The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk about simulation and training, and consider how VR, AR and mixed reality could eventually reshape this industry; and in an interview with the Head of the US Army Futures Command we learn the progress of the country’s six modernisation priorities.Newsround (00:38)In Russia the Military Industrial Company has shed more light on the Strela light air-transportable armoured car.A base model, amphibious variant and buggy variant for the Russian Airborne Forces will be officially presented at the Army 2019 show near Moscow on 23-29 August. In South America, despite its crippling economic crisis, Venezuela appears keen to buy at least one AEW&C aircraft, which would be a brand new capability for the country.In Greece, the Hellenic Navy recently commissioned its penultimate Roussen-class fast attack craft, and the final one is expected to follow in 2021, more than 20 years after the programme began. The UK is looking to explore specific naval applications for directed energy weapons, in an initiative called Project Tracey. News In FocusAir Editor Tim Martin reports on the Israeli Air Force (IAF) decision to ground its UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.  The reason seems to lie in a series of ‘technical malfunctions’ of T700, but an investigation is still being conducted. Tim considers whether this problem is isolated to Israeli Black Hawks or extends to other users of the helicopter.As Japan rethinks its acquisition of RQ-4B Global Hawks from the US, we discuss the potential reasons that led to this decision and what other options Japan has to enhance its  capability.On the land domain, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses how the USMC is looking at the procurement of a next-generation, shoulder-fired rocket system. An RfP was issued by the USMC to purchase the M72 LAW FFE, which is expected to be fielded in FY2022.Deep Dive- Military Training and Simulation programmes (15:56)News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Simulation and Training Editor Trevor Nash for an insight on current programmes and development in technologies that could influence the way today’s militaries train. Interview: US Army Six Modernisation Priorities (33:21)In a special interview, Gerrard Cowan talks to General John M. Murray, Head of  Army  Futures Command, about six main modernisation priorities out to 2035. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss headline news from this week; we interview Raytheon UK about Global Navigation Satellite Systems; and we talk to the Director of Army Initiatives at Viasat to find out about new technologies that could help the militaries.Newsround (00:53) Australia is continuing to invest in autonomous technologies with a series of new contracts for prototype UGVs. In the US, efforts are being made to develop and field hypersonic weapons took a step forward last Saturday, with a final captive-carry test of the ‘Arrow’ air-launched missile.In the Middle East, the second Israeli Air Force F-35I squadron has been declared operational, following a final fitness inspection at Nevatim Airbase.The IAF has received 20 F-35Is to date.  Shephard Defence Insight notes that the air force has a total of 50 on order for 7.8 billion US dollars.The second Improved Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarine for the Russian Pacific Fleet is set to begin a comprehensive series of tests.News in Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas discusses the news announcement from Damen Shipyards Group which has revealed an impending redundancy of more than 1,000 employees from its sites in Romania and the Netherlands. How will this impact ongoing shipbuilding programmes?As tensions in the Caucaus region surge between Armenia and Azerbaijan, News Editor Ben Vogel takes a look at the use of UAVs and loitering munitions by the two countries.COVID-19 restrictions have forced Airbus Defence and Space to postpone Zephyr High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) Operational Concept Demonstrator (OCD) flight trials, which were originally scheduled for summer 2020.  Air Editor Tim Martin tells us more.Tim also talks about the US Army intention to move to a  RQ-7B Shadow.Block III Follow-On Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) phase.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on the newly approved donation by the US of M1117 ASVs to the Colombian Army. Interview- Raytheon UK (28:34)Richard Thomas is on the line with Raytheon UK executives: Nigel MacVean, Head of Sensors and Alan Wright, BD Executive Assured PNT. They discuss Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Raytheon’s development of technology demonstrator. Industry Voice- Viasat (38:00)VP Content Tony Skinner grabs a word with Thomas Jessee, Director of Army Initiatives at Viasat Inc, to talk about new technologies the company is implementing to help militaries in the modern battlefield.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we present our monthly digest of news from the Asia-Pacific region. We also look at the global market forecast for IFVs and chat with Viasat’s CTO about next-generation data links.Newsround (00:36)The Malaysian MoD is considering how to proceed with its troubled Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ship programme.The Brazilian Air Force expects to introduce its first modified Embraer E-99 aircraft in November this year, as it seeks to enhance its AEW&C capabilities.The British Army has received its first batch of vehicles under the delay-plagued and financially costly Ajax programme.News in focusSenior Editor Naval Richard Thomas and News Editor Ben Vogel look at the Israeli Navy’s (IN’s) future as a redesign of the Sa’ar S-72 corvette is expected to be completed next year. What does this mean for Israel?As disruption from COVID-19 continues, an order from Kuwait for a fleet of 28 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A is like to cause some short- term cash flow slippages for Leonardo. Air Editor Tim Martin tells us more.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at ongoing technological developments at the US Army Research Laboratory, which is testing a new software suite to train robots in subterranean conditions (pictured).Deep Dive- News from the Asia Pacific (15:12)Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur is on the line to round up and discuss highlights from Indonesia, Japan, China and New Zealand. Analysis – Defence Insight on IFV market (31:45)Richard Thomas interviews Sonny Butterworth, Senior Land Analyst at Shephard, to look at the forecast global market for IFVs, with a focus on wheeled platforms.Industry Voice- Viasat (48:56)VP Content Tony Skinner talks to Jon Stearn, Viasat CTO for next-generation data links, about the use of Link 16 to provide digital situational awareness for dismounted ground forces.Listeners can find more information in a white paper called “A New Era in Close Air Support”.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we learn about ongoing European air defence programmes, while the chief executive of Lockheed Martin UK provides an update on the company’s current projects.Newsround (00:30)In the news this week, four companies have been selected to design a prototype Skyborg autonomous UAV for the US Air Force by July 2026.Japan is showing interest in joining the US Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor programme, or HBTSS.The arrival of the first batch of Rafale fighters in India on the 29 July, marks a big week for the country. A total of 36 Rafales are expected to be delivered by 2021 and be operated by the IAF’s 17 Squadron.In Europe, Slovakia intends to procure 17 three-dimensional surveillance radars from allied nations, for inclusion in the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System.In the naval domain, the Royal Navy Gibaltar Squadron is looking to benefit from the introduction of two new patrol craft. In an announcement on 24 July, the UK MoD revealed a £9.9 million contract award to UK-based Marine Specialised Technology for vessel manufacture and platform support.News in focus:In this episode Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the future of the F-35 as numerous countries show an interest in the purchase of this multirole combat aircraft. After a decade Canada has invested $9 billion for the purchase of 65 F-35s. Tim reports on the acquisition process and looks at why this deal is proving controversial.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira provides news from the US Army, which released a draft RfP under the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle programme. In its fourth attempt, the US Army has now resumed its stalled ambitions to replace the Bradley IFV fleet. Who are the bidders?Deep Dive – Defence Insight on European air defence programmes (20:20)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Ilker Aktaşoğlu, Senior Analyst Air, for a close-up on European air defence programmes. In a detailed analysis Ilker looks at which programmes are progressing and a what pace, and which ones could be further delayed because of the pandemic.Interview - Lockheed Martin UK (34:27)Tim Martin interviews Peter Ruddock, Chief Executive at Lockheed Martin UK, to learn more about what the company is currently focusing on to maximise its business opportunities across Europe. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest  

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we catch up with our Defence Insight team about European submarines programmes and we talk to L3 Harris about the company’s support for the US Space Force.Newsround (00:00:35)The Czech government has dispelled fears that the economic damage of COVID will force it to cancel a plan to buy new infantry fighting vehicles.India continues to develop the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft, with the first flight expected in 2024-25.The pact between Iran and Syria to enhance the latter’s air defences has raised questions regarding the scope of this cooperation.The US Maritime Administration is lacking vessels required to execute its mission amid calls for an uplift in hull and personnel numbers.News In focus:Following a series of new agreements between Tempest industry lead BAE Systems and seven aerospace and defence suppliers, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the latest updates on this game-changing aircraft concept.Will the programme progress at the pace set by its ambitious timelines?Negotiations are ongoing between the UK MoD and Lockheed Martin UK over a potential £800 million contract for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira look at what the initial plans were, how they have evolved and what to expect next. Deep Dive: European submarine programmes (00:18:10)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Defence Insight Naval Analyst Harriet Haywood, to look at how EU submarine programmes have been left largely unscathed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Surface vessel programmes have been hit but the number of new submarines entering service will not be reduced.Interview: L3 Harris on US Space Force (00:31:40)Brad Bolstad, president of the Space Superiority & Geospatial sector in L3Harris Space & Airborne Systems, speaks to News Editor Ben Vogel about industry support for the US Space Force as the newest US military organisation evolves its mission set.Industry Voice: Viasat (00:51:10)VP Content Tony Skinner speaks to Andy Kessler, Vice President and Business Area Director of Viasat’s Next Generation Tactical Data Links Business, about advances to the Link 16 datalink and how it is helping modern military operations.For more, please view the Link 16 Breaks New Ground sponsored whitepaper.