The Shephard Defence Podcast

 In  this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we discuss attack submarines global market, key programmes and challenges ahead; and we learn about radar innovation and applications in an interview with a USN research laboratory. Newsround (00:42) Indra has worked with the Spanish Navy to develop a technology demonstrator based on unsupervised AI. In the Soprene Project, a demonstration AI engine...

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...

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 mu...

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...

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 negotiati...

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 ligh...

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 proto...

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...

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...

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...

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 batt...

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 Thom...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 th...

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 i...

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...

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 ver...

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...

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 dir...

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss the suitability of unmanned platforms for the anti-submarine warfare mission, look at Germany’s long -running attempts to find a replacement of its ageing Tornado fleet and hear how the US Army is using video demonstrations to assess equipment. Newsround (00:39) In the news this week, Germany plans to extend procurement within the future so...

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we examine America’s counterterrorism wars and its record of drone strikes across a number of conflicts, cast a spotlight on the external contractors in defence procurement and discuss the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on the defence industry.   Newsround (00:39) The US Army aims to develop its Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle to fuel a five-way compet...

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we dive into the current status of Australia’s submarine procurement programme, talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the Russian armed forces and discuss all the news from the week. •   Newsround (00:37) In the UK, several vendors have confirmed they will participate in the programme to replace the Royal Navy’s Harpoon 1C anti-ship missi...

In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we bring you the latest defence news from Asia Pacific and around the world, we talk situational awareness on the modern battlefield and we consider the outlook for defence events in 2020. Newsround (00:40) In the air domain , Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the US Army’s delay of a first recoverable flight for the X-61-A Gremlins Air Vehicle following...