The Shephard Defence Podcast

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. 

In this first episode of Season 3 of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to the Director of Analysis at Shephard Defence Insight for a glimpse of what to expect from current and new defence programmes in 2021; and in an interview with CSIS we discuss recent developments in the US Army OMFV programme.Newsround [00:40]Australia has become the seventh country to declare initial operational capability for the Lockheed Martin F-35A multirole fighter aircraft.A second Israeli-made Iron Dome battery has been delivered to the US Army to protect troops against against rockets, mortars and other ballistic and aerial threats.This followed the arrival in September 2020 of the first Iron Dome system, which is still being implemented in the US.Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering  is developing autonomous swarming UAVs for the country’s MoD, as part of the Rapaz programme to evaluate unmanned technologies.The UK kickstarted 2021 with the declaration that HMS Queen Elizabeth and its carrier strike group have reached initial operating capability.In Focus:News Editor Ben Vogel discusses the Prometheus S-500 with enhanced missile and radar features, as the Russian MoD expects Almaz-Antey to complete development of system in 2021.Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks into recent updates in the US Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) programme. In December 2020, the army released the final Request for Proposals for the concept design phase. What will the new design add to the programme?From the Air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin wraps up the latest news from the past couple of weeks, including a new $4 billion FMS deal to Kuwait which includes the sale of 24 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters.Deep Dive: Defence Insight 2021 forecasts [19:10] Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Matthew Smith, Director of Analysis at Shephard Defence Insight to look ahead at main programme milestones in 2021 across the air, land and sea domains.Interview : CSIS [35:15]Flavia Camargos Pereira talks to Mark Cancian, a former colonel in the USMC and senior adviser at CSIS, for expert insight into the updated OMFV programme. What has changed? This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with sound mixing by Fred Prest.     

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, as we welcome in the new year, we take the chance to look back at some of our best coverage from across the Asia-Pacific region and the military training sector.Asia Pacific 2020 highlights [00:44] Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Shephard’s Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to wrap up some of the main news from his region in 2020.Last year coverage saw a great focus on China in the context of the Sino-Indian border dispute which culminated with an academic in China claiming the People’s Liberation Army employed a microwave weapon against Indian troops at Lake Pangong during the ongoing Eastern Ladakh border dispute.If the alleged claim is true,  this would be the first use of microwave weapons in combat.2020 was also a crucial year for Indonesian efforts to boost its capabilities, for example with procurement of new frigates from Europe and Japan. North Korea’s military spectacular night-time parade made the headlines in October because of the wide array of weapons on display, including a colossal road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile.What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat. Military Training 2020 highlights [22:12] Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano talks to Military Training Editor Trevor Nash to discuss some of the main technologies, programmes and new systems in training and simulation, including Trevor’s takeaways from the 2020 virtual I/ITSEC show.

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we say goodbye to 2020 by looking back at some of our best coverage of the year across the land, air and sea domains.Naval desk coverage and worldwide defence news [00:38]News Editor Ben Vogel highlights some of the main stories written by Shephard’s contributors reporting from outside the UK.- In March, we reported on deployment of a new Turkish radar jamming system to northern Syria in support of operations against Kurdish insurgents. Will NATO allies learn lessons for EW against Russia?- The annual Russian Victory Day parade was delayed by COVID-19 but when it eventually went ahead, we looked at some of the new, old and upgraded capabilities on display in Moscow.- Hypersonic weapons have hit the headlines this year: in April, for instance, the USAF stated its intention to upgrade a number of B-1 Lancers with the ‘Arrow’ AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW). In the naval domain, Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas skims through some of his 2020 copies.His top stories include: -  Ongoing EU operations in the Mediterranean, in the form of Operation Sophia and Operation Irini, are intended to help counter one of the most significant maritime crises in recent history. -   In May, a statement from the UKMTO reported a piracy attack to a British flagged tanker in the Gulf of Yemen. -   In October the UK MoD had revealed that the Fleet Solid Support ship programme will restart in Q1 2021 to ‘revitalise British shipbuilding’. The rescue strategy for UK shipbuilding is already in progress, after  Infrastrata bought the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. Air desk 2020 highlights [22:21] Air Editor Tim Martin reports on updates in the F-35 programme, including the US FMS for the UAE.Tim also looks back to an interview in March with the Swedish Defence Minister, in which they discussed the Swedish defence industry and  potential complications for future equipment acquisitions.Land desk 2020 highlights [42:25] Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at her extensive coverage of ground forces programmes both in the UK and abroad. She highlights the success and failures of the UK’s armoured vehicle programmes, including their omission from  the UK government announcement of an extra £16.5 billion for defence spending over the next four years; discusses the advantages of EU collaborative defence programmes; and brings us up to date on two of the largest US efforts: the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle and the Robotic Combat Vehicle. 

In this episode, we talk to a defence and aerospace analyst about next-generation air-to-air missiles, and in conversation with the Netherlands chapter of EuroDefense, a private and independent initiative, we gain an insight into their paper proposal.Newsround [00:42] In Turkey, the navy took delivery of its first P-72A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. This platform brings capabilities – such as Link 16 tactical data link and the MK 54 lightweight anti-submarine torpedo .In Malaysia, the MoD has come under fire from the Auditor General for its handling of the delayed A400M aircraft acquisition and the overhaul of two Scorpène submarines.In the US, a survey conducted by the Government Business Council and Viasat found that slow procurement and a reluctance to use non-traditional defence companies are hindering military communications capabilities.In the Middle East, the Israel Missile Defense Organization and US Missile Defense Agency announced on 15 December that they have successfully completed a series of intercept tests, involving all layers of the Israeli missile defence umbrella.In focus Senior Editor – Naval Richard Thomas and News Editor Ben Vogel discuss Israel’s efforts to increase its capacity as a naval medical hub for the eastern Mediterranean region.The country conducted the latest demonstration of this evolving capability on 7 December when a joint NATO-Israeli Navy exercise demonstrated the ability to land a rotary platform on board a naval vessel and transfer a would-be patient to an Israeli hospital. In news from the air desk, Editor – Air Tim Martin reports on the UK MoD’s recent statement which acknowledged the government’s awareness that an F-35 circuit board supplier based in Gloucestershire belonged to Chinese parent company Shenzhen Fast Print.Tim also discloses a Shephard’s exclusive concerning the UK National Space Strategy.As the French Defence Ethics Committee published a report on the ‘enhanced soldier’, Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses some of the principles and recommendations reported in the document.Interview: The Netherlands chapter of EuroDefense (22:01)News Editor Ben Vogel hosts a panel discussion with Iric van Doorn, Dutch chairperson of EuroDefense, and Jan Wind, president of the Federation of European Defence Technology Associations, to talk about the Netherlands chapter of EuroDefense and their policy proposal, which seeks to overhaul EU defence and security capabilities.Interview: Air-to-air missiles – tech and tactical challenges (50:00)Ben Vogel is on the line with defence and aerospace analyst Ed Hunt to talk about the next generation of air-to-air missiles and the challenges they pose, both in terms of technology and tactics.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 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.