In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, sponsored by Bell, the team delves into UK and European defence industrial policy; and QinetiQ discusses integrated test and evaluation for the armed forces.

Newsround [ 01:23]

Airbus told Shephard exclusively on 26 July that it wants to enhance the lethality of its H145M helicopter by adding the Spike ER2 precision-guided missile. Firing tests are planned for the second quarter of 2022.

The Indian Navy has drawn up a roadmap for putting autonomous underwater vehicles into service. The navy is looking to acquire man-portable AUVs with swarm functionality, as well as lightweight and heavyweight AUVs with mission endurance for up to 15 days.

In the US, the resurrection of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle programme continued with digital design contracts for five teams. There are established names such as BAE, General Dynamics, Oshkosh and Rheinmetall – but one notable underdog is a US firm called Point Blank Enterprises, which specialises in ballistic protection solutions.

In focus 

Host Alix Valenti, Air Editor Tim Martin and Senior Naval Reporter Harry Lye look into the issue of foreign ownership of UK defence firms after Cobham launched a bid to acquire Ultra Electronics.

 Is the UK moving away from its traditional laissez-faire approach to business takeovers in the defence sector? How does this posture compare with continental European governments? How do defence industrial policies affect national or cross-border procurement programmes? 

Interview- QinetiQ [28:58] 

Multimedia journalist Noemi Distefano speaks with Cathy O’Connell, Global Campaign Director for Integrated Test and Evaluation at QinetiQ, to look at the company’s contribution to modern T&E techniques. 

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