Army 2021 review and UK space goals

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we cast an eye over the Army 2021 exhibition in Russia and speak to the UK Space Agency, to look at the country’s future operations in this growing domain.

Newsround [ 1:23] 

The US has sealed the end of its 20-year involvement in Afghanistan on 31 August when its final aircraft took off from Kabul Airport.

This followed the evacuation of UK forces which was completed on 28 August.

China is making a real effort in showcasing its UAV designs with operations that could be pushing too close to the airspace of its neighbours. 

On 24 August, the Japanese MoD stated that a Chinese TB001 Male UAV flew near Japanese territory. 

In the UK, four new consortia have signed new contracts of about £5 million apiece to develop their Fleet Solid Support ship designs.

Babcock International and Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed an MoU to foster collaboration on the development of the Republic of Korea’s CVX aircraft carrier programme.

In Focus 

News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish dissect some of the key highlights from the floor of Army 2021, which took place in Moscow on 22-28 August. 

Highlights include Russian Helicopters signing a contract with Russian MoD to procure 30 modernised Ka-52Ms in 2022-23; a new long-range guided helicopter missile called Izdelie 305 LMUR; new variants of the Taifun family of vehicles; a new Arctic APC vehicle and more.

Interview- UK Space Agency [27:20] 

Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks to Ian Annett, Deputy Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, to look at the prospects of a future space launch capability from the UK and implications for both the commercial and military space sector. 

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