Best bits: Export controls, defence procurement at DSEI, and increased investment in the fixed-wing market

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, as we welcome in the new year, we take the chance to look back at some of our best coverage of the past few months, including coverage from DSEI, an examination of the fixed-wing market, an interview with L3Harris and discussing defence export controls.

• Show coverage: DSEI

The team report from DSEI in London, where among the announcements was news that Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 has won the £1.25 billion ($1.54 billion) programme for the five-ship Type 31e light frigate programme.

Sea editor Richard Thomas and deputy air editor Tim Martin run through the machinations of the long-running Type 31e saga.

Tim also looks at the decision by the UK and Italy to partner on the Tempest future fighter programme. A statement of intent has also been agreed at an industrial level between Rome and London, further evidence that engineering and design efforts will involve a formidable and diverse mix of suppliers including BAE, Leonardo, Rolls-Royce and MBDA.

Meanwhile, land domain editor Beth Maundrill outlines the progress of the UK’s flagship land programmes, including the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) upgrade and the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (CR2 LEP).

• Deep Dive – Fixed Wing Aircraft Analysis

Land Editor Beth Maundrill sits down with Shephard’s Director of Analysis, Matt Smith, to talk about the latest in the series of Defence Insight’s analysis. This time the team looks into military fixed-wing aircraft and the upward tick in investment over the next decade.

• Interview – The AVX-L3Harris Compound Coaxial Helicopter

Tim Martin speaks to Luke Savoie, the President of Aviation Services for L3Harris, about its proposal for the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft that it is developing in partnership with AVX.

AVX and L3T show FARA hand
Insight: What next for the FARA five?

• Industry Voice

Beth Maundrill speaks to Nammo’s SVP of Communications Endre Lunde, who provides his insights into the area of defence export controls.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest