In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, after heads of state, government and military leaders descended on London for the NATO Leaders’ Meeting, we review the issues facing the alliance, and get the perspective of two key analysts.

• News Roundup (00:36)

 On the news this week…

Senior Editor, Naval Richard Thomas and Deputy Editor, Air Tim Martin, take a look at the atmosphere at this year’s NATO meeting in occasion of the 70th anniversary of the alliance. They discuss why the positive speech delivered from the NATO Secretary, Jens Stoltenberg, was contrasted by scepticism by some world leaders, with particular attention to French President Emmanuel Macron’s speech.

Director of Analysis Matthew Smith shares data following the NATO release of its most recent set of budgets, which saw a significant increase in procurement expenses compared to last year with Turkey on top of the list with an estimate $5.3billion for procurement expenses. 

Senior Editor, Naval Richard Thomas talks about the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier commissioning ceremony in Portsmouth, 78 years after the sinking of the first HMS Prince of Wales.

• Interview – Justin Bronk of RUSI (21:14)

Deputy Editor, Air Tim Martin talks to Justin Bronk, Research Fellow specialising in combat airpower and technology in the Military Science team at RUSI .

• Interview – Robert Vass President of GLOBSEC (36:26)

We discuss with Robert Vass some the most prominent issues amid countries part of the NATO alliance following the world’s leaders’ speeches at this year’s event in London.

• Industry Voice: Nammo (51:24)

 Shephard Media’s VP Content Tony Skinner and Nammo SVP of Communications Endre Lunde discuss the EU’s possible prohibition of lead ammunition for sport and hunting purposes, and the effect this would have on the defence supply chain.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest