Highlights of 2021 plus US Army engine upgrade

12/17/21 • 86 min

In the final bumper edition of The Weekly Defence Podcast in 2021, our subject matter experts look back over an eventful year for air, land, sea and training procurement programmes (including a return to the trade show scene); we look at the main developments in the Asia-Pacific region; and Air Editor Tim Martin speaks with Honeywell to discuss the T55-714C engine upgrade for US Army helicopters.

Newsround [01:45]

In his overview, Air Editor Tim Martin notes strong 2021 performances from Dassault and Lockheed Martin in winning fighter procurement contests.

Looking ahead, Tim flags up a looming decision in Canada on future fighter procurement and notes that 2022 will be a significant year for the US Army FVL programme.

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks back at her highlights from the AUSA annual conference and exhibition in October 2021, particularly the OMFV programme for the US Army. She also discusses problems affecting British Army vehicle procurement.

Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye reviews the highlights (and lowlights) of the Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment by the UK RN, as well as strong procurement activity in Greece.

Simulation & Training Editor Trevor Nash describes getting back on the show scene in 2021. It was a busy year for industry mergers and acquisitions, and Trevor also describes how NATO has grabbed the NFTE programme by the horns.

Asia-Pacific review [48:32]

News Editor Ben Vogel discusses major news from 2021 with Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur. Chinese sabre-rattling towards its neighbours continued and Beijing appears intent on boosting its ICBM and hypersonic missile stocks, while the AUKUS pact in September ruffled feathers in France.

Interview – Honeywell Aerospace [1:08:59]

Tim Martin talks with TJ Pope, senior director for military turboshaft engines at Honeywell Aerospace, about the latest developments with the T55-714C upgrade for US Army helicopters.

This episode was produced by Ben Vogel with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

Newsround [01:45]

In his overview, Air Editor Tim Martin notes strong 2021 performances from Dassault and Lockheed Martin in winning fighter procurement contests.

Looking ahead, Tim flags up a looming decision in Canada on future fighter procurement and notes that 2022 will be a significant year for the US Army FVL programme.

Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye reviews the highlights (and lowlights) of the Carrier Strike Group 21 deployment by the UK RN, as well as strong procurement activity in Greece.

Asia-Pacific review [48:32]

Interview – Honeywell Aerospace [1:08:59]

Tim Martin talks with TJ Pope, senior director for military turboshaft engines at Honeywell Aerospace, about the latest developments with the T55-714C upgrade for US Army helicopters.

This episode was produced by Ben Vogel with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

Previous Episode

European defence innovation, global arms sales data and Middle East air/sea latest

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we explore the main themes from the European Defence Agency innovation conference; we discuss the latest global arms sales data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute; and we shine a light on Middle Eastern air force procurement and naval shipbuilding.

In the second part of the show, Air Editor Tim Martin speaks with Defence Insight air analyst Ilker Aktasoglu to discuss the ongoing impact of COVID on aircraft procurement programmes.

Newsround [01:30]

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks into the annual EDA Innovation Conference that took place in Brussels on 7 December, and describes how European countries are looking at non-traditional partners for R&D.

Elsewhere, Air Editor Tim Martin looks over a new report from SIPRI on global arms sales, which shows how US manufacturers continue to dominate while Chinese competitors focus on specialist markets.
Tim also discusses some significant Middle Eastern developments with the mega-order last week from the UAE for Rafale. Where does this leave the potential F-35 deal?

And staying in the Middle East, our Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye casts an eye over a significant week for naval programmes in the region, after Naval Group launched the first Gowind corvette for the UAE Navy and Navantia launched Saudi Arabia's final Avante 2200 corvette.

Interview – COVID and military aircraft procurement [29:05]

Tim Martin talks with Defence Insight air analyst Ilker Aktasoglu to discuss the challenges that COVID-19 still pose to aircraft procurement programmes.

This episode was produced by Ben Vogel with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.

Next Episode

Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine

We’re excited to share a new-look format for the Shephard Defence Podcast. Following a short hiatus, we are back with a monthly look at some of the big themes in the world of defence.
The first episode looks at the rapidly-evolving situation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Few defence analysts believed when the Russians invaded on 24 February that the conflict would still be raging almost three months later, with well-motivated Ukrainian forces proving they’re a tough nut to crack, Western military aid flooding into the country and questions swirling around about the effectiveness of Russian equipment, tactics and strategy.
Shephard Media's news editor Ben Vogel discusses developments and what lessons have been gleaned with senior naval reporter Harry Lye and air editor Tim Martin.

Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading.
We also feature regular content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners.