Aero India, armed helicopters and all the news

From attendance at Aero India, to chatting with Northstar Aviation, we bring you the latest news from across the defence sector. As always, our sponsor Nammo features in our Industry Voice segment.

• News Round Up (01:05)

Back from Aero India, our host Helen Haxell speaks to Deputy Land Editor Beth Maundrill and our air reporter Tim Martin about the latest news that’s caught their eye. 

Firstly, filling in for Richard Thomas this week, Beth talks about the BAE Systems annual results, which revealed that the company had created a £47 million loss provision for the Batch 2 River-class OPVs.

River blot on BAE Systems’ maritime results

We hear from Tim about Airbus’ secretive proposal for the US Army’s FARA Programme, and the US Army directing General Electric to stop work on its recently awarded contract as part of the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP).

Airbus confirms FARA proposal but keeps platform under wrap
GE told to freeze all EMD activity on ITEP contract

Meanwhile, Beth returns to her own domain and shares the latest info regarding the Russian T90M main battle tank (rapidly approaching state production), as well as India’s Arjun Mk IA, and the US Army’s replacing the Vietnam War-era M113 armoured vehicle. 

Indian Army to accept interim Arjun Mk IA tank
US Army’s AMPV enters LRIP phase

• Show coverage – Aero India (11:26)

Last week, Helen attended Aero India in Bengaluru. She talks to Tony Skinner, Shephard Media’s VP of content, about the undercurrents of political and financial considerations throughout the show. 

They discuss interest the Indian MoD has in a joint venture to purchase 111 naval utility helicopters, the current operational status of the Mk1 Tejas jet, and the discussions between India and the UK regarding the cooperation in aircraft carrier development. 

Aero India 2019: HAL silent on NUH developments
Aero India 2019: HAL bullish about Tejas Mk 1A timelines
Aero India 2019: UK-India sharing ship stories

• Interview – Northstar Aviation (23:11)

Whilst at IDEX in Abu Dhabi, Tony took some time to talk to Northstar Aviation about their 407 MRH light attack helicopter programme – particularly how they went about weaponising a civilian platform. 

IDEX 2019: UAE's 407 MRH sees continued success (video)

• Industry Voice (33:32)

This week, Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, talks about what the company sees in store for 2019, and the various concerns the industry will have to tackle. 

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest