Integrated Defense Systems BOEING FRONTIERS An and a gentleman

In late 2007, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded the lead role of system-of-systems integrator for its Future Rapid Effect System to a joint Boeing-Thales UK team. Jonathan Bailey serves as deputy director, Boeing Defence UK.

Peter Ashby-Hayter Photo

pursued the system-of-systems integra- teresting, and overall I thought it would Meet Jonathan Bailey, tor role with partner Thales for the UK’s be satisfying to be a part of a start-up Future Rapid Effect System. program with unlimited potential and head of FRES program The aim of the FRES program is to Boeing’s enormous resources.” provide the with a network- It was a good choice. In late 2007, the in the enabled and highly deployable medium- UK Ministry of Defence awarded the weight armored vehicle force that will lead role of system-of-systems integra- By Mad o n n a Wa l s h complement the UK’s existing heavy and tor to the joint Boeing-Thales UK team. onathan Bailey’s life has been any- light forces. FRES will have utility across Bailey is serving as deputy director, thing but dull. The quintessential the spectrum of conflict, supporting peace- Boeing Defence UK. Englishman—with a cool and com- keeping and peace enforcement operations, “From the beginning, it never entered J providing a rapid intervention capability my mind that we would lose,” Bailey said. posed demeanor—is a retired British Army , an award-winning and providing support to major combat “There was never any room for doubt. Now soldier and an author. operations. that we’ve been selected, we’re challenged Following his name are such acronyms Upon retiring from the British Army with delivering, and that’s just what we’re as MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2005 after 33 years of service, Bailey going to do.” for services in Rhodesia, and CB (Compan- hadn’t planned to continue working in Bailey sees Boeing’s role in FRES as a ion of the Order of the Bath) for services in the defense industry. He pursued areas in foothold for Boeing’s expansion of its or- Kosovo. He holds a doctorate from higher education, worked as an industry ganic capability in the UK and European Cranfield University’s Defence College analyst and continued writing. defense markets. “Applying our integration of Management and Technology. His So why did he change his course and skills, providing support services on exist- articles and books on military history and join Boeing as a leading member of the ing programs, and establishing long-term strategy include “Field Artillery and Fire- capture team for the FRES program? teaming partners will position Boeing in power,” “Great Power Strategy in Asia “I wanted to be part of something that the UK to better meet the requirements of 1905-2005” and “Contemporary Opera- grows; I felt working at Boeing to deliver the MoD’s Defence Industrial Strategy as tions, Reflections On And Of Empire.” equipment needed by soldiers in the field they look 10, 20 and 30 years into the fu- So, with Bailey’s credentials, it was was the best use of my time and abilities,” ture,” Bailey said. “We’re presented with no surprise the Boeing Defence UK team he said. “I found the FRES competition a great opportunity here in the UK. Why was eager to have him join them as they exciting, the Boeing-Thales approach in- stop now?” n

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