giving the UK more freedom provides technical repair and deployed on the service’s Anti- needs, but at a significantly to operate its fleet of F-35s, Air Commodore David Arthurton, maintenance including provision Submarine Warfare (ASW) LANCE will also increase the of spares, stock management, platforms including Frigates, reduced cost. RAF Combat Air” Force Commander number of flying hours available logistics and trials support. Destroyers and on Merlin and alongside delivering important Also, key is the provision of Wildcat helicopters and provide safety and environment services the close attack capability. Like the and engineering advice to support bigger Spearfish torpedo, they can Simon Pearson, DE&S team leader DE&S in assuring the continued automatically home in on a target ” safe use of the weapons. after launch. The contract, negotiated by the The new approach to Torpedo DE&S Torpedoes, Tomahawk and In-Service support has three key undertaking the final weapon to deter a wide range of surface Harpoon delivery team sees the suppliers and in addition to BAE assembly and processing required and subsurface threats. involvement of a diverse supply Systems, Hamilton Sundstrand to install on submarines, ships or This £230-million investment chain of 27 current and new major (part of Collins Aerospace) will helicopters. is crucial in safeguarding the suppliers. conduct the Spearfish powerplant Defence Minister Jeremy Quin availability and effectiveness of DE&S team leader, Simon servicing and DE&S Defence said: “Our Royal Navy submarines these highly capable weapon Pearson, said: “I am proud of my Munitions will be responsible for require sophisticated defensive systems whilst supporting skilled and offensive underwater weapons British jobs.”

12 UK F-35 Lightning jets landing, taking off and hovering 13 onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth (LPhot Kyle Heller) desider February 2021 desider February 2021 Feature Feature

Celebrating DE&S staff in New Year Honours

Civil service and military personnel from across DE&S are among those who were recognised in the New Year Honours list. DE&S staff were recognised for their exceptional hard work and copyright) (Crown service to the and Desider now celebrates this outstanding achievement.

Commodore Martyn Williams procurement of PPE supplies for joined the Royal Navy aged 17 the NHS and was in total shock as an Engineering Officer. After when she found out she had been many appointments at DE&S since put forward for an award. 1992, Martyn is now the Head of Courtney, said: “I am incredibly Jack Eckersley Picture: DE&S Naval Ships Support team honoured to have received this and has was recently recognised recognition. A lot of people in the New Year Honours. Martyn worked incredibly hard under very Army Meritorious Service (MSM) Medal (Crown copyright) Army Meritorious Service (MSM) Medal (Crown was awarded a CBE for his work difficult circumstances to assist to improve availability of surface at a time of crisis. I feel that this ships in the Royal Navy (including honour is for all of them and I am the Royal Fleet Auxiliary) that incredibly humbled.” (OBE) medal Order of the British Empire Officer of the Most Excellent DE&S Naval Ships Support have Michael Beard, the Deputy Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal (Crown copyright) (MBE) medal (Crown of the British Empire Member of the Order delivered over the last few years. Head of Commercial for Future Martyn Williams (photo by Jack Eckersley) Martyn, said: “I had an unexpected Maritime Support Programme, telephone call when working at has worked for DE&S and its home just before Christmas from predecessor organisations since On his recognition, Michael Naval Pyrotechnics, her actions repatriating all engineering the First Sea Lord, Admiral Tony 1998. Having spent 28-years in the said: “I am delighted to be allowed the operational capability personnel and equipment for Radakin – when those calls come Royal Navy his career began in honoured and feel so proud. It’s of the front line command to be redeployment. Mark celebrated in, you’re never sure if it’s going to 1983 as an aircraft fitter apprentice a great feeling knowing the way maintained. his commendation with his family be a standing-to-attention ‘difficult and most recently he supported DE&S stood up during what was Charli, said: “Honours like this who presented him with a cake conversation’ or a ‘thank you’ and the Department of Health where a very challenging year and has are only possible with continued made out of doughnuts. He said: “I ‘well done.” he led the commercial team been recognised. Everything we and sustained support and a team was really pleased to be recognised

On his recognition Martyn, procuring PPE for the new Courtney-Jayne Foley did in 2020 and really all my career effort, so I would like to thank my and am honoured to have been said: “I think all of us in Public supplier workstream. For this and has been a real team effort. This colleagues in Navy/Air delivery commended representing Service, whether in uniform or his exceptional services to defence, award for me I feel is testament team, amongst many others. I 14 Squadron and the RAF. I civilians, come to work because Michael was awarded an OBE. to the hard work, dedication and never thought I would receive an originally joined as aircrew to fly we really believe that what we are expertise of the teams I have been honour and I take great pride in so I never imagined I would be doing is important, valuable and fortunate enough to lead, and be this.” commended as an engineer. You worthwhile. To be recognised for a part of.” Group Captain Simon Joy, always hope to be pushed to do an Honour is a complete bonus – Combat Systems Engineer Mark DE&S P8-A Poseidon Maritime your best and make a difference an honour.” Craig Pilkington from the DE&S Patrol Aircraft Type Airworthiness so it was a wonderful feeling to be

Warrant Officer Paul Fowler Mark Caine Ships Maritime Combat Systems Authority was awarded an OBE recognised.”

works in the Typhoon delivery Charli Graham team was recently awarded an and has served in the RAF for just Director Ships Acquisition, team and was awarded the MBE for his services to Naval short of 25 years. Dan Bishop joined the civil Meritorious Service Medal Operational Capability. His MBE Simon, said: “After a very service in 1989 as an industrial (MSM). Paul has served in the recognises his efforts to ensure challenging 2020 for family, before promotion to Clerk (E1) Royal Air Force for a total of 36 the Royal Navy has the new friends and colleagues, this was at RAF Halton, and has spent years and the MSM recognises Dan Bishop capabilities and upgrades to carry such a phenomenal honour the last 25 years in acquisition, the professionalism and high out successful missions. and much appreciated happy predominantly in the commercial standards he has maintained Mark is looking forward to a news. With so many incredible function. In 2018, Dan was team throughout his career. It was a few drinks with the Engineering achievements by many, in leader for the Type 31 frigate surprise to Paul who described it Services team and said: “When delivering Poseidon and programme which achieved as ‘a nice way to go into my final joining the Royal Navy as a regenerating the RAF Maritime contract award in record time in year of Service.’ On his award, sixteen-year-old apprentice Patrol Aircraft capability, I 2019 against a very challenging Paul, said: “I have always taken technician this was far from my genuinely feel that so many people cost envelope. His current role is pride in the way I’ve approached expectations. I am surprised, deserve a part of this award. I am as Director Ships Acquisition as my work, whatever it has been honoured and little embarrassed particularly thrilled for my wife well as maintaining his position as and wherever it has that has taken as much of what ‘we’ do is team and children who deserve it far Ships Domain Commercial Officer, me over the years, the fact that efforts. more than I do for all they have providing commercial leadership my career has been recognised Charli Graham is the Navy done to support me.” for DG Ships on all maritime

in this way is very gratifying.” To Simon Joy Air Capability Manager and Lead DE&S C-130J delivery team acquisition. Dan was awarded celebrate, Paul had a large G&T Engineer for Naval Pyrotechnics. avionics engineer, Mark Caine an OBE that he feels reflects on with Lord Trenchard gin – a Mark Pilkington Having served 17 years in the has served in the RAF for the Type 31 team specifically and limited-edition gin released to regulars and four years in the nearly 16-years and worked DE&S ship acquisition as a whole. mark the 100th anniversary of the Michael Beard Reservists, Charli was recently in DE&S since 2020. He was Dan, said: “Our programmes are RAF. awarded and MBE after supporting recently awarded an Air Officer cutting-edge and highly ambitious, DE&S Maritime Electronic the Navy and Air Munitions Commanding No. 1 Group and without the professionalism Warfare programme manager, Management Area as an Army Commendation for work on his that typifies our teams, we would Courtney-Jayne Foley was Ammunition Technician. Charli last operational deployment as the not achieve success. Our track awarded an MBE for services to completed several Navy courses engineering manager with No. 14 record is second to none and defence during COVID-19. that allowed her to identify Squadron in Afghanistan. Mark improving. This award is a positive Courtney worked with the cost savings across the Navy’s successfully led the withdrawal of reflection on all of us.” cabinet office during the first munition portfolio and when the Squadron after more than 800 lockdown to assist with the acting as the Lead Engineer for continuous days on operations, Pictures submitted

14 15 desider February 2021 DE&S People

On increasing efficiencies, continuous product improvement and composing music

Michaela Wade is the Project Manager for the Fuel Enterprise Strategy team in the DE&S Logistics Delivery operating centre. Her and her team deliver significant capabilities to front line commands by providing visibility of Defence’s global fuel holdings.

What does your role involve? out of date, we are coordinating in agile project management. already. The other aspect is I’m a project manager leading work on their improvement and This benefits the organisation delivering at pace. I really enjoy the defence fuel information already made great progress. This in a number of ways - a rapid seeing how the project comes management capability team is a great success story that the product development, delivering together and the satisfaction that is part of a fuels enterprise team should be proud of. This will what is most important, it brings to the user, when it is strategy project. One of the have real time operational benefits improved stakeholder buy-in and competed. objectives of the team is to where the strategic fuel planners continuous product improvement. provide defence with real-time will have situational awareness of What do you enjoy doing in global visibility of its fuel holdings fuel resources at a given location, Why did you choose to pursue your spare time? to increase efficiencies using a all accessible via MODnet. a career in DE&S? My number-one priority is forecasting and management Prior to joining defence in my three-year-old son. He takes information tool. How important to you is 2016, I worked for various high up a lot of my time as you can teamwork? street banks for nearly eight years. imagine. When I do find some What about your role For me, teamwork is essential I didn’t like increasing somebody spare time, I like to draw and is exciting, rewarding or because defence projects are else’s monetary returns and paint. I currently have a couple interesting? very complex and not a single wanted to do something more of commissions I am working on. I feel very fortunate to be individual can know it all and meaningful, and thought this Another newly found passion for working as a part of such a do it all. If we didn’t work well as would be the place to do that. me is composing music. I enjoy friendly and capable team. I thrive a team, we would not be where Joining DE&S enabled me to writing poetry and song lyrics, in a fast-paced environment and, we are today. We are currently pursue my Association of Project and I released my first ever song as the project is moving at pace to working in partnership with Managers qualification and last month. meet deadlines, things are rapidly Support Chain Data – part of exposed me to some of the most progressing. The most rewarding the support directorate – that are exciting projects in the industry, What might surprise people part is adding value to our helping us to build a graphical and a leading project organisation about you? stakeholders and customers. user interface for the tool. in the country. When I was about 13-years-old, We have already delivered some I learned acrobatics on a horse. To significant capabilities to front How are you helping embed What do you most enjoy about my surprise, I didn’t fall off once. I line commands. In December change in your area? your job? can’t imagine trying to do it now. I 2020, we completed a tool that Defence is still relatively There are two things that would probably walk away with a provides a global visibility of new to agile methodology. guarantee job satisfaction for me. few broken limbs. defence’s packed fuel holdings Through delivering information One is working with a great team and we are working on adding management systems in this of knowledgeable, supportive extra functionalities in future way, more people are gaining and friendly people who embrace releases. This work is reliant on on-the-job practical experience working as a team and understand drawing data from existing fuel and having opportunities for the benefits this achieves. I am software applications. As they are gaining a formal qualification lucky to be a part of such a team

17 desider February 2021 desider February 2021 News DE&S People

State-of-the art surveillance system secured for British Army 60 second spotlight The British Army has invested £102-million in a high-end surveillance system which allows front line soldiers to detect and Smita Ghosh engage enemy targets in seconds. Elbit Systems UK (ESUK) currently supports over 500 jobs Job: What are you most proud of? across the UK and will deliver a I have the pleasure of heading the Truth be told, I am proudest to state-of-the-art ‘sensor to shooter’ DE&S Digital Application Services be a mother of my two lovely system. The contract is creating team. My primary goal is to keep daughters. They have always kept an additional 40 highly-skilled the team motivated and create me on my toes and are my driving engineering and manufacturing an environment that encourages force. One day they are my pride jobs split across Bristol and high performance and a sense and joy… the next day they have Sandwich, East Kent. of belonging. This enables us to me in tears. Life is a constant Utilising state-of-the-art deliver tactical and strategic IT rollercoaster with them, and I thermal sight technology, the solutions across DE&S. enjoy every moment of it. Dismounted Joint Fires Integrator (DJFI) will enhance soldiers’ At the present time, I am also ability to find and identify targets Your route into DE&S? proud of the fact I work for an on the Battlefield. It then provides Having had a taste of the public organisation that has been very the crucial targeting information sector when I worked at the supportive to its staff during this necessary to fire more quickly and Ministry of Justice, I always pandemic whilst also playing an accurately than ever before. wanted to do a job that gave integral role in helping the country Colonel Sheldon, Assistant me a sense of service to the deal with it. I am very proud of my Head of the Army Joint Effects DJFI is sent digitally to an artillery with additional jobs expected to nation which has given me so team members and others within Delivery team, said: system or aircraft to instantly be sustained elsewhere through much. One of my oldest friends DE&S who are juggling work “DJFI will enable rapid engage the target, while the soldier the UK supply chain between now in this country works for DE&S commitments with childcare and and highly accurate target operating the system remains and 2026. DJFI will enable and she has always enjoyed the the uncertainties of the current engagements. In addition to being “ hidden. DJFI will deliver six distinct challenges and opportunities she world. In years to come, we will fielded across the Army to our fire rapid and highly Major General Darren Crook, Fires Integration equipment has got here. all talk about how we survived support teams and joint terminal DE&S Land Equipment Operating suites – each tailored to specific 2020 and 2021. attack controllers, DJFI will also accurate target Centre Director, said: battlefield mission roles – to be I was absolutely delighted when I deliver capability to 3 Commando “Our commitment to equipping combined with existing hardware engagements. got offered a job within DE&S and Brigade, the RAF Regiment and If you were sent to a desert and supporting our armed forces and software. The technology is have really enjoyed the two years our special forces. This is a key This is a key island, what three things has never faltered and I am designed to be integrated and that I have been here. system that will contribute directly would you take with you? I am proud of the fact I delighted that we have been able to used alongside similar equipment system that will “ to modernising our forces to face continue to secure state-of-the art used by allied forces, meaning the Chillies, trainers and sense of work for an organisation future threats.” Your advice to anyone? equipment for the British Army.” UK can play a pivotal role in joint contribute directly humour. Using specialist software on a ESUK has confirmed all five overseas operations. Of the many quotes that I have that has been very tablet, information gathered by the subcontractors will be UK-based to modernising come across in life, the one that What irritates you the most? supportive to its staff our forces to face sticks in my head is ‘you only die during this pandemic future threats. once, you live every day’. I try to Arrogant and dishonest people. make the most of everyday and whilst also playing an do the best I can, as we never What is your favourite place in know what’s around the corner. the world? integral role in helping Be kind to yourself and be kind Colonel Sheldon, to others. I love Kerala in Southern India. the country deal with it. Assistant Head” of the Army It’s an absolutely gorgeous part Joint Effects Delivery team What do you do when you’re of the world with divine food, a away from work? warm ocean and mountains as well. There’s never an argument I enjoy walking and cycling about holiday destinations in my ” aimlessly, getting lost and house if Kerala is on the list. discovering new places. I also relax by playing the few pieces What would surprise people Do you or I know on my piano. During the about you? first lockdown, I discovered that someone you I enjoy gardening and, over this I like eating savoury things for know deserve current lockdown, I have fallen in breakfast. Be it sausage bap, idlis love with our new kitten. – Indian rice cake – or leftovers their 60 from the night before. I just don’t seconds in the like eating cereals. spotlight?

Soldiers operating surveillance system that gathers information from the Email Dismounted Joint Fires Integrator [email protected] (Crown copyright)

18 19 desider February 2021 desider February 2021 DE&S People DE&S People

Around the world in 80 days Nothing but water the MOD Lottery Following the success of Ships Domain is tracking each and The Scouting Association. Mark Smith, DE&S Land challenge, Mark set out to September their ‘North Pole Challenge’, mile they walk, run, cycle, swim As well as supporting their Equipment project manager for raise money by taking on the winners the DE&S ships domain has or row to reach the 24,901-mile chosen charities the challenge Interim Indirect Fires Simulation, challenge of drinking only water MOTTO taken it one step further and total. The team has taken on recently challenged himself to is encouraging the team to get for a month. £10,000 James Love, Salisbury set themselves the challenge of the challenge to raise money out into the fresh air, stick to drink nothing but water for a Taking on the ultimate detox traveling around the world in 80 for The Trussell Trust, The their New Year’s resolutions and whole month. by avoiding caffeine, alcohol £2,500 Sue Tate, York days. From January to April, the Marine Conservation Society get their daily exercise. Mark spent a lot of lockdown and all other drinks, the money £1,000 Clare Emmott, Corsham staring out the window and Mark raises will support £500 Smudge Smith, Thetford thinking about the people in the WaterAid. The challenge has £250 Matthew Finlinson, Harrogate Captain Duncan McCue arid parts of Ethiopia, favellas been a real test of Mark’s will- of Brazil and the slums of power but he hopes that by £100 Neil Weaver, Portsmouth Bangladesh – and many other him and others taking part in Gerard Webster, West Bromwich very poor areas and countries challenges like this one, it will – thinking how coronavirus is bring clean water to people in Steve Halsey, London affecting them. Trying to do his Ethiopia and around the world. Dylan Murkin, London bit to provide soap and clean https://www.justgiving.com/ Andrew Shaw, Lichfield water to those people during fundraising/justwater2021- Ronnie Weir, Rosyth this unprecedented global marksmith Kelly Payne, Bicester John Linton, Carlisle Sarah Barbato, Blandford Christopher Rodgers, Leconfield Adam Sinclair, DSTL Porton Down Jan Baxter, High Wycombe Ian Wright, Carlisle Leslie Cartner, Carlisle Claire Webb, Catterick Keith Rogerson, London Junior Latiff, Bristol Chris Marshall Nigel Rummey, Andover Nicola Milton, DSTL Porton Down Tom Scott-Clarke, UKHO

Morag Stuart appointed as Gender Champion for Defence DE&S Director General of passionate to continue to Commercial, Morag Stuart has push and pull the organisation Morag Stuart Readership survey recently been appointed as the wherever possible to ensure new co-champion for Gender gender equality becomes a Look out for the upcoming alongside Sarah Wiseman, normal part of the modern-day Desider readership survey. We Deputy Director and Head of workplace. I am also excited want to hear from you about Exports Policy in Head Office about the recently launched what you think of the magazine and Corporate Services. Women in Defence Charter, and help us make it even In their role they will for which we have over 50 better. Your feedback will give supporting colleagues in the signatories from Industry and all us valuable insight into what Gender Network across all the single services have signed you would like to see more of levels of Defence. up to its objectives. I look in the future. If you would like As the first co-champions forward to joining the Charter’s to take part in the readership of a protected characteristic, upcoming strategy and action survey, look out for instructions Morag and Sarah hope to give plan with my new role as the on our social media channels twice the amount of energy to Defence Gender Champion. – @DefenceES on Twitter such an important issue. The more we can work together and Facebook and Defence On her appointment Morag, the greater the change will be.” Equipment & Support on said: “Having been the LinkedIn – or contact Desider Gender Champion in DE&S Editor, Louisa Keefe - for a number of years, I am [email protected]

20 21 desider February 2021 desider February 2021 Recruitment Recruitment Case Study Barry Davies, Human Factors Integration Specialist, gives his insight What are the opportunities to develop and progress into some of the benefits of working within your function? The team is expanding and so there are plenty of for the organisation ways to satisfy your ambitions from either a technical perspective through a Technical Fellowship or by Name: leading a domain or other specialist area within our Barry Davies discipline.

Job title: What do you most enjoy about your job? Human Factors Integration Specialist No two days are ever the same, because we work across all domains the variety is always there. How long have you worked for DE&S? I joined DE&S in March 2020 just in time for the first What’s your ambition? COVID-19 lockdown. I, therefore, spent three days in This is going to sound trite but my ambition is to be the induction process and six days with my team. part of the team passing on what we have learnt about human performance and its application in defence Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? to the next generation, so that they can carry on in a I started my career in the defence sector in the new technological age where the role of the human early 80s working on guided weapons and then is evolving in ways which were science fiction when for a time working for the European Space Agency I was child. (where I was part of the team working on the toilet SIX GREAT REASONS TO WORK FOR DE&S in the European space shuttle). I then moved into What’s your greatest achievement to date? consultancy in the late 90s, again in defence and other I take more pride in the projects I have stopped safety critical industries such as oil and gas, transport, than the projects that have worked. If we can stop construction and mining. All of this was in the equipment going into service that has not considered private sector and so I jumped at the opportunity of what people can do; has not provided them with working in the public sector to get a chance to be on usable interfaces; and has error traps hidden in the the other side of the fence! system, we have failed.

What does your role entail? Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a My role is to ensure that the human is at the centre great place to work? Bonuses & Pension Flexible Professional Holiday Facilities of the design process, in that we design around the I feel DE&S is a very people-centred place to work, limits of human performance and to ensure that we at all levels of the organisation. A trait demonstrated Recognition Working Development do not design equipment hoping the user can figure very well during the current pandemic from it out for themselves. We provide support to Project equipment provision to work at home along with Teams in a defined process to understand the role of pastoral care provided to those in need. the human and answer questions such as: how many For more info and job opportunities visit: people will be needed to operate the kit; what size do What are the social benefits of working for DE&S? they need to be; how will they be trained; what are For me in the latter stages of my career the pension www.des.mod.uk workload requirements; how easy are the interfaces to is front and centre in my thinking. Beyond that, my use; and the one area that people tend to leave out is; team is great, a bright, fantastic bunch of people who what is likely to go wrong. care about what they do and each other.

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Desider is the monthly corporate magazine for DE&S. It is aimed at readers across the wider MOD, armed forces and defence industry. It covers the work of people at DE&S and its partners, and other corporate news and information.

desider The Magazine for Defence Equipment & Support