Astor Defence: The Trusted Gatekeeper of Energetic Materials Supply

The world is entering a new era of defence readiness. Shifting geopolitics are driving nations to rebuild ammunition stockpiles and secure dependable access to energetic materials. It has also brought forth the need to build resilient supply chains that can weather market volatility and geopolitical instability. For over eight decades, Astor Defence has maintained the reliability and discipline needed to keep the world’s most sensitive and potent energetic materials flowing through the defence supply chain. It is now one of the most trusted global suppliers of military-grade energetic materials for explosives and propellants. Reliability, transparent quality documentation and a collaborative approach in tailoring materials and solutions to distinct operational needs have consistently earned it the confidence of defence players and industrial clients. “We deliver access to the most advanced, compliant and environmentally responsible energetic materials available in the market,” says Alessio Bottiglieri, director of business development. Astor Defence acts as a quality gatekeeper between energetics producers and end users while ensuring every shipment meets the highest safety and compliance standards. Its portfolio of ammunition components, such as ball powders for small-calibre ammunition, and energetic materials, including TNT, RDX, HMX, Comp B, C4 and Nitrocellulose, supports national armed forces and authorised industrial partners across continents. Offerings also include high-quality chemical compounds and materials tailored to the demolition, mining, well drilling and construction sectors.

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Astor Defence: The Trusted Gatekeeper of Energetic Materials Supply

Top Aviation Training Service in Europe 2025

A pilot’s license opens the door to the cockpit. Achieving a strong foothold in aviation requires a clear roadmap, hands-on guidance and access to trusted industry expertise. Open Horizon Aviation operates within that continuum. It manages work permits, operational checks, line training, and mentorship through a structured and sequential approach. While training is only one component, the company’s broker and crew-leasing model connects aspiring and experienced pilots with approved training organizations, airlines, and partner institutions within a cohesive career framework. The company presents a defined program, allowing candidates to evaluate the fit. Its European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved A320 line training program provides qualified aspirants the opportunity to gain real First Officer experience on active airline routes. Candidates accumulate certified flight hours under the supervision of professional line captains in a live operational environment. Over the years, the program’s structured partnerships and comprehensive technical expertise have consistently helped pilots transition from trainees to airline professionals and achieve stable, long-term airline careers. Managing Regulatory Standards and Pilot Progress Open Horizon Aviation was conceptualized in 2020, when aspiring pilots often faced a fragmented training system. Many struggled to coordinate with multiple training providers, handle paperwork and secure airline placements. As a central hub, the company bridges these gaps step by step. From initial exposure to aviation fundamentals to operational integration within an airline, Open Horizon Aviation oversees each phase of professional development. Pilots receive continuous administrative assistance, whether starting from scratch or already holding certifications such as a type rating.

Best High-Speed Interceptor in Europe 2025

CMN NAVAL stands at the forefront of European naval shipbuilding, having delivered over 3,500 vessels to 48 navies worldwide. While the Group’s portfolio spans frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, and fast missile craft, CMN NAVAL has achieved global recognition for their high-speed interceptors. The HSI32 and its unmanned counterpart, the UHSI32, reflect the Group’s commitment to performance, adaptability, and missionready reliability in modern maritime security. The growing demand for high-speed interceptors and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) reflects a global shift towards faster, smarter, and more cost-effective maritime operations. Navies today require platforms that unite speed, autonomy, and endurance – a balance that CMN NAVAL has perfected through the development of the HSI32 and UHSI32. The renowned HSI32 has earned worldwide trust, with more than 65 units delivered to strengthen maritime security, enhance surveillance, and enable rapid responses to evolving threats at sea. A reference in its class, the HSI32 showcases CMN NAVAL’s mastery of speed, endurance, and seakeeping. Designed for rapid deployment and operational versatility, it delivers superior capability across coastal surveillance, interception, and searchand- rescue missions, and operations against asymmetric threats. Building on this proven platform, CMN NAVAL developed the UHSI32, an unmanned evolution that extends endurance, mitigates risk to human life, and takes a definitive step into the future of maritime security. Turning Innovation into Operational Reality Innovation at CMN NAVAL is driven by proven naval designs, continuous research and development, rigorous systems engineering, and thorough testing. The UHSI32, derived from the sea-proven HSI32, embodies the Group’s philosophy: transforming a proven platform into an unmanned surface vessel (USV) that delivers operational autonomy, intelligence, and connectivity.

CXO INSIGHTS

A Flexible Aviation Radio to Boost Connectivity, Avionics Optimisation and Civil-Military Interoperability

Jorge Pereira, Head of Unit, EUROCONTROL

The Power of AI to trigger pro-active and collaborative decision making by airport ecosystems

Stein Van Haver, Data Science Engineer, Ortec and Korijn Defever, Senior Manager Operational Excellence, Brussels Airport Company

Taking a Leading Role in Future of Advanced Air Mobility

David Stepanek, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, Bristow Group

Support of the newly acquired defensive systems within the domestic military and industrial environment

Liviu Bran, Maintenance Manager, and Oana Rahim Pour, Head of Bid&Marketing, Romaero SA Bucharest

Engineering Service Provision for ESA: A Pillar of European Space Success

Massimiliano Guillaro, Head of Engineering Support Services in Netherlands, Telespazio Belgium

IN FOCUS

European High-Speed Interceptors Strengthen Modern Defence Capabilities

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Elevating European Skies with Aviation Training Services

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EDITORIAL

Building a More Agile European Defence

For years, Europe’s allied forces have been reshaping their defence posture through steady, coordinated improvements across multiple domains. Rather than sudden shifts, this progress has come through continuous refinement of the tools, training and technologies that support shared security. Today, that evolution is most visible in the advancement of energetics, interception capabilities and aviation training, each reinforcing the region’s long-standing commitment to collective readiness.

Suppliers of military grade energetics continue to play a crucial role in this landscape. Their focus on safe formulation, stable performance and dependable delivery helps allied forces prepare for missions with materials that meet shared expectations and operational discipline. This contribution remains a cornerstone of Europe’s defence preparedness.

Advancements in high-speed interceptor capabilities further strengthen the region’s responsiveness. Designed for rapid engagement and confident decision-making, these systems reflect a broad approach that values engineering integrity and adaptable design. They support the agility needed in complex, evolving environments.

Together, these long-term developments highlight a sustained commitment to building a more coordinated and reliable security framework for Europe’s allied forces.

In this edition, we look at how long-standing advancements across Europe’s defence landscape continue to strengthen allied readiness through improved materials, refined systems, and more disciplined training environments. Supporting this progress are companies like Astor Defence, a global leader in military grade energetics and ammunition packaging that delivers trusted quality through rigorous verification and resilient global supply chains.

We also present insights from expert CXOs, including Tim Komkowski, Head of Operations & Production Management at Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and Alex Rose-Parfitt, Engineering Director at Raytheon UK. We hope the valuable insights from industry leaders, along with the solutions and services featured in this edition, will help you make informed decisions for your business.