John “Snooze” Martins is the Director of International Programs at MBDA Inc. where he oversees international programs. He joined MBDA Inc. in 2015 bringing complementary government and defense industry experience to the team.

Captain Martins’ military and government service began flying F-14 fighters in Desert Storm, teaching as a Topgun Instructor, flight testing high-performance jet aircraft, participating in the Washington DC interagency as a White House Policy Analyst, strategizing on the Navy’s Strategic Studies think tank, and managing major DoD weapons programs. He led the weapons team in the F/A-18 program office and was the Director of the F-35 Air Vehicle Team during factory rollout and first flight of all three variants. He also led the Navy’s Air-to-Air missiles program office, managing a portfolio of 7 Joint major defense programs including 141 FMS cases for 31 countries.

Mr. Martins’ industry experience includes being the founder and CEO of a successful defense company that supported industry leaders in military weapons and biometrics technology. He crafted and executed a strategy to significantly increase foreign military sales for a world biometrics leader by streamlining government communications and leading international military engagements.

Captain Martins holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the US Naval Academy, a Master of Arts of in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee, and is a distinguished US Navy Test Pilot School graduate. He is Defense Acquisition University level three certified in Program Management and has logged over 2000 hours in 14 types of military aircraft, 350 carrier landings, 51 combat missions, and over 2000 hours as a private pilot. He enjoys sailing and most outdoor activities with his wife in Annapolis, MD.