In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we consider how COVID-19 is impacting the defence sector, and look at what to expect next. We also focus on the latest SIPRI report on international arms sales; Turkish electronic warfare operations in northern Syria; capability and technology developments in the Spanish Army; and the continuing US budget debate. 

·        News Round (00:45)  

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira reports on developments in Spain with the plan to introduce the Light Vehicle for Special Operations (VLOE). This vehicle is expected to replace variants of the Nissan ML-6 currently in service, with the ability to operate off-road.  Deliveries are to be concluded by 2024. 

The Spanish Army is also looking to improve its military training as it has recently been awarded a contract by MASA Group to provide its Sword software. 

Air Editor Tim Martin delves into a new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on arms exports. SIPRI describes a surge in arms sales between the US and the Middle East over the last five years, whereas Russia experienced a noticeable slump in exports.

News Editor Ben Vogel talks about electronic warfare after Turkey deployed its truck-mounted KORAL radar system to support its operations in northern Syria. KORAL can potentially adversely affect the performance of radars onboard Russian aircraft.

Senior Editor - Naval Richard Thomas gives us more details from ongoing US budget debates and its effect on the naval domain. One of the main points of the FY2021 Presidential Budget Request was to divert funding from DoD programmes to support construction of the US-Mexico border wall. If the budget is approved, the US Navy and the other armed forces will receive fewer platforms to strengthen their military capabilities. 

• Deep Dive - Boats of the Future (17:15)

Freelance journalist and author Gerrard Cowan discusses the latest developments in the sub-surface domain. Submarine fleets are undergoing new mission sets as navies around the world prepare for high-intensity conflicts. How far is the “silent service” from replacing manned vessels with underwater unmanned vehicles? 

• Interview - Raytheon (32:16)

VP Content Tony Skinner grabs a chat with Bryan Rosselli, vice president of mission systems and sensors at Raytheon, about counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS).

• Industry Voice - Nammo (46:36)

Tony also talks to Endre Lunde, senior vice president communications at Nammo, about an intriguing recent development in the defence media.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest