Germans chop helo plan, 3D AESA radar for drone detection, and grey warfare in the 21st century

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to Blighter Surveillance Systems about 3D drone detection radar technology; we explore the concept of hybrid and grey zone warfare in an interview with QinetiQ; and we chat to our sponsor IAI about cyber security challenges facing governments in a post-Covid world.

Newsround (00:45)

In the Caucasus, fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has flared up again. The latest round of the conflict is notable for the use on the Azeri side of Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs supplied by Turkey. 

Meanwhile, Armenia has fired Serbian-made G2000 rockets from Grad multiple launch rocket systems at Azerbaijani positions.

News in focus

News Editor Ben Vogel gives out an highlight on the capabilities on display at the Zolfaghar-99 exercise, in which Iran showcased new and existing UAVs and anti-ship missile capabilities.

In a dramatic turn of events, Germany announced the cancellation of its long-running heavy-lift helicopter replacement tender.  Air Editor Tim Martin gives an expert insight on what this means for the country’s air capabilities and considers the potential repercussions. 

Tim also reports on the results of the  national referendum held in Switzerland earlier this week, when voters decided by a slim margin to proceed with buying new fighter jets.

The Netherlands  announced its intention to procure  new tracked vehicles for the Marine Corps. The platforms will be acquired under the multinational Collaborative All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) procurement programme. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports.

Interview- Blighter Surveillance Systems (21:14)

Ben Vogel is on the line with Mark Radford, Blighter co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, to talk about the company’s new 3D drone detection radar, wider C-UAS technology and industry developments.

Interview – QinetiQ (42:11)

Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano grabs a chat with QinetiQ’s CTO Mike Sewart for an insight on Qinetiq’s newly released report ‘Confidence in Chaos’, which explores how emerging technologies can help organisations countering threats in the grey zone.

Industry Voice – IAI (58:00)

Shephard Media's Creative Director Tony Skinner talks to Esti Peshin, General Manager of IAI’s Cyber Division, about the likely cyber security challenges facing governments in a post-COVID world.

This episode was produce by Noemi Distefano, music and sound mixing by Fred Prest