AUKUS fallout, US eyes Wedgetail and 8x8 armoured platforms

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, the team looks at the AUKUS fallout, the latest USAF interest in procuring the E-7A Wedgetail, new Czech investment in artillery systems and the worldwide market for armoured vehicles. 

Newsround [2:34]

Thales and Schiebel have joined forces to serve the growing appetite from navies for UAS-based ISTAR capabilities.

Greece is expected to decide on its frigate requirement by the end of 2021, with Lockheed Martin joining the competition with its multi-mission ship design. 

Brazilian defence equipment exports reached a new record in the first half of 2021, with sales of $1.35 billion. 

On 16 September the Australian Department of Defence released an RfP under Project Air 6502 Phase 1, calling for bidders to provide a Medium-Range Ground-Based Air Defence system.

In focus 

The team engage in a roundtable discussion looking at news from Europe, the US and elsewhere across the air, land and sea domains. 

Topics include the move by Czech MoD to upgrade artillery systems by procuring new Caesar self-propelled howitzers to replace the obsolete Dana design. 

USAF senior officers continue to eye the acquisition of the AMTI radar-equipped Boeing E-7A Wedgetail platform as a stopgap solution to replace the ageing E-3 Sentry.

[18:29] AUKUS pact implications

The team also considers the implications of the AUKUS programme on existing Franco-British programmes and agreements.  

Deep dive – 8x8 global vehicle market [28:52]

Multimedia Journalist Noemi Distefano is on the line with Shephard Defence Insight Senior Land Analyst Sonny Butterworth to dive into the world of 8x8 armoured vehicles. Sonny gives an update on emerging manufacturers, ongoing export deals and an overall view of a global market which has seen rising demand in recent years.

This episode was brought to you in partnership with Raytheon Missiles and Defence
Produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.