European defence policies, air-to-air missiles and all the news

In this episode, we talk to a defence and aerospace analyst about next-generation air-to-air missiles, and in conversation with the Netherlands chapter of EuroDefense, a private and independent initiative, we gain an insight into their paper proposal.

Newsround [00:42]
In Turkey, the navy took delivery of its first P-72A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. This platform brings capabilities – such as Link 16 tactical data link and the MK 54 lightweight anti-submarine torpedo .

In Malaysia, the MoD has come under fire from the Auditor General for its handling of the delayed A400M aircraft acquisition and the overhaul of two Scorpène submarines.

In the US, a survey conducted by the Government Business Council and Viasat found that slow procurement and a reluctance to use non-traditional defence companies are hindering military communications capabilities.

In the Middle East, the Israel Missile Defense Organization and US Missile Defense Agency announced on 15 December that they have successfully completed a series of intercept tests, involving all layers of the Israeli missile defence umbrella.

In focus 
Senior Editor – Naval Richard Thomas and News Editor Ben Vogel discuss Israel’s efforts to increase its capacity as a naval medical hub for the eastern Mediterranean region.

The country conducted the latest demonstration of this evolving capability on 7 December when a joint NATO-Israeli Navy exercise demonstrated the ability to land a rotary platform on board a naval vessel and transfer a would-be patient to an Israeli hospital. 

In news from the air desk, Editor – Air Tim Martin reports on the UK MoD’s recent statement which acknowledged the government’s awareness that an F-35 circuit board supplier based in Gloucestershire belonged to Chinese parent company Shenzhen Fast Print.
Tim also discloses a Shephard’s exclusive concerning the UK National Space Strategy.

As the French Defence Ethics Committee published a report on the ‘enhanced soldier’, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses some of the principles and recommendations reported in the document.

Interview: The Netherlands chapter of EuroDefense (22:01)
News Editor Ben Vogel hosts a panel discussion with Iric van Doorn, Dutch chairperson of EuroDefense, and Jan Wind, president of the Federation of European Defence Technology Associations, to talk about the Netherlands chapter of EuroDefense and their policy proposal, which seeks to overhaul EU defence and security capabilities.

Interview: Air-to-air missiles – tech and tactical challenges (50:00)
Ben Vogel is on the line with defence and aerospace analyst Ed Hunt to talk about the next generation of air-to-air missiles and the challenges they pose, both in terms of technology and tactics.

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