The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we take a look at the major news from the floor of Dubai Airshow 2021 and talk with Defence Insight about global trends in the procurement of second-hand platforms for ground forces.News from Dubai Airshow 2021 [01:20] Shephard correspondent Leonid Nersisyan is on the line from Dubai to look at highlights from the show. Major news, discussed with host Noemi Distefano and Air Editor Tim Martin, includes the overseas show debut of the Russian Su-75 Checkmate aircraft; new UAVs from Emirati conglomerate EDGE Group plus an exclusive interview with the company CEO; new capabilities on display by Israeli companies and potential export opportunities; and updates on procurement (or potential procurement) contracts for the H225M and AW609 helicopters. Deep-Dive – Global market for second-hand armoured vehicles [32:20]Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira and Senior Land Analyst at Shephard Defence Insight discuss the landscape for procurement of armoured vehicles platforms worldwide.While some countries might opt for new vehicles, others might look at second-hand vehicles to match tighter budgets. Which militaries are mostly attracted to this type of procurement? And which countries are the biggest supplier of second-hand capabilities? Industry Voice - Raytheon Missiles and Defense [50:11]Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks to Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Air Power at Raytheon Missiles and Defense, to look at countermeasures currently on offer on the market to tackle the issue of ballistic missile threats. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast the team looks at the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report and discusses the Pentagon’s 2021 China Military Power study.Newsround The Shephard News team discussed the top stories across the land, air, sea and military training domains. Land [1:40]The Czech Republic is facing renewed challenges in its plan to acquire 210 IFVs, after the MoD recently concluded that none of the contenders has met its requirements so far. Training [08:13]The UK Military Flying System (UKMFTS) training programme is moving forward with a contract for Inzpire to deliver the GECO Mission Planning and Debrief system.And Elbit UK continues to grow it defence programme portfolio backed by a new award. Under the Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (Deployable) ICAVS(D) programme, the firm will be delivering capabilities that will replace the older Unit-Based Virtual Traininer (UBVT). Air [11:57]Canada is on the hunt for an all-new fleet of MALE UAVs under the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) programme. Team Artemis and Team SkyGuardian respectively are competing for a contract award expected by 2024.Sea [15:16] The UK has begun concept work for the replacement of its Type 45 destroyers. The future Type 83 will see its concept phase beginning in earl 2022 with the assessment phase to follow in due course. Public Accounts Committee Report [17:22] The latest UK House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report highlighted continued failures by the UK MoD to deliver major equipment capabilities. The report says the MoD system is ‘broken’ and is ‘wasting taxpayers’ money’. The team engages in a roundtable discussion, highlighting the major programmes that were criticised in the report, the causes that led to these programmes suffering delays or cancellations and more. Deep Dive – News from the Asia Pacific [ 32:09]News Editor Ben Vogel and Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur catch up on all the news from the Pacific with a focus on the recently issued Pentagon report on Chinese military power. How fast is China growing? What is the US perspective on the Chinese military arsenal? How are China’s neighbours reacting?  They also discuss new naval developments in South Korea, as the ROKN undergoes modernisation and local industry receives a close-in weapon systems contract. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, the Shephard news team delves into major recent developments on land, at sea and in the air.Newsround [1:24]After more than three decades, the UK has secured an export deal with Egypt for the sale of two former Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessels.Fort Austin and Fort Rosalie are two retired ships that will be replaced by the Fleet Solid Support ships in the coming years. The UK government has released its latest annual report on defence exports. Figures for 2020 showed that while the UK has maintained its presence in the top 10 defence exporters worldwide, sales did dip by 28% compared with 2019. In the military training domain, after the UK MoD’s ASDOT programme stalled in 2019 the government is now looking to fill some training gaps with its Operational Readiness Training Aerial Support Service (ORTASS) requirement. Although industry participants are yet to be formally announced, it looks like there is already a clear winner. In Focus Air- [6:37]The UK aims to find a replacement for its RAF BAe 146 fleet, which will be retired in Q1 2022.A tender, released on 28 October and worth £80 million ($109 million), calls for industry proposals to provide two civilian business jets under a Command Support Air Transport Recapitalisation (CSAT Recap) acquisition. However, it looks like the initial agreement signed by the MoD was for four aircraft. Sea -  [15:45] The UK RN finds itself in between a rock and a hard place as it seeks to replace its Harpoon missiles. A debate is still on going on whether the RN should risk to incur in a capability gap when the Harpoon will be retired in 2023. Negotiations are ongoing about the option of investing in an interim solution and a gap until 2028 which is when the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon will be (FC/AW) will be available. Training – [19:04] The USN has released its ‘Navy Aviation Vision 2030-2035’ report which paves the way for ‘high-end’ future training. With the aim of gaining advantage over the ‘Great power competition’ and rebalancing the use of virtual vs live training, a series of projects and initiatives are ongoing. Interview – Viasat on JADC2 and SATCOM [30:09]News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Craig Miller, President of Government Systems at Viasat, to discuss the company’s involvement in the US  Joint All-Domain Control and Communication (JADC2) programme and upcoming launch of the Viasat-3 constellation into orbit. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.  

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we look at the main news from the Pacific Future Forum in Portsmouth and dive into export news for the Airbus A400M. We also discuss Estonian procurement priorities, and talk to BAE Systems about its recent contract under the Future Maritime Support Programme.Newsround - [00:48] The Shephard news team takes a look at recent developments across the air, land, and sea domains.In focusSea – [1:35]Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye reports on the Pacific Future Forum, which took place last week in Portsmouth. As part of its 'Global Britain in a competitive age' mantra, the RN has deployed two OPVs to the Far East to strengthen relationships with allies in the region. The deployment of two Batch 2 River-class OPVs follows the maiden deployment of Carrier Strike Group 21. How will the presence of the OPVs strengthen relationships between the UK and Indo-Pacific countries? Will the two OPVs eventually return to the UK? Air – [7:18] Air Editor Tim Martin reports on his attendance at the Airbus media day held on 25 October in Spain. During the event, the company outlined export prospects for its A400M transport aircraft and it also disclosed information on a deal with Kazakhstan.Elsewhere, Airbus addressed some issues related to their involvement in the Franco-German Maritime Airborne Weapons System programme. Airbus expects to see new studies to be conducted on that front. Land – [16:35]Senior Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira delivers an exclusive from Estonia following the release of it FY2022 defence budget. Which platforms is the country looking to procure? Which tenders will be launched at the end of 2021? Interview – BAE Systems [26:49]Harry Lye is on the line with Dean Kimber, Head of Asset Management at BAE Systems, to discuss a new UK MoD contract award for the company to support HMNB Portsmouth. In a JV with KBR, BAE will provide hard facilities management for assets at the base. Industry Voice – Raytheon Missiles and Defence [35:45] Creative Director Tony Skinner grabs a chat with Tom Laliberty, Vice President of Land Warfare & Air Defence at Raytheon Missiles and Defence, to discuss the company's recent work in the C-UAS systems arena. Noemi Distefano produced this episode with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we look at the potential Turkish procurement of F-16 aircraft, a new Turkish USV to be showcased to NATO, and we speak to Raytheon Intelligence and Space about their new AESA radar technology.Newsround [01:05]Pearson Engineering showcased its Modular Mission Pack at AUSA with a set of palletised tools for unmanned platforms. South Korea-headquartered Hanwha Defense has shown interest in teaming up with US suppliers to access DoD procurement programmes.Following a development contract between NATO procurement organisation OCCAR and Germany’s Boxer ARTEC industrial consortium, a new variant of the 8x8 Boxer armoured personnel carrier is being developed to provide a Joint Fire Support Team heavy capability.Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has signed an MoU with Ghost Robotics to research and develop new technologies relating to legged robots for Singapore Armed Forces requirements.The Norwegian government has released its defence budget for FY2022 which amounts to NOK69 billion ($8.3 billion).The document highlights a 6.6% increase in FY2022, resulting in an additional NOK4.3 billion for the defence sector.In focusAIR [06:26]Air Editor Tim Martin reports on new documents that link Turkey with an order of new F-16 aircraft from the US. Given previous sanctions imposed on the F-35 deal, Tim looks at the possible scenarios that Turkey could face in the future. What options does the country have to fill the gap left by the F-35 deal cancellation?NAVAL [17:13]News Editor Ben Vogel discusses a story from contributor Tayfun Özberk, who reports that Ares and Meteksan plan to show the Ulaq uncrewed surface vessel at the NATO Maritime Unmanned Systems Initiative event in Germany next month. Although the indigenously built USV is still to enter full-rate production and hit the domestic market, it seems Turkey wants to start paving the way to find potential international export opportunities within NATO. LAND  [21:22]Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses one of the capabilities Raytheon displayed last week at AUSA 2021. The company showcased one of its High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) variants.Flavia notes that under recent contract agreements signed with both the US and the UK, Raytheon will provide HELWS variants to be mounted on Stryker combat vehicles and Cougar 6x6 land vehicles. Interview – Raytheon Intelligence & Space [27:33]Tim Martin speaks to Eric Ditmars, VP of Secure Sensor Solutions at Raytheon Intelligence & Space to look at the company’s recent launch of an affordable, lightweight, and compact AESA radar. Noemi Distefano produced this episode with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we bring you highlights from the floor of AUSA 2021 in Washington DC.Newsround [02:20] The Shephard news team unpicks some of the stories from this week, including the impending Swedish procurement of the GlobalEye aircraft; a new milestone in Project Selborne for the UK Royal Navy; and the end of the training process for the Nigerian Air Force A-29 Super Tucano which seals the beginning of new operations using the aircraft.AUSA news [05:13]Special guest (and Shephard contributor) David Isby joins the panel to discuss some of the top stories and themes from this year’s AUSA event.Air domain news [10:00] David and Tim Martin take a look at the progress and the challenges ahead for both industry and the DoD under the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programme which includes two rotorcraft initiatives – FLRAA and FARA.Digital Battlespace- JADC2 [17:30] The Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) programme is developed by the DoD to connect sensors from all US military services into a single network. One of the initiatives to break through silos is Project Convergence. David and Flavia Camargos Pereira discuss a few updates on this matter. Training – [25:21] The US Army has stalled its Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), putting at risk the future of the ten-year, $22 billion programme. Trevor Nash looks at the reasons for the DoD decision and its potential long-term impact. Land [30:13] Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on the OMFV programme for the US Army, as some of the contenders showcased their solutions while others were coy.Interview – Renk Group [36:00] After Renk Group acquired the Combat Propulsion Systems (CPS) business of L3Harris in March 2021, the firm has now created a new subsidiary, Renk America, which made its debut at the AUSA 2021. Ben Vogel is on the line with Susanna Wiegand, CEO of Renk Group. Industry Voice – EOS [52:23] Tony Skinner speaks to Philip Coker, CEO of EOS Defense Systems USA, to find out more about the capabilities of the two recently designed systems and what the company want to achieve by interacting with the community at AUSA 2021.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano. Music and mix by Fred Prest. 

This week on The Weekly Defence Podcast, we look at Germany’s plans for the P-8A Poseidon, report on the latest from the Asia Pacific region, dive into the synthetic VS live military training debate and talk sustainability with Bell. Newsround [00:00]Germany has sent two pilots to the IFTS fast-jet training course as part of an evaluation programme. The Dutch and Belgian navies have added a significant boost to their ASW training capabilities with the addition of seven SEMA targets from French company RTsys. On 3 October, a pair of USMC F-35B fighter jets successfully conducted the first-ever take-offs and landings of the aircraft on the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Izumo.The German Army has equipped its first unit with Leopard 2A7V MBTs to improve mobility, firepower, and crew protection.The US Army is proceeding with full-rate production of its new two-channel software-defined radios that will fully integrate frontline units into the Integrated Tactical Network.In focus [06:20] Air Editor Tim Martin reports on new details on the German procurement of Poseidon MPA platforms where questions remain unanswered around the weaponry that will equip the aircraft;  Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye looks at the USN reorganizing two of its existing Programme Executive Offices (PEOs) to support submarine acquisition; and Trevor Nash gives us an insight on the long-time standing readiness Vs availability debate. Deep Dive- News from Asia Pacific [31:00]Gordon Arthur joins the show this week for the monthly round up of all the news from the Asia Pacific.Highlights include the new arsenal of Chinese designs, prototypes and other equipment showcased during the 13th edition of the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai;  a look at Indonesia’s order of C-130J aircraft; South Korean progress on its SLBM programme with fires of a ballistic missile for the first time and more.Industry Voice [01:02:00]Creative director Tony Skinner speaks to J. Blank, Senior Manager, government affairs at Bell about the importance of sustainability across both industry and the military.Noemi Distefano produced this episode with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. www.floatinsound.com  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we speak to the Global Special Operation Forces Foundation (GSOF) to look at the aftermath of the Western involvement in Afghanistan, and we hear from Raytheon Missiles and Defence about the future of air dominance. Newsround [00:00]The UK has finally released its National Space Strategy on 27 September after two delays. In the new vision the UK is looking at contributing to the a multi-billion pound space industry by boosting private investment and fostering partnership with NATO allies and countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft for the French navy is expected to reach IOC in October, following recent upgrades to Standard 6 configuration of five more aircraft in mid-September.On 28 September the Greek Defence Minister signed an MoU with Naval Group and MBDA, opening negotiations for supply of new FDI frigates to the Greek Navy in a deal worth €3 billion. The Australian Defence Force awarded a $6.17 billion contract to a domestic firm for the production of 40 small rough-terrain vehicles (RTVs). Interview – Global Special Operation Forces Foundation (GSOF) [05:19]News Editor Ben Vogel speaks to Stuart Bradin, President and CEO of GSOF. In an exclusive interview, Bradin discusses the lessons learnt by the Special Operation Forces community in the past twenty years of war in Afghanistan and challenges ahead as the need to deliver multi-domain operations become more apparent. Industry Voice – Raytheon Missiles and Defence [36:40]Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks to Steve Dickman, Executive Director, Air Dominance Product Area and Alison Howlett, StormBreaker Programme Director at Raytheon Missiles and Defense to define the concept of air dominance, its importance and the work the company is carrying out in this sector. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

AUKUS fallout, US eyes Wedgetail and 8x8 armoured platformsIn this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, the team looks at the AUKUS fallout, the latest USAF interest in procuring the E-7A Wedgetail, new Czech investment in artillery systems and the worldwide market for armoured vehicles. Newsround [2:34]Thales and Schiebel have joined forces to serve the growing appetite from navies for UAS-based ISTAR capabilities.Greece is expected to decide on its frigate requirement by the end of 2021, with Lockheed Martin joining the competition with its multi-mission ship design. Brazilian defence equipment exports reached a new record in the first half of 2021, with sales of $1.35 billion. On 16 September the Australian Department of Defence released an RfP under Project Air 6502 Phase 1, calling for bidders to provide a Medium-Range Ground-Based Air Defence system.In focus The team engage in a roundtable discussion looking at news from Europe, the US and elsewhere across the air, land and sea domains. Topics include the move by Czech MoD to upgrade artillery systems by procuring new Caesar self-propelled howitzers to replace the obsolete Dana design. USAF senior officers continue to eye the acquisition of the AMTI radar-equipped Boeing E-7A Wedgetail platform as a stopgap solution to replace the ageing E-3 Sentry.[18:29] AUKUS pact implicationsThe team also considers the implications of the AUKUS programme on existing Franco-British programmes and agreements.  Deep dive – 8x8 global vehicle market [28:52]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano is on the line with Shephard Defence Insight Senior Land Analyst Sonny Butterworth to dive into the world of 8x8 armoured vehicles. Sonny gives an update on emerging manufacturers, ongoing export deals and an overall view of a global market which has seen rising demand in recent years. This episode was brought to you in partnership with Raytheon Missiles and DefenceProduced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.    

This week, we bring you The Weekly Defence Podcast from the floor of DSEI 2021 in London, to delve into topics such as the future of the UK exports market and combat engineering vehicles.Newsround [00:00]The Shephard news team unpicks some of the major stories from this week from across the air, land and sea domains.Show highlights include CAE exhibiting its own Counterpart  Single Synthetic Environment (SSE), Airbus ambitions for the New Medium Helicopter competition, a focus on UGV platforms, and the new AUKUS security pact between the UK, the US and Australia.Interview- Director of UK Defence & Security exports [35:13]Air Editor Tim Martin speaks at DSEI with Mark Goldsack, Director of UK Defence & Security Exports. They discuss the posture of the UK exports market in a post-Brexit and post-COVID age.Industry Voice- FNSS [55:16]Creative Director Tony Skinner is on the line with Douglas Jackson, Assistant General Manager at FNSS, to discuss the work the Turkish company is doing on combat engineering vehicles.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with audio edits, music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.