The Shephard Defence Podcast

From attendance at Aero India, to chatting with Northstar Aviation, we bring you the latest news from across the defence sector. As always, our sponsor Nammo features in our Industry Voice segment.News Round Up (01:05)Back from Aero India, our host Helen Haxell speaks to Deputy Land Editor Beth Maundrill and our air reporter Tim Martin about the latest news that’s caught their eye. Firstly, filling in for Richard Thomas this week, Beth talks about the BAE Systems annual results, which revealed that the company had created a £47 million loss provision for the Batch 2 River-class OPVs. River blot on BAE Systems’ maritime results We hear from Tim about Airbus’ secretive proposal for the US Army’s FARA Programme, and the US Army directing General Electric to stop work on its recently awarded contract as part of the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP).Airbus confirms FARA proposal but keeps platform under wrapGE told to freeze all EMD activity on ITEP contract Meanwhile, Beth returns to her own domain and shares the latest info regarding the Russian T90M main battle tank (rapidly approaching state production), as well as India’s Arjun Mk IA, and the US Army’s replacing the Vietnam War-era M113 armoured vehicle. Indian Army to accept interim Arjun Mk IA tankUS Army’s AMPV enters LRIP phaseShow coverage – Aero India (11:26)Last week, Helen attended Aero India in Bengaluru. She talks to Tony Skinner, Shephard Media’s VP of content, about the undercurrents of political and financial considerations throughout the show. They discuss interest the Indian MoD has in a joint venture to purchase 111 naval utility helicopters, the current operational status of the Mk1 Tejas jet, and the discussions between India and the UK regarding the cooperation in aircraft carrier development. Aero India 2019: HAL silent on NUH developmentsAero India 2019: HAL bullish about Tejas Mk 1A timelinesAero India 2019: UK-India sharing ship storiesInterview – Northstar Aviation (23:11)Whilst at IDEX in Abu Dhabi, Tony took some time to talk to Northstar Aviation about their 407 MRH light attack helicopter programme – particularly how they went about weaponising a civilian platform. IDEX 2019: UAE's 407 MRH sees continued success (video)Industry Voice (33:32)This week, Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, talks about what the company sees in store for 2019, and the various concerns the industry will have to tackle. Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In our fifth episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we once again provide a round-up of all the news from across the defence sector. We discuss all the developments from IDEX 2019 in Abu Dhabi, which included a strong Chinese presence, a variety of new vehicles and naval news from NAVDEX.We also get updates from Raytheon and Bell, while our sponsor Nammo takes the stage in our Industry Voice segment.• News Round Up (00:55)In the middle of a bustling IDEX 2019, Shephard Media’s VP Content Tony Skinner sits down with Editor-in-Chief Richard Thomas and Deputy Land Editor Beth Maundrill to discuss all the news from the event.Nimr revealed its new multirole Ajban 447A vehicle following just three months of vehicle development while Paramount successfully sold its Mbombe 4 mine protected armoured vehicle to the UAE. IDEX 2019 was also the first time the Patria AMV XP 8x8 was showcased with the Leonardo Hitfact 120mm turret.Richard discusses the heavy presence of Chinese companies and ships on display, and the statement of intent that implies. Meanwhile, Executive Officer of Al Yarmouk, Commander A al Abaidi, invites Shephard aboard the ageing Saudi Arabian Badr-class missile corvette.• Interview – Raytheon on RAM and ESSM (10:00)Our VP Content Tony Skinner takes the opportunity at IDEX 2019 to get an update from Raytheon on the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) and Evolved Seasparrow Missiles (ESSM).Raytheon has teamed with Abu Dhabi Ship Building, the UAE Navy’s prime provider of maritime logistics support, to install RAM missiles and launchers, as well as Evolved Seasparrow Missiles, onto the UAE’s Baynunah-class corvettes and other ships. We spoke with Raytheon’s Jeff Meyer, BD Manager for Naval and Area Missile Defense, and Gerard Hueber, VP Business Development for Strategic and Naval Systems.• IDEX coverage (21:18)Also, at IDEX 2019, we sat down with Bell’s Scott Clifton, the company’s H-1 International Program Manager, inside an MV-22 from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to discuss all the latest from the V-22 and H-1 helicopter programmes.With both the V-22 and AH-1Z/UH-1Y programmes well into their production runs for the US services, Scott discusses the future upgrade efforts now being planned for all three types, as well as current international interest in the rotorcraft.• Industry Voice (28:18)In light of the recent IDEX exhibition, in this week’s Industry Voice segment, Endre Lunde, SVP of Communications for Nammo, discusses the balance that Western companies must adopt when doing business in the Middle East.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

