Welcome to The Weekly Defence Podcast

In this first episode of Shephard Media's The Weekly Defence Podcast, we provide a round-up of all the news from across the defence sector, take a deep dive into the recent Surface Navy Association's annual symposium, speak to the CEO of Lord Corporation and hear from our sponsor Nammo.

News in brief (01:05)
Introducing the news roundup, Helen Haxell spoke with Beth Maundrill and Richard Thomas on the pressing issues over the past week, with each providing insight into particular stories that caught their eye.

Over in the sea domain, Richard highlighted the news that the US Navy has put in an order for LCS-31, the 16th Freedom class variant of the programme. Although budget has been allotted for up to 38 (of a planned 52-ship run) doubts remain over the survivability of the LCS platform.
US Navy orders LCS 31 (free-to-view)

Towards the skies, Helen, Air Editor, gave details on the Indonesian military's recent helicopter orders and explained why Russia's latest strategic bomber programme is something to watch.
Russia starts production of a new-generation strategic bomber (paywalled)

Back on firmer ground, as new vehicles are developed and upgrades decided upon by the British Army, Beth, Land Deputy Editor, considers how the service will change shape in the coming years.
British Army receives first production Ajax vehicles (paywalled)

Surface Navy (06:30)
The annual symposium of the Surface Navy Association marks the start of the year and beginning of the show season at Shephard, which dispatched Richard Thomas and Beth Maundrill to cover the comings and goings from the exhibition and conference floors.

Among the issues discussed were the latest from the Zumwalt-class DDG programme, the current state of the US Navy’s planned future frigate and the US Marine Corp’s efforts to provide a better work-life balance to its forces.
Commonality demand drove DDG 1000 planar rethink (paywalled)
Insight: Intelligent design drives FFG(X) concepts (paywalled)

Interview – Lord Corporation CEO and President Edward L. Auslander (14:45)
We speak with Edward Auslander – president and CEO of LORD Corporation – about them becoming a $1 billion-dollar company, and how he is navigating the changing defence landscape.

Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (29:19)
In this week’s Industry Voice, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, provides insight into the changing nature of communications within the defence sector and the steps the defence trade press needs to take to keep itself relevant.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest