Asia security concerns, air defence management and all the news

In the third episode of Shephard Media’s Weekly Defence Podcast, we present the latest news from across the defence sector, discuss last week’s ADECS event in Singapore and the security concerns it highlighted, talk to Lockheed Martin UK about their new SkyKeeper system and hear from our sponsor Nammo.

News Round-Up (01:05)

In the news section for episode three of the Weekly Defence Podcast, Beth Maundrill talks about the US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle programme, and the delay that has arisen in its full rate production contract in light of some tests carries out by the US Army and US Marine Corps.
Full rate production delay for JLTV

In maritime news Richard Thomas covers the final sea trials for the Polish navy’s new OPV, as well as the US Navy ordering a new pair of Ford Class aircraft carriers for $15 billion.
Polish OPV undergoes final sea trials as Bulgaria programme faces delay
US Navy to buy pair of aircraft carriers

Looking to the skies Helen Haxell delivers the latest on India’s acquisition of 15 CH-47F helicopters from Boeing, set to replace the three ageing Mil MI-26 heavy lift helicopters currently utilised by the Indian Air Force. She also talks about AH-64 Apache Guardian helicopters Boeing is also delivering to India for both the Air Force and the Army.
India gets its hands on first Chinook

Deep Dive – ADECS (10:28)

Last week, our Asia Pacific editor Gordon Arthur and reporter Tim Martin attended the Asia Defence Expo & Conference Series (ADECS), where they attended several panels covering electronic warfare and maritime surveillance. Amidst the topics raised was the proliferation of Chinese submarines, and the effect that has been having on maritime security, as well as the growing ‘Internet of Everything’ and increased susceptibility of the West to EW and cyber-attack.
ADECS 2019: EW advantage at risk of being lost
ADECS 2019: Jury out on China's ready-to-fire missile submarine fleet (video)

Interview – Lockheed Martin SkyKeeper (26:15)

Land domain deputy editor Beth Maundrill got a chance to visit the Lockheed Martin site in Bedfordshire, where turrets for the British Army’s Warrior and AJAX vehicles are manufactured.

She also spoke to Graeme Forsyth about the company’s SkyKeeper air defence battle management and surveillance system.

Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (36:28)

In our third Industry Voice segment, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, discusses the importance of testing hardware and the various challenges that arise from such actions.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest