Air defence in focus and the view from the helm at Lockheed Martin UK

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we learn about ongoing European air defence programmes, while the chief executive of Lockheed Martin UK provides an update on the company’s current projects.

Newsround (00:30)

In the news this week, four companies have been selected to design a prototype Skyborg autonomous UAV for the US Air Force by July 2026.

Japan is showing interest in joining the US Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor programme, or HBTSS.

The arrival of the first batch of Rafale fighters in India on the 29 July, marks a big week for the country. A total of 36 Rafales are expected to be delivered by 2021 and be operated by the IAF’s 17 Squadron.

In Europe, Slovakia intends to procure 17 three-dimensional surveillance radars from allied nations, for inclusion in the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System.

In the naval domain, the Royal Navy Gibaltar Squadron is looking to benefit from the introduction of two new patrol craft. In an announcement on 24 July, the UK MoD revealed a £9.9 million contract award to UK-based Marine Specialised Technology for vessel manufacture and platform support.

News in focus:

In this episode Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the future of the F-35 as numerous countries show an interest in the purchase of this multirole combat aircraft. After a decade Canada has invested $9 billion for the purchase of 65 F-35s. Tim reports on the acquisition process and looks at why this deal is proving controversial.

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira provides news from the US Army, which released a draft RfP under the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle programme. In its fourth attempt, the US Army has now resumed its stalled ambitions to replace the Bradley IFV fleet. Who are the bidders?

Deep Dive – Defence Insight on European air defence programmes (20:20)

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Ilker Aktaşoğlu, Senior Analyst Air, for a close-up on European air defence programmes. In a detailed analysis Ilker looks at which programmes are progressing and a what pace, and which ones could be further delayed because of the pandemic.

Interview - Lockheed Martin UK (34:27)

Tim Martin interviews Peter Ruddock, Chief Executive at Lockheed Martin UK, to learn more about what the company is currently focusing on to maximise its business opportunities across Europe. 

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