In this episode of the Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to Elbit Systems UK about the development of unmanned anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and we have the second part of our conversation about the challenges facing the special forces community.

News round (00:35)

The RAF is close to signing a deal with BAE Systems for the deployment of new Eurofighter Typhoon simulators.

As the impact of the COVID pandemic continues, the Canadian Department of National Defence is procuring a new isolation system to transport highly infectious patients by air in Globemaster or Hercules aircraft.

The Russian Army has received the first batch of ten 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzers, but the MoD is still to decide whether to buy the wheeled variant for its combined arms brigades.

The ongoing development of Saab’s Lightweight Torpedo (SLWT) has moved a step closer to serial production, with the first test firings from the Gotland-class submarine HSwMS Gotland and Visby-class corvette HSwMS Karlstad in February and March this year.

News Focus

Air Editor Tim Martin discusses the French government’s pledge to buy new military heavy-lift helicopters, naval drones, ISTAR and tanker aircraft programmes as a part of a new economic package worth €15 billion.

News Editor Ben Vogel and Land Reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira report on a change of plans for the Mexican Navy, which was due to receive additional POLA long-range oceanic patrol vessels, but deliveries are now on hold. What are the politics behind this?

Flavia also discusses recent news for the Portuguese Army with delivery of new small arms as the Soldier Combat Systems (SCS) programme passed a milestone in early June.

Interview – Elbit System UK (16:23)

Senior Editor, Naval Richard Thomas is on the line with Martin Fausset, CEO at Elbit System UK, to discuss the status of the company’s trials under work by DSTL exploring the future of unmanned ASW operations.

Panel discussion - Special forces Operations (30:10)

VP Content Tony Skinner hosts the second part of our conversation looking at SOF challenges and equipment requirements. Tony was speaking to Defence Insight’s Senior Land Analyst Sonny Butterworth and regular contributors Scott Gourley and Andrew White.

Music and sound mixing by Fred Prest