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The Shephard Defence Podcast

Shephard Media

The Shephard Defence Podcast tells the stories of the defence industry, trends in military technology and the procurement programmes that get the kit into the hands of the warfighter. In a monthly news roundtable, Shephard Media’s team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading. We also feature content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners. If you work in the defence sector, have an interest in defence technologies, or are an end-user of military equipment, then the Shephard Defence Podcast is aimed at you.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 23 min
  • English
  • S6 · E11
    May 4 · 23 min

    Intelligence Innovation: Who Wins When Data Becomes the Weapon?

    Brought to you in partnership with Rafael In this episode, we explore how militaries are shifting from data collection to decision-making. As the battlespace becomes saturated with information, the real challenge is turning that data into fast, actionable insight. Featuring experts from Rafael, the discussion looks at how forces are breaking down silos, accelerating reaction times and building a more integrated, multidomain intelligence picture. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role, helping analysts process vast datasets while raising important questions around trust and oversight. The episode also examines the growing importance of international collaboration, and how initiatives like ‘Crystal Ball’ are enabling partners to share intelligence more effectively. The takeaway is clear: advantage no longer comes from having more data, but from understanding it faster. To learn more about the evolving world of defence technology, head to our Designed for Advantage content hub.

  • S6 · E10
    February 19 · 20 min

    Critical Care | Designing Sustainment Into the Future

    This episode is shared from Critical Care, a podcast produced by Shephard Studio in partnership with Collins Aerospace. Sustainment has long been seen as a downstream concern — something to be managed after procurement. But what happens when you flip that mindset? In this final episode of the current Critical Care series, produced by Shephard Studio in partnership with Collins Aerospace, we look at the next evolution of military aircraft support — one where sustainment is not only part of the mission, but designed into the platform from day one. We hear from key voices across Collins Aerospace, including Chris Norris, Mike Yunker, Marc Harrington and Michael Nelson, as they explore how predictive maintenance, digital engineering and common systems are reshaping the entire lifecycle of defence aviation. They discuss how AI, real-time data and open architecture are driving faster fixes, smarter logistics and more agile support — not in theory, but in practice. From augmented reality goggles for remote troubleshooting to embedded analytics that forecast component failures before they happen, this episode reveals how the future of sustainment is becoming faster, more integrated and more aligned with the operational tempo of the modern battlespace. More than technology, it’s a cultural shift. Sustainment is no longer a separate conversation — it’s central to design, procurement and mission success.

  • S6 · E9
    February 11 · 18 min

    Critical Care | Embedded Sustainment with the Royal Netherlands Air Force

    This episode is shared from Critical Care, a podcast produced by Shephard Studio in partnership with Collins Aerospace. What happens when sustainment stops being a service and becomes a partnership? In this episode of Critical Care, produced by Shephard Studio in partnership with Collins Aerospace, we head to Vliegbasis Woensdrecht in the Netherlands to see a new model of military aviation support in action — one that places engineers not behind desks, but on the hangar floor, shoulder to shoulder with pilots and technicians. Colonel Ted Meeuwsen of the Royal Netherlands Air Force shares how an initial contractor relationship with Collins evolved into something far deeper: an embedded, trust-based collaboration that has transformed how quickly sustainment issues are resolved — often within hours, not weeks. What began as workshop-level support for helmet systems has grown into a dynamic model of co-located engineering, real-time diagnostics and a shared commitment to mission readiness. We also hear from Chris Norris and Michael Nelson of Collins Aerospace, who explain how this approach goes far beyond shortening repair cycles. It reduces risk, enhances sovereignty, and creates a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges. As the pace of technology accelerates and operational demands mount, this episode shows how co-location, communication and collaboration can reshape sustainment from a supply chain issue into a strategic advantage. Next time, we look ahead to the technologies set to revolutionise sustainment — from AI-powered diagnostics to predictive maintenance and condition-based logistics.

  • S6 · E8
    February 3 · 17 min

    Critical Care | Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg

    This episode is shared from Critical Care, a podcast produced by Shephard Studio in partnership with Collins Aerospace. As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets. In this episode of Critical Care, produced by Shephard Studio in partnership with Collins Aerospace, we travel to Heidelberg, Germany — home to a regional sustainment hub that’s proving crucial for fast, local support across Europe and beyond. We hear from Holger Eckstein, Michael Mayer and Michael Nelson – leaders within Collins’ sustainment operations – as they explain how the Heidelberg service centre is handling everything from Eurofighter and Tornado repairs to complex electronics for helicopters and land platforms. They reveal how deep regional expertise, long-term partnerships with primes like Airbus and BAE Systems, and close ties to international customers are transforming the speed and scale of military readiness. From reducing reliance on transatlantic repair cycles to enabling more responsive support for customers like the Royal Saudi Air Force, this episode explores how Heidelberg’s model of forward sustainment is setting a new benchmark. We also look at how Europe’s fragmented defence landscape is starting to shift towards more unified, collaborative approaches — not just for procurement, but for long-term support. What emerges is a clear message: rapid, reliable sustainment isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s essential for operational credibility in a fast-changing world. Coming up next: we head to the Netherlands to see what happens when Collins’ engineers go embedded with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, working side by side on the hangar floor.

  • S6 · E7
    January 21 · 23 min

    Layered Protection: How Air Defence is Adapting to Rising Drone and Missile Threats

    “There is no silver bullet. Stockpiles, layered systems and partnerships – that’s how resilience is built.” From cruise missiles and drone swarms to hypersonics and homemade rockets, modern air defence has never faced such a complex battlespace. In this episode of Design for Advantage, we explore how militaries are adapting their air defence strategies to meet these growing challenges – and why a multilayered, interoperable, and cost-effective approach is critical to success. Guests: – Brig Gen (ret) Shachar Shohat, former commander of Israel’s Air Defence Forces – Gideon Weiss, Rafael's VP Business Development & Marketing Topics covered: • The rise of drone and missile threats • Why open architecture and stockpiles matter • The economics of interception • Lessons from recent conflicts • Laser weapons, precision strike and offensive-defensive integration • The role of partnerships and sovereign capability Listen now to learn how nations are rethinking air defence – and why getting it right means staying ahead of the threat. To discover more about the latest in defence innovation, visit our Designed for Advantage content hub. Learn more about how Rafael is shaping the future of air and missile defence with proven systems and cutting-edge technologies.

  • S6 · E6
    Dec 9, 2025 · 23 min

    Beyond Survivability: How Active Protection Systems Are Empowering Commanders

    Brought to you in partnership with Rafael As the battlefield becomes more complex, active protection systems (APS) are proving critical - not just in protecting armoured vehicles, but in ensuring they remain effective, mobile, and mission-ready in contested environments. In this episode, we explore how APS like Rafael’s Trophy are reshaping modern land warfare. Gideon Weiss, VP of Business Development and Marketing at Rafael, and a former Israel Defense Forces commander - known here as “Col B” - share firsthand insights into how APS are transforming battlefield tactics. From stopping rocket-propelled grenades and antitank guided missiles, to countering the growing threat of drones, APS now sit at the core of future vehicle design. But beyond defence, their true value may lie in what they enable: confident manoeuvre, rapid tempo, and decisive action under fire. Join us as we discuss: Why APS is now considered standard kit for modern armoured vehicles. The operational advantage Trophy delivers beyond survivability. Real-world battlefield experiences from units equipped with APS. How APS integration is evolving to meet emerging threats like drones. What the future holds for active protection technology. Listen now to find out why APS is more than a shield - it’s a force multiplier. Learn more about Trophy at rafael.co.il/system/trophy-aps For more stories of defence innovation, visit our Designed for Advantage content hub

  • S6 · E5
    Oct 21, 2025 · 25 min

    How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare

    This episode is brought to you in partnership with Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions ‘Speed is the key advantage and accuracy is the key outcome’: Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions’ Rick Freeman talks to Shephard’s Georgia Lewis about how space-as-a-service is transforming defence connectivity and access to satellite capabilities. As militaries seek faster, more accurate decision-making across increasingly complex battlespaces, satcom services are becoming increasingly essential. The growing demand for real-time data and resilient connectivity is driving interest in new delivery models – including space-as-a-service. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is working with government customers to expand access to space in ways that reduce costs and risks without sacrificing speed or accuracy. Its satellite services, available on a subscription basis, aim to keep pace with fast-moving technologies and the changing demands of modern warfare. Rick Freeman, who is president of Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions (KGS), explains how the company’s satellite technologies are designed to integrate into networked battle systems – and why educating military leaders on the value of innovation is a continuing challenge. To learn more about Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions and its approach to space-as-a-service, click here

  • S6 · E5
    Oct 10, 2025 · 21 min

    Precision on Demand: The New Age of Loitering Weapons

    Brought to you in partnership with Rafael Loitering munitions provide vital capabilities in the disrupted and unpredictable modern battlespace, from real-time ISR to a virtually “on demand” strike capability. Rafael is looking to the future of the technology, empowering systems to operate with increasing autonomy in hostile environments. Military conflict today is increasingly defined by large numbers of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), as demonstrated by the war in Ukraine. However, true loitering munitions offer an extra complementary dimension, notably through greater precision, intelligence, and durability. In this episode of the Shephard Defence Podcast. we speak with Gideon Weiss, vice president of business development and marketing at Rafael, and Brigadier General L, a land warfare expert and business development manager with Rafael. To explore how Rafael’s loitering munitions are shaping the future battlefield, delivering precision, autonomy, and operational flexibility when it matters most, read more here For more stories of defence innovation, visit our Designed for Advantage content hub