The fourth episode of Shephard Media's Weekly Defence Podcast has landed and we provide a round-up of all the news from across the defence sector, talk to Boeing about their new Block 2 Chinook, hear the latest from the Marine West exhibition, and sit down with our sponsor Nammo.News Round-Up (1:20)In the Weekly Defence Podcast's news section for this episode, Richard Thomas talks about Irving Shipbuilding and their contract to finalise design work for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) programme. He also covers the Naval Group and Australian sign off on the $36 billion strategic partnering agreement (SPA) for the construction of 12 submarines for the Royal Australian Navy, to be known as the Attack class. Global Type 26 fleet will reach 32 vessels as Canada awards design contractNaval Group and Australia finally sign off on future submarine programmeNot much up in the air this week, so Helen Haxell takes a look at a report from the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) claiming readiness and resilience of operatives could be improved through a greater emphasis on yoga and meditation. She also touches upon on the Mi-26T2V, a new-generation heavy helicopter for the Russian Army Aviation branch, which has completed its preliminary flight-testing phase, with the subsequent comprehensive joint flight testing set to be completed this year. JSOU looks to yoga and meditationMi-26T2V completes its preliminary flight testingFinally, Beth Maundrill covers the $414 million purchase of the Lockheed HIMARS system by Poland, and the unveiling of the Sri Lanka Army’s domestically designed multiple rocket launcher (MRL).Poland to buy US rocket system for $414 millionSri Lanka shows off indigenous rocket launcherMarine West Coverage (15:40)Our Special Operations Forces editor Scott Gourley is back, listing the various highlights of Marine West, which he attended last week. Interview – Boeing Chinook Block 2 (24:09)This week, Tim Martin talks to Randy Rotte, Director of Business Development for Cargo Helicopters at Boeing, about the ongoing upgrades to the classic Chinook design, termed Block 2. Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (39:27)In this week’s Industry Voice, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, discusses the implications of continuing defence budget uncertainties in the US. Endre also gives a shout-out to the Aerospace Media Dinner and Awards, which is now open for nominations.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In the third episode of Shephard Media’s Weekly Defence Podcast, we present the latest news from across the defence sector, discuss last week’s ADECS event in Singapore and the security concerns it highlighted, talk to Lockheed Martin UK about their new SkyKeeper system and hear from our sponsor Nammo. News Round-Up (01:05)In the news section for episode three of the Weekly Defence Podcast, Beth Maundrill talks about the US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle programme, and the delay that has arisen in its full rate production contract in light of some tests carries out by the US Army and US Marine Corps.Full rate production delay for JLTVIn maritime news Richard Thomas covers the final sea trials for the Polish navy’s new OPV, as well as the US Navy ordering a new pair of Ford Class aircraft carriers for $15 billion.Polish OPV undergoes final sea trials as Bulgaria programme faces delayUS Navy to buy pair of aircraft carriersLooking to the skies Helen Haxell delivers the latest on India’s acquisition of 15 CH-47F helicopters from Boeing, set to replace the three ageing Mil MI-26 heavy lift helicopters currently utilised by the Indian Air Force. She also talks about AH-64 Apache Guardian helicopters Boeing is also delivering to India for both the Air Force and the Army.India gets its hands on first ChinookDeep Dive – ADECS (10:28)Last week, our Asia Pacific editor Gordon Arthur and reporter Tim Martin attended the Asia Defence Expo & Conference Series (ADECS), where they attended several panels covering electronic warfare and maritime surveillance. Amidst the topics raised was the proliferation of Chinese submarines, and the effect that has been having on maritime security, as well as the growing ‘Internet of Everything’ and increased susceptibility of the West to EW and cyber-attack. ADECS 2019: EW advantage at risk of being lostADECS 2019: Jury out on China's ready-to-fire missile submarine fleet (video)Interview – Lockheed Martin SkyKeeper (26:15)Land domain deputy editor Beth Maundrill got a chance to visit the Lockheed Martin site in Bedfordshire, where turrets for the British Army’s Warrior and AJAX vehicles are manufactured. She also spoke to Graeme Forsyth about the company’s SkyKeeper air defence battle management and surveillance system. Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (36:28)In our third Industry Voice segment, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, discusses the importance of testing hardware and the various challenges that arise from such actions. Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In this second episode of Shephard Media's Weekly Defence Podcast, we provide a round-up of all the news from across the defence sector, focus on developments from the recent SHOT Show in Las Vegas, speak to UMS Skeldar about their UAV products and hear from our sponsor Nammo.News round-up (01:16)In the Weekly Defence Podcast's news section for episode two, Beth Maundrill discusses a story from Alex Mladenov on the Russian Navy's Coast troops has begun taking delivery of the 9K123 Khrizantema-S ATGM system. Russian Coastal Forces take delivery of Khrizantema-S ATGMs (free to view)Over in the maritime domain, Richard Thomas chats MPAs this week, with several news stories on the website indicating a feast and famine for the type, depending on what region you look at. In Asia-Pacific, a dearth of capabilities sits in stark contrast to the moves by NATO members to boost their own fleets, most commonly with Boeing's P-8A Poseidon. P-8A production scheduled for NATO’s northern MPA trio (paywalled)ADECS 2019: Southeast Asia has a dearth of maritime patrol aircraft (free to view)Helen Haxell takes on the big aerial news coming from the US Navy on the formal launching of a competition to replace the aging fleet of TH-57 training helicopters. Bell is putting forward the 429 and 407GXI. Airbus with H135. Leonardo with TH-119 and Sikorsky and Boeing possible contenders. US Navy launches training helicopter competition (free to view)Finally, after attending the key geospatial conference DGI, held in London this week, Kate Martyr points to some of the main stories from the event and provides an insight into the discussions and topics that dominated the halls.NATO develops joint ISR and GEOINT capabilitiesReal-time satellite tasking moves closer (paywalled)SHOT Show review (11:50)Our Special Operations Forces editor Scott Gourley provides an outline of last week’s SHOT show and all the news and developments from the event.Among other developments Scott describes how various live fire range events provided an opportunity for ‘hands on’ experience with a range of weapon platforms as well as the chance to interact with former Canadian sniper Rob Furlong and Kris “Tanto” Paronto, one of the CIA security contractors on the roof during the incident in Benghazi.Interview – UMS Skeldar (24:34)Richard Thomas talks with David Willems, head of business development at unmanned VTOL manufacturer UMS Skeldar, on the landmarks achieved through 2018, challenges in the military marketplace and the targets for the next 12 months.Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (31:56)In this week’s Industry Voice, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, reflects on the history of the company and the importance of international defence cooperations in fostering European defence capabilities.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In this first episode of Shephard Media's The Weekly Defence Podcast, we provide a round-up of all the news from across the defence sector, take a deep dive into the recent Surface Navy Association's annual symposium, speak to the CEO of Lord Corporation and hear from our sponsor Nammo.News in brief (01:05)Introducing the news roundup, Helen Haxell spoke with Beth Maundrill and Richard Thomas on the pressing issues over the past week, with each providing insight into particular stories that caught their eye.Over in the sea domain, Richard highlighted the news that the US Navy has put in an order for LCS-31, the 16th Freedom class variant of the programme. Although budget has been allotted for up to 38 (of a planned 52-ship run) doubts remain over the survivability of the LCS platform.US Navy orders LCS 31 (free-to-view)Towards the skies, Helen, Air Editor, gave details on the Indonesian military's recent helicopter orders and explained why Russia's latest strategic bomber programme is something to watch.Russia starts production of a new-generation strategic bomber (paywalled)Back on firmer ground, as new vehicles are developed and upgrades decided upon by the British Army, Beth, Land Deputy Editor, considers how the service will change shape in the coming years.British Army receives first production Ajax vehicles (paywalled)Surface Navy (06:30)The annual symposium of the Surface Navy Association marks the start of the year and beginning of the show season at Shephard, which dispatched Richard Thomas and Beth Maundrill to cover the comings and goings from the exhibition and conference floors.Among the issues discussed were the latest from the Zumwalt-class DDG programme, the current state of the US Navy’s planned future frigate and the US Marine Corp’s efforts to provide a better work-life balance to its forces.Commonality demand drove DDG 1000 planar rethink (paywalled)Insight: Intelligent design drives FFG(X) concepts (paywalled)Interview – Lord Corporation CEO and President Edward L. Auslander (14:45) We speak with Edward Auslander – president and CEO of LORD Corporation – about them becoming a $1 billion-dollar company, and how he is navigating the changing defence landscape.Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (29:19)In this week’s Industry Voice, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, provides insight into the changing nature of communications within the defence sector and the steps the defence trade press needs to take to keep itself relevant.Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

The Weekly Defence Podcast from Shephard Media focuses on the defence industry, from  defence spending to budgets, programme milestones, delays, contract signings and more.In this preview episode, Richard Thomas Senior Editor Naval and host of the show, looks at what is in store for listeners over the coming weeks and months.The Weekly Defence Podcast is produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest