In this second episode of Shephard Media's Weekly Defence Podcast, we provide a round-up of all the news from across the defence sector, focus on developments from the recent SHOT Show in Las Vegas, speak to UMS Skeldar about their UAV products and hear from our sponsor Nammo.

News round-up (01:16)

In the Weekly Defence Podcast's news section for episode two, Beth Maundrill discusses a story from Alex Mladenov on the Russian Navy's Coast troops has begun taking delivery of the 9K123 Khrizantema-S ATGM system.
Russian Coastal Forces take delivery of Khrizantema-S ATGMs (free to view)

Over in the maritime domain, Richard Thomas chats MPAs this week, with several news stories on the website indicating a feast and famine for the type, depending on what region you look at.

In Asia-Pacific, a dearth of capabilities sits in stark contrast to the moves by NATO members to boost their own fleets, most commonly with Boeing's P-8A Poseidon.
P-8A production scheduled for NATO’s northern MPA trio (paywalled)
ADECS 2019: Southeast Asia has a dearth of maritime patrol aircraft (free to view)

Helen Haxell takes on the big aerial news coming from the US Navy on the formal launching of a competition to replace the aging fleet of TH-57 training helicopters. Bell is putting forward the 429 and 407GXI. Airbus with H135. Leonardo with TH-119 and Sikorsky and Boeing possible contenders. US Navy launches training helicopter competition (free to view)

Finally, after attending the key geospatial conference DGI, held in London this week, Kate Martyr points to some of the main stories from the event and provides an insight into the discussions and topics that dominated the halls.
NATO develops joint ISR and GEOINT capabilities
Real-time satellite tasking moves closer (paywalled)

SHOT Show review (11:50)

Our Special Operations Forces editor Scott Gourley provides an outline of last week’s SHOT show and all the news and developments from the event.

Among other developments Scott describes how various live fire range events provided an opportunity for ‘hands on’ experience with a range of weapon platforms as well as the chance to interact with former Canadian sniper Rob Furlong and Kris “Tanto” Paronto, one of the CIA security contractors on the roof during the incident in Benghazi.

Interview – UMS Skeldar (24:34)

Richard Thomas talks with David Willems, head of business development at unmanned VTOL manufacturer UMS Skeldar, on the landmarks achieved through 2018, challenges in the military marketplace and the targets for the next 12 months.

Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (31:56)

In this week’s Industry Voice, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, reflects on the history of the company and the importance of international defence cooperations in fostering European defence capabilities.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

In this first episode of Shephard Media's The Weekly Defence Podcast, we provide a round-up of all the news from across the defence sector, take a deep dive into the recent Surface Navy Association's annual symposium, speak to the CEO of Lord Corporation and hear from our sponsor Nammo.

News in brief (01:05)
Introducing the news roundup, Helen Haxell spoke with Beth Maundrill and Richard Thomas on the pressing issues over the past week, with each providing insight into particular stories that caught their eye.

Over in the sea domain, Richard highlighted the news that the US Navy has put in an order for LCS-31, the 16th Freedom class variant of the programme. Although budget has been allotted for up to 38 (of a planned 52-ship run) doubts remain over the survivability of the LCS platform.
US Navy orders LCS 31 (free-to-view)

Towards the skies, Helen, Air Editor, gave details on the Indonesian military's recent helicopter orders and explained why Russia's latest strategic bomber programme is something to watch.
Russia starts production of a new-generation strategic bomber (paywalled)

Back on firmer ground, as new vehicles are developed and upgrades decided upon by the British Army, Beth, Land Deputy Editor, considers how the service will change shape in the coming years.
British Army receives first production Ajax vehicles (paywalled)

Surface Navy (06:30)
The annual symposium of the Surface Navy Association marks the start of the year and beginning of the show season at Shephard, which dispatched Richard Thomas and Beth Maundrill to cover the comings and goings from the exhibition and conference floors.

Among the issues discussed were the latest from the Zumwalt-class DDG programme, the current state of the US Navy’s planned future frigate and the US Marine Corp’s efforts to provide a better work-life balance to its forces.
Commonality demand drove DDG 1000 planar rethink (paywalled)
Insight: Intelligent design drives FFG(X) concepts (paywalled)

Interview – Lord Corporation CEO and President Edward L. Auslander (14:45)
We speak with Edward Auslander – president and CEO of LORD Corporation – about them becoming a $1 billion-dollar company, and how he is navigating the changing defence landscape.

Industry Voice – provided by our sponsor Nammo (29:19)
In this week’s Industry Voice, Endre Lunde, SVP Communications for Nammo, provides insight into the changing nature of communications within the defence sector and the steps the defence trade press needs to take to keep itself relevant.

Music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest

The Weekly Defence Podcast from Shephard Media focuses on the defence industry, from  defence spending to budgets, programme milestones, delays, contract signings and more.

In this preview episode, Richard Thomas Senior Editor Naval and host of the show, looks at what is in store for listeners over the coming weeks and months.

The Weekly Defence Podcast is produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing provided by Fred Prest