Chinese LHDs, Australia’s first Boxer enters the ring and talking innovation with QinetiQ

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we speak to our Asia Pacific editor about all the defence rumblings across the region, talk innovation with QinetiQ and look at all the news from across the defence sector.

• News Roundup

On the news this week…

Deputy air editor Tim Martin outlines how helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky has held meetings and CH-53K King Stallion flight demonstrations with German and Israeli delegations as it looks to encourage both that the aircraft fits their individual heavy-lift helicopter requirements.

Meanwhile, despite the Philippines turning efforts to introduce 16 new combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) into a drawn-out saga, Shephard has confirmed that a deal was signed earlier this year for the Sikorsky S-70i.

Confirmation of a direct commercial sale came at the MSPO exhibition in Poland earlier this month, with the S-70i aircraft to be assembled at Sikorsky’s PZL Mielec unit in Poland.

 Editor-in-chief Richard Thomas outlines reports from our roving editor Beth Maundrill in Haifa who has revealed that just four months after the launch of its new OPV design, the OPV-45, Israel Shipyards has secured its first order for the new vessel type.

• Deep Dive – Developments in Asia Pacific defence 

Our Asia Pacific editor Gordon Arthur runs through all the major defence developments from the region from recent weeks.

Front and centre is the news that China has launched its first landing helicopter dock (LHD) at the Huangpu-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, greatly furthering the future expeditionary capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

Two other neighbouring Southeast Asian countries are adding LPDs to their naval fleets and both are procuring them from Asian shipbuilders in different countries.

Meanwhile, in Australia Rheinmetall Defence Australia has handed over the first Boxer 8x8 armoured vehicle acquired under Project Land 400 Phase 2 to the Australian Army.

• Interview – QinetiQ

VP Content Tony Skinner speaks to with Mike Sewart, QinetiQ’s Director of Research and Innovation about the company’s innovation activities, including directed energy weapons and the development of lasers, among other technologies.

• New content teaser – Five Eyes Connectivity podcast (37:06)

We preview Shephard Media’s special series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat.

Over three episodes, we will look at the changing face of modern warfare across the land, sea and air domains through the prism of three key technology areas: Satellite communications, line-of-sight datalinks and cyber security

Episode one is available here

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest