The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we hear about capabilities on display on the floor of MSPO event in Poland, and we talk to Heron Systems’ VP for research to look at what’s next for the company following its recent victory in the DARPA AlphaDogfight AI trial.Newsround (00:33) In Japan, the MoD is considering alternatives to Aegis Ashore for ballistic missile defence. Three options are currently being considered. Departing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on 11 September that the MoD will reach a decision by late December.In Australia  the first engine fire-up test of the Loyal Wingman UAV took place on 15 September, following completion of the first aircraft earlier this year for the Royal Australian Air Force.In Germany, the government is investing a further €2.1 billion in the armed forces, following the previous funding injection in July. This time the emphasis is on digitalisation, Joint Direct Attack Munition smart bombs for the air force and guided missiles for the navy. The UK will lead an international training programme for the Ukrainian Navy, which requires new equipment and systems to recover from a period of neglect. Planned exercises may involve Canada, Denmark, Sweden and possibly the US.News in focus:Air Editor Tim Martin discusses concerns raised  in the UK over the F-35 programme during the latest defence committee hearing. The programme status suggests the long-term target for delivery of 138 aircraft to the RAF might not be met. What does this mean at a capability level?BAE Systems had delivered the first Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) systems for the US Army. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira highlights what the new acquisition will add to the US ground forces.Deep Dive - MSPO Poland highlights (14:50)News Editor Ben Vogel talks to Shephard contributor Michal Jarocki, who attended the MSPO event held in Poland last week.  MSPO was one of the very few events to go ahead this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Michal reports on the new equipment on display plus procurement programme developments. Interview – Heron Systems (31:24)Ben Vogel speaks to Heron Systems’ VP Brett Darcey, to find out about the company’s journey to victory in the DARPA AlphaDogfight AI competition, and the next steps for the company following this achievement. 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 into a Czech deal with Bell for Viper and Venom helicopters; US research into self-healing materials à la Terminator 2; and next steps for Japanese defence after PM Shinzo Abe announced his resignation.Newsround [01:15]Lockheed Martin intends to offer a UAV ‘wingman’ concept to function alongside Polish F-35A aircraft, but the Polish MoD must still define its final requirements before selecting industry partners.COVID-19 is causing problems for the Royal Navy, after some crew members on HMS Queen Elizabeth tested positive for the virus. This has delayed the scheduled departure of the aircraft carrier from its base in Portsmouth. US Army scientists have created a form of self-healing material that may one day be used by autonomous systems such as UAVs to repair themselves. The 3D-printable material would have the ability to reconfigure itself thanks to a dynamic bond in the structure of the polymers.News in focus Senior Editor Richard Thomas discusses the domestic defence industry in the GCC region. What are the trends and what are the prospects as countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE press on with developing their own capabilities?Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira describes how the US Army is looking to get ‘more bang for its buck’ by funding research into novel energetic materials. These materials might not only enhance firepower but also increase the effective range of weapons.The DoD has awarded Bell a $272 million contract to produce and deliver eight UH-1Y Venom and four AH-1Z Viper aircraft to the Czech Republic. Air Editor Tim Martin has more details: is it a good deal for the Czechs and how will these helicopters fit into their force structure?Interview- Raytheon Air Power [17.18]News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Paul Ferraro, the newly minted VP of the Air Power business in Raytheon Missiles & Defense, about how the recently merged company continues to develop air-to-air and air-to-surface effectors.Deep Dive – Spotlight on Japan [34:33]Duncan Bartlett, ex-BBC Tokyo correspondent and author of the blog Japan Story, speaks to Richard Thomas about the country's changing military posture and the future of the Japan-US alliance.Industry Voice- Viasat [55:03]VP Content Tony Skinner grabs a word with Pete Camana, Chief Technology Officer for Tactical Data Links at Viasat Inc, about how the company is pushing the boundaries for Link 16 in low Earth orbit.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 British Army hybrid drive vehicles; a senior Defence Insight analyst sheds light on the state of Eastern Europe’s armoured vehicle market; and our Asia-Pacific editor highlights the most significant recent stories from the region from the past month.Newsround [01:00]Saab is planning to offer its new Lightweight Air-launched Decoy Missile as part of its Gripen E/F proposal for Finland’s HX Fighter Programme.In Russia, there weren’t too many eye-catching land systems on display last week at the Army 2020 show in Moscow, but one notable new addition was the BMP-3M Manul IFV. Enhancements in the latest BMP-3 upgrade include a more ergonomic troop compartment plus increased protection and firepower.And finally, after a bumpy decade or so of development, the US Army is claiming progress on the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System after successful live-fire tests in late August. This indicates that problems affecting an earlier assessment have been resolved.News in focusA £3 million (USD4 million) contract was awarded recently by the MoD to a group of companies to demonstrate hybrid electric-drive systems on Foxhound and Jackal vehicles. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira describes how this new technology will improve the capabilities of the British Army while also hitting UK government greenhouse gas reduction targets.News Editor Ben Vogel dives into Turkish anti-ship cruise missile developments, following the test-firing last month of the Atmaca Block I system. Atmaca incorporates indigenous concepts and doctrines of the Turkish Navy, which have been developed over decades of experience, testing, and planning.Asia-Pacific round-up [13:50]Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur is on the line from New Zealand to round up and discuss highlights from India, Indonesia, and South Korea. India has banned 101 categories of imports as it continues to promote self-sufficiency and the Indian Army is once more turning its attention to light tanks. In Indonesia, meanwhile, efforts continue to modernise the eclectic mix of ships in the country's navy; and South Korean released a major five-year spending blueprint.Deep Dive: Eastern European armoured vehicles [31:50]Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is in conversation with Defence Insight Senior Analyst Land Sonny Butterworth, to talk about key armour programmes in Central and Eastern Europe. Which platforms are most in demand, and why?This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we focus on what’s next for Iran following the rejection of a US request to extend the UN arms embargo; and we look into the latest programmes in the air domain.Newsround [00:42]Northrop Grumman is preparing to announce a new international customer for its Firebird optionally piloted MALE ISR aircraft. The manufacturer said last week that negotiations are in progress to finalise the deal.Ukraine completed deliveries of the 8x8 BTR-4E armoured personnel carrier, with the arrival of the final batch of four vehicles. In total, 45 of these APCs have been delivered.Bucking the COVID-19 trend, the Army 2020 show went ahead this week in Moscow.  Russian Helicopters announced it has started serial production of the upgraded Mil Mi-35P attack helicopter.News in focus News Editor Ben Vogel and Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discuss the pending procurement of KF41 Lynx IFVs by Hungary.A €2 billion deal with Rheinmetall marks a significant step forward for Central/Eastern European procurement. Flavia also discusses other acquisitions Hungary is looking at as it modernises its armed forces.  As  directed energy weapons programmes continue to progress, Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano discusses new fibre laser technologies and Lockheed Martin’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS)  system. Interview: US sanctions against Iran  [19:39]The UN Security Council on 14 August rejected a US call to extend the arms embargo on Iran that was imposed in 2015.Ben Vogel is on the line with Shephard contributor Leonid Nersisyan to explore what this means for Iranian procurement, if it is possible for the country to achieve self- sufficiency in making defence equipment and how the end of the embargo brings Russia into the picture.Deep Dive: Future air programmes [34:26] In this interview with Shephard Defence Insight Senior Analyst (Air) Ilker Aktaşoğlu, we discuss sixth-generation aircraft programmes and loyal wingman initiatives. Remote carriers are likely to be core components of future programmes: what are the advantages and the disadvantages?  What role will AI play?Industry Voice: Viasat [46:38]Shephard Media's VP Content Tony Skinner speaks to Ben Atkinson, Product Manager at Viasat, about the capabilities of the company's Move Out/Jump Off (MOJO) product, which provides real-time air/ground situational awareness and gateway functions on the go. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk about simulation and training, and consider how VR, AR and mixed reality could eventually reshape this industry; and in an interview with the Head of the US Army Futures Command we learn the progress of the country’s six modernisation priorities.Newsround (00:38)In Russia the Military Industrial Company has shed more light on the Strela light air-transportable armoured car.A base model, amphibious variant and buggy variant for the Russian Airborne Forces will be officially presented at the Army 2019 show near Moscow on 23-29 August. In South America, despite its crippling economic crisis, Venezuela appears keen to buy at least one AEW&C aircraft, which would be a brand new capability for the country.In Greece, the Hellenic Navy recently commissioned its penultimate Roussen-class fast attack craft, and the final one is expected to follow in 2021, more than 20 years after the programme began. The UK is looking to explore specific naval applications for directed energy weapons, in an initiative called Project Tracey. News In FocusAir Editor Tim Martin reports on the Israeli Air Force (IAF) decision to ground its UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.  The reason seems to lie in a series of ‘technical malfunctions’ of T700, but an investigation is still being conducted. Tim considers whether this problem is isolated to Israeli Black Hawks or extends to other users of the helicopter.As Japan rethinks its acquisition of RQ-4B Global Hawks from the US, we discuss the potential reasons that led to this decision and what other options Japan has to enhance its  capability.On the land domain, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses how the USMC is looking at the procurement of a next-generation, shoulder-fired rocket system. An RfP was issued by the USMC to purchase the M72 LAW FFE, which is expected to be fielded in FY2022.Deep Dive- Military Training and Simulation programmes (15:56)News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Simulation and Training Editor Trevor Nash for an insight on current programmes and development in technologies that could influence the way today’s militaries train. Interview: US Army Six Modernisation Priorities (33:21)In a special interview, Gerrard Cowan talks to General John M. Murray, Head of  Army  Futures Command, about six main modernisation priorities out to 2035. 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 headline news from this week; we interview Raytheon UK about Global Navigation Satellite Systems; and we talk to the Director of Army Initiatives at Viasat to find out about new technologies that could help the militaries.Newsround (00:53) Australia is continuing to invest in autonomous technologies with a series of new contracts for prototype UGVs. In the US, efforts are being made to develop and field hypersonic weapons took a step forward last Saturday, with a final captive-carry test of the ‘Arrow’ air-launched missile.In the Middle East, the second Israeli Air Force F-35I squadron has been declared operational, following a final fitness inspection at Nevatim Airbase.The IAF has received 20 F-35Is to date.  Shephard Defence Insight notes that the air force has a total of 50 on order for 7.8 billion US dollars.The second Improved Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarine for the Russian Pacific Fleet is set to begin a comprehensive series of tests.News in Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas discusses the news announcement from Damen Shipyards Group which has revealed an impending redundancy of more than 1,000 employees from its sites in Romania and the Netherlands. How will this impact ongoing shipbuilding programmes?As tensions in the Caucaus region surge between Armenia and Azerbaijan, News Editor Ben Vogel takes a look at the use of UAVs and loitering munitions by the two countries.COVID-19 restrictions have forced Airbus Defence and Space to postpone Zephyr High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) Operational Concept Demonstrator (OCD) flight trials, which were originally scheduled for summer 2020.  Air Editor Tim Martin tells us more.Tim also talks about the US Army intention to move to a  RQ-7B Shadow.Block III Follow-On Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) phase.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on the newly approved donation by the US of M1117 ASVs to the Colombian Army. Interview- Raytheon UK (28:34)Richard Thomas is on the line with Raytheon UK executives: Nigel MacVean, Head of Sensors and Alan Wright, BD Executive Assured PNT. They discuss Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Raytheon’s development of technology demonstrator. Industry Voice- Viasat (38:00)VP Content Tony Skinner grabs a word with Thomas Jessee, Director of Army Initiatives at Viasat Inc, to talk about new technologies the company is implementing to help militaries in the modern battlefield.

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we present our monthly digest of news from the Asia-Pacific region. We also look at the global market forecast for IFVs and chat with Viasat’s CTO about next-generation data links.Newsround (00:36)The Malaysian MoD is considering how to proceed with its troubled Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ship programme.The Brazilian Air Force expects to introduce its first modified Embraer E-99 aircraft in November this year, as it seeks to enhance its AEW&C capabilities.The British Army has received its first batch of vehicles under the delay-plagued and financially costly Ajax programme.News in focusSenior Editor Naval Richard Thomas and News Editor Ben Vogel look at the Israeli Navy’s (IN’s) future as a redesign of the Sa’ar S-72 corvette is expected to be completed next year. What does this mean for Israel?As disruption from COVID-19 continues, an order from Kuwait for a fleet of 28 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A is like to cause some short- term cash flow slippages for Leonardo. Air Editor Tim Martin tells us more.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at ongoing technological developments at the US Army Research Laboratory, which is testing a new software suite to train robots in subterranean conditions (pictured).Deep Dive- News from the Asia Pacific (15:12)Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur is on the line to round up and discuss highlights from Indonesia, Japan, China and New Zealand. Analysis – Defence Insight on IFV market (31:45)Richard Thomas interviews Sonny Butterworth, Senior Land Analyst at Shephard, to look at the forecast global market for IFVs, with a focus on wheeled platforms.Industry Voice- Viasat (48:56)VP Content Tony Skinner talks to Jon Stearn, Viasat CTO for next-generation data links, about the use of Link 16 to provide digital situational awareness for dismounted ground forces.Listeners can find more information in a white paper called “A New Era in Close Air Support”.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we learn about ongoing European air defence programmes, while the chief executive of Lockheed Martin UK provides an update on the company’s current projects.Newsround (00:30)In the news this week, four companies have been selected to design a prototype Skyborg autonomous UAV for the US Air Force by July 2026.Japan is showing interest in joining the US Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor programme, or HBTSS.The arrival of the first batch of Rafale fighters in India on the 29 July, marks a big week for the country. A total of 36 Rafales are expected to be delivered by 2021 and be operated by the IAF’s 17 Squadron.In Europe, Slovakia intends to procure 17 three-dimensional surveillance radars from allied nations, for inclusion in the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System.In the naval domain, the Royal Navy Gibaltar Squadron is looking to benefit from the introduction of two new patrol craft. In an announcement on 24 July, the UK MoD revealed a £9.9 million contract award to UK-based Marine Specialised Technology for vessel manufacture and platform support.News in focus:In this episode Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the future of the F-35 as numerous countries show an interest in the purchase of this multirole combat aircraft. After a decade Canada has invested $9 billion for the purchase of 65 F-35s. Tim reports on the acquisition process and looks at why this deal is proving controversial.