A senior leader at BAE Systems, who recently retired after four decades with the company, has been awarded an MBE for services to the defence industry and aviation in the King’s New Year Honours.
Dave Corfield joined BAE Systems as an apprentice and, during the course of his 46-year career with the company, made a significant contribution to aerospace.
He was instrumental in BAE Systems winning a contract from India for the Hawk aircraft which secured thousands of UK jobs. He then went on to establish a technology transfer programme, providing jobs and developing skills in Indian defence industry, further strengthening UK/India relations.
Following the end of Hawk production at Brough, Dave helped the workforce to shift their focus from manufacturing to engineering expertise. Under his leadership, the site transformed into a centre of excellence for Hawk, Typhoon, F-35, Tempest and Dreadnought submarines.
Most recently, Dave was the CEO of Prismatic, leading the team developing PHASA-35, an uncrewed, solar powered aircraft. In June 2023, Dave oversaw the first successful stratospheric flight trials, navigating technical and programme challenges to push the boundaries of aviation.
Commenting on his award, Dave said: “I’m both surprised and humbled to receive such an honour. It’s been a privilege to work with some incredible people across BAE Systems and the wider defence industry and I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my career.”
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Air, added: “Dave has contributed a great deal to our industry and the country over a long and successful career with us. I want to offer congratulations on behalf of everyone at BAE Systems to Dave for receiving this honour.”
Dave will be awarded his MBE during an investiture ceremony in 2025.
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