The fourth episode of Shephard Media's Weekly Defence Podcast has landed and we provide a round-up of all the news from across the defence sector, talk to Boeing about their new Block 2 Chinook, hear the latest from the Marine West exhibition, and sit down with our sponsor Nammo.

News Round-Up (1:20)

In the Weekly Defence Podcast's news section for this episode, Richard Thomas talks about Irving Shipbuilding and their contract to finalise design work for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) programme. 

He also covers the Naval Group and Australian sign off on the $36 billion strategic partnering agreement (SPA) for the construction of 12 submarines for the Royal Australian Navy, to be known as the Attack class.
Global Type 26 fleet will reach 32 vessels as Canada awards design contract
Naval Group and Australia finally sign off on future submarine programme

Not much up in the air this week, so Helen Haxell takes a look at a report from the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) claiming readiness and resilience of operatives could be improved through a greater emphasis on yoga and meditation. 

She also touches upon on the Mi-26T2V, a new-generation heavy helicopter for the Russian Army Aviation branch, which has completed its preliminary flight-testing phase, with the subsequent comprehensive joint flight testing set to be completed this year.
JSOU looks to yoga and meditation
Mi-26T2V completes its preliminary flight testing

Finally, Beth Maundrill covers the $414 million purchase of the Lockheed HIMARS system by Poland, and the unveiling of the Sri Lanka Army’s domestically designed multiple rocket launcher (MRL).
Poland to buy US rocket system for $414 million
Sri Lanka shows off indigenous rocket launcher

Marine West Coverage (15:40)

Our Special Operations Forces editor Scott Gourley is back, listing the various highlights of Marine West, which he attended last week. 

Interview – Boeing Chinook Block 2 (24:09)

This week, Tim Martin talks to Randy Rotte, Director of Business Development for Cargo Helicopters at Boeing, about the ongoing upgrades to the classic Chinook design, termed Block 2. 

Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (39:27)

In this week’s Industry Voice, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, discusses the implications of continuing defence budget uncertainties in the US. 

Endre also gives a shout-out to the Aerospace Media Dinner and Awards, which is now open for nominations.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest