Armed UAVs for naval strike, British Army of the future and small satellite revolution

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we explore the potential impact of armed UAVs on naval strategies worldwide; we bring the views of two industry experts on the impact of the Integrated Review on the British Army following the cancellation of the Warrior programme; and with our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence & Space, we discuss the increasing use of small satellites for civil and military missions. 

Newsround [01:08] 

Industry proposals for Increment 2 of the US Army’s Indirect Fires Protection Capability are expected by 4 June. 

Israel Aerospace Industries is exploring the potential of nanosatellites and microsatellites to deliver persistent overhead surveillance of threat areas. 

Saab is to upgrade the BOW radar warning equipment on German Air Force Tornado fighter aircraft in a new multiyear contract. 

In the UK, the long-awaited restart of the Fleet Solid Support ship programme was confirmed on the 21 May by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. 

Fincantieri subsidiary Marinette Marine will build the second vessel in the Constellation class of guided-missile frigates. Construction of the future USS Congress is scheduled for completion in January 2027. 

In focus

Defence Journalist Alix Valenti, News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish discuss how armed drones with stand-off attack capabilities could be used in the naval domain. From Turkey to the US, the potential increase in the use of UCAVs could mark a change in naval doctrine.  

Interview – IR and British Land forces [21:27]

Tim Fish speaks to Ben Barry, Senior Fellow for Land Warfare at IISS, and Nicholas Drummond, a defence industry analyst and former British Army officer, for in-depth analysis of how the cancellation of the Warrior programme and the wider Integrated Review will shape the British Army of the future and its role within the NATO alliance.  

Industry voice [50:50]

 The small satellite revolution has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for those wanting to put payloads into orbit.

Creative Director Tony Skinner sits down with Ron Fehlen, Director for ISR and Communications for Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Matt Magana, President of Blue Canyon, to discuss the increasing use of small satellites for civil and military missions.

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