The Shephard Defence Podcast

 In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we focus on Swiss F-35 procurement, naval sustainment and the market for armoured vehicles in North Africa. Newsround [00:39]In Germany, the Bundeswehr is pushing ahead with an ambitious upgrade of its entire fleet of Puma IFVs as it heads towards the development of a new armoured division. In Singapore, the Navy is rolling out of augmented-reality glasses to its naval fleet, enabling crews on deployments to rectify faults with subject matter experts back onshore. The Czech Army's artillery fire control system acquisition programme is finally set to come to fruition this year following COVID-related delays. In the UK, the Defence Science Technology Laboratory has received funding to work with industry on  innovative new missile systems by 2023.In FocusDefence Journalist Alix Valenti, Air Editor Tim Martin, Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish and Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye engage in a round table discussion that covers the latest developments from Switzerland in the Air2030 programme, plus contracts for the UK Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy that will enhance ship sustainment in the coming years. Deep Dive – Defence Insight on Northern Africa armoured vehicles procurement [24:00]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano speaks to Senior Land Analyst at Shephard Defence Insight Sonny Butterworth about the market for armoured vehicles in Northern Africa. In this troubled region and hotbed of terrorist activity, militaries face new requirements for land forces. 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 some of the highlights emerging from the latest UK National Audit Office (NAO) report on MoD procurement in the air, land and sea domains; and we talk to Bell about the progress of the V-280 Valor programme to meet US Army Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) requirements.Newsround [00:30] The Royal Canadian Navy on 26 June commissioned Harry DeWolf as the first of eight planned Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, as the country seeks to bolster its capabilities in the High North.At the SOFINS show this week in Bordeaux, Internest and Zodiac Milpro announced joint development of a take-off and landing platform for autonomous UAVs on rigid hull inflatable boats.New helicopters for the Japanese army have moved a step closer to reality now after development of the UH-2 utility platform was declared complete on 24 June. In FocusDefence Journalist Alix Valenti, Air Editor Tim Martin and Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish discuss all key points emerging from the recent NAO report as the UK MoD faces programmes delays, cancellations, fall in number of platform upgrades across the air, land and sea domains.Interview- Bell on V-280 Valor [27:32]Tim Martin is on the line with Ryan Ehinger, VP and programme director of the FLRAA Future Long Range Assault Aircraft programme/ V-280 Valor at Bell, to discuss the progress of the platform which has now entered Competitive Design and Risk Reduction Phase 2. This episode was brought to you in partnership with our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space. Produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.   

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, the Shephard news team covers news from the simulation and training, land and sea domains; in an interview with MARSS we look at the capabilities the company is offering to Saudi Arabia, as the country shapes up its Vision 2030 policy; and our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space provides an insight on space-base assets and their contribution to missile warning and missile defence. Newsround [01:23] HMS Defender was in the news twice this week as it firstly hosted representatives of the UK and Ukrainian MoDs plus Babcock who signed a  comprehensive agreement covering new ships, training, and the regeneration of naval facilities; secondly, on 23 June, the Russian MoD claimed to have fired warning shots during the Type 45 destroyer’s passage close to the coast of Russian-annexed Crimea. The UK MoD disputed this account.French company Novadem will use next week’s SOFINS special forces show to present the integration of its NX70 micro-drone with Pilar gunshot warning and localisation technology from Metravib Defence.The US DoD on 21 June announced that three ‘unique weapons capabilities’ will be developed for and installed on F-35A and F-35B aircraft by Lockheed Martin for the UK and Italy.Honeywell is providing its TALIN Inertial Land Navigation Technology to the Australian Defence Forces to enhance the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System.In focus:Defence Journalist Alix Valenti hosts a round table discussion with Military Training Editor Trevor Nash, Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish and News Editor Ben Vogel.The team looks at the Training & Simulation symposium which took place in Orlando, as well as the Argentinian and Australian land procurement programmes.Interview- MARSS Group [28:37]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano speaks to Andy Forbes, MD of MARSS KSA Office, about the work his company is doing with local industry from a defence perspective to support the Saudi Vision 2030 framework.Industry voice- Raytheon Intelligence and Space [46:23]Many people do not realise how much of the missile defence mission occurs in space. However, space-based assets are essential for missile warning and missile defence, and the mission is evolving, as Rob Aalseth and Melissa Morrison Ellis from Raytheon Technologies explain to Tony Skinner.This episode was brought to you in partnership with our sponsor Raytheon intelligence and space.Produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we look at German defence procurement and  modernisation efforts; we catch up on all the news from the Asia Pacific; and we speak to our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space about the impact of digital engineering on the defence sector. Newsround [01:12]NATO's Flying Training Europe programme took a major step forward last week after 10 members signed an MoU.Bulgaria, Croatia and Portugal had been poised to join but they did not sign the document. However, Italy has joined the group.In Australia, the Department of Defence has belatedly acknowledged the need to upgrade the Royal Australian Navy’s six Collins-class submarines.And in Russia, the MoD is going ahead with a prototype of the Shturm system. Shturm will be based on the proven T-72B3 chassis and is intended for urban warfare. In focusThe team looks at the latest news from Germany as the country is currently undergoing modernisation efforts for its armed forces as well as procuring new platforms. Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish discusses highlights from the recent RUSI Land Warfare conference, when Inspector of the Army Lt Gen Alfons Mais stated that a mental change is needed at a military leadership level to make the modernisation possible.From the air desk, Tim Martin gives an update on the German heavy-lift helicopter tender and other aircraft programmes. Deep Dive: News from the Asia Pacific [21:08]Ben Vogel is on the line with Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to discuss some of the top stories from his region.Topics include the South Korean CVX programme and Indonesian frigate procurement news from MADEX; Philippines pursuing T129 Atak helicopters from Turkey; Bangladesh receiving new rocket launchers from Turkey; and the latest on China’s PLA procuring new tanks in bulk. Industry Voice- Raytheon Intelligence & Space [43:00] For the defence sector, digital engineering offers a new paradigm, a way to speed up delivery while increasing customer confidence.Shephard’s Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks to Raytheon Intelligence & Space Mission Systems Architect Mark Davis, and Systems Engineer Madison Dye about the disruptive role that digital engineering is now playing. 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 latest French exports report;  and, following the most recent annual Gripen seminar from Saab, we discuss interest in extra procurement from Brazil and potential trends in the region. In the second part of the show we look at the US Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) programme.Newsround [01:39]UK procurement minister Jeremy Quin admitted in Parliament on 8 June that there are ‘serious issues’ with the British Army’s Ajax armoured reconnaissance vehicle programme. IOC for the Ajax programme is expected to be achieved later in June, with the UK MoD, contractor General Dynamics UK, and the British Army now struggling to keep pace.  The US Marine Corps has successfully flight-tested a two-way Link 16 connection between a Viper helicopter and a ground station.For the first time, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has rolled out genuine tanks – as opposed to armoured vehicles  – for its marines. In focus Defence Journalist Alix Valenti, News Editor Ben Vogel and Air Editor Tim Martin look at the some of the key points emerging from the French MoD report on national arms exports and discuss the interest in procurement of Saab Gripen E/F fighters in South America.  Interview: Raytheon Missiles and defence [25:52] Ben Vogel is on the line with Bryan Rosselli, VP of Strategic Missiles and Defense at Raytheon, to discuss the benefits and evolution of the Next Generation Interceptor programme. This episode was brought to you in partnership by our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space. Episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we delve into the newly released US FY2022 defence budget proposal; and we speak to the Institute for Security Science and Technology (ISST) at Imperial College and Iceni Labs about efforts by academia and industry to support defence R&D in the UK. Newsround [01:02] At the Land Forces 2021 exhibition in Brisbane, Australia, local firm Cyborg Dynamics displayed a demonstrator version of its Warfighter UGV armed with twin Spike LR2 anti-tank missile launchers.Navantia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia have teamed up to offer one solution for the Australian Army’s next amphibious logistics vehicle, while Austal laid its cards on the table as another contender.In Europe, the Croatian government last Friday finally announced a replacement for its elderly MiG-21 fighter fleet.Chinese aircraft carriers continue to worry the Japanese military, which plans to deploy a mobile aircraft control and warning squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force on the Ogasawara Islands in the Pacific Ocean.In focusDefence Journalist Alix Valenti, Air Editor Tim Martin and Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish engage in a round table discussion which looks at the implications of this year’s US FY2022 budget proposal. Looking at some of the key points from the announcement, the team explains what the proposals could mean for the US Army, the USN and the USAF if approved by Congress.Interview-  ISST and Imperial College[24:40] News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Professor Deeph Chana, Co-Director of Imperial College’s ISST, and Alexander Giles, Chief Commercial Officer at Iceni Labs, to look at what industry is doing to support UK government plans to prioritise high-risk R&D in defence.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we explore the potential impact of armed UAVs on naval strategies worldwide; we bring the views of two industry experts on the impact of the Integrated Review on the British Army following the cancellation of the Warrior programme; and with our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence & Space, we discuss the increasing use of small satellites for civil and military missions. Newsround [01:08] Industry proposals for Increment 2 of the US Army’s Indirect Fires Protection Capability are expected by 4 June. Israel Aerospace Industries is exploring the potential of nanosatellites and microsatellites to deliver persistent overhead surveillance of threat areas. Saab is to upgrade the BOW radar warning equipment on German Air Force Tornado fighter aircraft in a new multiyear contract. In the UK, the long-awaited restart of the Fleet Solid Support ship programme was confirmed on the 21 May by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Fincantieri subsidiary Marinette Marine will build the second vessel in the Constellation class of guided-missile frigates. Construction of the future USS Congress is scheduled for completion in January 2027. In focusDefence Journalist Alix Valenti, News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish discuss how armed drones with stand-off attack capabilities could be used in the naval domain. From Turkey to the US, the potential increase in the use of UCAVs could mark a change in naval doctrine.  Interview – IR and British Land forces [21:27]Tim Fish speaks to Ben Barry, Senior Fellow for Land Warfare at IISS, and Nicholas Drummond, a defence industry analyst and former British Army officer, for in-depth analysis of how the cancellation of the Warrior programme and the wider Integrated Review will shape the British Army of the future and its role within the NATO alliance.  Industry voice [50:50] The small satellite revolution has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for those wanting to put payloads into orbit.Creative Director Tony Skinner sits down with Ron Fehlen, Director for ISR and Communications for Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Matt Magana, President of Blue Canyon, to discuss the increasing use of small satellites for civil and military missions.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we speak about the latest upsurge in the Gaza-Israel conflict and look at the capabilities fielded by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Hamas; and we catch up with Shephard’s Military Training Editor to discuss some of the latest developments in his domain.Newsround [01:07]In Russia, Rosoboronexport has delivered underwater pistols and assault rifles to an unnamed foreign customer.Turkey has begun tests of an indigenously produced engine to power the Altay main battle tank.As the virtual SOFIC event kicks off this week, speakers call for US special forces to leverage and blend three kinds of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability to operate in semi-permissive and potentially non-permissive environments.In France, industry has until 25 May to respond to a Request for Proposals for 500 small UAVs and nanodrones.In Focus Defence journalist Alix Valenti, Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish, and Air Editor Tim Martin engage in a roundtable discussion about the capabilities fielded by Israel and Hamas across the air, land, and sea domains. Topics range from the Iron Dome air defence system to Ayyash 250 rockets, Shebab drones, Eitan and Hermes drones used by the IAF and IDF, and Sa’ar 5-class corvettes. Deep Dive – News from the Simulation and Training sector [23:49]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano is on the line with Military Training Editor Trevor Nash to discuss recent developments from the S&T domain. They discuss Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), including the recent agreement between FlightSafety International and Flight Research which will kickstart a new UPRT programme. As the grey warfare calls for new requirements, Trevor also looks at how the British Army is changing the way it trains its soldiers. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Raytheon Intelligence and Space.It was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we speak to Shephard’s Asia-Pacific editor for the  monthly round up of the news from his region, and in a conversation with our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space we talk about developments in satellite ground systems. Newsround [00:47]Rheinmetall and  BAE Systems Land officially received an £800 million ($1.12 billion) contract on 7 May from the UK Ministry of Defence to upgrade 148 British Army Challenger3 main battle tanks.The US Army confirmed on 12 May it plans to retire its Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS) by the end of FY2022.In Italy, Elettronica is to equip Italian U212 Near Future Submarines with an electronic warfare suite.A contract from Fincantieri covers the provision of two suites for the first batch of submarines and an optional two additional suites.Moscow’s Red Square hosted the annual Russian Victory Day parade on 9  May.  This year the Moscow event was notable for the lack of new equipment on display compared with previous years. There were still parade debutants, including the Buk-M3 SAM system, Taifun-PVO armoured MANPADS vehicle and ISDM remote minelaying system.In focus: The team discusses the deployment of the Carrier Strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, both from a Royal Navy capability perspective and also looking at the wider UK political interests in strengthening relationships with its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish comments on news that Poland is moving ahead with its Narew SHORAD programme. While this programme could fill a gap in Polish air defence, key questions still remain to be answered.In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the current state of UK MoD plans to put forward requirements for medium helicopter acquisitions. Deep dive: News from the Asia Pacific [24:50] News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to discuss recent defence news from the region. Topics of conversation include India’s progress in the acquisition of new light tank for mountain operations; Australian procurement of heavy armour;  and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet rapidly growing with three new ships entering service. Industry Voice – Interview with Raytheon Intelligence Space [45:10]Creative Director Tony Skinner talks to Cristy Cox, programme director for satellite ground systems, and Karen Casey, chief engineer for satellite ground systems at Raytheon Intelligence and Space, to discuss satellite ground systems and data sharing that allows for faster decision making.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, our team of subject matter experts delves into stories from the land and air domains, and in an interview with Supacat we look at the wider impact of the Integrated Review on some key British Army programmes.Newsround [00:55] French company Dassault confirmed on 4 May  a follow-on order from Egypt for 30 Rafale multirolefighter aircraft in an estimated €4 billion deal. The delivery schedule for the 30 extra Rafales was undisclosed at the time of the announcement, and Shephard has since learned that the contract has still not officially been signed as a bank loan needs to be finalised that is 85% guaranteed by the French state.Boeing is poised to provide India with six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, after the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress that the State Department approved the potential sale.Elbit Systems has successfully completed acceptance tests for combat suites aboard the Hellenic Coast Guard’s new patrol vessels in the Aegean. Trials included integration level tests of the combat systems and subsystems onboard the vessel as well as live firing tests from the onboard remote-controlled weapon stations.Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Russian conglomerate Rostec, recently warned that his companies are accelerating the development of domestic microelectronics ‘as foreign deliveries can be stopped at any time’. The need to ensure technological independence from foreign suppliers requires Russia to spend big over an extended period of time. Yet it is debatable whether Russia can guarantee stable funding in the post-COVID Russian economy.In focus Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the latest news concerning the US Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) programme. Ahead of a FLRAA contract award to Bell or a joint Boeing and Sikorsky team, the US Army has decided to keep manufacturing costs and programme risks confidential.Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish looks at potential delays in Canada on the Long-Range Reconnaissance System for the LAV, amid reports that one of the companies involved in the programme is suffering severe financial issues.And as the Australian  government seeks FMS approval from the US for an upgrade to its Abrams tank fleet, Tim also looks at what this means for the country’s land forces.Interview – Supacat [19:00] News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Phil Applegarth, director and head of Supacat, and Steve Austin, engineering director of the company, to dive into how UK industry reacts to the Integrated Review and MoD Command Paper.