

The Shephard Defence Podcast
Shephard Media
The Shephard Defence Podcast tells the stories of the defence industry, trends in military technology and the procurement programmes that get the kit into the hands of the warfighter. In a monthly news roundtable, Shephard Media’s team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading. We also feature content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners. If you work in the defence sector, have an interest in defence technologies, or are an end-user of military equipment, then the Shephard Defence Podcast is aimed at you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 29, 2024 • 23min
Defence Insight Briefs - The Analyst View of the Naval Market
Euronaval Paris is a significant trade show in the naval market calendar. An evolving threat landscape and increasing government funding are driving investment into new technologies. The naval market hasn't been so relevant in many decades. In this episode, Giovanni Rasio Senior Naval Analyst at Shephard Group's Defence Insight details his findings from the Euronaval show. Submarines, UUVs and strike capabilities take centre stage, raising questions for how NATO countries will adapt to the shifting security climate. Catch up on everything you missed from Euronaval, and gain some additional insight into the naval market with this detailed brief.

Oct 22, 2024 • 23min
Defence Insight Briefs - The Analyst View of the UGV Market
The market for uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) is rapidly evolving, with profound implications for future military operations. As we look to the coming decade, the potential for these autonomous platforms to redefine the battlefield is immense. UGVs are not merely another tool in the kit of modern warfare – they represent a shift in how conflicts will be fought and how human life will be preserved on the frontlines.Sam Hart, Senior Land Analyst at Shephard Defence Insight, explores the rapidly evolving UGV market, from robotic combat vehicles to drone swarms, and dives into the latest trends in hybrid power systems, autonomy, and military applications across NATO and beyond. With insights on the emerging role of UGVs in last-mile resupply, combat operations, and the political challenges shaping their development, this discussion offers a unique look at cutting-edge defence innovation.

Apr 25, 2023 • 30min
The evolving landscape of military simulation and training technologies (sponsored)
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, we explore the evolution of military simulation and training technologies, including advancements in cloud computing, networked training, and the increasing use of simulation in response to changing military demands.Jeff Tasseron, director of strategic growth for CAE, talks to Dr Alix Valenti about how new simulation and training technologies are impacting the defence sector.Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading.We also feature regular content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners.

Mar 15, 2023 • 38min
What's the deal with defence procurement?
Professor John Louth, an expert in Defence and Security Research and former RUSI member, dives deep into the complexities of UK defense procurement. He highlights the disconnect between technical management and political narratives, stressing the need for adaptability in requirements. He discusses the vital role of collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and tech sectors, especially with smaller enterprises. Louth advocates for an outcome-focused approach to procurement, urging a shift from traditional contracts to innovative strategies for optimal asset utilization.

Feb 27, 2023 • 28min
All the show news from IDEX in Abu Dhabi
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat about the big news stories from IDEX in Abu Dhabi.Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading.We also feature regular content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners.

Feb 3, 2023 • 34min
Digital Readiness and Cognitive Advantage in the Future Battlespace: An Interview with Neil Dove and Andy Laidler
We recently released a multimedia project in partnership with Fujitsu Defence and National Security, focusing on digital readiness and cognitive advantage. In this bonus podcast episode, we hear from two industry experts as they guide us through the complex landscape of the future battlespace. We speak with Neil Dove, Vice President of Fujitsu Defence and National security in the UK, and Andy Laidler, chief digital officer for the defence business in which he oversees investment in new technologies. Click here to learn more about the themes discussed

Jan 20, 2023 • 46min
The most significant defence stories of 2022 - and looking ahead to the coming year
Shephard's editorial team - senior naval reporter Harry Lye, military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann and Asia Pacific editor Gordon Arthur - nominate the most remarkable defence stories of 2022.To learn more, see the team's online overview of the five most significant news across the air, land, naval, uncrewed, training and defence notes of our website. Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading.We also feature regular content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners.

Dec 23, 2022 • 49min
A history of cybernetics and the implications for today’s society
Professor Colin Williams, an expert in the history of cybernetics, explores the birth of the machine, its infancy in modern society and path towards maturation.Prof Williams is an honorary visiting professor at the Cyber Technology Institute at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), an honorary Fellow at the Cyber Security Centre at the University of Warwick, and a PhD researcher at the University of Oxford researching the early history of cybernetics.This conversation was recorded as part of a Shephard Studio project sponsored by Fujitsu Defence and National Security.To learn more about the themes discussed, head over to www.digitalreadiness.tech

Dec 9, 2022 • 50min
All the news from I/ITSEC and talking seabed warfare
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat about the big news stories from I/ITSEC, the world's largest modeling, simulation and training event.Harry is also joined by Chris Lade, Defence Sales Manager at Saab Sea Eye, about the trends and challenges of seabed warfare.Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading.We also feature regular content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners.

Dec 5, 2022 • 44min
How fiction can prepare us for a disruptive digital future – a conversation with August Cole
Innovation is a crucial topic in national security circles. For organisations to seize the advantage, it is vital to approach innovation not simply as a technological phenomenon but as a cultural and organisational priority.Part of the challenge is interpreting current advances and determining the future impact they will have in terms of both technology and organisational culture. August Cole is an author and futurist who explores the future of conflict through FICINT – fictional intelligence storytelling. His work focuses on the evolution of warfare and the role that robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) will play in the not-too-distant future.In this special episode of the podcast, Dr. Keith Dear – who is Managing Director, Centre for Cognitive and Advanced Technologies at Fujitsu UK – and August Cole discuss how new technologies are radically altering the national security landscape.The conversation was recorded as part of a Shephard Studio project sponsored by Fujitsu Defence and National Security.To learn more about the themes discussed, head over to www.digitalreadiness.tech


