Sean White, a former Irish Defence Forces Brigadier General, with over 38 years of active military service, has been appointed EDA Director for Industry, Synergies and Enablers (ISE) as of June 2024. In his capacity as ISE Director, he will oversee the work of the ISE Directorate and its respective units: Industry Strategy and EU Policies; Critical Enablers; Single European Sky; and Operations, Training and Exercises.
“In the context of the European Defence Industrial Strategy and the ongoing work related to the implementation of the Strategic Compass, I am looking forward to leading and promoting the work of the ISE Directorate and its units. This work is especially important in contributing to the promotion and strengthening of the Union’s Defence Technological and Industrial Base as well as focusing on the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities”, Mr White said upon taking up his duties.
Before joining EDA, Mr. White’s most recent appointment was as Director of Communications Information Systems and Cyber Defence at the rank of Brigadier General in the European Union Military Staff.
During his wide-ranging military career Mr White held domestic and overseas appointments in a variety of military command, staff and senior leadership roles, as well as focusing on specific projects involving financial services design, information technology consultancy, information management design, CIS procurement, and medical operations delivery. In his most recent position as Director of CIS & Cyber Defence of the EUMS, he worked closely with colleagues in the EEAS to promote the military dimension of the new EU Policy on Cyber Defence particularly as it pertains to the proposed establishment of an EU Cyber Domain Coordination Centre.
In addition, he has also worked with military and industrial stakeholders in the functional military analysis related to the proposed next-generation EU Command and Control System for the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC). His previous international military service included three tours of duty in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and one each in Somalia (UNOSOM), Kosovo (KFOR) and Chad (EUFOR TChad/RCA).
Mr White is originally from Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo, and was educated at Summerhill College. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Management and Technology from the United Kingdom Defence Academy (Cranfield University), a Master’s Degree in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies and a Higher Diploma in Information Management and Technology from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Ireland Galway and Data Protection qualifications from the Irish Law Society and King’s Inns Dublin.
With the support of the Belgian Air Force, the European Defence Agency (EDA) hosted the 6th Fixed Wing Operations and Training Working Group (FW O&T WG) and the European Air symposium. This event took place on 15th Wing Melsbroek Airbase, Brussels, Belgium, from 28 to 30 May 2024. The first two days were dedicated to tactical air transport stakeholders, ranging from operational units of EU Member States and EU entities. The third day of the European Air Symposium occurred with the involvement of European industry representing air transport and unmanned aircraft systems.
During the first two days, the meeting gathered representatives of EU Member States and EU entities, such as the European Tactical Airlift Centre and the European Air Transport Command. One of the primary outcomes was agreeing on the processes and procedures which will help on information exchange amongst fixed wing users, as well as to stimulate cooperation at the operators’ level.
Overall, the discussion aimed at supporting optimised access to existing air platforms and developing advanced flight training. The meeting also provided an opportunity for sharing best practices/experiences and lessons learned from operations, and to continue improving collaboration, synergies, and interoperability in the field of air transport among EU Member States.
The final day of the European Air Symposium was dedicated to the European Air Industry. This was a major opportunity for the industry to deliver briefings and update the attendees on the state of play related to tactical air transport capabilities and short-term development. EDA opened the symposium to the UAS industry (Tactical Cargo UAS) which reflects the agency's commitment to promoting awareness among operational units and exploring potential synergies, which will be further explored in future editions.