Middle Eastern armoured vehicle market, Iranian naval hype and training in the age of COVID

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we go in-depth with Defence Insight's Senior Land Analyst on the Middle Eastern and North African armoured vehicle market, and the head of CAE’s defence division casts an eye over the military simulation and training sector.

Newsround: (00:41)

Iran last week unveiled a large multipurpose combat vessel called Shahid Rudaki, although official claims that this is an ‘ocean-going aircraft carrier’ appear no more than an exaggerated description of a repurposed roll-on/roll-off merchant vessel.

In the air domain, Airbus and the German government have submitted a formal offer to provide Eurofighter Typhoon for the Swiss Air2030 fighter modernisation programme. Switzerland intends to buy up to 40 aircraft to replace F/A-18 Hornets and F-5 E/F Tigers. 

In Norway, the MoD will choose between the South Korean K2 Black Panther and the German Leopard 2 A7  to improve the army's main battle tank fleet. The MoD expects to send a procurement proposal to the Norwegian Parliament for approval in 2021.

News in focus

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas digs deeper into last week’s UK defence spending announcement with Air Editor Tim Martin and Land Reporter Flavia Carmargos Pereira.

The unexpected announcement of a new Type 32 ‘frigate’ during caught naval analysts by surprise. The Type 32 will likely have a focus on mine countermeasure capabilities, acting as motherships for unmanned systems currently under development.

Major British Army vehicle programmes were absent from the announcement: is this an ill omen for when the Integrated Review comes out in early 2021?

There was also little to cheer the RAF, although further investment in FCAS/Tempest is promised and a new Space Command will be established. 

Deep Dive: Armoured Vehicles (18:08) 

Shephard Defence Insight Senior Land Analyst Sonny Butterworth talks to Richard Thomas about the factors and influences shaping demand for armoured vehicles in the Middle East and North Africa. What are the mid- and long-term prospects for this market?

What's the role of the UK space sector in the ‘Global Britain’ envisioned for the future? Listen to Shephard Studio’s Defining the Future podcast, sponsored by our partner Raytheon UK .

What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat. 

Interview- CAE (38:55)

Military Training Editor Trevor Nash talks with Dan Gelston, President of CAE’s Defence & Security business, about future strategy and how the simulation and training industry is coping with the COVID pandemic.

This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.