The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to Elbit Systems UK about the development of unmanned anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and we have the second part of our conversation about the challenges facing the special forces community.News round (00:35)The RAF is close to signing a deal with BAE Systems for the deployment of new Eurofighter Typhoon simulators.As the impact of the COVID pandemic continues, the Canadian Department of National Defence is procuring a new isolation system to transport highly infectious patients by air in Globemaster or Hercules aircraft.The Russian Army has received the first batch of ten 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzers, but the MoD is still to decide whether to buy the wheeled variant for its combined arms brigades.The ongoing development of Saab’s Lightweight Torpedo (SLWT) has moved a step closer to serial production, with the first test firings from the Gotland-class submarine HSwMS Gotland and Visby-class corvette HSwMS Karlstad in February and March this year.News FocusAir Editor Tim Martin discusses the French government’s pledge to buy new military heavy-lift helicopters, naval drones, ISTAR and tanker aircraft programmes as a part of a new economic package worth €15 billion.News Editor Ben Vogel and Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira report on a change of plans for the Mexican Navy, which was due to receive additional POLA long-range oceanic patrol vessels, but deliveries are now on hold. What are the politics behind this?Flavia also discusses recent news for the Portuguese Army with delivery of new small arms as the Soldier Combat Systems (SCS) programme passed a milestone in early June.Interview – Elbit System UK (16:23)Senior Editor, Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Martin Fausset, CEO at Elbit System UK, to discuss the status of the company’s trials under work by DSTL exploring the future of unmanned ASW operations.Panel discussion - Special forces Operations (30:10)VP Content Tony Skinner hosts the second part of our conversation looking at SOF challenges and equipment requirements. Tony was speaking to Defence Insight’s Senior Land Analyst Sonny Butterworth and regular contributors Scott Gourley and Andrew White.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we focus on China’s defence budget as well as other defence developments from across the Asia-Pacific while our team of experts look at the latest special forces news following the vSOFIC event.News-round (00:35)Three UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships could be mothballed for longer than originally planned in order to reduce defence expenditure in 2020.Spain has released operational, technical and logistics requirements for its Light Vehicle for Special Operations, to replace variants of the Nissan ML6. In Brazil, these are difficult times for Embraer. Despite making progress on key military programmes, the Brazilian company has suffered a 17% year-on-year drop in sales in the first quarter of this year for its defence and security business. In Britain, a US senator weighed into the Huawei 5G debate earlier this week, warning that American personnel could be put at risk on British territory. News Focus:Air Editor Tim Martin discusses details about Bell’s first delivery of its 505 Jet Ranger X to Montenegro. The news comes after the Montenegro Air Force placed a €3.3 million order for two helicopters.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira catches up on Canada’s attempts to enhance the protection of its ground troops. The Canadian Department of National Defence has confirmed initial delivery of the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) for this year. Deep Dive – News from the Asia Pacific (14:20)Gordon Arthur is on the line for the monthly brief on developments in defence procurement in South-East Asia.Tensions are escalating along the Sino-Indian border as Chinese troops intruded up to 3km across what Indian views as its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May, setting up tents and digging in.On the naval front, the Indian Navy is looking at new multirole/ASW helicopters, and the procurement of MH-60R aircraft has now progressed to an FMS contract being awarded to Sikorsky parent company Lockheed Martin.China has released its yearly defence budget, revealing an increase of its expenditure by 6.6%. The new upcoming budget of $179 billion has been defined necessary to prepare for future combat, by the country’s general secretary.Panel discussion - Special Forces Operations (36:49)VP content Tony Skinner hosts a conversation among SOF experts to get an insight on the virtual SOFIC event where US Special Operations Command leadership explained current challenges and requirements for the Special Forces. Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we discuss the rocket systems currently in service in Russia and we talk to our Defence Insight team about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme.Newsround: (00:35)Delivery of the first Sa’ar 6 corvette for the Israeli Navy has been delayed by the industrial impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus. In the United States, Textron subsidiary ATAC has been awarded a contract modification to aid the US Navy and Marine Corps, by providing so-called “red air” adversary aircraft for training. In Asia, the Taiwanese navy plans to order Harpoon Block II surface-to-surface missiles next year. In the naval domain, the Royal Swedish Navy is looking to two mid-life upgrade programmes that are key to the acquisition of its near-future surface and sub-surface capabilities.And the Royal Netherlands Navy is looking to tackle the impact of the pandemic on its operations asking vessels to remain within 24 hours transit from the nearest hospital for the first week of deployment.News Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas talks about the Royal Swedish Navy upgrades programme to the  the Visby-class corvettes and Gotland-class submarines and considers whether the new deliveries will help to counter of deter the Russian threat.Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the reveal of a lucrative helicopter deal between Italy and Egypt. The Italian manufacturer Leonardo will provide AW149 multirole and AW189 super medium class to Cairo for a cost of over $870 million.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on French company Arquus boosting the production of 6x6 VAB Mk 3 medium weight armoured vehicles. Customers include Tunisia, Lebanon and the French Army.Deep Dive – F-35 programme update (13:40)Richard Thomas speaks to Senior Air Analyst Ilker Aktaşoğlu to find out the latest on the F-35 programme. Ilker takes a look at the programme background and at the latest reports recently released by both Lockheed Martin and the US Congressional Research Service. Interview – Grad rocket systems (27:32)As the second stage of tests involving the 122mm 9M221F Taifun-1 rocket recently took place in Ukraine, News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with freelance contributor Leonid Nersisyan to find out more about grad rocket systems now in service in Russia and  in other countries of the former Soviet Union.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to BAE Systems about their programme to develop machine learning analytics and how this can benefit the military, and we consider the current and future effects of COVID-19 on US military spending.Newsround: (00:32)The Taiwanese Air Force will order four US-made MQ-9 Reapers in Fiscal Year 2021, in a $166 million deal. The Extenda Mk 2 version of the expeditionary High Mobility Transporter has been demonstrated as a possible solution for the Next Generation Fighting Vehicle programme for Canadian Special Forces.In Europe, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation is preparing to award a contract to develop a new air-to-surface weapon for the Tiger Mk3 attack helicopter. The French Navy has been equipped with four new BRF ships in a ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. The International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) confirmed that it had monitored an incident on 17 May that saw two fast boats approach a UK-flagged ship transiting the IRTC, about 100 miles off the coast of Yemen.News Focus:Air editor Tim Martin discusses a report from the Russian news agency TASS that revealed Egypt’s deal for 26 Su-35 fighter. According to the report a deal was signed, but there is no official confirmation by Egypt or Russia. The US has made clear that should the deal go through Egypt is at risk of sanctions.Tim also talks about one curious development on the UK’s E7 Wedgetail acquisition.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on Australia’s new investment in passive radar technology as the country announced a contract with Silentium Defence to develop and deliver a prototype of the Maverick M-series.Deep Dive: COVID-19 threat to US military budget (14:52)News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Jason Sherman, a New York- based defence journalist, to take a look at the impact of coronavirus on the US and the country’s military budget as the US DoD braces for a potential three-month delay to its deliveries.Interview: BAE Systems on machine learning (33:40)Tim Martin speaks to John Hogan, Product Line Director, Sensor Processing and Exploitation at BAE Systems FAST Labs, to understand about the company’s DARPA contract. The Geospatial Cloud Analytics programme aims to develop machine learning analytics that could provide constant global situational awareness.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

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

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we take a look at the European defence industrial landscape and how to foster innovation and agility, hear about defence developments from across the Asia Pacific and consider the response to times of global uncertainty.News-round (00:37)News editor Ben Vogel talks about the militarisation of space with the news that Russia has conducted another direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile test.According to a USPACECOM statement,the Russian system is capable of destroying satellites in low Earth orbit, and the latest tests may be related to movements of Cosmos 2542 and Cosmos 2543 satellites in February, when they carried out manoeuvres near a US government satellite.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses France and Germany announcement of a cooperation to develop the Main Ground Combat System.Deep Dive – News from the Asia Pacific (11:41)Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur discusses all the latest defence news from this key region, including:PhilippinesThe Philippine Air Force’s search to obtain new helicopters made a step forward as the US State Department announced a potential FMS of either the Bell AH-1Z Viper or Boeing AH-64E Apache.ChinaThe People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned two new Type 094 Jin-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN), according to Chinese media reports. This brings to six the number of Type 094s in the PLAN.South KoreaKia Motors in South Korea had been awarded a $1.36 billion contract to provide thousands of new 2.5t and 5t tactical trucks for the nation’s military.Interview: Innovation of the defence ecosystem (30:00)Ben Vogel is on the line with Lorenz Lemhaus, a defence innovation consultant for SMEs in Germany, who considers how the defence industry has evolved over the years from sourcing funds nationally to be open to international partnerships.  Lorenz also explains what needs to change to pave the way for SMEs to be closely aligned with defence bodies. Industry voice: Nammo (51:53)VP content Tony Skinner speaks to Senior VP Communications at Nammo Endre Lunde about new requirements for the defence industry in a time of global tensions, how industry is dealing with uncertainty, and the importance of international cooperation.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss the suitability of unmanned platforms for the anti-submarine warfare mission, look at Germany’s long -running attempts to find a replacement of its ageing Tornado fleet and hear how the US Army is using video demonstrations to assess equipment.Newsround (00:39)In the news this week, Germany plans to extend procurement within the future soldier programme beyond the end of this year, when deliveries were scheduled to finish.  There’s plenty of life left in the Cold War-era B-1 Lancer bomber, as the US Air Force aims to upgrade a squadron to carry some of the most advanced long-range munitions in the US inventory.Saab has conducted a landmark flight trial of its X-band AESA radar, which is planned as an upgrade on Gripen C/D aircraft in service with five air forces worldwide. In the Middle East, Iran claims to have developed two new 3D, long-range, phased-array radars for air defence. News focus:News Editor Ben Vogel reports on the Libyan National Army finding a dismantled fuselage from a Polish-made Warmate loitering munition in the northwest of the country. He considers how these incidents reflect a broader failure of export controls and how that the UN arms embargo on both sides in the Libyan civil war appears porous and almost non-existent. Air Editor Tim Martin dives into another side-effect of the current pandemic, as the US Army has approved for the Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) competitors to video test flights of their systems as an alternative to in-person review. Deep Dive – Germany’s Tornado fleet replacement (12:34)Tim Martin is on the line with Torben Schütz, Research Fellow for Armament Policy at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) Security and Defence Programme, to understand more about the politics involved in the replacement of Germany’s Tornado fleet. Interview: SEA (24:02)Senior Editor - Naval Richard Thomas speaks to business development director at SEA Peter Hodgkinson about how the proliferation of submarines in the world’s oceans calls for a rapid response in the development of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and the role that unmanned platforms can play.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we examine America’s counterterrorism wars and its record of drone strikes across a number of conflicts, cast a spotlight on the external contractors in defence procurement and discuss the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on the defence industry. Newsround (00:39)The US Army aims to develop its Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle to fuel a five-way competition for the replacement of the Bradley IFV by 2027. The latest OMFV announcement outlines steps the US Army is taking to reduce barriers to foreign competition.On the naval domain, the COVID-19 outbreak has hit the annual budget of the Royal Thai Navy. With the government ordering a reduction in spending by 10%, the military is suffering cuts which will inevitably impact ongoing contracts.Azerbaijan has signalled its intent to order M-346 Master advanced jet trainer aircraft from Leonardo, while long-running negotiations continue with Pakistan on potential procurement of the JF-17 fighter. But before Azerbaijan signs a firm contract with Leonardo, Russia may try to promote its Yak-130 trainer aircraft instead.News focus:Air Editor Tim Martin looks at the latest on the Finnish HX Fighter Programme for the replacement of its F/A- 18C/D fleet.  A select number of former high-ranking military and political officials have been excluded from making direct contact, or acting in a negotiating capacity, with Finland’s MoD for the remainder of the HX Fighter tender.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses the latest from Scandinavia where the Norwegian government has announced a new long-term strategic development plan for its armed forces across land, air and naval domains. The country will increase defence spending by $1.57 billion by 2028 compared with its current budget of around $6 billion.On the naval front, Norway will procure three new coast guard vessels and receive new Type 212CD submarines between from the end of the 2020s. For the Royal Norwegian Air Force, the government intends to upgrade the NASAMS II air defence system in the short term. Deep Dive – America’s counterterrorism Wars (18:24)Air editor Tim Martin speaks with Melissa Salyk-Virk, co-author of America’s Counterterrorism Wars, about the proliferation of armed UAVs and the US counterterrorism strikes in countries such as Yemen, Pakistan and Libya. Industry Voice: Nammo (46:23)VP content Tony Skinner is on the line with Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications at Nammo, for an analysis of the long-term effects of the pandemic as the industry and the world face questions on how long this is going to last and adjustments industry needs to make.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we dive into the current status of Australia’s submarine procurement programme, talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the Russian armed forces and discuss all the news from the week.•  Newsround (00:37)In the UK, several vendors have confirmed they will participate in the programme to replace the Royal Navy’s Harpoon 1C anti-ship missile system.The German Army has plans to enhance its indirect-fire capability by upgrading its legacy PzH 2000 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled (SP) howitzer, procuring new systems and enhancing its key target acquisition capability.The Polish Armament Inspectorate is preparing to buy new lightweight disposable anti-tank missiles systems for the country’s armed forces.  New requirements call for up to 150,000 anti-tank missile systems to replace the Soviet-era RPG-7 currently in service and the Saab AT4.In the Middle East, the Israel Navy has terminated a programme to use unarmed and armed USVs for maritime patrol missions. While unmanned underwater systems remain under evaluation, there is currently no alternative plan for Israel to deploy unmanned surface assets.n the US, a statement this week revealed that the US Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter programme is ‘back on track’ and the service envisages introducing newer ships into the fleet as Easter Shipbuilding work to deliver the first-in-class USCGC Argus in 2022. News focus:As the French Army deploys the MBDA MMP fifth generation man-portable anti-tank guided missile in Mali, news editor Ben Vogel discusses what the new systems is going to replace and what it means for the French forces in West Africa. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses the Czech MoD’s intention to procure more than 39,000 assault rifles and small arms for its armed forces. With an investment of $94 million, the purpose is to equip Czech units deployed on overseas missions. · Deep Dive – Australia’s submarine programme (11:50)Senior Editor Richard Thomas is on the line with Shephard’s special correspondent Tim Fish to discuss the latest development on Australia’s Attack-class submarine programme. They talk delays, budgets and a possible discrepancy between Australian defence expectations and anticipated deliveries. · Interview: Impact of COVID-19 on the Russian Army (28:08)As the COVID- 19 pandemic continues to strike around the globe, News Editor Ben Vogel speaks to freelance contributor Leonid Nersisyan on the impact of the crisis on the Russian armed forces. What is the Kremlin doing, or not doing, to tackle the current issues that are affecting the military? In view of the Victory Day Parade that should take place in Moscow next month, Leonid discusses possible delays or cancellations. Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we bring you the latest defence news from Asia Pacific and around the world, we talk situational awareness on the modern battlefield and we consider the outlook for defence events in 2020.Newsround (00:40)In the air domain, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the US Army’s delay of a first recoverable flight for the X-61-A Gremlins Air Vehicle following Dynetics’ reveal of an ongoing reshaping of flight test activities at the US Army’s Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. In naval news, Senior Editor-Naval Richard Thomas discusses the resignation of the Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly on 7 April. The decision came after Modly removed the captain of the coronavirus-hit USS Theodore Roosevelt from command for writing a letter raising concerns on the safety of sailors onboard. In the land domain, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira talks us through the challenges of the Brazilian Army‘s new procurement programme which includes the acquisition of four new types of vehicles and upgrade to its Leopard MBTs.Deep Dive – News from the Asia- Pacific (20:33)Asia Pacific editor Gordon Arthur is on the podcast this week to discuss the major news from the region over the past few weeks.AustraliaLeidos Australia announced on 7 April the UAV platform that it is offering for the Australian Army's Project Land 129 Phase 3 requirement for a new tactical UAV to replace the in-service Shadow 200.JapanOn 19 March, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned the first of two Maya-class destroyers in Yokohama. With a budget of over 1.3 billion US dollars for its construction, JS Maya (DDG-179) is a guided missile destroyer capable of ballistic missile defence (BMD).News from Japan also include news plans for the country’s air forces to develop a new air superiority fighter as its fleet of F-2A and F-2B fighter ages.China Despite the COVID-19 outbreak China announced on 25 March that the country begun its first export deliveries of the man-portable HJ-12E ATGM to an undisclosed customer.The HJ-12E is an export version of the regular Red Arrow 12 (HJ-12) missile system.Interview: Roke (34:53)VP content Tony Skinner speaks to Tom Eskriett, the campaign lead for information advantage at Roke, about the cruciality of situational awareness on the modern battlefield.Industry Voice: Nammo (54:08)As defence industry events continue to suffer the impact of the pandemic with ongoing cancellation affecting major tradeshows around the globe, Tony grabs a chat with Endre Lunde, senior vice president communications at Nammo, to consider the long-term implications.