In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast we are joined by Shephard Defence Insight team for a close look at the surge in procurement  of tactical transport aircraft, due to increased airlift requirements brought by the COVID-19 pandemic; and in a conversation with US company FLIR we look at the current use, benefits and challenges of robotic ground vehicles. 

Newsround [00:35]

The Indian military is set to expand its airborne surveillance capabilities and leasing options by adding four Israel Aircraft Industries Heron TPs for around $200 million, as part of an emergency procurement. 

In the US,  the DoD announced on 12 February that the Marine Corps is exercising three contract options to procure eight more AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar systems. 

Spain is enhancing its distributed network of armoured fighting vehicle simulators with the addition of 28 devices for the Pizarro infantry fighting vehicle. 

In the naval domain , the deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region later this year  is intended to be its defining military operation of 2020, during which its armed forces are likely to face cuts amid a significant downturn in spending.

 In focus

Air Editor Tim Martin discusses a new offer by the Swedish MoD to Finland concerning the HX fighter. What are the benefits of this offer?

The French Armoured Vehicle for Engagement Support programme (VBAE) has made progress through the development of a new light reconnaissance and support vehicle with stealth capabilities. Land reporter Flavia Camargos Pereira discusses this new addition and what’s next for France under the VBAE effort. 

Deep Dive – tactical transport aircraft [24:51]

Tim Martin is on the line with Shephard Defence Insight Senior Air Analyst Ilker Aktaşoğlu, to look at the global forecast for tactical transport aircraft procurement in the next decade.

Interview- FLIR [39:55]

Flavia Camargos Pereira speaks with Tom Frost, VP and General Manager of Unmanned Ground Systems at FLIR Systems, about the advantages and challenges concerning robotic ground vehicle platforms.

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