Euronaval news, Attritable UAVs, and Dutch defence vision

10/30/20 • 64 min

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast our Air Editor talks to Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies about Skyborg and Loyal Wingman programmes and we consider how the UK MoD integrated review could change UK defence and security policy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Newsround: (00:40)

The US Army will evaluate the Patria Nemo 120mm turreted mortar system in a Foreign Comparative Testing exercise. Tests will take place in Finland and the US, assessing Nemo against US ammunition and US Army requirements.

Following delays caused by COVID-19, the Philippines has finally selected new light tanks, 8x8 fire support vehicles and 6x6 APCs to equip the Philippine Army’s Armor Division.

The annual Euronaval trade show and conference was held virtually last week, highlighting a number of programme updates and technology developments. During the show, Naval Group unveiled its futuristic SMX 31 E stealth submarine design.

News in Focus
Air Editor Tim Martin reports on the the Hellenic Navy set to receive a new fleet of MH-60R naval helicopters among reported workforce difficulties for F-16V supplier Hellenic Aviation Industry that could cause industrial complications for Lockheed Martin.

Tim also discusses all the updates on Boeing's AH-64 production programme, which has now been restarted in the middle of an investigation concerning previously reported safety issues.

The Dutch MoD has released its new Defence Vision 2035 which forecasts a doubling in upcoming budget request to match the outlined requirements. Is this realistic while European economies reel from the impact of COVID-19?

Interview- Mitchell Institute for Aerospace studies (22:00)

Tim Martin is on the line with Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments at the Mitchell Institute, and Lukas Autenried, Senior Analyst at the Mitchell Institute. They discuss the recently released paper Understanding the Promise of Skyborg and Low-Cost Attritable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, which analyses how US Air Force can maintain high readiness and modernise an aircraft inventory that is both old and small.

Interview- A conversation around UK integrated review (44:40)

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Duncan Bartlett, former BBC Tokyo correspondent and author, for a conversation on UK defence planning in terms of the Asia-Pacific region.

This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

Newsround: (00:40)

Following delays caused by COVID-19, the Philippines has finally selected new light tanks, 8x8 fire support vehicles and 6x6 APCs to equip the Philippine Army’s Armor Division.

Tim also discusses all the updates on Boeing's AH-64 production programme, which has now been restarted in the middle of an investigation concerning previously reported safety issues.

Interview- Mitchell Institute for Aerospace studies (22:00)

Interview- A conversation around UK integrated review (44:40)

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Duncan Bartlett, former BBC Tokyo correspondent and author, for a conversation on UK defence planning in terms of the Asia-Pacific region.

This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

Previous Episode

Saab reassesses Gripen programme, simulation and training tech in vogue and model-driven AI solutions

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we talk to software supplier Aerogility about its cloud-based predictive maintenance and forecasting solutions; and catch up with our Military Training Editor on recent developments and technologies in that field.

Newsround (00:32)

In the US, GM Defense is set to deliver the initial batch of prototype Infantry Support Vehicles to the US Army for testing on 26 October.

The USAF has awarded Raytheon Missiles and Defense a contract for Lot 6 production of StormBreaker precision-guided glide bombs.

In the naval domain, Russia is assessing the results of the latest test-firing of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov.

News in Focus:
Despite the pandemic, Naval Group still plans to deliver FDI frigate FNS Amiral Ronarc’h, destined for the French Navy in 2023 .
News Editor Ben Vogel and Senior Editor - Naval Richard Thomas discuss where FDI fits into the French Navy of the future.

As COVID-19 issues continue to affect industry, Saab has admitted its Gripen E/F programme has had to undergo reassessment, with the company turning to new suppliers and implementing a series of ‘mitigating actions’. Air Editor Tim Martin reports.

The UK’s House of Commons Defence Committee released an update on 20 October about progress in delivering the next generation of armoured vehicles for the British Army. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira brings us up to date on the matter.

Deep Dive – Simulation and Training programmes (22:18)

Developers and manufacturers worldwide continue the pursuit of new AI technologies, which are set to disrupt the way militaries train. Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano is on the line with Military Training Editor Trevor Nash for an update on some cutting-edge programmes covering tailored training, physiological training and olfactory stimulation.

What's the role of the UK space sector in the ‘Global Britain’ envisioned for the future? Listen to Shephard Studio’s Defining the Future podcast, sponsored by our partner Raytheon UK .
What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat.

Interview: Aerogility (38:54)

Tim Martin speaks to Nigel Yard, head of defence and primes division at Aerogility, about the company’s cloud-based predictive forecasting solutions that can help plan maintenance and engineering requirements for air forces.

Next Episode

What's next for defence after US election?

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we bring together our team of journalists and editors to discuss the influence and impact of the result on the defence sector, the potential policy implications for the US military, and the potential effects of the result on European defence and relations with NATO countries; and we get the perspective of a former US Army Lieutenant General.

Newsround

In Japan, the MoD has picked Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to lead the effort to produce the F-X sixth-generation fighter. Prime contractor Mitsubishi is expected to work with a foreign partner – strong contenders are BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

In Australia, the Bluebottle unmanned surface vessel is to conduct a series of tests next year that will enable it to carry out a wider series of tasks for the Royal Australian Navy.

In Russia, military scientists from the 38th Research Test Institute for Armoured Equipment are promoting the idea of a twin-chassis main battle tank to replace the Armata T-14 in the 2040s – but is it realistic?

In the UK, the MoD has declined to share a specific date for publication of the forthcoming Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.

In focus

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is joined by News Editor Ben Vogel, Air Editor Tim Martin and Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira for a round table discussion on potential changes to air, land in sea plans for the US and its allies that will follow after the presidential race winner will be named.

Interview – The Heritage Foundation

Tim Martin is on the line with Thomas Spoehr former US Army Lieutenant General who now works as Director of the Heritage Foundation’s Centre for National Defence for an insight on potential changes to military sales, particularly those agreed with the Middle East and to dive into the strategies that the US is willing to adopt to counter Russian and Chinese threats.

This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.