Latest news with #FCAS
Mint
10 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
BAE Sees ‘Phenomenal Pace' on Next Fighter Jet as Rival Sputters
(Bloomberg) -- BAE Systems Plc said it is speeding ahead with the development of its next-generation Tempest fighter jet, as a rival European program is hamstrung by Franco-German squabbling. The British defense company this week unveiled the design of a demonstrator aircraft, and said that it has already begun manufacturing the main structure, wings and tail for that jet at its site in Lancashire. The milestone puts the test aircraft on track to fly within three years, with the final piloted supersonic plane — the first to be developed in the UK in 40 years — to be delivered by 2035, the firm said. 'The pace of this program is absolutely phenomenal,' Herman Claesen, managing director for Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, told reporters on a video call on Tuesday. 'By following the timeline we are following at the moment, we will be one of first companies to be able to offer the sixth-generation capability into the export market.' The US, China and Russia are also developing sixth-generation aircraft, which are likely to include enhanced stealth, sensor and autonomous capabilities as well as the improved ability to coordinate with other aircraft and drones. London-based BAE is one part of the three-party Global Combat Air Programme, which also includes Italy's Leonardo SpA and Japanese partners. Engine maker Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc and missile company MBDA are helping with the development of the demonstrator in coordination with the UK's Ministry of Defence. BAE's optimistic tone and declarations of 'excellent progress' contrast starkly with the rival German-French-Spanish effort. The two main contractors, France's Dassault Aviation SA and Airbus SE, whose defense business is based outside Munich, are bickering over control of FCAS, also known by its French acronym SCAF, which has put the development of the planned successor aircraft to the Eurofighter at risk. The issue has escalated to the point that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron will seek to quell the squabble at a meeting in Berlin this month. In 2023, Airbus predicted that FCAS will be operational by 2040. When asked about whether it makes sense for Europe to have two competing fighter jet programs, Claesen said GCAP's timelines were much faster at the moment than what they've seen at the Franco-German program, although he was not privy to any details at the rival endeavor. 'We're focused on our program, we're focused on our job, it is up to the governments to decide whether there is enough money in Europe and strategically whether it is important to have two programs or to have one program,' Claesen said. GCAP is being driven by the UK, Italy and Japan. A joint venture to lead the project — recently dubbed Edgewing — has BAE, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. each owning 33.3%. There has been speculation that other countries could join the project, especially Saudi Arabia, which is a key export market for the Eurofighter Typhoon jet. 'We can make anything happen, but the likelihood is diminishing all the time considering the pace we have on the program,' Claesen said of adding new partners, because doing so would have an impact on timing and costs. GCAP has defined five levels of involvement, ranging from the most basic of ordering the plane off the shelf to manufacturing the aircraft in their own country, he said. 'I am pleased to say there's a bit of a queue forming of various nations who want to talk to the three governments' to be involved with the program, Claesen said. --With assistance from Gerry Doyle. More stories like this are available on
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Foundation to Combat Antisemitism launches NIL program with Jewish athletes
Knowing the feeling of antisemitism firsthand, Liv Shumbres wants to see change — and isn't shy about standing up for it. It's what drove her, a track and field athlete from the College of Charleston, and five other Jewish student-athletes — to partner with The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS), joining as the inaugural class of the non-profit's newly announced NIL-sponsored Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program. "It truly is about being something bigger than just a small part of a brand," Shumbres said in an exclusive interview with USA TODAY Sports. "This is impacting everyday lives, especially as someone who is Jewish. I wanted to raise awareness and use this opportunity to speak authentically about myself, my story, be able to storytell and spark conversations with other people around me as well." REQURIED READING: What does the NCAA settlement mean for college sports? We answer the burning questions Officially launched on Wednesday, July 16, the Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program is the latest facet to the FCAS, which was started in 2019 by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. It signed six NCAA Jewish student-athletes to the innovative NIL program, where they will work with experts from the organization to combat antisemitism. Those six athletes, who range from Division I to Division III, include Meyer Shapiro (Cornell wrestling), Ethan Hott (Stanford baseball), Riley Weiss (Columbia women's basketball), Ze'ev Remer (Cal Lutheran men's basketball), Alan Mashensky (NYU basketball) and Shumbres. "We are excited about being pioneers in this regard, and we're really excited about the six athletes that are involved," FCAS president Adam Katz told USA TODAY Sports. "We're excited about what this will do for each of them individually and collectively, and we're excited for the potential to show a new way that NILs could be used to create a positive benefit for the world." REQUIRED READING: NCAA commissioners pledge to follow NIL rules governing college athletics after settlement The program, in its pilot stage, was a Day 1 priority for Katz, who was named FCAS's president in May. According to research from the FCAS, 25% of adults in the United States have shown a trait of antisemitic attitudes — which is an increase of 10% over the last 18 months. That number is 'frankly worse' among younger people, per Katz, with those perceptions being based on misinformation and lack of information. On top of working together as a team to promote combat antisemitism, Katz said he hopes the program will also help the student-athletes to further grow as leaders in their communities. "It's an opportunity for them to really take on even more of a leadership role, but it's also role modeling for others in the community (that) this is a way that you can help build empathy, build bridges and build connection in a world and a country that is increasingly polarized and increasingly isolated," Katz said. "This is a way to kind of cut through that. At least that's our intent." The three student-athletes who spoke with USA TODAY Sports — Remer, Hott and Shumbres — mentioned that driving forces for them to be part of the program was to shed light on the 'good' of Jewish student-athletes, "humanize" those of Jewish descent and break down the stereotypes that surround them. REQUIRED READING: College sports bill introduced by bipartisan group of House members "It's scary. It's scary to be a Jewish person, to be openly Jewish," Remer said. "You see people are getting shot in the streets. A lot of protests are going on. So I think if I can be that light that shows that I'm not afraid to be who I am and give some hope to the Jewish community, that's huge to give my people that hope." Hott, the only Jewish baseball player at Stanford, said that though there may be recognition and publicity that comes from this opportunity for him, that wasn't a priority of his when he signed up. "That's almost secondary to the bigger task at hand," Hott said. "... 'It's not about shifting people's belief that they may already have personally. …We want to show that, yes, we are such a small percentage of the world's population, but we are out here doing amazing things and we don't want to spread hate. "... We just want to show that we can be excellent and thrive in whatever we choose to do, just like everybody else is trying to do." For Shumbres, a way for her to be that leader is using her platform to be an advocate, especially the younger generation, while continuing to bring awareness and spark conversation. "(Antisemitism is) all over the world right now, unfortunately. I can use my platform to really bring awareness to that and show … That it's okay to be Jewish, it's good to be proud of who you are and represent the people around you in a way where you don't have to quiet yourself just because everyone else is," Shumbres said. "It's okay to stand up. … I am unapologetically Jewish and I'm proud of that." It is from her own experience with antisemitism from "subtle comments" made toward her on social media and the initiative behind the Blue Square program — something bigger than sports — that also reminds her why she wanted to be part of this program with FCAS in the first place. "Rather than focusing on the negative, let's stand up for what's right," Shumbres said. "Let's make this a thing of positivity going forward. Let's not focus on the negativity. Let's grow from it and introduce others to that light as well."
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Wayfair exec Adam Katz joins Robert Kraft's foundation to step up efforts to combat antisemitism
'Unfortunately, the headwinds are growing,' Katz said in an interview. 'This is getting harder. . . . The magnitude is scary and is underappreciated by many.' Advertisement Kraft has pledged a total of $145 million so far to the Foxborough-based foundation since its launch in 2019. The Norman and Ruth Rales Foundation pledged another $100 million in late 2023, and FCAS continues to raise funds to keep its mission going. The money has helped pay for a staff of nearly 30 people — as well as TV ads such as one that aired during the recent Super Bowl, featuring Tom Brady and rapper Snoop Dogg . Advertisement The foundation's mission takes it well beyond media campaigns. It's involved in partnerships with universities and other organizations — including high-profile work with Harvard University — to promote more engagement. And it's using research and analytics to understand online trends and how to prevent the spread of prejudice. For Katz, a father of two, the mission is deeply personal. He notes that his kids see a police cruiser parked outside of Hebrew school, and signs posted inside about how to react to sudden violence. 'I want to get to a world where my children, and children around the country, can celebrate religious holidays without fear,' Katz said. 'I really hope that parents 10 or 20 years from now don't have to have that conversation.' Coakley joins small law firm for next gig When Martha Coakley reached out to Ellen Zucker in March to refer her a case, something unexpected happened. The former state attorney general asked 'Well, if you ever want to make a change, of course we'd love to have you,' Zucker told Coakley. Turns out Coakley, who had been at Foley Hoag for close to a decade, was looking to do something different. She had been in the public sector, including as Middlesex district attorney. She had been in the private sector, including a stint Advertisement Coakley even wondered if she should do something outside of law. But something felt right about exploring the opportunity with Zucker, whom she got to know through her advocacy for women's rights and support of women political candidates. This month Coakley joined Paul Mastrocola . She also plans to work on business litigation, regulatory work, and reproductive rights. As Coakley embarks on a new chapter, there's one that she doesn't miss: politics. She still follows the topic closely, and yes, Does she have any advice for an old foe? 'I do not,' she said. 'Here he is on another path, and here am I on another path. We'll see what happens.' Poftak takes over at Research Bureau As Steve Poftak starts as the Boston Municipal Research Bureau 's Keeping an eye on the city's fiscal spending. Figuring out how best to structure the school system at a time of dwindling enrollment. Oh, and making nice with the mayor. On that front, Poftak has a head start. He already knows Michelle Wu , dating back to his days at the Harvard Kennedy School where she would visit as a guest speaker. They both live in Roslindale, and even shared a high-profile Orange Line ride when he ran the MBTA as its general manager. Advertisement Poftak takes over the business-backed nonprofit for interim president Marty Walz , who has steered the organization for two years since the departure of Pam Kocher . Walz helped oppose a proposal from Wu to shift more of the tax burden onto commercial payers and away from residential ones, a proposal that remains stalled on Beacon Hill. Amid heightened tensions over this issue, Wu backed out of speaking at the bureau's annual meeting — normally an important spot on the mayor's calendar, and the bureau's. It was a slight that Wu's opponent in the current mayor's race, Josh Kraft , capitalized on. Poftak has spent most of the last two decades in research, first at the Pioneer Institute and then at the Harvard Kennedy School's Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston. He's most well-known for his time running the T, as general manager, under then-governor Charlie Baker . Since stepping down in late 2022, he's been working as a transportation consultant. The bureau's main focus has been on city finance and governance, though Poftak wants it to take a bigger look at economic competitiveness. After working remotely, he's looking forward to getting back into an office; he'll oversee a full-time staff of four people and a $900,000 budget. He's also looking forward to patching up things with the mayor. 'I'm hopeful to the extent that there's been some fracture in that relationship, that we can mend that,' Poftak said, 'and work together, [even if] not always agreeing, for the betterment of the city.' Hendlers brew up another expansion The Hendler brothers have come up with a new way to expand their brewing empire. Jack's Abby parent Hendler Family Brewing Co. is taking over most of the production of Sloop Brewing Co. 's flagship Juice Bomb IPA and Sloop's other beers, and all sales and marketing work for Sloop's portfolio, through a licensing agreement. Advertisement Jack's Abby cofounder Sam Hendler says the deal will help bring production volume at his family's Framingham company to around 130,000 barrels a year in 2026, up from 110,000 barrels. (Sloop and Hendler share the same primary distributor, Sheehan Family Companies .) He's hopeful the deal will bring Sloop more of a presence in Massachusetts. But the focus, at least at the start, will be on growing its New York audience. Unlike previous deals, such as those involving 'Two independent craft breweries walk out of the deal, both better positioned to succeed for the long term,' Hendler said. The Hendler-Sloop deal is just the latest example of consolidation and cooperation amid the Hendler is continuing to consider other opportunities to add more brands to the company's portfolio and its Framingham production line. Whether that involves equity investments, or unusual licensing partnerships like the one with Sloop, remains to be seen. 'We'll either be pioneers or idiots,' Hendler joked. 'Hopefully, the former.' Jon Chesto can be reached at
NDTV
3 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Germany Has No Plans To Buy Additional F-35 Fighter Jets: Defence Ministry
Germany has no plans to procure additional F-35 fighter jets, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Friday, denying a Politico report that the country planned to grow its planned fleet to 50. So far, Germany has ordered 35 of the US-made jets to replace a total of 85 ageing Tornado fighter jets that will be decommissioned. "The defence ministry currently has no plans to procure additional F-35s beyond the 35 F-35s already contractually agreed," the spokesperson said at a regular news conference. A military source told Reuters that the figure of 15 additional F-35 jets had been part of previous considerations, but that the numbers needed to be adapted after NATO's new targets for weapons and troop numbers. The new targets suggest the initial figure was not large enough and the actual number of additional F-35s needed might be bigger in the end, although the source would not confirm this. The Politico report comes amid tensions between Germany and France on the joint Franco-German fighter jet FCAS partnership after a report earlier this week that France now wants a workshare of 80%. The demand would scrap the agreed division of tasks and possibly stop the project from entering its next phase, an industry source told Reuters. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday that differences remained on the configuration of the FCAS project, which has been plagued by delays and infighting over workshare and intellectual property rights.
LBCI
6 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
Germany plans to buy additional 15 F-35 fighter jets, Politico reports
Germany plans to buy 15 additional F-35 fighter jets, Politico reported on Friday, citing several people familiar with the matter. This move would increase the country's planned fleet of the U.S.-made jet to 50. The report comes amid tensions between Germany and France over the joint Franco-German fighter jet FCAS partnership, following a report earlier this week that France now seeks an 80% workshare. The demand would scrap the agreed division of tasks and possibly stop the project from entering its next phase, an industry source told Reuters. Reuters
