America’s drone wars, the role of external contractors in defence procurement and adopting to the new normal

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we examine America’s counterterrorism wars and its record of drone strikes across a number of conflicts, cast a spotlight on the external contractors in defence procurement and discuss the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on the defence industry. 

Newsround (00:39)

The US Army aims to develop its Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle to fuel a five-way competition for the replacement of the Bradley IFV by 2027. The latest OMFV announcement outlines steps the US Army is taking to reduce barriers to foreign competition.

On the naval domain, the COVID-19 outbreak has hit the annual budget of the Royal Thai Navy. With the government ordering a reduction in spending by 10%, the military is suffering cuts which will inevitably impact ongoing contracts.

Azerbaijan has signalled its intent to order M-346 Master advanced jet trainer aircraft from Leonardo, while long-running negotiations continue with Pakistan on potential procurement of the JF-17 fighter. But before Azerbaijan signs a firm contract with Leonardo, Russia may try to promote its Yak-130 trainer aircraft instead.

News focus:

Air Editor Tim Martin looks at the latest on the Finnish HX Fighter Programme for the replacement of its F/A- 18C/D fleet.  A select number of former high-ranking military and political officials have been excluded from making direct contact, or acting in a negotiating capacity, with Finland’s MoD for the remainder of the HX Fighter tender.

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses the latest from Scandinavia where the Norwegian government has announced a new long-term strategic development plan for its armed forces across land, air and naval domains. The country will increase defence spending by $1.57 billion by 2028 compared with its current budget of around $6 billion.

On the naval front, Norway will procure three new coast guard vessels and receive new Type 212CD submarines between from the end of the 2020s. For the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the government intends to upgrade the NASAMS II air defence system in the short term. 

Deep Dive – America’s counterterrorism Wars (18:24)

Air editor Tim Martin speaks with Melissa Salyk-Virk, co-author of America’s Counterterrorism Wars, about the proliferation of armed UAVs and the US counterterrorism strikes in countries such as Yemen, Pakistan and Libya. 

Industry Voice: Nammo (46:23)

VP content Tony Skinner is on the line with Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications at Nammo, for an analysis of the long-term effects of the pandemic as the industry and the world face questions on how long this is going to last and adjustments industry needs to make.

Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.