Carrier and the Corps work up continues, Japan requests budget bump and Leidos UK talks defence and intelligence markets

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we bring you all the news from across the Asia Pacific and talk with Leidos UK about the how the company is looking to expand its services in national security and defence.

Newsround (00:35)

In Europe, two types of UGV from Estonia-based Milrem Robotics can now be equipped with a loitering munition launcher from Israeli firm UVision.

In Bulgaria, proposals from General Dynamics European Land Systems and Patria have been downselected for the second phase of an 8x8 IFV procurement programme. 

Egypt is close to receiving an array of US-supplied equipment for maritime security and surveillance, after the State Department approved a FMS package worth an estimated $417 million.

News in focus

As HMS Queen Elizabeth prepares to deploy its new carrier strike capability in 2021 with the embarkation USMC F-35Bs for Exercise Joint Warrior, Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas discusses how the nascent UK capability is viewed in Washington. 

The US Army has awarded $1.2 billion contract to General Dynamics Land System (GDLS) to provide IM- SHORAD systems. News Editor Ben Vogel discusses the importance of the acquisition for US ground forces.

Following AeroVironment’s recent release of a new variant from its family of Switchblade loitering munitions, Air Editor Tim Martin talks about some of the key features of the new Switchblade 600.

Deep Dive: News from the Asia Pacific (18:28) 

In this month’s news roundup Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur focuses on Japan’s $55 billion defence budget request and the driving factors behind it, including the acquisition of new F-35 jets, development of the F/X sixth-generation fighter gathers pace and ground-based air defence systems.

In Pakistan, the Army has introduced the Chinese-built Norinco VT4 MBTs.

And the first batch of long-awaited Embraer A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft finally arrived in the Philippines after a multi-stop journey from Brazil.

Interview: Leidos UK (34:55)

Ben Vogel is on the line with Leidos UK’s newly appointed Managing Director of National Security and Defence Al Potter to look at the new company’s strategy in the defence, intelligence and national security markets. 

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