OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation)

OCCAR Signs Contract for Italy’s Next-Generation DDX Destroyer Programme ⚓ A major milestone for Italy’s naval future. On 24 September 2026, OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) signed, on behalf of Italy, a contract with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) for the development, production and initial In-Service Support of the first DDX next-generation destroyer for the Marina Militare Italiana the Italian Navy, with an option for a second vessel. The DDX Programme will deliver a new class of advanced multi-mission destroyers to replace the Durand de la Penne-class, significantly enhancing capabilities in fleet air and missile defence, long-range strike operations, command and control, and anti-submarine warfare. Managed by OCCAR, the programme represents a strategic investment in operational readiness, technological innovation and future maritime security. Designed to operate in increasingly complex environments, the future DDX destroyers will integrate advanced combat systems, state-of-the-art sensors, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities and the flexibility to incorporate future technologies, including Directed Energy Weapons. OCCAR Director Joachim Sucker stated: “The DDX Programme will deliver a highly capable and future-ready platform that will strengthen Italy’s maritime defence capabilities and contribute to collective security. This contract reflects the strong cooperation between the Italian Navy, OCCAR and industry, and highlights the confidence placed in OCCAR’s programme management expertise.” The programme further reinforces OCCAR’s role as a leading European defence programme management organisation, delivering complex and technologically advanced capabilities on behalf of participating nations. #OCCAR #ItalianNavy #DDX #NavalDefence #EuropeanDefence #DefenceCooperation #Innovation #MaritimeSecurity #ProgrammeManagement #FutureCapabilities

🚢 OCCAR Delivers Fifth Multipurpose Patrol Ship (PPA7) to Italian Navy La Spezia, Italy, 24 September 2026 – The Final Official Acceptance (FOA) ceremony of the fifth Multipurpose Patrol Ship (PPA7), ITS Domenico Millelire, was successfully completed today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano, marking another important achievement for the Italian Navy’s PPA Programme. The ceremony was attended by OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker, together with representatives of the Italian Defence and Naval Authorities, including the Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Fleet VADM Aurelio De #Carolis and the Director of the Italian Naval Armaments Directorate VADM Cristiano #Nervi. The Temporary Consortium responsible for the development, production and In-Service Support of the PPA Programme was represented by senior executives from FINCANTIERI and Leonardo. The event followed the successful completion of the Final Official Acceptance Review (FOAR), during which representatives of Italy, OCCAR and Industry verified the contractual requirements, the ship readiness status and the associated documentation required for delivery. ITS Domenico Millelire is the fifth PPA delivered to the Italian Navy and the second vessel in Full configuration, incorporating the most advanced capabilities developed within the Programme. The ship integrates a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art systems, including advanced command and control capabilities, the full communications and electronic warfare suites, the Dual Band Radar, surface-to-air missile systems, naval artillery (the 76mm Over-the-Bridge Gun and the 127mm Gun) and an extensive sonar package. These capabilities enable the vessel to perform across the entire spectrum of maritime operations, including air defence, surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare missions. The delivery of ITS Domenico Millelire marks another significant milestone for the PPA Programme and reflects the successful cooperation between the Marina Militare Italiana, Italian Navy, OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) and Industry, providing the Navy with an additional state-of-the-art multipurpose patrol vessel capable of addressing the full spectrum of present and future maritime operational requirements. #OCCAR #ItalianNavy #PPA #PPAProgramme #Fincantieri #Leonardo #NavalDefence #MaritimeSecurity #DefenceCooperation #EuropeanDefence #Shipbuilding #DefenceIndustry

OCCAR Engages in Key Defence Industry Roundtable at EUDEX 2026 At the European Defence Expo (EUDEX) 2026 in Essen, Germany, Lorenzo Poliseno, Acting Head of PMSD, represented OCCAR-EA during a high-level roundtable discussion on “The Future of European Defence Cooperation.” Joining industry leaders Dr. Jens Bodo Koch, CEO of Heckler & Koch GmbH, and Dr. Hans Christian Atzpodien, Managing Director of Federation of German Security and Defence Industries e.V., the discussion explored the evolving European defence industrial landscape, current challenges and opportunities, and the importance of enhanced cooperation in strengthening procurement, industrial capabilities and readiness. Moderated by Nana Brink, the exchange highlighted the essential role of collaboration between governments, industry and international organisations in building a more capable, resilient and interoperable European defence sector. #OCCAR #EUDEX2026 #EuropeanDefence #DefenceCooperation #DefenceIndustry #Security #EuropeanCollaboration #Procurement #CapabilityDevelopment

OCCAR and Portugal Strengthen Strategic Cooperation Across Key Defence Programmes Madrid/Spain, 16 September, 2026 - OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker and OCCAR-EA Head of Programmes Darren Ash met with Rear Admiral António Mateus, Portuguese Deputy National Armaments Director, and Commodore Mário Calheiros Aguiar from the Portuguese Directorate-General for Armaments and National Defence Assets, DGRDN (Direção-Geral de Recursos da Defesa Nacional) The discussions focused on the status of Portugal's integration into the FREMM, BOXER and FSAF-PAAMS programmes managed by OCCAR, as well as the way ahead for Portugal's cooperation with the Organisation. The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore potential areas for future collaboration. Regular strategic engagements such as this are essential to aligning priorities, monitoring programme progress and reinforcing the transparent and collaborative approach that underpins OCCAR's activities. Read more here: www-occar.int #OCCAR #Portugal #DefenceCooperation #FREMM #BOXER #FSAFPAAMS #EuropeanDefence #Partnership #ProgrammeManagement

Strategic alignment, strong partnerships, shared success OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker met with Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, together with OCCAR-EA Head of Programmes Darren Ash and members of the A400M Programme Board in Getafe, Spain. The meeting provided an opportunity to align strategic priorities and discuss the future direction of the A400M Programme among industry, participating nations and OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation). Director Sucker also expressed his sincere appreciation to Mr Dumont for his outstanding cooperation and support over the years, presenting him with a personalised OCCAR crest in recognition of his contribution. Strong stakeholder relationships remain key to delivering successful programme outcomes. #OCCAR #A400M #Airbus #Defence #InternationalCooperation #ProgrammeManagement

HYDEF Mock-ups Showcased at the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO Kielce (Poland), 10th September 2026. The OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) HYDEF Programme Division (PD) attended the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO), one of Europe’s leading defence and security events, at the invitation of the Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation (ILOT), a HYDEF Consortium beneficiary celebrating its 100th anniversary. The visit enabled OCCAR, as Granting and Contracting authority managing the programme, to engage with key stakeholders and support coordination among the industrial, technological and governmental entities involved in HYDEF. The exhibition brought together several HYDEF Consortium beneficiaries, including Łukasiewicz - ILOT, ITWL, Diehl Defence, EM&E and INSTALAZA S.A., as well as a number of subcontractors contributing to the programme. HYDEF project was prominently represented at the event, with both ILOT and Diehl Defence displaying HYDEF mock-ups in strategic locations within their stands and ITWL highlighted the system through audio-visual content, enhancing the programme’s overall visibility and relevance. During the visit, OCCAR HYDEF PD representatives engaged with the Director/CEO of ILOT and the General Director of ITWL, acknowledging the strong commitment and valuable contributions of both Polish beneficiaries to the HYDEF programme. The OCCAR delegation also held a meeting with HYDEF representatives of the Polish Ministry of National Defence, ILOT and ITWL. The participants reviewed the programme’s progress and achievements, acknowledging the successful attainment of important objectives and Poland’s continued support since the launch of the project, as well as its commitment to maintaining this engagement in the near future. The visit underlined OCCAR’s contribution in facilitating stakeholder involvement, strengthening cooperation and maintaining the coordinated efforts required for the successful execution of HYDEF. For more information about the HYDEF Programme, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e6ZWaU9u “The European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor (EU HYDEF) is a project co-funded by the European Union, under the European Defence Fund, and #Belgium, #Germany, #Norway, #Poland and #Spain. OCCAR has been entrusted the management of the EU HYDEF project by the European Commission (EC) and the Participating States.” “Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.” #HYDEF #MSPO2026 #OCCAR #EuropeanDefenceFund #DefenceIndustry #Innovation #HypersonicDefence #EuropeanCooperation #Security #DefenceTechnology

Second MAADS Fire Unit Delivered to the Italian Air Force OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) is pleased to announce the successful delivery of the second MAADS (Medium Advanced Air Defence System) Fire Unit to the Aeronautica Militare Italian Air Force. The delivery also includes additional maintenance and support equipment, the first Direct Support Unit, and the MAADS simulator for operator training. Testing and verification activities were conducted at Rivolto Air Base (Udine) in close cooperation with the Italian Air Force, the OCCAR FSAF-PAAMS Programme Division, and MBDA Italia. This milestone marks another important step in strengthening Italy's Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) capability and highlights the value of strong collaboration between nations, programme teams, and industry. 🔗 Learn more: OCCAR - FSAF-PAAMS - The Next Generation of Surface-to-Air Anti-Missile Systems https://lnkd.in/ewPVnAmC #OCCAR #FSAFPAAMS #MAADS #AirDefence #SHORAD #DefenceCooperation #ItalianAirForce #EuropeanDefence

📢 VACANCY NOTICE | VBAE Project Manager 📍 Location: Paris, France 📅 Application Deadline: 13 October 2026 🚀 Planned Start Date: 1 February 2027 OCCAR Executive Administration is seeking a VBAE Project Manager to join its international team in Paris. Working for OCCAR offers a unique opportunity to grow, develop and make a meaningful impact whilst working with a dynamic, international team of experts. Strong English language skills are essential, as English is the Organisation's working language. OCCAR offers an attractive remuneration package, including salaries and allowances that are net of income tax, an excellent private healthcare scheme, annual salary progression, and a wide range of additional benefits designed to support both professional and personal well-being. Essential Skills ✅ Experience in defence programme procurement involving armoured vehicles. ✅ Experience in Programme Management, including: • Contract negotiation and award • Relations with industrial and governmental stakeholders • Managing contractors • Commercial management activities ✅ Sound technical competencies and proven experience in the field of armoured vehicles, including testing, qualification, certification and acceptance processes. ✅ Awareness and knowledge of European defence structures and International Organisations involved in armaments acquisition and support. ✅ Awareness and knowledge of managing classified information. Eligibility Requirements 🔹 Security clearance at OCCAR Secret level is required. Candidates who do not already hold this clearance will be expected to obtain it within the first six months of employment. 🔹 Applicants must be citizens of a VBAE Programme participating State: Belgium or France. How to Apply Applications will only be accepted through the official OCCAR Application Form available on the OCCAR website and in accordance with the defined procedure. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/em_6sZf7 Please note that applications submitted in any other format or through alternative channels cannot be considered. #OCCAR #VacancyNotice #ProjectManager #ProgrammeManagement #DefenceProcurement #ArmouredVehicles #DefenceIndustry #Paris #Belgium #France #InternationalOrganisation #CareerOpportunity #Recruitment #DefenceCareers #VBAE

OCCAR HYDEF Programme Successfully Completes Feasibility Phase and Early Maturation of Critical Technologies and Designs Überlingen, Germany | 26 August 2026 During a two-day session hosted at DIEHL’s facilities on 25-26 August 2026, the HYDEF Programme achieved the final technical milestone of its first stage with the successful completion of the Preliminary Requirements Review (PRR). The meeting brought together National Project Coordinators (NPCs) and technical experts from the HYDEF Participating States, representatives of the HYDEF Consortium, and members of OCCAR’s HYDEF Programme Division. The successful completion of the PRR on 26 August marks the conclusion of the programme’s Feasibility Phase and the Early Maturation of Critical Technologies and Designs. During this phase, the selected concept was fully defined, including the technical solutions, development plans, physical and functional concepts, and the associated functional architecture. The PRR results confirmed that interoperability requirements have been addressed through compliance with recognised international standards, including relevant STANAGs. The review also provided Life Cycle Cost information for the selected concept. In addition, all critical technologies within the Block 0 interceptor configuration have achieved at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3. PRR deliverables included final reports for all Early Maturation work packages, evaluation reports, selected solution concepts, development plans, and verification tables linking each early maturation activity to its corresponding verification evidence. The PRR Technology Plan provided a comprehensive TRL assessment, identified key technical risks, and referenced development activities aimed at achieving a TRL 6 prototype for the HYDEF interceptor's physical elements. The viability of the relevant technologies has been successfully demonstrated through simulations, analyses, functional testing, and other appropriate validation methods. The first stage of the programme will formally conclude with the End of Project Meeting, scheduled for 22 October 2026 in Madrid, Spain. The event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to review the programme’s outcomes and achievements, share lessons learned, and discuss future steps. The successful outcome of the PRR demonstrates the programme’s growing maturity. With activities progressing ahead of schedule, HYDEF is well positioned to move confidently into its second stage, EATMI II. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/guQuwzMk #OCCAR #HYDEF #EuropeanDefenceFund #EDF #DefenceCooperation #Innovation #HypersonicDefence #EuropeanDefence #Technology #ProgrammeManagement #DefenceIndustry #Europe

Brussels/Belgium, 25 August 2026 – OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker visited NATO Headquarters in Brussels to hold strategic discussions with key NATO stakeholders. The talks focused on OCCAR’s role in strengthening European defence capabilities within the NATO framework and its contribution to this objective, as well as on further enhancing cooperation between OCCAR and NATO. During his visit, Director Sucker met with Germany’s Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Dr. Detlef Wächter, and Lieutenant General Wolfgang Wien, Germany’s Military Representative to the NATO and EU Military Committees. These exchanges provided an important opportunity to discuss shared priorities, reinforce strategic dialogue, and explore avenues for closer cooperation in support of collective defence and security objectives. #OCCAR #NATO #EuropeanDefence #DefenceCooperation #Security #DefenceCapabilities #InternationalCooperation #Brussels #NATOHQ #EuropeanSecurity Read more here: www.occar.int