The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Integrated Review announcement in the House of Commons on Tuesday 16 March ahead of the MoD Command Paper to be released next week; and we look at attitude of the Biden administration to Indo-Pacific partnerships. Newsround [00:48]Raytheon Missiles & Defense claims to have successfully completed the ‘first-ever demonstration’ for the US Army of a Stinger missile fired from a Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit.US Army artillery planners are working with small businesses to come up with innovative solutions to the challenge of increasing cannon firing rates.The Indian Navy submarine fleet received a shot in the arm last week, when the third Project 75 diesel-electric boat was commissioned in Mumbai.In focus:In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin looks at the Integrated Review in the context of  additional funding for F-35B fighter aircraft.Tim also looks at a new contract for the UK to procure Aerovironment Switchblade loitering munitions.Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas looks at the plan in the Integrated Review to increase the maximum number of nuclear warheads in the UK arsenal. What is the reasoning behind the decision? Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira dives into the future of major UK armoured vehicle programmes. Does the IR’s focus on other areas such as cyber mean the government could neglect, slow down, or even cut the Ajax, Boxer, and Challenger 2 programmes?Flavia also reports on last week’s latest House of Commons Defence committee, which expressed concerns over the obsolescence of the British Army armoured fleet. Interview- US strategy in the Asia- Pacific [27:44] Richard Thomas is on the line with Editor and podcast host Duncan Bartlett to discuss recent visits to Tokyo and Seoul of US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, and the meeting between the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Chinese Foreign Minister. What are the US plans for future partnerships in the Indo-Pacific?What does China’s 6.8% rise in defence spending mean for the US and neighbouring countries?Industry Voice-  Wӓrtsilӓ Defence Solutions Ltd [49:49]Shephard Media's creative director Tony Skinner talks to Chris Rowlands, Managing Director of Wӓrtsilӓ Defence Solutions Ltd (WDSL) about the role of shaft line solutions in ensuring naval readiness. To learn more, go to: https://www.wartsila.com/insights/whitepaper/improving-seal-reliabilityThis episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to BAE Systems Hägglunds about a midlife upgrade of CV90 combat vehicles; and we also hear from Swedish security network company Clavister about their development of a cyber security solution for the same platform. Newsround [00:58] The Belgian Air Component has been forced to ground its entire F-16 fleet for urgent checks, following an incident last month when an aircraft experienced pipe burn problems with its engine after take-off.The US Army has conducted a successful 80km flight demonstration of the Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System munition.Lockheed Martin has received a $7.83 million contract from DARPA for Phase 1 design work on the LongShot programme.The first booster test flight of AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon is scheduled for this month.In Focus Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the possibility that the Israeli Air Force F-35 fighter jets could be deployed in the Gulf. Tim explores what such an arrangement could mean, if it is introduced, for relationships between Israel, NATO, the Middle East and the UAE. The Czech Republic has established a new Intergovernmental Defence Cooperation Agency (AMOS) to support national defence businesses and facilitate exports. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at what impact the new agency could have on the country’s defence industry. Interview – BAE Systems Hägglunds [19:45] Flavia speaks to Dan Lindell,  Director Combat Vehicles at BAE Systems Hägglunds, for details on the modernisation and midlife upgrades of CV90 armoured vehicle fleets among user countries.Interview- Clavister [29:56] As CV90 modernisation efforts advance, Swedish network security company Clavister is working with BAE Systems Hägglunds to add cybersecurity solutions to those vehicles. Flavia speaks to Clavister’ s CEO John Vestberg  to learn more about the RSG-400 and RSW-400 cyber protection systems. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we talk with Shephard’s Military Training editor for an update from his domain, and we are joined by Defence Insight’s Naval Analyst for a discussion about today’s second-hand warship market. Newsround [00:46]In Europe, the four NATO allies in the Visegrad Group aim to acquire more sophisticated defence equipment after recently deciding to jointly procure small arms ammunition.In the US, Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and Boeing engineers are assembling hardware for the first Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator pod, or SHIELD.In news from the naval domain, Huntington Ingalls Industries is providing more long-lead time materials to the Navy for the fourth America-class amphibious assault ship.Elsewhere, a report issued on 24 February by the Canadian Parliamentary Budget Officer indicates that plans to build 15 new frigates for the Royal Canadian Navy could run significantly over budget. In focus News Editor Ben Vogel discusses a story from Shephard’s contributor Alex Tarasoff who reports on new design developments of the Russian Udar armed UGV.As Poland has once again revised its Kruk attack helicopter programme, Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the current status of affairs.   And in news from the land desk, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira talks about a new tender expected to be released under the CATV programme. Deep dive – News from the Military Training sector [22:39]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano speaks with Military Training Editor Trevor Nash for a catch up on all the recent stories from the sector including the acquisition by Canadian company CAE of L3 Harris technologies business.Interview- Defence Insight [40:20]Senior Editor (Naval) Richard Thomas welcomes to the show Naval Analyst Harriet Haywood for a conversation around second-hand warships, which remain an attractive solutions for developing navies with budgets constraints. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss some of the main highlights from the floor of IDEX 2021; and in an interview with Curtiss Wright company PacStar we discuss developments in battlefield tactical communications and the challenges ahead. Newsround [00:46]The Shephard news team is joined by freelance contributor Leonid Nersisyan, calling in from Abu Dhabi where he attended IDEX/NAVDEX 2021. In a roundtable discussion, the team looks at news from the event and main capabilities on display across the three domains land, air, and sea. LANDLand Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira and Leonid engage in a discussion around the main ground systems developments from exhibitors.These include: Spanish company Escribano, which launched new remote weapon stations (RWS) specially configured for the Middle East market; and French company Arquus, which revealed its Hornet RWS on the Scarabee light armoured vehicle.Russia presented the T-14 tank, produced by Uralvagonzavod (part of Rostec State Corporation). The new tank is fitted with a high degree of protection against all existing and future-generation anti-tank weapons, including precision-guided munitions.South Korean company, Kia Corporation displayed its new Light Tactical Cargo Truck and Bare Chassis concept; and MBDA showcased its Sky Warden offers flexible C-UAS with sensor fusion.AIR & SEA [18:22]Following conflicts in recent years in Nagorno-Karabakh which saw increased use of loitering munitions, the Armenian defence industry showcased new small drones by Pride Systems. The company exhibited two models of its own design at the show: a fixed-wing drone with variable-sweep wings and a pentacopter. The UAE announced that the third GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft was delivered on 20 February by Saab. And Austrian company Schiebel revealed it is developing the S-300 as a larger and heavier rotary-wing UAV in its Camcopter range. At the parallel show, NAVDEX, a ceremony for the logistic support vessel Al Saadiyat (L72) was held as part of efforts by the UAE to modernise its naval fleet. Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) exhibited several scale models of new vessels being designed and manufactured domestically. These include the 60m-long Falaj 3 patrol vessel.Interview – Curtiss-Wright company PacStar [33:28]News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with PacStar CTO Charlie Kawasaki to discuss trends in network modernisation for tactical battlefield communications. What innovative technologies and methods are going to make an impact? This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we are joined by Shephard Defence Insight team for a close look at the surge in procurement  of tactical transport aircraft, due to increased airlift requirements brought by the COVID-19 pandemic; and in a conversation with US company FLIR we look at the current use, benefits and challenges of robotic ground vehicles. Newsround [00:35]The Indian military is set to expand its airborne surveillance capabilities and leasing options by adding four Israel Aircraft Industries Heron TPs for around $200 million, as part of an emergency procurement. In the US,  the DoD announced on 12 February that the Marine Corps is exercising three contract options to procure eight more AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar systems. Spain is enhancing its distributed network of armoured fighting vehicle simulators with the addition of 28 devices for the Pizarro infantry fighting vehicle. In the naval domain , the deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region later this year  is intended to be its defining military operation of 2020, during which its armed forces are likely to face cuts amid a significant downturn in spending. In focusAir Editor Tim Martin discusses a new offer by the Swedish MoD to Finland concerning the HX fighter. What are the benefits of this offer?The French Armoured Vehicle for Engagement Support programme (VBAE) has made progress through the development of a new light reconnaissance and support vehicle with stealth capabilities. Land reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses this new addition and what’s next for France under the VBAE effort. Deep Dive – tactical transport aircraft [24:51]Tim Martin is on the line with Shephard Defence Insight Senior Air Analyst Ilker Aktaşoğlu, to look at the global forecast for tactical transport aircraft procurement in the next decade.Interview- FLIR [39:55]Flavia Camargos Pereira speaks with Tom Frost, VP and General Manager of Unmanned Ground Systems at FLIR Systems, about the advantages and challenges concerning robotic ground vehicle platforms.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we talk to the International Centre for Defence and Security in Estonia to explore threats posed by Russia to countries in the Baltic region, and in an interview with Raytheon we talk about digital engineering and its use to create virtual platforms and systems to facilitate real world programmes.Newsround [00:38] At Aero India 2021, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited emerged as the likely candidate to build seventy HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force.In Egypt, the  Rafale aircraft operated by the Egyptian Air Force have finally been armed with the MBDA SCALP long-range stand-off attack missile.In the US, on 8 February DARPA awarded preliminary Phase I design contracts for the LongShot programme.In the naval domain, South Korea aims to develop unmanned technologies for surface and underwater craft, including an uncrewed nuclear-powered submarine capable of releasing drones and other unmanned vehicles.In Focus News Editor Ben Vogel discusses a story from Shephard’s contributor Eugene Gerden reporting on a recent announcement from the Central Military District of he Russian Ground Forces. The announcement revealed the country has finalised the first stage of tests of its BMPT fire support combat vehicle. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira talks about a newly release Slovak Defence Strategy set to shift the annual defence budget toward weapons and equipment procurement as well as military R&D.In news from the air desk Tim Martin discusses the latest on the FVL Maritime Strike programme.Interview – ICDS on Baltic Security [18:47]Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Tony Lawrence, Head of Defence Policy & Strategy Programme and Research Fellow at ICDS in Estonia, about the maritime security situation in the Baltic region.Interview: Raytheon Intelligence & Space [32:38]Shephard contributor Gerrard Cowan is on the line with Tay Fitzgerald, VP of advanced concepts and technology at Raytheon Intelligence & Space, for insight into the world of digital engineering and its uses for military programmes. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.  

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to our Asia-Pacific editor about the coup in Myanmar and all the other key defence news from his region; and in an interview with UK-based urban combat training specialists, 4GD, we discuss newly launched capabilities which will add to their Smart Facility training environment.Newsround [00:35]Russian state media report that the Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled anti-tank gun will be adopted into service with the Russian Airborne Forces by 2023.The Visegrad Group of Central and Eastern European nations have embarked on their first ever joint military procurement programme.While the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are starting small with a project to buy training ammunition under the auspices of the NATO procurement agency, they want to move on to grander things.In the US, the air force continues to investigate advanced propulsion systems for sustained supersonic combustion.In focusNews Editor Ben Vogel discusses a report from Shephard contributor Cem Devrim Yaylalı about the Turkish-Qatari armoured vehicle JV BMC, which displayed some new hardware in late January.New equipment included a brand new prototype 8x8 APC and a heavily modified Leopard 2A4 MBT. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira talks about a new phase of the European Defence Agency CBRN SaaS project which aims to develop a 24/7 rapidly deployable CBRN surveillance capability for a number of countries.At the end of January, the Biden administration imposed a temporary freeze on US arms sales to Saudi Arabia, and also announced a review of FMS deals for the UAE of hardware such as loitering munitions and F-35 fighters.On 1 February a diplomat from the UAE declared that the freeze on arms sales is false. Air Editor Tim Martin sheds more light on the matter. Deep Dive -News from the Asia Pacific [21:28]In Myanmar, the military launched a coup d’état on 1 February by taking control of the country and declaring a year-long state of emergency. The coup follows alleged voting irregularities in the Myanmar’s November election.Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur reports on this and other key defence news from his region.Interview – 4GD [42:48]Military Training Editor Trevor Nash is on the line with Rob Taylor, Director of 4GD, a UK- based training company specialising in close-combat training for an insight on the company’s new launch of two news systems ECFECTUS and ACIES, responsible for collection and analysis and integrated- reality single synthetic training environment respectively. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to Elbit Systems UK about the company’s recent award by the UK MoD to provide shore-based training; and in an interview with Huntington Ingalls Industries, we discuss recent unmanned acquisition and challenges to CONOPS in the maritime domain.Newsround [00:31] In Russia, the Atlet family of armoured vehicles is set to enter state trials in early 2021, after completing preliminary trials last month.Elbit Systems announced a three-year contract to provide light tanks. While the Israeli company only referred to the customer as a country in the Asia-Pacific region, there are similarities with requirements from the Philippines that Shephard reported last October.And in naval news, the Australian government announced on 25 January that it will add much more capable missiles to its warships, in response to the growing threat posed by increasingly belligerent state actors such as China and North Korea.Industry has begun ordering long-lead items for the planned second batch of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme, which will see five additional frigates join the initial contract for three platforms issued in 2017.In focus News Editor Ben Vogel discusses a story from Shephard correspondent Mrityunjoy Mazumdar about German shipbuilder Lürssen delivering three more patrol vessels to the Egyptian Navy.These vessels were originally intended for the Saudi Border Guard, which had ordered 33 40m CPBs and one or two 60m CPVs in a deal reportedly valued at €1.4 billion ($1.7 billion). How did they end up in Egypt?In news from the air desk Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the latest updates on the FLRAA programme. Competitors Boeing and Sikorsky have presented a modified version of the SB>1 Defiant, the Defiant X. In South America the Brazilian Army is conducting an analysis to eventually procure, develop and upgrade it ageing ground vehicles fleet. Is this in line with the Brazilian army procurement plans? Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports.Interview – Elbit Systems UK [22:25]Military Training Editor Trevor Nash is on the line with Martin Fausset, CEO at Elbit Systems UK to discuss the company recent award to provide shore based training for the UK Mod, under Project Selborne- winning-Fisher Training.Interview - Huntington Ingalls Industries [37:13] Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas speaks to Duane Fotheringham, President of Unmanned systems at HII about the company’s recent unmanned acquisitions and challenges in integrating such technology into the maritime domain.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 how armed forces respond to the growing grey zone threats to critical communications; and in an interview with Leonardo we get an update on their Falco Xplorer MALE UAV programme. Newsround [00:36]In Brussels, where the European Council has established a set of common features for export end-user certificates for small arms and related ammunition.Authorised exports of this equipment from the EU also now require more stringent checks of the end-user certificate.The French defence procurement agency DGA has ordered the first batch of 364 Serval lightweight multi-role armoured vehicles from Nexter Systems and Texelis.In the Netherlands, plans are progressing to replace the Goalkeeper naval point defence system from 2025.Bulgarian special forces expect to receive their first batch of new armoured tactical vehicles by mid-2021, after the MoD placed an order via local manufacturer Samel 90 in late 2020.In focus At last week’s virtual Surface Navy Symposium, the head of  US Coast Guard called for a $1 billion budget boost to address the need of replacing the USCG ageing fleet. Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas looks at how realistic  this request might be and the broader context it falls in. In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the UK MoD to acquire two repurposed Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, previously used by commercial airline operators in China. Tim looks at the acquisition itself, in the context of the upcoming UK defence integrated review and where it fits into RAF modernisation efforts.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses the recent tests carried out by the UK MoD of the Merlin UGV. This fully autonomous and AI-driven platform has been developed for chemical reconnaissance over large areas. Interview: NSSL Global [22:24]News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Neil Fraser, Director of Defence and Space Programmes at NSSL Global for an insights on how the UK armed forces are answering the robust and secure communication pathways posed grey zone warfare threats. https://www.nsslglobal.com/Interview: Leonardo S.p.A. [42:28]Tim Martin speaks to Fabrizio Boggiani SVP of Airborne Systems - Electronics Division at Leonardo about the company’s Falco Xplorer MALE UAV programme. 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 to a Washington DC-based defence industry advisor about the upcoming US presidential transition and the challenges ahead for the US defence community, and in an interview with a Security Researcher at DomainTools we discuss evolving cyber threats and what countermeasures countries worldwide are developing.Newsround [00:39]Russia remains optimistic about the Kamov Ka-226T helicopter deal with India Tests are under way on the fuel system, after the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant handed over two completed fuselages to Technodinamika Holding.Israel Aerospace Industries has completed deliveries of ‘several hundred’  ELM-2133 WindGuard active protection radars to DRS Land Systems.Elbit Systems UK Ltd has been awarded a contract from the UK MoD to provide shore-based training for Royal Navy submariners at Faslane in Scotland.The USN has received the HELIOS laser system and will test the capability at Surface Combat Systems Center Wallops Island over the next several months.In focusSenior Editor Naval Richard Thomas discusses the latest news from the online Surface Navy Symposium.Air Editor Tim Martin reports on Israel is looking to buy a third F-35 squadron from the US, in the wake of a recent FMS deal between the US and the UAE for the sale of 40 F-35s.The US DoD released its 'Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Strategy' on 7 January, to address risks posed by the exponential growth of small drones. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira gives an insight on the strategy. Interview: The future of US defence policies [23:50]News Editor Ben Vogel speaks to Adam Konowe Vice President of Client Strategy at TMPWorldwide for and expert take on how the how the upcoming presidential transition  will influence the US defence posture and procurement in the coming years.Interview: Countering cyber risks [40:28]Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano is on the line with Matthew Pahl, Security Researcher at DomainTools to discuss the work the defence community is doing to tackle current cyberthreats. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with sound mixing by Fred Prest.