The Shephard Defence Podcast

We are excited to be sharing the opening episode of the Five Eyes Connectivity podcast, the first such project from Shephard Studio created in collaboration with Viasat.Over the next three episodes, we will look at the changing face of modern warfare across the land, sea and air domains through the prism of three key technology areas: Satellite communications, line of sight data links and cybersecurity. We will hear from senior military leaders about the changing nature of today's threats, how unfettered access across the electromagnetic spectrum can no longer be taken for granted. We will find out about the vulnerabilities facing these critical technology areas, look at the work going on to protect military networks and hear how the private sector is stepping in to help. In particular, we will look at the Five Eyes grouping of countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US and find out how prepared their militaries are when the connectivity they have become accustomed to is degraded or denied. And we will hear from our sponsor, Viasat, about how the private sector is stepping in to help militaries develop these technology areas further.

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we consider growth in the artillery and air defence market, hear from L3Harris Technologies about the company’s MAST 13 ASV and look at all the news from across the defence sector.News Roundup (00:45)On the news this week…The team consider the implications and ramifications of the Saudi Arabia’s missile defence systems being unable to prevent the drone and cruise missile attack against some of the kingdom’s most important oil infrastructure.Elsewhere, in the air domain, Tim Martin explains that despite making the AW149 the centrepiece of its exhibit at DSEI, manufacturer Leonardo is still unwilling to confirm that a reported deal for 20 of the helicopters to Egypt is underway.Production aircraft are currently being assembled for military operators and the model is in service, although the company has not disclosed which party is using the helicopters – despite the Royal Thai Army initially set to become a launch customer by way of an order for five of the 8t-class type, placed in 2016.Out at sea, Richard Thomas outlines how a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) deal managed to slip under the defence carpets at DSEI, as Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Navantia agreed a deal through their joint venture for the development and technology transfer of the Catiz combat management system (CMS) and its integration onto the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Avante 2200 corvettes.Beth Maundrill, meanwhile, explains how in its A$10-15 billion ($7-10.4 billion) Project Land 400 Phase 3 competition, Australia has clearly professed a predilection for animal names, with the Hanwha Redback and Rheinmetall Lynx being down-selected for further trials at the expense of the General Dynamics Land Systems Ajax and BAE Systems Hägglunds  CV90 as announced on 16 September.Deep Dive – Artillery and air defence market (16:07)Director of Analysis Matthew Smith outlines how a renewed focus on high intensity, conventional warfare has reshaped the artillery and Air Defence market, Shephard Media’s Defence Insight team has discovered.As Matthew explains, a study of 220 procurement programmes has found that the total value of the market will be $160 billion over next ten years, although this will be front loaded, with air defence and self-propelled artillery forecast to dominate.Interview – L3Harris and its MAST-13 (28:20)VP Content Tony Skinner speaks to Tim O’Neill, Defence Technical Sales manager at L3Harris (ASV, UK), about the company’s Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) 13 autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) it recently delivered to the Royal Navy.The 13-meter (41ft) long high-speed ASV is capable of fully autonomous navigation, using L3Harris’ ASView proprietary autonomous control system and advanced algorithms developed for the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The system will be used as a testbed to support the development of new capabilities for the Royal NavyNew content teaser – Five Eyes Connectivity podcast (37:06)We preview Shephard Media’s special series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat.Over next three episodes, we will look at the changing face of modern warfare across the land, sea and air domains through the prism of three key technology areas:

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we report from DSEI in London, one of the largest defence exhibitions of the year, hear from Team Tempest about the future fighter aircraft programme, and speak to the US Air Force about its new AFWERX innovation hub.News Roundup (00:50)On the news this week…The team report from DSEI in London, where among the announcements was news that Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 has won the £1.25 billion ($1.54 billion) programme for the five-ship Type 31e light frigate programme. Sea editor Richard Thomas and deputy air editor Tim Martin run through the machinations of the long-running Type 31e saga.Tim also looks at the decision by the UK and Italy to partner on the Tempest future fighter programme. A statement of intent has also been agreed at an industrial level between Rome and London, further evidence that engineering and design efforts will involve a formidable and diverse mix of suppliers including BAE, Leonardo, Rolls-Royce and MBDA.Meanwhile, land domain editor Beth Maundrill outlines the progress of the UK’s flagship land programmes, including the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) upgrade and the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (CR2 LEP).Deep Dive – Team Tempest (13:19)Tim Martin, deputy air editor, speaks to Team Tempest, about the announcement the UK and Italian governments had formally agreed to partner on the future fighter programme.Air Commodore Daniel Storr, Head of the Combat Air Acquisition Programme at the UK MoD, outlines the flurry of recent activity on the Tempest programme while Michael Christie, Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, provides an overview of the industrialisation of the project.Interview – AFWERX (30:30)VP Content Tony Skinner speaks to Brian 'Beam' Maue, the AFWERX mission lead, to find out more about the progress of the AFWERX programme, which was announced by USAF secretary Heather Wilson only two years ago.Maue explains how AFWERX had 'started with a classic innovation hub approach where people could come together and perform design thinking or lean startup type methods through facilitation'.Industry Voice – Nammo (49:12)Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, explains how coffee and a link up with the Help for Heroes charity has become a centrepiece of this year’s DSEI for the company.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest 

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we report from the sidelines of MSPO, Poland’s main defence exhibition, we speak to the organisers of DSEI in London ahead of the event, and senior managers from Raytheon outline the direction the company is heading.News Roundup (01:00)On the news this week…Editor in chief Richard Thomas and deputy air editor Tim Martin report from MSPO in Poland. Among the news to emerge from the show was the confirmation that the Pentagon's decision to remove Turkey from the F-35 programme has since left production made aircraft readied for Ankara without an owner.https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/mspo-2019-turkish-f-35-production-aircraft-left-wi/Meanwhile, among the new products on display was a technology demonstrator of an mobile air defence combat system (ASBOP–PERKUN) the Lukasiewicz – PIAP Institute has developed in partnership with the Telesystem-Mesko company.https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/mspo-2019-mobile-air-defence-system-showcased/Deep Dive – DSEI preview (15:13)Land editor Beth Maundrill sits down with RAdm Simon Williams, chairman of Clarion Defence and Security, the events company that puts together the biennial DSEI event.https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/dsei-2019-what-expect-uk-mod/Simon outlined where he sees the European defence market heading and what he believes MoD will bring to the table at this year’s edition of DSEI..Interview – Raytheon (37:55)VP Content Tony Skinner sits down with Raytheon’s Christopher Davis, president of Raytheon International Inc, and Roy Azevedo, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (SAS), to discuss new capabilities, international sales and how the company is positioning itself for new requirements.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

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 KongShephard 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 

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 coverage of Brazil's main defence exhibition, trends in the air defence market and Australia's development of unmanned assets.Show coverage: LAAD in BrazilBeth Maundrill, our deputy land editor, attended the LAAD exhibition in Rio de Janeiro with Kate and Matt Smith. The team runs through all the news and developments from the event and discusses who is positioning themselves for sales across South America.Shephard Analysis – Air Defence MarketShephard Media’s director of analyst Matt Smith and analyst Ilker Aktaşoğlu talk about their findings and predictions on the current state of the air defence market.The team discuss the dynamism of the short-range air defence segment, look at emerging requirements Canada and Norway, and consider the effect the weaponisation of consumer drones has had on the sector.Interview – Kieran Joyce, Australian ArmyWhile at AUVSI, Tony Skinner, our VP of content, met with Kieran Joyce – the programme manager for unmanned aerial systems for the Australian Army. The conversation covers the army’s use of UAVs such as the Black Hornet, the progress of a new UAV programme and drone racing.Industry Voice – NammoIn this week’s Industry Voice Tony Skinner, our VP of Content, and Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, discuss the trends in global defence spendingMusic and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss the Chinese military assets gathering on the border with Hong Kong, we speak to French company Texelis about its involvement in the French Army’s Scorpion programme, and the Royal Canadian Air Force provides an update on the satellite communication programmes it oversees for the country’s armed forces.News Roundup (00:48)On the news this week…With the launch of our China Rising: Special Report, Shephard Media’s director of analysis Matthew Smith considers the development of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and where the investment is going.Deputy air domain editor Tim Martin explains the situation where the US Army has been forced to downplay concerns that a manufacturer involved in the service’s Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (FTUAS) programme could force other aircraft to be ineligible for any final contract selection.Land editor Beth Maundrill explains that the US Marine Corps (USMC) has declared that its Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) has reached initial operational capability (IOC) just under a year ahead of schedule. It can now deploy and support naval expeditionary missions worldwide, following the declaration of IOC by the Marine Corps Combat Development Command on 2 August, an achievement that was expected to be met in June 2020.Deep Dive –Texelis and French land programmes (13:32)Land editor Beth Maundrill sits down with the President of Texelis, Charles-Antoine de Barbuat, to discuss the evolution of the company and the French Army land programmes it supports.Interview – Royal Canadian Air Force (24:20)Although the space domain may be a relatively new responsibility for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RFAC), the service has developed a five-year roadmap laying out the space framework for the armed forces.Colonel Cameron Stoltz, Director of Space Requirements for the Royal Canadian Air Force, explains that in expanding its commitment to the space domain, Canada’s defence policy commits to ‘increased and predictable’ funding to deliver new capabilities, such as earth observation, space situational awareness, and satellite communications. Ottawa is particularly focused on enhanced coverage of the country's northern-most regions, which are largely devoid of such capabilities.Industry Voice – Nammo (40:20)In this week’s Industry Voice Tony Skinner, our VP of Content, and Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, discuss the evolution of the defence trade press and how the sector needs to change further in order to survive.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we quiz the US Army on the progress of its Next-Generation Combat Vehicle project, we speak to the chief executive of independent technology group Cohort and in our Industry Voice segment sponsor Nammo considers the implications of vehicle-borne lasers. News Roundup (01:06)On the news this week…We learn how the German Federal Ministry of Defence (MoD) has privately handed RfP solicitations for its heavy-lift helicopter programme to Sikorsky and Boeing. Elbit Systems has concluded testing of its new Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) as part of the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s CARMEL Future Combat Vehicle project. The AFV applies autonomous capabilities and artificial intelligence to accelerate decision making and facilitate target engagement with increased rapidity and accuracy. On the naval front, we hear how shipbuilding has formed a central theme around UK defence commentary for a number of years. However, with Northern Ireland-based shipbuilders Harland and Wolff (H&W) entering administration, the notion of a revitalised UK naval manufacturing capability took another blow following the announcement earlier in the year of the drawdown and closure of Babcock’s Appledore facility.The woes of the maritime industry in the UK comes at a time when the sector has never been more in the public eye, with ongoing issues in the Gulf regarding tanker security continuing to dominate headlines.Interview – US Army on its Next-Generation Combat Vehicle (15:25)Land reporter Kate Martyr quizzes the US Army on the progress of its Next-Generation Combat Vehicle programme, in particular the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) and Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) components.Kate spoke to Major Cory Wallace, who is Robotic Combat Vehicle Lead on the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team, and Chris Ostrowski, associate director at Army Futures Command (AFC) Ground Vehicle Systems (formerly TARDEC).Interview – Cohort Chief Executive (32:28) Land editor Beth Maundrill speaks to Andrew Thomis, Chief Executive of technology group Cohort, about the organisation’s development and support of its five SMEs.Industry Voice – Nammo (39:54)In this week’s Industry Voice, Tony Skinner, our VP of Content, and Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, talk about the next-generation laser technologies under development.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest 

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, as we farewell regular host Helen Haxell we took the chance to look back at some of our best coverage of the past few months, including naval power in Singapore, our chat with the chief of the South African Army and discussing the future of military rotorcraft. While our sponsor Nammo provides this week’s Industry Voice segment.And a big thanks to Helen for all her hard work on the podcast and best wishes with the new role!Show coverage – IMDEX Asia (01:53) At IMDEX Asia 2019 in Singapore, the team cover the numerous companies touting their naval wares, including ST Engineering showcasing their Vanguard 130 vessel, which seems to tick all the requirements the Singapore Navy has recently announced for their next multirole combat vessel. The team also discuss the various conferences that took place at the event, reporting on topics such as the threat of increased connectivity between maritime vessels and how it may be subverted, the threats posed by contractors accessing ships during their maintenance cycles and the continuing demand for innovation.Interview – Lieutenant General Lindile Yam (13:43)Deputy land editor Beth Maundrill had a busy first half of the year and during her time in South Africa she was able to sit down with Lieutenant General Lindile Yam, chief of the South African Army, to talk about the financial problems facing the military in the region.Interview – Bell (28:00) Air domain editor Helen Haxell talks to Steve Mathias, Bell’s VP for global military sales and strategy, who provides an update on the company’s bid for the US Navy’s Advanced Helicopter Training System (TH-XX), progress of the flight trials of the V-280 Valor tiltrotor and longer-term helicopter technology development at BellIndustry Voice – Nammo (39:54)In this week’s Industry Voice Tony Skinner, our VP of Content, and Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, about how the defence industry is increasingly looking to go green and the reasons why.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we provide coverage of the recent Air and Space Power Conference and the defence trends and challenges that were discussed. We speak to the chief executive of the European Defence Agency about its achievements over the past 15 years. And our sponsor Nammo provides this week’s Industry Voice segment. News Round Up (01:02)This week in the news…With tensions heating up in the Persian Gulf, Helen Haxell and Richard Thomas discuss the implications of the UK’s change of prime minister – which was quickly followed by the ousting of defence secretary Penny Mordaunt – on the nation’s naval posture.Tim Martin outlines how widely publicised crashes and delays that have long derailed the UK’s unmanned Watchkeeper programme look to be behind the UK. The MoD is moving out with flight testing of Equipment Standard 2 (ES2) and looks forward to receipt of all 54 air vehicles later this year.Kate Martyr tests the team’s armoured vehicle recognition skills by presenting images of the US Army’s NGCV concept.Show coverage – the Air and Space Power Conference (12:30)Air domain specialists Helen Haxell and Tim Martin discuss all the developments from the Air and Space Power Conference held recently in London.With the theme of ‘Multi-Domain Operations for the Next Generation Air Force’, the conference covered emerging technologies and opportunities for innovation in the air, space, cyber and artificial intelligence spheres.The Shephard team presents audio coverage from the-then UK Secretary of State for Defence, Penny Mordaunt MP; General David Goldfein, Chief of Staff, United States Air Force; Major General Tonje Skinnarland, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force; and Air Vice-Marshal Simon Rochelle, RAF Chief of Staff Capability.Interview – Jorge Domecq, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (33:38)Land reporter Kate Martyr speaks to Jorge Domecq, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, about the EDA’s role and achievements on the 15th anniversary of its establishment.Industry Voice – Nammo (51:20)In this week’s Industry Voice Tony Skinner, our VP of Content, and Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, discuss the role of the European Defence Agency in furthering European defence.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest