In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we look at German defence procurement and  modernisation efforts; we catch up on all the news from the Asia Pacific; and we speak to our sponsor Raytheon Intelligence and Space about the impact of digital engineering on the defence sector.
 
Newsround [01:12]

NATO's Flying Training Europe programme took a major step forward last week after 10 members signed an MoU.

Bulgaria, Croatia and Portugal had been poised to join but they did not sign the document. However, Italy has joined the group.

In Australia, the Department of Defence has belatedly acknowledged the need to upgrade the Royal Australian Navy’s six Collins-class submarines.

And in Russia, the MoD is going ahead with a prototype of the Shturm system. Shturm will be based on the proven T-72B3 chassis and is intended for urban warfare. 

In focus

The team looks at the latest news from Germany as the country is currently undergoing modernisation efforts for its armed forces as well as procuring new platforms. Senior Land Reporter Tim Fish discusses highlights from the recent RUSI Land Warfare conference, when Inspector of the Army Lt Gen Alfons Mais stated that a mental change is needed at a military leadership level to make the modernisation possible.

From the air desk, Tim Martin gives an update on the German heavy-lift helicopter tender and other aircraft programmes. 

Deep Dive: News from the Asia Pacific [21:08]

Ben Vogel is on the line with Asia-Pacific Editor Gordon Arthur to discuss some of the top stories from his region.

Topics include the South Korean CVX programme and Indonesian frigate procurement news from MADEX; Philippines pursuing T129 Atak helicopters from Turkey; Bangladesh receiving new rocket launchers from Turkey; and the latest on China’s PLA procuring new tanks in bulk. 

Industry Voice- Raytheon Intelligence & Space [43:00] 

For the defence sector, digital engineering offers a new paradigm, a way to speed up delivery while increasing customer confidence.

Shephard’s Creative Director Tony Skinner speaks to Raytheon Intelligence & Space Mission Systems Architect Mark Davis, and Systems Engineer Madison Dye about the disruptive role that digital engineering is now playing.

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