In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast we catch up with our Defence Insight team about European submarines programmes and we talk to L3 Harris about the company’s support for the US Space Force.

Newsround (00:00:35)

The Czech government has dispelled fears that the economic damage of COVID will force it to cancel a plan to buy new infantry fighting vehicles.

India continues to develop the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft, with the first flight expected in 2024-25.

The pact between Iran and Syria to enhance the latter’s air defences has raised questions regarding the scope of this cooperation.

The US Maritime Administration is lacking vessels required to execute its mission amid calls for an uplift in hull and personnel numbers.

News In focus:

Following a series of new agreements between Tempest industry lead BAE Systems and seven aerospace and defence suppliers, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the latest updates on this game-changing aircraft concept.

Will the programme progress at the pace set by its ambitious timelines?

Negotiations are ongoing between the UK MoD and Lockheed Martin UK over a potential £800 million contract for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme.

Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira look at what the initial plans were, how they have evolved and what to expect next. 

Deep Dive: European submarine programmes (00:18:10)

Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Defence Insight Naval Analyst Harriet Haywood, to look at how EU submarine programmes have been left largely unscathed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Surface vessel programmes have been hit but the number of new submarines entering service will not be reduced.

Interview: L3 Harris on US Space Force (00:31:40)

Brad Bolstad, president of the Space Superiority & Geospatial sector in L3Harris Space & Airborne Systems, speaks to News Editor Ben Vogel about industry support for the US Space Force as the newest US military organisation evolves its mission set.

Industry Voice: Viasat (00:51:10)

VP Content Tony Skinner speaks to Andy Kessler, Vice President and Business Area Director of Viasat’s Next Generation Tactical Data Links Business, about advances to the Link 16 datalink and how it is helping modern military operations.

For more, please view the Link 16 Breaks New Ground sponsored whitepaper.

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