The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss the virtual I/ITSEC exhibition with our Military Training Editor, and following the Sandia National Laboratories test which saw a mock B-61-12 weapons drop from an F-35A, we talk to the  director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists for an expert insight on this new capability.Newsround (00:51)In Russia, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov confirmed on 7 December that ‘proactive’ work is underway on a powered exoskeleton, although the Russian MoD has not yet defined its specific requirements.In the US, efforts continue to place Joint All Domain Command and Control firmly in the Pentagon's long-term acquisition plans.The US Air Force created a new avenue for prototype Advanced Battle Management System projects to be adopted into the DoD’s formal procurement portfolio.Still in the US, Taiwan has been given the green light to receive  mobile communications equipment under the Foreign Military Sales programme. In France, the next generation aircraft carrier (PANG) programme was formally approved by President Emanuel Macron on 8 December.News in FocusNews Editor Ben Vogel highlights a report on how the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region  might affect future defence procurement. UCAVs and loitering munitions are becoming a more attractive prospect, but operators of MBTs face protection problems.In news from Europe, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses what’s new for the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS programme. Substantial development progress is underway after key approval from air force leaders.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira talks about the recent developments for the US Army Soldier Protection System programme. She looks at some features of the programme and discusses where it stands today. Deep Dive: Insight into military simulation and training (21:05)Ben Vogel is on the line with Military Training Editor Trevor Nash to discuss some of the main technologies and new systems in training and simulation, including takeaways from the virtual I/ITSEC show.Interview: Federation of American Scientists  (35:23)Tim Martin speaks to Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, about the recent test carried out by Sandia National Laboratories which saw a mock B-61-12 weapons drop from an F-35A. Does this mean any air force operating the F-35 will have a nuclear capability?Industry Voice (58:15) Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks to Josh Melin, Product Line Director at Honeywell Connected Enterprise Aerospace, about the requirements and opportunities surrounding the Military Base of the Future. What is the role that digital solutions play when it comes to military logistics and maintenance operations?

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss Russia's efforts to develop a tactical hypersonic weapon, talk to Defence Insight's Analyst-Air Ilker Aktasoglu about contemporary training aircraft capabilities, and in an interview with Supacat we find out about some of the company’s vehicle technology programmes in the broader context of UK defence policy.Newsround General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced on 1 December that it has delivered two more Block 5 Reaper UAVs and a ground control station to the Spanish Air Force.Also on 1 December, Oshkosh Defense announced its second largest ever order for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and associated equipment, including two new customers.And with this week’s virtual I/ITSEC in mind, we report on moves in the UK to broaden the use of virtual reality technology for training British soldiers.The USN has declared a second major naval platform loss due to fire damage in less than a decade, after the decision was taken to decommission the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.News in Focus News Editor Ben Vogel discusses moves in Russia to develop a tactical hypersonic missile called Klevok-D2.  What are its characteristics and how is Russia planning to deploy it?** Following the latest Coordinated Annual Review on Defence report , the European Defence Agency is looking to develop and procure next-generation MBTs for member states. Several countries are set to modernise and upgrade their in-service platforms in the short term. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at the advantages of joint programmes. In the air domain, Air Editor Tim Martin looks at recent deliveries to the British Army of remanufactured AH-64E V6 Apache helicopters and considers how the fleet might complement the army’s capabilities.Deep Dive: A conversation with Defence InsightSenior Editor – Naval Richard Thomas grabs a chat with Defence Insight Senior Analyst-Air Ilker Aktasoglu, for insight on the current market for training aircraft in Europe and elsewhere in the world. Interview – Supacat News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Phil Applegarth, director and head of Supacat, and Steve Austen, Supacat engineering director and chief engineer, to discuss recent developments and future prospects for vehicle technology programmes.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we go in-depth with Defence Insight's Senior Land Analyst on the Middle Eastern and North African armoured vehicle market, and the head of CAE’s defence division casts an eye over the military simulation and training sector.Newsround: (00:41)Iran last week unveiled a large multipurpose combat vessel called Shahid Rudaki, although official claims that this is an ‘ocean-going aircraft carrier’ appear no more than an exaggerated description of a repurposed roll-on/roll-off merchant vessel.In the air domain, Airbus and the German government have submitted a formal offer to provide Eurofighter Typhoon for the Swiss Air2030 fighter modernisation programme. Switzerland intends to buy up to 40 aircraft to replace F/A-18 Hornets and F-5 E/F Tigers. In Norway, the MoD will choose between the South Korean K2 Black Panther and the German Leopard 2 A7  to improve the army's main battle tank fleet. The MoD expects to send a procurement proposal to the Norwegian Parliament for approval in 2021.News in focusSenior Editor Naval Richard Thomas digs deeper into last week’s UK defence spending announcement with Air Editor Tim Martin and Land Reporter Flavia Carmargos Pereira.The unexpected announcement of a new Type 32 ‘frigate’ during caught naval analysts by surprise. The Type 32 will likely have a focus on mine countermeasure capabilities, acting as motherships for unmanned systems currently under development.Major British Army vehicle programmes were absent from the announcement: is this an ill omen for when the Integrated Review comes out in early 2021?There was also little to cheer the RAF, although further investment in FCAS/Tempest is promised and a new Space Command will be established. Deep Dive: Armoured Vehicles (18:08) Shephard Defence Insight Senior Land Analyst Sonny Butterworth talks to Richard Thomas about the factors and influences shaping demand for armoured vehicles in the Middle East and North Africa. What are the mid- and long-term prospects for this market?What's the role of the UK space sector in the ‘Global Britain’ envisioned for the future? Listen to Shephard Studio’s Defining the Future podcast, sponsored by our partner Raytheon UK . What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat. Interview- CAE (38:55)Military Training Editor Trevor Nash talks with Dan Gelston, President of CAE’s Defence & Security business, about future strategy and how the simulation and training industry is coping with the COVID pandemic.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 with UK-based company Iceni Labs on its work with the UK MoD to develop a range of technologies including the SafeScan Tactical Sense-Through-The-Wall radar, and we catch-up on all the news from the Asia Pacific.Newsround (00:38)UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on 19 November a £16.5bn defence spending injection, the biggest boost for the sector since the Cold War. The new package includes a new focus on the space domain.In the same statement to the House of Commons, he also provided an update on the Integrated Review and said its results would be released in early 2021. The US Missile Defense Agency and industry partners are claiming a breakthrough in defence against long-range ballistic missiles after conducting an interceptor test against an ICBM target on 17 November.The Aegis Combat System on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John Finn was upgraded to integrate the Standard Missile 3 Block 2A missile. The Pakistan Navy commissioned into service the newest member of its fleet, PNS Tabuk, at a ceremony at the port of Constanza, Romania on 12 November, before it begins its transit home to begin operations in 2021. News in FocusLand Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on the Brazilian MoD’s new line of investments which calls for higher defence spending across the country’s military forces. Can Brazil afford to make plans for the procurement of new capabilities? The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $339 million contract to field a prototype Mid-Range Capability battery by 2023 to integrate the Tomahawk cruise missile and Standard Missile-6 into a new ground-launch system. News Editor Ben Vogel looks at what the US Army is looking to achieve with this new capability.A report from the UK Public Accounts Committee has raised questions about the UK's carrier strike capabilities. The 13 November report claims that the Crowsnest AEW radar system has been subjected to ‘poor contractor performance and inadequate departmental oversight.’ Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the matter. Deep Dive – News from the Asia Pacific (25:50)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to discuss the major defence headlines from the past month in the region.Interview- Iceni Labs (47:12)Ben Vogel speaks with Alexander Giles, Chief Commercial Officer at UK- based enterprise Iceni Labs, about the newly developed SafeScan Technology. This Sense-Through-The-Wall (STTW) capability allows operators to identify individuals through barriers such as walls and doors without the requirement to physically penetrate a structure.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 Australian Strategic Policy institute to discuss what side-effects the US election results could have on defence and security policies in the Pacific region, and in an interview with BAE Systems we discuss ongoing cyber developments set to support land forces in the future battlespace.Newsround: (00:38) In Australia, the KF41 Lynx will soon be competing head-on against the Hanwha Defense Redback for a significant IFV contract.The Land 400 Phase 3 project is designed to give the Australian Army a modern replacement for its M113 armoured personnel carriers, with the new vehicles achieving full operational capability in 2030-31.In the US, the State Department on 10 November notified Congress that it intends to authorise FMS deals for the United Arab Emirates, confirming previous indications that the Middle Eastern country wants to buy F-35A Lightning II aircraft and MQ-9B Reaper UASs.In France, Suffren is the first of six new ​Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarines to be handed over to the French Navy in Toulon last Friday to begin the final phase of tests.French defence procurement agency DGA noted that the second of six Barracuda-class boats will be delivered in 2022 and the final submarine is scheduled to be commissioned in 2030.As the Israeli flag begins flying from the foremast of INS Magen, the lead ship of four Sa’ar 6 class corvettes being built for the country’s navy, new details have emerged about the programme’s timeline. News in Focus The US government is moving towards an agreement for new arms sales with the UAE, including deals for the MQ-9B Reaper and F-35 fifth generation fighter jet. Air Editor Tim Martin looks at why the US is looking to do this in the current political scenario and reports on what this deal will mean for UAE capabilities.Tim also provides an insight into the strategies that the UK is looking at to counter Russian and Chinese cyber threats that have become more advanced.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at a US DoD transformation programme set to enhance the use of AI across the department and  ethical issues related to the use of the technology.Interview – (24:05)Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur is on the line with Malcom Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, to get an insight on the potential implications of the US election result for defence and security policies in both Australia and the wider Pacific region. Interview- (38:25) Shephard contributor Gerrard Cowan chats to David Woolrich, cyber operations lead in BAE Systems Fast Labs, about the company’s growing focus on cyber and how the domain can support land forces in the future battlespace.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 together our team of journalists and editors to discuss the influence and impact of the result on the defence sector, the potential policy implications for the US military, and the potential effects of the result on European defence and relations with NATO countries; and we get the perspective of a former US Army Lieutenant General.NewsroundIn Japan, the MoD has picked Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to lead the effort to produce the F-X sixth-generation fighter. Prime contractor Mitsubishi is expected to work with a foreign partner – strong contenders are BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. In Australia, the Bluebottle unmanned surface vessel is to conduct a series of tests next year that will enable it to carry out a wider series of tasks for the Royal Australian Navy. In Russia, military scientists from the 38th Research Test Institute for Armoured Equipment are promoting the idea of a twin-chassis main battle tank to replace the Armata T-14 in the 2040s – but is it realistic?In the UK,  the MoD has declined to share a specific date for publication of the forthcoming Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.In focusSenior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is joined by News Editor Ben Vogel, Air Editor Tim Martin and  Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira for a round table discussion on potential changes to air, land in sea plans for the US and its allies that will follow after the presidential race winner will be named.What's the role of the UK space sector in the ‘Global Britain’ envisioned for the future? Listen to Shephard Studio’s Defining the Future podcast, sponsored by our partner Raytheon UK . What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat. Interview – The Heritage FoundationTim Martin is on the line with  Thomas Spoehr former US Army Lieutenant General who now works as Director of the Heritage Foundation’s Centre for National Defence for an insight on potential changes to military sales, particularly those agreed with the Middle East and to dive into the strategies that the US is willing to adopt to counter Russian and Chinese threats. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest. 

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast our Air Editor talks to Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies about Skyborg and Loyal Wingman programmes and we consider how the UK MoD integrated review could change UK defence and security policy in the Asia-Pacific region.Newsround: (00:40)The US Army will evaluate the Patria Nemo 120mm turreted mortar system in a Foreign Comparative Testing exercise. Tests will take place in Finland and the US, assessing Nemo against US ammunition and US Army requirements.Following delays caused by COVID-19, the Philippines has finally selected new light tanks, 8x8 fire support vehicles and 6x6 APCs to equip the Philippine Army’s Armor Division. The annual Euronaval trade show and conference was held virtually last week, highlighting a number of programme updates and technology developments. During the show,  Naval Group unveiled its futuristic SMX 31 E stealth submarine design.News in FocusAir Editor Tim Martin reports on the the Hellenic Navy set to receive a new fleet of MH-60R naval helicopters among reported workforce difficulties for F-16V supplier Hellenic Aviation Industry that could cause industrial complications for Lockheed Martin.Tim also discusses all the updates on Boeing's AH-64 production programme, which has now been restarted in the middle of an investigation concerning previously reported safety issues. The Dutch MoD has released its new Defence Vision 2035 which forecasts a doubling in upcoming budget request to match the outlined requirements.  Is this realistic while European economies reel from the impact of COVID-19? Interview- Mitchell Institute for Aerospace studies (22:00)Tim Martin is on the line with Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments at the Mitchell Institute, and Lukas Autenried, Senior Analyst at the Mitchell Institute. They discuss the recently released paper Understanding the Promise of Skyborg and Low-Cost Attritable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, which analyses how US Air Force can maintain high readiness and modernise an aircraft inventory that is both old and small.Interview- A conversation around UK integrated review (44:40)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Duncan Bartlett, former BBC Tokyo correspondent and author, for a conversation on UK defence planning in terms of the Asia-Pacific region.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 software supplier Aerogility about its cloud-based predictive maintenance and forecasting solutions; and catch up with our Military Training Editor on recent developments and technologies in that field.Newsround (00:32)In the US, GM Defense is set to deliver the initial batch of prototype Infantry Support Vehicles to the US Army for testing on 26 October.The USAF has awarded Raytheon Missiles and Defense a contract for Lot 6 production of StormBreaker precision-guided glide bombs.  In the naval domain, Russia is assessing the results of the latest test-firing of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov. News in Focus:Despite the pandemic,  Naval Group still plans to deliver FDI frigate FNS Amiral Ronarc’h, destined for the French Navy in 2023 .News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Editor - Naval Richard Thomas discuss where FDI fits into the French Navy of the future.As COVID-19 issues continue to affect industry, Saab has admitted its Gripen E/F programme has had to undergo reassessment, with the company turning to new suppliers and implementing a series of ‘mitigating actions’. Air Editor Tim Martin reports.The UK’s House of Commons Defence Committee released an update on 20 October about progress in delivering the next generation of armoured vehicles for the British Army. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira brings us up to date on the matter.Deep Dive – Simulation and Training programmes (22:18)Developers and manufacturers worldwide continue the pursuit of new AI technologies, which are set to disrupt the way militaries train. Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano is on the line with Military Training Editor Trevor Nash for an update on some cutting-edge programmes covering tailored training, physiological training and olfactory stimulation.What's the role of the UK space sector in the ‘Global Britain’ envisioned for the future? Listen to Shephard Studio’s Defining the Future podcast, sponsored by our partner Raytheon UK . What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat. Interview: Aerogility (38:54)Tim Martin speaks to Nigel Yard, head of defence and primes division at Aerogility, about the company’s  cloud-based predictive forecasting solutions that can help plan maintenance and engineering requirements for air forces.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to the CEO of Infrastrata about the company’s acquisition of two historic UK shipyards and we take a plunge into the world of loitering munitions after US manufacturer AeroVironment released a new variant of its Switchblade series.Newsround (00:35)Researchers funded by the US Army have developed a method of fabricating 3D photonic crystals, which could eventually lead to more efficient directed-energy weapons and a range of other military applications.  Authorities in South Korea are considering replacing the country’s Black Hawk fleet with the indigenous Surion platform.Leonardo and the UK Royal Air Force have completed a swarming drone flight test involving remotely piloted aircraft equipped with EW jamming capabilities.News in focus: The programme for the development and manufacture of the Type 31 frigates for the RN remains on schedule despite the difficulties faced by industry during the pandemic. Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas brings up to date with some data and figures on this programme.The US Army has made some progress in its Robotic Combat Vehicle programme. News Editor Ben Vogel reports on the outcome of the new test trials and what's next for the US Army on this front.The US State Department has approved the F-35 and F/A-18 sales to Finland dependent on the outcome of a fighter aircraft tender. Should one or other be selected as the winning aircraft for Finland’s €10 billion ($11.82 billion) HX fighter acquisition. Air Editor Tim Martin reports.What's the role of the UK space sector in the global Britain envisioned for the future? Listen to Shephard Studio’s Defining the Future podcast, sponsored by our partner Raytheon UK .What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat. Interview – Infrastrata (21:26) In an interview with Richard Thomas, Infrastrata CEO John Wood discusses the prospects and opportunities for the company following the acquisition of UK shipyards Harland and Wolff and H&W Appledore.Interview- AeroVironment (40:45)Tim Martin is on the line with AeroVironment’s CEO, Senior General Manager and Product Line Manager to discuss the new launch of the company's new Switchblade 600. What is the state of the loitering munitions market?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 all the news from across the Asia Pacific and talk with Leidos UK about the how the company is looking to expand its services in national security and defence.Newsround (00:35)In Europe, two types of UGV from Estonia-based Milrem Robotics can now be equipped with a loitering munition launcher from Israeli firm UVision.In Bulgaria, proposals from General Dynamics European Land Systems and Patria have been downselected for the second phase of an 8x8 IFV procurement programme. Egypt is close to receiving an array of US-supplied equipment for maritime security and surveillance, after the State Department approved a FMS package worth an estimated $417 million.News in focusAs HMS Queen Elizabeth prepares to deploy its new carrier strike capability in 2021 with the embarkation USMC F-35Bs for Exercise Joint Warrior, Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas discusses how the nascent UK capability is viewed in Washington. The US Army has awarded $1.2 billion contract to General Dynamics Land System (GDLS) to provide IM- SHORAD systems. News Editor Ben Vogel discusses the importance of the acquisition for US ground forces.Following AeroVironment’s recent release of a new variant from its family of Switchblade loitering munitions, Air Editor Tim Martin talks about some of the key features of the new Switchblade 600.Deep Dive: News from the Asia Pacific (18:28) In this month’s news roundup Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur focuses on Japan’s $55 billion defence budget request and the driving factors behind it, including the acquisition of new F-35 jets, development of the F/X sixth-generation fighter gathers pace and ground-based air defence systems.In Pakistan, the Army has introduced the Chinese-built Norinco VT4 MBTs.And the first batch of long-awaited Embraer A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft finally arrived in the Philippines after a multi-stop journey from Brazil.Interview: Leidos UK (34:55)Ben Vogel is on the line with Leidos UK’s newly appointed Managing Director of National Security and Defence Al Potter to look at the new company’s strategy in the defence, intelligence and national security markets. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music by Fred Prest.