In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we discuss Russia's efforts to develop a tactical hypersonic weapon, talk to Defence Insight's Analyst-Air Ilker Aktasoglu about contemporary training aircraft capabilities, and in an interview with Supacat we find out about some of the company’s vehicle technology programmes in the broader context of UK defence policy.

Newsround 

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced on 1 December that it has delivered two more Block 5 Reaper UAVs and a ground control station to the Spanish Air Force.

Also on 1 December, Oshkosh Defense announced its second largest ever order for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and associated equipment, including two new customers.

And with this week’s virtual I/ITSEC in mind, we report on moves in the UK to broaden the use of virtual reality technology for training British soldiers.

The USN has declared a second major naval platform loss due to fire damage in less than a decade, after the decision was taken to decommission the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.

News in Focus 

News Editor Ben Vogel discusses moves in Russia to develop a tactical hypersonic missile called Klevok-D2.  What are its characteristics and how is Russia planning to deploy it?

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Following the latest Coordinated Annual Review on Defence report , the European Defence Agency is looking to develop and procure next-generation MBTs for member states. 

Several countries are set to modernise and upgrade their in-service platforms in the short term. Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira looks at the advantages of joint programmes. 

In the air domain, Air Editor Tim Martin looks at recent deliveries to the British Army of remanufactured AH-64E V6 Apache helicopters and considers how the fleet might complement the army’s capabilities.

Deep Dive: A conversation with Defence Insight

Senior Editor – Naval Richard Thomas grabs a chat with Defence Insight Senior Analyst-Air Ilker Aktasoglu, for insight on the current market for training aircraft in Europe and elsewhere in the world. 

Interview – Supacat 

News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Phil Applegarth, director and head of Supacat, and Steve Austen, Supacat engineering director and chief engineer, to discuss recent developments and future prospects for vehicle technology programmes.