PODCAST: Commanding the International Maritime Security Construct and leading a defence business in a time of crisis

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we speak to the commander of the recently-formed International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula and we hear from L3Harris Technologies about the first year of operations for the newly-merged company.

Newsround: (00:22)

Armoured vehicle programmes in central and eastern Europe are in jeopardy due to the economic effects of COVID-19, Shephard Defence Insight indicates. 

Due to the rise of new tensions in the Sino-Indian border, the Indian Defence Minister is pushing Russia for faster deliveries of additional Su-30 and MiG-29 fighters.

Australia is seeking to improve its training capabilities as the army prepares to upgrade its existing M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks. 

The German MoD announced the procurement of four MKS 180 multipurpose combat ships to ultimately replace the F123 Brandenburg-class frigates.

News Focus:

As more tensions escalate in South East Asia between Taiwan and China over the export of Dagaie Mk2 countermeasures launchers from France for installation on Taiwanese Kang Ding frigates, News Editor Ben Vogel looks at some of China’s actions and reactions.

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses the Brazilian Ministry of Defence’s decision to reassess a revoked presidential order that would have been beneficial for the armed forces. Why was it cancelled and what does it mean for the country’s armed forces?

Deep Dive - IMSC missions in the Middle Eastern waters (10:28)

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Royal Navy Commodore Robert Bellfield, Commander of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), to find out about the consortium’s current security missions in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula.
How many countries are involved in these operations and how do these differ from other missions in the region?

Interview – L3Harris Technologies (25:44)

Shephard Media’s regular contributor Andrew White interviews Dana Mehnert, President of the Communication Systems segment for L3Harris Technologies, to discuss the status of the company, and current and future programmes four months after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest