Global IFV market forecast, Link 16 for dismounted forces and Asia-Pacific round-up

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we present our monthly digest of news from the Asia-Pacific region. We also look at the global market forecast for IFVs and chat with Viasat’s CTO about next-generation data links.

Newsround (00:36)

The Malaysian MoD is considering how to proceed with its troubled Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ship programme.

The Brazilian Air Force expects to introduce its first modified Embraer E-99 aircraft in November this year, as it seeks to enhance its AEW&C capabilities.

The British Army has received its first batch of vehicles under the delay-plagued and financially costly Ajax programme.

News in focus
Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas and News Editor Ben Vogel look at the Israeli Navy’s (IN’s) future as a redesign of the Sa’ar S-72 corvette is expected to be completed next year. What does this mean for Israel?

As disruption from COVID-19 continues, an order from Kuwait for a fleet of 28 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A is like to cause some short- term cash flow slippages for Leonardo. Air Editor Tim Martin tells us more.

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at ongoing technological developments at the US Army Research Laboratory, which is testing a new software suite to train robots in subterranean conditions (pictured).

Deep Dive- News from the Asia Pacific (15:12)

Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur is on the line to round up and discuss highlights from Indonesia, Japan, China and New Zealand.

Analysis – Defence Insight on IFV market (31:45)

Richard Thomas interviews Sonny Butterworth, Senior Land Analyst at Shephard, to look at the forecast global market for IFVs, with a focus on wheeled platforms.

Industry Voice- Viasat (48:56)
VP Content Tony Skinner talks to Jon Stearn, Viasat CTO for next-generation data links, about the use of Link 16 to provide digital situational awareness for dismounted ground forces.Listeners can find more information in a white paper called “A New Era in Close Air Support”.

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