Gauging the impact of COVID-19 and bringing machine learning to the military

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to BAE Systems about their programme to develop machine learning analytics and how this can benefit the military, and we consider the current and future effects of COVID-19 on US military spending.

Newsround: (00:32)

The Taiwanese Air Force will order four US-made MQ-9 Reapers in Fiscal Year 2021, in a $166 million deal. 

The Extenda Mk 2 version of the expeditionary High Mobility Transporter has been demonstrated as a possible solution for the Next Generation Fighting Vehicle programme for Canadian Special Forces.

In Europe, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation is preparing to award a contract to develop a new air-to-surface weapon for the Tiger Mk3 attack helicopter. 

The French Navy has been equipped with four new BRF ships in a ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. 

The International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) confirmed that it had monitored an incident on 17 May that saw two fast boats approach a UK-flagged ship transiting the IRTC, about 100 miles off the coast of Yemen.

News Focus:

Air editor Tim Martin discusses a report from the Russian news agency TASS that revealed Egypt’s deal for 26 Su-35 fighter. According to the report a deal was signed, but there is no official confirmation by Egypt or Russia. The US has made clear that should the deal go through Egypt is at risk of sanctions.

Tim also talks about one curious development on the UK’s E7 Wedgetail acquisition.

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on Australia’s new investment in passive radar technology as the country announced a contract with Silentium Defence to develop and deliver a prototype of the Maverick M-series.

Deep Dive: COVID-19 threat to US military budget (14:52)

News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Jason Sherman, a New York- based defence journalist, to take a look at the impact of coronavirus on the US and the country’s military budget as the US DoD braces for a potential three-month delay to its deliveries.

Interview: BAE Systems on machine learning (33:40)

Tim Martin speaks to John Hogan, Product Line Director, Sensor Processing and Exploitation at BAE Systems FAST Labs, to understand about the company’s DARPA contract. The Geospatial Cloud Analytics programme aims to develop machine learning analytics that could provide constant global situational awareness.

Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest