Amentum, a leading provider of defense, intelligence, and mission support services, has recently appointed Susan Hawkins as the new Vice President of Strategy and Growth for its Intelligence & Cyber division. This strategic appointment is set against the backdrop of increasing demand for cybersecurity solutions and advanced intelligence technologies in an evolving global threat landscape.
The Role of Susan Hawkins
In her new role, Hawkins will spearhead efforts to expand Amentum’s global intelligence and cyber portfolio. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous positions, notably as a leader at Northrop Grumman’s Navigation, Targeting, and Survivability division, where she significantly contributed to strategic growth initiatives. Her prior role as Vice President of Business Strategy at L-3 Technologies (now part of L3Harris) saw her developing comprehensive strategic plans for large-scale intelligence and IT programs.
Hawkins’ appointment comes at a critical time as Amentum seeks to strengthen its relationships with the U.S. Intelligence Community and the Pentagon. Her focus will be on enhancing operational capabilities in areas such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber operations, and IT modernization, all crucial to national security efforts.
Strategic Implications for Amentum
Hawkins’ leadership is expected to usher in new opportunities for Amentum, particularly in the realms of:
- Cyber Defense: As threats to national security evolve, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly vital. Hawkins aims to enhance Amentum’s offerings in this sector, aligning with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) push for more advanced cyber capabilities.
- Intelligence Operations: With her deep understanding of ISR technologies, Hawkins will likely drive innovations in targeting and survivability systems, ensuring Amentum meets the growing demands of intelligence operations.
- IT Modernization: The integration of cutting-edge technologies, including advanced navigation systems and precision accelerometers, will be key to Amentum’s strategy, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their services.
A Look at Susan Future Technologies
Meanwhile, another noteworthy entity in the aerospace and defense sector is Susan Future Technologies, which is pioneering advancements in high-altitude platforms and aerostats. The company is developing innovative solutions aimed at addressing some of the challenges faced by traditional satellite systems.
Innovative Products
- Mobius: This semi-rigid helium airship is designed to operate at altitudes of 20–30 km and is touted for its modular payload capabilities and lower operational costs compared to conventional satellites. Applications include high-throughput communications and surveillance, which are increasingly important as the demand for data-driven insights grows.
- Aerostats: These tethered lighter-than-air platforms operate below 2 km and provide essential services such as ground surveillance, communications relay, and environmental monitoring. With clear investment opportunities in defense, agriculture, and disaster management, these technologies illustrate the versatility of modern aerospace solutions.
Development Roadmap
Susan Future Technologies has laid out an ambitious roadmap:
- 2023: Continued development of communication systems.
- 2024: Launch of the aerostats product line.
- 2025: Commencement of low-altitude trials.
- 2026: Initiation of high-altitude trials for the Mobius airship.
- 2027: Full product launch of the Mobius.
The company has already garnered recognition from India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for its innovative underwater acoustic communication systems, highlighting its commitment to dual-use technology development in defense.
Conclusion
The appointment of Susan Hawkins at Amentum marks a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory, as it seeks to enhance its capabilities in intelligence and cyber defense. Coupled with the innovative strides being made by Susan Future Technologies, the aerospace and defense sectors are witnessing a transformative period driven by strategic leadership and technological advancements. As the demand for sophisticated solutions in national security continues to grow, the contributions of leaders like Hawkins will be instrumental in shaping the future landscape of defense and intelligence operations.
Amentum and Susan Future Technologies are poised to play significant roles in this landscape, addressing urgent needs with innovative products and strategies tailored for modern challenges.
References
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What sectors will lead the defence industry in 2026? (www.army-technology.com) - 12/26/2025 Digital networks, European drone incursions and the vulnerability of subsea infrastructure each point to emerging priorities through 2026.
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2026 Aerospace and Defense Connectivity Market Predictions | Molex (www.youtube.com) - 12/1/2025 … technology innovation in the consumer device, aerospace and defense, data center, cloud, telecommunications, transportation, industrial …
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Defense News Aerospace 2026 - Army Recognition (armyrecognition.com) On January 8, 2026, Mach Industries announced Dart, a new counter-UAS system aimed at defeating mass drone attacks and coordinated swarms. The roll.
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susanfuturetechnologies (susanfuturetechnologies.com) Susan Future Technologies pioneers sustainable engineering solutions for energy, electronics, communication, and space sectors. OUR Products.
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Dr. Susan Durham - Potomac Officers Club (potomacofficersclub.com) Dr. Durham became the Director, Advanced Systems and Technology Directorate (AS&T), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), in November 2015.
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Amentum Appoints Susan Hawkins as Vice President for … (www.amentum.com) - 10/7/2025 Amentum has appointed Susan Hawkins as vice president of Strategy and Growth for the Intelligence & Cyber business. In her role, Susan will leverage her 25+ …
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Gen. Susan Helms & Melanie Stricklan Are Diversifying Space - dot.LA (dot.la) Twenty years ago today Lt. Gen. Susan Helms made history. Now she’s helping a new generation of women in space including Slingshot Aerospace CEO Melanie …