  • S6 · E4
    Aug 20, 2025 · 23 min

    Defending the Fleet: Naval Air Defence in the Drone Era

    In this episode of Designed for Advantage, host Tony Skinner speaks with Rafael’s VP of business development and marketing, Gideon Weiss, and Commander ‘K’, a naval surface warfare and air defence expert, about how navies are adapting to an era of bold, asymmetric threats at sea. From swarming drones in the Red Sea to precision missile strikes in the Black Sea, the maritime threat landscape is shifting fast. The discussion explores: How multi-domain threats are reshaping naval air defence and counter-UAS (CUAS) strategies. The economics of modern naval warfare and ammunition management during high-intensity operations. The role of layered, modular and radar-agnostic defence systems, including the TYPHOON Mk 30, C-Dome and Naval Iron Beam. Real-world examples of how Rafael systems are deployed to counter UAV swarms and sea-skimming missiles. How high-energy laser systems could deliver near-zero-cost-per-shot interception and “endless magazine” potential at sea. Rafael’s approach to interoperability, open architecture and strategic partnerships with navies and shipyards worldwide. Whether you are a defence leader, naval operator or industry watcher, this conversation offers operational insights and a forward-looking perspective on maritime security. For more stories of defence innovation, visit our Designed for Advantage content hub

  • S6 · E3
    Jun 11, 2025 · 21 min

    Combat-proven capabilities: How precision-strike systems are evolving for tomorrow’s battlespace

    Long-range precision strike is fast becoming a cornerstone of modern military capability. As threats grow in complexity and coverage - from A2/AD environments to dispersed high-value targets - armed forces must respond with scalable, GPS-independent systems capable of delivering fast, coordinated effects. In this second episode of our special series with Rafael, we explore the evolving demands of precision strike. Rafael Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, Gideon Weiss, joins Brigadier General A, a former Israeli Air Force commander and senior advisor to Rafael, to unpack how combat experience is shaping CONOPS, system design, and autonomous targeting. We discuss: How precision systems are being adapted for contested environments The growing role of AI-powered data fusion in shortening timelines The strategic importance of availability, affordability and technology partnerships Missed episode one on high-energy laser weapons? Be sure to catch up on Rafael’s journey to deploy operational laser defence systems - and where this technology is heading next. Discover how precision strike is evolving to dominate GPS-denied battlespaces and explore the latest in AI-enable, long-range precision strike capabilities. READ MORE For more stories of defence innovation, visit our Designed for Advantage content hub

  • S6 · E2
    Jun 9, 2025 · 14 min

    Why Tactical UAVs Are Winning the Future Battlefield

    In this special edition of the Shephard Defence Podcast, brought to you in partnership with Aeronautics Group, Tony Skinner sits down with Dan Slasky, President and CEO of Aeronautics, to explore how cutting-edge tactical unmanned aerial systems are reshaping today’s battlefields. From the Orbiter 5 to innovations in loitering munitions and VTOL platforms, the conversation dives into how Aeronautics is building battlefield-ready solutions that are smaller, smarter, and more survivable than ever before. Slasky also discusses how a full-system mindset - integrating UAVs, sensors, communications, and ground control - is helping operators meet complex mission needs with greater speed and precision. Key Topics: Why tactical UAVs are displacing larger, costlier platforms How Aeronautics integrates loitering munition capability into ISR platforms Innovations in VTOL UAV systems for land and naval use How in-house R&D and a full-stack mission approach create better outcomes Whether you're a defence tech enthusiast or a decision-maker shaping the future battlespace, this episode provides insight on what’s next in tactical unmanned systems.

  • S6 · E1
    Jun 4, 2025 · 19 min

    Energy evolution: How laser defence systems are powering the next phase of air defence

    High-energy laser (HEL) systems are emerging as a pivotal layer in modern air defence strategies. As threats grow more agile, diverse and frequent – from swarming UAVs to short-range rockets – militaries are increasingly turning to cost-effective, sustainable methods of interception. HEL technology now offers high-capacity, low-cost engagement options that enhance traditional defences and reduce dependence on finite missile inventories. Among the companies advancing this capability is Rafael, which has made HEL systems a key strategic focus within its broader layered defence portfolio. In this first episode of a new special series, we talk with Gideon Weiss, Rafael’s vice president of business development and marketing, and Dr R, a Senior Systems Engineer in laser systems in Rafael’s Land and Naval Systems Division. For more stories of defence innovation, visit our Designed for Advantage content hub

  • Apr 14, 2025 · 38 min

    Defence Insight Briefs - Europe Rearming and the Naval Market

    In this episode of Defence Insight Briefs, Senior Naval Analyst Giovani Rasio discusses all things naval. With Europe rearming, where is the money being spent and how are current affairs changing the calculus for NATO? IMDEX Asia is right around the corner. Do you want the best industry information for you and your team? Listen to the full podcast and be sure to visit Shephard's Defence Insight to view equipment entries on all the systems discussed. See you at IMDEX!

  • Feb 17, 2025 · 16 min

    Defence Insight Briefs: IDEX and the Middle East

    In this episode of Defence Insight Briefs, Senior Land Analyst Sam Hart dives into the Middle East market on the first day of IDEX. With a mix of aligned and non-aligned countries, competitors and new technologies, IDEX is poised to dominate industry conversation at a time of regional change. Sam discusses who we will see, what they will be exhibiting and how the changing face of global conflict will be represented at the show. Who are the regional powers and how are they flexing their soft and hard power muscles? Listen to find out! Tune in to hear insights into the latest technological innovations and get an idea of who is selling and who is buying in this episode of Defence Insight Briefs. IDEX land brief: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/66e15ce30983fda45218dcca/67adfa7771c85a19c58cb3e7_DI%20Market%20Overview%20-%20IDEX%20Land.pdf Free equipment entries: https://plus.shephardmedia.com/programmes/detail/new-generation-light-armoured-vehicles-tracked/?utm_source=di-ftv https://plus.shephardmedia.com/programmes/detail/8x8-ifv-qatar/?utm_source=di-ftv

  • Jan 14, 2025 · 15 min

    Defence Insight Briefs - The Drone Market Year in Review

    In this episode of Defence Insight Briefs, Senior UAV Analyst Matty Todhunter examines the rapidly evolving global drone market. From the battlefield roles of loyal wingman UAVs to NATO procurement strategies, we explore how drones are transforming modern warfare. Matty discusses how the Ukraine conflict has turbocharged drone development and procurement, with global UAV spending expected to reach $8.2 billion in 2025. Key topics include the US Department of Defense’s Replicator 1 programme, India’s major MQ-9B acquisition, and Europe’s emerging loyal wingman initiatives. Tune in to hear insights into the latest technological innovations, including autonomous control systems and low-cost, attritable platforms, and how drones are poised to redefine defence strategies in the year ahead.

  • Nov 29, 2024 · 23 min

    Defence Insight Briefs - The Analyst View of the Naval Market

    Euronaval Paris is a significant trade show in the naval market calendar. An evolving threat landscape and increasing government funding are driving investment into new technologies. The naval market hasn't been so relevant in many decades. In this episode, Giovanni Rasio Senior Naval Analyst at Shephard Group's Defence Insight details his findings from the Euronaval show. Submarines, UUVs and strike capabilities take centre stage, raising questions for how NATO countries will adapt to the shifting security climate. Catch up on everything you missed from Euronaval, and gain some additional insight into the naval market with this detailed brief.

  • Oct 22, 2024 · 23 min

    Defence Insight Briefs - The Analyst View of the UGV Market

    The market for uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) is rapidly evolving, with profound implications for future military operations. As we look to the coming decade, the potential for these autonomous platforms to redefine the battlefield is immense. UGVs are not merely another tool in the kit of modern warfare – they represent a shift in how conflicts will be fought and how human life will be preserved on the frontlines. Sam Hart, Senior Land Analyst at Shephard Defence Insight, explores the rapidly evolving UGV market, from robotic combat vehicles to drone swarms, and dives into the latest trends in hybrid power systems, autonomy, and military applications across NATO and beyond. With insights on the emerging role of UGVs in last-mile resupply, combat operations, and the political challenges shaping their development, this discussion offers a unique look at cutting-edge defence innovation.

  • Apr 25, 2023 · 29 min

    The evolving landscape of military simulation and training technologies (sponsored)

    This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, we explore the evolution of military simulation and training technologies, including advancements in cloud computing, networked training, and the increasing use of simulation in response to changing military demands. Jeff Tasseron, director of strategic growth for CAE, talks to Dr Alix Valenti about how new simulation and training technologies are impacting the defence sector. Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading. We also feature regular content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners.

  • S5 · E3
    Mar 15, 2023 · 37 min

    What's the deal with defence procurement?

    With so much criticism of UK defence procurement, it can be hard to know what's fact and what is hyperbole. Shephard sat down with Professor John Louth, formerly of RUSI, and co-author of a new paper on defence procurement to get his take on the state of the way the UK buys its kit. Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading. We also feature regular content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners.

  • S5 · E2
    Feb 27, 2023 · 27 min

    All the show news from IDEX in Abu Dhabi

    This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat about the big news stories from IDEX in Abu Dhabi. Each month on the Shephard Defence Podcast, our team of international journalists and analysts take deep dives into defence issues, focusing on niche market sectors and looking at where the trends are heading. We also feature regular content developed by Shephard Studio in cooperation with our partners.

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