Hungary picks Lynx, laser updates and next-gen air programmes

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we focus on what’s next for Iran following the rejection of a US request to extend the UN arms embargo; and we look into the latest programmes in the air domain.

Newsround [00:42]

Northrop Grumman is preparing to announce a new international customer for its Firebird optionally piloted MALE ISR aircraft. The manufacturer said last week that negotiations are in progress to finalise the deal.

Ukraine completed deliveries of the 8x8 BTR-4E armoured personnel carrier, with the arrival of the final batch of four vehicles. In total, 45 of these APCs have been delivered.

Bucking the COVID-19 trend, the Army 2020 show went ahead this week in Moscow.  Russian Helicopters announced it has started serial production of the upgraded Mil Mi-35P attack helicopter.

News in focus 

News Editor Ben Vogel and Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discuss the pending procurement of KF41 Lynx IFVs by Hungary.

A €2 billion deal with Rheinmetall marks a significant step forward for Central/Eastern European procurement. Flavia also discusses other acquisitions Hungary is looking at as it modernises its armed forces.  

As  directed energy weapons programmes continue to progress, Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano discusses new fibre laser technologies and Lockheed Martin’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS)  system. 

Interview: US sanctions against Iran  [19:39]

The UN Security Council on 14 August rejected a US call to extend the arms embargo on Iran that was imposed in 2015.

Ben Vogel is on the line with Shephard contributor Leonid Nersisyan to explore what this means for Iranian procurement, if it is possible for the country to achieve self- sufficiency in making defence equipment and how the end of the embargo brings Russia into the picture.

Deep Dive: Future air programmes [34:26] 

In this interview with Shephard Defence Insight Senior Analyst (Air) Ilker Aktaşoğlu, we discuss sixth-generation aircraft programmes and loyal wingman initiatives. Remote carriers are likely to be core components of future programmes: what are the advantages and the disadvantages?  What role will AI play?

Industry Voice: Viasat [46:38]

Shephard Media's VP Content Tony Skinner speaks to Ben Atkinson, Product Manager at Viasat, about the capabilities of the company's Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) product, which provides real-time air/ground situational awareness and gateway functions on the go.

This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and