Extended-range loitering munitions, US robotic combat vehicles and 'friendly disruptor' for UK shipbuilding

In this episode of The Weekly Defence Podcast, we talk to the CEO of Infrastrata about the company’s acquisition of two historic UK shipyards and we take a plunge into the world of loitering munitions after US manufacturer AeroVironment released a new variant of its Switchblade series.Newsround (00:35)Researchers funded by the US Army have developed a method of fabricating 3D photonic crystals, which could eventually lead to more efficient directed-energy weapons and a range of other military applications.  Authorities in South Korea are considering replacing the country’s Black Hawk fleet with the indigenous Surion platform.Leonardo and the UK Royal Air Force have completed a swarming drone flight test involving remotely piloted aircraft equipped with EW jamming capabilities.News in focus: The programme for the development and manufacture of the Type 31 frigates for the RN remains on schedule despite the difficulties faced by industry during the pandemic. Senior Editor Naval Richard Thomas brings up to date with some data and figures on this programme.The US Army has made some progress in its Robotic Combat Vehicle programme. News Editor Ben Vogel reports on the outcome of the new test trials and what's next for the US Army on this front.The US State Department has approved the F-35 and F/A-18 sales to Finland dependent on the outcome of a fighter aircraft tender. Should one or other be selected as the winning aircraft for Finland’s €10 billion ($11.82 billion) HX fighter acquisition. Air Editor Tim Martin reports.What's the role of the UK space sector in the global Britain envisioned for the future? Listen to Shephard Studio’s Defining the Future podcast, sponsored by our partner Raytheon UK .What connectivity issues are the US military facing? Listen to Shephard Studio’s podcast series on Five Eyes Connectivity, sponsored by our partner Viasat. Interview – Infrastrata (21:26) In an interview with Richard Thomas, Infrastrata CEO John Wood discusses the prospects and opportunities for the company following the acquisition of UK shipyards Harland and Wolff and H&W Appledore.Interview- AeroVironment (40:45)Tim Martin is on the line with AeroVironment’s CEO, Senior General Manager and Product Line Manager to discuss the new launch of the company's new Switchblade 600. What is the state of the loitering munitions market?This episode was produced by Noemi Distefano with music and sound mixing by Fred Prest.