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira provides news from the US Army, which released a draft RfP under the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle programme. In its fourth attempt, the US Army has now resumed its stalled ambitions to replace the Bradley IFV fleet. Who are the bidders?Deep Dive – Defence Insight on European air defence programmes (20:20)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Ilker Aktaşoğlu, Senior Analyst Air, for a close-up on European air defence programmes. In a detailed analysis Ilker looks at which programmes are progressing and a what pace, and which ones could be further delayed because of the pandemic.Interview - Lockheed Martin UK (34:27)Tim Martin interviews Peter Ruddock, Chief Executive at Lockheed Martin UK, to learn more about what the company is currently focusing on to maximise its business opportunities across Europe. This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest  

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we catch up with our Defence Insight team about European submarines programmes and we talk to L3 Harris about the company’s support for the US Space Force.Newsround (00:00:35)The Czech government has dispelled fears that the economic damage of COVID will force it to cancel a plan to buy new infantry fighting vehicles.India continues to develop the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft, with the first flight expected in 2024-25.The pact between Iran and Syria to enhance the latter’s air defences has raised questions regarding the scope of this cooperation.The US Maritime Administration is lacking vessels required to execute its mission amid calls for an uplift in hull and personnel numbers.News In focus:Following a series of new agreements between Tempest industry lead BAE Systems and seven aerospace and defence suppliers, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the latest updates on this game-changing aircraft concept.Will the programme progress at the pace set by its ambitious timelines?Negotiations are ongoing between the UK MoD and Lockheed Martin UK over a potential £800 million contract for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira look at what the initial plans were, how they have evolved and what to expect next. Deep Dive: European submarine programmes (00:18:10)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Defence Insight Naval Analyst Harriet Haywood, to look at how EU submarine programmes have been left largely unscathed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Surface vessel programmes have been hit but the number of new submarines entering service will not be reduced.Interview: L3 Harris on US Space Force (00:31:40)Brad Bolstad, president of the Space Superiority & Geospatial sector in L3Harris Space & Airborne Systems, speaks to News Editor Ben Vogel about industry support for the US Space Force as the newest US military organisation evolves its mission set.Industry Voice: Viasat (00:51:10)VP Content Tony Skinner speaks to Andy Kessler, Vice President and Business Area Director of Viasat’s Next Generation Tactical Data Links Business, about advances to the Link 16 datalink and how it is helping modern military operations.For more, please view the Link 16 Breaks New Ground sponsored whitepaper.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we hold a debate on the political and military implications of the impending US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan.Newsround (00:37)Russia is planning an upgrade to its Su-57 fifth generation multirole fighter even before the first full production version is delivered. The DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise will culminate when a US-based combined arms battalion conducts an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise from 14 July to 22 August.A major fire aboard USS Bonhomme Richard on 12 July has dominated the defence news in the US as the implications of the potential loss of the vessel could have disastrous effects on operations.News in focus:Egypt continues the pursuit of a huge military spending package in one of the biggest arms deal of the last five decades for Italy that could cost Cairo up to €11 billion. Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the AW149 multirole helicopter deal, the wider effect of this potential export, the pressure coming from the US and France, and how Egypt is planning to fund its ambition.Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano takes a look at how the increased defence cooperation between Italy and Egypt has drawn stiff criticism from those seeking answers for the unsolved murder of Italian national Giulio Regeni in Egypt. Is the government going to bow to such pressures?South American countries are willing to equip their navies with icebreakers and other vessels for missions in Antarctica. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira takes a closer look at the capabilities that Brazil, Chile and Argentina have eyed to conduct research operations in the region.Panel Interview: Debate on the political and military future of Afghanistan (22:12)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas hosts a panel interview that explores the geopolitical and military implications that the US withdrawal from Afghanistan will have on the country after more than 15 years of war fought by Western and NATO forces. The debate is joined by Humphrey Hawkley, commentator and author of the book Asian Waters and former BBC Beijing Bureau Chief; Dr Dawood Azami, Multi-Media Editor at the BBC World Service and Associate Fellow at IISS; and Tim Foxley, Independent military analyst and former defence analyst for the MoD.Produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest