Shephard Media

The latest edition of our Air Warfare Decisive Edge Newsletter is coming soon. Stay tuned for exclusive analysis from Edward Hunt as he tackles topics including the USAF's future tanker options and why the AEW aircraft market might be heading for a boom.

Latest: BAE Systems Air has been actively seeking potential buyers for Eurofighter Typhoon jets, with Germany and Italy among the countries considering additional purchases. The company remained aware, however, of the importance of enhancing the fighter’s capabilities to ensure relevance into the 2040s and beyond. “Germany [and] Spain are actively looking at more core aircraft buys... and Italy [as well as it's] going into a parliamentary process over the summer and looking at a potential further buy,” a BAE Systems official told us yesterday during a site visit. Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey were also among the countries to have shown interest in purchasing new Eurofighters, each with differing degrees of commitment. BAE knows, however, that one of the key enablers of future sales will be capability, which could allow the fighter to remain relevant into the 2040s and potentially the 2050s.

Have you read our recent Decisive Edge Land Warfare Newsletter? Read the latest from Christopher F Foss here, as he discusses the resurgence of the 6x6 APC - https://lnkd.in/eWgEAjRj Sign up now to stay up to date and receive all future Decisive Edge Land Warfare newsletters - https://lnkd.in/e7X2uFgd

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has recently advanced its naval capabilities with the Fujian, a Type 003 aircraft carrier, moving from its fitting-out basin to a Yangtze River berth in Shanghai. Earlier this month, the carrier embarked on its inaugural sea trials to evaluate its propulsion and electrical systems, marking a significant milestone in its development. This event follows a series of pre-trial tests and adjustments that have taken place over the past two years. The Fujian is distinguished by its incorporation of an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), setting it apart from China’s previous carriers that used traditional ski-jump ramps. This modern technology, also employed by the US Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class ships, enhances the carrier’s operational capabilities, enabling faster and more diverse aircraft deployments. This development represents a strategic expansion of China’s naval power, potentially increasing its fleet to complement its two operational carriers. As it undergoes further trials and refinements, the Fujian is projected to be commissioned by 2026, demonstrating China’s ongoing commitment to extending its maritime influence and capabilities. https://bit.ly/3wgDsUZ #PLAN #FujianAircraftCarrier #NavalTechnology #MilitaryInnovation #EMALS #ChineseNavy

Shephard CEO Darren Lake shares his views on Hybrid Warfare and how this is shaping the future of defence on display at Eurosatory (June 17-21, 2024). With tactics ranging from conventional to economic pressure, cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns, learn how resilience and collaboration are the keys to countering these campaigns.

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As the global defence landscape evolves, the UAV market continues to expand. Defence Insight's report, the second in our series with Eurosatory , projects significant shifts in market dynamics from 2024 through 2030, with Europe playing a pivotal role. The report offers insight into 10 programmes, helping stakeholders make informed decisions about future investments and strategies. Uncover these insights and more in our comprehensive market analysis at: https://bit.ly/3U1Ie0c

Red Cat, manufacturer of the Teal 2 UAV, has been advancing its capabilities in anticipation of the US Army’s SRR programme decision. According to Stan Nowak, VP of marketing at the company, Red Cat has been shortlisted for the programme and will submit its prototype by 17 May for evaluation, with a decision expected later this year. Nowak, who spoke to Shephard at Modern Day Marine in Washington DC, said the firm was also focusing on enhancing the operational flexibility of Teal 2 through partnerships. A notable collaboration with Sentien Robotics will aim to develop drone swarming capabilities for land, air and sea operations. Additionally, a partnership with Ocean Power Technologies will seek to extend maritime operations by enabling drones to be powered at sea. These initiatives have underscored Red Cat’s strategic approach to broadening the utility and application of its UAV technology. https://bit.ly/3Uu0bVF #RedCat #Teal2UAV #DroneTechnology #MilitaryInnovation #UAVSwarming #DefenseIndustry