The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we report on news from the US, Germany and the Asia-Pacific region, and we also hear from Theon Sensors about the night vision market. Newsround [00:39]Aeralis has added two key partners to its integrated design team as the company works towards finalising the design before the aircraft's first flight in 2024.UK-based Inzpire has added three new simulators to be unveiled at this year's DSEI event. The US Army drives on with new programmes for long-range precision fires, with two of them expected to reach fruition in the next couple of years.In focus The team looks at the military training and land domains this week.Military Training Editor Trevor Nash looks at one of the most recent  US Army training exercises. The WAREX was a major live exercise conducted at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, to teach soldiers how to cope with low-cost drones on the battlefield. Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish discusses Germany’s progress on the LuWa vehicle programme. A new system demonstrator (GDS) unveiled in June 2021 suggests that some progress has been made to replace the country’s family of Wiesel vehicles.Deep Dive- News from the Asia Pacific [27:17]Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur highlights some of the main headlines from his region in the past thirty days. Top stories include the Indian Navy’s recent Rfl for four LPDs; An agreement between Pakistan and Turkey on the Anka UAV; and New Zealand’s efforts to improve its EW capability. Interview- Theon Sensors [47:19] Ben Vogel speaks Christian Hadjiminas, CEO of Theon Sensors and President of EFA Group, about the market for night vision systems and likely future technological trends in this sector. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

Brought to you in partnership with LeidosOn a mild summer’s day in July, a group of defence experts gathered in a central London recording studio to discuss the notion of Information Advantage.In the data-rich information age in which we live, the concept of Information Advantage has become a fundamental shift in how the armed forces prosecute warfare.Indeed, the UK Ministry of Defence calls the concept a “transformational opportunity” that must be at the heart of how it operates.Welcome to this special episode of the podcast, sponsored by our partner Leidos and produced by Shephard Studio.In this episode, you will hear our roundtable discussion on the topic of ‘Delivering Information Advantage to UK Defence and Security’.Our gathering of specialists from across the defence establishment provide context, comment and debate about this crucial new concept.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we cast an eye over the Army 2021 exhibition in Russia and speak to the UK Space Agency, to look at the country’s future operations in this growing domain. Newsround [ 1:23] The US has sealed the end of its 20-year involvement in Afghanistan on 31 August when its final aircraft took off from Kabul Airport.This followed the evacuation of UK forces which was completed on 28 August.China is making a real effort in showcasing its UAV designs with operations that could be pushing too close to the airspace of its neighbours. On 24 August, the Japanese MoD stated that a Chinese TB001 Male UAV flew near Japanese territory. In the UK, four new consortia have signed new contracts of about £5 million apiece to develop their Fleet Solid Support ship designs.Babcock International and Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed an MoU to foster collaboration on the development of the Republic of Korea’s CVX aircraft carrier programme.In Focus News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish dissect some of the key highlights from the floor of Army 2021, which took place in Moscow on 22-28 August. Highlights include Russian Helicopters signing a contract with Russian MoD to procure 30 modernised Ka-52Ms in 2022-23; a new long-range guided helicopter missile called Izdelie 305 LMUR; new variants of the Taifun family of vehicles; a new Arctic APC vehicle and more.Interview- UK Space Agency [27:20] Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks to Ian Annett, Deputy Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, to look at the prospects of a future space launch capability from the UK and implications for both the commercial and military space sector. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we welcome to the show our Middle East correspondent to discuss the main highlights from the floor of IDEF 2021; and we talk to QinetiQ about the work the company is carrying out to provide an advantage to navies in countering swarm attacks.Newsround [01:07] The US joint forces launched multiple missiles and torpedoes from the air, land and sea domains during the USN’s Sinking Exercise (SINKEX) in the Hawaiian Islands operating area. The exercise aimed to demonstrate how the USN could work with other services through a common operating picture to strike in unison. The Australian Army has released an RfP for a new Personal Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) system.The search for a new man-portable EMS is part of the third tranche in the Land 154 Phase project that will introduce next-generation equipment from 2020-26. As Army 2021 takes place this week in Moscow, Russian company Ramdizel revealed two new variants of its K-4386 series of Taifun-K armoured vehicles. Shephard understands these vehicles are designed for the Russian Airborne Forces and should enter service after trials.https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/army-2021-remdizel-expands-taifun-family/Canada is calling for new elections on 20 September that could significantly impact the acquisition of new fighter jets for the country’s air force. In focus The news team welcomes Tayfun Ozberk, Shephard’s Middle East correspondent, to get an insight into the main capabilities on display at IDEF 2021 in Turkey. Highlights include new rotary-wing programmes moving through to several Turkish Aerospace (TAI) projects, new naval soft-kill countermeasures, and a new avant-garde project known as the Digital Troops concept from Turkish company Havelsan. Interview- QinetiQ [32:10]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano speaks to Jules Werner, Director of Business Development at QinetiQ Target Systems, to get the company perspective on some of the solutions that could help navies worldwide tackling swarm attacks. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano  with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we bring you a roundtable discussion on the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan from a military angle; and, as IDEF 2021 takes place this week in Istanbul, we speak to FNSS to find out about its armoured vehicles on display. Newsround – Weekly highlights [1:26]The team highlights some of the main stories from the week, which include copy from IDEF 2021 and analysis of the key investments in procurement from the air, land and sea domains emerging from the recently released Italian defence budget proposal for 2021-2023. Deep dive – Debate on Taliban seizing control of Afghanistan [5:31] Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano, Air Editor Tim Martin, Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish, Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye and Military Training Editor Trevor Nash engage in a debate on the collapse of Afghanistan to the Taliban. A military perspective focuses on the US and NATO legacy in the country, the change in procurement and counterinsurgency doctrine for NATO allies in the past 20 years, and the role of the UK and the US investment in training the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF).Industry Voice- FNSS on display at IDEF 2021 [53:33]Creative Director Tony Skinner is on the line with Douglas Jackson , Assistant General Manager at FNSS, to discuss the Pars IV 6x6 armoured vehicle and other capabilities the company is highlighting at IDEF 2021.

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, the team reports on the latest from the European defence industry, explores major stories from the Asia Pacific region and discusses the procurement of interoperable defence technologies in the Middle East.Newsround: [00:33]As it improves its capabilities under the Advanced Helicopter Training System programme, the USN has received an initial batch of 32 TH-73A Thrasher aircraft. German special forces could adopt up to 80 Mammoth modular vehicles from Dutch manufacturer Defenture. The UK Royal Navy is scoping out options for its next surface to surface guided weapons system, as highlighted in the UK Defence Command Paper to replace Harpoon.In FocusThe team looks at the latest on the UK Boxer platform, the modernisation of the US Army’s Gray Eagle UAS, and an overview of the Polish Navy Miecznik (Swordfish) programme.Deep Dive: News from the Asia Pacific [25:34]News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Shephard’s Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to look at the most recent defence developments in his region.Topics of conversations include an insight on China's ICBM silo building spree; considerations around the UK naval presence in Indo-Pacific segueing into Indian Navy Project 75I; a look at T-50 jet sales to Indonesia & Thailand.Industry Voice: The World Defense Show [48:13]Shephard's Tony Skinner speaks to Shaun Ormrod, CEO of World Defense Show, about how the Saudi Arabia-based event will further the development and procurement of interoperable defence technologies.This episode has been  produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, our news team looks into a new UK airdrop boat requirement and discusses the state of play in Turkey vis-à-vis US sanctions; we speak to our naval analyst at Shephard Defence Insight about trends in the corvette market; and our sponsor Bell sheds light on its plans for a US Army future helicopter programme.Newsround [ 01:51]At the Sea-Air-Space show in Maryland this week, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday said the navy and industry are tackling shipbuilding delays. Heavy use of analytics has resulted in an 80% cut in delays in public shipyards, and a 60% cut in private yards.In China, analysis of commercial satellite imagery shows another large ICBM silo facility under construction in eastern Xinjiang. Together with a similar facility in Gansu Province, this developments reflects a massive and unprecedented investment in China in intercontinental ballistic missiles.The UK has joined the growing group of nations that are dedicating more resources to the space domain. The new Space Command, which officially opened on 30 July, will oversee assets such as the UK Space Operations Centre, RAF Flyingdales, SKYNET and more.In focus:Host Alix Valenti, Air Editor Tim Martin and Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye delve into an RfI from the UK MoD for a new airdrop boat capability for the A400M, and the team also takes a look at how Turkey is forging ahead with military air programmes despite the imposition of US sanctions last December.Deep Dive - Corvettes [27:11] Multimedia journalist Noemi Distefano speaks with Harriet Haywood about market trends and procurement gaps for corvettes.  Which countries need these vessels, and why?Industry Voice – Bell [45:45]Chris Gehler, Vice President and Program Director for the 360 Invictus, speaks to Tony Skinner about Bell's new Systems Integration Lab (SIL) and the company's proposal for the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft.This episode was produced by Ben Vogel with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, sponsored by Bell, the team delves into UK and European defence industrial policy; and QinetiQ discusses integrated test and evaluation for the armed forces.Newsround [ 01:23]Airbus told Shephard exclusively on 26 July that it wants to enhance the lethality of its H145M helicopter by adding the Spike ER2 precision-guided missile. Firing tests are planned for the second quarter of 2022.The Indian Navy has drawn up a roadmap for putting autonomous underwater vehicles into service. The navy is looking to acquire man-portable AUVs with swarm functionality, as well as lightweight and heavyweight AUVs with mission endurance for up to 15 days.In the US, the resurrection of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle programme continued with digital design contracts for five teams. There are established names such as BAE, General Dynamics, Oshkosh and Rheinmetall – but one notable underdog is a US firm called Point Blank Enterprises, which specialises in ballistic protection solutions.In focus Host Alix Valenti, Air Editor Tim Martin and Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye look into the issue of foreign ownership of UK defence firms after Cobham launched a bid to acquire Ultra Electronics. Is the UK moving away from its traditional laissez-faire approach to business takeovers in the defence sector? How does this posture compare with continental European governments? How do defence industrial policies affect national or cross-border procurement programmes? Interview- QinetiQ [28:58] Multimedia journalist Noemi Distefano speaks with Cathy O’Connell, Global Campaign Director for Integrated Test and Evaluation at QinetiQ, to look at the company’s contribution to modern T&E techniques. This episode was produced with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, the team looks at all the latest news from Russia as the country unveiled a new fighter jet prototype at MAKS 2021; and in an interview with Raytheon we discuss the latest on US hypersonic technologies. Newsround [ 00:42]A preliminary  virtual event took place this week in the US before the Sea-Air-Space conference early next month. ADM Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, warned about the effects of constrained funding on vital USN capabilities, and urged strategic investment in Columbia-class submarines, shipyard facilities and strategic sealift.On 20 July, Turkish company Baykar introduced the MIUS unmanned combat aircraft conceived to carry various payloads for strategic attacks, close air support, missile attacks and suppression of enemy air defences.In Poland, the government decided last week to procure  $6 billion worth of enhanced Abrams tanks and other armoured vehicles from the US, with initial deliveries planned for 2022.In focus This week the team assess the current status of the Russian Army and the Russian Navy, which is currently undergoing sea trials for its giant Belgorod submarine. Also, as MAKS 2021 takes place this week (20-25 July) near Moscow, we discuss the new Checkmate fighter jet prototype and its future market potential. Interview- Raytheon [33:18] Air editor Tim Martin speaks to Raytheon to obtain the company’s perspective on hypersonic missile technology and whether the US budget meets the need to invest in this field. 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 looks at the latest from the Space Comm expo which took place last week in Farnborough, and assesses how space strategies are shaping up in the UK, France, Australia and the US.Newsround [01:50]New Zealand’s Defence Minister announced this week a post-Covid redraft of the country’s Defence Capability Plan. The new Labour-led government formed in 2020 has given reassurances that the country will not ‘cut back’ on the plan, but rather ‘review it’ ensuring it meets the changed priorities.The Venezuelan Army took part in high-profile parades in early July, showcasing that while Caracas cannot afford to invest in new equipment capabilities, it is willing to support its land forces in refurbishing existing fleets of elderly Western-supplied vehicles.Germany and Norway have signed a €5 billion contract with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the construction of six Type 212 Common Design submarines.Initial deliveries are expected in 2029 for Norway, and early 2030 for Germany.In Focus Host Alix Valenti, Air Editor Tim Martin, Land Editor Tim Fish and Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye engage in a conversation around the space strategies of UK, France, Australia and the US. Following another delay in the publication of the UK space strategy, the team considers what impact Brexit and the subsequent exclusion of Britain from the European Galileo space programme have had on the country. Elsewhere, the team looks at where Australia is at in enhancing its space-based assets following creation of the Australian Space Agency in 2018 with an investment of  A$73.2 million.Interview – Airbus Defence and Space [28:35] On the floor of Space Comm expo event, which took place in Farnborough on 7-8 July, Tim Martin speaks with Allen Antrobus Director Military Space at Airbus  for an insight into the company’s approach to the changing nature of the space domain and new emerging threats.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.