The Shephard Defence Podcast

How are weaponised cranes aiding Turkey's insurgency fight? What’s the design philosophy behind industry’s development of autonomous aircraft? And why are IT companies making a play into the defence sector?This week on the Weekly Defence Podcast, we cover the IDEF defence exhibition in Turkey, talk to Northrop Grumman’s Director of Strategy of Autonomous Systems Strategy and our sponsor Nammo features in our Industry Voice segment. News Roundup (01:02)With the UK recently changing defence secretary following leaked plans to allow a Chinese company to build the UK’s 5G network, the team considers the implications.At the Sea Air Space 2019 exhibition, it emerged that the US Navy is assessing a service life extension for its fleet of MH-60R/S Sea Hawks while the FAA is signing off on the TH-119’s IFR certification.The team also covers India’s intention to purchase more Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters, Romania’s consideration of the Puma IFV as an alternative to their Agilis project, the latest turnaround on the issue of the USS Harry S Truman and the shift in the UK’s budget for further Type 31e light frigates.Sea-Air-Space 2019: USN faces balancing act over Sea Hawk's lifeSea-Air-Space 2019: FAA to sign off on TH-119 IFR certificationIMDEX Asia 2019: India seeks more Ka-31 AEW helicoptersRomania looks to buy the Puma IFV as Agilis project alternativeSea-Air-Space 2019: US Navy defends USS Harry S Truman refuelling flip flopUK MoD restates ‘average’ benchmark for Type 31e Event Attendance – IDEF Report (15:20)Turkish companies were out in force at IDEF in Istanbul as the country moves quickly to develop its domestic defence industrial base. Beth Maundrill and Kate Martyr were at the event and cover MPG’s heavily armoured 8x8 crane currently being delivered to the Turkish armed forces, before talking about the next-generation 155mm self-propelled howitzer which reportedly is set to begin live fire exercises. IDEF 2019: Weaponised cranes to aid Turkey's insurgency fightIDEF 2019: Next generation howitzer production on the horizonInterview – Kristen Griffin, Director of Autonomous Systems Strategy, Northrop Grumman (25:01)Richard Thomas, our editor-in-chief, met with Kristen Griffin, Director of Autonomous Systems Strategy at Northrop Grumman, to talk about the company’s autonomous aircraft, the design philosophy behind them and what we can expect to see in the future.Industry Voice (35:25)This week in our Industry Voice, Tim Martin, our senior reporter, is at Sea Air Space in Maryland, where he talks to the SVP of Communications for Nammo, Endre Lunde, about the various IT companies present and their influence on the defence sector. Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

This week on the Weekly Defence Podcast, we cover the findings of the just-released Shephard Naval Market Report, we speak to Keirin Joyce about the Australian Army’s need for a new UAV, and our sponsor Nammo features in this week’s Industry Voice segment.News Round Up (01:09)Coming to you from AUVSI, we cover the latest news regarding unmanned systems. Senior reporter Tim Martin discusses how the US Army, USSOCOM and the New Zealand Defence Force are increasingly looking towards the commercial sector to provide the solutions to their individual defence needs. Air domain editor Helen Haxell talks about Collins Aerospace and their recent achievement with their avionics system while editor-in-chief Richard Thomas outlines the continuing development of maritime systems by the US Navy.AUVSI 2019: Defence allies seek commercial collaborationsAUVSI 2019: Collins Aerospace’s civil avionic solutions aid military missionsAUVSI 2019: Unmanned technology driving naval changeShephard Analysis – Maritime Defence Market (09:09)Shephard’s director of analysis Matt Smith outlines his findings and predictions regarding the current state of the maritime defence 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 – Kieran Joyce, Australian Army (18:36)While 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 (34:11)This week in our Industry Voice, SVP of Communications for Nammo Endre Lunde talks about SIPRI’s annual report, which highlighted the continuing lead of the US and China in military expenditure, which itself has significantly increased. Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

Who and why did the US Army choose to help develop its next-generation attack helicopter? And where to for NATO, on the 70th anniversary of the alliance?This week on the Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss US Army aviation and the service's decision to select five companies for its future attack helicopter programme, we speak to Lockheed Martin about NATO and the UK’s place in it, and our sponsor Nammo talks about technology transfer reform in our Industry Voice segment. News Round Up (01:01)This week Tim Martin, our air reporter, covers the US Army’s shortlisting of its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competition. Helen Haxell reveals what she has recently been talking to SENA about – namely the Spanish Navy’s AB-212 upgrade programme. Beth Maundrill talks about the UK MoD’s contract with General Dynamics for the Foxhound 4x4 as well as Poland‘s new 155mm Krab self-propelled howitzers while Richard Thomas covers the situation with Damen Shipyards Group and the retirement of Russia’s Kirov battlecruisers. Insight: What next for the FARA five?Finishing touches for Spanish Navy’s AB-212 upgradesUK funds new Foxhound upgradesPoland receives first serial production Krab howitzersDamen points to continued shipbuilding opportunity despite registering lossInterview – Quad A (16:57)Tim Martin recently attended the Army Aviation Association of America summit in Nashville, where he discovered the latest developments in the FARA programme and Boeing’s Block 2 Chinook, as well as catching up with Jason Hawks, the Bell programme manager for the V-247 Vigilance.Interview – Peter Ruddock, Lockheed Martin UK (31:27)Helen Haxell sits down with Lockheed Martin’s UK CEO Peter Ruddock to discuss the 70th anniversary of NATO, and the role the UK has played in the organisation over the years. Industry Voice (38:12)This week, Tony Skinner our VP of content, and Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, talk about the Norwegian-American Defence and Homeland Security Industry Council in the context of possible defence technology transfer reforms.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In this week’s episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we cover the latest defence news from the Asia-Pacific region, talk to Muddy Watters about EW Europe, and hear from Nammo in our Industry Voice segment. News Round Up (01:04)Land reporter Kate Martyr starts off this week’s News Round by covering the European Defence Agency’s continuing efforts to develop a hybrid drive train. Jack Richardson outlines the news regarding the UK MoD launching a competition to examine the utility of UUVs for the Royal Navy, as well as the continuing development of UK and India security ties. Continuing the maritime coverage, sea domain editor Richard Thomas highlights the upgraded A26 submarines bound for service with the Swedish Royal Navy while Helen Haxell covers the latest on the Pentagon's FARA programme. Finland joins EDA’s HybriDT projectUK explores potential for large unmanned naval submersibleUK and India deepen defence industrial tiesWhile Gotland slips out, A26 efforts ramp upQuad A 2019: AVX and L3T show FARA handQuad A 2019: MD Helicopters Swift disqualified from FARAAsia-Pacific defence developments (11:22)Richard Thomas sits down with Gordon Arthur to talk about the host of defence exhibitions he has attended across the Asia-Pacific region of late, and the news that has emerged from them.Interview – Muddy Watters, EW Europe (20:44)Helen Haxell has a conversation with Muddy Watters, AOC President, about interoperability and NATO’s role in combating the threat posed by the electronic warfare capabilities of Russia, as well as the EW Europe show. Industry Voice (33:04)In this week’s Industry Voice, our VP of content Tony Skinner and Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, discuss cybersecurity and implication for the defence sector.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

This week in the Weekly Defence Podcast, we cover all the news from the LAAD exhibition in Rio Janeiro, talk to Jeff Smith from Harris about US Army communications modernisation, and hear from our sponsor Nammo.• News Round Up (00:49)This week, land reporter Kate Martyr talks about the new armed reconnaissance vehicle that SAIC is developing for the US military and its potential further uses as an Expeditionary Advanced Operating Base.Sea reporter Jack Richardson  covers his recent trip to the Ocean Business show in Southampton, discussing the variety of unmanned systems and associated hardware that was on show, before moving onto the latest financial troubles plaguing the US navy’s Columbia class submarines. New armed reconnaissance vehicle for US militaryGAO disputes reliability of Columbia class costs• Deep Dive –  LAAD (9:50)Beth 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.LAAD 2019: News round up from Rio (video)• Interview – Jeff Smith, Harris (22:00)Our deputy land editor Beth Maundrill sat down recently with Jeff Smith, VP of business development at Harris, to talk about the US Army’s modernisation programme and the enabling technologies Harris provides.• Industry Voice (34:15)Our VP of content, Tony Skinner has a chat with Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, about the need to further change public perceptions about the role of domestic defence industries.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

This week in the Weekly Defence Podcast, we head to Huntsville to take a look at AUSA Global Force, chat to Airbus Helicopters about the H135 and TH-XX programmes, and hear from our sponsor Nammo about developments in the space sector.News Round Up (01:00)In the news round this week, sea reporter Jack Richardson covers the latest news from Brazil, from the UK increasing trade ties to the latest regarding the Tamandaré-class corvette (CCT) programme. Editor-in-chief Richard Thomas then covers the recent boost to the Royal Navy’s MCM capability, as well as the introduction of the new Danish APC, the Piranha 5.Senior reporter Tim Martin talks about the latest MALE UAV to come out of Turkish Aerospace – the Anka Aksungur – and rounding things up is Helen Haxell talking about yet another suspension of KC-46A deliveries to the USAF.LAAD 2019: UK continues to strengthen naval ties in South AmericaÁguas Azuis consortium selected for Brazilian corvettesOpinion: Negotiating the MCM minefieldDanish Army receives new Piranha 5 APCTurkish Aerospace prepare for Anka Aksungur productionUSAF suspends KC-46A tanker deliveries againShow review – AUSA Global Force (14:40)Deputy land editor Beth Maundrill is with reporter Kate Martyr provide an overview of all the news from AUSA Global Force, from the development of the optionally manned fighting vehicle to the RAVEN soft-kill jamming system on display at the show.US Army ploughs on with Bradley replacementAUSA Global 2019: BAE Systems looks to impress with technology demonstrator vehicleInterview – Airbus Helicopters (23:44)Tim Martin speaks to Airbus Helicopters’ VP of Military Helicopter Programs, Scott Tompak, about the H135 and TH-XX programs, and the company’s recent decision to use the Pratt & Whitney PW206B3 engine for the helicopter it is proposing for the US Navy’s helicopter trainer replacement programme.Airbus selects PW206B3 engine for H135 trainer proposalAirbus pleads autorotation defence ahead of US Navy trainer awardIndustry Voice (35:10)Tony Skinner, VP of content, talks to Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, about the development of space technologies and the difficulties European companies face in the field.Music and sound mixing provided by

This week in the Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to Chief of the South African Army Lieutenant General Lindile Yam about the finance issues facing the service, have a conversation with Dr Elaine Raybourn, ITEC 2019 Committee Chair, about simulation & training, and hear from our sponsor Nammo.News Round Up (01:06)Kicking things off this week, our new sea reporter Jack Richardson talks about the relocation of the EU’s Operation Atalanta command and control centre from the UK to Spain. Editor-in-chief Richard Thomas covers the US Navy’s progress on their Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)) programme, as well as the stalled submarine plans for both the US and UK navies. Air domain reporter Tim Martin touches upon the current state of Airbus’ UAS programme, currently seeking funding and partners, while Helen Haxell rounds things off with news from SAAB’s annual Gripen briefing. Interview – Lieutenant General Lindile Yam (15:01)Deputy land editor Beth Maundrill is off travelling the world, and during her time in South Africa she was able to sit down with Lieutenant General Lindile Yam of the South African Army, to talk about the financial problems facing the military in the region. Interview – Dr Elaine Raybourn (29:48)Trevor Nash, our military training and simulation editor, talks to the committee chair of ITEC, Dr Elaine Raybourn, about the importance of modelling and simulation in modern military training. Technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality have opened new approaches alongside other technologies, which the ITEC show highlights.Industry Voice (41:59)Tony Skinner, our VP of content, is joined again by Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, who discusses the annual reports being released by the industry and the major trends they reveal.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

This week in the Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss current and future rotorcraft programmes with Bell, look at the state of the air defence market, speak to the Royal Air Force about their current challenges and hear from our sponsor Nammo.News Round Up (01:07)For the news round, air domain reporter Tim Martin is fresh from a briefing with MBDA on its annual results; land reporter Kate Martyr provides an update on Rheinmetall Canada’s new weaponised configuration of its Mission Master UGV, which was showcased during a demonstration event held in South Africa; and editor-in-chief Richard Thomas looks at future anti-ship missile developments.Meanwhile, Helen Haxell speaks to AVM Gerry Mayhew, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, about the future direction of the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) in the lead-up to the Air and Space Power conference, which will take place 17-18 July 2019 in London.Shephard Analysis – Air Defence Market (19:20)Helen takes some time to sit down with our Shephard Plus director of analyst Matt Smith and analyst Ilker Aktaşoğlu to talk about their findings and predictions regarding 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 – Bell (28:12)Helen 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 (40:10)Tony Skinner, our VP of content, talks to Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, as well as David Rolen, Nammo’s director of business development and marketing for the US, about the recent US budget news in this week’s Industry Voice.   Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

This episode in the Weekly Defence Podcast, we provide you with the latest news from the defence sector, take an up-close look at the Bronco 3 from ST Engineering, chat with the Global SOF Foundation, and hear from our sponsor Nammo.News Round Up (01:23)Helen Haxell is back, covering the latest news alongside our naval expert and editor-in-chief Richard Thomas, our land editor Beth Maundrill, and our air domain reporter Tim Martin. One topic dominates the conversation this week - the US DoD budget, which is set to increase by 5% going into the new fiscal year.Trump seeks $33 billion hike in US DoD budgetUSMC looks to buy Reaper UAVsInterview – ST Engineering’s Bronco 3 (09:45)Beth went to Finland recently to talk to Dominic Phoon of ST Engineering about the company’s latest vehicle – the Bronco 3. The vehicle combines the best elements of the Bronco 1 and 2 in a more lightweight platform, and ST Engineering brought the Bronco 3 to Finland to test it in arctic conditions. Insight: All eyes on all-terrain vehiclesInterview – Global SOF Foundation (19:36)Tony Skinner, our VP of content, talks to Stu Bradin, president and CEO of the Global SOF Foundation, a professional association advocating for special operations worldwide. Meeting at the annual symposium hosted by the Foundation in Florida, they cover all you need to know about the Global SOF Foundation itself, and the current state of the SOF market. Industry Voice (34:06)Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, is back as our Industry Voice. This week he talks about the special forces sector, and how the relationship between SOF and industry has developed over recent years. Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

This week we take a look at the Avalon and SCTX shows, talk about our upcoming Armoured Vehicle report, and interview Leonardo about their latest electronic warfare developments.As always, we also give you the latest news in the defence sector, and our sponsor Nammo is this week’s Industry Voice. News Round Up (01:14)With Helen away, our editor-in-chief Richard Thomas steps up to lead this week’s round up. First, he talks to our Asia-Pacific editor Gordon Arthur about the Avalon Airshow. Avalon 2019: New UAVs break cover Down UnderAvalon 2019: Seeds sown for Team Reaper in AustraliaThen, our land reporter Kate Martyr covers the various counter-UAV technologies on display at SCTX in London. She also covers all the latest news to have crossed the land desk, including the recent comments from defence secretary Gavin Williamson.Airports more amenable to counter-drone technologyUK MoD opts for high-risk robot acquisition strategyIn the water this week, Richard covers the new contract between Thales and the Dutch navy regarding a new fire control system, as well as rumours regarding the early retirement of the USS Harry S Truman.Future M-frigates to be fitted with next-gen fire control systemUS Navy might retire aircraft carrier earlyTo round off our news round up for the week, our host touches upon the purchase of four F-35s by Singapore, as well as the reveal of Boeing’s secretive Loyal Wingman programme.Singapore to buy four F-35s, with option for eight moreAvalon 2019: Secretive Loyal Wingman breaks coverThe Shephard Armoured Vehicle Report (27:16)Our VP of content Tony Skinner talks to Matthew Smith, Shephard's director of analysis, outlining the findings of the 2019 Shephard Armoured Vehicles Market Report. The report gives a global overview of the armoured vehicle market over the next 10 years.The Shephard Armoured Vehicles ReportInterview – Leonardo EW (37:59)Our air editor Helen Haxell interviews Mark Hewer, VP of Integrated Mission Solutions at Leonardo Electronics, about the company's latest contract with NATO, and the electronic warfare equipment being provided by the OEM.Industry Voice (51:28)In this week’s Industry Voice segment, Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, talks about the development of longer-range precision munitions, and the implications of such systems becoming generally available. Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest