In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we speak to Shephard’s Asia-Pacific editor for the  monthly round up of the news from his region, and in a conversation with our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space we talk about developments in satellite ground systems. 

Newsround [00:47]

Rheinmetall and  BAE Systems Land officially received an £800 million ($1.12 billion) contract on 7 May from the UK Ministry of Defence to upgrade 148 British Army Challenger3 main battle tanks.

The US Army confirmed on 12 May it plans to retire its Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS) by the end of FY2022.

In Italy, Elettronica is to equip Italian U212 Near Future Submarines with an electronic warfare suite.

A contract from Fincantieri covers the provision of two suites for the first batch of submarines and an optional two additional suites.

Moscow’s Red Square hosted the annual Russian Victory Day parade on 9  May. 

 This year the Moscow event was notable for the lack of new equipment on display compared with previous years. 

There were still parade debutants, including the Buk-M3 SAM system, Taifun-PVO armoured MANPADS vehicle and ISDM remote minelaying system.

In focus: 

The team discusses the deployment of the Carrier Strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, both from a Royal Navy capability perspective and also looking at the wider UK political interests in strengthening relationships with its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish comments on news that Poland is moving ahead with its Narew SHORAD programme. While this programme could fill a gap in Polish air defence, key questions still remain to be answered.

In news from the air desk, Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the current state of UK MoD plans to put forward requirements for medium helicopter acquisitions. 

Deep dive: News from the Asia Pacific [24:50] 

News Editor Ben Vogel is on the line with Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to discuss recent defence news from the region. 

Topics of conversation include India’s progress in the acquisition of new light tank for mountain operations; Australian procurement of heavy armour;  and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) fleet rapidly growing with three new ships entering service. 

Industry Voice – Interview with Raytheon Intelligence Space [45:10]

Creative Director Tony Skinner talks to Cristy Cox, programme director for satellite ground systems, and Karen Casey, chief engineer for satellite ground systems at Raytheon Intelligence and Space, to discuss satellite ground systems and data sharing that allows for faster decision making.