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we hold a debate on the political and military implications of the impending US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan.Newsround (00:37)Russia is planning an upgrade to its Su-57 fifth generation multirole fighter even before the first full production version is delivered. The DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise will culminate when a US-based combined arms battalion conducts an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise from 14 July to 22 August.A major fire aboard USS Bonhomme Richard on 12 July has dominated the defence news in the US as the implications of the potential loss of the vessel could have disastrous effects on operations.News in focus:Egypt continues the pursuit of a huge military spending package in one of the biggest arms deal of the last five decades for Italy that could cost Cairo up to €11 billion. Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the AW149 multirole helicopter deal, the wider effect of this potential export, the pressure coming from the US and France, and how Egypt is planning to fund its ambition.Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano takes a look at how the increased defence cooperation between Italy and Egypt has drawn stiff criticism from those seeking answers for the unsolved murder of Italian national Giulio Regeni in Egypt. Is the government going to bow to such pressures?South American countries are willing to equip their navies with icebreakers and other vessels for missions in Antarctica. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira takes a closer look at the capabilities that Brazil, Chile and Argentina have eyed to conduct research operations in the region.Panel Interview: Debate on the political and military future of Afghanistan (22:12)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas hosts a panel interview that explores the geopolitical and military implications that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan will have on the country after more than 15 years of war fought by Western and NATO forces. The debate is joined by Humphrey Hawkley, commentator and author of the book Asian Waters and former BBC Beijing Bureau Chief; Dr Dawood Azami, Multi-Media Editor at the BBC World Service and Associate Fellow at IISS; and Tim Foxley, Independent military analyst and former defence analyst for the MoD.Produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of The Weekly Defence podcast we discuss all the news from the Asia Pacific and we talk to a Romanian Air Force senior officer to learn more about the how the country has successfully carried out numerous UN-led peacekeeping missions.Newsround: (00:28)The UK is moving forward on the acquisition of eight Type 26 frigates, three years into the programme. Senior Editor Richard Thomas discusses all the details on the story.News Editor Ben Vogel catches up on Russia’s new plans to start production for new laser weapons. Even though most of the information about current projects remain secretive, local military analysts confirm that work is under way. The Serbian Air Force reached a new milestone as new Chinese-made CH-92A armed UAVs were delivered to the country on 4 July. Air Editor Tim Martin reports all the details on the technological equipment of these UAVs and discusses the potential political reaction that may arise.The UK MoD has confirmed plans to equip the British Army with new disruptive vehicle technology. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira investigates what these new vehicles will include, amid uncertainty over how the programme will be funded. Deep dive: news from the Asia Pacific (17:40)Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur is on the show this week, for the monthly catch up on all the news from this crucial region.After Chinese and Indian troops engaged in savage hand-to-hand fighting in the Sino-Indian border last month, Gordon examines the current climate after three weeks of ongoing tensions, new military equipment the two countries have been looking at, and the wider political impact. Australia has released two documents as part of the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan. The documents highlight challenges the country might face and give information on procurement plans. In New Zealand, The Royal New Zealand Navy received the biggest vessel in its history on 26 June, when replenishment ship HMZS Aotearos arrived in Auckland. Interview: Romania Air Force Commander (39:21)Tim Martin conducts an exclusive interview with Cdr Ioan Mischie, commander of the Romanian Air Force, to learn more about the country's  success in UN-led missions  enhanced by the use of BrightNite-equipped IAR 300 Puma helicopters.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we tackle the tracked versus wheeled armoured vehicles debate and we examine the equipment on display at Moscow’s Red Square during the Victory Day Parade. Newsround: (00:32)Cross-party political talks in Sweden addressing future defence funding have collapsed, following disagreement over whether additional money should be approved. In Singapore the government insists it will not compromise on the acquisition of strategic capabilities, despite some disruptions.A new report by the UK’s National Audit Office points towards new delays in developing the F-35B Lightning jet and Crowsnest AEW capability programmes.News Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas and Air Editor Tim Martin take a closer look at what the Royal Navy can expect following the NAO report release. Several questions were raised over future funding for the Royal Navy in a post COVID-19 scenario. It seems that the initial goal set by the MoD for the carrier strike group to reach full capability by 2023 could be beyond budget.Tim Martin also reports on the parliamentary hearing on the fate of the UK’s 5G network held in Westminster on the 30 June. The UK MoD has clearly stated that the Chinese telecommunications provider Huawei will have no future role to play in domestic defence communications and cyber networks.In the land domain, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira talks about the Spanish Army decision to enhance its NBC capabilities. Amid COVID-19 struggles, the country’s armed forces have laid out their NBC equipment priorities in a programme that aims to deliver new systems and technologies by 2035. Deep Dive: Track vs Wheels debate (22:28)Richard Thomas chats to Defence Insight Senior Analyst Land Sonny Butterworth to find out more about the long-running track versus wheel debate. Analysis: Russia’s Victory Day parade (42:34) Shephard’s contributor Leonid Nersisyan is on the line with News Editor Ben Vogel to report on the new kit on display in Moscow’s Red Square during the Victory Day parade. New features included the TOS-2 Tosochka thermobaric MRLS, the Pantsir-SM self-propelled anti-aircraft system and new anti-UAV missiles.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we speak to the commander of the recently-formed International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula and we hear from L3Harris Technologies about the first year of operations for the newly-merged company.Newsround: (00:22)Armoured vehicle programmes in central and eastern Europe are in jeopardy due to the economic effects of COVID-19, Shephard Defence Insight indicates. Due to the rise of new tensions in the Sino-Indian border, the Indian Defence Minister is pushing Russia for faster deliveries of additional Su-30 and MiG-29 fighters.Australia is seeking to improve its training capabilities as the army prepares to upgrade its existing M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks. The German MoD announced the procurement of four MKS 180 multipurpose combat ships to ultimately replace the F123 Brandenburg-class frigates.News Focus:As more tensions escalate in South East Asia between Taiwan and China over the export of Dagaie Mk2 countermeasures launchers from France for installation on Taiwanese Kang Ding frigates, News Editor Ben Vogel looks at some of China’s actions and reactions.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses the Brazilian Ministry of Defence’s decision to reassess a revoked presidential order that would have been beneficial for the armed forces. Why was it cancelled and what does it mean for the country’s armed forces?Deep Dive - IMSC missions in the Middle Eastern waters (10:28)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Royal Navy Commodore Robert Bellfield, Commander of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), to find out about the consortium’s current security missions in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula. How many countries are involved in these operations and how do these differ from other missions in the region?Interview – L3Harris Technologies (25:44)Shephard Media’s regular contributor Andrew White interviews Dana Mehnert, President of the Communication Systems segment for L3Harris Technologies, to discuss the status of the company, and current and future programmes four months after the COVID-19 outbreak.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we look at the new range of frigates that European navies are looking at to replace their current fleets, and we talk to Boeing about developments on the F/A-18 programmes.News Round (00:35)The Royal Australian Air Force is seeking a replacement for its fleet of Hawk 127 trainer jets. The US Senate Armed Services Committee has approved its mark-up of the Pentagon’s Fiscal Year defence policy bill, authorising $740 billion for national defence spending.The Danish Armed Forces are planning to acquire a new UAS capability. More developments on Operation Irini: the EU maritime mission in the Mediterranean to enforce the UN arms and oil embargo on Libya. News Focus News Editor Ben Vogel discusses the European Defence Agency’s CROWN initiative following the announcement of new leadership for the Spanish company Indra. The new programme aims to develop scalable and single architecture for airborne radar, EW and communication applications. Air Editor Tim Martin catches up on the latest development on the Future Vertical Lift programme as Sikorsky records a new test for the FLRAA candidate - the SB>1 Defiant.The Defiant has hit a new milestone recording a speed of 205kt using less than 50% of the helicopter's pusher propeller.As the French MoD releases its Annual Report on Arms Exports, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira takes a look at the figures of both European and international exports. What are the possible side-effects of COVID-19 on this year’s trades?Deep Dive – European frigate programmes (14:27)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is in a conversation with Defence Insight Naval Analyst Harriet Haywood to talk about future investments for new warships in the UK and Europe. Following years of falling naval budgets, a steady increase has emerged in response to emering threats. Harriet looks at how the market shape will change in the next five years. Interview – Boeing on the F/A-18 (25:44)Air Editor Tim Martin speaks to Jen Tebo, director of F/A-18 development programmes at Boeing, to discuss changes in the programme with a focus on recent efforts on the Super Hornet Block-2 and 3 front.