The future of the tank, extending the life of satellites and friendly fire in the Gulf of Oman

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we dive in the world of tanks and examine the market forecast of these key components of modern armies; and we talk to Northrop Grumman about how their new MEV is able to extend the life of satellites.

Newsround: (00:30)

In the news this week, the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force has halved the number of tanks and artillery pieces in its inventory, but it is still investing in replacement capabilities.

US Special Operations Command is seeking an industry partner to help it develop a new counter-UAS family of systems.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are to upgrade 43 Apache AH-64D attack helicopters for Egypt to the AH-64E standard, in an Foreign Military Sales deal worth an estimated $2.3 billion.

In Australia, the army has selected a winning platform for its Small UAS Plus project, and it has also narrowed down the shortlist for its replacement Tactical UAV programme to four contenders. 

The European Union wants to reach an agreement with Malta regarding Operation Irini - its new maritime security mission to the Mediterranean.

News Focus:

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas reports on the friendly fire incident on 10 May that involved two Iranian Navy vessels in the Gulf of Oman. The incident left at least 19 sailors dead and 15 injured, according to state-run Iranian news agency IRNA.

Air Editor Tim Martin reports on Boeing deliveries of the AH-64E V6 Apaches to the UK. While the US manufacturer had reached an agreement to deliver the first of 50 Apaches in June 2020, the target deadline now seems to be pushed back.

Land reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira gives us an update on the Brazilian anti-vehicle missile programme that seems to be finally approaching the end of tests since it first began in the 1980s.

Deep dive – The future of the main battle tank (15:30)

Senior Analyst - Land Sonny Butterworth is on the show this week to talk about the future of main battle tanks.

MBTs have evolved over the decades in how they support ground forces against lethal threats, but the necessity for their ongoing implementation is now facing tighter budgets. What does the future hold for MBTs in Europe and around the world?  

Interview - Northrop Grumman (36:05)

VP Content Tony Skinner is on the line with Joe Anderson, VP of operations and business development for SpaceLogistics LLC, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, to talk about the company’s new achievement in on-demand satellite servicing with the docking of a Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1) to client satellite Intelsat 901 (IS-901).

Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest