Best bits: Chinese military kit in Hong Kong, naval market trends and the US Navy’s response to the cyber threat

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we take a mid-year recap, looking back at some of the highlights from earlier episodes, including a look inside the Hong Kong Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), examine trends in the naval ships market and hear about the US Navy’s cyber security challenges.

• Behind the news – a visit to the Hong Kong Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army (01:08)

Over a three-day period from 29 June to 1 July, the Hong Kong Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) opened the gates of three of its military camps to ticket-carrying members of the public.

Our Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur was there and explains to host Helen Haxell how, in light of ongoing civil tensions and mass public protests in Hong Kong, the PLA was on even higher alert than normal, with several new pieces of equipment on display. 

You can read Gordon’s full story here: PLA shows varied capabilities in Hong Kong

• Shephard Analysis – naval market trends (15:39)

Shephard’s director of analysis Matt Smith outlines his findings and predictions on the current state of the naval ships market. 

One of the things highlighted in the report is the sector that has seen the most growth - small class vessels such as mine-hunters, amphibious assault ships and landing docks.

• Interview – Captain Erik Pittman, US Navy (25:00)

Tony Skinner, our VP of content, talks to Captain Erik Pittman, J6 Deputy Director at US Indo-Pacific Command, about the US Navy electromagnetic manoeuvre warfare concept, and their response to the growing cyber threat.

• Industry Voice – Nammo (36:00)

In this week’s Industry Voice Tony Skinner, our VP of Content, and Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, discuss cyber security and the implications of recent cyber attacks to the defence industry.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest