The Shephard Defence Podcast

In this episode of The Weekly Defence podcast we discuss all the news from the Asia Pacific and we talk to a Romanian Air Force senior officer to learn more about the how the country has successfully carried out numerous UN-led peacekeeping missions.Newsround: (00:28)The UK is moving forward on the acquisition of eight Type 26 frigates, three years into the programme. Senior Editor Richard Thomas discusses all the details on the story.News Editor Ben Vogel catches up on Russia’s new plans to start production for new laser weapons. Even though most of the information about current projects remain secretive, local military analysts confirm that work is under way. The Serbian Air Force reached a new milestone as new Chinese-made CH-92A armed UAVs were delivered to the country on 4 July. Air Editor Tim Martin reports all the details on the technological equipment of these UAVs and discusses the potential political reaction that may arise.The UK MoD has confirmed plans to equip the British Army with new disruptive vehicle technology. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira investigates what these new vehicles will include, amid uncertainty over how the programme will be funded. Deep dive: news from the Asia Pacific (17:40)Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur is on the show this week, for the monthly catch up on all the news from this crucial region.After Chinese and Indian troops engaged in savage hand-to-hand fighting in the Sino-Indian border last month, Gordon examines the current climate after three weeks of ongoing tensions, new military equipment the two countries have been looking at, and the wider political impact. Australia has released two documents as part of the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan. The documents highlight challenges the country might face and give information on procurement plans. In New Zealand, The Royal New Zealand Navy received the biggest vessel in its history on 26 June, when replenishment ship HMZS Aotearos arrived in Auckland. Interview: Romania Air Force Commander (39:21)Tim Martin conducts an exclusive interview with Cdr Ioan Mischie, commander of the Romanian Air Force, to learn more about the country's  success in UN-led missions  enhanced by the use of BrightNite-equipped IAR 300 Puma helicopters.This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we tackle the tracked versus wheeled armoured vehicles debate and we examine the equipment on display at Moscow’s Red Square during the Victory Day Parade. Newsround: (00:32)Cross-party political talks in Sweden addressing future defence funding have collapsed, following disagreement over whether additional money should be approved. In Singapore the government insists it will not compromise on the acquisition of strategic capabilities, despite some disruptions.A new report by the UK’s National Audit Office points towards new delays in developing the F-35B Lightning jet and Crowsnest AEW capability programmes.News Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas and Air Editor Tim Martin take a closer look at what the Royal Navy can expect following the NAO report release. Several questions were raised over future funding for the Royal Navy in a post COVID-19 scenario. It seems that the initial goal set by the MoD for the carrier strike group to reach full capability by 2023 could be beyond budget.Tim Martin also reports on the parliamentary hearing on the fate of the UK’s 5G network held in Westminster on the 30 June. The UK MoD has clearly stated that the Chinese telecommunications provider Huawei will have no future role to play in domestic defence communications and cyber networks.In the land domain, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira talks about the Spanish Army decision to enhance its NBC capabilities. Amid COVID-19 struggles, the country’s armed forces have laid out their NBC equipment priorities in a programme that aims to deliver new systems and technologies by 2035. Deep Dive: Track vs Wheels debate (22:28)Richard Thomas chats to Defence Insight Senior Analyst Land Sonny Butterworth to find out more about the long-running track versus wheel debate. Analysis: Russia’s Victory Day parade (42:34) Shephard’s contributor Leonid Nersisyan is on the line with News Editor Ben Vogel to report on the new kit on display in Moscow’s Red Square during the Victory Day parade. New features included the TOS-2 Tosochka thermobaric MRLS, the Pantsir-SM self-propelled anti-aircraft system and new anti-UAV missiles.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we speak to the commander of the recently-formed International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula and we hear from L3Harris Technologies about the first year of operations for the newly-merged company.Newsround: (00:22)Armoured vehicle programmes in central and eastern Europe are in jeopardy due to the economic effects of COVID-19, Shephard Defence Insight indicates. Due to the rise of new tensions in the Sino-Indian border, the Indian Defence Minister is pushing Russia for faster deliveries of additional Su-30 and MiG-29 fighters.Australia is seeking to improve its training capabilities as the army prepares to upgrade its existing M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks. The German MoD announced the procurement of four MKS 180 multipurpose combat ships to ultimately replace the F123 Brandenburg-class frigates.News Focus:As more tensions escalate in South East Asia between Taiwan and China over the export of Dagaie Mk2 countermeasures launchers from France for installation on Taiwanese Kang Ding frigates, News Editor Ben Vogel looks at some of China’s actions and reactions.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses the Brazilian Ministry of Defence’s decision to reassess a revoked presidential order that would have been beneficial for the armed forces. Why was it cancelled and what does it mean for the country’s armed forces?Deep Dive - IMSC missions in the Middle Eastern waters (10:28)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Royal Navy Commodore Robert Bellfield, Commander of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), to find out about the consortium’s current security missions in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula. How many countries are involved in these operations and how do these differ from other missions in the region?Interview – L3Harris Technologies (25:44)Shephard Media’s regular contributor Andrew White interviews Dana Mehnert, President of the Communication Systems segment for L3Harris Technologies, to discuss the status of the company, and current and future programmes four months after the COVID-19 outbreak.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we look at the new range of frigates that European navies are looking at to replace their current fleets, and we talk to Boeing about developments on the F/A-18 programmes.News Round (00:35)The Royal Australian Air Force is seeking a replacement for its fleet of Hawk 127 trainer jets. The US Senate Armed Services Committee has approved its mark-up of the Pentagon’s Fiscal Year defence policy bill, authorising $740 billion for national defence spending.The Danish Armed Forces are planning to acquire a new UAS capability. More developments on Operation Irini: the EU maritime mission in the Mediterranean to enforce the UN arms and oil embargo on Libya. News Focus News Editor Ben Vogel discusses the European Defence Agency’s CROWN initiative following the announcement of new leadership for the Spanish company Indra. The new programme aims to develop scalable and single architecture for airborne radar, EW and communication applications. Air Editor Tim Martin catches up on the latest development on the Future Vertical Lift programme as Sikorsky records a new test for the FLRAA candidate - the SB>1 Defiant.The Defiant has hit a new milestone recording a speed of 205kt using less than 50% of the helicopter's pusher propeller.As the French MoD releases its Annual Report on Arms Exports, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira takes a look at the figures of both European and international exports. What are the possible side-effects of COVID-19 on this year’s trades?Deep Dive – European frigate programmes (14:27)Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is in a conversation with Defence Insight Naval Analyst Harriet Haywood to talk about future investments for new warships in the UK and Europe. Following years of falling naval budgets, a steady increase has emerged in response to emering threats. Harriet looks at how the market shape will change in the next five years. Interview – Boeing on the F/A-18 (25:44)Air Editor Tim Martin speaks to Jen Tebo, director of F/A-18 development programmes at Boeing, to discuss changes in the programme with a focus on recent efforts on the Super Hornet Block-2 and 3 front.

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to Elbit Systems UK about the development of unmanned anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and we have the second part of our conversation about the challenges facing the special forces community.News round (00:35)The RAF is close to signing a deal with BAE Systems for the deployment of new Eurofighter Typhoon simulators.As the impact of the COVID pandemic continues, the Canadian Department of National Defence is procuring a new isolation system to transport highly infectious patients by air in Globemaster or Hercules aircraft.The Russian Army has received the first batch of ten 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzers, but the MoD is still to decide whether to buy the wheeled variant for its combined arms brigades.The ongoing development of Saab’s Lightweight Torpedo (SLWT) has moved a step closer to serial production, with the first test firings from the Gotland-class submarine HSwMS Gotland and Visby-class corvette HSwMS Karlstad in February and March this year.News FocusAir Editor Tim Martin discusses the French government’s pledge to buy new military heavy-lift helicopters, naval drones, ISTAR and tanker aircraft programmes as a part of a new economic package worth €15 billion.News Editor Ben Vogel and Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira report on a change of plans for the Mexican Navy, which was due to receive additional POLA long-range oceanic patrol vessels, but deliveries are now on hold. What are the politics behind this?Flavia also discusses recent news for the Portuguese Army with delivery of new small arms as the Soldier Combat Systems (SCS) programme passed a milestone in early June.Interview – Elbit System UK (16:23)Senior Editor, Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Martin Fausset, CEO at Elbit System UK, to discuss the status of the company’s trials under work by DSTL exploring the future of unmanned ASW operations.Panel discussion - Special forces Operations (30:10)VP Content Tony Skinner hosts the second part of our conversation looking at SOF challenges and equipment requirements. Tony was speaking to Defence Insight’s Senior Land Analyst Sonny Butterworth and regular contributors Scott Gourley and Andrew White.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we focus on China’s defence budget as well as other defence developments from across the Asia-Pacific while our team of experts look at the latest special forces news following the vSOFIC event.News-round (00:35)Three UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships could be mothballed for longer than originally planned in order to reduce defence expenditure in 2020.Spain has released operational, technical and logistics requirements for its Light Vehicle for Special Operations, to replace variants of the Nissan ML6. In Brazil, these are difficult times for Embraer. Despite making progress on key military programmes, the Brazilian company has suffered a 17% year-on-year drop in sales in the first quarter of this year for its defence and security business. In Britain, a US senator weighed into the Huawei 5G debate earlier this week, warning that American personnel could be put at risk on British territory. News Focus:Air Editor Tim Martin discusses details about Bell’s first delivery of its 505 Jet Ranger X to Montenegro. The news comes after the Montenegro Air Force placed a €3.3 million order for two helicopters.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira catches up on Canada’s attempts to enhance the protection of its ground troops. The Canadian Department of National Defence has confirmed initial delivery of the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV) for this year. Deep Dive – News from the Asia Pacific (14:20)Gordon Arthur is on the line for the monthly brief on developments in defence procurement in South-East Asia.Tensions are escalating along the Sino-Indian border as Chinese troops intruded up to 3km across what Indian views as its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May, setting up tents and digging in.On the naval front, the Indian Navy is looking at new multirole/ASW helicopters, and the procurement of MH-60R aircraft has now progressed to an FMS contract being awarded to Sikorsky parent company Lockheed Martin.China has released its yearly defence budget, revealing an increase of its expenditure by 6.6%. The new upcoming budget of $179 billion has been defined necessary to prepare for future combat, by the country’s general secretary.Panel discussion - Special Forces Operations (36:49)VP content Tony Skinner hosts a conversation among SOF experts to get an insight on the virtual SOFIC event where US Special Operations Command leadership explained current challenges and requirements for the Special Forces. Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we discuss the rocket systems currently in service in Russia and we talk to our Defence Insight team about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme.Newsround: (00:35)Delivery of the first Sa’ar 6 corvette for the Israeli Navy has been delayed by the industrial impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus. In the United States, Textron subsidiary ATAC has been awarded a contract modification to aid the US Navy and Marine Corps, by providing so-called “red air” adversary aircraft for training. In Asia, the Taiwanese navy plans to order Harpoon Block II surface-to-surface missiles next year. In the naval domain, the Royal Swedish Navy is looking to two mid-life upgrade programmes that are key to the acquisition of its near-future surface and sub-surface capabilities.And the Royal Netherlands Navy is looking to tackle the impact of the pandemic on its operations asking vessels to remain within 24 hours transit from the nearest hospital for the first week of deployment.News Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas talks about the Royal Swedish Navy upgrades programme to the  the Visby-class corvettes and Gotland-class submarines and considers whether the new deliveries will help to counter of deter the Russian threat.Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the reveal of a lucrative helicopter deal between Italy and Egypt. The Italian manufacturer Leonardo will provide AW149 multirole and AW189 super medium class to Cairo for a cost of over $870 million.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on French company Arquus boosting the production of 6x6 VAB Mk 3 medium weight armoured vehicles. Customers include Tunisia, Lebanon and the French Army.Deep Dive – F-35 programme update (13:40)Richard Thomas speaks to Senior Air Analyst Ilker Aktaşoğlu to find out the latest on the F-35 programme. Ilker takes a look at the programme background and at the latest reports recently released by both Lockheed Martin and the US Congressional Research Service. Interview – Grad rocket systems (27:32)As the second stage of tests involving the 122mm 9M221F Taifun-1 rocket recently took place in Ukraine, News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with freelance contributor Leonid Nersisyan to find out more about grad rocket systems now in service in Russia and  in other countries of the former Soviet Union.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to BAE Systems about their programme to develop machine learning analytics and how this can benefit the military, and we consider the current and future effects of COVID-19 on US military spending.Newsround: (00:32)The Taiwanese Air Force will order four US-made MQ-9 Reapers in Fiscal Year 2021, in a $166 million deal. The Extenda Mk 2 version of the expeditionary High Mobility Transporter has been demonstrated as a possible solution for the Next Generation Fighting Vehicle programme for Canadian Special Forces.In Europe, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation is preparing to award a contract to develop a new air-to-surface weapon for the Tiger Mk3 attack helicopter. The French Navy has been equipped with four new BRF ships in a ceremony at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. The International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) confirmed that it had monitored an incident on 17 May that saw two fast boats approach a UK-flagged ship transiting the IRTC, about 100 miles off the coast of Yemen.News Focus:Air editor Tim Martin discusses a report from the Russian news agency TASS that revealed Egypt’s deal for 26 Su-35 fighter. According to the report a deal was signed, but there is no official confirmation by Egypt or Russia. The US has made clear that should the deal go through Egypt is at risk of sanctions.Tim also talks about one curious development on the UK’s E7 Wedgetail acquisition.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on Australia’s new investment in passive radar technology as the country announced a contract with Silentium Defence to develop and deliver a prototype of the Maverick M-series.Deep Dive: COVID-19 threat to US military budget (14:52)News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Jason Sherman, a New York- based defence journalist, to take a look at the impact of coronavirus on the US and the country’s military budget as the US DoD braces for a potential three-month delay to its deliveries.Interview: BAE Systems on machine learning (33:40)Tim Martin speaks to John Hogan, Product Line Director, Sensor Processing and Exploitation at BAE Systems FAST Labs, to understand about the company’s DARPA contract. The Geospatial Cloud Analytics programme aims to develop machine learning analytics that could provide constant global situational awareness.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we dive in the world of tanks and examine the market forecast of these key components of modern armies; and we talk to Northrop Grumman about how their new MEV is able to extend the life of satellites.Newsround: (00:30)In the news this week, the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force has halved the number of tanks and artillery pieces in its inventory, but it is still investing in replacement capabilities.US Special Operations Command is seeking an industry partner to help it develop a new counter-UAS family of systems.Boeing and Lockheed Martin are to upgrade 43 Apache AH-64D attack helicopters for Egypt to the AH-64E standard, in an Foreign Military Sales deal worth an estimated $2.3 billion.In Australia, the army has selected a winning platform for its Small UAS Plus project, and it has also narrowed down the shortlist for its replacement Tactical UAV programme to four contenders. The European Union wants to reach an agreement with Malta regarding Operation Irini - its new maritime security mission to the Mediterranean.News Focus:Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas reports on the friendly fire incident on 10 May that involved two Iranian Navy vessels in the Gulf of Oman. The incident left at least 19 sailors dead and 15 injured, according to state-run Iranian news agency IRNA.Air Editor Tim Martin reports on Boeing deliveries of the AH-64E V6 Apaches to the UK. While the US manufacturer had reached an agreement to deliver the first of 50 Apaches in June 2020, the target deadline now seems to be pushed back.Land reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira gives us an update on the Brazilian anti-vehicle missile programme that seems to be finally approaching the end of tests since it first began in the 1980s.Deep dive – The future of the main battle tank (15:30)Senior Analyst - Land Sonny Butterworth is on the show this week to talk about the future of main battle tanks.MBTs have evolved over the decades in how they support ground forces against lethal threats, but the necessity for their ongoing implementation is now facing tighter budgets. What does the future hold for MBTs in Europe and around the world?  Interview - Northrop Grumman (36:05)VP Content Tony Skinner is on the line with Joe Anderson, VP of operations and business development for SpaceLogistics LLC, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, to talk about the company’s new achievement in on-demand satellite servicing with the docking of a Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1) to client satellite Intelsat 901 (IS-901).Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we take a look at the European defence industrial landscape and how to foster innovation and agility, hear about defence developments from across the Asia Pacific and consider the response to times of global uncertainty.News-round (00:37)News editor Ben Vogel talks about the militarisation of space with the news that Russia has conducted another direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile test.According to a USPACECOM statement,the Russian system is capable of destroying satellites in low Earth orbit, and the latest tests may be related to movements of Cosmos 2542 and Cosmos 2543 satellites in February, when they carried out manoeuvres near a US government satellite.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses France and Germany announcement of a cooperation to develop the Main Ground Combat System.Deep Dive – News from the Asia Pacific (11:41)Asia Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur discusses all the latest defence news from this key region, including:PhilippinesThe Philippine Air Force’s search to obtain new helicopters made a step forward as the US State Department announced a potential FMS of either the Bell AH-1Z Viper or Boeing AH-64E Apache.ChinaThe People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned two new Type 094 Jin-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN), according to Chinese media reports. This brings to six the number of Type 094s in the PLAN.South KoreaKia Motors in South Korea had been awarded a $1.36 billion contract to provide thousands of new 2.5t and 5t tactical trucks for the nation’s military.Interview: Innovation of the defence ecosystem (30:00)Ben Vogel is on the line with Lorenz Lemhaus, a defence innovation consultant for SMEs in Germany, who considers how the defence industry has evolved over the years from sourcing funds nationally to be open to international partnerships.  Lorenz also explains what needs to change to pave the way for SMEs to be closely aligned with defence bodies. Industry voice: Nammo (51:53)VP content Tony Skinner speaks to Senior VP Communications at Nammo Endre Lunde about new requirements for the defence industry in a time of global tensions, how industry is dealing with uncertainty, and the importance of international cooperation.Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest